Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 26/04, 27/04 & 28/04 

After last weeks over indulgence of Easter chocolate and furious football, we shoot back into the premier league for, what many are calling, the great decider. Within the seven days just passed, we witnessed some of the most shocking headlines, making footballing history for years to come; not only did Liverpool almost secure the league but also Moyes felt a swift boot out of Old Trafford's gates. Finally we saw something more sour than a gone off grape, as a new personality of Jose Murinho shined through; ungracious in defeat and unfaultess for the loss, the menacing man child sulked in a press conference, only to earn himself a nice little charge from the FA. 

Get ready for a lunchtime crunch tomorrow as at 12:45, future England stars at Southampton host a determined Everton side. You can almost see the grimace in the faces of Lakaku and Co with the weeks passing, as they try to claw back fourth spot for the first bite in Europes top flight since many blue moons ago. At Craven Cottage, Fulham can build up the power to fly out of the bottom three if they win against Hull tomorrow; if all results go in favour of the Londoners they will be floating above the drop in a all but comforting seventeenth. With the fans wishes finally granted at Man United and the disappearance of one Mr.Moyes, the Red Devils look to steam roll a Norwich team which look to be on the up. Last week the Canaries put up a massive struggle, giving the title leaders no easy route to a win, unfortunately they were overpowered, leaving them with even more sweat on the brow. In this evening fixture expect classes, bloody, sweat and passion as both teams have golden insentives, one with a red dragon on the throne. 

Disagree with me all you want, but ever since Christmas, Sunday's have been my favourite day's of the week. Most weeks have given us the highest quality games, with crucial cup points flying here, there and everywhere; this week shows no sign of letting up. Once again we have been treated to not one, but three important fixtures which can kill off both the title race and part of the relegation war. At 12:00 two teams in the bottom three square up in Tyneside as Sunderland invite the Vincent Tann's troops to Stadium of Light. If Cardiff win this fixture I feel that they have given themselves a glimmer of hope for an extra season at the top, however in Sunderlands recent great escape scheme they might not pull away with the points. Murinho might have been playing mind games all season but will we see them make any difference? A lengthy journey to Anfield builds up to a 14:05 kick off between the top two with Liverpool hosting the Blues in a fiesty footballing frenzy. Some breath whispers of this being a cup final whilst others say the Meryside men have both hands on the title, one things for sure, they can surely start engraving the name if Liverpool nab this. The finale upon our Sunday evening is between Crystal Palace and Man City where Pellegrini will try to clinch onto any form of title success. Palace have been on solid form recently, dropping few points, this surely securing their place in the Prem next year; expect no walk in the park for Man City but the same goes for the London boys. 

Monday night football is back once more with a showcase showdown between Arsenal and Newcastle at the Emirates. Last Sunday, Wengers men cruised over Hull, showing a personality of the Arsenal we once saw at the start of the season; with Ramsey and Ozil back in form goals will be a pleanty making it a great watch for neutrals around. Newcastle have been struggling severely ever since they lost the talisman in Cabye, so the goal drought may continue until next year when they can sign a new star. My opinion is that Arsenal fans and players deserve fourth spot and the FA cup because of the brilliance they staged at the start of the year. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 26th April...

Southampton 1-3 Everton

Fulham 1-0 Hull City

Stoke City 2-2 Tottenham

Swansea 1-2 Aston Villa 

West Brom 2-1 West Ham

Man United 1-2 Norwich

Sunday 27th April...

Sunderland 3-1 Cardiff 

Liverpool 2-0 Chelsea

Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City

Monday 28th April... 

Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

WORTH A PUNT: 

Ramsey to Score First - 6/1...

