Stephen - 9
Sam - 8
Lawro - 7
John - 7
League Standings
Pts
|
||
1
|
Stephen
|
37
|
2
|
Ian
|
37
|
3
|
Lawro
|
35
|
4
|
Sam
|
30
|
5
|
John
|
28
|
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Prediction Results Week 5
Ian - 9
Stephen - 9
Sam - 8
Lawro - 7
John - 7
League Standings
Stephen - 9
Sam - 8
Lawro - 7
John - 7
League Standings
Premier League Results Week 5
Home
|
Away
|
||
Swansea
|
0
|
3
|
Everton
|
Chelsea
|
1
|
0
|
Stoke
|
Southampton
|
4
|
1
|
Aston Villa
|
West Brom
|
1
|
0
|
Reading
|
West Ham
|
1
|
1
|
Sunderland
|
Wigan
|
1
|
2
|
Fulham
|
Liverpool
|
1
|
2
|
Man Utd
|
Newcastle
|
1
|
0
|
Norwich
|
Man City
|
1
|
1
|
Arsenal
|
Tottenham
|
2
|
1
|
QPR
|
Predictions Week 5
Matches
|
John
|
Ian
|
Stephen
|
Sam
|
Lawro
|
Swansea - Everton
|
2-2
|
0-1
|
0-2
|
2-2
|
1-1
|
Chelsea - Stoke
|
3-0
|
4-0
|
4-1
|
3-0
|
2-0
|
Southampton - Aston Villa
|
3-2
|
2-0
|
4-3
|
0-0
|
2-1
|
West Brom - Reading
|
2-1
|
3-0
|
1-0
|
2-0
|
2-1
|
West Ham - Sunderland
|
0-2
|
0-1
|
1-3
|
1-1
|
1-2
|
Wigan - Fulham
|
2-0
|
2-0
|
1-3
|
2-1
|
1-1
|
Liverpool - Man Utd
|
2-3
|
1-4
|
2-2
|
0-1
|
2-0
|
Newcastle - Norwich
|
3-0
|
1-0
|
4-0
|
3-1
|
2-0
|
Man City - Arsenal
|
0-0
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
2-1
|
2-1
|
Tottenham - QPR
|
3-1
|
5-0
|
4-2
|
4-0
|
2-1
|
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Premier League XI
Peter Schmeichel (GK)
I won't listen to anyone argue against this one, there are quite a few certainties in this team and Peter is the clearest.
Gary Neville (RB)
His record and career speak for themselves I suppose, only Lee Dixon comes anywhere near.
Ashley Cole (LB)
Really dislike the man for the same obvious reasons as everyone else but sadly his talents at LB put him comfortably in the team.
Jaap Stam (CB)
He only spent three seasons in the premier league but dear me he left an impression, three titles, a champions league and more. Shame he got the wrong side of Ferguson.
John Terry (CB)
Again.. John Terry as a person is questionable but as a CB he's been as good as anyone.
Patrick Vieira (CDM)
Bit of a toss up between Le Long and Roy Keane for the defensive role, I guess it's just a personal preference that I've gone with the man who cock slapped Anelka.
Matt Le Tissier (LCM)
I could be persuaded to sub him I guess but career spanning loyalty... three of the best premier league goals of all time and 47 out of 48 penalties converted.
Christiano Ronaldo (RCM)
Yeah....
Steven Gerrard (CAM)
Another position that could have gone to a few players but Gerrard does it for me, the man deserves more silverware than he has.
Thierry Henry (CF)
This doesn't really need explaining
Alan Shearer (CF)
Nor does this... though my soft spot for Robbie Fowler nearly got the better of me.
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
I won't listen to anyone argue against this one, there are quite a few certainties in this team and Peter is the clearest.
Gary Neville (RB)
His record and career speak for themselves I suppose, only Lee Dixon comes anywhere near.
Ashley Cole (LB)
Really dislike the man for the same obvious reasons as everyone else but sadly his talents at LB put him comfortably in the team.
Jaap Stam (CB)
He only spent three seasons in the premier league but dear me he left an impression, three titles, a champions league and more. Shame he got the wrong side of Ferguson.
John Terry (CB)
Again.. John Terry as a person is questionable but as a CB he's been as good as anyone.
Patrick Vieira (CDM)
Bit of a toss up between Le Long and Roy Keane for the defensive role, I guess it's just a personal preference that I've gone with the man who cock slapped Anelka.
Matt Le Tissier (LCM)
I could be persuaded to sub him I guess but career spanning loyalty... three of the best premier league goals of all time and 47 out of 48 penalties converted.
Christiano Ronaldo (RCM)
Yeah....
Steven Gerrard (CAM)
Another position that could have gone to a few players but Gerrard does it for me, the man deserves more silverware than he has.
Thierry Henry (CF)
This doesn't really need explaining
Alan Shearer (CF)
Nor does this... though my soft spot for Robbie Fowler nearly got the better of me.
