Predictions #3

So I'm just over 50% for my predictions so far, but a stonking (if I do say so myself) 3-1 correct score on Wednesday with Arsenal and Celtic gives me a little more confidence. so here are my Prem predictions.

I am adding my Treble to it also. My 3 team 'certs' hahaha

Also if anyone wants to give us their tips or certs feel free. Any league is welcome.

Saturday 29th August

Blackburn v West Ham, 15:00 Draw Draw
Bolton v Liverpool, 15:00 Liverpool Liverpool
Chelsea v Burnley, 12:45 Chelsea Chelsea
Man Utd v Arsenal, 17:15 Draw Man Utd
Stoke v Sunderland, 15:00 Sunderland Stoke
Tottenham v Birmingham, 15:00 Tottenham Tottenham
Wolverhampton v Hull, 15:00 Wolves Draw

Sunday 30th August

Aston Villa v Fulham, 16:00 Aston Villa Villa
Everton v Wigan, 15:00 Everton Everton
Portsmouth v Man City, 13:30 Man City City

My Treble = Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton

If you are having a punt good luck and let us know how you did.

The 'Fall'out of Eduardo's dive

Eduardo dived. He knows that. Celtic know that. Wenger knows that. UEFA know that. Whether we like it or not it IS part of the game. Congratulations to UEFA for trying to make a statement, but I don't think Celtic fans will feel better about it. The goal was THE crucial goal of the tie. Him being banned will not make the board at Celtic park sleep any better thinking about the $20m that just slipped through their grasp.

Ask ANY manager in the world, last minute of World Cup final, Champions League final, league decider, any must win game, "would they condone their player doing what Eduardo did?"

Every single one would be out there putting the springboard in place so that Jonny Diver could catapult himself through the air and win his team the penalty.

Shit reality, but reality none the less.

Arsenal v Celtic- Luck of the...erm better team!

Arsenal cruised past Celtic with less fuss than most imagined. Celtic were outclassed in every department. Arsenal were bigger, stronger, quicker, cuter, better on the ball, better off the ball. Sure Arsenal were lucky over both legs at certain times, both goals in Glasgow, and the penalty tonight. But the long qouted cliche "you make your own luck" is sometimes very true.

How to sum this tie up? Arsenal brought on Arshavin, Celtic brought on Willo Flood. 'Nuff said.

The reality is that an Arsenal side in full flight (they didn't get beyond 3rd gear in any of the legs in this tie) will always bring more to the Champions League than a plucky, fighting Celtic. Arsenal dealt with the huff and I'll puff attitude and just did what they are good at, playing football.

Europa League it is for the Hoops, but even then, they will have to improve dramatically if they are to have an extended run in Europe, even at the 2nd tier. As for Arsenal, the real test for them will be this weekend against Man Utd, who I can assure you will NOT be bringing on Willo Flood.

PS- Thanks to Donati's volley I am now gutted that I never bet the correct score I predicted!

Arsenal v Celtic

Celtic have to score first. Mowbray has been saying that for a week now, but if Celtic come out all gung ho against one of the best counter attacking teams in the world then it will be tie over before you can say "Drunk Scottish men in London."

I think that will be the case, I think it will end up Arsenal 3 Celtic 1 on the night.

Fantastic Article from The Sweeper

Over at Pitch Invasion I found this interesting article on Africa and the Premiership. Well worth a read.

Platini´s disaster

UEFA´s new organizational system has received all kind of criticism since Michel Platini was elected president of the highest European football association. The Frenchman behaves more as a politician than a football man. His desire for obtaining votes and good relationships has blinded him from the most important: the welfare of European football.

It is well known that Platini started his campaign claiming the right for countries who have a lower level in football to have more participation in the continental competitions. The new president committed himself to give these countries the chance to be more relevant in the international competitions; both for national teams, and club teams.

When it comes to national team football, the first problem aroused when deciding that the Eurocup in 2012 would be organized by Ukraine and Poland, and these two nations will qualify directly to the tournament. Ukraine had not qualified in the two previous tournaments and Poland qualified for the last one, earning only one point.

