4221: Tottenham Hotspur; The Premie

by : Stephen Orford

It’s been a good week for Tottenham Hotspur.

A 4-0 walloping of a quite hapless Fulham in the FA Cup was followed by a gutsy win at Everton and an impressive 4-1 triumph over Bolton Wanderers in the Premiership.

And yet the Squarefootball glass ball was right about them all along. Back in December, the fortune telling sphere of speculation predicted that they would win just 10 points from a block of nine Premiership fixtures ending in February. Damningly, it predicted that Spurs would have just 35 points after 26 league outings, all but ruling them out of the running for Champions League qualification.

Ok, if we are nit-picking, the Squarefootball glass ball got it slightly wrong. Spurs had only 33 points after 26 games, meaning that they had managed to add just eight in the period under scrutiny. Their recent revival has their fans gloating once more about Danny Blanchflower, but in reality they have under-achieved wildly in 2006/07.

So what now for Martin Jol’s men? The Everton and Bolton wins have helped raise the league tally to 39, and with three winnable league fixtures next up, the typically optimistic Spurs faithful are talking of Europe once more. Here, the Squarefootball glass ball is dusted off for another outing to assess the final 10 games in their season. It will doubtless arrive at a totally haphazard final tally, which will more than likely be completely correct. Or generous. You have been warned.

West Ham – Away. Win. Anybody can beat West Ham United at the moment, and in the kind of form that Spurs have suddenly found there should be no problems here. Look for Alan Curbishley to make another vague reference to the mess left behind by Alan Pardew in his post-game comments.

Watford – Home. Win. Despite Aidy Boothroyd’s manic optimism, Watford have it all to do to survive in the top league. They have found goals hard to come by and are likely to be overpowered by Dimitar Berbatov and company.

Reading – Home. Draw. The Royals are the new Wigan, having come from nowhere to challenge for European qualification this season. Steve Coppell will ensure that his side do not relent enough to become the new Charlton, and they will make it tough for Jol’s troops. Besides, four wins on the bounce is more than enough for this Spurs side. There’ll be nose bleeds aplenty if they make it five.

Chelsea – Away. Loss. Chelsea will be Hell bent on revenge for their earlier league loss to Spurs, and will be quite desperate for the points as they continue to chase down Manchester United in the title race. Spurs’ best hope is to park the bus.

Blackburn Rovers – Home. Draw. These two have produced some good open encounters in recent seasons, and Rovers boss Mark Hughes still thinks his side can qualify for Europe again. They won’t.

Wigan Athletic – Away. Draw. Wigan will probably still be scrapping around for the points they need to avoid the drop, but their uninspiring form this season prevents the glass ball from suggesting they might win. Another occasion to look out for post-match rantings from the home manager.

Arsenal – Home. Loss. As painful as it is for Tottenham fans, Arsene Wenger’s side have the wood on Spurs in 2006/07. The League Cup semi-final defeat against the Gunners was particularly damaging, and whichever side Wenger selects is likely to be too strong.

Middlesbrough – Away. Loss. On the basis that they will drop at least one game that they expect to get something from, the glass ball suggests that it will be at the Riverside. Gareth Southgate has finally got Boro playing some reasonable football, with Mark Viduka enjoying the kind of sizzling form he always experiences when it is too early or late in the season to actually mean anything.

Charlton – Away. Loss. Charlton are more desperate than Jade Goody, but thankfully nowhere near as bad thanks to Alan Pardew’s input. With Darren Bent back to full fitness they have the weapons, and this game will simply mean too much to them.

Mancheste City – Home. Win. Spurs finish with a flourish to provoke all manner of idle chatter about how they are going to blow the field away next season. Let’s face it, City won’t have the stomach to win at White Hart Lane on the last day in a game that is likely to be meaningless to both.

Once again the forecast from the Squarefootball glass ball is rather gloomy for Spurs. The maths say that another 12 points will be added, giving a final total of 51. This was only good enough for 10th place last season (Wigan Athletic), and is 14 points down on what was achieved by Jol’s side last term.

Cue the abusive feedback. The Squarefootball glass ball will be back to gloat in May.

By Stephen Orford

28 February 2007

4219: Race for the Premiership: Birm

by : Alex Wolstenholme

One of eight teams within five points of each other at the top of the Championship table, Birmingham City's hard-fought win over Leeds United on Tuesday sent them back to the top of the pile.

Blues were pre-season favourites for promotion along with local rivals West Brom who were also relegated last season.

Steve Bruce stripped away many of the under-performing, over-paid players from a dismal Premiership campaign and placed the emphasis more on young, hungry players such as Gary McSheffrey and Cameron Jerome, his big summer signigs, and a trio of loanees from Arsenal, Sebastian Larsson (now a Birmingham player), Nicklas Bendtner and Fabrice Muamba.

Things have rarely been dull at St Andrew's since David Sullivan and the Gold brothers became involved in the club and this season has been no different.

Amongst other things, Bruce looked close to getting the sack after a mixed start to the season culminated in a home defeat by Norwich in October, Matthew Upson was sold with hours remaining of the January transfer window much to the manager's displeasure and relatively low home attendances have been the subject of much debate.

The manager looked to have ridden the storm but was again the subject of some criticism from fans in the recent win over Stoke City. As he admitted a couple of weeks later however, controversy hasn't always been a bad thing for Blues.

"I think it's typical of this club, in a strange way," he said.

"I've been here five years now and I think I can recognise a bit of a pattern.

"When it's crisis time, that's when Birmingham and their supporters are at their best!

"I don't know, but that's just what I feel. When it's all happening and there's a storm around the place, it kind of gets everyone going and the supporters show their true colours.

"Whether they have a thing against me, what happened last year, cost, transfers, whatever, I think that they realise now that this team - a new team - is at least having a go and no-one can criticise them for that."

Bruce has also hinted that he feels his side are better suited to playing away from home but with home fixtures against Cardiff City and Derby County coming up in the next week or so he will hope that is not the case.

Blues also have to travel to West Brom, Wolves and Preston and entertain Southampton of the top eight but have a good record against their fellow promotion challengers this season, many of their slip-ups coming against sides in the bottom half of the table as at Hull City recently.

The strike force that showed their quality to the nation in the 5-1 FA Cup win at Newcastle United have been stuttering slightly of late but the options available to Bruce, especially with Mikael Forssell likely to be fit for the run-in, remain formidable.

Upson's departure may have left them slightly short on numbers at the back but a loan signing is always possible and Blues will be right in the shake-up on the final day of the season.

Alex Wolstenholme
28 February 2007

The race for the Premiership: Birmingham
The race for the Premiership: Cardiff
The race for the Premiership: Preston
The race for the Premiership: Sunderland
The race for the Premiership: West Brom
The race for the Premiership: Wolves

4218: MLS Diary- Dispatches From Bra

by : Bill Urban

Blag a way past the security guard : “Yes, of course I am on the approved press list. I’m here to watch the soccer game.” Neither is there a press list nor is there a scrimmage. But DC United do train this morning in unseasonably nippy Bradenton, alongside Kansas City, Chicago, and Columbus. Four professional teams, four fields, four training sessions, a plethora of pre-seasons, as it were.

Feel the bitter wind whip across freshly manicured pitches; so much for warm weather training. A stray gull soaring overhead sounds a raucous caw, perhaps mocking the late arrival engendered by Byzantine Bradenton street squares. Scurry along a crushed-shell pathway, following the smack of ball meeting synthetic surface, an age-old, updated for modern shoe “technology,” training clarion call.

Slip unobtrusively along the massive nets separating soccer pitch from golf driving range. Four teams, blue, black, yellow and red, blisters of color swirling across verdant pitches made heavy by a previous day’s rainfall. Players dart in every direction, sharp cuts spraying water and divots of pitch, two touches permitted, a single one preferred, three or more a dilettante indulgence. Tight space made tighter by constant pressure, the overwhelming impression the sheer pace of every single thing, quick players, quicker passing, and most importantly, the quickest of decisions, best made long before the ball arrives.

No time for fannying about or expressing oneself; players committing the greatest sin in modern soccer, “getting caught in possession,” draw hoots of derision from their teammates and the occasional rebuke from various and sizable coaching staffs.

A full Wizards scrimmage surges back and forth on Field #1. United play keep-away on half a pitch, large numbers, small space, while Facundo Erpen, Ben Olsen, Clyde Simms and Josh Gros jog in a desultory, disinterested manner across the other half, back and forth, aloof by their very exclusion, excused from the frantic precision pinball of keep-away to recover from the previous day’s scrimmage against New York. The Crew play brisk games of 5 v. 2, while the furthest field is a-Fire with a finishing activity, the last item on Chicago’s training agenda.

Constant chatter on all four pitches, “left shoulder, step up, turn, change the wide players, careful Namoff,” the last following a tackle from the United defender that left teammate a-sprawl on the muddy surface, the over-exuberant nature of the challenge acknowledged by an apologetic raised hand.

On Field #1, the shock-white glare of Kevin Hartman’s hair, while on Field #3, Frankie Hejduk works his way back to fitness, mop-top locks flying in his wake as he giggles his way through a slalom drill. Dave Sarachan stands a lonely figure at the top of the 18 on Field #4, laying off balls for finishing, leaves one a bit too high, only for it to be looped in tantalizing, volleyed parabola over the despairing leap of the keeper, drawing whoops of admiration from teammates and coaching staff alike.

United scrimmage with neutral wide players, and Bobby Boswell, pushed forward into inside-left position, cuts the ball between David Stoke’s legs, the dreaded nutmeg, and smashes it past Troy Perkins. Is that Jimmy Conrad in full voice? Crew assistant Robert Warzycha, playing 5 v. 2 and looking fit to go a full ninety, does something difficult to describe, a sort of now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t, wickedly whipping ball away from a despairing challenge by the puke-green bibbed defender, frantic to escape the no-man’s land of the middle.

The Fire finish first; barefooted, boots clutched in one hand, unmindful of the chill, a hobbling Chris Rolfe in deep conversation with Justin Mapp towering over him. The annoying, singsong drone of the South American gentleman also watching training, desperate to convince his colleague of the worthiness of his “contacts in the East.” Hartman precisely punting the ball fifty yards to a teammate in repeat fashion. Ben Olsen, surely bored by not training, dunking balls into the ball-bag in increasingly complicated and extravagant manner as United finish training. Sigi Schmid has the Crew circled around him in classic recreational coach-is-talking-pay-attention mode. United drift off the pitch, the “made” players in full strut, reserves and rookies tending to goals, balls, most of which Olsen has gleefully already dispatched, and cones. Erpen and Jaime Moreno together carry a cooler; MLS preseason training converts Jaime Moreno into a water-carrier, someone inform Eric Cantona.

No battles with the legislature, no guaranteed seat licenses on offer for pre-season, nary a bottle of Sierra Mist to be found, no piggy-backing on competitions outside the Major League Purview, and it is in fact possible to watch teams train and play matches both without knowing the precise number of assists with which individual players have been credited or the date and location of their respective collegiate experiences.

And no David Beckham.

Imagine that...

4215: Tottenham: Away to Go Yet

by : Kieran McHugh

“The Baggies are playing well at home this season and as everyone is aware Boro are, for some reason, unable to turn it on away from the Riverside, let’s hope we can reverse this at The Hawthorns. I am hoping that Southgate will just let our players do their own thing and not concentrate too much on the Baggies and the game plan they go with. I think if he does this then we have a better chance of winning the tie.

“If we can manage to win the replay then our fans are split as to who they want to play in the next round, but I think Man Utd may have a slight edge on Reading. The fans know Boro can up their game to play Man Utd, but then again we should not underestimate Reading who are playing very well at the moment.”

But the lure of the champions elect is too much for Cyril, not that he’s already booking his tickets for the quarter-final just yet.

“Reading played us last year with several kids in the team. They were still incredibly good and won the replay. I'd prefer to play Manchester United. The atmosphere would generate enough juice to power the floodlights! But we have another ‘date with fate’ before that dream can be realised.”

Tony Mowbray is a Middlesbrough legend and received a rapturous welcome from the Boro fans on his return to Teesside. His whole family are Boro fans and, although they are unsure about who to cheer for, Mowbray said they should be happy no matter what the result. However, while promotion is the ultimate goal for West Brom, the FA Cup is the only thing Middlesbrough have left to play for and there’s no room for sentiment where Susan’s concerned.

“Mogga is a legend on Teesside and always will be, he deserved the warm welcome he received from all the Boro fans,” said Susan. “Having said that there will be no sentiment when both team’s players cross that white line to start the game. We will all then be shouting for our own teams regardless of who is in charge, so no it will not lesson the blow of Boro going out to Mogga’s team.

“The FA cup means a lot to the Boro fans, they are all hoping to get through to the final, and are not writing us off yet. We have had a very quiet season so far in the league so a good cup run will certainly lift the fans.”

Jason Koumas won a number of plaudits for his driving display at The Riverside, but Cyril insisted we haven’t seen the best of the Welshman yet and that the replay specialists don’t concern him.

“Jason has been but a shadow of himself in the past three or four games so you will be surprised when you see him at his best. He has the ability to be among the best 10 players in Europe but his temperament is suspect at times. Even when 'ordinary' by his standards, he is still a force.

“Years ago, the 'replay specialists' often ended up in the final. I can't see Middlesbrough doing that, they have a soft centre. Their biggest threat is from Yakubu and Viduka, but a good ref can stop Yakubu playing.”

The original meeting turned out to be one of THE games of the FA Cup this season. The tie swung back and forth, as both sides went looking for the winner, with chances at both ends, but the replay looks set to eclipse that with so many attacking minded players on show. However, neither Susan nor Cyril are prepared to stick their necks on the line and predict the result.

“I have given up predicting the final score of our games I am a jinx to them if I do,” said Susan. “I broke my own vow this season and gave a score prediction ... we lost that game. I am, as always, hoping for a Boro win.”

“This is The FA Cup my friend, anything can happen and frequently does,” said Cyril. “A one-off game hinges on luck as well as ability. I can't call this one they are too well matched. It will probably be another 2-2 after 90 minutes, then ... I don't know.”

There is no clear favourite for this tie but one thing’s for sure, it must be decided tonight. And there’s no bigger incentive than a potential home tie against Manchester United. Both teams will be up for this one and it should prove to be a cracker and Sky and the BBC should be ashamed for overlooking this tie.

Prediction? West Brom are the team of the moment and their home form is awesome so you’d have to fancy them to claim a Premiership scalp, but Middlesbrough are an established Premiership side full of top class players and, despite their poor away form, with the power of Viduka and Yakubu up front, they only need a sniff of a chance to score. Like Cyril said, it really is too hard to call, but football should prove to be the winner.

Colin Illingworth
26 February 2007
Rather annoyingly for their detractors the wheels haven’t yet fallen off Spurs’ season. After some poor form in the run up to the FA Cup game against Fulham a media campaign was all but underway to force manager Martin Jol out of the managerial hotseat.

One can imagine the tabloid scribes gleefully clearing space on the wall for a trophy marked Jol - ’07 next to those reading Santini - ‘04, Gross - ‘97and Ardiles - ’93. The 4-0 away win at Craven Cottage, coupled with a 2-1 victory at Goodison Park was unlikely to be enough to see the red tops call off the hounds. As far as the sportsdesks are concerned, it’s time for a change at White Hart Lane and that’s the end of it.

The resounding 4-1 defeat of Bolton and West Ham’s continuing travails may have seen the press spotlight rest elsewhere for a while, giving jol the chance to eliminate any lasting fears for his job. On Sunday, Spurs took on Bolton whilst Arsenal and Chelsea were, literally, fighting it out at the Millennium. There is no doubt where Jol would sooner have been as it was the defeat to Arsenal in the semi final that effectively sounded the horn for the press pack to round on him.

The home win did little for Spurs league position in the short term. Too much ground may have been lost to suggest a push for a UEFA Cup spot by finishing high enough in the league. It has surely though bolstered their confidence ahead of a run of 3 away games that could determine whether Jol is able to put the spectre of the sack firmly back in its box.

West Ham are, in the parlance of the game, “owed one”, after the 2-1 defeat on the final day last season put paid to any notions Spurs might have had of Champions League football. Having endured a terrible season thus far, West Ham are 9 points off safety with 10 games to play.

Despite a sizeable outlay in the January transfer window, Curbishley has yet to get anything other than relegation form from his team. Their situation is dire however you look at it. After the demoralising 4-0 defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Charlton, West Ham must start to play with more determination if they are to get out.

Never mind their position one off the bottom of the table, and never mind Spurs recent revival, this London Derby will be a tough one for Tottenham to win. Although Spurs fans would no doubt love nothing more that to rub West Ham noses in it, they have bigger fish to fry. Defeat, or more likely a draw, would not be a disaster for Jol.

Following that is the last 16 of the UEFA Cup against FC Braga. Currently 4th in Portugal their form is not great and Spurs will be expected to progress. The expulsion of Feyenoord has allowed for some breathing space for Spurs in this competition and some might point to that as the reason Jol was able to galvanise his troops in the FA Cup. Certainly there would be plenty of flak flying if Tottenham were not to take full advantage of being handed a bye.

There was a time when the main objective of the away leg in Europe was to “quieten the crowd” and ensure that the job could be completed at home. Such is the importance of away goals now that Spurs will be looking to score and win at the marvellous Estadio Municipal. However whilst a win on the road would be a major boost for the team, progression to the last 8 is not dependent on it, especially considering Spurs’ home record.

This brings us to the one fixture on the horizon that is a stand out for Spurs. The FA Cup quarter final away to Chelsea. For a club with such a rich tradition in the competition, Spurs have not reached the Final since beating Nottingham Forest in 1991. Having finally beaten the Champions in the league, (2-1 in November), Spurs were rewarded for the 4-0 win just down the road at Craven Cottage by being handed the hardest draw available.

It’s a bag ask for Martin Jol to take his team to Stamford Bridge and to come away with anything but it could just be the game Spurs need to define their season. Spurs’ away following at Fulham backed their side fully despite the now tedious media view that they are fickle and liable to turn on their team. Fulham outplayed Spurs for large parts of the game but, thanks to Robbie Keane’s first half strike, Spurs’ support was vociferous and whole hearted. It is likely to be similar at the Bridge.

The tie will come too soon for Ledley King but with Ricardo Rocha starting to settle in, a partnership could develop between the Portuguese and Michael Dawson. With both sides likely to be troubled by problems at centre half one hesitates to suggest that Spurs might have better options up front.

Despite this though, Spurs fans will be wary of holding out too much hope. Their record against the top 4 is awful in recent seasons. Chelsea will also be keen to make amends for that league defeat at White Hart Lane and progress to the semi finals. Tottenham fans also have memories of beating Chelsea 5-1 in a league cup semi, prior to the Abramovich take over, and then being taken apart 4-0 days later in the FA Cup.

If Spurs fans were given the choice, of the three important away games ahead of them, an FA Cup win against Chelsea holds the most allure. For Jol this would signal a return to form for his side. Wins against West Ham and Braga, whilst most welcome, would not keep the hounds at bay for long. A win at Stamford Bridge and Jol would be bombproof.

4217: Liverpool; Is God About To Ma

by : Stephen Orford

Liverpool’s move to bring in Andriy Voronin from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer could have far reaching consequences for one of the club’s favourite sons.

The Ukranian starts a four-year contract on Merseyside in the summer, which could mean that there is no room in the striking corps for Robbie Fowler. With Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Peter Crouch already among manager Rafa Benitez’s front-line options, it seems likely that the veteran goal-getter will be the one to make way for Voronin.

Quotes attributed to the Liverpool manager on Monday (February 26) were hardly encouraging for Fowler. Something may have been lost in translation in Benitez’s unique brand of Spanglish, but the suggestion was that something approaching a goalscoring miracle would be required for Fowler to retain his place on the Liverpool pay-roll next term.

Though there has been transfer speculation surrounding both Bellamy and Crouch over the last few months, Benitez’s hypothetical musings about Fowler scoring in every game he plays from now until the end of the season seemed to signify that the second coming of God is nearing its end. Even the prolific Fowler will find it difficult to find the mark in every one of his appearances, no matter how fleeting they have now become. Indeed, the irregularity with which Fowler now dons the red shirt is yet another indication that he is not a part of the Benitez masterplan.

Meanwhile his current rivals for the striking roles can all put forward convincing arguments for their retention. Bellamy’s antics on a recent trip to Portugal show that his position is still far from secure, but if he can replicate the kind of form which helped put Barcelona in their place last week he is likely to be given the benefit of the doubt by his manager. Bellamy’s pace frightens defenders almost as much as his golf swing, but he needs to up his goals per game ratio to completely convince.

Crouch has been a peripheral figure in recent weeks, only coming on for the closing seconds of the victory in the Nou Camp. Like Fowler, he was given a starting opportunity against Sheffield United on Saturday (February 24) but was unfortunately forced off the field with a broken nose. That injury could see him miss further action in the coming weeks, with Fowler hoping to be given an opportunity to benefit. Yet in the long-term it seems clear that Benitez has more use for Crouch than for the Toxteth Terror, with the former Southampton man’s height and assured touch offering a key element should the Spaniard wish to adapt stylistically.

Dutch star Kuyt can be the most confident of all the Anfield strikers about his future with the club. Only the exertions in midweek and the relative weakness of the opposition persuaded Benitez to take the former Feyenoord man out of the firing line against the Blades. More often than not the blonde bombshell will be paired with one or another of his team-mates from the start. Kuyt possesses the kind of relentless work ethic which impresses his manager, while his goalscoring contribution has been adequate if not quite yet spectacular.

That is a charge which cannot be levelled at Fowler. The former England marksman has a fearsome goalscoring record with Liverpool. In his first spell with the club he bagged 171 goals, becoming the fastest man to reach a century ahead of the legendary Ian Rush. Since his return he has added another 12 in just 17 appearances, showing that he is still a man who can be relied upon to find the net when called upon. Yet the need to call upon Fowler is reducing rapidly, and it is very likely that this season will finally be his Anfield swansong.

For those who remember a fearless but quite lethal teenager ramming five into the Fulham net in a League Cup tie in 1993, the day of his departure will be a sad one indeed.

By Stephen Orford

27 February 2007

4212: Prediction Panel 2006/7: FA Cu

by : Antony Melvin

Three replays for different reasons this week. Reading looked down and out at Old Trafford - but United missed chances and Reading got stronger as the game went on; an intriguing tie is in prospect with both sides below strength. In the other Tuesday tie serial replay offenders Middlesbrough face a tough tie at West Brom who are riding high in The Championship and are well placed for an immediate return. West Brom are in better form and this could go either way. On Wednesday serial cup specialists Arsenal face Blackburn - and there remains a suspicion that Arsenal will be tired from all their recent exploits.

