Squarefootball Diary - Thursday 31 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/7TPLbv #

23:43 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/86mmEz #sqf #

10:01 Premier League Team of the Decade (2000-2009) bit.ly/4SH2vI #

10:41 Premier League Team of the Decade (2000-2009): This is a difficult team to compile because it would be so .. bit.ly/4nI3eU #sqf #

13:12 Arsenal transfer diary 20 - 31 December 2009 bit.ly/5AuliD #

13:44 Arsenal transfer diary 20 - 31 December 2009: Arsenal ended 2010 in third place in the Premier League afte.. bit.ly/4Ue1Gu #sqf #

18:07 Tottenham Hotspur transfer diary 20 - 31 December 2009 bit.ly/6ADsh6 #

18:19 @stevesage Well that's cheered me up - Roses were very big when I was a student and its made me realise that was fully 20 years ago! #

18:45 Tottenham Hotspur transfer diary 20 - 31 December 2009: No team managed by Harry Redknapp is not going to .. bit.ly/6mlhd9 #sqf #

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Tottenham Hotspur transfer diary 20 - 31 December 2009

No team managed by Harry Redknapp is not going to be linked with plenty of transfer speculation - especially with Spurs in fourth place in the Premier League and fighting hard for a Champions' League slot.

Transfer Speculation: Maynor Figueroa (Wigan) to Tottenham (£6m)

Sunday 20 December 2009
Robbie Keane (£12m) has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane to Celtic for a while, but The News of the World came up with a new angle, suggesting that SundIreland would bid for the Irishman; Spurs would use the money to but Matthew Upson from West Ham. NOTW also reckoned bad luck charm, Gareth Bale, could be leaving on loan to relegate Burnley. The Sunday Express reckoned that Spurs have been told that Wigan defender Maynor Figueroa is not for sale.

Monday 21 December 2009
With speculation suggesting that Gareth Bale and Alan Hutton may be on their way out, The Daily Mail reports that Tottenham are set to move for Portsmouth full-back Nadir Belhadj in January, with Blackburn and Everton also interested in the Algeria defender. By this time next year Redknapp will have rebuilt his Pompey Fa Cup winning side in north London!

Tuesday 22 December 2009
Possibly the biggest day for Spurs speculation in recent memory as the news of the party in Dublin was devoured by the press. The meeting between the players and Redknapp was interpreted variously as 'frank and amicable, with voluntary charitable donations of around £300,000 (The Guardian), £1m to charity after Redknapp read the riot act (Daily Star), £80,00 to charity (The Sun), £320,000 to charity after Redknapp drew a line under the affair (Daily Mirror), £32,000 to charity (The Independent) and so on.

The party ringleader is again linked to a move to Celtic, with Spurs wanting Artur Boruc in exchange according to the Daily Mirror. Crystal Palace's forward Victor Moses (£5m) is wanted by Tottenham and a host of other clubs according to The Daily Mail. Alan Hutton may be worth as much as £4m to Everton or Blackburn - which sounds like a sale - in the Daily Express.

Would Robbie Keane's sale to Celtic cost Liverpool?

Wednesday 23 December 2009
According to the Daily Mirror Tottenham defender Michael Dawson is poised for a move to Sunderland - which would leave exactly who in Spurs back-line? And Watford's England Under-21 goalkeeper Scott Loach is the latest 'keeper attracting Spurs - although Everton want him too according to the Daily Star. Former Spurs favourite, Glenn Hoddle, may be taking over at Reading according to the Daily Mirror.

Thursday 24 December 2009
As well as Arsene Wenger, The Sun reports that Tottenham also like the look of striker Craig Bellamy should new Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini ditch the Wales international in January's transfer window. However, Redknapp must sell before he can buy, with Roman Pavlyuchenko and Robbie keane in the firing line. The Daily Mirror go a little scatter-gun and link Spurs with Ruud van Nistelrooy, West Ham defender Mathew Upson and Liverpool winger Ryan Babel - though where the money will come from is a mystery. One player almost certain to be at Tottenham in January is Jamie O'Hara as his loan stay at Pompey will be cancelled, according to The Sun, because of the transfer embargo.

Friday 25 December 2009
Hic.

Saturday 26 December 2009
The Times reports that Harry Redknapp likes the look of Craig Bellamy despite branding the player a "nuisance". But any deal would rely on City wanting to get rid of the Welshman - and it cannot be ruled out as Bellamy is perfectly capable of picking a fight in an empty room. The Daily Star suggests that Michael Dawson could break into Fabio Capello's plans despite being fourth choice at Spurs when everyone is fit. Quite why they bothered reporting it is anyone's guess.

Sunday 27 December 2009
The News of the World has speculation regarding two of Spurs' out-of-favour players; Scotland full-back Alan Hutton is a January target for Stoke and Fulham and David Bentley is attracting unlikely interest from Atletico Madrid.

Monday 28 December 2009
The Mirror reckoned that Roman Pavlyuchenko was on his way out as Harry Redknapp said he would not necessarily need a replacement if the Russian quit White Hart Lane in January - why would he need someone to sit on the bench and look sulky? The Sun again linked a panicky David James to Spurs after the Pompey 'keeper was clearly spooked by the speculation linking other stoppers to The Lane - James 'refused to rule out a move' which usually translates as 'come and get me!'.

Tuesday 29 December 2009
The Sun suggests that Harry Redknapp may go back to Portsmouth (again) and may turn to former club Portsmouth in January, with goalkeeper Asmir Begovic the target or even (wait for it) David James. Either way Pompey could then move for Adelaide stopper Eugene Galekovic - this transfer embargo is not hitting the speculation business then.

Wednesday 30 December 2009
Spurs speculation started to wane later on in the month.

Thursday 31 December 2009
See 25 December.

*Who do you think that Tottenham will move for in January - or will there be no transfer activity for Harry Redknapp's side? Let us know

Arsenal transfer diary 20 - 31 December 2009

Arsenal ended 2010 in third place in the Premier League after a superb run of form ending with a 4-1 beating of a Portsmouth team that beat Liverpoo 2-0 a week earlier. In such good form the papers reigned back their speculation about the Gunners - but the injury problems for the forwards at the club was always going to generate some speculation in that area.

Could James Beattie move to one of the big four - specifically Arsenal?

Sunday 20 December 2009
The Sunday Mirror reported that occasional Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart (£6m) did not want to move to Arsenal in January; although any team needs tricky playmakers, Arsenal already appear to about ten in the squad already. So perhaps van der Vaart didn't fancy swapping one bench for another. The News of the World reported that Arsenal were interested in Watford's 'highly-rated' keeper Scott Loach.

Monday 21 December 2009
The Sun linked Arsenal once again to Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh (£7m); Chamakh has supposedly been on his way to Arsenal for over a year now and is not merely a high scoring scrabble word. The context was that Everton were prepared to bid for the player in the summer - rather than any kind of January bid.

Tuesday 22 December 2009
The Daily Mail implied that Crystal Palace forward Victor Moses (£5m) has a good agent - especially if Arsenal along with Roma, Barcelona, Liverpool, Tottenham, Sunderland, Fulham, Wigan, Birmingham, The Red Lion (Islington) and German side Hoffenheim are all looking to sign him!

Wednesday 23 December 2009
The Daily Mirror appeared to be breaking up for the holidays with the report that Arsenal shareholders were 'pressuring' Arsene Wenger to spend serious money in January - surely most shareholders tend to complain about money being spent? Anyway the Mirror arbitrarily linked Arsenal to three strikers (West Ham's Carlton Cole, Toulouse's Andre-Pierre Gignac and Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh) without bothering with valuations or quotes. The Daily Mail were considering one of Wenger's failures by suggesting that Everton could make a loan move for Jose Antonio Reyes, who is now at Atletico Madrid. But if Reyes found Arsenal hard work - I shudder to think how David Moyes will get on with him.

Thursday 24 December 2009
Most proper journalists went out and got drunk.

Friday 25 December 2009
Most proper journalists were stuck at home with their families nursing a hangover and hoping that a manager would unexpectedly get sacked.

Saturday 26 December 2009
Most proper journalists were now climbing the walls

Sunday 27 December 2009
Relief as the Sunday's came in and the Mail on Sunday shamelessly re-told the Marouane Chamakh to Arsenal story. The News of the World went with Toulouse's striker Andre Pierre Gignac (£12m) at least going to the bother of guessing at a valuation. More interestingly The Sunday Mirror extrapolated Craig Bellamy's unease at Mark Hughes's sacking into a move to Arsenal - Bellamy has had a great season at Man City and has a winning mentality, but why would City sell? For the money?

With City in mind The Sunday Express floated the highly probable idea that Roberto Mancini is a short-term appointment; but the punchline that Arsene Wenger will be 'lured' in the summer is laughable. Jose Mourinho is much more likely.

Monday 28 December 2009
Arsene Wenger suggested that he is open to bringing in players to cover for Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas - but it sounds unlikely that they will be names already in the open:

"I have said we will keep our eyes open and if a good opportunity turns up we will do it, but at the moment I haven't got any 'names'."

Tuesday 29 December 2009
Renewed speculation in Marca that Barcelona or Real Madrid will pay £45m for Cesc Fabregas was put down by the player himself who insists his long-term future is with Arsenal. Losing Fabregas would certainly kill off any title challenge this season and would therefore hardly be financially beneficial - never mind how much it would set the club back.

Wednesday 30 December 2009
The Independent reported that Arsene Wenger is an admirer of Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy, one assumes in a manly kind of sense - but Wenger went on to say that City probably won't sell him. The Sun reported that Everton (as well as Manchester United) were after another Arsenal target, 17-year-old Belgian winger Maxime Lestienne who plays for the excitingly named, Excelsior Mouscron. Apparently big 'fro man Marouane Fellaini rates him highly.

Thursday 31 December 2009
See 24 December.

*Who do you think that Arsenal will move for in January - or will there be no transfer activity for Arsene Wenger's side? Let us know

Premier League Team of the Decade (2000-2009)

This is a difficult team to compile because it would be so easy to let bias drift in and allow players that are dominant in the latter part of the decade more credit than players that were just as important a few years ago. So I decided to use the teams produced by the PFA as the teams of the year from 2000 - 2009 to be the decider.

No player in this team has not been a contender for player of the season - and all are only considered for their best position in a standard 4-4-2 formation. As the decade started the best players were as often at Newcastle or Leeds as in Manchester; perhaps the next decade will see a clutch of the best players again in Manchester but wearing blue rather than red.

Premier League Team of the Decade (2000-2009)

Goalkeeper
Shay Given just shades the goalkeeping position ahead of the evergreen Edwin van der Sar. These were the only two goalkeepers to have been in the PFA team of the year twice in the decade. Given was recognised as the best 'keeper by his fellow players in 2001/2 and 2005/6 whilst at Newcastle United and must be the early favourite for 2009/10 at Manchester City showing just how well he has maintained consistent standards throughout the decade.

Goalkeeping candidates: Shay Given, Edwin van der Sar, David James, Petr Cech, Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, Nigel Martyn and Fabian Barthez.

Right-back
Only two right-backs were considered pre-eminent in two separate seasons and thinking back it is rare for right-backs - even more so than left-backs - to be excellent for long periods. Stephen Carr and Gary Neville are the contenders, with Neville getting the nod. Neville is still club captain at Manchester United despite recent injuries which probably curtailed his best form which saw him be recognised as the best right-back in 2004/5 and 2006/7 and become England's most capped right-back. He dovetailed well with David Beckham in his time at Old Trafford and when Beckham left Neville developed into an attacking outlet himself and a decent crosser of the ball.

Right-back candidates: Gary Neville, Stephen Carr, Glen Johnson, Bacary Sagna, Pascal Chimbonda, Lauren, Steve Finnan and Gary Kelly.

Left-back
The outstanding left-back of the decade was another Englishman in Ashley Cole. Cole was in three teams of the year for Arsenal, 2003/4, 2003/4 and 2004/5 and was in the Arsenal 'invincibles' team that went unbeaten in 49 league games from May 2003 to October 2004 including every game in the 2003/4 season. Cole is the first of three players from that invincible team in this team of the decade - but is yet to be named in a team of the year as a Chelsea player.