The little Welshman is back in action, causing more midfielding chaos and cute passing than we can stomach. After being injured for so long, it's clear what Arsenal have been missing in the past months as the youngster springs so much life into the play at the Emirates. All that a side, it can't go without a mention that the maestro likes to bag himself a goal or two as well as assisting a his world class hitmen, being one of the top scoring mid men in the league. As Newcastles defence is weaker than a larger shandy expect the Gunners to rein fire upon them, with (fingers crossed) Aaron Ramsey nailing the net first. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 19/04, 20/04 & 21/04

Have no fear, football fans, the bank holiday Easter weekend is here and it's ressurecting the Premier League once again with some spectacular fixtures. There's more footballing action than Suarez can sink his teeth into this break and no doubt we'll see pleanty thrills as the penultimate clashes continue. Not only are the soccer God's treating us to games Saturday, Sunday and Monday, they are also nursing our back to work hangovers with midweek Champions League on Tuesday and Wednesday. Oh, how I love football.

This Saturday showcase's six Easter fixtures of joy as we witness the scrap for survival and the title race draw to an ever nearing close. At 12:45 Tottenham are looking to rebound off their recent abismal form in a London derby clash against the escapologist's Fulham; last week saw The Cottager's clinch three points in a one goal win, digging their top flight survival chances further into the turf. Welshmen Cardiff are hoping to give Vincent Tan something to throw his money about for, in a bid to secure a celebration party for staying up, it's undeniable that recent results are surely sending them down, so they must win against the always solid Stoke tomorrow. Sunderland can spoil the trophy party twice in a week tomorrow as they travel to Stamford Bridge in the evening kick off. After giving Liverpool the chance to wrap a hand round the title midweek, Sunderland again look to gain a result which could put Chelsea further behind and Poyet a chance of getting off the bottom position.  

Lamb in the oven? Check. Relaxing refreshment? Check. Feet up, remote in hand, indulging in a tremendous soccer Sunday? Double check. Right in the middle of our bank holiday sandwich, on what should be a fine Easter Sunday, we have a tantalising treble of matches. After last weeks potential moment of history, Liverpool seek to steam forward to steal the trophy by securing a win against Norwich. With Gerrard's drive alongside Suarez's record against the Canaries, we could see a cricket score, however the men in Yellow have something to prove under the new man Adam's and will want to cause an upset to the Red revolution. Next stop on the goal bus, Hull are hosting Arsenal in the 14:05 kick off. After regaining the last Champions League spot and limping through to the FA cup final, Wenger and his men could finish the season how they once started in ridding the curse of unsuccesfulness  that has been loomed over the Emirates trophy cabinet for so long. Fans of the club will surely be questioning if they do fail to gain European football next year?. The final fight in the top of the table mash up brings David Moyes back to Goodison where Man United can cripple Everton's dreams. Once a man, who failed to ever get close to the top four with Everton, can bring round his unpopularity on Sunday by solidating three points for the Red Devils, if he does so, The Toffee's blood will be boiling blue, generating more hatred for Mr.Moyes, but only from his old club.

Unfortunately Monday night can only mean one thing, time to wrap up the Easter eggs and wipe the chocolate from around your mouth, as the daily grind is looming over a nights sleep. Don't worry too much though, as the men in the high guard of the footballing world have spared a thought for you as Monday night football is upon us. Man City seem to have lost, not only the talisman that is Yaya Toure, but also belief. A loss last Sunday to league leaders Liverpool kick started the anxiety, then pressure was applied to the wound midweek when Sunderland struck after robbing a point. On Monday the blue men invite a West Brom side who drew last weekend; for me I can see City wanting to clear the system, so a serious back ache could be in order for the Baggie's keeper. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS:

Saturday 19th April...

Tottenham 1-1 Fulham

Aston Villa 1-2 Southampton

Cardiff 2-0 Stoke City

Newcastle 0-3 Swansea

West Ham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland

Sunday 20th April...

Norwich 0-4 Liverpool

Hull City 1-3 Arsenal

Everton 1-1 Man United

Monday 21st April...

Man City 6-1 West Brom

WORTH A PUNT:

Suarez to Score a Hatrick - 15/2...