Three replays and all three look too close to call.

Tuesday, 27 February 2007

Reading v Manchester United, KO 20:05

Both sides are probably going to be understrength again - with some reports that Alan Smith will make his second attempt to return to first team action almost exactly a year after his horrible injury at Anfield. Reading won't be favourites at the bookies - but given home advantage and three close games against United this season they will be quietly confident.

FORM
Reading Last 10; W7, D2, L1, F25, A11
Manchester United Last 10; W8, D1, L1, F22, A7

PREDICTIONS
Colin Illingworth: 2-3
Hugh Larkin: 1-2
Kieran McHugh: Home
Antony Melvin: 2-2
Stephen Orford: 1-2
Bill Urban: Away

West Bromwich Albion vs Middlesbrough, KO 19:45

Table topping West Brom look strong enough to bounce back to the Premiership at the first attempt. Unbeaten in the last ten The Baggies may start this game as marginal outsiders - but like Reading will be confident of causing an upset. Middlesbrough have improved since a difficult start to the season - but will need to improve on their average away form if they are to progress.

FORM
West Bromwich Albion Last 10; W7, D3, L0, F19, A10
Middlesbrough Last 10; W4, D5, L1, F21, A16

PREDICTIONS
Colin Illingworth: 3-2
Hugh Larkin: 2-2 (going to penalties)
Kieran McHugh: Home
Antony Melvin: 1-1
Stephen Orford: 1-1
Bill Urban: Home

Wednesday, 28 February 2007

Blackburn Rovers vs Arsenal, KO 20:00

After the dullest of stalemates in the first leg Blackburn will be tempted to attack a little more in the replay. Although Arsenal were brilliant at times in the Carling Cup Final their legs looked heavy at the end and the brawl was indicative of tired minds. Blackburn will offer a physical test and are steadily improving.

FORM
Blackburn Rovers Last 10; W4, D2, L4, F15, A10
Arsenal Last 10; W4, D4, L2, F15, A11

PREDICTIONS
Colin Illingworth: 1-3
Hugh Larkin: 2-1
Kieran McHugh: Home
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 1-3
Bill Urban: Away

4214: Baggies up to end Southgate’s

by : Colin Illingworth

Why take one team into the next round of the FA Cup when you can take two seems to be Middlesbrough’s belief recently. Tonight’s replay at The Hawthorns will be their sixth in the FA Cup in the past two seasons, but this will be a different test for Gareth Southgate’s men. Nuneaton Borough, Coventry and Charlton last year and Hull City and Bristol City this season have all been taken back to the Riverside. But with just one Premiership victory to their name on the road this season, and having kept just one clean sheet in 2007, how will Boro cope with a trip to the Midlands and the fortress that is The Hawthorns?

Tony Mowbray’s West Bromwich Albion are currently top of the Championship and have lost just once at home in the league all season. As Middlesbrough found out to their cost 10 days ago The Baggies are always dangerous going forward, are brimming with confidence and never know when they are beat. They are also on a great run of form having lost just once in the past 18 league and cup outings and will really fancy their chances of turning over the Premiership outfit.

“Had the first meeting been under Bryan Robson's tutorage, we would have been sunk without trace,” said West Brom season ticket holder Cyril Randle. “I just knew we would come back at them after Mogga's half-time pep talk. Chaplow and Koren took over the midfield, sprayed the ball about to make space and Kamara scared the pants off them. We just don't have a weakness at present other than a small squad. Everyone knows their job and sets about doing it.

“It was a rain-check for my team to see what progress we had made under Mowbray. We passed with distinction. The most surprised team were Middlesbrough. I thought Yakubu should have been cautioned after the third of his SEVEN consecutive fouls. He certainly made the most of the penalty incident. Curtis Davies, normally rock solid, was caught out there and maybe was badly positioned for their first goal too, but he'll learn, he's good enough.”

Middlesbrough season ticket holder and chairman of the Middlesbrough Supporters Club Susan Gardener was disappointed Boro didn’t kill off The Albion first time round, but felt the game could have went either way.

“After waiting so long for a home draw in the cup I felt Boro should have done better to win the tie. We knew West Brom would give us a tough game and in that respect we were not disappointed. In all honesty the draw was probably a fair result. Though at times I felt they could have won it, but thankfully we held on to the draw. I certainly do not think the opposition surprised us in any way. We know they are a very good side and play hard attacking football.”

Diomansy Kamara, Kevin Phillips and Jason Koumas gave the Boro back four nightmares at the Riverside and Kamara’s display particularly impressed Gareth Southgate, who is reportedly looking at the Senegalese striker to replace Mark Viduka if the big Aussie does move on at the end of the season. But with the likes of Yakubu, Viduka and Downing in the side, Middlesbrough are always going to pose an attacking threat, but defensively Southgate must be concerned. Despite having the England international Jonathon Woodgate in the heart of the defence and Aussie shotstopper Mark Schwarzer, who was horribly at fault for Kamara’s equaliser, they have managed just one clean sheet in 2007 and are having problems seeing teams off. Hull and Bristol City both found cracks in their back line and, no offence to them, but if they can do it then the pace, skill and guile of Phillips, Kamara and co could easily end Boro’s cup dreams.

Despite their poor form away from home this season, the Teessiders will take some comfort from the fact that they are unbeaten against The Albion in the past six outings. They’ve racked up comfortable 2-0, 3-0 and 4-0 wins in the past four seasons with two away victories at The Hawthorns to boot. However, The Baggies do have the edge in FA Cup meetings, having won two of the three clashes so far, and their home form hasn’t gone unnoticed by Susan. A mouth-watering quarter-final home tie with Premiership leaders Manchester United or surprise package Reading awaits the winner, but Susan, who thought Julio Arca was outstanding in the first meeting, admitted the fans are undecided on who they would rather face in the next round, provided they see off West Brom.

4213: When Teams Decide Not To Play

by : Hugh Larkin

Sir Alex Ferguson said he’d never seen anything like it before but Lille’s march to the touchline was mild, compared to some of the antics that have happened on pitches when teams don’t want to play.

Kuwait v. France 1982 World Cup

Gulf rulers are used to getting what they want and members of the Royal Families usually take major roles in sport. Thus it was that Shiekh Fahad El Saber decided to intervene when the Kuwaiti defence were caught out by a whistle from the crowd and stopped playing- France duly scored.

The French were winning 3-1 anyway but the Kuwaiti FA president stormed down on to the pitch in full robes and demanded that his players leave the field. The upshot was chaotic scenes and a referee who meekly agreed to cancel the goal.

It helped no one really, The French still got a fourth goal, Kuwait went out of the World Cup and the official in charge didn’t get another game in the tournament.

Estonia v. Scotland 1996

Not so much a team storming off, as one that didn’t appear. Bizarrely, Scotland kicked off with no members of the opposition present. They tapped the ball around and then were awarded a 3-0 victory.

As ever with a farce of this kind, the dead hand of FIFA can be found lurking; the Estonian protest was over a late FIFA directive to advance kick off by three hours. The Estonian FA were furious and refused to comply.

Eventually the match was replayed but the best feature was the entirely accurate chanting of the Tartan Army, who reacted by striking up, ‘One team in Tallinn, there’s only one team in Tallinn’.

Burnley v. Blackburn Rovers 1891

Blackburn- Burnley was one of the grudge matches of the Football League’s early years, comparable to Man United-Liverpool today. In this match at Turf Moor a howling blizzard whipped up and at half time all the visiting Blackburn side- a couple with hypothermia- refused to go back out.

All except international keeper Herbie Arthur, proving that crazy keepers are not a modern phenomenon. Facing 11 Burnley players he appealed for offside just after the kick off. He then spent so long delaying the free kick in the dreadful weather that the exasperated referee decided to abandon the game.

Marseilles v. Milan 1991

In the quarter-final of the 1991 European Cup Milan were playing their second leg at Marseilles after the teams drew 1-1 in the first game, After 88 minutes the lights failed, stopping play.

After a time power was restored but by this time Milan were refusing to play on. The fact that they were losing 1-0 at the time may have had something to do with their stance.

UEFA stood firm against this blatant gerrymandering and awarded the tie to the French. UEFA won this test of strength but the situation spurred on the aims of the big clubs to take more control of the competition and helped to create the Champions League.

Denmark v Greek XI 1896 Olympics

Football wasn’t included in the first modern Olympics but someone seems to have had a bright idea to arrange some demonstration games. A pretty talented Danish side took on some scratch Greek teams and gave one of them a 15-0 stuffing.

When the second Greek side ended up 9-0 down at half time in their game, they decided to make sure they wouldn’t ship any further goals by refusing to come out for the second half. The Danes were only too happy not to embarrass their hosts any further.

Singapore v. Thailand 2007

These two nations are the only two to win South East Asian international championship. As expected the two made it to this year’s final and the first leg took place in Singapore. A very tight and physical game turned on the award of late second half penalty to Singapore.

All of the Thai team left the pitch in protest and it took a full fifteen minutes to get them back on. What Alex Ferguson would have made of that is anyone’s guess. Commendably Mustafic Fahrudin blasted the ball into the top corner after his interminable wait.

Hugh Larkin
25 February 2007

4211: Chelsea: Never mind 'will Mour

by : Antony Melvin

Listening to the chatter on the radio in the build up to the Carling Cup Final it is clear that everyone is going to scratch the Mourinho itch until it bleeds. But what truly is the basis for believing that Jose Mourinho will leave this summer? He has stated that he will stay until 2010 - unless he is sacked, and on what basis can anyone truly call him a liar?

Mourinho said, once again, last week:

"There are only two ways for me to leave, one is in June 2010. I finish my contract then, and if the club does not give me a new one, it is the end of my contract and I am out. The second way is for Chelsea to sack me, because there is not a third way - the way the manager decides to leave and walks away. No chance! I would never do this to Chelsea supporters - no chance."

Jose Mourinho is a latter-day Brian Clough - he really is that good. Like Mourinho, Clough was great at organising, motivating and bullying; he would manipulate the press and do whatever was needed to succeed. And he wasn't universally loved. It seems obvious that Mourinho is cut from the same cloth; he will threaten and cajole and generally agitate to get the right conditions for Jose Mourinho to be a success. At Porto he didn't spend vast amounts of money but he threatened to walk out whenever he really needed something; at Benfica he refused the job because he had once fallen out with one of the coaches; at Chelsea he was given whichever players he wanted regardless of price. But these are the preconditions of hiring the best gunslinger - he makes the rules.

And when the conditions are not ideal for Mourinho he makes sure everyone knows about it - and for the first time in England he recently lost out when significant reinforcements weren't bought to plug some gaps in his squad. But is this enough to assume that he is off?

Looking at his agitation at yesterday's match he was clearly living and breathing every decision - even entering the field of play when it all got a bit heated. He is a Chelsea man and believes he can fulfil his goals at Chelsea.

Still the bookmakers and the punters make their pacts; William Hill make Mourinho an even money favourite to go in 2007. On the basis of 'rumours suggesting that Jose Mourinho's future at Chelsea may be under threat'. Yes rumours like bookmakers stating 'rumours suggesting ...'!

One of these rumours is that Roman Abramovich bought a coupld of rounds of drinks for some Chelsea fans before the Carling Cup final and refused to comment on whether Mourinho was staying. Is that enough for everyone?

Here's a scenario for you; Ferguson wins the league or Champions' League and decides to leave on a high. The suits offer him a role 'upstairs' (I've never quite understood why suits seem obsessed with making seniors climb stairs all the time, but there you go) and into the void steps Jose Mourinho - possibly the only man alive with the ego and ability to believe that he can top Ferguson's success.

As a theory it has plenty of holes - but there are easily as many in the theories that abound about Mourinho's imminent departure. Jose Mourinho will decide Jode Mourinho's next move; and if it is away from England then it is English football's loss.

Antony Melvin
25 February 2007

4210: Ibrox revisited: so far, so go

by : Nick Rowles-Davies

It isn’t a common occurrence for a national manager to give up his post to take the helm of a club side, at least not without being sacked. It is usually the other way round. But, this is Walter Smith and Rangers, and the pull from the scene of his previous successes proved too much.

So, despite a very useful start to his spell in the international arena and only just over a year in the job, Walter Smith returned to Ibrox, along with another former Rangers hero as his assistant, Ally McCoist.

It has been an unhappy ten months at Ibrox Stadium since Paul Le Guen replaced Alex McLeish in March 2006. A side which was under performing in comparison to former glories has consummately failed under the Frenchman’s leadership. Some questionable purchases and a lack of consistency were followed by the embarrassing CIS cup defeat at home to first division St Johnstone. The last straw was surely the dropping and demotion of the club’s talismanic leader on the pitch, Barry Ferguson. This proved too much for chairman Sir David Murray and Le Guen left by mutual consent.

His replacement has a great track record at the club. Walter Smith’s previous tenure saw him guide Rangers to seven successive league titles, three Scottish cups and three League cups. In losing only 49 of 266 games played under him in eight seasons he has an impressive record by anyone’s standards.

Smith’s transfer window signings were modest: David Weir from Everton, Ugo Ehiogu from Middlesbrough and Kevin Thomson from Hibs, yet he has made an immediate positive impact.

His first game in charge saw Rangers romp to a 5-0 home defeat of Dundee United. Since then one draw in the league and defeat away to Harpoel Tel-Aviv in the UEFA cup are the only blemishes to his record in the six games he has been back. So far so good.

There are only five SPL games left this season, too little time to make any impact on Celtic’s nineteen point lead, but four wins and a draw have cemented the runners-up spot and a Champions League place. With the side’s confidence definitely on the up and team spirit fully restored it bodes very well for next season’s challenge to Celtic’s crown.

But there is still something to play for. Rangers’ recent 4-0 home-leg victory in the UEFA cup took Smith’s team into the last sixteen of the competition and a tie with Osasuna. This year’s final is at Hampden Park. Walter Smith has turned things round in a few short weeks, and it would be an awful lot to ask to take Rangers to the UEFA cup final, but stranger things have happened. It could yet be a fairytale end to his first season back at Ibrox.

Nick Rowles-Davies
24 February 2007

4209: Carling Cup Final- Key Match-U

by : Hugh Larkin

Every football match is about who wins a series of key contests within the overall pattern. For a Final this tends to be emphasised even more and the Arsenal –Chelsea game is no different. Toure versus Drobga; Adebayor versus Essien; Gilberto versus Lampard – there are fascinating clashes across the park.

Kolo Toure v. Didier Drogba

The Chelsea striker has rampaged his way through the Premiership this year and has been a beacon of consistency, while some of his team mates have lost form or suffered injury.

For the Gunners, Toure has gone very quickly from the coming man to the senior performer in the Arsenal back line- Campbell, Cole and Lauren have all departed in quick succession leaving Toure to martial some newish faces.

The clash of the two Ivorians could well decide the Final. Toure has all the pace but has he got the power to handle his international colleague? The way he was muscled aside at Sheffield United recently is a worry and expect Drogba to test him out in a physical battle.

Manu Adebayor v Michael Essien

John Terry definitely misses the game and Essien is the most likely candidate to take his berth. Of all teams Arsenal are most likely to be the one that Essien can cope with. They are not going to bomb long balls in on the centre backs and the midfielder’s mobility will be useful.

In his usual way though, Adebayor won’t allow Carvalho to simply take him each time; he’ll float around and test the communication between the two. If the new pairing lose him for just a couple of times they are going to pay for it.

Gilberto v Frank Lampard

The England man is still the most dangerous attacking midfielder in the country and Gilberto is going to be back in the trenches to protect the back four, after his more expansive qualities were on display earlier in the campaign.

Let Lampard get within shooting range around the edge of the box too often and he usually delivers. Gilberto needs to play a disciplined game and make sure that he patrols that area at all times.

Cesc Fabregas v Claude Makelele

With Essien out of the midfield fray the burden falls even more on Makelele to stifle Arsenal’s most creative midfielder. However, this isn’t really a traditional man-on-man battle; Fabregas spends a lot of time hanging back and allowing Arsenal’s nominal wide men- Hleb, Rosicky or Ljungberg probably- to go past him and drift into the centre.

Makelele’s role is to pick up these incursions and effectively play a game of chess with Fabregas as he tries to bring in the wide men and his two full backs to outnumber the Chelsea midfield. The two will probably not come into physical contact too often but Makelele will spend the afternoon trying to negate Fabregas and his subtle promptings.

Shaun Wright-Phillips v Gael Clichy

Joe Cole is a long term casualty and Arjen Robben should miss the game too. Is this the moment when Mourinho will turn to Wright-Phillips to be a game winner rather than a squad man?

The Chelsea boss can block up the centre if he wants to but surely some width is going to be needed to stretch Arsenal out. No side is more formidable if their players are allowed to sit closely with each other and keep the passing short. Chelsea will need an outlet and Shevchenko might not be it.

Hugh Larkin
24 February 2007

4208: Liverpool v Sheffield United:

by : Alex Wolstenholme

A 4-0 win for Liverpool against Sheffield United on Saturday was helped by two first-half penalty awards, the first of which highlighted the task facing referee Steve Bennett and his colleagues on a week-by-week basis.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez had no doubts about the award, saying: "The second penalty was very clear, and for the first one the referee was watching, and he'd warned the lad just before not to do it.

"He had his arms around Steven, it was unnecessary and the referee was just there watching."

Interestingly, opposite number Neil Warnock did not deny that defender Rob Kozluk had his hands around Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, commenting: "I said to Kozluk before he went out, 'don't get involved with your arms in the box' so he doesn't listen to me, does he?"

So, agreement all round then?

Not so fast.

Warnock then went on to say: "Steve Bennett just rules by the laws of the game, he says that is consistency. He needs to understand the game more.

"It's the England captain looking at Steve Bennett and saying 'you've got to give a penalty here.'

"If Steve Bennett knew a bit more about the game and not the rules inside out, he'd be a really top referee. He's a manufactured referee."

So the referee is getting pelters because he referees by the rules of the game! Managers want consistency but they also say they want common sense and the two things are incompatible.

Of course there are issues with the people who make the laws, the laws they come up and with players who go down in and around the box far more easily than they would if the same challenge had been around the halfway line.

But the rules are known to everyone before the game starts. If Mr Warnock had warned his defender before kick-off then he and the player involved are well aware of what those rules are.

Arguing that 'this kind of thing' is somehow all part of the game, a secret code of pulls and nudges that only the chosen ones who have played professionally know about, simply doesn't wash.

By all means have a pop at the law itself, or Gerrard for going down too easily if that is what you think, but criticising a referee for applying the rules correctly is a new one on me.

4206: Carling Cup Final Preview; Ch

by : Stephen Orford

The first domestic silverware of the season is handed out this Sunday (February 25) when Chelsea and Arsenal meet in the Carling Cup final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

The clash is the first ever all-London League Cup final, adding extra incentive to both clubs despite the perceived reduction in the competition’s prestige in recent years. Indeed, Jose Mourinho’s first success with Chelsea came in this competition in 2005, while the trophy remains the only one yet to appear on the cv of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

For all of that, Wenger looks likely to stick by the fringe players which have brought the club to this point. All of Thierry Henry, Gilberto Silva and Freddie Ljungberg have already been told that their services will not be required against Mourinho’s men, handing the spotlight instead to the likes of Jeremie Aliadiere, Julio Baptista and Theo Walcott. Few sides score six at Anfield as Arsenal did in their January quarter-final, and Wenger has every faith that his youngsters can trouble the Premiership champions in this one.

The Frenchman may be forced into one or two defensive changes, however, as both Justin Hoyte and Gael Clichy remain doubtful. Hoyte has a hamstring problem while Clichy is the victim of a foot injury, although the latter’s position was always under threat from 17-year-old starlet Armand Traore. The right-back role will probably go to Johan Djourou should Hoyte fail to recover, with Philippe Senderos partnering Kolo Toure in the centre of defence.

By contrast Mourinho will field a relatively experienced side, which could yet include former Arsenal road-hog Ashley Cole. The England defender has been missing since damaging knee ligaments in the 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at the end of January, but is included in the squad after playing 60 minutes for the reserves in midweek. Off-setting that possible boost is the loss of England captain John Terry, who turned an ankle in Wednesday’s Champions League draw at FC Porto (February 21). The England captain has been ruled out of the Cardiff showpiece, although Mourinho insists that his defensive lynch-pin is in contention for a return at Portsmouth next weekend.

Michael Essien looks likely to switch from midfield to the centre of defence to fill the void, as Khalid Boulahrouz remains on the sidelines with a shoulder injury. Essien will be partnered by Chelsea’s only fit and recognised specialist central defender Ricardo Carvalho, and the Ghanain’s absence in midfield may prompt Mourinho to use Arjen Robben in a wide role. A strong-looking midfield trio of Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack are all available to help the Blues thwart the creative probing of Arsenal’s Spanish star Cesc Fabregas.

That area looks likely to be key in what could be an extremely tight encounter. Arsenal’s second string will play with little fear against their star-studded city rivals, and with the experience of the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Toure helping them along, will prove more than a match for a Terry-less Chelsea.

An open game would seem to suit the Gunners best, so look for an adventurous approach from Wenger’s men. If they can win enough possession then they have the firepower to severely dent Chelsea hopes, but the champions will offer their own attacking threat with the likes of Robben, Didier Drogba and a seemingly revitalised Andriy Shevchenko.

Arsenal have not beaten Chelsea since a 2-1 success three years ago this month, but at prediction time there is a nagging feeling that their barren streak may be about to come to an end. All the pressure will be on Chelsea to put Arsenal’s scratch side in its place, but Petr Cech could be a more pivotal figure than many people have suggested.

Verdict; Chelsea 1 Arsenal 2 (after extra-time)

By Stephen Orford

23 February 2007

4198: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Premi

by : Antony Melvin

With Chelsea (2) and Arsenal (4) playing in the League Cup Final on Sunday; the match of the weekend in the Premiership is at the bottom. Charlton (19) are at home to West Ham (18) and there are so many subtexts - one of the two must go down, the two teams started the season with the opposite manager not to mention the London rivalry. Elsewhere Watford (20) could move up to eighteenths with victory over Everton (8); whilst Wigan (17) host Newcastle (9) hoping to keep the bottom three at arms length. At the top Manchester United will return from their stormy match in Lens to the more sedate climes of west London in their trip to Fulham (14) - a win would put United nine points clear. And will Liverpool (3) still be dreaming of European adventure when Sheffield United (15) visit.

