World Cup - The Last 16

Brazil 2014 World Cup Final 16 teams and the fixtures we have ahead. 

Okay I have to admit it, my pre-tournament predictions were a little bit off and yes, they were probably worse than Andy Townsend's commentary but who would predict Algeria sneaking through?. With the final sixteen getting underway Saturday it's my chance for redemption and predicting my way to mystic footballing wisdom. After a few shock exits and a couple of boogie side qualifiers we have some meaty fixtures lined up.

Saturday 28th June...

Brazil 3-2 Chile...

The first fixture in the final sixteen see's a South American showdown in the form of the host nation Brazil squaring up to South America's self proclaimed 'bad boys'. Anywhere else in the world I would have gone with a Chile win but because Brazil are running on home pride, this will push them past the post. Some crunching tackles from Chilian defenders will be expected and they will be trying to stop Neymar with every strength but I think the samba men are going to take this one on patriotic electricity and pure skill. 

Columbia 2-0 Uruguay...

Columbia have been by far one of the stand out team of the tournament, not only have they been superbly consistent but also remained down to earth and professional in every game. The bright, creative style in which they play is going to cause the Uruguayan defence choas and I don't think they are going to be able to contain Alexis Sanchez's lighting pace. Now without Jaws (Luis Suarez), the away team will struggle to bag goals much like they did against Costa Rica so chance's will have to be taken when they are given; unfortunately for Uruguay I don't see them making it and to be honest I don't think they deserve to progress.

Sunday 29th June...

Holland 3-1 Mexico...

No team was overlooked more at the start of the competition than Holland and no one would have ever thought they would have been gifted this route to the final either. After steam rolling their group and flattening a limp Spanish squad along the way the Flying Dutchmen (literally with Van Persie) are cooking on gas and no team is going to get in the way. The Mexican's may have the heart but Herrera won't be able to manage his bandito's past the Dutch wall; Van Persie is back from his ban this game as well and he'll certainly have that golden boot in mind with a few goals on the tally. 

Costa Rica 1-2 Greece...

If anyone in the world would have predicted this draw to be pulled up I would take my hat off to them, eat it, regurgitate it then eat it again. An absolute shocker with Costa Rica qualifying top of group D then Greece snatching a late penalty against the Ivory Coast to steal the second qualifying spot completing the unthinkable and simply mindblowing fixture. This game is anybodies from a neutral perspective but when it comes down to the crunch the Greeks have that raw passion and experience required when it comes down to perfoming when they need to. After this match up I presume a few shots of Ouzo will be shot down in celebration. 

Monday 30th June...

France 3-0 Nigeria... 

To say I was impressed by the way France got underway in this tournament would be an understatement. From the outset they looked to be on a mission to start a revolution and put the French name back on the footballing globe and I think it's fair to say they've done it so far. However Nigeria have looked shakey and with a reasonably easy group, they were expected to qualify so there is no shock they did so; it's going to take some serious quality to beat the French which they definitely don't have. I'm predicting Benzema to get back on the high horse and saddle up to get that golden boot like I predicted from the start, by banging in some more goals. 

Germany 4-0 Algeria...

Yes you did read that right, it is Algeria and who worse for them to wind up against than some drilled Germans. Reminiscent of robots both in disciplinary and in structured strength the Germans look a force not be wrecking with; both Müller and Götze are young but have unbelievable talent and a better record than every Algerian player put together. I guess you could say it was fun whilst it lastest but sorry Algeria it's time to go home, at least you did more than England, Spain and Portugal. Who knows maybe if they beat Germany they could go on to win it?. 

Tuesday 1st July...

Argentina 2-1 Switzerland...

In the Swiss' first group game I wasn't too impressed by the way they played and they certainly didn't live up to the fifa ranking they boast. Argentina in the other hand have picked up the pace but again I still don't feel they've given everything they have; maybe Messi finally switched on in the last game and will bag more to get that memorable world class status. Overall I think the South Americans will want the win more and with the incentive of an "easy" route to the final the boys in blue might follow in Maradona's footsteps into lifting that trophy. Switzerland should be outclassed and out played but this is the World Cup after all, anything could happen.

Belgium 1-1 USA...