Left-backs candidates: Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge, Patrice Evra, Gael Clichy, Sylvinho and Ian Harte.

Centre-backs
The first centre-back is the only player in this team to have been in a team of the year in this decade for two different clubs; Rio Ferdinand was in the team of the year in 2001/2 when a Leeds United player and following his £30m move to Manchester United was again considered highly in 2004/5, 2006/7, 2007/8 and 2008/9.

To balance Ferdinand we need a more rugged partner and there are five serious contenders: Jamie Carragher at Liverpool who was in the 2005/6 team of the year, Jaap Stam at Manchester United who was in the top teams of 1999/2000 and 2000/1, Sol Campbell at Arsenal was at his peak in 2002/3 and 2003/4 and Nemanja Vidic who is apparently now wanted at Real Madrid and Barcelona and has been in the last three teams of the year. But I'm going for England captain, John Terry at Chelsea. Terry was the only non-Arsenal defender in the 2003/4 team of the year and was again chosen in 2004/5 and 2005/6 and forms a great international partnership with Ferdinand - when both are fit.

Centre-back candidates: Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Jamie Carragher, Jaap Stam, Sol Campbell, Nemanja Vidic, William Gallas, Sami Hyypiä and Wes Brown.

Right midfield
No real debate here as Cristiano Ronaldo developed into the best player in the world while at Manchester United before being sold for a world record fee of £80m in the summer of 2009. A dazzling runner capable of consistently scoring 30 goals in a season from the wing he is also a dead ball specialist and regularly scores in open play from 30+ yards. A real loss to the English game, Ronaldo was in the team of the year in 2005/6, 2006/7, 2007/8 and 2008/9.

Right midfield candidates: Cristiano Ronaldo, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Kieron Dyer and David Beckham.

Central midfield
Although there are a lot of candidates in central midfield two really stand out, appearing in five or six teams of the season each. Steven Gerrard of Liverpool and Patrick Vieira of Arsenal - another of the invincibles. Although Gerrard has been deployed on the right or left of midfield and as a support striker his best position is arguably in central midfield - where he can score goals and dictate play. Vieira is a more defensively minded midfielder who formed a shield in front of the Arsenal defence along with Manu Petit.

Frank Lampard is the closest challenger to the two and many would suggest that scoring nearly 150 goals from midfield for Chelsea and West Ham as well as 20 international goals in the decade should put him above Gerrard who scores fewer goals but is arguably a more influential player.

If the decade had run from 1995 to 2004 then Paul Scholes and Roy Keane would have been the pick and Cesc Fabregas looks set to dominate this position in the next decade - as long as Arsenal hold onto him.

Central midfield candidates: Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira, Frank Lampard, Roy Keane, Cesc Fàbregas and Paul Scholes.

Left midfield
This is one of the hardest decisions of this line-up whether to go for the most decorated Premier League footballer in Ryan Giggs, or another of the Arsenal 'invincibles' in Robert Pirès. In the end it was Pires's presence in 3 teams of the year (2002/3, 2003/4 and 2003/4) compared to Giggs two mentions (Giggs was in 5 teams of the year in the 1990s) that swung it. Pires was a fine footballer, who could pass, move and score with dazzling simplicity. Arsenal missed him quite badly when he was pensioned off to Spain.

Left midfield candidates: Robert Pirès, Ryan Giggs, Arjen Robben, Ashley Young, Joe Cole and Harry Kewell.

Forwards
The first forward is simple as Thierry Henry was in just about every team of the year during his time in England, 2000/1, 2001/2, 2002/3, 2003/4, 2004/5 and 2005/6 before being sold off to Barcelona when his star appeared to be on the wain. His ability to strike so many goals drifting in off the left flank was the cornerstone of Arsene Wenger's most productive period as manager.

The second forward is more tricky to choose, is it the mercurial Fernando Torres who has 50 league goals in 72 games for Liverpool or the Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who scored 150 goals in 219 games (all competitions) for the Old Trafford club. Both were in two teams of the year, but van Nistelrooy's achievements spanned the decade and that should count higher than Torres's more recent introduction. He was Premier League leading scorer twice, he was also the Champions' League leading scorer twice and was previously the leading scorer in the Eredivisie and subsequently in Spain's Primera Liga. Van Nistelrooy is the third highest scorer in European Cup history and would offer a splendid balance to Henry as the best 'fox-in-the-box' seen in England since Gary Lineker.

So no place here for Drogba, Rooney, Shearer, Cole or Anelka.

Forward candidates: Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fernando Torres, Nic Anelka, Dimitar Berbatov, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Andrew Johnson, Alan Shearer, Teddy Sheringham, Andrew Cole and Kevin Phillips.

*So that's my team of the decade on the final day of the decade - would you choose differently, let me know!

My team of the decade: Shay Given; Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry; Robert Pires, Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira, Cristiano Ronaldo; Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

PFA Teams of the Year:

2009:
GK Edwin van der Sar Manchester United
RB Glen Johnson Portsmouth
CB Rio Ferdinand Manchester United
CB Nemanja Vidic Manchester United
LB Patrice Evra Manchester United
RM Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
CM Ryan Giggs Manchester United
CM Steven Gerrard Liverpool
LM Ashley Young Aston Villa
FW Nicolas Anelka Chelsea
FW Fernando Torres Liverpool

2008:
GK David James Portsmouth
DF Bacary Sagna Arsenal
DF Rio Ferdinand (c) Manchester United
DF Nemanja Vidic Manchester United
DF Gaël Clichy Arsenal
RM Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
CM Steven Gerrard Liverpool
CM Cesc Fàbregas Arsenal
LM Ashley Young Aston Villa
FW Emmanuel Adebayor Arsenal
FW Fernando Torres Liverpool

2007:
GK Edwin van der Sar Manchester United
DF Gary Neville (c) Manchester United
DF Rio Ferdinand Manchester United
DF Nemanja Vidic Manchester United
DF Patrice Evra Manchester United
MF Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
MF Steven Gerrard Liverpool
MF Paul Scholes Manchester United
MF Ryan Giggs Manchester United
FW Dimitar Berbatov Tottenham Hotspur
FW Didier Drogba Chelsea

2006:
GK Shay Given Newcastle United
DF Pascal Chimbonda Wigan Athletic
DF John Terry Chelsea
DF Jamie Carragher Liverpool
DF William Gallas Chelsea
MF Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United
MF Steven Gerrard (c) Liverpool
MF Frank Lampard Chelsea
MF Joe Cole Chelsea
FW Wayne Rooney Manchester United
FW Thierry Henry Arsenal

2005:
GK Petr Cech Chelsea
DF Gary Neville Manchester United
DF John Terry (c) Chelsea
DF Rio Ferdinand Manchester United
DF Ashley Cole Arsenal
MF Shaun Wright-Phillips Manchester City
MF Steven Gerrard Liverpool
MF Frank Lampard Chelsea
MF Arjen Robben Chelsea
FW Andrew Johnson Crystal Palace
FW Thierry Henry Arsenal

2004:
GK Tim Howard Manchester United
DF Lauren Arsenal
DF John Terry Chelsea
DF Sol Campbell Arsenal
DF Ashley Cole Arsenal
MF Steven Gerrard Liverpool
MF Frank Lampard Chelsea
MF Patrick Vieira (c) Arsenal
MF Robert Pirès Arsenal
FW Ruud van Nistelrooy Manchester United
FW Thierry Henry Arsenal

2003:
GK Brad Friedel Blackburn Rovers
DF Stephen Carr Tottenham Hotspur
DF Sol Campbell Arsenal
DF William Gallas Chelsea
DF Ashley Cole Arsenal
MF Patrick Vieira Arsenal
MF Paul Scholes Manchester United
MF Kieron Dyer Newcastle United
MF Robert Pirès Arsenal
FW Thierry Henry Arsenal
FW Alan Shearer Newcastle United

2002:
GK Shay Given Newcastle United
DF Steve Finnan Fulham
DF Rio Ferdinand Leeds United
DF Sami Hyypiä Liverpool
DF Wayne Bridge Southampton
MF Robert Pirès Arsenal
MF Roy Keane Manchester United
MF Patrick Vieira Arsenal
MF David Beckham Manchester United
FW Ruud van Nistelrooy Manchester United
FW Thierry Henry Arsenal

2001:
GK Fabian Barthez Manchester United
DF Stephen Carr Tottenham Hotspur
DF Jaap Stam Manchester United
DF Wes Brown Manchester United
DF Sylvinho Arsenal
MF Paul Scholes Manchester United
MF Roy Keane Manchester United
MF Patrick Vieira Arsenal
MF Ryan Giggs Manchester United
FW Teddy Sheringham Manchester United
FW Thierry Henry Arsenal

2000:
GK Nigel Martyn Leeds United
DF Gary Kelly Leeds United
DF Jaap Stam Manchester United
DF Sami Hyypiä Liverpool
DF Ian Harte Leeds United
MF David Beckham Manchester United
MF Roy Keane Manchester United
MF Patrick Vieira Arsenal
MF Harry Kewell Leeds United
FW Andrew Cole Manchester United
FW Kevin Phillips Sunderland

Squarefootball Diary - Wednesday 30 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/7E5wWm #

23:46 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/5cUdIC #sqf #

11:25 #Bolton sack Gary Megson - leaving #Hull most likely to strike next bit.ly/4Inb0c #

11:29 @johal20 #ManCity have had no success in sacking and hiring dozens of managers while #ManUtd have had lots - there is no pattern #

12:28 @johal20 Barca have had 2 managers since 2002 so aren't a good example. #

12:46 Portsmouth vs Arsenal: Pompey look to defy the odds bit.ly/8OSRkQ #

12:51 @johal20 I know you hate #Arsenal, but Wenger has won as much as every #Chelsea manager put together. #

12:53 @johal20 Without time Ferguson would have won nothing at #ManUtd before being sacked, nor Shankly at #Liverpool - you're simply wrong. #

12:59 @johal20 After how many seasons do you think a top manager should be sacked if he doesn't win the league then? One? Two? Three? #

13:01 RT @paul_tomkins RT @robbohuyton: How frustrating is it that by writing shite you become popular? <- Form is temporary, class is ... #

13:06 @johal20 Don't be so sensitive; I'm just pointing out that you're talking bollocks - you're quick enough to tell other people when they are. #

13:45 Portsmouth vs Arsenal: Pompey look to defy the odds: Portsmouth start this game in last place, four points.. bit.ly/6Uww08 #sqf #

15:37 Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic: United look to close up title race bit.ly/8SIpQD #

15:46 Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic: United look to close up title race: Manchester United start the game .. bit.ly/4usBkh #sqf #

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Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic: United look to close up title race

Manchester United start the game in second spot against a Wigan side in a relegation scrap.

After ten straight wins over Wigan, the expectation must be that United will win again. But a similar record at home to Villa was recent busted and this season it seems that there is a shock in every round of matches. With wins for Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Man City so far United will have to be on their toes to ensure that the shock result isn't this one. The defensive problems are starting to abate and Gary Neville's recovery could mean that United may even have a defender on the bench for this one. But a chilly wind blows from the south and the Spanish press are whipping up some speculation about the latest United player that they would like to see in Spain - Vidic. And if the big Serbian is distracted United may get caught cold.

Wigan have had some great results this season including the 3-1 win against Chelsea but lost 5-0 to United in August after an abject second half capitulation. Wigan's form is also poor coming into this game without a win in four games - but as that is their longest winless sequence of the season they are due a win. You would hope that Roberto Martinez insistence on an attractive passing game will be rewarded rather than the long-ball percentage teams over the season - even if it may not be enough on a bitterly cold Manchester evening.

Manchester United vs Wigan Athletic; Kick Off 8:00pm 30 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 3 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 1 - 0
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 0
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 4 - 0
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 3 - 0
Don McMahon : 3 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 3 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 3 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 2
Peter Rendle : 4 - 0
Dan Taylor : 2 - 0
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : 3 - 0
Mark Williams : 2 - 1

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a 3-0 Manchester United win.