Saturday, 24 February 2007

Charlton Athletic (19) vs West Ham United (18), KO 15:00

The big game of the day and its a game that neither side can really afford to even draw never mind lose. Wigan are starting to pick up - or at least threaten to pick up - points again; and Watford are in better form than all three of their relegation rivals. Charlton have the edge in form; but that will count for nothing in an edgy, grouchy London derby that could be decided by a single error or a deflection off the referees arse. Anything could happen.

Fans' view
Can Darren Bent go all Lone Ranger for Charlton?

FORM
Charlton Athletic Last 10; W2, D2, L6, F7, A18
West Ham United Last 10; W1, D2, L7, F10, A19

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 1-0

Fulham (14) vs Manchester United (1), KO 12:45

Fulham are the latest team to stand in the way of the Manchester Juggernaught and one win in four is inadequate preparation. Looking at the purpose and desire of the United team at Spurs it is likely that they will play the game at a high tempo and look to score a bunch of goals. United are going for the title - whereas Fulham have little but the summer holidays to look forward to; United should be motivated to win.

United have the motivation to beat Fulham

FORM
Fulham Last 10; W3, D4, L3, F16, A18
Manchester United Last 10; W7, D2, L1, F22, A8

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 1-3
Antony Melvin: 1-3
Stephen Orford: 1-3

Liverpool (3) vs Sheffield United (15), KO 15:00

Liverpool regularly slip up after a Euro away day, and despite being at home to a bottom half team - you get the feeling that Liverpool would rather not face a snarling, fight-for-your-lives team like Neil Warnock usually sends out. Two wins in the last three show that the Blades are playing well enough to avoid the drop. And although it would be a shock on paper - a draw here would not be a huge surprise.

FORM
Liverpool Last 10; W6, D1, L3, F18, A13
Sheffield United Last 10; W3, D1, L6, F10, A17

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 3-0
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 2-0

Middlesbrough (12) vs Reading (6), KO 15:00

Middlesbrough have drifted through their first season under Gareth Southgate but at least they have kept the relegation party at arms length. The Yakubu/Viduka partnership is turning into one of the most prolific in the top flight and the vast majority of games end up with one or other on the scoresheet. As to Reading they are one of the form teams of the division, scoring as many goals as anyone. If Reading win here then a top six finish seems very, very likely - but Middlesbrough are a good home team.

FORM
Middlesbrough Last 10; W3, D6, L1, F20, A16
Reading Last 10; W7, D2, L1, F26, A12

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Draw
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 1-1

Watford (20) vs Everton (8), KO 17:15

Watford have edged closer and closer to safety in recent weeks and face an Everton side struggling to get on terms with the top six. Watford are dangerous opponents and in Ben Foster a keeper who is growing in stature each week - two goals conceded in the last four games means that any goals scored result in points. Difficult one to call after Everton's performance in the week.

FORM
Watford Last 10; W5, D1, L4, F10, A13
Everton Last 10; W4, D3, L3, F12, A9

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 1-1
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 0-0

(league position before this round of matches in brackets)

4205: Manchester United: Mind the Ga

by : Kieran McHugh

Earlier this season Manchester United missed out on the chance to put clear distance between themselves and Chelsea in their bid to regain the Championship. Late goals at the Emirates, coupled with a Liverpool win over Chelsea the previous day, meant nothing changed at the very top of the table after Grand Slam Sunday.

At the time Jose Mourinho declared himself happy that Chelsea had come through a sticky patch with injuries and loss of form, hinting that United might regret not pulling away when given the chance. With Chelsea not in league action this weekend, they could trail United by 9 points on Saturday evening. Even if they walk away with the first domestic silverware on offer this season, it could still be a bad week for Chelsea.

John Terry’s ankle injury on Wednesday reopened the debate regarding Chelsea’s defensive cover. Terry’s absence earlier this season contributed to an alarming defensive frailty that could prove decisive in the final analysis. In the last two Championship seasons Chelsea have always been defined more by their solidity in defence than their irresistibility in attack. Should the captain be out for any significant length of time, it’s difficult to see Chelsea overhauling United in the run in.

Their problems could yet get worse. United play twice before Chelsea have a chance to start the process of reeling them in. A win against Fulham at Craven Cottage would be par for the course. Should they take those points, a win at Anfield, not a given by any means, would give Ferguson a 12 point cushion over a Chelsea side about to take the field at Fratton Park. In that sort of environment Mourinho needs men like Terry to be fit.

Further examination of the fixture list provides more evidence that Chelsea simply do not have the depth in their squad to battle on four fronts, whilst United could yet add another league title and keep something in the tank for a challenge in Europe. Ferguson has made his distaste for replays quite clear in the past and it should be no surprise if many of his recognised first teamers are rested against Reading in the FA Cup.

The importance of pulling clear of Chelsea in the league overrides any desire to triumph at Wembley in May. Given Mourinho’s past attempts to wound United psychologically for their inability to put distance between the sides, the significance of a 12 point lead is unlikely to be lost on as wily an operator as Ferguson. A win at Fulham is vital. Even a point at Anfield should be enough to allow Sir Alex to crank up the pressure on Chelsea.

With the season getting to the sharp end United are still clear and are favourites. Any slips from them in their next two games will give Chelsea some belief that they can go to the crunch match against their rivals in with a shout. Any slips from Chelsea though are likely to be catastrophic.

There is a world of difference between a 6 point gap and a 12 point gap with two games in hand. With fixture congestion and the Champions League likely to play their parts in the destiny of the 2006/07 title United appear to be holding the aces.

The league title would mark a return to form for Ferguson and United. It would represent a successful season on its own and herald greater things to come from this side. For Chelsea it is now the minimum requirement. To relinquish the title and still record a successful season would mean winning the Champions League. Not out of the realms of possibility with the players at Mourinho’s disposal, but still a big ask. In terms of the league title though, a smiling Fergie and ticker tape at Old Trafford is becoming easier to imagine.

4200: Have Chelsea Gambled Too Much?

by : Hugh Larkin

It could be a riddle to rival the Sphinx and a mystery to sit with the location of Atlantis. Just how does a side prepared to be £80 million in debt to builds a super squad and to pay players over £100,000 a week, get themselves to a point where they have no decent cover for the centre-back positions?

The news that John Terry will miss more Chelsea games- first up a Cup Final- after his injury against Porto, will have sent a shudder down the spine of every Chelsea fan. Khalid Boulahrouz is also out injured and it leaves the club with one recognised central defender- Ricardo Carvalho.

The prospect of Michael Essien or even Paulo Ferreira (unlikely given the way he deals with crosses- i.e. not at all) stepping into the back line is a grim one. Great talent that Essien is, central defender is not his best spot and even if he plays well, Chelsea lose his drive in the midfield.

It beggars belief that Chelsea are in this mess. For many seasons now it has been a maxim of many managers to have four strikers to rotate and provide cover up front. The same applies to the centre back positions, though with less publicity.

Title rivals Manchester United have the Ferdinand-Vidic pairing in place and no less than 4 options to replace them if pushed- Brown, O’Shea, Silvestre and Neville. Arsenal have Toure, Senderos, Gallas and Djourou. Liverpool use Carragher, Agger and Hyppia and are grooming Palletta to step in.

When he took over at Chelsea Jose Mourinho talked of wanting two players to cover every position. At centre back that meant Terry, Carvalho, William Gallas and Robert Huth. What happened though was the inevitable problem of trying to keep international players happy on the bench.

Gallas felt frustrated at playing out of his position at full back (though he seems happy enough to do it at Arsenal) and Huth was an international player who rarely got a game in a match of importance.

Chelsea argue that they could do little over the Gallas row that led to his move but it seemed at the time a bold decision to allow Huth to go to Middlesbrough over the same transfer period. Boulahrouz came in from Hamburg and though there may be doubts about his ability now, at the time he was seen as a quality defender.

That still meant only 3 senior, specialist centre backs though, while expensive additions were made to the midfield and striker positions. In itself that appeared to be a bit of gamble but matters became worse when injuries struck Terry midway through the campaign. Jose Mourinho clearly wanted to get another defender on board in the transfer window and it didn’t happen.

The Blues leaked goals in his absence and they are likely to do the same again now. The murky politics at Stamford Bridge suggested that the bosses would not back Mourinho to sign a new player- though if that is the case it begs the question of why Tal Ben Haim came so close to moving there from Bolton, because surely money was not an obstacle?

After tipping up so much cash to build a super team it hardly seems good sense to start haggling about the right price for am emergency signing with so much at stake.
Whatever the reason for the situation someone, or a group, has made a huge mistake.

It’s now a question of waiting to see if they get away with that error. Chelsea have the players to cover up a great many deficiencies but the chances of landing multiple trophies have become much slimmer.

Chelsea may negotiate this Carling Cup Final but if Terry is out for any length of time the team are going to pay. If he comes back faster than expected and Chelsea maintain their challenges on all fronts, this still seems a strange way to run a football club when millions and millions have been invested. What is ‘I told you so’ in Portuguese?

Hugh Larkin
22 February 2007

4207: Charlton vs West Ham – the fan

by : Colin Illingworth

When you’re still searching for your first away Premiership win of the season the last place you want to go is somewhere where you have only won once in the league in your history, especially when both teams are fighting for their lives. And to add extra spice to proceedings, former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley makes his first return to The Valley while former West Ham boss Alan Pardew comes face to face with the man who sacked him almost three months ago.

Charlton v West Ham is the biggest game of the weekend by a country mile and will go some way to decide who will be sent through the Premiership’s trap door come May. And the smart money is on a Charlton victory, leaving West Ham all but resigned to the drop.

Since Alan Pardew’s arrival the Addicks have picked up eight points from a possible 24, but it’s been the complete transformation in the spirit and form of the players that has got their fans confident of beating the drop. Before Christmas the players seemed resigned to relegation as Liverpool and Tottenham walked all over them without so much of a whimper. However, since the turn of the year, the old fighting spirit and belief is back and Charlton fans are much more confident of the future.

It’s a stark contrast from the normally Happy Hammers. They have watched their side fall deeper into despair under Alan Curbishley with rumours of unrest in the dressing room circulating around the football community. They’ve picked up six points under the former Charlton man and the lack of urgency and fight from the players has been alarming. They have seen their side humiliated by Reading at the Madejski 6-0 and a fortnight ago they missed out on a golden opportunity to pull themselves away from the foot of the table as they were turned over at home by basement boys Watford. Today they travel to The Valley, where they haven’t won in the league since 1957, looking for their first away win of the season and lifelong Irons fan Matthew Beeby doesn’t believe he’ll be celebrating come 4.50pm.

“I honestly think we'll struggle. A win against Watford would have set us up for this in a completely different frame of mind. Sadly now I suspect that Curbs will just go there hoping not to lose. He clearly has no idea how to get the team fired up. If the rumours are true, he doesn't even speak to the team, just leaves tactics pinned up on a board. He should go there all guns blazing, try and put pressure on the leakiest defence in the league. But we all know he'll go there cautiously, hoping to fluke a goal.”

Charlton’s top striker Darren Bent looks set to make his first start of 2007 and following their recent encouraging performances, coupled with West Ham’s brittle confidence, the Addicks look odds on favourite for the three points, but Charlton fan Daniel Henderson isn’t getting ahead of himself.

“The way things have been going it should be a Charlton banker but I refuse to get too confident after the season we've had. It always seems that when we think we've turned the corner we get stung. I just hope we get a decent refereeing performance on the day. I won't get drawn into predicting scores because its usually the kiss of death ...I'm just praying!”

West Ham’s new owner Eggart Magnusson was quick to wield the axe on Alan Pardew following a disastrous run of form and it’s alleged that Alan Curbishley has just three games to save himself from the chop. Matthew, who was at Upton Park the night West Ham put in a shameful showing against Wigan, believes it would only be fair if Curbishley was handed the same fate.

“It seems reasonable to me – managers have been sacked after much better runs of form than Curbs has had. I think it's fair to same that the club has gone backwards since he came in, and only a miracle will keep us up right now.”

That miracle may come in the form of big money signing Matthew Upson passing a late fitness test. The former Birmingham defender was injured on his debut, but could be back to shore up the leaky Hammers’ back line. And with West Ham’s paltry four goals on their travel this season, his aerial threat could be vital at set pieces.

The feeling among the pundits is that this is going to be a tense and cagey affair with neither side willing to commit too many men forward. However, Alan Pardew loves to attack and with the players at his disposal, and his inside knowledge of the weaknesses of the Upton Park players, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Charlton really go for it.

West Ham were victorious on the opening day of the season against Charlton as Lee Bowyer inspired the Hammers to come back from one down to beat the 10-men of Charlton. Offered a 1-0 win right now and Alan Curbishley, and the entire West Ham faithful, would snap your hand off. He might even do the same for a draw as defeat is simply unimaginable, but that is the same for both clubs.

Three points will set either side up for the crucial run in, and the fans will be on cloud nine as dreams of the Great Escape gather pace, but defeat will see the fans searching for the A-Z of the Championship.

Prediction: Charlton 2 West Ham 1

Colin Illingworth
23 February 2007

4204: The Hammers: up or down?

by : Nick Rowles-Davies

It has not been a great season for West Ham. Last season they finished a respectable ninth with a UEFA cup spot. Perhaps this was punching above their weight; after all they came up as surprise play-off winners having finished sixth in the Championship the year before.

This year however their form has been pitiful, not having achieved back to back league victories all season, they are a club in disarray. The season has reeled from one fiasco to another. The Argentinean transfer deadline debacle, the take-over and then the sacking of Alan Pardew who has produced consistent over-performance in the club’s return to the Premiership.

In short West Ham have eleven games to catch and overtake Wigan to stay in the Premiership and avoid the financial disaster which faces any club relegated to the Championship.

Their fixture list starts with Saturday’s visit to The Valley and would be a perfect place to start their revival. Not only is it the home of relegation rivals Charlton, but also a visit to former manager Pardew’s new home and the old stamping ground of manager Alan Curbishley.

On paper it is a winnable game – more so than Curbishley’s first game in charge at home to leaders Manchester United and the scene of their last league victory. The team showed grit, determination and a desire that has been lacking in recent weeks and which resulted in a deserved three points. Charlton come to this game on the back of two defeats but they were to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively.

Both sides’ form is indifferent but the last few weeks have seen a positive change in Charlton’s outlook, contrasting with bad luck through injury and what seems to be a lack of appetite at Upton Park. The east enders must come away with at least honours equal and a point. A defeat could signal a Charlton revival and doom for The Hammers.

Whilst the next game is important the ten that follow will be as vital to West Ham. They include a visit to Arsenal and last day trip to Old Trafford where Manchester United may be looking for three points to win the league and to exorcise the ghost of 1995.

In some quarters it is suggested that the key to their survival is a striker who has not kicked a ball in anger all season.

Dean Ashton made an immediate impact when he moved from Norwich City for over £7m in January 2006. At Norwich, and previously at Crewe, he was a prolific scorer and all the signs were that he was set for a good first full term at West ham, until disaster struck and he broke his ankle on the eve of this season.

Ashton is set to return to training shortly; the sooner the better for his club. If he is fit enough to play in even the last few of the remaining fixtures, including a trip to Wigan at the end of April, then West Ham have a chance.

Nick Rowles-Davies
22 February 2007

4203: Arsenal's Road to Cardiff

by : Colin Illingworth

Arsene Wenger has won it all in the English game, everything that is except the Carling Cup. They haven’t lifted the trophy since 1993 when they did the Cup Double over Sheffield Wednesday and will be most neutrals favourites for success on Sunday due to their excellent crop of youngsters. The young guns have provided the competition with some of the most memorable matches this season, but can they cap off an extraordinary campaign with cup glory? Following that result at Anfield you’d be a mug to back against it.

WEST BROM 0 ARSENAL 2

Jeremie Aliadere was the star of the show for Arsenal as Wenger’s youngsters started their march to Cardiff with an impressive 2-0 win at the Hawthorns. The young Frenchman, who was on loan at the Baggies’ arch-rivals Wolves last season, scored the first from the spot after being brought down in the box. Tony Mowbray’s first team made it difficult for last season’s beaten Champions League finalists, but they soon found themselves two down after the break. Theo Walcott delivered a clever free kick that found Aliadere, who finished the game with a first-time strike. The young guns had booked themselves into the fourth round of the competition with a tie against fellow Premiership outfit Everton.

EVERTON 0 ARSENAL 1

Despite the quality of the opposition Arsene Wenger stayed true to his beliefs and kept faith with the youngsters for the trip to Goodison Park. The game as a spectacle though was ruined after 19 minutes when controversial referee Graham Poll showed a red card to James McFadden for swearing. Clearly aggrieved by the miscarriage of justice, the Everton fans were up in arms as Poll repeatedly ignored their penalty claims. But despite having the bulk of possession it took Arsenal five minutes from time to secure the victory, as Emmanuel Adebayor climbed above Yobo to head Arsenal into the fifth round with another trip to Merseyside waiting in store.

LIVERPOOL 3 ARSENAL 6

Three days earlier Arsenal’s senior squad knocked the FA Cup holders out of the competition and everyone thought this would be an ideal opportunity for Liverpool to get revenge against the second string. How wrong they were! One of the most incredible matches of the season saw the Beast come to life with four goals at Anfield. Jeremie Aliadere got the ball rolling by putting the Gunners one up after a tepid first 25 minutes before Robbie Fowler got Liverpool back on level terms. The game then really sprung into life as Baptista scored with an awesome free kick before Song Billong and that man Baptista made it 4-1 before half-time. Baptista proved that not everything he touched turned to gold by having a penalty saved by Dudek before he finally grabbed his hat trick after the hour mark. Gerrard pulled one back with a stunning volley and Hyypia’s header with 10 minutes remaining set up hopes of a comeback of Istanbul proportions, but it wasn’t to be as Arsenal launched a classic counter attack. Aliadere used his blinding pace to get to the by-line before cutting it back for Baptista to grab his fourth and Arsenal’s sixth. It was the first time Liverpool had conceded six at home since 1930 and Liverpool were left to lick their wounds after one of their worst beatings ever. Up next for Arsenal was their north London rivals Tottenham.

SPURS 2 ARSENAL 2

Arsene Wenger resisted the temptation to play his first string against his nearest and dearest, opting to stick with the boys who had got them this far. But after 20 minutes it looked as though his faith was misguided as Spurs took an early 2-0 lead with strikes from Berbatov and an own goal from Anfield hero Baptista. Wenger didn’t panic though and they continued to create chances in the hostile environment at the Lane. The Gunners turned up the heat in the second half and were justly rewarded just after the hour mark as the Beast played a neat one-two with Theo Walcott before slamming the ball past Robinson. 10 minutes later the Gunners were level and it was that man Baptista again. Justin Hoyte broke down the right and Paul Robinson made a dreadful error trying to close him down allowing Hoyte to simply put the ball in the box to an unmarked Baptista to tie things up. And it could have been worse for Spurs as Theo Walcott and Cesc Fabregas both had glorious efforts to eclipse the Anfield triumph.

ARSENAL 3 SPURS 1 (AET)

The young guns were just 90 minutes away from capping an extraordinary campaign with a place in the final but it took extra time to finally see them through. The intensity of the Lane wasn’t apparent in the first half as Arsenal had the majority of the ball, but failed to break down the Tottenham rear guard. The tempo increased in the second half as tempers started to flare and with the game looking destined for extra time Emmanuel Adebayor raced on to a Tomas Rosicky through ball to beat Robinson and put the Gunners in the lead on aggregate. However, Tottenham, to their credit refused to give up and got themselves level when Mido guided Jenas’s excellent free kick into the back of the net. The game exploded into life after this with both sides having excellent chances to win it at the death, but extra time was needed. Aliadere, who got the Gunners on to winning ways in the third round against West Brom, looked to have finally booked Arsenal’s place in the final against Chelsea with a stunning strike at the end of the first period of extra time, but Tomas Rosicky made sure of it when his superb run and shot clipped the inside of the post before ricocheting off Chimbonda on the goal line to give the Gunners an aggregate 5-3 victory over their rivals. It was a fitting end to an extraordinary campaign, but can the young guns now go one further and actually lift the Carling Cup? We’ll have to wait and see.

Colin Illingworth
23 February 2007

4202: Chelsea's Road to Cardiff

by : Colin Illingworth

On Sunday, Chelsea get their chance to put the first of potentially four trophies in the Stamford Bridge trophy room when they take on Arsenal’s young guns. It should prove to be more of a contest than last season’s final between Manchester United and Wigan as two of the game’s top sides and rivals lock horns in Cardiff. But here we take a look back at how they got to Cardiff in the first place.

BLACKBURN 0 CHELSEA 2

Chelsea began their march to Cardiff with a potentially tricky trip to Ewood Park. Mark Hughes’s Blackburn Rovers know how to ruffle a few feathers but Mourinho’s men proved their strength by easily seeing off the Lancashire side’s threat. Joe Cole capped his first start of the season with a second half strike before Salomon Kalou wrapped up a deserved win by capitalising on a spill by Brad Friedel. Rovers created their fair share of chances in an entertaining tie but the Champions quality shone through to book a fourth round tie at home against Aston Villa.

CHELSEA 4 ASTON VILLA 0

Martin O’Neill’s Aston Villa fancied their chances after watching Tottenham turn over Chelsea at White Hart Lane just days previously, but if anything, that defeat just spurred the Blues on to prove it was just a slip-up. It took Frank Lampard 30 minutes to break down Villa’s resolute defence with a clinical header and was another half an hour before Shevchenko doubled the lead with another header. Chelsea continued to knock on the door and capped an emphatic performance with late goals by Michael Essien and Didier Drogba. Up next for Mourinho’s men was another Premiership side in the form of Newcastle away.

NEWCASTLE 0 CHELSEA 1

Newcastle put in a brave account of themselves at St James’ Park and were only denied from pulling off a great cup shock by a slice of sheer brilliance by Didier Drogba. The Ivory Coast international came off the bench to bag his 17th goal of the season with a perfectly placed free kick. Newcastle came within inches of taking an early lead when Obafemi Martins let fly with a 30-yard thunderbolt which struck the underside of the bar, falling right on the goal line before bouncing back into play and out to safety. Nicky Butt then came close with a volley before the under-fire Shevchenko smacked the post with a shot against the run of play. Lampard, Ballack and Drogba were all introduced into the action but it was Drogba’s sublime free kick that split the sides. Frank Lampard almost doubled the score late on after picking up a scuffed clearance by Given, but the England international could only hit the post from 40 yards out. However, Drogba’s strike was enough to win any game and it set-up a semi-final date with League Two side Wycombe.

