Who has been the most impressive team over Christmas and why?
Stephen: Well obviously Manchester Utd have taken ten from twelve and opened up their lead to seven points but I simply can't stand Ferguson or any of his players. I'm going to go with Spurs and AVB. Ten points from twelve and as things stand they are in third place, to think a lot of journalists and fans had him written off at the start of the season.
Ian: I'm tempted to say no one, but I'll go for Spurs, they've been excellent and have produced some great performances. They could have had ten against Reading and Villa and were well on top against Sunderland too. A couple of shrewd signings either now or in the summer could really set them up as title challengers.
Sam: Apart from their recent blip against QPR, I think that Chelsea were the most impressive. They have had some big results, especially with their 8-0 win over Aston Villa. Tottenham have also been very good over the Christmas.
John: On form, it has to be Manchester United. They are the only team to win all three of their Christmas games, which is a much needed response to what was a very average display against Swansea.
Manchester City and Manchester Utd are out in front at the moment, but Chelsea look resurgent. Can they challenge for the title?
Stephen: I would like to think so as the Manchester dominance is a depressing sight week after week... unfortunately I don't think Benitez is the man and I see at least one more wobble before the end, more likely to be battling with Spurs or Arsenal come the end, next season perhaps.
Ian: No. I barely think Man City can. City really didn't strengthen and the goal threat is not there like it was last season. Chelsea seems to be lurching from transition period to transition period in the Premier League, and have the added problem of replacing an ageing Lampard and Terry in the near future. Benitez probably wont be there next season and with that in mind I don't think he has the focus to get consistency to be able to challenge.
Sam: Personally I do not think they can. Tottenham are sitting in 3rd and they are 13 points off the top. Think 14 points will be too much to ask.
John: I think Benitez looks like a good fit at Chelsea and I would like to see him get more time. To be kept on next season, he will have to have won both the league and FA cup and challenged Manchester City and Manchester United all the way. Next season he will then have to win the league or he will be fired. I am not sure if he will challenge the Manchester clubs, but Bentitez could feasibly secure a strong third place finish - with Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal fighting for fourth place on the final day.
To answer this question – no, I don’t think Chelsea can challenge for the title. Just as he did at Liverpool, Benitez makes stupid decisions with his rotation policy such as last week when he dropped Hazard, Mata and Cole to play QPR at home. Already that’s a massive three points dropped on the two Manchester clubs.
Aston Villa have had a pretty terrible time of late and are not doing well at all. Is this down to Lambert or is it something engrained in the Villa side? Should Lambert have gone to Villa in the first place?
Stephen: Well given their Christmas run consisted of one point against the run of play versus Swansea and three defeats with an impressive goal difference...goals conceded seventeen goals scored two. When you look at their team it's hard to argue that Lambert should be doing any better, we don't know what's going on with Bent but I'm assuming it is Bent to blame as he is a dirty bastard. None of their other 'big names' are stepping up and their youth don't look ready or capable, Benteke has been admirable but not exactly prolific. I would think if Lambert had his choice again the decision may be different, although I imagine he is well recompensed for his poor decision making.
Ian: To take the first question, it's probably a mixture of both. Lambert has come in, introduced a young, inexperienced crop of players to the first team and while there is the enthusiasm, they've been left woefully exposed at times. The side they put out the other day was the youngest in Premier League history. Then again it was said you don't win anything with kids, so I'd hesitate to say you won't stay up with kids
Sam: I think it is the wrong time to go to Villa. For me there is obviously something going on behind the scenes and players such as Young and Downing have not been replaced with quality players. They will definitely need to sign in January if they are to stay up.
John: I don’t think it was a bad move for Lambert to go to Villa - they are a better side traditionally than Norwich. It was rather bad timing however - Villa are a team on the decline and I think Martin O’Neil realised this when he left. The problem with Aston Villa is Randy Lerner - I think a pattern is starting to emerge amongst all the American owners in the Premier League. He came in, spent a lot of money, bought some good players and turned Villa into a top-six side. After a while he stopped putting money in, which forced Villa to gradually sell their good players and replace them with weaker ones and now they are fighting against relegation. Villa are actually my favourites to go down in 18th place, because I think Southampton will spend in January and start to perform, getting some good results behind them. I also think Wigan will have one of their end-of-season bursts, which will keep them up by a nose.