Platini has tried to redeem himself and is considering creating a tournament with 24 teams instead of 16, which was not his idea. In this way all the top teams will most likely make it to the final tournament and some weak teams will have the chance to participate in this event. Thus making the qualifiers a bit pointless.

But the big mess appears when we look at the Champions League and European League qualification rounds. Big teams like Arsenal and Celtic or Atletico Madrid and Panathinaikos are matched in one side, and then there are games such as Levski Sofia vs Debreceni VSC, or FK Ventspils vs FC Zurich. I do not mean to disrespect these teams but they are not ready to participate in the best football competition in the world. Once they make it to the group stage they get killed by the rest of the teams and the sometimes do not even get a single point. I do not understand how historic teams like Celtic or Sporting Lisbon will probably not be in the Champions League, but we will see FC Kobenhavn or APOEL FC. Do you want to shell out your hard earned cash to see them or the better clubs? Hmmm tough one, do I want to watch Arsenal with Fabregas and friends or do I want to watch Hans the Lumberjack and his buddies?

The new European League has been created to be a secondary European competition where some clubs can test themselves out of their own countries and compare their level with other top teams. But again the differences will be tremendous in this competition. Clubs like Everton, Valencia or Werder Bremen are much better prepared than MFK Kosice or FK Qarabag to win the tournament.

Platini´s idea of making football more equal and more competitive is not working at all. To me it is going in the opposite direction and some clubs are realizing just how far away they are from clubs like Manchester United, FC Barcelona, or Inter Milan. It is sad to see Champions League games played on artificial grass in which the home team loses 4-0, this is supposed to be the hardest competition on planet Earth, so lets make it that and keep the ‘pub’ teams out.

Posted by Nando

Predictions #2

I'm going to try and do this every week, the midweek games sometimes catch me out, so bear with me.

Arsenal v Portsmouth Arsenal Arsenal
Birmingham v Stoke Draw Draw
Hull v Bolton Draw Hull
Man City v Wolverhampton Man City Man City
Sunderland v Blackburn Draw Sunderland
Wigan v Man Utd Man Utd Man Utd

Sunday
Burnley v Everton Everton Burnley
Fulham v Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea
West Ham v Tottenham Tottenham Tottenham

The Beckham Experiment

Just finished reading this. I recommend it thoroughly, it is a fascinating book that gives a rare insight into the Machiavellian feats that were used to make this move possible. It is a fantastic football book. Especially insightful in its look at the MLS as a whole. Players on $12,900 a year. Now that is dedication.

Buy it or borrow it. Or steal it from someone you don't like

Round Up

A great opening weekend in the Prem, great goals (Denilson,Rodallega,Noble and Drogba) Some stunning performances (Arsenal) and some poor (Liverpool.) Things really got interesting tonight with Burnley beating Man Utd. I for one am delighted about this result, not because I hate Man Utd (I don't I love watching them) but the reason is that, Owen Coyle is genuinely one of the nicest men in football. And as an ex team mate I'll always want to see him do well.

On Sunday Glenn Hoddle claimed Spurs have a better squad than Liverpool. I'm not sure if he is correct, they may have numerous forwards but as an overall squad I'm not sure. What was clearly apparent on Sunday was Liverpool missing Alonso. As a replacement they could do worse than sign Tom Huddlestone who I believe could be a present day Jan Molby. His range of passing is exquisite, if he had some "water carriers' along side him (Mascherano) I feel he could be the ideal candidate to play the killer balls to Torres and Gerrard. Speaking of Gerrard I loved the Spurs fans chorus' of "You're supposed to be inside" and "Self Defence your having a laugh" those cheeky cockney chappies ya gotta love em.

One plus I felt for Liverpool was Glen Johnson, who I said at the time Chelsea fecked up big time by letting him go. Also the astonishing fact that Martin Tyler gushed out "Torres ratio is better than Rush and Fowler's 50 games-36 goals" Now that would be like telling A Catholic that Pope Benedict has more miracles than Jesus and spent an extra few days on the cross before coming back a day earlier. Do red scousers feel Torres is better than both KOP Gods?