WYCOMBE 1 CHELSEA 1

After three ties against Premiership outfits Chelsea finally had their first relatively easy game against Paul Lambert’s Wycombe, but it turned out to be anything but easy. The Choirboys started the game brightly, creating a number of chances, before Chelsea, who were missing Drogba, Shevchenko and Terry among others, showed their class. Wayne Bridge had a volley cleared off the line but the former Southampton defender wasn’t going to be denied for long. Kalou played a clever ball through to Bridge who expertly lobbed the ball over the onrushing Wycombe keeper to bravely put the Champions one up. However, instead of turning the screw, Chelsea decided to sit back and soak up the pressure from the Adams Park side and they were made to pay for it with 13 minutes left to go as Craig Easter latched on to a flick by Tommy Mooney to beat Hilario. And it nearly got worse for Chelsea as Stefan Oakes almost scored with a free kick, which agonisingly went over the bar.

CHELSEA 4 WYCOMBE 0

Following their scare at Adams Park Chelsea were not going to blow their impressive home record to a side from League Two and it took Shevchenko just 22 minutes to put the Blues ahead after a defensive blunder. Wycombe upped their game and Easter missed a glorious opportunity to level things before the former AC Milan striker doubled his tally with a volley. Frank Lampard ensured the Blues’ place in the final by linking up with Shevchenko before rounding the keeper to making it three and he grabbed his second of the night with a last-minute strike. It was a professional display by the Champions and Arsenal will have their work cut out for them on Sunday.

Colin Illingworth
23 February 2007

4201: Lack Of Away Goal Gives Koeman

by : Hugh Larkin

For a team as fluent in attack as Arsenal, it will have been a major disappointment to come away from Eindhoven without an away goal. For PSV boss Ronald Koeman, it’s provided him with exactly the opportunity he wanted.

The importance of away goals in two leg European ties can’t be overstated. This explains Arsene Wenger’s glum countenance after Tuesday. A 2-1 defeat is a lot better than a 1-0. Statistics of European games since 1971-72 show that teams losing 2-1 in the first leg qualify more often.

Conversely, teams that lose 1-0 are on the wrong end of matters. In fact they only make progress 40% of the time. On the face of it, 1-0 is a decent effort but it does mean having to score twice to take the tie. Villarreal couldn’t do it against Arsenal in last year’s semi-final. The real bind though is if the opponents score- should PSV net one at the Emirates, Arsenal are going to have to chase three goals to get past them.

This is where Koeman sees his chance. On paper PSV are not considered to be as strong as Arsenal but what they have got is a manager who knows exactly how to get the maximum from a team over a two leg tie. He has massive experience as both player and manager at this level.

Leading as he does one of Europe’s relatively medium sized clubs, the former Dutch international isn’t burdened with having to provide his crowd with gung-ho entertainment. That’s why he didn’t have to throw his team forward with all guns blazing in the first leg.

He knew- and his supporters knew it too- that there was little point trying to kill the tie in one match if it allowed Arsenal chances to exploit space. A few years ago the Gunners administered a 4-0 caning on the same ground and some of the players will have remembered that.

A 1-0 win would have been his minimum target from the first leg-anything more than that would have been a bonus. He can now set his team up to play on the counter at the Emirates and force Arsenal to make the game. The longer PSV keep a clean sheet the more pressure he’ll heap on the home side.

Koeman has form in this area. Last season his Benfica side beat Liverpool by the same 1-0 scoreline in Lisbon. In the return at Anfield, his side were able to hold Liverpool easily and the pressure eventually led to Benfica running out 2-0 victors.

Arsenal obviously have the firepower to get past the Dutch side but their play will have to be tempered with caution. They would love an early goal to settle the nerves. However, they will need to assume that PSV will begin with limited ambition and that they may go the whole first half without a score.

Patience will have to be Arsenal’s watchword and they do have the forensic skills to dismantle even the best of teams. There is still everything to play for in the tie but the result in Eindhoven means that the return leg will go right to the wire.

The Gunners will only be comfortable if they can score three times. While they only have one, or even two, the tie will remain totally in the balance. It will be the most nervous of nights for the club but if they get through Arsenal might think their name is on the trophy. Ronald Koeman and his tactical acumen stand in the way.

Hugh Larkin
22 February 2007

4199: Shevchenko earning second seas

by : Paul Meadows

Sunday, 25 February 2007

Blackburn Rovers (11) vs Portsmouth (7), KO 15:00

After a disappointing exit in Europe will Blackburn be able to pick themselves up for the long Premiership run-in? Portsmouth are slowly drifting away from the top six on the back of some indifferent form and this match does have a slight air of resignation about it. Should be a cracker!

FORM
Blackburn Rovers: Last 10; W3, D2, L5, F12, A12
Portsmouth Last 10; W3, D3, L4, F11, A12

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 0-0
Stephen Orford: 1-1

Tottenham Hotspur (10) vs Bolton Wanderers (5), KO 15:00

After some good recent form Spurs are finally making their late, late charge for a top six place, with two consecutive league wins. Bolton on the other hand are actually contemplating a top four finish and certainly a club record points tally. Two good teams in decent form - this could go either way.

FORM
Tottenham Hotspur Last 10; W4, D2, L4, F20, A17
Bolton Wanderers Last 10; W4, D3, L3, F14, A16

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Wigan Athletic (17) vs Newcastle United (9), KO 13:00

Are Wigan going to start converting some good performances into a set of results that would ease them clear of the dead men below them. A six point cushion is nice to have but the odd home win would help enormously. Newcastle are going well at the moment and although sixth placed Reading are seven points distant, Newcastle will hope to win here and kick on for the top few.

FORM
Wigan Athletic Last 10; W1, D1, L8, F9, A23
Newcastle United Last 10; W5, D3, L2, F20, A18

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Antony Melvin: 0-1
Stephen Orford: 1-1

(league position before this round of matches in brackets)If Chelsea offload Andrei Shevchenko at the end of the season, it could well be a decision they live to regret.

When you consider Chelsea are still fighting for every competition available to them at the start of the season with little over three months to run, including a third successive Premiership title and that elusive UEFA Champions League trophy, 'disaster' is hardly a word appropriate for their campaign. Yet to describe Shevchenko's spell at Stamford Bridge with the same word could perhaps be judged as harsh but fair.

Much was expected of the San Siro legend when he turned up in England back in August. And after scoring the type of goal that has had fans purring for him over the years against Liverpool in the Community Shield, this expectancy only heightened. His first league goal came in the second game of the season against Middlesbrough, yet it took him another two months to find the net in front of his new fans. And aside from another strike against the team propping up the division, his shooting boots have largely been redundant.

But crucially, it isn't his lack of goals that is the real problem for Jose Mourinho's side. Because as much as the Portuguese likes to bemoan the amount of injuries his key players have picked up this term, equally as damaging is the change of formation and tactics used to accommodate the misfiring Ukrainian. Didier Drogba may have benefited from this, yet goodness knows how Roman Abramovich would judge the season had the Ivorian not been in such glorious form.

So with former club AC Milan and even Juventus said to be interested in bringing him back to Italy, the summer could be the perfect time for the Londoners to cut their losses on Shevchenko. Offloading a player who has found the net just three times in the league since a £30million arrival may seem like a good idea in theory, particularly as a further twelve months of lacklustre performances would only serve to diminish his value even more.

On the other hand, the 30-year-old insists he is finally getting to grips with life in England and The Premiership. At Milan he was the key man whose job description was limited to a single sentence: 'score goals'. Now though, just as Chelsea have had to change their game to suit his inclusion, he too has had to change into more of a team player than an out-and-out goalscorer.

And although his performances of late have signalled a marked improvement, he is honest enough to accept he has been nowhere near his best this season, yet he remains confident he can still go on and become a success in this country. He also points to the fact that his move from Milan was rushed before the World Cup finals in Germany, then pre-season training with his new club in a new environment began shortly after the tournament finished.

Shevchenko isn't the first foreign player to need time to settle in England, and he sure won't be the last. Yet whether Chelsea can afford him the luxury of a speculation-free summer in order to get himself fitter and fresher for next season is a decision which will require more thought than some imagine.

After all, who wouldn't want a 100% fit and sharp Andrei Shevchenko in their side? Particularly if he can just remember where he left those damn shooting boots...

Paul Meadows
22 February 2007

4197: Prediction Panel 2006/7: UEFA

by : Antony Melvin

Three games, tonight, involving British teams in the UEFA Cup. Blackburn kick off the night, bizarrely at five past six, with the second leg of a teasingly balanced tie. The first leg was a good game with plenty of chances and little midfield protection offered to the defences - tonight could be a tighter affair. Newcastle will complete their fairly routine dismantling of Waregem at quarter to eight; and twenty minutes later Rangers play Hapoel Tel Aviv. The trip to play Israeli teams (wherever they are staged) is always difficult and Rangers will fully expect to qualify after scoring an away goal.

Thursday, 22 February 2007

Blackburn Rovers vs Bayer Leverkusen (agg 2-3), KO 18:05

The late deflected goal scored by Nonda in Germany gives hope to a Rovers team that has to win to progress. This could be a tight game because the first leg demonstrated Leverkusen's ability to maintain possession and tonight's game is unlikely to be as open.

FORM
Blackburn Last 10; W4, D1, L5, F16, A13
Bayer Leverkusen Last 10; W5, D2, L3, F16, A15

PREDICTIONS
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Hugh Larkin; 2-1

Newcastle United vs Zulte-Waregem (agg 3-1), KO 19:45

In the first leg, Newcastle quite rightly dominated an out of form Waregem outfit that is struggling domestically. As Newcastle surge into the latter stages of the season this tournament represents a genuine trophy opportunity.

FORM
Newcastle Last 10; W4, D3, L3, F19, A21
Waregem Last 10; W2, D1, L7, F8, A18

PREDICTIONS
Antony Melvin: 2-0
Hugh Larkin; 2-0

Rangers vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv (agg 1-2), KO 20:05

Rangers dismal domestic season is currently enjoying a small uplift and second place is now likely. The away goal in this tie could prove pivotal in the second leg and a Rangers win must be favourite. 1-2 is an awkward score though - and the first team to score will probably progress.

FORM
Rangers Last 10; W5, D2, L3, F17, A10
Hapoel Tel Aviv Last 10; W5, D4, L1, F17, A11

PREDICTIONS
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Hugh Larkin; 3-1

4195: Defeat from the jaws of victor

by : Nick Rowles-Davies

“The West Ham game is huge and I expect an awesome atmosphere at The Valley. There has been a fantastic atmosphere there, particularly since Pardew arrived. People are also happy to watch rather more exciting football! Pardew will approach the game knowing we have more momentum and self-belief, and with rather less pressure as Curbs has spent a fortune and then lost against Watford. I don't think West Ham look totally doomed as they have some great players, but they need a big result to turn their form around. Let's hope it's not against us! The tempo of the game will be set by West Ham's tactics. Curbs will try to spoil the game, and steal it in the last 10 minutes. I will be optimistic and go for 2-1 home win. Realistically 1-1 is more likely.”

Pardew has already stated that six wins from the next 11 games should be enough to keep them up and six points from their next two games, West Ham and Watford, will go a long way to beating the drop. After that they have home games against Newcastle, Wigan, Reading, Sheffield United and Tottenham with away trips to Manchester City, Everton, Blackburn and Liverpool. With only one of the so-called big boys left to play Charlton have an excellent opportunity of putting some points on the board and Daniel believes it can be done.

“The first five are the important ones as they are all very winnable ...after that it’s a case of assessing where we are. To be quite honest, the only game that is pretty much a guaranteed defeat is Liverpool. I think it'll be pretty close to the 40 mark that is needed which means winning six out of 11, as Pardew has quite rightly said, which for a team second to bottom seems like a massive ask. However, our form recently has been more mid-table so it’s definitely possible.”

And Toby, whose favourite Addick of all time is Richard Rufus, is even prepared to say where he thinks the points will come from.

“We need 18 points as long as Wigan start to slip. We’ll win against West Ham and Watford, draw with Newcastle, beat Wigan, draw against Man City, Reading and Everton, get back to winning ways against Sheffield United, before getting points at Blackburn and Spurs ...and we're there! Sounds easy. Looks impossible actually.”

Pardew’s transfer signings have also been given the thumbs up by the fans with Daniel, Colin and Toby all agreeing that Thatcher and Bougherra are doing solid, professional jobs for the team. And Toby was particularly delighted that Traore was shipped out to Portsmouth.

But after three managers in one season Daniel is adamant that Pardew is the right man for the job and would be happy to see him at The Valley for years to come.

“He’s already gained the respect of the supporters. At Christmas we were already down and saw a bleak future. Now we can see a hope of survival but even if we go down, I believe we have the man to get us back. Whatever happens, I could see the fans accepting Pardew as manager for many years to come and in today's game that is as high an honour we could ever bestow on him.”

“The club made a big mistake with Dowie (and we still don't know the full story behind his exit) and a bigger one with Les Reed (great bloke, pitiful manager),” said Toby. “Now we have a strong and inspirational manager under whom the club can find its feet again after a turbulent season, whether in the Championship or not. It makes for a much more exciting season than the flat fare Curbs was serving up. I am a great admirer of Curbs, but had been blind to the dull, predictable and predominantly boring matches that we played in the last two seasons under him.”

Pardew has got Charlton playing his brand of football and has seen an instant improvement on the pitch. He has just 11 games to save Charlton from the drop, but following his heroics with West Ham last season I wouldn’t bet against him pulling it off.

Colin Illingworth
21 February 2007
Only a few years ago if Manchester United were six points clear at the top of the Premiership at this stage of the season, most bookmakers and pundits would have conceded the title to them.

The team from Old Trafford are well placed to win their first Premiership title in four years, perhaps to the surprise of the majority of football fans, including no small proportion of Manchester United supporters, but Chelsea’s recent metamorphosis means the race is far from over.

However, gone are the days when United’s regulars are familiar with ‘squeaky bum time’. Of the current first team squad, only six players have won the Premiership. Of those, only five have done it more than once. Messrs Neville, Giggs and Scholes are the only survivors of the famous chase down of Newcastle of 1996. This is in stark contrast to the current Chelsea squad of whom the vast majority have now done it twice.

Admittedly though Chelsea have never come from behind to win the league and none of those Chelsea players has experienced a title chase like this year’s expected end-game.

We can only guess, albeit an educated one, at the likely outcomes of the remaining fixtures of the two contenders.

United’s lead is six points and goal difference. A further defeat for either side could be a fatal blow.

At first glance it seems the northerners have the tougher run in, but at this stage any opposition can seem formidable. Their remaining eleven fixtures give them five home ties against beatable opponents. Although, their struggle to beat Charlton recently without the trickery of Cristiano Ronaldo and the blunt FA Cup performance against Reading may have dampened even the most faithful of supporters’ spirits.

The away fixtures are more concerning for United. Liverpool and Chelsea will prove testing where the aim will be not to come away empty handed. Portsmouth has been a tricky venue for United, and a May visit to Eastlands will be a tough trip across the city to face their light blue rivals.

For the Londoners, their next six games are, on anybody’s view, likely to produce them 18 points. They then face United at home on 15 April.

Newcastle away, Bolton and Everton at Stamford Bridge should be nine points.

Whilst United have a tough trip to Anfield, Chelsea must go to The Emirates. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the crucial dates are 15 April and 5 May.

To Sky’s delight the clash between them in April is the title decider – a draw favours United. The fixtures may look to favour Chelsea over the next six games, but United play twice more before Chelsea play again in the league. Points on the board and a twelve point lead may give them a psychological edge.

Other influences may be the sides’ respective advances in Europe and The FA Cup – at the moment both are contenders for both so things remain equal.

The only real conclusion is that it will be close. Will United snatch defeat from the jaws of victory like they did in 1992 and 1995 or will their nerve hold to take them to their ninth Premiership title?

Nick Rowles-Davies
18 February 2007

4194: Pardew restores Charlton’s fai

by : Colin Illingworth

Alan Pardew worked miracles last season with West Ham United but his achievements at Upton Park would surely be surpassed if he could save Charlton Athletic from the drop. On Christmas Eve Pardew returned to The Valley to become the Addicks’ third boss of the season and faced an uphill battle to keep them in the top flight. They were only one point better off than basement boys Watford and eight points from safety, and under Les Reed they looked doomed. But with 11 games left to retain their Premiership status the smart money is on the new look Addicks to beat the drop.

Under Pardew Charlton have picked up eight points from a possible 24 and look a much more organised side. Confidence has returned on and off the pitch and season ticket holder Daniel Henderson believes the Great Escape is still on.

“There is genuine belief amongst the fans now ... the last four games have seen a complete turnaround in form despite the defeats against Chelsea and Manchester United. A lot will depend on the next few games but teams like Manchester City, Fulham and Sheffield United are not out of it yet.”

It’s a far cry from when Charlton were gubbed 5-1 at Tottenham and 3-0 at home by Liverpool under Les Reed. The players lacked belief, fight and passion and some fans seemed resigned to relegation, as Reed was criticised by all and sundry. Alan Pardew had not long been shown the door at Upton Park and the fans called for the board to snap him up quickly. And on Christmas Eve the Charlton fans were given an early Christmas present, as Pardew was unveiled as the new boss.

“If there was one man we would have wanted to take charge of the club at that time, it was Pardew and credit the board for making the decision, as for all Reed's faults as a manager, he was a much-respected Charlton man,” said Daniel. “Everything he says has inspired us as supporters and the incredible atmosphere at the recent Chelsea game was as much for him than anyone else. Matty Holland has been inspirational all season and deserves more credit than anyone for playing his heart out. No other player deserves real individual praise, but as a team there have been a lot more battling performances from all players involved.”

Charlton are just six points from safety now and playing the best football of the sides in the bottom five and Charlton season ticket holder Toby Jones, 44, has been delighted with Pardew’s appointment.

“Like most Addicks, I'm delighted with Pardew, and would love to see the irony of us staying up under him, and West Ham go down under Curbishley (though I have a deep seated affection for West Ham). He has brought self-belief to the team and inspired the players to perform and battle the way the team used to before Curbs started to lose the plot after Scott Parker left. I wouldn't say any particular player has played his socks off; more the team has much more cohesion and application, and underperforming players are now playing to their potential. The defence is more solid and midfield more creative. Also our three most influential players (D Bent, Young, Reid) have all been injured for some time.”

And Colin Childs believes that the players have the utmost respect for Pardew’s man management skills, which can’t be overlooked.

“Pardew has given the team confidence but also a feeling that they are valued. For example, when Rommedahl wasn’t playing great Curbishley would have ignored him and dropped him. In the last game Pardew gave him the captain’s armband when Holland came off. Little things I know but they seem to work.”

On Saturday, Pardew will have the opportunity to put one over on his former side as Charlton entertain West Ham United and it will be an emotional return to The Valley for former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley. He spent 15 years establishing the Addicks as a Premiership side but things haven’t gone smoothly for him at Upton Park. He’s guided the Hammers to just one Premiership victory and rumours of unrest in the dressing room persist and apparently Eggart Magnusson has given him just three games to save his job, despite giving him millions to spend in the transfer window. They missed a golden opportunity to put some breathing space between them and the bottom two a fortnight ago when they were beaten at home by Watford and they go to The Valley, where they haven’t won since 1989, looking for their first away win of the season. Despite all of this Daniel isn’t getting too confident.

“The way things have been going it should be a Charlton banker but I refuse to get too confident after the season we've had. It always seems that when we think we've turned the corner we get stung. I just hope we get a decent refereeing performance on the day. I won't get drawn into predicting scores because its usually the kiss of death ...I'm just praying!”

Colin Childs, whose favourite player of all time is Clive Mendonca, doesn’t want either side to go down and claims that this is their biggest game in years.

“The game against West Ham is Charlton’s biggest since Sunderland at Wembley in the play-offs. Charlton will win 2-1, but I would like to see us both escape, but Charlton first.”

And with all the pressure on West Ham to get a result, Toby believes Pardew will send his troops out to enjoy themselves.

4196: Liverpool/Barcelona- Liverpool

by : Bill Urban

Set aside for a moment the irony of the Liverpool scoresheet for the match. Ignore further Deco’s free kick that clipped the post, Reina well beaten. Disregard Javier Saviola’s heavy touch on the gifted miscue, and pay no attention to the extra touch that Lionel Messi took, which allowed Alvaro Arbeloa to dive in and block the ball over the bar.

Admittedly, that is several plays that could have changed the result of the Champions League match between Barcelona and Liverpool at the Camp Nou. But despite Barcelona having several good chances and a little poor luck, the fact remains that Liverpool, after going behind to an early Deco goal, rode that blow to their confidence and fashioned an impressive victory in an away tie played at an intimidating venue. As the match progressed, Liverpool grew in stature while Barcelona looked an increasingly desperate side. This was due in no small part to the tactics of Rafael Benitez, who somehow managed both to pack his midfield tightly enough to snuff out some of the Barca play-making flair while still managing to mute the threat posed by Ronaldinho on one side and the lively Messi on the other.

Quite the impressive European tactical accomplishment…

Pepe Reina- 7

Reina flailed at a couple of crosses in typical fashion, but came up very big on the save on Saviola, and his distribution was flawless.

Alvaro Arbeloa- 6

The nominal surprise from Benitez, although the expectation was that Arbeloa would play on the same side as Finnan. The Spanish defender showed his versatility in lining up on the left and did a fair job staying with the dangerous Messi.

Daniel Agger- 5

Showed nerves on more than one occasion, the big European nights and the experience gained from playing in these matches can only help Agger’s development. That said, his play required frequent cover from Carragher, and must improve if Liverpool are to keep things tight at Anfield and qualify for the quarterfinals.

Jamie Carragher- 7

The uglier he plays, the more effective the typical Carragher performance. Seems to grow extra arms, elbows, and legs for Champions League matches, and flails them about in all directions, presenting a sort of windmill defensive front ahead of Reina.

Steve Finnan- 6

Caught out of position by Gerrard’s flailing attempt at a tackle on the Barcelona goal, Finnan otherwise locked down his side of the Liverpool back four and pushed forward on the attack in very effective fashion. With the right-footed Arbeloa playing on the left in the back, more of Liverpool’s attacks tended to start on the right at Finnan’s feet, and he made good use of the ball.

Steven Gerrard- 6

Diving in recklessly and getting unzipped by Zambrotta on the Barca goal were a significant black mark in the book of Gerrard’s performance. However, as the match progressed, Gerrard’s influence grew and he made several dangerous sorties that might have led to further Liverpool goals past the utterly hapless Victor Valdes.