Continuing with matters at the bottom, does Harry Redknapp have a hope in hell of saving QPR?
Stephen: I can't see it happening, I'm expecting another defeat this evening at the hands of Chelsea.. quite a heavy one at that. I expect Arry to do very little, he may achieve 19th given Readings woes but that'll be the pinnacle. Hopefully this ongoing media fuss about Arry the emperors new clothes Redknapp will start to simmer down.
Ian: Well, if they had beaten West Brom and lost to Chelsea I'd have said no. Even though it was the other way round, I'll still say no. I just don't think the heart and fight - not to mention ability is there for QPR. They look like a bunch of strangers struggling against the tide. When that happens it doesn't matter how many Champions League winners medals you have on the mantelpiece.
Sam: A vital win for them last week against Chelsea. I think they will sign in January, but I am unsure they will be able to go on the sort of run that will be required for them to get to safety.
John: Nope, that team is finished. Hughes will manage again, but probably in Saudi Arabia where he can throw vast sums of money at the same sort of player he brought in at QPR. QPR have the basis of a decent team but they are missing key players – crucially, they don’t have a good leader who will inspire the players to play. They also lack a good defence - I could see Fabio perhaps having a place but really they need three players in those positions. Ryan Nelson has gone, Clint Hill, Anton Ferdinand and Nedum Onuoha are not good enough, meaning two centre backs and a decent full back are needed desperately. They also need a goal scorer - Cisse looks fed up and Jaimie Mackay is nowhere near the standard needed in the Premier league. Their midfield is ok and may be their saving grace but Redknapp needs to try and get the best out of those in the middle.
Daniel Sturridge has today signed for Liverpool - he's fast becoming a journeyman at the age of 23. Will he impress or will he fail? Is £12m worth it?
Stephen: I think it's a very good signing, if he gets the starts and a regular position in behind Suarez he could really find his form again, dare I say it could be a really important signing in context of Liverpool’s rebuilding. I did however think Henderson and Downing were promising signings and look at how rancid they are, nonetheless I'm excited to see Sturridge in red.
Ian: I think it will transpire that Sturridges' move to Liverpool was one of the most ill advised in Premier League history. At 23 he needs to be playing, and he just hasn''t played enough, or scored enough so far. Particularly in some of the best sides in the division. He very much flatters to deceive, and while Liverpool aren't the worst team in the world, a move to them either suggests that Sturridge's level is mid-table Premier League. Failing that, his career is on the slide and in five years time he'll rock up playing for Godmanchester Rovers.
Sam: I think this was a good move for Sturridge. Borini has not delivered. Even with only Torres there, he did not get a run in the side this season. Think 12m is pretty steep considering he hasn't exactly set the world alight yet.
John: I am not sure on this one - I think he will succeed, then a bigger better club will come in for him, he will demand a move for an inflated transfer and then he will fail because they won’t play him down the middle.
Which team needs to strengthen the most this transfer window?
Stephen: Liverpool have obviously started already with Sturridge but a few more could make a huge difference to their ambitions. Aston Villa could really use some good signings but Robbie Keane on loan is not one of them. It's pretty stupid to list the bottom teams upwards as budget restraints make big moves in the window somewhat speculative at best.
Ian: Reading. They really do need some Premier League quality in there and if they do get one or two game changers in, I think there's a chance they could stay up. The quality of teams like Villa, Wigan and Southampton are such that it is possible to catch them. I would also say QPR but surely they can't sign anymore people?
Sam: Newcastle & Villa
John: Two teams - QPR and Newcastle. Newcastle’s squad is laughable if you consider the FA cup team they fielded. Despite that, they have just signed Debuchy, and Ben Arfa, Taylor and Cabaye are all on the brink of returning, which will be a massive boost for the team. A centre back for Newcastle is a must and a replacement for Ba essential - although I think they should also get a striker in on loan just to provide adequate cover until the end of the season. QPR need a proven goal scorer - a move for Darren Bent would be a good signing. They also need to strengthen things at the back - two new centre-backs would be a sensible investment.
Give us three players who would be a perfect match for a particular club?
Stephen: Any player from any club that would suit any other club? or any realistic signing I think would be a good fit?