Belgium have been the "hipster" choice from the beginning of the year as they have built a squad from youth and are considered the dark horses of Brazil. This being said the Belgie's are firing blanks if you ask me; the hype surrounding this mediocre premier league squad has built a pressure too much, causing a lapse in performance and giving off no signs of real enthusiasm. On the other end you have the US team where they've given a rebirth to "soccer" in the nation and fuel off of winning; with this the commitment will be there to steam into Belgium but won't be enough to win the game. In the end I'm going to go with a draw but Belgium having the legs to take the game in extra time. Perhaps Edin Hazard and Lakaku can finally start to shine in this World Cup. 

England's Future

What Roy and his boy's need to do next to regain a top quality status...

You wouldn't believe it, then again we are English, so yes it's possible; yet again we have spiralled ungracefully out of a World Cup and for the first time since 1958 we failed to make it out of the group stage. I suppose the only thing to take from that record is that the England boys of old went on to win our only World Cup eight years later in '66. 

The media can quick to pin point risky Roy's tactics or Rooney's repeated World Cup failures but what really went wrong and where do we go from here?. Beg to differ but changing Hogson as the man in charge is something that could only do worse and further more crumble the start of a squad foundation, this is the start of something new and for things to be brilliant we need time and experience. Brazil can be a big learning curb for the budding stars in the squad and come next competition they'll be two season's deeper into being professionals. Take a look at the Belgian team for example, they are living proof that keeping trust in a manager and working around the youth can spell a sparkling future. 

Qualifiers for the next Euro event which is in 2016 can be the birth of our transformed era. With players like Steven Gerrard hinting at a retirement and Ashley Cole already taking the plunge, Roy should be biting the bullet and willing to risk everything with his team. Rooney can only have a few years left in his international profession so the first step up should be easing him out as a sub in order to embrace this fresh start. If Gerrard was to retire we'd have to see a new captain and by this I mean someone who's going to be a cert in the team with a passionate English stronghold. Now in my mind the only two sure candidates would have to be the big man Joe Hart between the sticks as he's got his hawkeyes on the field infront of him at all times and has shown much pride to wearing the three lions number one. On the other hand the next candidate would be Gary Cahill as he has a commanding persona in the back four and states confidence and strength at both levels of football (international and club). 

Give Roy the job until at least the Euro's and let the man have a little time to work some magic. If we fail to qualify that's a risk he's got to be willing to take because otherwise we'll still be reliant on the hasbeens and as a nation our famous quote of "maybe next time" will be one we say for the rest of our lives.

The starting XI I'd like to see for Euro 2016 and the qualifiers... 

Joe Hart (GK & Captain) 

Luke Shaw (LB)

Gary Cahill (CB)

John Stones (CB)

Jon Flanagan (RB) 

Jordan Henderson (CDM)

Jack Wilshire (CDM) 

Raheem Sterling (LW)

Ross Barkley (CAM)

Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain (RW) 

Daniel Sturridge (ST)

Key Players...

At this tournament a few players have caught every Englishmen's eye and excited us when they picked up the ball; the two players in question are Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling. In the first game against the Italians, young Raheem gave everyone a close to death, cardiac arresting experience as his caressed shot brushed the outside of the net, only to deceptively go wide. From this moment on the starlet sparked up a gear and relentlessly ran at the heart of Italy and scare wing backs senseless (literally against Uruguay) but unfortunately ran out of energy by the sixty minute mark. After a few more years in the game Sterling will gain stamina and skills, only to make himself one of the best wingers in the game. Not only Raheem but England's future also heavily relys on Barkley as this baller has superb strength, is fearless and will shred defences like pulled pork. Everytime Ross stepped onto the pitch he upped the tempo and turned on a style unlike any other Englishman but the reason he didn't start is because Hogson wasn't ballsy enough to drop his favourites in Welbeck and Rooney. This Everton lad can be a repeat of Wayne Rooney except he'll live up to the world class status, all you can say is watch this space, Barkley will be our game changer we've always needed. 

World Cup Predictions

Goosebumps are rising and nerves are tingling as only two days until the ultimate footballing spectacle known as the World Cup kicks off. In this article I'm going to give you the run down on my predictions group by group but also the top Goalscorer and final winners; so enough of this whistle blowing, let's get this kicked off.

Group A...

Qualifiers - Brazil & Croatia...