Xabi Alonso- 5

An anonymous performance on the night of a famous away victory in Europe might not be the best item on a player’s c.v.. Alonso did not dominate Liverpool’s attacks in his normal manner, his passing was below his normal high standards, and he seemed to get drawn out of position too easily by Xavi and Deco. Like Agger, will need to play significantly better at Anfield if Liverpool are to progress.

Momo Sissoko- 7

In addition to his normal, lung-bursting, strength-sapping, every-inch-of-the-pitch defensive work, Sissoko appears to have added a bit of clever passing and movement off the ball to his game. An impressive and dominating performance at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield.

John Arne Riise- 6

Like Alonso, Riise was absent for long stretches of the match, indeed, it was possible to forget he was on the pitch at certain stages. Popped up into a nice position in the 74th minute, though, and made no mistake.

Dirk Kuyt-6

Kuyt’s first touch borders on the atrocious. He chases so hard after the ball that he can appear to compensate for it, though. Kept working even when the things he was trying were not coming off, and his run into the box set up the crucial second goal.

Craig Bellamy- 7

Bellamy’s goal came from a tidy run to create space in the box, but truly his header would have been saved by any keeper approaching half-competence. Luckily for Bellamy and Liverpool, Barcelona maintain their trust in the abysmal Valdes, who basically carried Bellamy’s header into the net for him. Bellamy could have had another goal with his head earlier, but his running and movement off the ball were a constant threat to a vulnerable Barca back four.

Jermaine Pennant- 6

Pennant was brought on for the tiring Bellamy, an inspired move by Benitez since Barcelona appeared to be fielding ten attackers and one Pop Idol contestant in goal at that point.

Boudewijn Zenden- NR

Peter Crouch- NR

4187: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Premi

by : Antony Melvin

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

Barcelona (2) vs Liverpool (6), KO 19:45

This is the big match of the round; with the last two Champions meeting. But neither approach the match in particularly good form. Barca lost to Valencia at the weekend whereas Liverpool had the weekend off because of early elimination from the FA Cup. That Liverpool chose to go on a team building break sounded good in principle - but if half the reports of drunkeness and brawling are believable then the benefits of the trip sound negligable. Liverpool will want to keep things tight in this leg and rely on their brilliant home form to see them through.

Match Preview

FORM
Barcelona Last 10; W5, D2, L3, F16, A10
Liverpool Last 10; W5, D1, L4, F16, A13

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech; 3-1
Colin Illingworth: 3-1
Hugh Larkin; 1-1
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 2-1

FC Porto (13) vs Chelsea (11), KO 19:45

According to the insanity of the UEFA Coefficients system this is down as a could-go-either-way clash; but Chelsea are clear favourites. Interestingly Porto were allowed to play on Friday night to maximise their preparation time for this tie - and won 4-0 against mid-table Naval. Porto lead the Portuguese Liga - but Benfica and Sporting are close behind. Chelsea are in great form and starting to score clumps of goals, whilst conceding very few. Chelsea are just too powerful for Porto.

Match Preview

FORM
Porto Last 10; W6, D1, L3, F15, A4
Chelsea Last 10; W8, D1, L1, F29, A4

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech; 0-1
Colin Illingworth: 0-3
Hugh Larkin; 1-3
Antony Melvin: 0-2
Stephen Orford: 0-2

Inter Milan (3) vs Valencia (8), KO 19:45

After a relatively comfortable win over Barcelona at the weekend Valencia have risen to four points behind the Spanish league leaders - so this is in no way an easy tie for Inter Milan. But Inter have been revelling in the absence of Juventus and the points deductions for Milan and are unbeaten in Serie A and cruising to the title fourteen points clear. Inter will expect to win at home; and won 1-0 at the weekend - a result that satisfied almost half the Serie A games.

FORM
Inter Milan Last 10; W9, D1, L0, F20, A3
Valencia Last 10; W6, D1, L3, F17, A13

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech; 2-1
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Hugh Larkin; 1-1
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 1-1

Roma (16) vs Lyon (7), KO 19:45

Roma like Inter have benefited from the points deductions of Lazio, Fiorentina, Reggina and AC Milan (as well as the relegation of Juventus). But regardless of the points deductions Roma would still be in second - and are therefore a formidable side. Lyon warmed up for this game with two late goals to overcome another Champions' League contender, Lille, 2-1; and are once again running away with Le Championnat - thirteen points clear of Lens. This could be a very close tie.

FORM
Roma Last 10; W5, D4, L1, F17, A9
Lyon Last 10; W5, D1, L4, F12, A11

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech; 1-1
Colin Illingworth: 1-3
Hugh Larkin; 0-1
Antony Melvin: 1-0
Stephen Orford: 1-2

(figures in brackets are the latest provisional UEFA rankings)Just two league matches tonight, but both have important undertones. Clearly the Watford vs Wigan match is the more important. If Wigan win then they are all but safe and the bottom three of Watford, Charlton and West Ham will be 8-10 points shy of safety. With eleven games left that would suggest that the bottom three would be 90% down. If Watford win then the bottom three will be 4-5 points off safety and it is game on. In the other match Everton have the opportunity to put some pressure on the UEFA Cup spots - and with Spurs' dismal away record who would bet against them?

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

Everton (8) vs Tottenham Hotspur (11), KO 20:00

Eighth versus eleventh with three quarters of the season gone suggests a dead match; but an Everton win would move them past Portsmouth into seventh. Currently the top six are guaranteed UEFA Cup football next season - but if the FA Cup final is also carved up by two of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United then a seventh placed finish is key. Everton's form has been good all season and given Spurs' rotten inability to travel this looks like a straight home win.

FORM
Everton Last 10; W4, D3, L3, F13, A10
Tottenham Hotspur Last 10; W3, D3, L4, F18, A16

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Away
Colin Illingworth: 2-0
Antony Melvin: 2-1
Stephen Orford: 2-1

Watford (20) vs Wigan Athletic (17), KO 19:45

A big crunch match between two of the four teams contesting three of the relegation positions. Watford are in good form winning five of the last ten, despite scoring just nine goals. Wigan strike rate is even poorer - as is their recent run of results; with one win in ten. Don't expect too many goals.

FORM
Watford Last 10; W5, D1, L4, F9, A12
Wigan Athletic Last 10; W1, D0, L9, F8, A23

PREDICTIONS
Magic Hat: Home
Colin Illingworth: 1-0
Antony Melvin: 0-0
Stephen Orford: 1-1

4193: Champions League Preview; FC

by : Stephen Orford

Chelsea continue their quest for European glory when they visit FC Porto in a Champions League second round, first leg tie on Wednesday (February 21).

The meeting sees Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho returning to the club with whom he achieved an unlikely Champions League triumph in 2004, aswell as victory in the UEFA Cup in 2003. Two English Premiership titles later, the lack of a Champions League trophy on the Stamford Bridge sideboard is among the many things which are raising doubts about the future of the Portuguese.

He travels to his homeland without several of his stars, notably Coles Ashley and Joe, aswell as Dutch international defender Khalid Boulahrouz. Yet the recent return to fitness of John Terry has coincided with an improved defensive effort from the Premiership champions, and he will be key again here. The England captain turned an ankle in a Tuesday training session (February 20) but looks almost certain to be fit enough to start against the team which finished runners-up to Arsenal in Group G of this season’s Champions League.

Also likely to shake off injury is German midfield star Michael Ballack. The ex-Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen man has had a thigh strain recently, but should take his place in midfield alongside Frank Lampard and Michael Essien. The selection of Andriy Shevchenko is less certain, with Arjen Robben and Shaun Wright-Phillips pushing for attacking roles in what could be a 4-3-3 formation rather than the 4-4-2 which is often used to accommodate the Ukranian.

Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira may adopt a similar policy, with Argentines Lucho Gonzalez and Lisandro Lopez figuring either side of former Tottenham Hotspur striker Helda Postiga in attack. Postiga was widely considered a flop during his time at White Hart Lane, but has found goals easier to come by with Porto. He is the club’s leading goalscorer this season, and is a regular fixture in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s national team selections.
Winger Ricardo Quaresma is available again after suspension, providing another attacking option for coach Ferreira to ponder.

League form is not a problem for either, with the Portuguese top of their domestic competition by four points following a 4-0 thrashing of Naval at the weekend. Chelsea still trail Manchester United by six points in defence of their title, but have had a good month since losing 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield on January 20. Saturday’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City (February 17) followed league successes at home to Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers aswell as at Charlton Athletic.

This will not be the first time that Mourinho has been back to his old club since arriving in London, having crossed paths with his former employers twice during the group phase of the 2004/05 Champions League competition. Then champions, Porto shared the spoils with the west Londoners, winning 2-1 at home after a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Porto have never lost at home to an English side, although that victory over Chelsea came at a time when Mourinho’s side had already secured qualification for that season’s knockout stage.

Porto’s run of success against English sides takes in nine matches in all, but if it is to end it is most likely to be in this one. The squad is a shadow of that which became European champions under Mourinho, while Chelsea can still bully most of their opponents at home and abroad.
Verdict; FC Porto 0 Chelsea 2

By Stephen Orford

21 February 2007

4192: Champions League Preview; Bar

by : Stephen Orford

Wednesday night (February 21) sees the tie that much of Europe has been waiting for as Barcelona host Liverpool in the Champions League second round, first leg match-up at the Nou Camp.

Both sides go into this one with their fair share of off-field problems, but both remain among the major contenders for this year’s title. A falling out between Barca’s Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto’o and coach Frank Rijkaard has made many of the headlines in Spain, while the British media delighted in reporting tales of Liverpool misbehaviour during a recent visit to Portugal.

Keeping the details of such tomfoolery close to his chest, Reds boss Rafa Benitez has included both Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise in his squad for this one. The pair are said to have clashed during the trip, a rumour which doesn’t seem all that hard to believe given the chequered disciplinary history of the former Newcastle United forward.

Meanwhile Rijkaard is standing firm on the Eto’o issue, leaving one of the most feared strikers in the modern game out of his selection altogether. Yet with attacking options of the calibre of Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Ludovic Giuly, Deco and Eidur Gudjohnsen at his disposal, the Dutchman can probably afford to make his stand. Especially since Eto’o has missed much of the season through injury in any case, and is not yet back to his sharpest.

Rijkaard appears to be toying with the idea of bringing in French veteran Lilian Thuram to the centre of defence alongside Carlos Puyol, possibly using Mexican international Rafael Marquez in a deep-lying midfield role. Though comfortable on the ball, it will be interesting to see how he deals with having Bellamy or Dirk Kuyt snapping around his heels as Liverpool seek to win the battle for possession which will likely decide the outcome of this tie.

Much is being made of the availability of Javier Mascherano following the Premier League’s decision to approve his transfer from West Ham United on the eve of the game. His inclusion would be a gamble on the part of Benitez given the lack of football Mascherano has endured so far this season, but the Argentine World Cup star is clearly no stranger to big games.

Xabi Alonso returns to the squad having missed the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United through suspension, while Momo Sissoko is another central midfield option along with the dynamic and inspirational Steven Gerrard. Alvaro Arbeloa is also included in the squad after making his debut against the Magpies, but Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell remain long-term absentees.

The meeting sees the previous two winners of the Champions League go head-to-head, but despite both clubs’ proud tradition in the competition this will be only the seventh competitive meeting between the two. Four of the previous six have ended level, while Liverpool did manage to record a 1-0 victory at the Nou Camp during their victorious UEFA Cup campaign in 2001. Barcelona’s revenge came a season later when they won 3-1 at Anfield in a Champions League second group phase encounter, with the sides also drawing 0-0 in Spain that season.

Despite a 2-0 defeat to Valencia on Sunday (February 18) Barcelona remain top of La Liga, and are certainly favourites going into battle with the Merseyside outfit. Possession will be a major key in both ties, with Liverpool expected to rely on the counter attack in this first leg.

The onus will be on Barcelona to inject some urgency into proceedings, yet one gets the feeling that Liverpool will neeed to score at the Nou Camp to give themselves a chance of progression, such is the extent of the Catalans’ attacking firepower.

Verdict; Barcelona 2 Liverpool 1

By Stephen Orford

21 February 2007

4191: Craig Bellamy may not be the o

by : Antony Melvin

The drink-fuelled antics of the bulk of the Liverpool first team squad would not have made headlines but for the involvement of local security officers and the lurid details of Craig Bellamy practicing his golf swing with John Arne Riise at 3am. As it is some reports suggest that fifteen players will be fined – but the subtext is that a number of players will stripped out if Rafa Benitez is given a decent budget this summer.

Benitez’ transfer policy has been to buy in a lot of players in the £5m to £12m bracket – with moderate success. The new funds that he is expected to receive from Hicks and Gillett will allow him to buy two £20m players – and for that he needs to mount a serious title challenge because a fourth failure in the league takes him into dangerous waters; and regardless of cup success Liverpool need to be challenging for the title each season, and winning it occasionally.

Only four teams have the funding to mount a title challenge in England at the moment; and therefore a top four finish should be regarded as a minimum requirement rather than a significant achievement. The incidents on the Algarve and the arrival of the Americans do give Rafa Benitez a golden opportunity. He has now got the cash and reasons to dispense with any weak areas of his squad and replace them – and it is clear where the axe will fall.

Jerzy Dudek did not need his, allegedly, drink fuelled altercation with a security guard to damage his position at the club. He has been out of favour since Istanbul and was almost certain to leave to allow Scott Carson to challenge Pepe Reina as first choice goalkeeper.

Steve Finnan has been consistent, but it is clear that Benitez has been trying to replace him – and the signing of the 24-year-old Alvaro Arbeloa may see his sale.

Sami Hyypia may be kept on as squad cover, but he is no longer an automatic pick and the purchases of Agger and Paletta suggest that he will probably be allowed to leave.

John Arne Riise may or may not have been on the receiving end of a nine-iron – but his lethargic displays this season have endeared him to no-one. His international position as a defensive midfielder is never going to be replicated at Liverpool and he is rarely comfortable at left-back or wing – only his superb athleticism means he can get away with it. Riise’s utility may save him – but he may be demoted to a squad player.

Whether Harry Kewell is ever going to be properly fit or as good as he was is questionable. He is 29 in the Autumn and can’t be central to the managers plans any longer.

Robbie Fowler was as likely to leave as Dudek and is probably hoping to get one last emotional game at Anfield before the summer. He may not even get that now.

Craig Bellamy does offer pace – something that Kuyt, Crouch and Fowler simply don’t – and ability but that comes at a price. And after the Vale de Lobo shenanigans Benitez will be looking to get in a European player with the same physical attributes – but with fewer of the mental ones. No doubt Aston Villa or Portsmouth or Man City or someone will stump up the £5m that would buy them thirty goals before he moves on a couple of years later.

Bolo Zenden is 31 in August and is useful in bulking out the squad – but he offers little extra. Surely a younger player could be gaining useful experience.

There are other players that have not been outstanding like Pennant, Aurelio, Paletta and Gonzalez – but they are young enough to improve and will probably be given time.

Benitez will probably look to Spain for a couple of pacy, goal-scoring forwards like Torres or Villa. He may also couple these purchases with perhaps a defender and a midfielder funded by selling off squad players. But it is essential that Benitez now looks to mount a serious title challenge in 2007/8. If Benitez takes Liverpool to a fourth successive third to fifth placed finish then questions will be rightly asked.

Many pundits have said that no major club would give a manager the six seasons that Alex Ferguson was given twenty years ago to win the title. After three seasons without a title challenge Benitez now has the funding and a gilt-edged opportunity to clear out the chaff and complete a squad of his own choosing. But he must deliver the title by the end of the decade or like Bellamy he too should be changing his club.

Antony Melvin
21 February 2007

4190: Champions League Preview; PSV

by : Stephen Orford

Arsenal put Premiership matters on the back-burner to return to Champions League action against PSV Eindhoven in Holland on Tuesday night (February 20).

The Gunners take on the Dutch champions in the first leg of this last 16 encounter looking to emulate their fine run to last season’s final. Defeat to Barcelona in Paris in May was a major disappointment for Arsene Wenger’s side, but in reaching the final they laid down a marker for their potential in this competition.

On the face of it this looks a favourable draw, but Wenger goes in to the away leg with a problem at right-back. Neither Emmanuel Eboue nor Justin Hoyte have made the trip to the low lands due to injury, so some reshuffling will be required. Swiss youngster Johan Djourou seems most likely to take over the problem position, with Arsenal’s central defensive options boosted by the return to fitness of William Gallas.

Alex Hleb returns to bolster the midfield after falling victim to illness recently, but Robin van Persie misses out on a return to his homeland due to his broken toe. Freddie Ljungberg’s return to goalscoring form in the FA Cup win over Bolton Wanderers last week earns him a place in the squad, but England teenager Theo Walcott will not feature.

The home side have defensive doubts also, with former Liverpool stopper Jan Kromkamp having only recently returned to action. He should be fit to take his place in the line-up, but striker Jefferson Farfan is a more serious doubt. The Peruvian has a foot injury and his absence would be a real blow to a team which relies heavily on his presence up front. Ivorian Arouna Kone is another pacy option in attack, but has shown a propensity to panic in front of goal on big European nights.

This is not a PSV side of the calibre of the one which went to the semi-finals in 2005. Two Group C clashes with Liverpool earlier in the season proved uninspiring, with the Dutch side failing to register a goal against the Merseyside outfit. Yet they held Rafa Benitez’s side to a goalless draw in the Phillips Stadion, proving that they will be no pushover for the north London side in this one.

PSV’s trump card appears to be coach Ronald Koeman. The former Dutch international defender was at the helm when Benfica knocked Manchester United and Liverpool out of last season’s competition, and is clearly a shrewd tactician who commands respect. His team is likely to be cautious in its approach but efficient on the counter attack, as he goes in search of an unlikely hat-trick of English conquests.

The sides have met four times in European competition before, with Arsenal unbeaten in that run. The Gunners have beaten PSV twice, with two games ending level. The last meeting was in November 2004 when a goal from Andre Ooijer (now of Blackburn Rovers) earned a draw for PSV. A couple of seasons earlier, Arsenal handed the Dutchmen a fearful 4-0 walloping with current stars Thierry Henry, Ljungberg and Gilberto Silva all on the scoresheet.

A four-goal margin looks unlikely this time around, whatever the limitations of PSV’s class of 2007. First leg Champions League ties are notoriously cagey affairs, with Koeman’s tactical nous adding to the degree of difficulty for the English side. Yet with men like Henry, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky among their number, the Emirates Stadium side should have enough firepower to take a healthy lead back to their new home.

Verdict; PSV 0 Arsenal 2

By Stephen Orford

4186: Prediction Panel 2006/7: Champ

by : Antony Melvin

With five British clubs in the last 16 there could be some problems in picking the match of the round; but Liverpool versus Barcelona does seem to be a touch more exciting than the rest. Liverpool were winners in 2005, wih Barca triumphing in 2006 - and with an ever decreasing number of likely candidates the winners of this game will have strong claims to be tournament favourites. It is really difficult to pick a winner between Liverpool and Barca. Celtic will look to shock the club that UEFA currently rates as the best in Europe, AC Milan, and with Celtic's home record being so strong they will expect to fly to Milan at least on level terms.

The other English teams face tricky (at this stage they should be nothing else) but winnable ties. Manchester United travel to Lille, Arsenal to Einhoven and Chelsea to Jose Mourinho's old club - Porto. These three ties are not easy, but the three English clubs will be odds on favourites to progress.

The three non-British ties contain another candidate for match of the round; with heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich clashing. The Inter Valencia game is very evenly balanced; but most pundits will expect Lyon to eliminate Roma.

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Celtic (22) vs AC Milan (1), KO 19:45

Like many of the Champions' League teams, Celtic are running away with their domestic league and with such a formidable home record in Europe will hope to take a small lead to the subdued atmosphere at the San Siro. Milan are struggling to make up ground into the top four following their points deduction as part of the match fixing scandal - but if all docked points were reinstated Milan would still be fifth - so this is hardly their best league season. Celtic might just be catching Milan at the right time.

Could Nakamura be Celtic's match-winner?

FORM
Celtic Last 10; W8, D2, L0, F25, A8
Milan Last 10; W6, D2, L2, F18, A11

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 0-2
Colin Illingworth: 2-1
Hugh Larkin; 1-2
Antony Melvin: 1-0

Lille (31) vs Man Utd (11), KO 19:45

Lille lie third in the French championship, and are struggling to score goals or win matches. The capitulation at the weekend saw Lille lose a game they were winning with less than ten minutes to go - admittedly against a formidable Lyon outfit. Four wins and only ten goals in the last ten games denote a team with confidence issues. United come off the back of a draw against Reading where all but three or four starters for this match were rested. This is the fifth recent meeting between these two and any kind of demonstration of United's domestic form will see them through comfortably.

Match Preview
It is time for Ronaldo to dazzle Europe

FORM
Lille Last 10; W4, D3, L3, F10, A8
Man Utd Last 10; W7, D2, L1, F24, A10

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 0-1
Colin Illingworth: 0-3
Hugh Larkin; 0-1
Antony Melvin: 0-1

PSV Eindhoven (14) vs Arsenal (4), KO 19:45

PSV turned over relegation candidates, Heracles, 2-0 at the weekend and look good value to win the Dutch league being five points clear at present. PSV's form is strong going into this match - but so is Arsenal's - the London side is unbeaten in 2007. This could be a close technical match and given the number of matches that Arsenal have crammed in in recent weeks their could be question marks over Arsenal's stamina.

Match Preview
Can Henry fire Arsenal into the quarter finals?

FORM
PSV Last 10; W6, D2, L2, F21, A11
Arsenal Last 10; W6, D4, L0, F22, A11

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 1-1
Colin Illingworth: 2-2
Hugh Larkin; 0-1
Antony Melvin: 0-0

Real Madrid (5) vs Bayern Munich (18), KO 19:45

Indifferent form from both these two of late has left them both in fourth place (which for Munich is out of the Champions' League places). At the weekend Madrid picked up a point in a bad tempered game with Betis where there were thirteen cards shown. Munich lost to Alemania Aachen at the weekend and Aachen would have been bottom if they had lost. Munich have already lost six away games in the Bundesliga - and Madrid will expect to take a lead to Bavaria.

Beckham vs Hargreaves could be interesting in Madrid

FORM
Real Madrid Last 10; W3, D3, L4, F5, A9
Bayern Munich Last 10; W3, D3, L4, F13, A14

PREDICTIONS
Paul Grech: 0-0
Colin Illingworth: 1-2
Hugh Larkin; 2-1
Antony Melvin: 2-1

(figures in brackets are the latest provisional UEFA rankings)

4188: Sidwell right to consider opti

by : Paul Meadows

Steve Sidwell's recent comments, intentionally or not, are likely to cast huge doubts over his future at Reading.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, the midfielder has revealed he is well and truly keeping his options open. Like his club, he has more than proved his quality in The Premiership, and it is inevitable that should he quit the Madejski Stadium, he will have his choice of at least half-a-dozen rival clubs to choose his next place of employment.