It's well known all over the footballing globe that Suarez isn't really the best liked bloke (unless you're a Liverpool fan) and one man that probably hates him more than anbody in the world is John Ruddy. This hatred probably goes further than a fat kid and vegetables as the Liverpool striker has bagged three hatrick's against the Canaries and a gut busting eleven goals in the past four games. You'd be a fool not to tap up this gem and in Suarez' current form, he's a dead cert for a goal feast on Sunday. 

Premier League & FA Cup Preview

Premier League and FA Cup Semi Final preview for 12/04 & 13/04 

Some are calling it the title deciding weekend, whilst others are calling it the start of something new. This early April affair will showcase the beginning of the final five games for some teams whilst we also get treated to a thrilling double in the FA Cup semi final. It's worth taking note that all the games will be kicking off seven minutes later than usual due to marking the tragic Hilsborough disasters' 25th anniversary. 

Saturday starts up our Premier League passions with six super games, all kicking off at 15:07. Most of tomorrow's action will be settling some differences at the bottom of the table as we bare witness to the bottom three slugging it out against fellow rivals. First off we have Fulham looking to build upon their fight for survival at home against neighbouring strugglers Norwich. Last Sunday saw the Canaries make a desperate move by sacking manager Chris Hughton, but will it pay off? In the last five games against Fulham, City haven't won any, meaning that new manager Neil Adam's has a tough job on his hands. Everton are seeking to secure a shock champions league place after beating Arsenal last week; tomorrow they face off against an extremely poor performing Sunderland side, who, with losses building up, are nearing the drop ever more so. My final highlight for Saturday is the first of two FA Cup games that are on this weekend, as Arsenal look to snatch the last chance they have at silver ware this year. At Wembley we see Wigan wanting to defeat Wenger's men to reach the final, where they can defend their current FA Cup crown and with Arsenal seeming losing all passion this year, this could well happen. 

To describe Sunday's football as super would be a complete understatement; if you're a fan or neutral of the Premier League and you're not witnessing, I really question your priorities. The mighty Man City with two games in hand on leaders Liverpool, travel to Anfield where the title showdown will take place. Liverpool's form has been outstanding in the last two  months seeing Manager Brendan Rodgers taking manager of the month along with two of his players taking joint player of the month, giving the team a real boost going into the fixture. On the other hand, Man City have looked unnerved all season as consistency has ran through the squads veins, comfortably polishing off teams left, right and centre. Some are saying that the Red men won't be able to deal with the pressure as they haven't been in the position for so long and it started to show last Sunday as they narrowly scraped a win against a mid table West Ham; Man City are comfortable when it comes down to the final days as we remember with Aguero's last minute title strike. It's certainly going to be a fanatical display and I will certainly be watching on the edge of my seat this Sunday at 13:07. The next of the two Premier League Sunday slug out's brings Champions League semi finalists' to Swansea. Bouncing back from a wonderful win mid week against PSG, also looking to chase down the title still, Chelsea can surely drum the Swan's away as everything is to play for. The welsh men are still looking to solidate top flight football next year as everyone's relegation battle looks bleak at the minute but I can't see them beating a valiant Chelsea side. Our final fixture is back in the FA Cup where Hull City look to creep through to the final against the League One side Sheffield United. Neutrals would love to see the magic of the FA Cup swirl again as everybody loves to see the underdog do well and with Sheffield being only a mid table team, energies behind the boys will be running high.

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 12th April...

Crystal Palace 2-1 Aston Villa 

Fulham 1-1 Norwich City

Southampton 3-1 Cardiff

Stoke City 2-0 Newcastle

Sunderland 1-3 Everton

West Brom 2-2 Tottenham

WIGAN 1-2 ARSENAL

Sunday 13th April...

Liverpool 3-2 Man City

Swansea 0-3 Chelsea

HULL CITY 0-1 SHEFFIELD UTD

WORTH A PUNT:

Liverpool to Win, Sturridge to Score (wincast) - 3/1...