Home: 15; Draw: 1; Away: 0; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Portsmouth vs Arsenal: Pompey look to defy the odds

Portsmouth start this game in last place, four points from safety - Arsenal can move second tonight.

Portsmouth's last home game was a very satisfying 2-0 win over Liverpool so there is little doubt that Portsmouth have some quality - but it is all too rarely displayed this season. Avram Grant has won two of his six league games which is an improvement on Paul Hart's two wins from thirteen games - but it has not yet improved the situation at the club as it is still bottom. The Africa Cup of Nations will now deprive the club of up to six players (Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Yebda, Aruna Dindane and Nwankwo Kanu confirmed so far) and with a transfer embargo in place there is even the prospect that Jamie O'Hara might have to return to Spurs. So this could be the last game for a while that Pompey can call on a full team - they may need to make it count.

With wins for Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Man City in this round of matches there is extra pressure on Arsenal to maintain their fine recent form. Arsene Wenger's team is unbeaten in December - which looked a very tricky month on paper and included games against Villa and Liverpool - and has shrugged off the loss of Robin van Persie. Such form will push Arsenal above Manchester United into second tonight if Arsenal win and United don't. Arsenal have the prospect of being four points behind Chelsea with a game in hand at the new year if they get a win here and with Chelsea about to lose Drogba et al for a month 2010 could yet be an Arsenal title season.

Portsmouth vs Arsenal; Kick Off 7:45pm 30 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 2
Chris Cox : 1 - 2
Graham Enwright : 0 - 3
Sue Gardener : 2 - 3
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 4
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 3
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 0 - 2
Don McMahon : 0 - 2
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 2
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 2
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 1 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 3
Isaac Williams : 0 - 2
Mark Williams : 1 - 2

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a few goals here with Arsenal expected to prevail 2-1.

Home: 0; Draw: 3; Away: 13; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Squarefootball Diary - Tuesday 29 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/7K1FJL #

23:45 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/7dBes4 #sqf #

10:41 Bolton Wanderers v Hull City: Megson and Brown smell safety: The smell of turkey sandwiches and sprouts wi.. bit.ly/4LlDty #sqf #

11:15 Only #Sunderland in the top half of the division have conceded more away goals than #Liverpool - only #Fulham have scored fewer. #

11:23 Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Nothing decided just yet bit.ly/7Oz04W #

11:42 Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Nothing decided just yet: Before yesterday's games Villa were fourth and Liverpo.. bit.ly/8uuXyz #sqf #

14:33 Birmingham's Alex McLeish looks nailed on as manager of the month bit.ly/6k4MTE #

14:54 Birmingham's Alex McLeish looks nailed on as manager of the month: Birmingham City's remarkable run of for.. bit.ly/6BBAz0 #sqf #

15:21 sqF Mailbag: Whats the prediction panels success rate? bit.ly/5M1C9X #

15:21 sqF Mailbag: 6-0 bit.ly/8Kxddy #

15:22 sqF Mailbag: .... definitely a young talent we need, i think ferguson would be good for the job alt.. bit.ly/8iXw4C #

15:22 sqF Mailbag: bolton 3 hull city 0 bit.ly/5KpwOK #

15:22 sqF Mailbag: www.squarefootball.net/Sections/Prediction.aspx The individual panelists get ab.. bit.ly/8k1GfL #

15:33 Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Today's Ultimate XI bit.ly/5BGadn #

15:52 sqF Mailbag: Alex has done wonders bit.ly/87ZZW1 #

15:57 Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Today's Ultimate XI: The latest best combined team comes from the big match of t.. bit.ly/6xp44n #sqf #

22:21 sqF Mailbag: Give it to arsey whinger, we dont need hollow plaudits. Leave the team to continue as .. bit.ly/79YmGh #

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Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Today's Ultimate XI

The latest best combined team comes from the big match of the day between Aston Villa and Liverpool. But which players are the best in each position from the two sides?

Goalkeeper
With Brad Friedel looking more and more likely to be usurped by Brad Guzan soon, the goalkeeper slot is clearly going to Pepe Reina who is having another excellent season.

Defence
The full-back slots look likely to be filled by two expensive purchases in Glen Johnson and ex-Liverpool trainee Stephen Warnock. Villa have struggled for full-backs at times deploying Collins or Cuellar out of position and Luke Young has only started 8 league games. Neither Aurelio nor Insua have been consistent enough for Liverpool. Could Johnson and Warnock be England's full-backs next summer?

In the centre, Richard Dunne seems an automatic choice after a move from Manchester City seems to have energised him. But with so many Villa centre-halves getting injured or pushed out as full-backs his partner will have to come from Liverpool. Jamie Carragher looks like he is back to his best and so edges out the extra goal threat of Dan Agger. Skrtel seems to have gone backwards this season.

Midfield
With Mascherano suspended, the central midfield will be difficult to balance. Lucas is having his best season to date but does not offer as much quality or energy as James Milner does in the middle; offering the opportunity to play Steven Gerrard alongside him in central midfield. Aquilani has simply not had the games, Petrov continues to look good (if a touch sluggish) and Sidwell would offer energy from the bench.

The wide midfield players are also weakened by the loss of Ashley Young, whose pace and goal threat should really have pushed him into the England team by now. Stewart Downing has fitted into the Villa side very comfortably this season and must be another contender for South Africa with his accurate crossing and dead ball ability. The other wide man should probably be Yossi Benayoun who has proved an absolute bargain for Liverpool. The hard-working-but-limited Dirk Kuyt would offer another option on the right.

Attack
Fernando Torres is a shoo-in, quite clearly - but who should partner him? Ex-red Emile Heskey? Big John Carew? Even Steven Gerrard is an option - but I'm going for Gabriel Agbonlahor to give a strikeforce with blistering pace and good finishers.

*Where have I got it wrong - please let me know!

Birmingham's Alex McLeish looks nailed on as manager of the month

Birmingham City's remarkable run of form is now the best at the club for over 100 years and seems sure to give Alex McLeish the manager of the month award. Arsene Wenger is the main competitor but although Arsenal have a similar league record in December (4 wins and a draw) they did lose twice in cup competitions. Given that Birmingham are now 11 games unbeaten as a newly promoted side this current run of form is surely even more praiseworthy than Arsenal getting back into the title race.

Alex McLeish's team has seemingly improved almost from the moment that the takeover was confirmed. The improvement is probably a combination of a team beginning to play together after the integration of a number of important summer recruits like Hart, Bowyer and Ferguson plus the motivation of a transfer influx funded by new money. The takeover itself may also have been of marginal importance in terms of distraction.

Of course Everton snagged a fourth place spot on the back of a barrel-load of 1-0s five years ago and Birmingham do seem to be setup in a similar fashion to David Moyes team. There is a lot of benefit in being set up with defensive strength - it makes every goal scored very valuable. Such has been Birmingham's form they can face the second half of the season considering Europe and not relegation.

Alex McLeish should be recognised for this achievement and follow Harry Redknapp (August), Sir Alex Ferguson (September), Roy Hodgson (October) and Carlo Ancelotti (November) as this season's top managers.

Birmingham City's unbeaten end to 2009:

October 2009

Birmingham 2-1 Sunderland 24-10-2009

November 2009 XXWW

Birmingham 0-0 Man City 01-11-2009
Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham 09-11-2009
Birmingham 1-0 Fulham 21-11-2009
Wolves 0-1 Birmingham 29-11-2009

December 2009 WWWXXW

Wigan 2-3 Birmingham 05-12-2009
Birmingham 1-0 West Ham 12-12-2009
Birmingham 2-1 Blackburn 15-12-2009
Everton 1-1 Birmingham 20-12-2009
Birmingham 0-0 Chelsea 26-12-2009
Stoke 0-1 Birmingham 28-12-2009

* Should Alex McLeish be manager of the month, or is Arsene Wenger or Roy Hodgson or another manager more worthy? Let us know.

Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Nothing decided just yet

Before yesterday's games Villa were fourth and Liverpool seventh - but results yesterday mean that both teams slipped a place and these two will both be looking for wins ahead of the distractions of the new year. All the teams in the top eight that played yesterday - Birmingham, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea - won making this game vital for both teams.

Aston Villa looked good for a point against Arsenal until a committed, driving central midfielder took the game away. With that in mind Martin O'Neill will need to detail someone to cover Steven Gerrard if he wants to avoid a repeat - and to be fair a number of teams have had joy against Liverpool by shackling their captain. Villa beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield back in August when Liverpool were at full strength so this fixture will hold few fears for Martin O'Neill's men.

Liverpool stuttered somewhat against Wolves and it wasn't until after the away team were reduced to 10 men that Liverpool scored; but sometimes any spark is gratefully nurtured. But Liverpool's away form has been poor this season - only Sunderland in the top half of the division concede more away goals and only 7 teams have scored fewer. Perhaps this is why Liverpool are struggling to build momentum as good home results are often squandered by half-hearted efforts away from home. Liverpool are back to full strength now, the season is half over and if the club is to make a serious play for fourth place this is a game that they can't afford to lose. But Liverpool will miss Mascherano as a defensive midfielder; so will Liverpool go with Lucas and another defensive minded player in midfield or take a chance with the more expansive Aquilani?

Aston Villa vs Liverpool; Kick Off 7:45pm 29 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 3 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 3
Sue Gardener : 2 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 3 - 0
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 2 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 2 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : 1 - 2
Mark Williams : 1 - 1

Panel Verdict
The panel are expecting a 2-1 Aston Villa win.

Home: 12; Draw: 2; Away: 2; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Bolton Wanderers v Hull City: Megson and Brown smell safety

The smell of turkey sandwiches and sprouts will be replaced with an air of salvation in Bolton tonight as the Wanderers and Hull City clash at the Reebok knowing a win will see either of them exit the bottom three and possibly climb up to lofty heights of 14^th in the table.

Hull City gave Manchester United a thorough inspection on Sunday but the class of the Champions ultimately prevailed. However, it’s Bolton who go into tonight’s game as favourites. Megson’s men are unbeaten in their past three outings and haven’t lost at home to the Tigers for more than 70 years while Hull are still searching their first away win of the season. It looks like a nailed-on home win from those stats, but Hull City know this is a game they must get something from with clashes against Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United coming up in the new year.

Phil Brown returns to Bolton looking to complete Hull’s first double over their Lancashire counterparts following Kamel Ghilas’s first and only goal for the Tigers in their 1-0 win in August. While that may prove to be a challenge, scoring past Bolton shouldn’t. The Trotters have yet to keep a clean sheet this season and Bolton are conceding, on average, two goals a game, so there should be goals this evening.

A draw will put both clubs level on points with West Ham United but the Hammers’ superior goal difference will ensure that they both stay in the bottom three. Do Bolton or Hull have what it take to claim all three points and lift themselves out of danger? The majority of the Panel believes it may a good end to the decade for the hosts.

Bolton Wanderers v Hull City; Kick Off 8pm 29 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 1 - 0
Graham Enwright : 2 - 2
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 0
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 2 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 0 - 0
Dan Taylor : 2 - 2
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 2
Isaac Williams : 2 - 1
Mark Williams : 2 - 1

Panel Verdict

It looks like Bolton will bring in the new decade outside the bottom three.

Home: 11; Draw: 4; Away: 1; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Squarefootball Diary - Monday 28 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/4QYlC7 #

23:43 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/8TJvNx #sqf #

09:46 Stoke City v Birmingham City: Goals may be at a premium at the Britannia: Stoke City’s recent record again.. bit.ly/65IHr7 #sqf #

10:00 Blackburn Rovers vs Sunderland: Low confidence suggests a draw bit.ly/6owi8J #

10:15 Chelsea vs Fulham: Chelsea look to end the year like champions bit.ly/7ZWgMZ #

10:41 Chelsea vs Fulham: Chelsea look to end the year like champions: The west London derby game sees league lea.. bit.ly/8XFnm8 #sqf #

12:09 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City: Will Wolves have a team to beat City? bit.ly/4v9Chk #

12:44 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City: Will Wolves have a team to beat City?: Fifteenth placed Wolves.. bit.ly/4PicjP #sqf #

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City: Will Wolves have a team to beat City?