- I think Jarvis would have been an excellent signing for Newcastle, he's a great winger and crosser of the ball and Newcastle have/had three big target men up front, he'd certainly have been better than mongoloid alien head.
- Moutinho to Spurs seems like it would be a real nice fit... he's quite flexible as far as his role is concerned and as a creative replacement for Van der Vaart and/or Modric I don't think too many Spurs fans would complain.
- Lionel Messi to Wigan would offer them that real touch of quality that they don't always get from Di Santo and with the aforementioned being Argentinian you've got to imagine it'd make fitting in a lot easier.
Ian:
- Nick Powell - from Man Utd to Wigan on loan.
- Johnny Heitinge to Newcastle
- Charlie Austin to Sunderland
Sam:
- Think Remy will compliment Cisse very well, he is very fast and will create a lot for Cisse, who is more of a poacher.
- I think Michu would be a good signing for Arsenal, but cannot see him leaving in the transfer window.
- Sneijder to Man Utd, they have needed a CM for a while now and have really struggled to control a lot of games this season.
John:
- Asmir Begovic to Manchester United – They need a goal keeper and he just so happens to be the best in the league right now.
- David Villa to Arsenal – He is a player with proven quality, who doesn’t seem to mind playing down the centre or out wide - unlike Theo Walcott who flatters to deceive, who is very average at finishing and does mind if he plays out wide.
- Darren Bent to QPR – They need a goal scorer and he can score goals.
Just because I am on a roll, here is a fourth:
- Peter Odemwingie to Newcastle – He is a proven, experienced striker, just what Newcastle need.
We're over halfway through the season now. Looking back on your pre-season predictions, are you happy with what you said?
Stephen: As things stand I'm unable to access my original predictions, I am however aware that the season is not panning out how I'd thought. Citeh have seemingly struggled all season for consistency. Newcastle have languished without finding any form at all really. Liverpool are going about things slower but I'm not worried I'll be too far wrong come the end. Spurs success with AVB is at least coming to fruition. Even now I think the season is very hard to predict.
Ian: In a word, No. I'm an idiot.
Sam: A lot of my predictions are still on course, although a few were completely wrong! Overall I am happy with my predictions. Looking back now, I dunno why I put Torres to be top scorer! I am still holding out for the Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Roy Hodgson's wife threesome.
John: ‘Balotelli to finish top goal scorer’ looks unlikely, but I am happy with what I said about Tottenham claiming fourth spot. My relegation candidates of Norwich, Wigan and Villa look two-thirds right. Wigan and Villa look destined to be in these positions until the end of the season with one of them likely to go down. I don’t see Norwich being anywhere near however, but with three straight defeats over Christmas who knows. I am extremely happy with my prediction that QPR will struggle this season due to Mark Hughes’ awful job last summer.
Discuss your own club's fortunes. Are you jumping for joy or pulling your hair out with frustration so far?
Stephen: Well as a dirty turn coat who until very recently followed Liverpool more so than Newcastle this question gives me two answers. Newcastle don't have me too stressed, I'd prepared for the Europa league to mess with domestic form, a little lower than I'd like with a poorer brand of football than I'd like but nothing to be too alarmed about. Liverpool have had a hell of a lot written and spoken about them but after their terrible start I think Rodgers has a lot of fans feeling optimistic, a few good signings in January and a strong second half to the season could see them tickling Europe.
Ian: Well, Sunderland have shown they can get results against the top teams in the division, however it's ultimately been frustrating. We should have more points on the board and the bigger name players there are playing within themselves, which isn't good. On the positive side thought that means there's more to come from the team - and they certainly have shown that they are good enough to keep Sunderland in the Premier League.
Sam: Pulling my hair out! Some very good performances the last few weeks, but we simply cant defend. Teams look like they will score past us every time they attack. It is unfortunate that we have so many injuries, as I feel we would probably be between 7th-10th if we had players such as Stephen Taylor, Cabaye and Ben Arfa back. Think the signing of Debuchy is fantastic and means that we are only missing 1 defender now. Still feel we need a couple more players in the transfer window and definitely need to replace Ba.