This Sunday, I really fancy Liverpool to win the game. Imagine the uproar of the Anfield crowd and The Kop getting behind the team, surely this is enough to fill any man with fear along with passion for the team they are behind. It's been so long since an underdog has come through and snatched the title off the so called big boys, it reminisces a Robin Hood tale. Not only is my money on the men in red but Sturridge is due a goal as it's been a few weeks since the young man netted to add to his tally, him and Suarez with be causing chaos with Demachalis leaving him standing more times than one. 

Champions League Last Eight Rundown

What a treat! Tuesday and Wednesday provided us with the classical thrills that European football is famous for.

Midweek games between the quater finalist saw goals, comeback's and one manager complete the touch line's equal to the Olympic one hundred metre's... For some reason I don't think Jose has the pace to out sprint his troops anymore, although he'd certainly give John Terry a run for his money. 

After Real Madrid steam rolled Dortmund in the first leg, everybody thought they were comfortably through but a young Reus had other plans. With the 3-0 lead going into the game, Real decided to rest many players including the great Ronaldo, although they were brought close to the wire as German runners up scored two goals in succession to heap put pressure upon the Spanish giants. This could have been Polish striker Lewandowski's last game for Dortmund as he's looking to secure his move to Bayern, similar to ex-team mate Matio Gotze, overall this was a hard fought and unlucky game, but in the end the two goals from Reus just didn't pay off. 

Moving on to the second of the Tuesday night fixtures, Chelsea hosted PSG after the French capital took the first leg 3-1. Before the game, Jose and Co looked really shaky as in press interviews his normally stern personality looked nerved. Straight away within the first twenty of the game, Chelsea looked in trouble as star man Hazard had to leave the field injured, then bringing on the inconsistent Schrrüle; you can imagine what every Blue's fans' confidence was like after this happening. However once again, Chelsea substitute managed to pull through as on the thirty second minute the German calmly slotted the host a goal up. After a long drag of gruelling football, with missed opportunities at either end, Chelsea decided to go all out, bringing on Torres and Ba in the hope they'd snatch a much needed goal; straight away they weren't far off as the boys from London struck the bar twice, leaving Sirigu stationary. It all came down to the final minutes then a moment of midweek magic occurred at Stamford Bridge, when Djemba Ba latched on to a deflected shot, scooping it from under his sliding shin to give Chelsea the all important goal they needed to put them through. On the eighty seventh minute, Chelsea celebrated as Jose Murinho sprinted the touch line, in a historic moment, where he cheered with his team and appeared to give them fearful instructions. Finishing up 2-0 to Chelsea (3-3 on Agg.), they won by the away goal rule as they scored in Paris. 

Manchester United's last area for success this season was for them to scrape though the quarter final. At Old Trafford, United could only draw even with Bayern in a 1-1 result, meaning that the Germans had the all important away goal. Going in to the Allianz Arena last night it was game on if the Red Devils scored that crucial goal at any point. The first half saw no goals but it only took just over quarter of an hour into the second for United to strike up what fans thought, was the ultimate comeback against the previous winners. Patrice Evra hit a wonderfully struck left footed shot from outside the area which ripped into the top corner sending United one up, but not for long. Just twenty three seconds after the game recommenced the kings of Europe casually trotted to the by line where they whipped in a cross which was neatly headed home by Manzukic. From here it just went downhill for Moyes and his men as they ended up losing the game 3-1 to a valiant Bayern side. Unfortunately for United this could be their last stint in Europe as they may not even qualify for Europa League standard this year. Hopefully for them, they can adjust and comeback as a better team in the future. 