Fifteenth placed Wolves faced sixth placed Manchester City with avoiding the relegation zone and moving into the top four today's respective motivations.

With at least one point for several of the relegation candidates around them - West Ham, Bolton, Blackburn and Burnley - Wolves have felt the shifting sands of the relegation zone stir beneath them since Christmas. But Wolves are in decent form with three wins in five and the loss at Liverpool may well have been avoided if Ward had avoided a red card at Anfield. Another tough game but no team can afford to write off any fixture now - expecially as Wolves could be in the relegation zone on new years eve. The team sheet will be closely watched.

Roberto Mancini has been handed an easier fixture list than he might have expected - with no top half teams to play in the league before the winter starts to ease towards the end of February. But with a stated target of a top four finish and Liverpool started to stir in the background, Man City will be expected to win a string of games over the next couple of months. So with results being essential, will Mancini risk expensive away-day non-specialist Robinho at the expense of season-of-his-career Craig Bellamy?

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City; Kick Off 7:45pm 28 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 1
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : 1 - 2
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 4
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 3
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 0 - 1
Don McMahon : 0 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 2
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 2
Peter Rendle : 0 - 3
Dan Taylor : 1 - 3
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 3
Isaac Williams : 1 - 3
Mark Williams : 0 - 1

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a 3-1 Man City win .

Home: 1; Draw: 3; Away: 12; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Chelsea vs Fulham: Chelsea look to end the year like champions

The west London derby game sees league leaders Chelsea face ninth placed Fulham - who were tipped for a top four finish by Arsene Wenger yesterday.

Chelsea tend to do well in this fixture with just one defeat in thirty years at home to their near neighbours - but this is an odd season where so many fixtures have seen results that are historically odd that nothing can be taken for granted. Frank Lampard is usually a good goalscoring bet in this game scoring eight goals in his last ten games against Fulham - but even he has missed the odd penalty this season. Chelsea's form is poor right now with only one win in seven since trouncing Arsenal - but others failings mean that even a draw here should be enough to secure a new year on top of the pile.

Whether Wenger was trying to up Fulham's game by bracketing them with Villa and Man City as top four challengers is a possibility but there is little disguising the progress that has happened under Roy Hodgson. Although away form will probably deprive Fulham of a serious shot at the elite the top six is again a serious option. Manager of the year for Roy Hodgson? It may depend on whether Chelsea win the title and the authorities are bound to give it to Carlo Ancelotti if they do - but do miss out Sir Alex Ferguson sometimes when Man United win it.

Chelsea vs Fulham; Kick Off 3:00pm 28 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 4 - 1
Graham Enwright : 1 - 1
Sue Gardener : 2 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 1 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 0
Peter Rendle : 2 - 0
Dan Taylor : 3 - 2
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : 2 - 0
Mark Williams : 2 - 1

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a 2-0 Chelsea win.

Home: 12; Draw: 4; Away: 0; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Blackburn Rovers vs Sunderland: Low confidence suggests a draw

Twelfth placed Blackburn host tenth placed Sunderland - with both within five points of relegation. Both teams have forgotten how to win - no win in eight for Blackburn and one win in eleven for Sunderland - suggesting that another draw may leave the pair in mid-table.

Twenty points for Blackburn at the halfway mark seems a good basis for survival. But with no-one cut adrift and no teams obviously worse than any other in the bottom half of the division there is no measure of safety in Blackburn's position. Blackburn are fighting hard at the moment and although they haven't won in eight games - four draws in the last six games (including results against Liverpool and Chelsea) have seen the club maintain a low mid-table slot. David Dunn remains injured and Blackburn do look a lot less lively without him.

Sunderland have drifted into the relegation scrap after a run of one win in eleven since beating Liverpool (via a beach ball) in mid October. So despite being tenth, second bottom Hull are only five points worse off - perhaps when Steve Bruce was suggesting that British coaches should get more time he wasn't only talking about Mark Hughes. Plenty of speculation that Kenwyne Jones might be sold in January - but looking at the way he combined with Darren Bent for Sunderland's goal on Boxing Day this would break an enviable partnership. But other than that mad game at Eastlands only Darren Bent has scored for Sunderland since October - Jones really needs to start weighing in with some goals.

Blackburn Rovers vs Sunderland; Kick Off 3:00pm 28 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 0
Chris Cox : 0 - 0
Graham Enwright : 1 - 2
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 3
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 3 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 0
Don McMahon : 1 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 1
Isaac Williams : 1 - 0
Mark Williams : 1 - 2

Panel Verdict
The panel is split but is tentatively suggesting a 1-0 Blackburn win.

Home: 8; Draw: 5; Away: 3; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Stoke City v Birmingham City: Goals may be at a premium at the Britannia

Stoke City’s recent record against Birmingham City is about as embarrassing as my wife’s driving. The Potters have failed to score in their past six clashes with the Blues and includes a car crash of a result at the old Victoria Ground in 1998 when the Blues ran out 7-0 winners. Can the Staffordshire giants produce some magic to beat Alex McLeish’s high-flying side?

Tony Pulis’s men have tasted victory just once since sensationally beating Tottenham Hotspur in the capital in October and the goals have started to dry up. They have failed to find the back of the net in four of their past five outings and combined with their poor record against the Blues this could be a terrible end to the decade for Stoke fans.

Birmingham head up the M6 after extending their unbeaten run to 10 with a draw against the leaders Chelsea and will fancy their chances of making it 11 here this afternoon. Defensively the Blues are sound but in Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson McLeish has a midfield full of talent and experience. They also pose a huge attacking threat with the strength and pace of Jerome and Benitez.

Stoke and Birmingham produced the first goalless draw of the Premier League campaign back in August but you have to go back 12 years for the last time Stoke beat Birmingham. That win came courtesy of a solitary strike by Ray Wallace. Can the Potters end the decade on a high? Surprisingly almost half of the Panel believes so.

Stoke City v Birmingham City; Kick Off 3pm 28 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 0
Chris Cox : 1 - 1
Graham Enwright : 1 - 2
Sue Gardener : 1 - 3
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 0
Don McMahon : 3 - 2
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 0 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 0
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 2
Isaac Williams : 2 - 0
Mark Williams : 1 - 0

Panel Verdict

It looks as though Birmingham’s impressive run is about to come to a shuddering halt at the Britannia.

Home: 8; Draw: 3; Away: 5; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Everton v Burnley: Clarets seek an end to their away day blues

Everton may have lost a number of first team regulars in 2009 through injury but there’s no sign of them losing their fighting spirit. The Toffees never know when they are beaten and showed their battling abilities again on Boxing Day by coming from behind at the Stadium of Light to draw their fourth game in a row. But David Moyes will expect his troops to beat poor travellers Burnley this afternoon.

Burnley stunned Everton at the start of the season by following up their sensational 1-0 home win over the champions Manchester United with an identical scoreline against the boys in blue from Merseyside. The Clarets have continued their impressive home form but on their travels they have found life tough. Owen Coyle’s men have picked up just one point on the road and will be looking to end 2009 on a high. They haven’t won home or away since beating Hull City at Halloween.

Goodison Park is an intimidating place to play, but the Toffees have only managed two victories at home this season (v Wigan and Blackburn) with the last one coming in September. However, only Arsenal and Liverpool have left Goodison with maximum points, but Burnley have a decent record at Everton. They are unbeaten in their past six meetings with the Toffees last win coming in 1973. Could this be the day they end their away day blues?

Just one point separates Everton and Burnley in the table, with the Clarets currently the higher placed team, and they are only one and two points respectively off the drop zone. Everton should have enough to dig themselves out but the general consensus is that Burnley must start picking up points away if they are to continue their Premier League adventure. Unfortunately for the Clarets, the majority of the Panel believes this will be a sticky game for them.

Everton v Burnley; Kick Off 3pm 28 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 0
Graham Enwright : 1 - 2
Sue Gardener : 0 - 0
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 2 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 0
Dan Taylor : 1 - 0
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : 1 - 0
Mark Williams : 2 - 0

Panel Verdict

It looks like a home win for Everton.

Home: 13; Draw: 2; Away: 1; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United: Can the Hammers end the decade happy?

The East End boys were happy Hammers on Boxing Day as they beat basement boys Portsmouth and jumped out of the bottom three. But if they want to make those smiles even bigger West Ham must do something that they haven’t managed in 10 years . . . win at the home of one of their most bitter rivals Spurs.

Going into the Chelsea game, Gianfranco Zola was in danger of seeing the Irons fall to the foot of the table. Two games on though and the picture looks a lot better. They are one point off the drop zone and three points off mid table. However, today they face a Tottenham side with grand designs of clinching a top four place.

Spurs have dug a hole and buried the ghost of that shock home defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers by going three games undefeated, including a credible draw at the Cottage on Boxing Day, and have kept three clean sheets in the process. Redknapp should fancy his chances of success against his former club as they have won six of their last seven meetings, home and away, and haven’t lost to the Hammers at the Lane for 10 years.

West Ham’s last victory over Spurs though in May 2006 brings back fond memories to both Arsenal and West Ham fans. Martin Jol’s men had a Champions League place in their grasp before the Hammers and an outbreak of food poisoning dashed their chances and the Gunners sneaked in. I think it’s fair to say that lasagne won’t be on the menu today or any other day at White Hart Lane!

Tottenham, thanks to a slack pass by Carlton Cole, beat West Ham in August 2-1 and Zola and Clarke will be keen to get revenge and end the decade on a high. However, in order to do that they will have to find the back of the net – something they haven’t managed at the Lane in their past three visits.

Now as it is the holiday season let’s have a little quiz. Can anyone remember who scored for West Ham in their last win at the Lane in 1999? The score was 2-1 and it marked the Irons’ first league double over their rivals since 1983.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the majority of the Panel seems to favour a home win.

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United; Kick Off 12:45pm 28 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 3 - 0
Chris Cox : 3 - 1
Graham Enwright : 3 - 0
Sue Gardener : 2 - 0
Chris Goodwin : 3 - 0
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 3
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 3 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 2 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 3 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 0
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 2
Isaac Williams : 2 - 1
Mark Williams : 2 - 0

Panel Verdict

It looks like a home banker to the Panel.

Home: 14; Draw: 1; Away: 1; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Squarefootball Diary - Sunday 27 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/5r2GeC #

23:41 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/6uRd2e #sqf #

10:00 Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Title race hots up bit.ly/6ey63A #

10:15 Hull City vs Manchester United: Defensive concerns bit.ly/7teVR4 #

10:42 Hull City vs Manchester United: Defensive concerns: Hull dropped into the relegation zone overnight and fa.. bit.ly/8VStHn #sqf #

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Hull City vs Manchester United: Defensive concerns

Hull dropped into the relegation zone overnight and face a Manchester United side looking to close in on leaders Chelsea.

Hull were passed on Boxing Day by West Ham and Bolton and with the worst goal difference in the division (even Wigan, despite their 9-1 loos at Tottenham have a better goal difference) will not appreciate playing a Manchester United side that is only one goal shy of being the most prolific team on the road. Hull haven't scored a goal since Jimmy Bullard got injured and with Mark Hughes now dealt with Phil Brown is the bookies favourite in the sack race. It won't take too many more poor results, given the reshaped board, to see him justify his favouritism.

Manchester United's defensive injuries are starting to ease and they may be able to field four genuine defenders for the first time in a month. In that time United have lost, badly, twice but won every other game by at least two goals - so their form is more than a little unpredictable. With Chelsea drawing and Arsenal and Villa playing each other - there is only one manager likely to want to sing if United win 1-0 this time.