With everything going for them Brazil are a sure shot to qualify the group, seeing as they're the favourites to win the competition, the host nation and possess some of the most gifted footballers to grace the grass you'd be a fool to say they won't make it to the semi's at least. The South Americans back four has similar traits to concrete slabs and won't be broken down easily. My second choice for this group comes in the form of Europe's outsiders in Croatia. The squad has some solidarity and goalscoring ability as they have proven strikers like Mario Mandzukic and Hull Cities Nickica Jelavic; last time round in the Euro's Mario ended joint top goalscorer alonside a few other players. In midfield the Croatians have some serious experience in Luka Modric and not only that but they have the multi capped Kranjcar bulstered the center; it's going to be a struggle to say the least if Mexico or Cameroon are hoping to pull anything from this tournament.

Group B...

Qualifiers - Spain & Holland...

Spain's superiority in the footballing world will continue to dominate this summer and the ex world champions should smash the group. Some sports fans are saying that the mediterranean men don't have enough fire power and will fall short of their previous success but I beg to disagree. An in form Diego Costa mixed in with some La Liga superstars spells goal's with a capital g, meaning that these Spainiards will romp the group to victory. Obviously I've gone with Holland to qualify as runners up because the other teams in the group really don't pose a threat. Van Gaal is hosting his last tournament as the Dutch manager and his bonded relationship with players such as Van Persie will create fluent football; for some reason the flying dutchmen seem to cause major upsets and with some prestigious players expect them to reach the last sixteen.

Group C...

Qualifiers - Columbia & Ivory Coast...

This group has to been one of the hardest to predict out of the festival of football, every single team has some fantastic players, patriotic dressing rooms and a sparkling track record. An easier choice of the two was certainly Columbia despite the recent loss of their superstar Falcao. It's only of current years that the squad has really made a name for themselves and they should develop into a bright future. They have a battleaxe in Yepes at the back who has 97 caps and to sting in some goals Porto's prolific striker, Jackson Martinez. To qualify second, I've gone with my heart's choice, my second team.. the ballers that are Ivory Coast. Yes, the Greek may have the fighting spirit of a thousand spartans but not even that can stop the boulder like Toure brothers and the ex world's best Didier Drogba; the African nation has a quality past as they have won the African Cup of Nations a few times and also pushed into the finals of many world cups.

Group D...

Qualifiers - Italy & England...

Not many countries have the style and finess that the Italians have; no matter what the circumstance they remain calm, disciplined and yet maintain a great professional performance. Everytime they are asked to deliver, they do so as in past tournaments the success rate has been so high. Pirlo and Co will look to get far again this year again and with the beast like Balotelli feeding off young Lorenzo Insigne you may see a few goals netted. The same scenario appears every World Cup, will England repeat the '66 year? Will they make it out of the group? Will Suarez crush the dreams?. Well to that I say England will qualify. This year no pressure is on the lads as Roy's young starlets are the new breed of the national squad; we've already seen Lallana tourment defenders and Sturridge curess some cute finishes so we must believe. Get behind the boys and fill up your jug with patriotic passion, we will qualify. 

Group E....

Qualifiers - France & Switzerland... 

Everyone is overlooking the French squad this year as other teams are looking far too much for anyone to handle and also Frank Ribery is missing out because of an injury but don't be quick to rule them out. They have already proven in the World Cup warm ups that they aren't messing around by scoring right passed Jamaica and four passed Norway; I've got a feeling the top Goalscorer is going to be a Frenchman as well. Don't be suprised if they make it to the semi's. My second choice is going solely on experience and caps with the Swiss as every tournament they seem to remain consistent. For many years the squad has been recognised as a decent footballing nation and if you face them, you shouldn't expect a walk in the park. Ecuador have been praised to nick second but the big man, route one attack won't work against the veterans in the Swiss defence. 

Group F...

Qualifiers - Argentina & Nigeria...

Most football fans I know are backing the Argentinians to win the tournament so topping the group should be a sure breeze. They potentially have the easiest group out of the competition and the best strike force to go alongside that nicely, if the South Americans fail to qualify I'd be extremely shocked. Nigeria is a possibly controversial decision but I feel it's sensible; they won the most recent African Cup of Nations and have some real battle torn players. For some of the squad this will be the last World Cup they play in with Ameobi and Yobo both notching up the years but this gives the Africans more incentive to kick up a storm. 

Group G...

Qualifiers - Germany & Portugal...