It was good to see that humility and football have not become too estranged. Fabregas' tribute to the late Dani Jarque of Espanyol was a nice touch.

Liverpool bounced back with 4 at home tonight but Aquilani will be needed sooner rather than later.

oh and I believe I hit 50% for my predictions...more will follow.

Prem Predictions

Thought I'd have a laugh and try and post my prediction for the weekends results.

Barclays Premier League
Saturday
My Predictions

Aston Villa v Wigan, 15:00 Villa
Blackburn v Man City, 15:00 Man City
Bolton v Sunderland, 15:00 Sunderland
Chelsea v Hull, 12:45 Chelsea
Everton v Arsenal, 17:30 Draw
Portsmouth v Fulham, 15:00 Draw
Stoke v Burnley, 15:00 Draw
Wolverhampton v West Ham, 15:00 West Ham

Sunday
Man Utd v Birmingham, 13:30 Man Utd
Tottenham v Liverpool, 16:00 Draw

Can They Handle the Pressure?

Football does not have a kind memory. No matter what was done yesterday, today and the present are all that matters. In less than a month everyone will have forgotten about Barcelona´s glorious year. After achieving the ``triplete´´ and displaying the best football seen in decades; all that is left is confusion, questions and doubts.

Before Pep Guardiola showed up after a month of vacation everything was a mess in ``Can Barça´´. Laporta and his group of directors were paying more attention to Florentino and his money instead of taking care of their own business. Such is the case that they had trouble to renew the contracts of several players like Valdes, Toure, Messi, Marquez, and Puyol. These last two have not signed yet a new contract. It is unbelievable that the captain and one of the most representative players for the club is still concerned about his future.

Also, Laporta and his crew forgot about bringing new faces to the squad. Guardiola let them know a long time ago that he wanted a number nine, a left back, a midfielder, a stopper and a left winger. The young coach knew that money was short and he asked at least for three of those positions. So far only two have come: Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Maxwell. Many names have risen as possible newcomers like Fabregas, Mata, Eboue, etc; but most of the money is gone and the market is very rough. The ``Cule´´ fans are still hoping for a new recruit to come in.

Another aspect is that Txiki Beguiristain and the managers failed to get rid of some of the players that did not fit in the squad. Martin Caceres, Hleb, and Gudjohnsen were the main three candidates to leave the club and bring some coin to the Camp Nou. So far Caceres and Hleb have left but both of them on loans, which did not produce any cash to the Catalunyans.

The final piece of this disaster was the situation with Samuel Etoo. The coach warned Txiki and Laporta that he did not want ``Samu´´ under his orders this year, and he did it right after the final in Rome. The whole story became a soap opera in which eventually Etoo was part of the deal to bring Zlatan to the club.

Luckily Guardiola showed up and he brought some common sense with him. The team started to work and he took 8 players from ``La Masia´´ to the first tour in England and 4 for the tour in the U.S. His demands are still the same, but if those new players do not arrive; he will not hesitate in playing with Pedrito, Jeffren, Fontas, Muniesa, Dos Santos, or many others. All eyes are on his back and everyone keeps asking if the ``Tricampeones´´ will be able to compete with the ``NeoGalacticos´´.

The squad looks a bit short and the first competition of the season starts on Sunday in San Mames. Messi, Henry, Marquez, Ibra, and Iniesta might not be playing so this could be a great test for Guardiola and his pupils. Once all these players are back with the team, we will probably see the same magic as last year. The only doubt is if Zlatan will improve on what Samuel Etoo did in the past. The Swede is more skillful and offers a more all round package as a #9, adding his powerful game in the air. But and this is crucial; he probably does not sacrifice himself in defense as much as the African lion used to. This was one of the keys for Barcelona´s success last year. Etoo started pressing the other teams´ defenders very high and the team used to get the ball back in good positions for quick attacks and transitions. Ibrahimovic will improve the flow of the ball and its distribution, but we do not know how the team will perform without it.