Hull City vs Manchester United; Kick Off 4:00pm 27 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 0 - 3
Chris Cox : 1 - 2
Graham Enwright : 1 - 2
Sue Gardener : 0 - 2
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 0 - 1
Don McMahon : 0 - 2
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 0 - 2
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 0 - 3
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 2
Peter Rendle : 0 - 3
Dan Taylor : 1 - 3
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 3
Isaac Williams : 0 - 1
Mark Williams : 1 - 1

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a Manchester Ubited win - with 2-1 being the most popular prediction.

Home: 0; Draw: 1; Away: 15; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Arsenal vs Aston Villa: Title race hots up

In possibly the most intriguing game of the festive season, third plays fourth as Arsenal host Aston Villa.

Arsenal are still missing a number of players for this match although the situation is easing now a number of doubts, including Cesc Fabregas, means that there is the potential for a severely weakened line-up. But after the 3-0 win over Hull last week, surely Arsenal will not pass up the opportunity to move to just four points behind Chelsea with a game in hand? But these crunch matches have been tricky for Arsenal this season - beating Spurs and Liverpool but losing to Man City, Man United and Chelsea - so it is not always safe to assume that Arsenal will exploit home advantage. Make no mistake a win here would be a marker in the title race - but defeat could signal lesser mountains will be climbed.

Both teams will have been boosted by yesterday's results to teams immediately around them, with Spurs and Chelsea drawing. But for Villa the Manchester City and Liverpool wins will have felt a little ominous - Liverpool have a proven squad and City have the money to buy anyone and both are likely to finish the season strongly. As a result Villa need to maintain a solid gap over the other Champions' League contenders who are currently out of the top four. This game is not a bad one for Villa though, they are a team that is set up for the counter-attack and after winning at Old Trafford, more comfortably than the scoreline suggested, will not feel intimidated at The Emirates. A win for Villa would put them second, four points off the top, ahead of the late kick-off - and Villa are unbeaten in their last three visits to The Emirates.

For Villa to be a result away from second place at the half-way mark of the season is a tremendous achievement but will they maintain their form through the second half of the season this time?

Arsenal vs Aston Villa; Kick Off 1:30pm 27 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 3 - 2
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 3 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 1
Don McMahon : 2 - 2
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 1
Dan Taylor : 1 - 2
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 2
Isaac Williams : 2 - 1
Mark Williams : 1 - 0

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a 2-1 Arsenal win.

Home: 11; Draw: 3; Away: 2; TBC: 4.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Squarefootball Diary - Saturday 26 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary articles.squarefootball.net/squarefootball/2009/12/squarefootball-diary-21.html #

23:38 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/6ME9zK #sqf #

23:50 sqF Mailbag: across the media and news reports i keep reading that changing managers over short per.. bit.ly/7VZ52G #

08:40 Manchester City v Stoke City: Stoke City aim to ruin Mancini’s party: Roberto Mancini takes charge of his .. bit.ly/7eTxgu #sqf #

09:41 Sunderland v Everton: Black Cats seek an end to sticky period: Sunderland boss Steve Bruce must be countin.. bit.ly/7mb3Xy #sqf #

10:03 Burnley vs Bolton Wanderers: Burnley need to win to fend of relegation fears bit.ly/5WsMHY #

10:15 Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Rafa Benitez stands on the edge bit.ly/7Dv2i2 #

10:30 Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers: More worried Lancastrians bit.ly/72YQrR #

10:38 Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers: More worried Lancastrians: Another Lancashire derby sees another two s.. bit.ly/8kl8do #sqf #

10:51 sqF Mailbag: forgetting about when we stuffed them in the fa cup then?...amatuer writers...pfffft bit.ly/7Zvhqn #

10:51 sqF Mailbag: This, as a Spurs fan I am nervous... On one hand you are Crap (lets face it), on the o.. bit.ly/6nuPlx #

10:51 sqF Mailbag: Good call Pete, hope youre right mate. PUP PPU bit.ly/6Y8gYU #

14:21 Manchester City should get Mancini off to a winning start bit.ly/6VMf8m #

14:40 Manchester City should get Mancini off to a winning start: When all the fuss dies down over Roberto Mancin.. bit.ly/6thqA6 #sqf #

14:50 sqF Mailbag: Where is the mention of the fact that Man Utd had a makeshift defence while Spurs dont bit.ly/77rZwl #

14:50 sqF Mailbag: I think youre all wrong. Liverpool are not the power they have been in recent seasons .. bit.ly/6ueS9y #

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Manchester City should get Mancini off to a winning start

When all the fuss dies down over Roberto Mancini's quick replacement of Mark Hughes there will be no excuses available if the players fail to give their all. Being upset at the loss of a manager is one thing - playing poorly is quite another. Add to that the fact that the majority of players at Eastlands knew they were going to a hothouse where a lot of money would be spent - but that it would be a short stay for anyone who underperforms. If you join a big-spending-club-in-a-hurry you can't complain if they rush things.

With the January transfer window about to open City players know as well as anyone that their places are now open to question and Mancini will replace them if they are not up to scratch. It is also a time for players who fell foul of the old regime to start again - perhaps suggesting that Robinho could be ready to make a telling contribution.

City now have a stated aim of a top four finish and the players know that they will be replaced as quickly as the manager if they are below par. So the City players may be unhappy, but they will also know that their places are up for grabs - I would expect a professional display, today, and a win against Stoke.

Odds (all from Bet365 - who are offering £200 in free bets for new accounts):
4/9 Man City win
11/2 Robinho, first goal

Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers: More worried Lancastrians

Another Lancashire derby sees another two sides within three points of the drop - and Wigan and Blackburn will be as apprehensive as Burnley and Bolton.

Wigan continue to ship goals at a scary rate, conceding 20 in the last seven games - with only one clean sheet since September. To balance a dodgy defence Wigan's biggest asset at the moment is the variety of goalscorers - N'Zogbia, Boyce, Figueroa, Gomez, Rodallega and Scharner have all scored in the last five games. Wigan are due a win as they are yet to go more than three without a win this season - but Wigan are so inconsistent that nothing is certain.

Blackburn start the day a point better off than Wigan - but in just as much trouble. Six league games without a win and only a single Ryan Nelson goal has been scored in the league since Blackburn beat Portsmouth 3-1 on 7 November. Sam Allardyce reckons that defeat here would 'put massive pressure on the club' - but to be honest its already there and Blackburn need something here or Allardyce may not get a second anniversary at Rovers.

Wigan Athletic vs Blackburn Rovers; Kick Off 3:00pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 0
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 0 - 0
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 3
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 2
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 0 - 0

Panel Verdict
The panel is split between a 2-1 Wigan win or a 1-1 draw.

Home: 7; Draw: 7; Away: 1; TBC: 5.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Rafa Benitez stands on the edge

Eighth placed Liverpool play twelfth places Wolves, and Liverpool really need to give their manager a winning run soon or guarantees of a top four finish will ring hollow.

Liverpool start this game as close to Wolves as they are to fourth placed Aston Villa, but with Villa facing a tough trip to Arsenal this is an ideal opportunity to cut that gap down to a more manageable five or six points before the new year when the FA Cup starts to eat into the schedule and momentum is tricky to build up with squad rotation in mind. Rafa Benitez is as beleaguered as Sir Alex Ferguson was 20 years ago when his Manchester United side were mid-table at Christmas and the press were scenting blood, or you could go back a little further to look at Howard Kendall at Everton - so if Liverpool hold their nerve there can still be a glorious recovery. I guess that the Anfield faithful will make the decision, as long as he is not openly barracked at Anfield, Benitez will be safe - but to be perfectly honest the reserves of loyalty are starting to run low. This game may well be hugely important in the short-term future of this football club.

Wolves arrive perhaps overshadowed by the Rafa Benitez situation and that will suit Mick McCarthy who was under pressure himself after fielding a weakened side against Manchester United. But his side showed great resolve to come back to beat Burnley comprehensively. Wolves with three wins in four - including one at Tottenham - are in better form than Liverpool and I would expect them to 'park the bus' at Anfield and hope to pull off a smash-and-grab win like at Spurs. Wolves have more injury concerns than Liverpool but are in good spirits ahead of a game that could be played in a febrile atmosphere.

Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers; Kick Off 5:30pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 3 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 1
Graham Enwright : 3 - 1
Sue Gardener : 1 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 3 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 2 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 2 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 0
Peter Rendle : 2 - 0
Dan Taylor : 1 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 2 - 0

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a comfortable 2-0 Liverpool win.

Home: 12; Draw: 3; Away: 0; TBC: 5.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Burnley vs Bolton Wanderers: Burnley need to win to fend of relegation fears

Burnley start the day in 14th and face Bolton who are in the relegation zone but will go ahead of their Lancashire neighbours with a win.

Burnley have such a good home record that you instinctively feel they should be tucked away safely in mid-table. But a raucous home support and Graham Alexander's unerring penalties will only take Burnley so far ... and just lately even the rock solid home record has been on the slide. Burnley are without a win since October, since then four draws and three defeats have seen the promoted club drop into danger. If Burnley can win this game then relegation fears can be put away until next year - but a defeat will drop the Clarets right into the dogfight.

Bolton won its last game against, now, second bottom West Ham and with the Wigan game postponed will have had 11 days between games. But after a morale boosting win, Bolton may well have fancied taking on an inconsistent Wigan team and possibly taking some real momentum into this game. Bolton have eight goals and only one defeat in the last four games and will be confident of inflicting on Burnley a second home defeat of the season. Klasnic has scored four goals in the last four games and is starting to look a real threat, he could be worth consideration as a goalscorer.

Burnley vs Bolton Wanderers; Kick Off 2:00pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 1 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 0
Sue Gardener : 0 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 2 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : 2 - 2

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting another Burnley home win 2-1.

Home: 8; Draw: 6; Away: 1; TBC: 5.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Sunderland v Everton: Black Cats seek an end to sticky period

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce must be counting down the days until January as December has been the month from hell for his boys. The Black Cats have managed to pick up just one point from four games, have lost defender Michael Turner for four games through suspension and are in danger of slipping outside the top 10 for the first time this season. Today’s visit of struggling Everton though will do the former Wigan boss any favours.

Everton head to the north east looking to record their fifth win in a row at the Stadium of Light and their ninth out of 10 meetings home and away. The Toffees go into the game on the back of three credible draws against Tottenham, Chelsea and Birmingham City, but all David Moyes wants for Christmas is three points from Sunderland.

Since beating Everton’s Merseyside neighbours Liverpool in October, the Black Cats have triumphed only once – against title chasing Arsenal – and they have failed to find the back of the net in four of their last seven games, although they did score three at Manchester City last weekend. Victory today for the Black Cats will keep them in 10^th place but defeat will see the Toffees go level with them on points.

Sunderland started the decade with the upper hand over Everton winning three of their opening four fixtures against them. However, their last win against the boys in blue from Merseyside came in December 2001 courtesy of Claudio Reyna. Steve Bruce will be praying that the Black Cats can end the decade the way they started it.

Steve Bruce should be able to recall Lorik Cana after a one-game ban but they will be without Malbranque and Turner. David Moyes will be without the services of Jack Rodwell for a month and Distin, Jo and Gosling are all doubtful.

Sunderland v Everton; Kick Off 3pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 0 - 0
Chris Cox : 0 - 1
Graham Enwright : 2 - 1
Sue Gardener : 2 - 2
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

Despite the history books the Panel believes this could be a good day for the Black Cats.

Home: 5; Draw: 8; Away: 1; TBC:6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Manchester City v Stoke City: Stoke City aim to ruin Mancini’s party

Roberto Mancini takes charge of his first game in English football this afternoon and he’s going to face a real battle when the Potters come to the City of Manchester Stadium as City prepare for life without Mark Hughes.

City have been in the headlines all week as the fall out of Hughes’s dismissal at Eastlands rumbles on and I have to admit that I was shocked by the decision to axe the former Welsh manager. After all he had just guided City to their first cup semi-final in years and was within touching distance of a top four spot. What was even more shocking was the fact that City already had Roberto Mancini in line to replace Hughes.