This is such a coincidence that this group is group G as you'd only feel one thing if your nation was drawn into it and that is gutted. Probably the hardest group at the World Cup because you won't get no bypasses against the hard working teams on show. The best European squad in the Germans have got a lot to prove and are the the only team from Europe that are actually considered challengers to win the cup; since last time round players like Götze and Özil have had a chance to develop, giving the German boys a boost to that big time reputation they've always had. Portugal are a shaky pull but if recently selected worlds best player Ronaldo is fit you may see them do well. Without their talisman this group could prove intersting as USA are no pushovers. All in all I'm going with the Potugese as they have the better squad but this group could get seriously tasty. 

Group H...

Qualifiers - Belgium & Russia

Well you could say you can't make a dramatic enterance into the footballing scene overnight but then again you didn't see Belgium coming. The European squad is being back to the hills to cause some upsets this year and it's not a suprise looking at the unbelievable depth in squad they have. From Kompany to Lakaku and Coutoris to Janazai, this team has more stars than above the Brazil badge and will be the best chance they have had yet. Every other team in this group is limp and weak but to pick out a tiny diamond in the rough, I'd have to go with Russia. Sadly whoever scrapes through in second will surely get shot down in the last sixteen so don't go cheering if you pull one of these out in a sweepstake.

Overall Winners - Argentina...

One of the easiest groups, some of the worlds best players and a cheeky rivalry with the host nation can forsee another World Cup in the argentine trophy cabinet. For Messi to be remembered as one of the all time greats like Pele, I believe that he has to prove himself as an all round international and shine above the rest in a massive tournament; this year he could do that and with the backing of his quality squad mates and a worldwide fan base the front man will make a massive difference if he performs. Not only that but it's rarer than the World Cup trophy shiny sticker that any European team has won a World Cup on South American soil. Brazil may be the favourites but as a spectator I just don't feel they have enough and Neymar might crumble under the pressure after being the competitions poster boy for so long. It's going to be a memorable affair but don't hold back on the Argetinians steaming to the final with no scrapes. 

Top Goalscorer - Karim Benzema...

France have turned over squads in the friendlies scoring a whopping amount of goals and with a few defences that are weaker than a sparrows legs in the group you can expect a serious goal difference. Ecuador and Hounduras will flop on the relentless attack of the French Revolution and the midfielding maestros are going to tee Real Madrid's Benzema up for a goal filled buffet. I've backed a Frenchman over an Argentine because they only have a couple of goalscorers where Argentina have more than a few that can bag a finish; the French are definitely going to be a bogey team when they qualify, so I'm expecting big things. Karim Benzema, watching this space, he's worth a punt. 

World Cup Survival Kit

Your Must Have Items That Will Get You through the Emotional Rollercoaster That is the World Cup!!!

With the World Cup in just over twenty days, every footballing nation around the globe will be fuelling themselves with nostalgia, patriotic passions and a stash of their favourite alcoholic beverage. Being a English boy, born and bred as we well know, this summer probably won't be easy, so I've devised a survival kit to get through the cup, keeping the fever alive... Even after we are battered and buried. 

Panini Sticker Album...

Now I know what a lot of people are thinking and yes most of you are grown adults but the World Cup comes once every four years. Yes, you may get some odd looks checking out at the till whilst buying packs but these people clearly don't understand World Cup fever; if worse comes to worse, self checkout. Imagine the feeling of nostalgia when you pull out your favourite player or even better the craved shiny that has number uno on the back. Get your mates involved and have a crack with this awesome piece of memorabilia, not only that but if England do win.. Keep it handy as it may be worth a bob or two. 

The Brazuca Ball...

Once again adidas have been given the prestigious job of creating the official ball for the competition and, at no suprise, they have created a real beaut. The brazuca has a basic, yet capivating design boasting the brilliance of adidas furthermore. Subtley placed vibrant colours highlight the host nations samba vibe and helps to give a unique ball that will sit nicely next to your collection of World Cup footballs. 

Booze and a Really Big Fridge...

All the football watching has been proven to be extremely hard work, tiring both emotionally and physically and above all else, dehydrating. An essential item for any fan is a large fridge or at least a portable one; some people push out the classic box coolers for sheer ugliness and size but when you're on the edge of your seat gasping for refreshment, you won't be complaining. The fridge comes in handy for storing any meaty snacks but most importantly pleanty of booze. Stack it full of your favourite beverages to build your self up for celebration as no one likes a warm beer but be certain to keep a bottle of the hard stuff nearby because a couple of shots of spirits will wash down your sorrows. 