Of course it's a basic right to consider all options open to him. It has been said many times over the years that the playing span of a professional footballer is a short one; they have to look after their family and do what is best for their careers. And good luck to them. But try as you might, it has become increasingly difficult not to be cynical when it comes to modern-day footballers.

For example, imagine the scenario had Steve Coppell's men been in the position of, say, Charlton Athletic right now. Nineteenth in the Premiership, five points adrift of safety, the worst goal difference in the division and with just eleven games to save their top-flight status. Even the most loyal Royals fan wouldn't have been surprised to find their club in such a position.

And had the threat of an instant return to The Championship been on the cards, nor would they have expressed any surprise if Sidwell declared he was off at the end of the season unless they pull off a miraculous escape. After all, he has proven he can live with the best midfielders in the country, so why should he display his talents in the second tier of English football?

But, as well all know, Reading aren't in the same position as Charlton.

Far from it.

Against all odds, Coppell has guided his newly promoted side to sixth place in The Premiership, which, if they manage to maintain, would result in their first ever quest into European football courtesy of qualification for the Uefa Cup. Some fans, understandably after seeing their team deservedly pinch points from Manchester United and Chelsea this season, may even have noticed they are just six points off a UEFA Champions League place.

These are exciting times for the Berkshire club, and Sidwell, released from Arsenal in the New Year of 2003, has played a key part. And it would appear that more exciting times are on the way, not only with the prospect of European football, but with an ever-improving squad and a proven manager to unlock its potential set to result in yet more sell-outs in the 2007/08 campaign.

Sidwell, though, knows things can change quickly in football.

Last season Wigan Athletic were the shock package of The Premiership after winning promotion the previous season. They too were heavily tipped for relegation, yet Paul Jewell performed minor miracles in not only keeping them in the top-flight, but achieving a top-ten finish and a place in the League Cup final. However, one look at the current Premiership table shows that rather than push on this season, the Latics have gone backwards as they hover perilously above the drop zone.

And what of Ipswich Town? George Burley was dubbed by many as the Manager of the Year when, in 2000/01, he retuned the Tractor Boys to the top-flight and narrowly missed out on a UEFA Champions League spot. The following season they even enjoyed success against Inter Milan in the Uefa Cup, yet their domestic form was poor and they were relegated on the final day of the campaign when Liverpool stuffed them 5-0.

But perhaps a better example comes in the shape of West Ham United. Alan Pardew left an improving Reading to take over at Upton Park in 2003, and led the club back into The Premiership last season. Not only this, but they finished ninth on their return to the top-flight, and an FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool was consoled by a place in this seasons' Uefa Cup competition.

Yet if Wigan have experienced a downturn in fortunes, the Hammers have endured an even more startling tumble. Their European adventure didn't progress past a single round, they were humbled by lower league opposition in the League Cup and eliminated by Watford in the FA Cup. Worse still, they currently sit in the bottom three and look odds-on to suffer relegation, whilst Pardew was consigned to history when he was axed in November.

So before deciding whether or not to commit to Reading, Sidwell wants to know exactly the ambition of the club. He wants assurances that this season will not be a one-off, and that Coppell and co are planning for top-ten finishes, at least, to be commonplace at the Madejski. And if they fail to convince him, the 24-year-old will go elsewhere.

But whatever choice he makes, it certainly won't be a rash decision.

Paul Meadows
19 February 2007

4189: Lille v Manchester United prev

by : Hugh Larkin

The last 16 draw has provided Manchester United with the perfect opportunity to take revenge for one of their more embarrassing European experiences. Last season they were eliminated at the group stage from a section containing Lille- a club with 7 times less turnover than the English giants.

Lille are talking confidently about repeating their successes. Last year they took a win at home and a draw at Old Trafford but this is a very different Red Devils side that they face.

In November 2005 the teams met soon after United’s dreadful performance against Middlesbrough (a 4-1 defeat). Several star names were missing including Gary Neville, Gabrierl Heinze and Ryan Giggs. Others like Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand were under performing.

Since then Nemanja Vidic has come in to stiffen the defence, Michael Carrick anchors the midfield and most of United’s stalwarts are back on form. On top of that Christiano Ronaldo has become one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in Europe. The Portuguese winger is just the man to open up an obdurate defence.

Lille will probably be cautious. Last year they scored just once in their Champions League group although they have been a bit more aggressive this campaign. They must go into this leg without the suspended Abdul Kardar Keita though; the Ivory Coast striker is a livewire and source of many of their best moments.

Lille are strong and busy in midfield with Jean Makoun and Yohan Cabaye attracting scouts from the biggest clubs. In the absence of Keita they will probably turn to one or possibly two, African strikers.

Souleymane Youla of Guinea is pacy and has experience with Besiktas and Metz. He joined over the summer. Nigerian Peter Odemwingwe is an attacker who plays wide or in the centre and he may look to pull the United defence around by drifting position.

At the back ex-Arsenal man Efsthathios Tavlaridis is still available after putting in sterling displays last season. He was one of the players who annoyed United with a physical approach and expect Lille to try and unsettle the English visitors early again.

However, in United tradition, Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to worry less about the opponents and more about the damage his own team can do in the final third. He will have noted that Lille’s recent form has been decidedly mixed- last week they only lost to league leaders Lyon by two late goals but previous to that they looked vulnerable.

Losses to Toulouse and Nantes by 1-0 scorelines were a blow to their hopes of securing a return to the Champions League automatically; just recently Claude Puel’s team have not been finishing well, though the players have emphasised that they are still creating chances.

The tie has been moved again from Lille’s small ground. In 2005 when United visited, Lille were able to get the crowd going early and they will be hoping to have the Stade Felix Bolleart rocking again. United will be just as determined to quieten matters early on.

The odds are that Manchester United will be able to subdue Lille over two legs this time. There is no way they will be taking the French team lightly but if they can win parity of possession, the English side have more skills and flair to deploy.

It is to United’s advantage that they play the first leg away,. This commits Lille to taking some initiative while in the two games last time they were content to sit back. United should create chances and on current form, will not expect to come away without scoring.

Prediction; Lille 0- Manchester United 1.

Hugh Larkin
19 February 2007

4182: The Biggest Game In Bristol

by : Hugh Larkin

21st February brings the return of Champions League and all British fans will be focused on the last 16 ties involving Liverpool and Chelsea. Well, almost all because the city of Bristol’s attention will be on their own massive game.

Bristol City and Bristol Rovers have both won through to the Southern Area Final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Not only is this their first derby game since 2002, it is the first occasion when the teams have met at this stage of a national Cup competition.

Before 2007, the biggest game was a pairing in Round Five of the FA Cup in 1958 when Rovers won a pulsating victory at Ashton Gate by a 4-3 scoreline. This time the two teams are meeting for a chance to go to the Millennium Stadium against Doncaster Rovers on April 1st.

This is the biggest thing to hit soccer in Bristol for years because both sides have been a bit down on their luck in recent times. City- traditionally the stronger outfit- have been stuck in League One since 1999 and it is 27 years since they were last in the top flight of English football.

Rovers are lurking in League Two, having been there since 2001. For a time the Pirates (official nickname but the ‘Gas’ to most fans) came perilously close to losing their League status altogether but the team have stabilised over the past couple of seasons. Just as City used to be a top flight club though, Rovers fans can point to some good times in the old Division Two.

The 70s was a great era for Bristol football. City managed 4 seasons in then Division One with quality players like Geoff Merrick, Gerry Gow and Chris Garland. Rovers were stalwarts of the second tier boosted by the celebrated ‘Smash and Grab’ partnership up front- Bruce Bannister and Alan Warboys.

Both sides have had the odd moment in the FA Cup since then- City’s win over Liverpool in 1994 is a highlight for their fans and Rovers had a run to Round Five in 1999. But this semi-final is simply the biggest game for both clubs in an awfully long time.

Both have been successful in this competition before. City have actually won it twice in its various guises and been in another Final. Rovers got there just once in 1990 but lost to Tranmere. The two sides met in this competition in 2002 but not at the semi-final stage- City won 3-0.

The two legs of the semi-final will be matches 101 and 102 between Bristol’s two League clubs. City hold the edge with 41 wins to 27 for Rovers. The Robins will start as favourites as they lie 5th in League One while Rovers are a comfortable 10th in League Two.

While City were giving Middlesbrough a hard time in this season’s FA Cup, Rovers fans can point to their own side’s Cup form. They reached Round Four of the FA Cup and provided Derby County with a very tough challenge at Pride Park, only falling to a single goal. In the League Trophy they removed Wycombe on their route to the Southern Final.

The first leg is at City’s home and tickets have been flying out of the door. If Rovers can stay in touch a massive night will be promised at the Memorial Stadium on 27 February.

Whatever happens this is a tremendous night for the city and the dip in viewing figures for Champions League matches that night in the Bristol area may well have the odd UEFA executive scratching their heads.

Hugh Larkin
16 February 2007

4183: Gordon Strachan: Not Given The

by : Matthew Hernon

They won the title by 17 points last season and the margin looks set to be even bigger this time round. It really must be easy being the manager of Celtic!

Or at least that is what much of the press would have you believe. Pretty much anyone could take over and guide them to the title. What they seem to forget, however, is the situation the club were in when Gordon Strachan arrived.

They had lost the SPL crown to Rangers on the final day of the previous season and the seemingly irreplaceable Martin O'Neill, who could do no wrong in the eyes of the Hoops supporters had departed. Rangers were installed as title favourites, while Hearts had an exciting new coach and some money to spend.

Celtic meanwhile, suffered an embarrassing 5-0 defeat against Artmedia Bratislava in the Champions League and the knives were well and truly out for Strachan after their 4-4 draw with Motherwell in the opening game of the season.

On top of all that, it was an ageing squad. Alan Thompson, Chris Sutton, John Hartson and Neil Lennon had performed very well for O'Neill, but they were all 30+. Only the latter remains at Parkhead as Strachan made the brave decision to shake things up. He got rid of many players who had helped Celtic achieve so much success before and started to build his own side. Just eighteen months on and the starting eleven is almost unrecognisable from the team that played under Aston Villa's current boss.

Their style of play is also very different. O'Neill put a lot of emphasis on discipline, keeping things tight and getting the ball to Hartson as quickly as possible. Strachan on the other hand prefers the team to play through the midfield, making the most of the sides creative players like Shunsuke Nakamura and Aiden McGeady.

Playing more open, attractive football, Celtic recovered from their poor start under Strachan and after over taking Hearts, maintained their grip at the top with ease. At the start of this campaign, the arrival of Paul Le Guen was supposed to tip the balance in favour of Rangers. After-all, he was seen as one of the brightest young managers in the game and was even being tipped as a potential successor to Sir Alex Ferguson. He flopped though, underlining the fact that it is not necessarily so easy for a so called 'top class foreign manager' to go to Scotland and achieve immediate success.

There is no doubt that Rangers and to a lesser extent Hearts, have disappointed over the last year and a half, but credit should go to Celtic and their manager for their remarkable consistency. They have gone from strength to strength and were able to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time; an achievement even O'Neill couldn't manage.

What's more, it has been done on a tight budget. Signings like Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Shunsuke Nakamura have proved to be real bargains. Wherever he has been during his managerial career, the little man from Edinburgh has been given little money to spend, yet usually done a good job.

In 2001/02 Southampton lost six of their first eight games and their survival chances were already being written off, then in the came Strachan and things quickly turned around. They ended that season in 11th and finished eighth the following year. They also reached the FA Cup Final for the first time since 1976. The wheels started to come off at St Mary's only after he had gone.

His one bad season in management came in 2000/01, when Coventry were relegated. He was sacked not long after. The board had apparently forgotten about the previous three years, in which he kept them up on a shoestring. Who knows where the club would be now, if they hadn't acted so hastily in getting rid of him?

The decision has proved to be a blessing in disguise for the former Man United player. He has gone on to bigger and better things. The next challenge is AC Milan. It will be difficult, but he has installed a winning mentality in to his players and they are confident of success. If they can overcome the Italian giants, then the manager just might start getting some of the credit he deserves.

Matthew Hernon
16 February 2007

4185: Coventry take a chance on Dowi

by : Alex Wolstenholme

After a few twists and turns that saw plenty of money wagered on first Gary McAllister and then Paul Ince, Iain Dowie has been appointed as the new manager of Coventry City Football Club, their third of the current campaign.

Coventry managing director Paul Fletcher said: "When we decided to appoint a new manager, we set a number of criteria.

"Iain was incredibly impressive on the occasions we met and there is no doubt that he was by far the strongest candidate in all the criteria we set.

"This is undoubtedly an exciting time for everyone involved with the Sky Blues and we feel we have the best available person to help take Coventry forward."

No-one knows for sure why Dowie's time at Charlton ended after such a short space of time. Equally no-one can say for sure whether he will be a success at the Ricoh Arena.

Managerial appointments can only ever really be judged in hindsight. Ask West Brom fans what they think of Gary Megson as a boss and they will come up with vastly different answers to supporters of Nottingham Forest.

What Coventry have got is a manager that, if they had been in the market for a new boss in the summer, wouldn't have given the offer of an interview at the Ricoh Arena the time of day.

At 42 he has time on his side and should be hungry to make an impact after the spectacular failure of his big chance at Charlton.

So the Sky Blues are gambling on Dowie, but the man himself is taking a gamble that Coventry can provide him with the chance to show that the Charlton experience was a blip and that his previous reputation as the game's next great manager was correct.

If reports are correct, Milan Mandaric is a big fan of Dowie and, had the businessman taken over at Leicester City earlier would have looked to appoint him as his new boss.

Come the summer, the Foxes are likely to be in a stronger position than the Sky Blues with regards to the transfer market unless the Coventry board can conjure up some new investment from either those currently at the club or from elsewhere.

Dowie himself said on Monday however: "Leicester are a club on the up but so are Coventry. I was very impressed with the ambition of the club.

"For me, it was about the fact that Coventry showed great desire to get me here."

The club have also created something of a rod for their own back by trumpeting a three-year plan to return to the Premiership. After backing Micky Adams in the transfer market over the summer, they somewhat pulled the rug from under his feet by selling star man Gary McSheffrey weeks later.

A relegation scrap should be avoided with a couple of decent early results before the Sky Blues once again start a new era and look to build a team worthy of their new stadium.

4184: Champions League Scouting Repo

by : Hugh Larkin

A long winter break has passed since the group stages of the Champions League were settled- Matchday 6 was settled on 6th December. Before the last 16 ties begin this week, it’s worth taking a look at the form of the five clubs standing in the way of British teams – Barcelona, PSV Einhoven, Porto, Lille and AC Milan.

Barcelona

On League position, everything’s going smoothly. Barca still top Le Liga before this weekend’s trip to Valencia and have been beaten only twice in domestic action. This is a little misleading though because an unholy row broke out within the club last week, centred on Samuel Eto’o.

The striker is just back from serious injury and a little protective of his health. According to coach Frank Rijkaard he refused to do a ten minute stint last weekend. This brought him some tart advice about teamwork from Ronaldinho and ignited a war of word about different camps n the dressing room.

This sort of thing is par for the course at Barcelona. Sometimes these spats have no affect at all on the performance but occasionally it leads to a drop in levels. For Liverpool, the dissensions will be welcome but they will be aware that Barca still represent the most dangerous opposition.

PSV

Eindhoven also top their division but doubts remain about the quality of the Dutch Eredivisie. Their last 4 games have brought two defeats and a draw- being beaten by title challengers AZ Alkmaar with a late winner is forgivable but a loss to Roda Kerkrade (8th position) and a draw with Sparta (13th) are matters for concern.

Yesterday’s 2-0 win over lowly Heracles will not be enough to worry Arsenal. The Gunners haven’t lost to PSV in four recent meetings in the Champions League and they will be confident of a passage to the last eight.

Porto

Yet another contender who top their League but like PSV, Porto had a recent blip. Successive 1-0 losses to Leira and Amadora were not what the team needed with their tie with Chelsea looming. They did thump Naval 4-0 last weekend to get back on track.

Though Porto have rebuilt brilliantly after losing nearly the whole of their 2004 Champions League winning team Chelsea will be massively disappointed if they don’t get past them.

Lille

Lille have been making positive noises in the press about beating Manchester United again, after dumping them out at the group stage last year. Their league form is only average though. They sit in 3rd but are 14 points behind leaders Lyon; on the positive side they gave Gerard Houllier’s side a tough game on Friday, only going down 2-1 to a late goal.

The two results previous to that though were a defeat to an erratic Toulouse side who have lost 9 times this campaign and a stodgy 0-0 with relegation threatened Nantes. Biggest problem is lack of goals so don’t expect a thriller against United.

AC Milan

Milan are boosted by Ronaldo’s full debut yesterday against Siena when he produced two goals in a 4-3 cracker (He can’t play in the Champions League though). The team are playing well after a difficult start to the campaign when the match fixing scandal punishments left then without a shot at the title.

Their Champions League progress was none too impressive but Milan are the one of these five sides who have really kicked on since the end of the group stages.

The Rossoneri squad had come to look at bit old and stodgy in recent seasons but the arrival of players like Bonera, Oliveira, Gourcuff and Oddo has pepped the place up and Celtic face a really tough task.

Hugh Larkin
18 February 2007

4179: Prediction Panel 2006/7: FA Cu

by : Antony Melvin

“I attended the Wolves match, which was much more of a game than the press made out. We stifled the Wolves attack, hit them on the break and proceeded to play them off the pitch when it was settled. Very, very professional.”

West Brom fans have a great affinity with the FA Cup, despite it being nearly 40 years since they last got their hands on the coveted trophy. They have lifted the famous cup five times and appeared in as many finals, and in an era when the lure of the millions on offer in the Premiership has become more important than actually winning silverware, it’s refreshing to hear that both Steve and Cyril would quite happily turn their back on promotion to lift the cup for a sixth time.

”Winning the cup would live long in the memory of every supporter,” says Steve. “Winning promotion would be the chairman’s wish, but given a choice, winning at Wembley would mine. We can always get promoted next year. Whatever happens good times are coming back to the Hawthorns with this brand of football that Mowbray has them playing.

”If we can reach the quarterfinals and get a favourable draw we have an excellent chance of getting to the semis and even the final. Remember 1931 when we won the cup and got promoted? Well who is to say we can't repeat that feat in 2007 and be the first team to win the cup at the new Wembley.

“It's a 'Catch 22' question,” says Cyril. “We have to get promoted to The Greed League in order to survive as a medium sized club with tradition. Yet I truly loathe the idea of the Premiership with its three league tables within one. So, I choose the cup final in preference. Maybe we could repeat the achievement of the 1930-1931 WBA team and do the Double...promotion and the Cup. Well, I can dream can't I? The public will eventually tire of the four-horse race that is the Premiership. If I had the power, I would divorce the league clubs from the Premiership entirely, not allow movement of players to them, go back to division one, two and three, bringing the conference in as division four and generally ostracise them because they will be the death of the lower clubs in time.“

Traditionally cup meetings between the two have been close run affairs, but with the firepower of Viduka, Yakubu, Kamara, Phillips and Koumas on display, we could be looking at a goal glut. And despite spending more than a decade at the Teesside club, Mowbray would be delighted to see the Baggies in the quarterfinal draw at the expense of his hometown side.

Colin Illingworth
15 February 2007The top match of the weekend should be Manchester United (P1) versus Reading (P6); both are in great form and scoring freely. But if Reading do field a weakened side it will take away much of the potential of the game. Another top end of the Prem clash is Arsenal (P4) versus Blackburn (P10) - which could be nicely balanced if Arsenal still have tired legs after Wednesday. So my match of the round is Preston (C4) versus Manchester City (P16) - Preston are in good form and have a strike force in Nugent and Ricketts capable of upsetting a porous City defence. The all London clash between Fulham (P14) and Spurs (P11) looks good value too.

Saturday, 17 February 2007

Arsenal (P4) vs Blackburn Rovers (P10), KO 12:30

Arsenal will still be a touch tired after the thrilling and ultimately successful tie at Bolton. Arsenal are facing some fixture congestion and with the Champions' League resuming in midweek Arsene Wenger could field another half strength side - all of which could play into the hands of a combative Blackburn team that also had a tough midweek game. Tough one to call.

Paul Grech: 3-1
Hugh Larkin; 1-1
Antony Melvin: 1-1

Chelsea (P2) vs Norwich City (C18), 15:00

On paper this is a home banker, Chelsea are in great form and with the league title starting to slip from their grasp will be looking to make as much ground in the cups as possible. Norwich have had a poor season and have won only two of the fourteen Championship away days. Although Huckerby can always grab a goal; it is difficult to see past Chelsea.

Paul Grech: 4-0
Hugh Larkin; 3-1
Antony Melvin: 3-0

Manchester United (P1) vs Reading (P6), 17:15

Reading have announced that they will field a weakened team - which is disappointing, if somewhat indicative of the way this tournament is drifting. United, on the other hand, have made no secret of their desire to be in the first FA Cup final at New Wembley and there is little to suggest that they won't progress to the last eight - even if they rest a couple of players ahead of the Champions' League game.

Paul Grech: 4-0
Hugh Larkin; 2-0
Antony Melvin: 3-1

Middlesbrough (P12) vs West Bromwich Albion (C2), 15:00

Middlesbrough are a good home side and although this is almost equivalent to an all-Premiership clash (this West Brom side should bounce back with roughly the same the squad they went down with) West Brom need to maintain focused on their league form - and Middlesbrough will be happy to deprive them of the distractions of the cup.

Paul Grech: 1-2
Hugh Larkin; 1-1
Antony Melvin: 2-0

Plymouth Argyle (C11) vs Derby County (C1), 15:00

A Premiership side would worry about the visit of Derby County because they lead the Championship and score plenty of goals. But perhaps a Championship side has less to worry about. Derby may rest a couple of key players for the league run-in and will not feel the weight of expectation that a big name televised clash would bring. If Derby are in any way complacent then the pacey Plymouth forwards can turn them over.

Paul Grech: 1-0
Hugh Larkin; 0-1
Antony Melvin: 0-0

Watford (P20) vs Ipswich Town (C15), 15:00

Watford's recent run of form was sparked by their FA Cup form and their first win over West Ham could have started the run that potentially saves their Premiership status. Ipswich are seven points off the drop in the Championship and could view this tie as one to energise their season - and bring in some much needed cash. On paper Watford look too strong; but if they are complacent or rest key players then Ipswich can nick it.