Mancini may be well regarded in Italian football but the Premier League is a totally different ball game and Stoke City will look to spoil the Italian’s debut by giving the hosts a bloody nose.

History is on the host’s side though as Stoke City have won just once in the blue half of Manchester in their past eight visits. Manchester City have also yet to lose a game in front of their own fans this season while Stoke have only returned home with all three points once (v Spurs).

Mancini will be without the services of defenders Lescott, Bridge and Onouha, Richards is a doubt and Wright-Phillips has an ankle concern. Stoke will have the towering presence of Robert Huth back in contention for a start following his recent ban and the impressive Ryan Shawcross may be declared fit in time to start.

Manchester City v Stoke City; Kick Off 3pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Chris Cox : 3 - 1
Graham Enwright : 1 - 1
Sue Gardener : 2 - 0
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 0
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 3 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 3 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 3 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 1
Dan Taylor : 2 - 0
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

Mancini is expected to get his City career off to a winning start.

Home: 13; Draw: 1; Away: 0; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

West Ham United v Portsmouth: Basement boys eye a Boxing Day cracker

The Premier League’s basement boys clash today at the Boleyn Ground in what should prove to be a Boxing Day cracker.

The Hammers defied the critics last weekend as they held capital rivals and leaders Chelsea to avoid spending the holiday period at the foot of the table by one point. Propping up the table and facing the challenge of becoming only the second team in league history to beat the drop when bottom at Christmas is Portsmouth.

Avram Grant gave their chances of avoiding relegation a huge boost last weekend by beating stuttering Liverpool at Fratton Park and they will really fancy their chances of piling the pressure on under-fire Gianfranco Zola.

This will be the third time in four seasons that the two clubs have clashed on Boxing Day and Portsmouth will be itching to avenge their 4-1 humiliation at the hands of the Hammers last season at Fratton Park. However, history is definitely on Portsmouth’s side.

The home side in these clashes have only won once in the past eight meetings with the away team triumphing on four occasions. West Ham, along with Bolton and Everton, have won the fewest number of games at home in the league and the Hammers are still waiting to record their first home win over Portsmouth in the Premier League.

Portsmouth head to the East End looking to improve their poor away form. They have managed to win just once on the road this season (v Wolves, which just happens to be West Ham’s only away win of the season too) and have only found the net five times.

Both managers will see this as a must-win game and I can see an action-packed 90 minutes unfolding at Upton Park. But where will the points be heading?

West Ham United v Portsmouth; Kick Off 1pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 1
Chris Cox : 1 - 1
Graham Enwright : 0 - 0
Sue Gardener : 1 - 2
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 1
Don McMahon : 0 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 2
Dan Taylor : 0 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

The draw seems popular but after disposing of Liverpool last week Portsmouth may just make it back-to-back wins.

Home: 2; Draw: 7; Away: 5; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur: Cottagers aim to stuff Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur bowl up at the Cottage this afternoon looking to do something that they have only managed to do once in Premier League history . . . beat Fulham on their own patch.

Spurs travel across the capital knowing a win would see them rise above Arsenal and Aston Villa – who face each other tomorrow – into third but their record at Craven Cottage is as about as shocking as the wife’s attempt at cooking Christmas dinner.

Redknapp’s men have amassed just two points from their past eight visits and you have to go back to Fulham’s first season in the Premier League (2001/02) for the last and only time Spurs have defeated the Cottagers. Victory that March day came courtesy of goals from Poyet and Sheringham and Redknapp will be hoping Defoe and co can write a new chapter in the history books today.

Meanwhile Fulham go into the game full of confidence after stuffing the champions Manchester United last week and won’t fear anyone. That sensational win extended their run of just one defeat to 11 league outings and includes Fulham’s progression in the last 32 of the Europa League. Whoever said Europe affects your domestic form has obviously never spoken to Mr Hodgson.

Fulham were tipped to struggle this season, due to their European commitments, but the former Blackburn Rovers and Switzerland boss has assembled an experienced and hungry squad at the Cottage and they will be the team to watch in the coming years under his stewardship. Fulham have conceded just six goals at home this season – the second best in the league – and only Arsenal and Chelsea have left Fulham with maximum points.

Victory for the Cottagers could see them climb to sixth, just four points off Spurs and with a game in hand. That would be a great belated Christmas present for Fulham and another massive lift ahead of their visit to Chelsea on Monday.

Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur; Kick Off 1pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 2 - 1
Chris Cox : 1 - 1
Graham Enwright : 1 - 1
Sue Gardener : 1 - 3
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 0 - 2
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 2 - 2
Peter Rendle : 2 - 2
Dan Taylor : 2 - 2
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 1
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

After stuffing the champions the Panel believes Fulham may dent Tottenham’s Champions League hopes.

Home: 6; Draw: 6; Away: 2; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Birmingham City v Chelsea: Will it be a Blue Christmas for Chelsea?

After beating Arsenal at the tail end of last month everyone and his dog thought Chelsea would go on to run away with the title. However, four games on, Ancelotti’s men have picked up just five points and seen their lead at the top cut to just four points. Today they travel to St Andrews to take on Alex McLeish’s in-form Birmingham City knowing they will not be handed any late Christmas presents from the hosts. 

Birmingham City entertain Chelsea on the back of nine games undefeated – which includes five wins in a row – and share the best defensive record at home with their opponents and current league leaders Chelsea, which is no mean feat considering the absence of so-called big name star defenders.

Chelsea haven’t lost to City for 29 years and McLeish’s men haven’t scored against the visitors at St Andrews in their past four games. However, Ancelotti will not take the threat of Birmingham lightly.

The Midlands club gave Chelsea a real fright on the opening day of the season at the Bridge in 2007 by taking the lead and going in at half-time level (2-2). Michael Essien saved their bacon though in the second half to run out 3-2 winners. Chelsea also had to rely on a late strike by Pizarro in the return fixture at St Andrews to seal victory that season so I think it’s fair to say Chelsea will have to roll up their sleeves for the points here.

Birmingham have taken points off the likes of Liverpool, Everton, West Ham United and Manchester City in recent weeks, but victory this afternoon would surpass them all and put the Blues just four points off fourth place. Now that would be a great way to end the year!

Chelsea face two tricky games over the festive period (v Birmingham and Fulham) but if they want to reclaim the title these are the sort of matches they will be expected to win.

McLeish has injury concerns over Roger Johnson and Liam Ridgewell but they are expected to be passed fit, while Chelsea will be without Anelka, Deco and Essien for the festive period.

Birmingham City v Chelsea; Kick Off 12:45pm 26 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 2
Chris Cox : 0 - 2
Graham Enwright : 2 - 2
Sue Gardener : 1 - 2
Chris Goodwin : 0 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 0 - 2
Don McMahon : 1 - 1
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 0 - 0
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : TBC
Tony Ratton : 1 - 2
Peter Rendle : 0 - 2
Dan Taylor : 1 - 1
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 0
Isaac Williams : TBC
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

McLeish’s men may provide the title race another twist.

Home: 1; Draw: 6; Away: 7; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Squarefootball Diary - Friday 25 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/6EuwSe #

23:40 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/5JJ0cj #sqf #

00:08 Merry Christmas Everybody!! #

14:40 @caymanredman I think that Rafa Benitez suffers from the early high, without it the subsequent incremental progress would be more obvious. #

14:42 @caymanredman I'm sure that any critic of Rafa Benitez would have to admit that the first XI and squad is stronger than when he arrived. #

14:43 @caymanredman Unfortunately for #Liverpool the money poured into #Chelsea & #ManCity and to a lesser extent #Spurs has been game changing #

15:08 Roberto Mancini can't win - or lose for that matter bit.ly/5GSzJL #

15:40 Roberto Mancini can't win - or lose for that matter: I reckon that Roberto Mancini is in an odd situation .. bit.ly/8b76To #sqf #

Posted using LoudTwitter

Roberto Mancini can't win - or lose for that matter

I reckon that Roberto Mancini is in an odd situation as Manchester City manager. On the one hand any credit for this season going well may well be directed to his well regarded predecessor Mark Hughes. Hughes after all was responsible for signing almost all of the current squad and after only 2 defeats in 20 games this season it is hardly the worst squad in the division. Indeed Hughes has left the club in sixth place with a target of 70 points clearly achievable with a barely noticeable upturn in form.

The flipside for Mancini is that even if Hughes had won the league with City the success would have been attributed to the money invested. So why would Mancini care whether the money had been invested before or after he arrived? In any event the cash spent would still act rather like a footnote to the effect:

Manchester City, champions (after the investment of vast sums of money)

But this is no different to Chelsea or Man United as recent champions. So if - or in reality when - City become champions Mancini will simply point out that the cash involved was a necessary evil and not something that could be achieved in another way. Perhaps once City have won the title they can opt for an Arsene Wenger type approach - building from a very strong academy at Carrington as even Wenger needed to have won the title to achieve the position of strength which allows him to pursue his way of building a team.

Mancini has set himself a target of top four this season and champions (or at least a title challenge) next season; which is a tough challenge. Villa and Spurs look strong this season and Liverpool will surely wake up at some point - and that is without considering Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea. Seven teams are all striving for four places and while targets are necessary both Liverpool and Man City have set a top four finish as a minimum requirement - and at least one seems sure to fail.

I hope that if Mancini falls short and his City side finishes in, say, sixth place then the City board will keep faith with him because chopping managers every year or two does not tend to work in England. The truly successful clubs have always tended to be the ones that accept that progress is not always linear. City will be champions in the next three years, the investment suggests nothing else - so regardless of the attribution as long as the City board keeps a little faith in Roberto Mancini he - and they - will win.

Squarefootball Diary - Thursday 24 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/90egn3 #

23:42 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:41 Squ.. bit.ly/4KwAYe #sqf #

11:21 sqF Mailbag: OOOHHH...Yes please Santa. bit.ly/53vHEE #

11:21 sqF Mailbag: Wheres the logic for saying Arsenal will get more than 75 points when your table prove.. bit.ly/6bofZn #

11:21 sqF Mailbag: April is the crucial month for Spurs: Sunderland, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man U. it all depe.. bit.ly/6KWJY7 #

11:21 sqF Mailbag: Spurs will be affected by the ANC with their left back Benoit Assou Ekotto playing for.. bit.ly/8wigxd #

11:59 Do the #Liverpool owners deserve some credit for keeping faith with Rafa Benitez? #

13:05 Do Liverpool need to beat Wolves to keep Rafa Benitez in place? bit.ly/4Kqgbr #

13:43 Do Liverpool need to beat Wolves to keep Rafa Benitez in place?: With the festive sack race under way Rafa.. bit.ly/5x357K #sqf #

13:44 #ManUtd defensive injuries start to ease as teenage full-backs Rafael and Fabio da Silva should be fit for Boxing Day. #

13:46 @caymanredman I think the #Liverpool owners have shown more patience in Benitez than the #ManCity ones did with Hughes! #

13:47 @caymanredman But if the Anfield fans lose faith in Benitez I think the owners may well act - so he needs to keep the fans onside. #

16:35 Blimey, 1,600 tweets - how did that happen? #

16:36 Absolutely no agenda in Fergie criticizing #ManCity over Hughes - absolutely none. #

16:37 #Spurs in for Bellamy? Could be a shrewd short-term move. #

19:51 sqF Mailbag: Rafa MUST Stay! bit.ly/763PZQ #

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Do Liverpool need to beat Wolves to keep Rafa Benitez in place?

With the festive sack race under way Rafa Benitez must have watched the situation at Manchester City with a mixture of gratitude and horror. Horror in that City can sack their manager despite only two defeats in all competitions this season and in a better league position than Liverpool are. Gratitude in that for all their faults the Liverpool owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, have stuck with their man without the need for bogus 'votes of confidence' or shallow public pronouncements. Obviously there are the past shenanigans with Jurgen Klinsmann to consider and the expense of the five year contract - but the owners should be given some praise for this, at least for those who are still in the pro-Rafa camp.