John: As a Newcastle fan I am afraid it is the latter. I watched Newcastle vs Brighton and to be honest it was the worst performance I have seen from a Newcastle side since their relegation in 2009. Newcastle need investment in this transfer window, otherwise it could be a very disappointing season. Our only saving grace this season is the teams below us are just as awful. Villa, Southampton and Wigan look set to fight over that final relegation spot. I think Reading are as good as down - QPR could have a mild resurgence but it would be somewhat of a miracle.
Who's looking good in the Championship?
Stephen: Well other than Cardiff who seem to be the only team with a genuine consistency their are five teams that I follow with my weekly accumulators.. Hull, Palace and Leicester have obviously been strong if not reliable on the betting front and Middlesbrough have gone about their business quietly and efficiently. I always keep an eye on Leeds and Forrest as they are in my dream premier league but their form is about as unpredictable as form can be.
Ian: Hull City for me. I'm not the biggest fan of Steve Bruce, but he's done well there. They're about to push through a deal for David Meyler which is a cracking bit of business, and if they can maintain this run of form then promotion is a certainty. Also a mention for Watford - they've risen up the table of late and could challenge. Also well done to Peterborough, who are on an excellent run of form after being complete pony in the first few games this season.
Sam: Still think Cardiff will do it, since teams like Blackburn have backed off quite considerably. Hull have been very impressive. Bruce seems to have the right idea. I think he could keep them in the premiership should they get promoted.
John: Cardiff will definitely get promoted, they look very good. Hull have done well but I still think Crystal Palace have the edge to beat them to second place, because Palace will sell Zaha and then use that money to invest in two or three new recruits who will improve the depth and quality of their squad.
It wasn't long ago that we were talking about the arrival of Henning Berg, who has now of course been sacked. Who should replace him, and what on earth are Venkys playing at? Discuss.
Stephen: Henning Berg was never the right man nor did he stand a chance, from what he'd said before U-turning his way into being manager to his hopeless lack of experience, no harm done to him really, just a little smudge on his résumé. They just don't seem to have a clue, I listened to shebby Singh talk about this topic for 30 minutes and only when I thought back on the interview did I realise he didn't actually say anything other than reiterate that he has 'never taken a training session' which I'm sure is at least one small mercy on the Blackburn faithful. who'd be mad enough to take the job? a greedy, hungry Welshman could make a return?! I would find that very enjoyable.
Ian: I think that Phil Brown should replace him, just because I think it would be hilarious. An unmitigated disaster would ensue. Aside from the comedy suggestions I think Sean O'Driscoll would be a good shout. Just a quick thought - what were Forest thinking sacking him and getting McLeish in?! Dear oh dear oh dear.
Sam: Its difficult to say with Blackburn. I think right now they need stability. Maybe someone like Paul Jewell, might be able to get them stable for a couple of seasons as they will not want the job becoming a poison chalice. Do not know who would dare take it though! Not a clue what is happening with Venkys, if its not sorted soon, Blackburn could be soon be out of the Championship.
John: Blackburn are finished. I honestly think they are braced for an administration - they are just terrible. I said in the last review that Henning Berg was the wrong choice, like Steve Kean before him. Blackburn are in so much trouble and it is all because of their owners. The FA should be allowed to step in and force them to sell the football club because what they are doing is nothing short of criminal. I think we will be writing about Blackburn on these reviews for the rest of the season.
Three predictions for 2013?
Stephen:
- Could Mr John Terry have a full calendar year without any personal or professional controversy?!
- This one is based more in hope than reality but Man City closing the gap second year running, this time leaving it even later to shatter Manu hearts
- Lawro is finally uncovered in a 6 month sting operation as the leader of a high profile dog shagging ring. Not only is Lawro convicted of shagging dogs he is also found guilty of organising and funding quarterly dog orgy events at his merseyside home (designed to appear from the outside as a giant kennel)
Ian:
- Man City will suffer a five goal defeat.
- Alan Pardew to be sacked before the end of the season.
- Chelsea to end 2013 in the bottom half of the table.
Sam:
- The current bottom 3 in the PL to go down.
- Middlesbrough to get promoted (via playoffs)
- Norwich to be dragged into the relegation battle.
John:
- Mark Hughes will get the Blackburn job.
- Jose Mourinho will be announced as the next Arsenal manager in June 2013.
- Newcastle will avoid relegation this season and by December 2013 they will be in the top six.
~Stephen Wrigglesworth
~Ian Bendelow
~Sam Lavery
~John Lavery