Paul Grech: 2-1
Hugh Larkin; 2-1
Antony Melvin: 1-0

Sunday, 18 February 2007

Fulham (P14) vs Tottenham Hotspur (P11), 16:00

An interesting looking all London affair, with two teams with nothing to play for in league terms who will be desperate for the filip of a run in the Cup. Nicely balanced because although Spurs' away form is poor their run to the semi-final of the League Cup shows what a fine cup team they are. Fulham are a good home team, but often struggle to put away the other London clubs. Should be a few goals here.

Paul Grech: 1-1
Hugh Larkin; 2-2
Antony Melvin: 2-2

Preston North End (C4) vs Manchester City (P16), 13:10

The best looking tie of the weekend is evenly balanced and has plenty of neutral interest as a famous old club tries to return to the top-flight with a forward - David Nugent - who is on the wish-lists of the majority of Premiership clubs. Stuart Pearce's increasingly fraught relationship with the City hierarchy could be tested here.

Paul Grech: 1-0
Hugh Larkin: 2-1
Antony Melvin: 2-1

(Current league positions in brackets)

4181: FA Cup In Dire Need of a Water

by : Hugh Larkin

Round 5 of the FA Cup looms up this weekend and so far it has hardly been a competition to stir the blood. The so called ‘Greatest Cup Competition in the World’ has produced nothing to make people dwell at the water cooler this season- Big Brother still rules.

For the committed football watcher, Barnet taking out Colchester registers on the radar and Charlton going out at Nottingham Forest was noteworthy but hardly a surprise given the way the Addicks have played this campaign.

Of the Premiership casualties, Liverpool and Bolton were taken out by Arsenal and Manchester United have accounted for Aston Villa and Portsmouth. Sheffield United did go out to Swansea but put out a much weakened line up and Newcastle’s loss to a Birmingham side that was on fire at the rime, is hardly an earth-shattering upset.

The last 16 contains not a single side from out of the top two divisions after Blackpool and Bristol City lost their respective replays this week. So much for the ‘romance’ of the Cup. Five Championship sides are left to take on 11 Premiership teams.

Each of the remaining members of the Big 4 have home ties, although in fairness Arsenal deserve it after coming past Liverpool and Bolton. The prospect is that Manchester United and Chelsea will pocket comfortable home wins and we seem to be rolling inexorably toward another Final contested by the super-elite, unless the draw intervenes.

The competition desperately needs an infusion of life, as the BBC trailers become ever more tired in their attempts to convince the viewing public that they are about to watch a TV event worth their leisure time.

For the moment the FA Cup can coast on the laurels of the 2006 Final, which finally produced a decent contest and a thrilling game. The viewing public may well come back in large numbers to see if there will be another such spectacle on offer but so far the prospects are diminished.

Football fans will always talk about the FA Cup but it is the ability to draw in the non-supporter that gave the competition its place in the fabric of national life. While the other great one-off event, the Grand National, maintains its fascination for the general public, the Cup is suffering.

West Ham came so close to providing a real story and a return to the ‘romantic’ view of the FA Cup last season but so far the 2006/07 renewal has fallen back into the pattern of the past decade- if you are a casual sports observer it’s just another bunch of football matches where the elite dominate and the same teams reach the later stages- give or take the odd one slipping through thanks to a favourable draw.

Eamonn Dunphy wrote in his great 70s football work ‘Only A Game?, about how he hated the FA Cup as a professional. He resented lower division teams and non-leaguers who had nothing to lose from it and could upset the working lives of those struggling to maintain their loftier position week in week out.
He’d probably find a lot to commend in the modern version. Certainly the dressing rooms of Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal contain players who expect to win the FA Cup, not be embarrassed by it.

The FA Cup has already lost a lot of ground in the public imagination, some of which can never be brought back but if it is not to become just another football competition someone needs to engineer a shock this weekend. Otherwise the only people talking about it are going to be the ones who watch football every week anyway.

Hugh Larkin
15 February 2007

4180: Preston fans confident of win

by : Colin Illingworth

It would be a shock if Alan Shearer pulled on his boots again. It would be a massive shock if Phil Dowd was allowed to referee another Premiership game this season, but if Preston North End were to knock Manchester City out of the FA Cup on Sunday would anyone really be surprised?

Stuart Pearce’s Manchester City haven’t won in the Premiership since New Year’s Day and currently find themselves just 10 points off the drop zone. They have won just three games on their travels in the Premiership and Stuart Pearce’s decision to take over as England Under 21 manager has angered a number of supporters and officials at the club. Meanwhile, Paul Simpson’s Lillywhites are riding high in the Championship and looking good for promotion, despite Saturday’s defeat to Wolves. That was only Preston’s second defeat at home this season and with the strike force of David Nugent and Michael Ricketts looking menacing, Manchester City will not be relishing a trip to Deepdale. However, Jim Hempseed, 51, who helps run the Preston North End supporters club, Whites in Exile, isn’t getting over confident ahead of the game, but thinks they have a realistic chance of progressing.

“We've come unstuck at this stage against Premiership opposition before (Middlesbrough last time) so I'm not very confident. The difference seems to be the strikers who finish clinically given half the chance. However, with Nugent and Ricketts up front we have the skill.”

This will be the seventh meeting between the two sides in the FA Cup and Preston just have the edge with four wins to their name. The last clash came almost 60 years ago when Preston turned over City at Maine Road in 1948 and the Lillywhites won the first ever meeting between the two back in 1897 6-0. Manchester City did come out on top in the last league clash in 2002 as they romped to the Championship title but they haven’t won at Deepdale since 1965.

David Nugent is Preston’s top goalscorer with 12 and has been watched more times than Paris Hilton’s sex tape. A number of Premiership clubs are poised to make a move for the hot shot in the summer and Jim, whose favourite player of all time is Alex Bruce, rates him extremely highly and expects him to find the target on Sunday.

“Nugent has fantastic pace, good close ball control and gives his all in every game. He's become more of a team player this season and now the transfer window is closed I expect him to score a lot of goals for PNE. It would not surprise me to see him make the full England team in a few years the way he is developing. I expect him to score against City as he seems to revel in the big games, especially those live on TV.”

But despite Manchester City’s lowly league position and poor run of form recently, there is still a lot of class in that squad. Players like Joey Barton, Micah Richards and Richard Dunne could walk into most Premiership sides and when City are on song not many teams can live with them, but those days have been few and far between this season. Jim, who was praying for a dream fifth round tie at Arsenal, believes Paul Simpson won’t be having sleepless nights trying to contain City.

“I think Simmo will concentrate on getting our team focussed on what we do well. On our pitch we can pass the ball around and hopefully take the game to City.”

Preston North End were one of the founder members of the football league and have won the FA Cup twice, back in 1989 and 1938. They have been beaten finalists on five occasions as well, the last time coming in 1964 when they lost 3-2 to West Ham. It’s been more than 40 years since they last figured in the quarterfinals of the competition but with home advantage they have a fantastic opportunity to put that to rest. However, like most clubs in the modern game, promotion to the Premiership is the main objective and given the choice of FA Cup success or promotion there is only answer in Jim’s eyes.

“The Premiership, no question. Nugent would stay and we would strengthen the team. Also I'd like to see us play at the top level before I die.”

While Preston have their eyes on a seemingly bigger goal, Manchester City fans will be demanding cup success. They have been in the shadows of their city rivals in the past 15 years or so and will view this as a great chance of reaching the final. They have played two Championship sides in the competition so far and were pushed to a replay by battling Sheffield Wednesday before breezing past promotion hopefuls Southampton 3-1. Defensively City are suspect while Preston are looking lock tight. Just like City, Preston have also played two Championship teams, beating Sunderland 1-0 and Crystal Palace 2-0, and will go into the tie with nothing to fear.

The FA Cup has been criticised this season for its lack of glamour games and cup shocks and many believe that it has lost a bit of its magic. And while a Preston victory wouldn’t be the biggest shock in the world it would prove that the FA Cup is still the great equaliser. Jim, who is a season ticket holder at Deepdale despite living in Surrey, believes Preston will win 2-1 with Nugent and Ricketts getting on the score sheet. If that happens then maybe Jim’s dream of a trip to the Emirates will come true.

Colin Illingworth
15 February 2007

4177: Turmoil in Barcelona- Good for

by : Hugh Larkin

Barcelona football club has just entered one of its periodic rounds of infighting which is characteristic of a club where the demands on players and coaching staff are extreme to say the least. The reactions provoked from the Premiership’s elite clubs are likely to be varied.

Liverpool face Barca in the Champions League last 16 and the shenanigans in Catalonia have to be good news for the Reds. At the centre is the recently returned Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o who refused to come on for 10 minutes in a recent game, according to boss Frank Rijkaard.

For this breach of discipline, Eto’o also got a lecture on team etiquette from forward partner Ronaldinho. Not one to take this lying down. Eto’o refuted the allegation and received backing from club President Joan Laporta.

It led to an accusation by the Cameroon striker of ‘two sides’ in the Barca dressing room- one bunch Laporta’s squad, the other in the camp of Vice-President Sandro Rossel- a big wheel with Nike and very close to Ronaldinho.

How true all this is, it’s difficult to say but its hardly the best preparation for the most important clashes of the season. Having said that Barca still top the Spanish League and they are a club who can carry a bit of baggage and perform- it almost goes with the territory when so many egos collide in one dressing room.

Looking back though, Barcelona is certainly a club that has underachieved given their playing talent- there should have been many more European Cups and their combustible mixes seem to produce either genius or dissension.

It’s easy to see why Sir Alex Ferguson values such a talent like Henrik Larsson, who brings not only his skill but his keen football intelligence to the squad, both on and off the park. Barca are missing him this season.

All of which means, that Liverpool will go into their tie in a fairly positive frame of mind and determined to exploit any weaknesses. The Reds are likely to put up a tough barrier, keep it tight and see if the various talents in the Barca side can be goaded to try to win it individually, instead of applying their collective brilliance.

For Manchester United though, these spats are not good news. One of the outcomes of the upheaval could be a move for Ronaldinho- Chelsea and Milan are already said to be in the hunt. If that happens the pressure will be on to deliver another’ signature’ player- and because of his Iberian status and his fabulous ball skills, Christiano Ronaldo is target No 1.

United could be about to learn a hard lesson about the pecking order in the world transfer market. While they have quietly destabilised Bayern Munich in their efforts to get Owen Hargreaves the Spanish clubs are past masters- and fairly shameless about it- at getting the players they want.

It is difficult to see that United could hold on to Ronaldo if he really wants to go. In the Bosman era the cards are stacked in favour of the top players if they don’t want to stay. Ronaldo may have settled brilliantly after all the World Cup fallout but he may still decide he’d like the climate and atmosphere of Spain more.

Whether English fans may agree, Ronaldo certainly feels that he doesn’t receive enough protection from referees in England and he would be bound to get more in Spanish football. That’s one thing Sir Alex Ferguson can’t control.

The fight isn’t over, as Arsenal proved when they held on to Thierry Henry against the overtures from Catalonia but it would certainly be a whole lot easier if Ronaldinho stays put. Winning the Champions League would be the best case that United could make though.

In a twist that would appeal to Liverpool fans, knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League would pile extra pressure on Manchester United in their battle to keep Ronaldo. Not that Benitez’ side need any extra motivation but it would be an added bonus for their fans.

Hugh Larkin
15 February 2007

4178: West Brom Fans see salvation f

by : Colin Illingworth

Tony Mowbray dedicated 12 years of his professional career to his hometown club but on Saturday he will be doing his utmost to dump Middlesbrough and Gareth Southgate out of the FA Cup. The former Hibs boss enjoyed a special rapport with the Middlesbrough fans and had some of his best years at the club. However, there will be no split loyalties when the two sides lock horns at the Riverside, as Mowbray will be eager to guide the Baggies into the last 16.

The former Middlesbrough captain arrived at The Hawthorns with a reputation for playing attacking, free-flowing football, and after a tricky spell where they couldn’t win on their travels for love nor money, the Albion are looking hot for an automatic promotion place. And Mowbray’s man management skills have made a huge impression on Baggies fan Cyril Randle.

“I like Mogga's style, he has a need to attack and entertain which fits in with my approach completely. I have longed wished for a new Ossie Ardiles but this bloke has the nous for defence too! I'm all in favour of letting Middlesbrough worry about us. Mogga appears to do his homework on teams but he uses the knowledge gained to beat them rather than stop them playing. He also shows a 'half-time awareness', which I admire and will make changes regardless of hurt feelings. Then he tells them they're brilliant afterwards so they forgive him.”

His sentiments are echoed by fellow West Brom fan Steve Ashfield, from Brierly Hill.

“Since Tony’s appointment we have seen a steady improvement in our style of play, which has also now turned in to winning football matches. Winning is the most important factor but winning in style can't be far behind.”

West Brom have won seven of their last eight league and cup games and are many people’s bet for a swift return to the Premiership, but they are going to need a huge slice of luck if they are to claim Middlesbrough’s scalp. They have lost four of the past five meetings between the two sides and have only beaten them twice in the past 25 years. Add to this the fact that they haven’t beaten Boro away from The Hawthorns for 54 years and it’s clear to see why Cyril wasn’t exactly over the moon at the draw.

“We have a 'thing' against Middlesbrough that no matter how well we play up there, we lose! They also have no hope of anything but the cup. They can't afford to lose and probably won't either.”

However, Middlesbrough are by no means invincible and have made hard work of their FA Cup opponents this season. Hull City took them to a replay in the third round and it took a penalty shoot out for them to see off the challenge of Bristol City on Tuesday. They have only kept one clean sheet this calendar year and Tony Mowbray will surely be looking to exploit that with the pace and power of players like Jason Koumas and Kevin Phillips. That’s why Steve, whose favourite Baggie of all time is Cyrille Regis, is much more optimistic of getting a result.

”If we can reach the form we have seen so far this year then we have a very good chance of getting into the quarterfinals. We have more than a few match winners in our team, Koumas and Kamara are without doubt two of the best players outside the Premier League and Phillips still knows where the back of the net is. Gera too on his day can be a match winner, but one player who is making the most of his run in the team is Richard Chaplow and I believe he his the player who will score the winning goal against Middlesbrough!”

This will be just the fourth meeting between the two sides in the FA Cup and the previous three have all been decided by a solitary goal. The Baggies have the edge with two wins to their name and claimed the first ever clash back in 1901, but Boro clinched the last cup encounter in 1980.

West Brom have breezed their way into the fifth round by making light work of relegation threatened Leeds United 3-1 at home before turning over their West Midlands rivals Wolves at Molineux 3-0. Beating your nearest and dearest at any time is a moment to treasure but Cyril was mightily impressed by the way they performed.

4176: Manchester City: Defeat at Pre

by : Hugh Larkin

The Cup draw threw Manchester City a real banana skin by sending them to Preston North End in this weekend’s 5th Round. This is a game that could define City’s season and Stuart Pearce’s managerial tenure.

Perception in football is everything. For example, at the moment Aston Villa are sitting in 13th place but there’s a feel good factor at Villa Park- Tottenham are above them in 11th but Martin Jol is taking some stick.

Nothing changes the perception of a team faster than a bad defeat in a Cup competition, especially when the game is going out live on terrestrial television. Manchester City are sitting in 16th place in the Premiership and the only reason they look comfortable is the relative incompetence of the four teams below them.

Happily, there is a 10 point gap to the relegation slots so the team are in no imminent danger. However, that also means that the City board could take the decision to bring in a new manager without being accused of plunging the team towards disaster.

Harsh on Stuart Pearce? Possibly so but 16th position is simply not good enough for Manchester City and Pearce’s supporters are well beyond the point of being able to blame the previous regime; the manager himself would never use such excuses, which is one reason why it is so hard to be critical of him.

Next month it will be two years since Pearce took over at Eastlands. He started very well which led to absurd suggestions that he ought to get the England job from some quarters but the reality is that he presides over a record with more losses than wins over his 85 games in charge.

In that first truncated season he rallied the club very close to an unlikely UEFA Cup spot but last season they finished 15th and this year they have been treading water and could even finish lower.

There seems little doubt that the squad he inherited from Kevin Keegan needed a lot of turning around but many of Pearce’s own buys leave a lot to be desired, especially in the striking positions. None of Darius Vassell, Andy Cole (now departed), Bernardo Corradi or Giorgios Samaris have really cut the mustard up front for City, while grafter that Paul Dickov is, he’s never been prolific.

Others like Damarcus Beasley and Ousmane Dabo haven’t really had the chance to show what they can do yet but the evidence is there that the best performing players at the club are some of those that Pearce inherited, plus home grown talent that have come through the ranks.

Ironically, just when City have two players in the England line up- Richards and Barton- the rest of the squad looks lacking in depth. Any team where a midfielder tops the scorers in the League with just 5 goals is going to be lurking in the lower reaches.

How much of this is down to City’s inability to compete in the market is open to question. Like most of the Premiership, there are clearly players out of his price range but at the moment Stuart Pearce invites unfavourable comparison with the likes of Chris Coleman and Steve Coppell, who operate brilliantly with small resources.

Pearce’s popularity is immense and for the most part it has protected him from some criticism but a poor effort against Preston could produce a shift in attitude that might sweep him out of the manager’s office. On the other hand, a quarter-final berth keeps the season alive and will produce a sense of some optimism among fans and players alike.

Logic says Cup results shouldn’t affect how League performances are viewed but logic has little to do with it. City need to come away from Deepdale with a result or Stuart Pearce could be spending a lot more time with the England under -21 team.

Hugh Larkin
15 February 2007

4174: West Ham United: How moose wil

by : Jeff Gold

Many years ago, visiting a zoo near Montreal, I happened upon a large, seemingly empty enclosure labelled “lan”. Intrigued, I imagined something sleek and athletic, like a top-of-the-range gazelle, or Thierry Henry. Instead, out of the mist lumbered a great, ungainly beast, the Emile Heskey of the animal kingdom.

That day I learnt while, in English, lan means flair and panache, in French it simply means moose. Raising my eyebrows, I at least now understood the lack of Lotus sports cars on the highways of Canada.

All this came back to me recently on reading that West Ham United had dived through the transfer window with some lan. Perhaps this referred to their enthusiastic squandering of an Icelandic fortune, but maybe, just maybe, it described a revolutionary training technique that would confirm Alan Curbishley as the latest great English innovator in the art of big-match preparation.

Leading the way was William Foulkes, goalkeeper for Sheffield United in the 1890s. He spotted that all keepers of that era were rubbish and that, leap and spring as they might, certain areas of the goal remained unreachable. So Foulkes resolved to fill it instead. Famed for consuming 15 hotel breakfasts in a single sitting, he eschewed traditional training methods and just chewed, gorging himself while sitting in a series of boxes, each slightly larger than the last, and each three times wider than it was tall.

The plan, and it was a long term one, was to shape himself into a squat rectangular mass exactly matching the dimensions of the goal. Then, on match day, he could be transported by wheelbarrow and folded into the goal-frame like a giant rag doll, thus guaranteeing his team a clean sheet. It rendered irrelevant the half-time team talk and the ability of his team-mates, which was just as well because the full 10 minutes and a troupe of circus strongmen were required for Foulkes to change ends.

Unfortunately, he failed in his quest, reaching only a positively lithesome 6ft 2in and 23 stone and, more liability than impassibility, he was reduced to playing for Chelsea.

The next visionary was Major Frank Buckley, who pumped music through the public address system while his teams danced their way through training. That was nothing compared to what he pumped through the veins of the Wolverhampton Wanderers players on the eve of the 1939 FA Cup Final. The constituents of Buckley’s invigorating injections remain shrouded in mystery, but cunningly he cultivated the rumour that the active ingredients were glands from various parts of the body. His masterstroke was suggesting that the body in question belonged to a monkey, forcing opponents to tremble at the prospect of simian-powered Wolves.

That was a huge mistake. Wolves’ problems began early, Dick Dorsett and Tom Galley grooming each other in the centre-circle while striker Dennis “Whiz-bang” Westcott passed up a scoring opportunity to scurry up the goal-netting, shrieking, swing on the crossbar and bash it repeatedly with a corner flag. Havoc reigned, especially once a half-time cup of PG Tips compelled Stan Cullis, aided by an apprentice by the name of Billy Wright, to spend the second period attempting to shift a piano up the steps to the Royal Box. As Portsmouth’s fourth goal flew in, Billy screamed.

“Stan, do you know the piano’s on my foot?”

“You hum it son, I’ll play it,” replied a straight-faced Cullis, before launching into a Beverley Sisters medley.

Afterwards, Buckley frowned. “I wouldn’t mind so much,” he said, “but chimpanzees aren’t even monkeys, they’re apes.” True, Major, true. If only someone had thought to tell the players.

More recent advancements originate overseas. Thanks to the likes of Arsene Wenger, English football is awash with massages, Prozone, psychologists and pasta. Missing, of course, from such scholarly wisdom is an eccentricity that only natives can provide, the kind that in the 1980s had Coventry City dancing the ballet, and in the 90s prompted John Beck to hurl buckets of icy water over his Cambridge United players. Only last year, Martin Allen thrashed merrily across rivers in the depths of winter, regardless of whether his Brentford team joined him. But now, in Curbishley, we have a new hero.

Picture the scene. A crisp, clear January morning. The transfer window, wooden-framed and massive, although never quite long enough, stands isolated in the frost of Chadwell Heath. Far off, indistinct cries are heard. Gradually they crescendo, a rhythm is discerned: “moose, moose, moose, moose, moose, moose, moose”. Suddenly, the whole West Ham squad thunders over the horizon among a stampeding throng of lan. Yossi Benayoun is easily picked out, skipping and bounding like an antelope. Others are less easily identified. Anton Ferdinand, sadly, is utterly indistinguishable from the herd that surrounds him. Finally, they leap, bellowing, through the glass, landing prostrate, exhausted and exultant. The odd cut is inevitable. Relegation is unthinkable.

A variation on primal scream therapy, it’s a ritual known to the layman as Deers for Fears. Its value is unquestioned, its origins unclear. It is thought that West Ham’s coaches, unfamiliar with the nickname of Talal El Karkouri, were inspired by the assertion that, at Charlton, Curbishley’s most professional trainer was The Elk. Whatever, it’s bound to catch on. Before we know it, teams will not only be diving with lan but swimming with dolphins and running with bulls. Fortunately, there is little truth in speculation that Kevin Costner will be the new manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Jeff Gold
14 February 2007

4175: Squarefootball Zeitgeist: Most

by : Antony Melvin

Looking at the stats on a football site can be mildly diverting. And starting with January we will be sharing with you the players who are attracting the most hits at Squarefootball. Unusually in January a manager topped the poll with Rafa Benitez proving very popular, displacing the usual number one - Cristiano Ronaldo. Right up there are the usual suspects like Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry - but the popularity of Harry Kewell is a mystery.