Designer Get Up...

So you want to be patriotic and support your team but you feel a bit of an idiot donning the nylon jersey? Look no further because some top designers have conjured up some serious street worthy cloth. Brands like Fred Perry, Adidas Originals and Hugo Boss have got the memo the World Cup is on with the designers popping up thrilling threads for the summer. The items range from fresh trainers, polo shirts and classic tracksuits which all badge various teams from the competion; it's certainly worth bagging one of these stunners to get you aboard the Brazilian boat. 

An African Underdog...

Every footballing festival, without question, pundits and fans will write off all the African teams. The nations are unfairly overlooked, sitting shyly in the shadows of the big nations that normally win it leaving them long shots to do any damage. From this cup onwards I have pledged to have an African team as my "second team" giving the underdogs that bit of recognition they need and I think everyone else should too. I'll never understand why people shoot down the nations as they bolster some serious players, for one Ivory Coast host ballers such as Yaya and Kolo Toure, secondly the Africans bring a vibrant energy to the world like we witnessed last tournament. Not only that but they pull off some pearler kits and yet again puma have really brought colour to competition with some stand out strips. 

Sofa Side Bookies...

Everybody loves a little dabble on the footy now and then, meaning that the World Cup is no excuse to scrimp back on placing those bets. It's essential nowadays to get yourself the app of your favourite bookmakers making it easy for you to bet where ever you like. There's no more throwing on clothes to make a quick dash to the bookies, only to get poor odds on a bet you so desperately want to place, in this century everything can be done at the click of a button and better still in play. Don't miss out on grabbing that instinct you have that could leave you pennies up in your pocket and download the apps now. 

Now you have your survival kit ready, kick back, relax and get ready for the ride to begin because now, more than ever your nation needs you!. Get behind the boys in Brazil and pick up where South Africa left off by witnessing the greatest sporting specticle in modern times. Last but not least... COME ON ENGLAND. 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 11/05.

And so this is it, the finale, the conclusion, the final paragraph in the chapter of a superb season of premier league football. Sunday will sum up a historic soccer year with pleanty of crunching fixtures and amazingly the title has still yet to be clinched. After Liverpool's Monday night mis-hap at Selhurst Park, they head into the last day hoping that West Ham can beat title favourites Man City. At the bottom end, Norwich City can only survive the drop if they can win by an impossible eighteen goals, it's more than certain that the Canaries will be joining Cardiff and Fulham in the Championship next year. 

Every last top flight game will be kicking off at 3:00PM Sunday and don't even for a second think about switching off this intense day. Although it would seem some teams have nothing to play for, fear not as these footballing face offs will be as fierce as all season because as I say, no one plays to lose. Everyone's eyes are going to be at the Eitihad and Anfield because the title can only go to one of either team. Man City host a recently triumphant West Ham squad, who feature some ex red men in Andy Carroll and Stuart Downing; one point for City here will see them seal the trophy for a second time in three years but one slip and Liverpool could snatch it. At Anfield, Liverpool are going to be relentless as they play Newcastle, three points could see the scouser's steal (a phrase often used) the trophy off the blue side of Manchester, however this is a must win scenario on the hope City lose. A quick drop to the bottom of the table see's Norwich welcome Arsenal to Carrow Road, as the table shows, the boys in Yellow may as well already have the red stripe with R next to their name as eighteen goals are required to survive. Looking at the seasons goal tally and the underperforming strike force, it's looking like they will need a miracle or infact one ginger pele back at the nest to pin back relegation for another year. Finally, Ryan Giggs shall be kicking his last ball in Man United colours this Sunday as he heads off for a luxury life of retirement or possibly the stress of management. After a career that may never be repeated again, the Welshmen will wave goodbye to his fans and followers, let's hope we see him sign a contract controlling a team soon. 

SUPER SUNDAY PREDICTIONS: 

Sunday 11th May...

Southampton 1-3 Man United

Norwich 1-2 Arsenal

Man City 3-2 West Ham

Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle 

Cardiff 0-3 Chelsea

Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace

Hull City 2-1 Everton

Tottenham 3-2 Aston Villa

Sunderland 2-0 Swansea

West Brom 1-1 Stoke City 

WORTH A PUNT...

Every team in the premier league to score on Sunday - 75/1...