There has been a lot of talk that the only reason that Rafa Benitez is in place is the near £20m contract that would be broken. But this betrays a shallow recollection of how football contracts work. Benitez would not be due the full five years and then be able to walk into another job. Only if Benitez was sacked and didn't work again until 2014 would he be due the full contract - and even then a severance package would probably be negotiated.

If Benitez was sacked and then employed somewhere else (which seems very likely) in the summer then he would only be paid up for six months. There could be a clause in his contract saying that he is due a minimum amount - but that is almost certainly going to be in the £3m - £5m range, and certainly nothing like the £19m that many people assume. The owners could get rid of Benitez for the cost of - and so their confidence in him is clearly somewhat at odds with most fans belief.

But confidence is a tricky subject. Liverpool looked less confident than a Portsmouth team that had lost 12 of 17 league games before meeting Liverpool - and that is a pattern that cannot be sustained indefinitely with Benitez remaining in charge. And the owners may well have noted that switching Paul Hart for Avram Grant has seen Portsmouth's results notably improve.

However much faith Liverpool's owners have in the manager they will probably take their lead from the Anfield faithful in determining his fate. If there are open signs of discontent at Anfield coupled with an increased possibility of a sub-top-four finish then something will give. Fernando Torres has been in the press to defend his manager and speak against a possible dismissal so there is little doubt that the players are talking about it. That talk mustn't be allowed to get out of hand.

Liverpool have drifted into mid-table on the back of a dismal run of form and now face Wolves at Anfield on Boxing Day. In what is sure to be a febrile atmosphere Liverpool need to win to shore up support for the manager. Because if Liverpool go into the new year surrounded by the likes of Stoke, Birmingham and Fulham too many fans will have had too much time to dwell on the matter over the holidays and the new year could then see a very different atmosphere.

The Wolves game is the most important for Benitez since the last Champions' League final. This is crunch time and Liverpool must win it or the owners may well decide that it is time for a change.

Is this game for Benitez the equivalent of Sir Alex Ferguson's game at Nottingham Forest which is just a couple of weeks shy of being 20 years ago?

Current Sack Race Odds (Blue Sq)
5/2 Gary Megson (Bolton)
7/2 Phil Brown (Hull)
4/1 Rafa Benitez (Liverpool)
5/1 Gianfranco Zola (West Ham)
16/1 BAR these four

Squarefootball Diary - Wednesday 23 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:41 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/7Zo2Fb #sqf #

01:21 sqF Mailbag: Robbie Keane is one of the few players in the UK with a fan base in North America- for.. bit.ly/8w0kX4 #

09:42 What do Villa, City, Liverpool or Spurs need to do to finish fourth?: Currently there are five teams runni.. bit.ly/7gUhgz #sqf #

15:51 sqF Mailbag: Spurs.... bit.ly/8MqC8G #

15:51 sqF Mailbag: I would suggest that to finish 4th you would have to win more points than the 16 teams.. bit.ly/7ie0nH #

15:51 sqF Mailbag: they have to finish above The Arsenal...Not going to happen so pencil your calendar ne.. bit.ly/8Ev1Sj #

15:51 sqF Mailbag: Villa have a strong, well balanced squad - but a move for a goalkeeper to challenge Br.. bit.ly/8v6wWK #

15:51 sqF Mailbag: I cant tell you who will finish fourth, but I can tell you that Tottenham will finish .. bit.ly/6i5ka7 #

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What do Villa, City, Liverpool or Spurs need to do to finish fourth?

Currently there are five teams running at more than the 1.78 points per game that the last ten years suggests is all that is needed for a fourth placed or better finish. Logic would suggest that Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal will all exceed 75 points over the season and will in all likelihood be the top three - but for Aston Villa, Tottenham, Man City and Liverpool there is probably only one Champions' League slot to aim for.

Firstly the clubs must negotiate the Africa Cup of Nations. Man City will be hit especially hard with Toure and Adebayor off to sunnier climes in January - and with Bridge, Richards and Lescott injured I would expect that most of the transfer recruits will be defensive ones. Liverpool, Villa and Spurs are not as exposed to the tournament.

Secondly there is squad unity. If any player has the easy excuse of behind the scenes turmoil then he will be tempted to use it. So Manchester City may need a few weeks before things settle down. Villa and Tottenham look like they have solid backing for their management teams and will be confident in this area. But with Torres coming out to say that Rafa Benitez should not be sacked it does suggest that the Liverpool team is distracted at the moment by the ownership shenanigans and this has fed into the team performances. Liverpool look like a team low on confidence - they are too good to remain that way for too long, but will they recover in time?

Thirdly there is the transfer window. Purchases can add or subtract from a squad, and sometimes sales can be beneficial and this is again an area that Manchester City are vulnerable in. Getting in a new manager this close to the window when there are obvious defensive weaknesses is a danagerous position. Liverpool could do with a third striker to go with Torres and the fast improving Ngog - Kuyt does not cut it as a centre-forward; but is there any money at Anfield? Villa have a strong, well balanced squad - but a move for a goalkeeper to challenge Brad Friedel - say Ben Foster - shouldn't be ruled out. Tottenham are OK, but Pavlyuchenko and Keane could be unsettled by a lack of recent starts - the Darren Bent sale could yet be costly and an injury free centre half would be a nice addition.

Finally the contenders need to fashion a strong run-in. Liverpool under Benitez are one of the strongest finishers in the division and if Liverpool go into the new year within ten points of fourth place then Liverpool will expect to bridge that gap. Villa last season and Tottenham four seasons ago under Martin Jol had fourth place wrapped up - only to stumble from March onwards. March could well be the pivotal month in the battle for the Champions' League and, for example, Villa have never won in March under Martin O'Neill. Man City could be a dangerous team in the run-in as a hastily thrown together bunch of players should start playing more like a team in the second half of the season and should be much more consistent in turning draws into wins. For City will the upheaval of the new manager and the African tournament leave them with too much to do?

As to what it takes to finish fourth, the average number of points per game to achieve fourth in the last decade is 1.78 points per game or 68 points over the season; there are currently five teams at this mark so far this season. If the pattern of most recent seasons is repeated then Villa, Spurs and City will fade allowing Liverpool to take fourth with 65-70 points. But this may be a season where something out of the ordinary happens, Liverpool don't finish strongly or a bunch of teams get more than the 66 points that Leeds got in 2001/2 and yet still have to fight for fourth.

Even with so many imponderables it is clear enough. If any of Villa, City, Liverpool or Spurs can perform strongly in January, strengthen well in the transfer window, maintain a strong sense of unity and then not allow nerves to get to them in March then there is a Champions' League slot waiting for them.

***

Premier League points per game, top 9 teams

Chelsea 2.28 points per game
Man Utd 2.06
Arsenal 2.06
Aston Villa 1.94
Tottenham 1.83
***
Man City 1.71
Birmingham 1.56
Fulham 1.53
Liverpool 1.50

***

Last 10 seasons, Premier League 4th place

2008/9 Arsenal 72 points
2007/8 Liverpool 76 points
2006/7 Arsenal 68 points
2005/6 Arsenal 67 points
2004/5 Everton 61 points
2003/4 Liverpool 60 points
2002/3 Chelsea 67 points
2001/2 Newcastle 71 points
2000/1 Leeds 68 points
1999/2000 Liverpool 67 points

Average 67.7 points, 1.78 points per game

***

Last 10 seasons, Premier League 5th place

2008/9 Everton 63 points
2007/8 Everton 65 points
2006/7 Tottenham 60 points
2005/6 Tottenham 65 points
2004/5 Liverpool 58 points
2003/4 Newcastle 56 points
2002/3 Liverpool 64 points
2001/2 Leeds 66 points
2000/1 Ipswich 66 points
1999/2000 Chelsea 65 points

Average 63.2 points, 1.66 points per game

Go on then who will finish fourth - you tell me!

Squarefootball Diary - Tuesday 22 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/7vcb3e #

23:44 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/7keCOR #sqf #

13:33 Mark Hughes was unlucky and Man City now look less likely top 4 finishers bit.ly/4qnAoD #

13:44 Mark Hughes was unlucky and Man City now look less likely top 4 finishers: Roberto Mancini's appointment a.. bit.ly/6QObEB #sqf #

16:23 If #Spurs sell Robbie Keane will #Liverpool get a sell-on fee or will they lose money as there will be no performance/appearance extras? #

16:29 @paul_tomkins Zhirkov may have had his debut delayed, but Chelsea are top - hardly surprising he's had to wait. #

17:35 Would Robbie Keane's sale to Celtic cost Liverpool? bit.ly/7pBVEF #

17:43 Would Robbie Keane's sale to Celtic cost Liverpool?: Renewed speculation that Robbie Keane will up sticks .. bit.ly/5x7XUM #sqf #

22:35 @aliverpoolthing 490 followers - looks like you will hit the big 500 before Christmas! Nice work. #

22:36 @paul_tomkins Always easier recruiting and integrating players from a position of strength - which is why Ngog is so impressive this season. #

22:51 sqF Mailbag: Personally, as a City fan, I believe City are far more likely to finish in the top fou.. bit.ly/4nejK3 #

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Would Robbie Keane's sale to Celtic cost Liverpool?

Renewed speculation that Robbie Keane will up sticks and leave for Celtic has arisen after that notorious squad outing to Dublin on a 'golfing weekend' (has anyone looked out of the window at the weather recently, does that look like golfing weather, does someone think that Dublin has some kind of tropical micro-climate?) rather unsurprisingly ended up in pubs and clubs. Not that anyone in Dublin will have heard of or seen any of the Spurs players before - except for ones with access to that new-fangled 'television' thing.

I'm not sure how the players thought that they would go un-noticed in a sports mad city like Dublin - or that if they were caught that Spurs would simply laugh it off. Tottenham are getting closer to the elite under Harry Redknapp and if he feels that getting drunk and pulling a slag is counter-productive then perhaps they should listen to him. If the players had come back and thumped Wolves that might have helped - but losing at home to a relegation candidate was always going to mean trouble for the tour organizer.

That Robbie Keane was the tour organizer was never likely to endear him to Redknapp - especially as the Irishman is no longer an automatic first choice at White Hart Lane and is not the type of person to avoid 'discussing' the situation with the manager. So as the rumours that Robbie Keane would leave for Celtic (another club he supported as a boy? or a bhoy?) have persisted for a couple of months now there may be something in them - especially as it might be financially beneficial for Spurs to move him on now.

The financial details of Robbie Keane's transfers to and from Tottenham and Liverpool are not public knowledge, but this is The Guardian's take on how much Keane cost Spurs:

"Keane, who departed White Hart Lane [for Liverpool] for an initial £19m with a further £1.3m of potential add-ons, is understood to have cost Tottenham an initial £12m. That fee will rise quickly to nearer £16m with further ambitious add-ons, linked to silverware he claims at Spurs, to see up to £19m change hands again."

So if Keane is close to some threshold or other (Keane has played 29 league games for Spurs since his return) it may be worth up to £7m to let Keane on top of any transfer fee. If Celtic were prepared to spend, say, £6m on Keane or go for a player exchange (Artur Boric has been mentioned) then Tottenham may benefit substantially more than whatever the headline amount suggests by reducing future liabilities.

A £6m quick sale would mean that Spurs had generated £25m in selling Keane balanced against giving Liverpool about £12m (there could have been an add-on triggered at 10 or 25 games) as well as the £7m paid to Leeds in 2002. Meaning that Spurs would have more than broken even on a player that is 30 in the summer and has scored over 100 club goals.

Celtic would get a goalscorer who would thrive in the more defensively open SPL and as the most popular Irish player around he could well pay for himself in merchandising alone.

Liverpool would lose out on the potential receipt of up to £7m if Spurs make a quick sale; and as a rival for fourth place this may be a minor - if machiavellian - motivation.

Mark Hughes was unlucky and Man City now look less likely top 4 finishers

Roberto Mancini's appointment as the new Manchester City manager demonstrates the acceleration in the demands of the 'project' at Eastlands. Mark Hughes pointed out on a number of occasions since the summer that his target was a top six finish. This was fleshed out as also including a 70 point finish to this season in his post-sacking statement.