1. (2) Rafael Benitez

With takeover talk about Liverpool everywhere it was no surprise that Rafa was the most visited person on Squarefootball. His popularity has waned since the Hicks/Gillett takeover and he may drop off the chart in February.

Rafael Benitez

2. (9) Thierry Henry

A return to form and fitness for the Arsenal flyer lead to a surge in interest as he moved from ninth to second. With Arsenal fighting to win all the cups there is little likelihood that he will drop off the chart in February.

Thierry Henry

3. (7) Andriy Shevchenko

With speculation mounting over the state of Chelsea's morale, focus centered on the £30m summer signing. Was he an Abramovich signing? Was he an Abramovich spy? Up four places in the popularity stakes.

Andriy Shevchenko

4. (-) Harry Kewell

Some left-field speculation on a possible move to Spurs for long term injury victim, Harry Kewell, could have propelled him to significance - but his popularity in January was a bit odd. He has drifted off the money in February.

Harry Kewell

5. (1) Cristiano Ronaldo

Double player of the month was not enough to keep the Portuguese flyer at number one. In fact in a desperate month for tabloid journalism there were days in January where he was not linked with a move to either Barcelona or Real Madrid. An oversight that the tabs have rectified in February and he is currently polling twice as many hits as any other player.

Cristiano Ronaldo

6. (-) Darren Bent

Currently injured - as he was in January - but Bent was still being linked with a big money move throughout last month. £18m was mooted for one excellent season in the top flight and an injury ruined second term. And they say English footballers are overpriced. The gods of fate would have enjoyed the site of Bent signing on the dotted line with his crutches to hand - just look at the fun they had with Johnathan Woodgate at Real Madrid.

Darren Bent

7. (8) Aaron Lennon

The Spurs flyer is always popular and there was a brief suspicion that Chelsea could slip him into Shaun Wright-Phillips kit. But Spurs are flush with money from the Michael Carrick deal and are unlikely to sell Lennon for less than £20m - which is beyond Chelsea's current capabilities.

Aaron Lennon

8. (15) Morten Gamst Pedersen

Pedersen moved up from fifteenth into the top ten on the back of a-goal-a-game kind of form. Some speculation about a move to a glamorous left-wing role at one of the big city clubs (ie eighteen months on the bench before being sold to Newcastle) pushed him into the top ten.

Morten Gamst Pedersen

9. (3) Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is never far from the news and is usually amongst the big hitters on Squarefootball. As his form improved and the goals started to flow his popularity rose after a slow start to the month.

Wayne Rooney

10. (4) Steven Gerrard

Liverpool may have been a very popular club (Squarefootball's most popular in January) - but its captain saw his popularity fade. No England or Champions' League action could have been contributing factors - but a lack of transfer speculation about the man probably had more to do with it.

Steven Gerrard

Out of favour

Didier Drogba dropped out of the top ten after standing in fifth in December. Gordon Strachan was the sixth biggest draw in December, possibly on the back of Champions' League and domestic excellence. But Strachan dropped off the radar in January. Tied for tenth in December Barcelona's Chelsea old-boy Eidur Gudjohnsen dropped out of sight with the Champions' League in hibernation; Steve Coppell, however, only just missed out on the top ten again.

Antony Melvin
15 February 2007

4173: 20 Handy Facts About Zulte War

by : Hugh Larkin

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Wigan's form is picking up - even if results don't yet prove that and Wigan have a series of games against lower-mid-table teams that should be enough to survive on.

Wigan Athletic Recent Form: 0.3pts per game (no form modifier)

Last 10: W1, D0, L9

Premiership Fixtures Remaining

Watford vs Wigan 21-02-2007 0.5
Wigan vs Newcastle 24-02-2007 0.5
Man City vs Wigan 03-03-2007 0.5
Wigan vs Fulham 17-03-2007 1.5
Charlton vs Wigan 31-03-2007 0.5
Wigan vs Bolton 07-04-2007 0.0
Aston Villa vs Wigan 09-04-2007 1.0
Wigan vs Tottenham 14-04-2007 1.5
Liverpool vs Wigan 21-04-2007 0.0
Wigan vs West Ham 28-04-2007 1.0
Wigan vs Middlesbro 05-05-2007 1.5
Sheff Utd vs Wigan 13-05-2007 1.0

Total 10pts

WEST HAM UNITED

West Ham are free-falling towards relegation and now face a series of home fixtures that are very tricky - Chelsea, Everton, Spurs and Bolton will offer little. Trips to Blackburn, Arsenal and Manchester United don't look good either.

West Ham United Recent Form 0.5pts per game (no form modifier)

Last 10: W1, D2, L7, F10, A19

Premiership Fixtures Remaining

Charlton vs West Ham 24-02-2007 0.0
West Ham vs Tottenham 04-03-2007 1.0
Blackburn vs West Ham 17-03-2007 0.0
West Ham vs Middlesbro 31-03-2007 1.5
Arsenal vs West Ham 07-04-2007 0.0
West Ham vs Chelsea 09-04-2007 0.0
Sheff Utd vs West Ham 14-04-2007 1.0
West Ham vs Everton 21-04-2007 0.5
Wigan vs West Ham 28-04-2007 0.5
West Ham vs Bolton 05-05-2007 0.5
Man Utd vs West Ham 13-05-2007 0.0

TOTAL 5pts

CHARLTON ATHLETIC

With three games against local rivals and two trips to Merseyside this is not an ideal run-in. The games against Charlton and Wigan will probably be pivotal.

Charlton Athletic Recent Form: 0.8pts per game (form modifier +0.1pts)

Last 10: W2, D2, L6

Premiership Fixtures Remaining

Charlton vs West Ham 24-02-2007 0.6
Watford vs Charlton 03-03-2007 0.1
Charlton vs Newcastle 17-03-2007 0.6
Charlton vs Wigan 31-03-2007 1.1
Man City vs Charlton 07-04-2007 1.1
Charlton vs Reading 09-04-2007 0.6
Everton vs Charlton 14-04-2007 0.1
Charlton vs Sheff Utd 21-04-2007 1.6
Blackburn vs Charlton 28-04-2007 0.1
Charlton vs Tottenham 05-05-2007 1.1
Liverpool vs Charlton 13-05-2007 0.0

Total 7pts

WATFORD

Watford are in the best form of the bottom four teams and possibly face the simplest run-in. Winnable home games like Wigan, Charlton, Newcastle and Man City will be key.

Watford Recent Form 1.3pts per game (form modifier +0.6pts)

Last 10: W4, D1, L5, F9, A14

Premiership Fixtures Remaining

Watford vs Wigan 21-02-2007 1.6
Watford vs Everton 24-02-2007 1.1
Watford vs Charlton 03-03-2007 1.1
Tottenham vs Watford 17-03-2007 1.1
Watford vs Chelsea 31-03-2007 0.1
Middlesbro vs Watford 07-04-2007 1.6
Watford vs Portsmouth 09-04-2007 1.1
Blackburn vs Watford 14-04-2007 0.6
Watford vs Man City 21-04-2007 2.1
Sheff Utd vs Watford 28-04-2007 1.6
Reading vs Watford 05-05-2007 0.6
Watford vs Newcastle 13-05-2007 1.1

Total 14pts

FINAL TABLE

Watford's form and benign run-in should take them into the final day needing a win to survive - but Wigan have the points in the bag and on recent form may just shade it.

Wigan Athletic 35pts
Watford 32pts
Charlton Athletic 27pts
West Ham United 25pts

Antony Melvin
13 February 2007UEFA Cup football returns around Valentine’s Day. The competition has provided light in a difficult season for Newcastle but Glenn Roeder’s team have drawn the least known of the British side’s opponents and one with a most unusual manager.

This is a no-win tie for Newcastle; their opposition are in their first European campaign and have already exceeded expectations. They have a good record in knockout football and nothing to lose.

1. Zulte Waregem are a new club formed from the amalgamation of Zulte VV and KSV Waregem. The town of Zulte had never had a team in the Belgian top division before, though KSV had been there.

2. The merger came in 2001 and in 2004-05 the team gained promotion to the top flight, known as the Jupiler League. They play home games in Waregem.

3. Home games are played at the Rainbow Stadium (Regenboogstadion), former home of KSV Waregem. Its capacity is just 8,500.

4. The stadium name is in Dutch as the club lies in the West Flanders region of Belgium. The match is being switched to Gent’s larger stadium but only 650 Magpies fans will be allocated tickets.

5. The club got into Europe by winning the Belgian Cup to follow up their promotion campaign. They also finished 6th in their first Jupiler season.

6. This season they are lying in a modest 12th place out of 18. There is no imminent danger of relegation but the team do have to be careful.

7. Their recent success is all the more remarkable because club coach Francky Dury has combined his role with his other job as a detective in the Ghent Police Force. He is about to leave the force and go full-time as a manager, beginning a 5 year contract on 1st March.

8. If Celestine Babayaro plays for Newcastle he will face a former team mate. Zulte keeper Gert De Vlieger played in a losing Cup Final team with the Nigerian left back when the pair were at Anderlecht.

9. Zulte-Waregem knocked Lokomotiv Moscow out in the preliminary round. They won 3-2 in aggregate after battling back from two goals down in the away leg.

10. Tim Mattys was one of the scorers in the home leg against the Russians- he has a habit of getting key goals. He scored the winner in the last minute of the Belgian Cup Final. He also bagged a hat-trick in the group game with FK Austria.

11. The group stage results were mixed, though it was a tough group. Zulte beat the Austrian club and Sparta Prague to virtually guarantee progression. They then lost the next two games to Espanol and Ajax.

12. The wins against Sparta and Austria were very impressive- 3-1 and 4-1- but the defeats were very worrying. They lost 6-2 on the trip to Spain and 3-0 at home to the Dutch visitors.

13. Zulte score quite a few goals but also concede. Last season they let in only two less than they scored despite finishing 6th. This season they have conceded 28 to 22 scored in the League.

14. This looks to be a good time to play them because last weekend they were beaten by Lierse the bottom side. It was only Lierse’s third win this campaign.

15. Despite the defeats in the group stage, the team’s progress has caused a stir in Belgium as they are only side from the nation still going in Europe. Heavyweights Anderlecht and Bruges have departed.

16. Defender Frederic Dindeleux is familiar to Scottish fans, He moved to the club in 2005 after a stint with Kilmarnock. At the time he moved, half the squad were still amateurs

17 Manager Dury has a touch or irony about him, not unexpected given his other role. He described the victory of Lokomotiv as ‘a two stroke beating a Ferrari’. About the draw for the last 32 he says they hoped to draw a smaller club but there wasn’t one.

18. Many of the squad come from bigger clubs cast offs. Tony Sargent is a midfielder from Antwerp and Jonas Vandermarliere- who got the crucial away goal in Russia- had 10 years in the Youth/ reserve set up at Anderlecht. Mattys came from Gent.

19. Gonzalez Vigil is a Peruvian striker who has La Liga experience with Malaga.

20. Evidence of the team’s increased standing is the recent signing of two African players, especially Nigerian Tosin Dosumnu. He has been a regular scorer in the Belgian top flight and his transfer to Nancy has not worked out. He should be a great loan signing for Zulte but happily for Newcastle he’s cup tied for this tie.

Hugh Larkin
8 February 2007

4172: H.O.P.E.L.E.S.S Mk2: Premiersh

by : Antony Melvin

Interestingly he will escape the sack due to vested interests. If the FAI opts to remove Stan, then public pressure on Chief Executive John Delaney, already vicious beyond reason, will intensify to the point that his position will become untenable. Delaney may have erred in playing a (major) part in Staunton’s appointment but his job-brief extends well beyond the national side and he has done enough to stay in employment in Merrion Square. Unfortunately, the media and public are unlikely to see it that way.

Furthermore, it will cost the FAI a substantial seven figure sum to dispense with Staunton and a similar amount to recruit someone capable of arresting and reversing the squads’ freefall. Even a big name is no guarantee of success. For the moment, it seems that the FAI are not in a position to pull the trigger.

It is hard not to empathise slightly with Staunton. He seems to genuinely believe that he can do some good for Irish football. However, until he realises that only his resignation can have a positive effect, that residue of empathy will be prevented from ever developing into full-blown sympathy.
Last season we introduced the HOPELESS predictor in the hope of offering an objective, accurate prediction tool. We were half right. This season we have changed the engine - whether it will improve the predictions is a touch more tricky. Firstly we look at the relegation battle in the Premiership - where there are four reasonable contenders in Wigan Athletic, West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Watford. Using the HOPELESS engine mk2 we hope to produce an accurate prediction of their final points tallies.

HOPELESS Engine Rules

Last season the engine scored 1 point for games against teams in close proximity; 0 points for games against the 'big four' and 1.5 points per games against the teams in mid table. 0.5 points was added per home game.

This season the scoring for Relegation candidates will be:

Opposition's current standing
1-4: 0pts
5-10: 0.5pts
11-16: 1.5pts
17-20: 1.0pt

Bonuses
Home games: 0.5pts
Local game: -0.5pts
All games: -0.5pts

Form
The difference between the points gained in the last 10 games (all matches considered as if they were league games) compared to the average over the season (league games only) added to each game. If negative, then form is ignored.

4171: Stan on the Brink?

by : Fred Tarow

4. Club versus Country

It may be called a debate but the reality is there are simply a set of concrete facts. The clubs/companies pay the players around $6 million a year. The representative side they turn out for 6 times a year pays in a week what they normally make in half a day.

They have an inferior coach, and are exposed to serious grief from the public and press, not to mention the hassle of playing against sides no ones’ heard of.

If injured, the player loses out on club bonus’ and worse still can jeopardize future contracts. Can they really be expected to care about a set up that pays next to nothing, is a glorified marketing brand and consists of inferior players?

Worse still it asks a little more of their technique than they’re comfortable with and the kicker is playing against The People’s Republic of Eastern Eurostan emphasizes just how overrated, and overpaid they are when the opposition play keep ball for 15 mins on a dodgy pitch.

Of course the players try but what is fairly transparent is international football is an anomaly in the football world that can be hazardous to their careers, egos and wallets.

Playing the hero in a friendly sandwiched between EPL and Champions League campaigns is beyond inconvenient. It may be marketed as the highest honour in football but fans should be mindful of where the player’s priorities are likely to be.

5. Practice Time

The domestic season runs from August to May, the players train and play consistently together for over 300 days. The national team spends at best 20-30 days preparing. The group of players you play with consistently changes, and the manager doesn’t deserve your trust.

Irrespective of the supposed standard of player, should fans expect to be watching a decent standard of football? Probably not, if internationals didn’t have the emotional and historical pull would any one really care? The players don’t have a chance to prepare properly and are conflicted by the interests of their pay masters.

Re cap

1- England have always been useless
2- Current players = Rubbish - Previous generations = Rubbish.
3- The FA, guardians of the game don’t care about winning, why should you?
4- The team only tries to perform at World Cup, stop wasting time and money.
5- International football by its very nature is an inferior product.

So there you have the Andrew Rogers check list to maintain your sanity next time you hear the words Three Lions. A pilots doesn’t fly before checking his plane is safe.

Fans should not support England until they have completed their safety checks, or could crash and burn investing their time in, overrated, inconsistent, and conflicted second tier players.

Now Mr./Ms Soccer fan your hour is up, that will be $400 please.

Andrew M. Rogers
9 February 2007Enough, enough, enough. When you master the art of the humiliating defeat and the shambolic performance you are on borrowed time. If you get to the stage where you engineer a deeply embarrassing victory, something not known to have existed before last Wednesday, then you have reached the point of no-return.

Stephen Staunton was one of Ireland’s favourite footballing sons but he is rapidly becoming a figure of intense dislike because of his ostrich-like attitude to his shortcomings as a football manager. No longer does he have the option of growing into his role; he has lost the confidence of the players, media and supporters. The moral defeat in San Marino has confirmed that he must go now.

Stan insists that the main objective of last Wednesday evening was to get three points. That very thought should send shivers down the spine of any right-minded person. A simple win was never the primary objective of the trip because the three points were a given when the fixtures were compiled. No-one expects to encounter anything bothersome in the European microstate.

A whole host of statistics have been re-cycled time and again over the last week to illustrate the ineptitude of San Marino. The only question when visiting there should be about the margin of victory and it should be sizably more than one kick of football. If that kick comes eight seconds from the full-time whistle, then you really have under-achieved on a spectacular scale.

Staunton doesn’t even possess the saving grace of PR nous to buy himself time with the media and supporters. After the game he insisted that “we will be stronger in March. We took a big risk playing the game at this time of year.” Usually the verbal dyslexics that fill quote of the week columns have at least a grain of common sense at the root of their ramblings. Where Staunton was coming from with that gem is anyone’s guess but it sure as hell wasn’t planet Earth.

More worrying was his insistence that San Marino “will be a handful as the group goes on”. This is a team that only months ago took a 13-0 hiding from Germany. That statement, utterly stripped of reality, conjures images of the famous Father Ted scene where Ted tries in vain to get Dougal to distinguish between real and toy cows. This time the joke is on Irish football.

The Louthman’s dwindling band of supporters have pointed to the weakness of his squad as justification for the poor results and performances. While Stan’s squad is nowhere near as good as the one enjoyed by Jack Charlton, it is not as weak as some seem to suggest.

In Shay Given, Ireland have arguably The Premiership’s finest stopper. On their day, Robbie Keane and Damien Duff are potential match-winners. Steve Carr, Steve Finnan and Richard Dunne are all fine defenders as is John O’Shea. Lee Carsley and Steven Reid (barring injury) play at a decent level in one of the world’s toughest leagues on a weekly basis. Andy Reid is an exceptionally gifted player if one plagued by inconsistency and injury.

They are players with good reputations who have proven themselves at a high level.

In the likes of Paul McShane, Stephen Hunt, Kevin Doyle, Jonathan Douglas, Shane Long, Anthony Stokes, Stephen Ireland and James McCarthy, Ireland have a plethora of young players with vast potential. The country has a wealth of exciting talent that needs to be nurtured and moulded into a cohesive unit.

Staunton is not the man to do it. People may point to the fact that he was missing key players against San Marino. That shouldn’t matter. San Marino are a god-awful side, with no business in international football. If Staunton was only allowed to select players from the eircom League he should have been able to assemble a side capable of comfortably accounting for the Sammarinese without breaking a sweat.

There is something inherently lacking in his management style. The man is not, as his most scathing critics have claimed, bereft of footballing knowledge. Unless Stan is as dumb and absorbent as a brick he couldn’t be. He has worked under some of the finest managers of the last twenty years. He has played in some of the best sides of recent decades. To entertain for a minute the notion that he hasn’t learned anything in those years is foolhardy. Yet he is obviously incapable of imparting that knowledge into his sides.

That was evident by the outrageous ad-hoc defending against Holland in August, in the limp defeat in Germany, in the humiliation in Nicosia and again last Wednesday. He is incapable of motivating his players and getting them to play as a team.

Kevin Kilbane, one of his most loyal foot-soldiers, admitted in the autumn that the squad were struggling to get to grips with Stan’s ideas. That has been reflected in the way his teams have been set up and in the way they have played out some of the most miserable episodes in Irish football.

The players shouldn’t be held responsible. They are trying to build performances on a foundation of quicksand. When one or two players under-perform, it is reasonable to assume that they are the problem. When the whole team does so, time and again, then the buck stops with the manager.

4170: Psychology Aptitude Test must

by : Andrew Rogers

Wednesday was a very grim day in the life of one of the most deluded and ignorant England fans on the face of the planet….me.

What may concern the readers is I should know a lot better than to convince myself in the build up to a friendly fixture, that England are decent at football on the international stage. However, like smoking, Valentines Day and Christmas I failed to grasp the fact that they are bad for your health, mind and wallet.

The truth is all too apparent, and as a qualified coach and former player my experience tells me not to bother with England, yet for some sadistic reason I persist.

This nation’s addiction to England’s cause is bad for business the next day, and for the country’s mental well being. It defies any notion of reason to keep convincing ones-self of something that you know to be contrary to the black and white facts, and then beat yourself up over that truth.

So, I’ve decided to draw up a check list that every fan should go through before engaging in supporting England in the build up to a game, and on match days.

1. England are Crap

Only in a country where the evacuation of Dunkirk is celebrated could a nation get so worked up by an over rated side. The fact is we have only won the big prize once.

In 1966 the political chicanery that went into creating the result wasn’t on the same level as South Korea in 2002. However, most South Americans believe FIFA had conspired to contrive the Germany - England final, and then in the decider who can get forget the goal that wasn’t a goal from Geoff Hurst?

Ok, so with FIFA and world politics on England’s side we can just about get there. But when have their subsequent performances suggested they’re a top nation? The best sides can play over 90 mins, 120 mins and in penalties.

These are the rules and that is how the game works. England have consistently used penalties as an excuse to stop playing and prolong the game. When it comes to the shoot out, they lose the confidence and swagger displayed in the night clubs when they are sipping on Cristal and burning 50 pound notes.

2. English players’ aren’t good enough

A great Premiership player does not equate to a good international. The Prem is exciting because the fans make a great amount of noise and truly care.

The players play with a level of discipline often found on the playground in junior school. This is what makes the EPL so much fun, but it’s the complete antithesis of the international game where control not blood and thunder is king.

None of the top four teams in England have a home grown coach and only Ferguson has made any attempt to keep his side English. As a rule the best Premier league sides don’t have English players in them.

Therefore, before being draw into the build up for the next game, make a mental note that the English don’t have very good players, no one abroad wants to buy them unless they sell shirts, they cannot get into top sides and the nature of their game is only suited to a particular brand of football.

3. Money not winning is the MO of the FA

A quick glance at the FA’s recent CEO’s will tell you where the priorities of “Team England” lie. It’s not the Three Lions and their unique position in the football world that govern its thinking but, lucre.

After Graham Kelly resigned over dodgy loans paid to the Welsh FA, English football has been governed by a Marketing Executive (Adam Crozier), Accountant (Mark Palios) and TV Executive (Brian Barwick).

Now I apologize if I've missed something here but isn’t football about developing players and winning teams? If this was strictly the case surely England would employ a football person to lead the administration?

Instead the FA has employed business people to develop the brand, organize their finances and develop TV rights. There is nothing wrong with this but the direction the FA are going, is not player orientated and it shows in the EPL and at the international level.