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
Monday, 17 September 2012
Predictions Results Week 4
John - 9
Lawro - 9
Sam - 8
Ian - 8
Stephen - 7
League Standings
Lawro - 9
Sam - 8
Ian - 8
Stephen - 7
League Standings
|
|
|
Pts
|
|
1
|
Stephen
|
28
|
|
2
|
Ian
|
28
|
|
3
|
Lawro
|
28
|
|
4
|
Sam
|
22
|
|
5
|
John
|
21
|
Premier League Results Week 4
|
Home
|
|
|
Away
|
|
Norwich
|
0
|
0
|
West Ham
|
|
Arsenal
|
6
|
1
|
Southampton
|
|
Aston Villa
|
2
|
0
|
Swansea
|
|
Fulham
|
3
|
0
|
West Brom
|
|
Man Utd
|
4
|
0
|
Wigan
|
|
QPR
|
0
|
0
|
Chelsea
|
|
Stoke
|
1
|
1
|
Man City
|
|
Sunderland
|
1
|
1
|
Liverpool
|
|
Reading
|
1
|
3
|
Tottenham
|
|
Everton
|
2
|
2
|
Newcastle
|
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Predictions Week 4
After a long International break here are the Predictions.
|
Matches
|
John
|
Ian
|
Stephen
|
Sam
|
Lawro
|
|
Norwich - West Ham
|
0-0
|
2-0
|
3-2
|
1-1
|
1-1
|
|
Arsenal - Southampton
|
2-0
|
3-0
|
3-1
|
2-0
|
2-0
|
|
Aston Villa - Swansea
|
0-2
|
2-1
|
1-1
|
3-1
|
1-1
|
|
Fulham - West Brom
|
1-1
|
1-0
|
2-0
|
0-0
|
2-1
|
|
Man Utd - Wigan
|
3-1
|
3-0
|
1-0
|
5-0
|
3-0
|
|
QPR - Chelsea
|
0-2
|
0-3
|
1-2
|
1-2
|
1-1
|
|
Stoke - Man City
|
0-2
|
1-1
|
1-3
|
1-2
|
1-1
|
|
Sunderland - Liverpool
|
2-2
|
1-0
|
0-1
|
1-1
|
2-1
|
|
Reading - Tottenham
|
1-3
|
0-2
|
1-2
|
0-1
|
1-2
|
|
Everton - Newcastle
|
0-1
|
2-1
|
2-2
|
2-0
|
2-1
|
Friday, 7 September 2012
Road to Brazil
So the summer has passed us by and the new season is underway. It was a productive time for the country, but pretty much standard fare for England fans. It’s that strange time where we contemplate the aftermath of another tournament filled with hype, excitement and ultimately a bland feeling of nothingness that only a quarter final exit can bring. Do worse and you’re angry, do better and you’re excited. This feeling feels just right.
Now autumn has arrived, and no sooner is the season underway than we have an International break. It’s a time when we a) ask ourselves where we’re at as a nation footballing-wise and b) look to see who might be ready to break into the first team and establish themselves as a regular fixture in the side. Lampard, Terry, Gerrard and the rest of the England old-timers emerge from their trenches, happy they’ve survived another assault on their international credentials, and the manager assures them of their future at the national team’s top table.
Qualification is something that a lot of England fans may admit that they never really have any worries about. However our fingers weren’t so much burned as chopped off in the 2008 qualifiers, and anyone who remembers 1994 might only have just decided to remove their heads from the oven.
On the face of it, England’s group looks fairly okay(ish). Poland and Ukraine will surely provide the sternest tests, particularly in the away fixtures. It’s worth remembering that Ukraine inflicted England’s only defeat in the last round of World Cup qualifiers back in 2009.
Ukraine however look somewhat of a spent force now. Without the legendary Shevchenko to lead their line, they’re looking for a new hero to invest their hopes in. Will it be 22 year old Roman Zuzlya, proud owner of two caps for his national side? Probably not, one might think. The biggest threat to England next week will most likely come from midfield. The long range ability of Kevin Spacey lookalike Anatoliy Tymoshchuk as well as the goal threat from Serhiy Nazarenko, could prove problematic.
Poland on the other hand have a star on the rise. Robert Lewandowski came to international attention in the lead up to the Euros, and although he didn’t have a great tournament, looked like he could be a real handful. Certainly, he could cause an ageing John Terry problems with his movement and positioning – something Terry is not exactly renowned for. Jakub Blaszczykowski is a constant threat too, and has been a crucial component in the Borussia Dortmund midfield for a few years now. Certainly not one to be taken lightly, and England will be looking to the likes of (should they play) Lampard and Carrick to shackle their threat going forward.
It will be interesting to see how Hodgson chooses to line up. Tom Cleveley is back in the England fold after time out injured, as is Carrick. However there’s also Adam Johnson, who will be looking for a new lease of life under Martin O’Neill at Sunderland. Whatever Hodgson’s decision, he should remember that this is an ideal opportunity now to shape the squad for the future.