A new season begins this weekend with the ``Supercopa´´ and there are still many things up in the air about this team. It sounds funny after all they achieved last season, but that does not count any more. It is time to see if they are able to keep the level and the magic which the whole world admired no more than 3 months ago.

*Again thanks to Nando our Spanish Mole ;)

Community Shield

I just got connected to the Internet in my new apartment 10 mins before kick off in today's Man Utd v Chelsea fixture. To say I was delighted may be the biggest understatement since The Black Knight declared he "only has a flesh wound".

The happiness that this game brings to me is fantastic. It signals the beginning of a new season, new kits, new signings and new boots all are on show. And what a season ahead. There is always a special buzz about seasons that finish in a World Cup, they take on a more magical air.

After turning the volume back on after the English National Anthem had finished, I was delighted to see and hear the ovation that Sir Bobby Robson received. I haven't commented on his passing due to connection problems as mentioned earlier. But it was great to see that the football community payed a fitting tribute to a great man.

The game itself was bright and lively, Nani's goal had all the marking of a recently departed Portugese winger. The sublime control, the shimmy to engage the over-lap, and then a fierce shot. Well, fierce in the same way that a kitten with a ball of wool is fierce (although Evra would steal the mantle of the Puffest of Powderpuff shots ever seen at Wembley with his penalty- we may call it the "kick of the glass slipper".) Cech should have saved the shot, no doubt about that, but he more than made up for it with 4 world class saves before half time.

O'Shea provided the best moment of the game for me, his jink and shimmy past the invisible man- when he tripped over the turf. Classic. Lampard then had his obligatory 'lets blast a free- kick against the wall' moment. Now I don't think anything pisses me off more in today's game than a free kick being hammered at a wall. And Lampard LOVES it. For a $250,000 a week I would like to think that you could show a little more ingenuity, some guile perhaps, try and manipulate the ball up and over the wall. Not send it to the wall hoping that some nancy boy has bottled it and turned their back. It smacks of "look at me and how hard I can kick it" eh fuck off Frank and use your brains.

Lampard had been kept quiet by Fletcher, a player who I really like but still cant fathom him out. Is he Keane with more flair, Scholes with better defensive attributes, or a Gattuso-type run around like a madman and then give the ball to the superstars? It was great to see that he was first to a have a whack at Ballack after ze German measured Evra's through with his forearm.

Ballack's little piece of naughtiness actually put some spark into the game, it was funny seeing everyone trying to line him up to melt him. But then Karma worked quickly and Evra sent him flying with a great tackle which was wrongly ruled a foul. Evra used up his anger and emotion to fuel an impressive last 20 mins and was instrumental in the equalizing goal. He anticipated and robbed the Chelsea midfield before slipping in Shrek who slotted it past the onrushing Cech. And then Evra filled his boot with Merangue and fluffed his penalty into Cech's arms. And ze German must have nearly burst from laughter.

Speaking of laughter, Berbatov! He is quickly heading down the Seba Veron road of "Good player elsewhere- pish at Utd". I am utterly unconvinced with him. It could be worse, he could be Ben Foster, who had a SHOCKER. Happiest man in Wembley today must have been Kuszczak.

Fergie must have been pissed with Ballack because he flexed his muscles by bring on Giggs, Scholes, Owen and Rafael. Owen showed glimpses of what he is about. Just a subtle little drift past Carvalho (who I love as a defender) and then some Van Nistelrooy type positioning from a free kick (when they start offside) that Cech did well to clear. Valencia tried too hard, and will need time to settle, but I think Rafael will do well with his constant energy.

Chelsea won on penalties, by being, well Chelsea. Nothing particularly good, or flamboyant, lots of players who you think "wow I forgot he was playing" but as a team they get the job done.

So for me the winner of today's game was...LIVERPOOL.

I think that Rafa Benitez would be rubbing his hands with glee after viewing that. He has seen both old enemies spar and none of them look particularly different than last year. An interesting season lies ahead.

Celtic v Arsenal

Having just seen that Celtic will play Arsenal to see who will qualify for the 'Real' Champions League, I have to admit I am very intruiged. Celtic have had a decent record against English clubs when drawn together in Europe. Recent victories over Man Utd, and a few years ago Liverpool at Anfield will give them and their supporters a little bit of confidence.