The final quarter final was between Spanish titans Athletico Madrid and Barcelona. Both teams are currently slugging it out at the top of La Liga and I thought the winner of this game would go on to win the league. It was to everyone's suprise this year, how far Athletico have come, not only have they been dominant at the top of their league but also the success in the Champions League. The initial tie at the Nou Camp settled once again in a one-all draw leaving Madrid with the slight away goal advantage going into the second leg. This game was slightly different though as Althetico were missing their goal machine Diego Costa after he picked up a knock in the first tie. Just six minutes into kicking off the Spanish title leaders were one up as midfielding youngster Koke floated a decent finish into the back of the net. Many chances came for the home team as Madrid had five shots on target, as the ex-Barca man Villa was looking to bag a goal against his old club. Sadly for fans' and neutrals this game ended as only a 1-0 win, where I thought their would have been more goals, but Madrid did all they needed to do to qualify. The question on everyone's lips at the minute is what has happened to the mighty Barcelona?, they haven't lost any players and they most certainly haven't lost the mass fan base? Surely something in the tactical area needs changing because results just aren't going their way. Through out last nights fixture Barca dominated possession as they had seventy two percent overall, at the minute they just seem to lack the goal scoring ability, perhaps the chemistry just isn't there anymore. 

Tomorrow the draw for the semi final will take place as the final four have been decided. One team from England remain, with two from Spain and finally the previous winners from Germany. One things for sure, no matter who draws who, the game's will be emphatic because footballing standards are at an all time high. If I had to choose the fixtures I'd love to see it would be Athletico Madrid vs Real Madrid as it's a passion fuelled derby sparking excitement and energy between fans and players alike, then obviously Chelsea vs Bayern because I feel the boys in blue can do what it takes under Jose to finally finish the German dominance in Europe. My money is all on Real Madrid to win the competion as so far they have been consistent and strong through out the tournament, cruising through each round. 

You can see the draw tomorrow 11am on Sky Sports News or Online.

Desperate Canaries Sack Hughton

With only five league games to go Norwich City FC have made, what could be a crucial choice, to sack manager Chris Hughton. The Canaries ex-manager had been at the helm of the club for the past twenty two months, where we witnessed him dodge the bullet multiple times as he won potential job costing matches at home. After suffering a 1-0 loss at home against West Brom, Norwich head into the final weeks of the season just five points above the drop zone with a nightmare of teams ahead of them. Not only do they have to face known bogey side Fulham, also fighting for survival but they need to fend off Man United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, so points may be few and far between. In the last six games the Carrow Road men have scored only four goals and their top goal scorer for the season is Scottish midfielder Snodgrass which straight away shows that the attack force is failing.

Fans of the club now have well known local radio analysist and ex-player Neil Adams in charge of the team, who was up until now, the under eighteens manager. Many supporters have been fuelled with ethusiasm after the appointment, giving them belief that if they do get relegated, it will be with a decent fight. Mr.Adams, who won the youth F.A. Cup with his boys last year, has made a statement saying "People know what this club means to me, and so it goes without saying that we will be doing everything possible to ensure that we maintain our top-flight status for next season"; after hearing this, perhaps some passion will be injected back into the stands at Carrow Road. 

In my personal opinion I think the decision to get rid of Hughton is unbelievable seeing as their is only five games left, I really cannot understand why they just couldn't wait until the end of the season. The clear problem at the club is obviously the gutless board as out cries to get rid of Hughton have been circulating Norwich since the poor start at the beginning of the year, McNally and Co need to solidate a backing for the team to boost morales all round. When making decision's boardrooms need to be more ballsy as indecisiveness just leads to rash, last minute, rushes of blood as we've witnessed here. 

Managers all round deserve a lot of respect as they have so much pressure of them, fans around the country seem to forget that the men behind the teams are human too. One side of me really feels for Chris Hughton as I feel he's been shown utter disrespect by a few brainless fans and also the cowardness of the board. Earlier in the season the board at Norwich released a statement about Hughton's job security, so they constantly had him worrying about his future and also on Saturday groups of fans pelted the pitch with clappers, some of which struck Hughton. By all means express your opinions by vocals and comments but their isn't really no need for abuse with projectiles. 