As it's the last day in the prem and every team is squaring up in a no holds barred, slug out Paddy Power have come up with this rough diamond of a bet. Logic is telling us that eighteen teams have nothing to play for so imagine the players are already in holiday mode, putting their boots up until the World Cup; this can only mean one thing.. goals. Leaking defenders and strikers looking to poke in one last goal, this Sunday could stage the ultimate goal feast and with only a golden nugget you could seal yourself a tasty seventy five pounds by backing this. 

Thanks for Reading and I'll be back with my World Cup Weekly in June!!! 

Premier League Preview

Premier League Preview for 03/05, 04/05 & 05/05 

Just two weeks ago the nation was treated to a lovely long weekend and wait no longer as another big weekend bank holiday has landed. What better way to spend the three day lounge fest than by putting your feet up with an ice cold beverage to witness a footballing spectacular?. Saturday, Sunday and Monday are giving us some premium fixtures as the premier league teams head into their final two fixtures. Unfortunately next Sunday (11th May) is the end of an epic yet historic year as the final games take place.

We have a super seven lined up for Saturday's soccer showdown and their are certainly some special fixtures to highlight. It won't be the tubes that stop London from functioning this weekend, it will be the football with tomorrow lunchtimes fixture being a bolstering West Ham side inviting Tottenham to the Hammers House; surely big Sam has seen the east Londoners safe but another point would secure survival for another season. Ryan Giggs will be seeking another strong win as Sunderland are travelling to Manchester at three o'clock; last week we applauded as the Man United of old look to have been revived by a boost from the welsh man, because of the steam rolling they gave Norwich. The Mackems won't be willing to drop the winning run though as points are as valuable as gold at the bottom end of the league and they are anything but safe. Finally our evening shootout is a match up between champions league contenders Everton and title seekers Man City. Both the red and blue sides of Meryside will be backing the toffees to put Man City in a sticky patch as a win would see Liverpool take back the title advantage; Everton fans seem to be split on this though as they feel that fourth is lost and Martinez should field a weakend side. 

Unfortunately this Sunday we are only given two helpings of Sunday kick offs, fear not though because they are both set up to be classics. At the one-thirty square up Wengers boys host the Baggies who have been a massively unpredictable side all year. Last Monday, Arsenal again proved why they were menacing so early on in the season as they tanked Newcastle and with the likes of Ramsey and Özil sprinting back into stride they are playing slick football. West Brom on the other hand, still aren't safe so they may be putting in serious movement to gain that all important point. As the roast bubbles away in the oven Chelsea will welcoming Norwich to the Bridge. In midweek the blues European hopes were crushed for another year by revellers Atletico; this proving bad news for the Canaries as they only thing Chelsea have to contend for is the league as they are far from out of the chase. Norwich need all the points they can get with the Championship looming and the whispering of regulation becoming much more a reality, with only two games left and in the drop zone, unfortunately the East Anglian crew will be shedding a few tears soon. 

Don't be sad because the long weekend has come to an end because Monday night football has reunited with us again, showcasing a fearsome fight between Crystal Palace and Liverpool. It could only happen to one man and one man only, with last week Liverpool's captain Steve Gerrard literally slipped up to hand contenders a glimpse at the trophy. The red men will surely have to win the remaining games and hope for a miracle that Man City fall short because otherwise they can kiss the cup goodbye; Palace who have done amazingly well to prize themselves up this year are going out to treat the fans so the win will be set in their sights. 

WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: 

Saturday 3rd May...

West Ham 1-3 Tottenham

Aston Villa 1-1 Hull City

Man United 3-2 Sunderland

Newcastle 0-1 Cardiff 

Stoke City 1-2 Fulham

Swansea 2-2 Southampton

Everton 1-3 Man City

Sunday 4th May...

Arsenal 4-1 West Brom

Chelsea 3-0 Norwich

Monday 5th May...

Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool

WORTH A PUNT: 

Man United, Man City, Chelsea & Liverpool all to win - 3/1...

Paddy power are offering up this weekend football acca special with the "Big Guns" all to come out on top in their games. With little room for error, the so called big boys will be pulling no stops in this weekend bonanza meaning that we could see rival teams falling to the chop. Man United want to build on previous wins and look to beef up enthusiasm in camp whilst the other squads in question are all slugging it out for a taste of the title. A phenomenal weekend of football can be iced and topped with a cash shaped cherry if you back this diamond I a punt. 

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.