Arsenal are the team I believe that Tony Mowbray is trying to emulate at Celtic Park. The attractive passing football is very much in the essence of 'the Celtic Way' and although early in his Celtic managerial career, there have been signs of a more flowing Celtic than in recent seasons. With more emphasis on short passing and better possesion of the ball, a couple of obscure French/African signings and you could say Mr. Mowbray is treading the path so brilliantly beaten by Mr. Wenger many moons ago.

The irony is that if Celtic are to progress then it will be their brawn rather than their brains that get them through. They will have to get physical with a far superior technical team, Fabregas and Van Persie are as good as they come in the modern game, and giving them room will certainly spell the end of Celtic's qualification chances.

As for Wenger, he is probably my favourite manager around. His footballing philosophy, and intelligence are to me, what the game is all about. People say his teams over pass. Bollocks!! Because his teams keep the ball better than anyone in England (Man Utd included) English media are just unaccustomed to ball retention of that calibre. Sure they may add an extra pass here or there, but they are footballers, artists trying to express themselves, if they go for the 'perfect' goal then so be it, I for one want to be there when they score it.

That being said, if Celtic were to triumph, I'm sure that some would be calling for Wenger's head. The implications of losing are perversly bigger for Arsenal than Celtic. A long shadow would be cast over Arsenal's season if they lose, whereas if Celtic to go through it would be the ultimate bonus.

This tie screams Arsenal on paper, but luckily for Celtic football is played on grass not paper.

High Expectations

Note- It is with great delight I bring you our first post from our 'inside man' in La Liga. Nando is an ex pro from Spain who will be giving us the news, gossip, and all things La Liga.

It has been a very busy summer in Spain. Florentino Perez has activated the market again. The reality is that Real Madrid has been the center of the market because of its transfers, rumors, and of course the new faces. So far Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Albiol, Arbeloa, Granero, Negredo, and Xabi Alonso are the new members of the squad. On the other hand, there are those who have already left, or the many candidates who may be leaving before August 31st . Raul Garcia and Saviola changed Spain for Portugal and now play together with Pablo Aimar for Benfica F.C. Michel Salgado got to an agreement in order to finish his contract with the ``merengues´´, his destination is still up in the air, possibly Zaragoza. Cannavaro and Heinze, important figures of the back line, left the team to play for Juventus and Marseille respectively. The list of those who are still trying to keep their spot in Bernabeu´s locker room is very deep. Most of the Dutch crew are possible transfers, even Robben who last year was an idol for the Madrid supporters. He and Wesley Sneijder have several options but none of them seem to satisfy their needs mainly- playing the Champions League is something very important for those who want to play in the next World Cup in South Africa next summer. Latest news assure that Huntelaar is very close to find an agreement with A.C Milan. Diarra Ialso has some offers but his belief is that he can succeed in this team and he is not willing to leave the club easily. Many other players in the squad have an uncertain future.
But the big question is : is all this enough to compete with Barça and be successful in Europe? It is still pre-season, but it seems that Pellegrini has not found the key to make all these great players to find the style or connection desired. It is true that Xabi Alonso is going to bring a lot to the table. He will give the team the balance that it needs, and also more creativity in the middle of the park. Alvaro Negredo will score many goals if he receives the opportunity he deserves, but his future is still unknown. Another important player will be Esteban Granero. This young player is not afraid of a challenge and he is ready to compete for a spot with the big names like Kaka or Ronaldo. There are no doubts about these last two players, who I am sure will perform very well giving their quality and experience. There are more doubts about the new number 9 : Karim Benzema. This player has the potential to be top scorer in any league but his last season was not what had been expected of him.
Pellegrini will have to put all these pieces together and create a winning team. After all the money spent, results are demanded in a short-term period. He will also have the duty to deal with many egos and strong personalities. It is well known that Casillas, Raul, and Ramos have already some hierarchy in the current squad, but will CR9 and the rest understand that role in the locker room? Very soon will find out.