Finally my last point is how the loss of Hughton is going to cause a major rift in the English footballing leagues because their is no longer a single black manager in the top five footballing leagues. This doesn't prove that managerial positions are chosen on racial terms but it certainly is going to arise a series of question and debates in the coming weeks. 

Premier League Preview... Grand National

Premier League Preview for 05/04, 06/04 & 07/04

The weeks are seeminglessly flying by as each day we are heading deeper into the summer but heading towards the end of an emphatic season. Midweek saw Man United put up a valiant fight against Bayern but overall it ended up being another depressing week for English teams in Europe as the German giants snatched an away goal, also London boy's Chelsea got turned over in Paris. Hopefully the second leg will see a comeback for both English clubs but one things for sure, it's certainly going to be tough. 

We are in for some real treats this weekend as not only do we have some sublime premier league action, we have the Grand National, the greatest horse race on earth. In my "Worth a Punt" segment I'll be saying who my money is on.

Kicking off Saturdays fixtures we have worthy title contenders Man City who host a solid Southampton team; I think this lunch time scrap will provide pleanty of goal action, seeing Southampton proving tough opposition as they have been all season, striking fear into all big clubs title hopes. Man City often seem to get the good rub of the green but I can sense a stumble tomorrow. Key area's where positions and points alike will be won and lost is at the foot of the league, as Norwich are fighting in a must win game against the Baggies, as well as Cardiff taking on Palace at the City Stadium. Last weekend we saw the Canaries struggle to take flight away from home yet again as they were dealt a crushing defeat at the hands of Swansea; Hugton has a must win situation on his hands or we could potentially see the Carrow Road boy's back in the Championship. Cardiff will also be looking for them vital points as they have only nabbed to home wins since Christmas. 

Sunday is staging the theatre for fourth place with a big game between Arsenal and Everton, the winner here will have a great advantage for the final champions league spot going into the seasons final games. Liverpool then fend off mid table West Ham in a bid to sustain the too spot in a Sunday afternoon special. We also have Monday night football to look forward to in Tottenham versus Sunderland; Sherwood really needs to get his team working or they might not even get a Europa League position. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 5th April...

Man City 1-2 Southampton

Aston Villa 1-1 Fulham

Cardiff 2-0 Crystal Palace

Hull City 1-3 Swansea 

Newcastle 2-2 Man United

Norwich 2-1 West Brom

Chelsea 3-0 Stoke City

Sunday 6th April...

Everton 1-0 Arsenal

West Ham 1-3 Liverpool

Monday 7th April...

Tottenham 2-2 Sunderland

WORTH A PUNT:

Chelsea to win 3-0 - 7/1 

Chelsea match up against a seriously physical Stoke side this Saturday and I'm forseeing a goal fest. After an embarrassing loss in the Champions League to PSG and a drop in points last week, Chelsea will be seeking revenge, aiming mainly to get back on track to league success. With nothing to play for, Stoke really aren't going to be to lively so expect a seriously sore back for Begovic. The skill of Hazard and Co will leave the Stoke boys in tatters, causing slips and trips in the area meaning only one thing... Penalties. 

GRAND NATIONAL PUNT: 

Triolo Dalene - 16/1 

This horse is a real gem and is certainly worth an each way bet at a decent 16/1. Irish jockey Barry Geraghty is hoping to steer this steed to victory, which would be his second Grand National victory in his career summing up what has been so far a successful year. Not only do we have a superb jockey on board but the horse has been put through it's paces by well known trainer Nicky Henderson; last month Triolo was sent out in a Gold Cup warm up at Cheltnam where Henderson gambled on the stallion succeeding, unfortunately it drew up short, ending the race just behind his opponents. Take this as experience gained though as the killer combo of champion jockey and supreme trainer may pay off like in many years gone by.