This brings the discussion round to Steven Gerrard, who has started the season in less than glorious fashion. Clearly he doesn’t fit into Rodgers’ style of play at Liverpool, and has been sloppy in possession so far, giving the ball away for Arsenal’s first goal last weekend. Should Hodgson keep faith? And will he still be on form in two years time in Brazil? The answers are probably yes and no. It’s a key season for Gerrard in the England set up as he could possibly reinvent himself as a deeper lying, less energetic player. Once the legs begin to go you have to find ways of doing things standing still. Paul Scholes has done it and he’s someone who is back in demand, both at club and international level. Dwight Yorke was also moderately successful in transforming himself into a central midfielder.
England shouldn’t worry too much though because this type of evolution is a natural progression for any team. What they shouldn’t do is cling to a player because of what they might do, when increasingly they’re becoming less effective and a passenger. To use the Gerrard example again, he’s best employed when playing a starring role. To do this, however you need to be on the top of your game, and once you’re not it’s blindingly obvious. So maybe it is time to say goodbye to Stevie G and give others a chance?
Whatever Hodgson’s choice, he should tread carefully as the group has the potential to trip England up. Montenegro are probably the next nearest challengers, and they did well last time around by getting to the playoffs and within touching distance of the Euros.
However there must be a mention of San Marino. Back in 1992 when the qualifiers started for the ‘94 World Cup it would have been a brave man to say that the San Marinese would upset England’s apple cart in some way. However it happened – and while there’s very little chance of anything like that ever happening this time around, England should be warned!
Now autumn has arrived, and no sooner is the season underway than we have an International break. It’s a time when we a) ask ourselves where we’re at as a nation footballing-wise and b) look to see who might be ready to break into the first team and establish themselves as a regular fixture in the side. Lampard, Terry, Gerrard and the rest of the England old-timers emerge from their trenches, happy they’ve survived another assault on their international credentials, and the manager assures them of their future at the national team’s top table.
Qualification is something that a lot of England fans may admit that they never really have any worries about. However our fingers weren’t so much burned as chopped off in the 2008 qualifiers, and anyone who remembers 1994 might only have just decided to remove their heads from the oven.
On the face of it, England’s group looks fairly okay(ish). Poland and Ukraine will surely provide the sternest tests, particularly in the away fixtures. It’s worth remembering that Ukraine inflicted England’s only defeat in the last round of World Cup qualifiers back in 2009.
Ukraine however look somewhat of a spent force now. Without the legendary Shevchenko to lead their line, they’re looking for a new hero to invest their hopes in. Will it be 22 year old Roman Zuzlya, proud owner of two caps for his national side? Probably not, one might think. The biggest threat to England next week will most likely come from midfield. The long range ability of Kevin Spacey lookalike Anatoliy Tymoshchuk as well as the goal threat from Serhiy Nazarenko, could prove problematic.
Poland on the other hand have a star on the rise. Robert Lewandowski came to international attention in the lead up to the Euros, and although he didn’t have a great tournament, looked like he could be a real handful. Certainly, he could cause an ageing John Terry problems with his movement and positioning – something Terry is not exactly renowned for. Jakub Blaszczykowski is a constant threat too, and has been a crucial component in the Borussia Dortmund midfield for a few years now. Certainly not one to be taken lightly, and England will be looking to the likes of (should they play) Lampard and Carrick to shackle their threat going forward.
It will be interesting to see how Hodgson chooses to line up. Tom Cleveley is back in the England fold after time out injured, as is Carrick. However there’s also Adam Johnson, who will be looking for a new lease of life under Martin O’Neill at Sunderland. Whatever Hodgson’s decision, he should remember that this is an ideal opportunity now to shape the squad for the future.
This brings the discussion round to Steven Gerrard, who has started the season in less than glorious fashion. Clearly he doesn’t fit into Rodgers’ style of play at Liverpool, and has been sloppy in possession so far, giving the ball away for Arsenal’s first goal last weekend. Should Hodgson keep faith? And will he still be on form in two years time in Brazil? The answers are probably yes and no. It’s a key season for Gerrard in the England set up as he could possibly reinvent himself as a deeper lying, less energetic player. Once the legs begin to go you have to find ways of doing things standing still. Paul Scholes has done it and he’s someone who is back in demand, both at club and international level. Dwight Yorke was also moderately successful in transforming himself into a central midfielder.
England shouldn’t worry too much though because this type of evolution is a natural progression for any team. What they shouldn’t do is cling to a player because of what they might do, when increasingly they’re becoming less effective and a passenger. To use the Gerrard example again, he’s best employed when playing a starring role. To do this, however you need to be on the top of your game, and once you’re not it’s blindingly obvious. So maybe it is time to say goodbye to Stevie G and give others a chance?
Whatever Hodgson’s choice, he should tread carefully as the group has the potential to trip England up. Montenegro are probably the next nearest challengers, and they did well last time around by getting to the playoffs and within touching distance of the Euros.
However there must be a mention of San Marino. Back in 1992 when the qualifiers started for the ‘94 World Cup it would have been a brave man to say that the San Marinese would upset England’s apple cart in some way. However it happened – and while there’s very little chance of anything like that ever happening this time around, England should be warned!
~ Ian Bendelow
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)