A quick glance at the points required for finishing fourth or fifth over the last decade suggests that 70 points has guaranteed fourth place for the last ten years - so if Hughes had achieved 70 points it would have accompanied Champions' League football.

Getting 70 points in a 38 game season means averaging 1.84 points per game; City currently have 29 points from 17 games, an average of 1.71 points per game. If City had 2 or 3 more points at this stage of the season they would be hitting what is required for a 70 point season. So on that basis Mark Hughes is unlucky as the team is almost getting the points demanded of him. And given how many players have been brought in over 2009 there was always going to be some time needed for them to settle in.

The second half of the season was always likely to yield more points than the first because the players would be more used to each others positioning and the runs they make, their strengths and weaknesses. With games against Stoke and Wolves to take City to halfway through the programme it would only have taken a gentle upturn in form to easily exceed 70 points.

But now Mancini has replaced Hughes and the players that seem the most angry are the ones who have been in the best form this season - the likes of Barry, Given and Bellamy. If their performance dips then City could well fall short of 70 points this season - unless they are replaced in January by yet more expensive recruits. From a dispassionate viewpoint if City ship a few points in the next few weeks due to friction over the change then the club would have been more likely to hit 70 points under Hughes than without him.

Mancini's new stated targets are top four this season with a title challenge next season and given the money invested so far (and likely to be released next month) this is not an unreasonable demand. If the investment in City is maintained then the club will almost certainly be champions early in the new decade - but that may well have happened with Hughes anyway.

Last 10 seasons, Premier League 4th place

2008/9 Arsenal 72 points
2007/8 Liverpool 76 points
2006/7 Arsenal 68 points
2005/6 Arsenal 67 points
2004/5 Everton 61 points
2003/4 Liverpool 60 points
2002/3 Chelsea 67 points
2001/2 Newcastle 71 points
2000/1 Leeds 68 points
1999/2000 Liverpool 67 points

Average 67.7 points, 1.78 points per game

Last 10 seasons, Premier League 5th place

2008/9 Everton 63 points
2007/8 Everton 65 points
2006/7 Tottenham 60 points
2005/6 Tottenham 65 points
2004/5 Liverpool 58 points
2003/4 Newcastle 56 points
2002/3 Liverpool 64 points
2001/2 Leeds 66 points
2000/1 Ipswich 66 points
1999/2000 Chelsea 65 points

Average 63.2 points, 1.66 points per game

Squarefootball Diary - Monday 21 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/6jhwc1 #

23:39 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/811SSE #sqf #

10:51 sqF Mailbag: robert greens crap. most overrated keeper in england, he makes too many mistakes. chel.. bit.ly/5ERHkm #

10:51 sqF Mailbag: Cheers for the comments, I take your point Gallowgate, individually as fans we are ind.. bit.ly/6mLPOj #

11:44 Manager of the Month (?) Mick McCarthy vindicated by Burnley win bit.ly/7hUSLV #

12:41 Liverpool: A Reason to Cheer: Unlike Forest Gump I do not think life is like a box of chocolates, a verita.. bit.ly/5YFiOE #sqf #

16:21 sqF Mailbag: Bad and all Liverpool have been this season they havent been as bad as United were Sat.. bit.ly/7tJEkl #

16:21 sqF Mailbag: The players are just not mentally strong. The 2 goals were gifted due to poor defendin.. bit.ly/8KpdL5 #

16:21 sqF Mailbag: More crap attack on Lucas. Look, they score more than we do and that is why we lose. .. bit.ly/91a3rA #

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Liverpool: A Reason to Cheer

Unlike Forest Gump I do not think life is like a box of chocolates, a veritable medley of shocks and surprises. If you sell Xabi Alonso and play Lucas Leiva in his place for a substantial part of the season, it is actually quite predictable that the team’s performances will suffer. Lucas Leiva isn’t a bad player, and Alberto Aquilani is probably going to prove an astute addition to the squad. It’s the timing that worries me.

Last season, by Liverpool’s recent domestic standards, was a tremendous effort. I realise that such hearty praise should not be garnered from finishing second, but frankly it cannot be helped. They lost only twice, scored the most and conceded the third least, with Torres and Gerrard combining to net thirty league goals between them. Being in a title run-in was refreshingly exciting for the fans.  Rafa had cracked it. This was the formation, a solid spine had developed impressively, and they possessed a couple local lads to remind everyone just what the jersey means. Perhaps the strongest department of the side was the multi-talented midfield triumvirate; determination, subtlety and power in abundance. I found myself becoming rather optimistic over the team’s chances during the long summer months. Although with poor weather, a recession and a flagrant dislike for a Saturday night devoid of Match of the Day I concede that it was easy to get carried away with dreams of going one further in the 2009-10 campaign.

So here we are staring Father Christmas in the face safe in the knowledge that Liverpool should be gobbling up points left, right and centre. Sure, Liverpool are suffering from injuries that renders the first eleven a shadow of its true quality, but all you need to do is pick up any newspaper and you will notice the recurring theme of ‘Team X is underperforming this season, predominantly due to an unprecedented injury crisis’. Liverpool are certainly not alone in pointing to the physio’s room (and Real Madrid) to locate the crux of the clubs talent.

Perhaps a source of salvation for the club will be their participation in the Europa League. Last Friday’s draw pitted Liverpool against fellow Champions League drop-outs Unirea Urziceni. Under the confident stewardship of Dan Petrescu they have excelled, emerging victorious against both Glasgow Rangers and Sevilla during the group stage. Although Liverpool will feel the draw was favourable, it would be folly to write off the Romanians in a blaze of naivety, but Rafael Benitez is notoriously meticulous in European competition and it won’t be long before Gerrard et al. are well versed in Unirea’s style of play. Hope stems further from Liverpool’s game at Lyon, which was undoubtedly one of the most accomplished performances of the season so far, with the team working in unison to both stifle and create to good effect.   

Benitez has stated on numerous occasions that he believes the club is moving in the right direction despite their less than impressive form. One of the more endearing features of the clubs struggles on the pitch is the steadfast support afforded to him by the players. Surely if the likes of Reina, Gerrard and Torres posses an unshakeable belief in the regime then it can only yield positive results long-term. Any fan that pays to watch their team demands 100%, and judging by the sheer devastation on the faces of some Liverpool players after defeat against Portsmouth the fight remains, just maybe the rub of the green does not. Countless predictions have been aired in the media as to how and if Liverpool will rise from their current predicament, but if the Europa League can prove as galvanising as it did in that cup laden season in 2001/02 maybe next summer can be as optimistic as the last at Anfield.   

Manager of the Month (?) Mick McCarthy vindicated by Burnley win

There were a number of managers under severe pressure at the weekend and Mark Hughes was subsequently sacked despite his side beating Sunderland. Rafa Benitez saw the pressure crank up on him after losing to the bottom club, Portsmouth. And the win for Pompey cranked up the pressure on those teams around them.

Specifically Mick McCarthy was 'in play' because after successive wins against Bolton and Spurs he rested 10 outfield players against Manchester United and promptly lost. As McCarthy correctly pointed out he is paid to manage Wolves not Man United and he wanted to be judged on his teams results over the season.

McCarthy pointed out that by his coaches measurements all his players at Spurs put in efforts rated at between 9.5 and 10 - and so were not ready for another match 3 or 4 days later. And that was his judgement. There is some belief that a United side weakened by the loss of seven defenders was there for the taking - and Villa and Fulham did beat them either side of the Wolves game.

But by beating Burnley, McCarthy has been proved right - and he should be congratulated for it. He could have risked injuries at Old Trafford, got nothing and then got nothing against Burnley because his team were tired - but he has marshalled his resources and bagged 9 points from the last 4 games, which is as good a record as anyone.

McCarthy will take Wolves into Christmas in thirteenth place (either Wigan or Bolton will go twelfth tonight, unless the game is postponed) - which is a demonstration of good management. But because of the fuss over the selection at Old Trafford he may well be denied the manager of the month award.

But at least the pressure will move on to Megson, Zola and Brown.

Wolves team that beat Tottenham:

Hahnemann, Stearman (Iwelumo, 80), Berra, Craddock, Henry, Edwards (Foley, 60), Jarvis, Stephen Ward, Milijas (Mancienne, 70), Ebanks-Blake, Doyle.

Wolves team that lost against Man United: (10 changes)

Hahnemann, Foley, Elokobi, Mancienne, Hill, Zubar, Halford (David Jones, 76), Surman, Castillo, Friend (Jarvis, 61), Maierhofer (Iwelumo, 54)

Wolves team that beat Burnley: (9 changes)

Hahnemann, Foley, Stearman, Berra, Craddock, Henry, Jarvis (Iwelumo, 87), Stephen Ward, Milijas (Mancienne ,68 ), Ebanks-Blake, Doyle (Elokobi, 89)

Squarefootball Diary - Sunday 20 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/7bhf86 #

23:38 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/5EBkgv #sqf #

01:20 @StanCollymore Owen Hargreaves has won the Champions' League with both Bayern Munich and Manchester United #

09:40 Everton v Birmingham City: Big Eck hopes to make it another Blue day for the Moyes: Birmingham City could .. bit.ly/4Zkmrj #sqf #

10:38 West Ham United v Chelsea: Hammers must win to avoid a black Christmas : Defeat today for West Ham United .. bit.ly/6Z9A54 #sqf #

11:39 Manchester City: What now for Mark Hughes?: Despite being relieved of his duties at Manchester City Mark H.. bit.ly/6iJylj #sqf #

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Manchester City: What now for Mark Hughes?

Despite being relieved of his duties at Manchester City Mark Hughes remains one of the best British managers in the game. He is no doubt going to enjoy a well-earned Christmas break but it’s only a matter of time before we see him back on the touchlines. The big question though is where?

A number of top flight managers are under pressure at the moment and vacancies are sure to arise in the coming months. You can rest assured that Hughes will be among the front runners for any job that comes up. He has an excellent eye for players and his record in the transfer window is impressive, despite some of the bigger names at City letting him down. He can identify what is going wrong and usually select the right man to rectify it.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea striker also knows how to set up a team defensively. Look at his time at Blackburn. He stopped them leaking goals and turned them from relegation certainties into a top half team again, although again at City was let down by certain players despite starting winning rave reviews at the start of this season for clean sheets.

But the biggest asset Hughes has is that he is a winner and wants to be the best in his profession. Unfortunately it’s becoming increasingly difficult for a British manager to land one of the top jobs in the Premier League. So what now for Mark Hughes?

Could he replace Benitez at Liverpool?

It’s highly unlikely given his history at Old Trafford but then no-one expected him to take charge of Manchester City given his links to United. Benitez’s saving grace is the fact that he signed a five-year deal earlier in the year and it would cost the Reds a reported £20 million to move him on. I’ve no doubt Hughes would revive the flagging fortunes of the Anfield giants but I can’t see Liverpool axing Benitez unless a new owner comes in. I also can’t see the Liverpool fans welcoming Hughes to Anfield with open arms.

Could he replace Megson at Bolton?

Gary Megson has endured a terrible relationship with the Bolton fans but he continues to keep the Trotters away from the drop. However, rumours persist that he is only a bad run of results away from the chop. Could Hughes find himself at the Reebok? Possibly, it depends on Hughes’s ambitions. He has already rescued one club from relegation and turned them around. Does he want to do that again or will he wait for a top 10 side to come calling? Hughes would be a huge success at Bolton and the fans would flood back through the turnstiles.

Could he replace Zola at West Ham United?

West Ham United have struggled this season through a combination of injuries to key players and poor form on the form and Zola is under pressure to turn things around before the situation gets too bleak. West Ham United are a huge club and have massive potential. The fans are loyal through thick and thin but they want to see their club play football on the deck. Would Hughes’s style appeal to them? Probably not, but he has a pedigree of transforming the fortunes of clubs and getting instant results. If the off the field issues could be resolved I think he would relish the opportunity to manage in the East End.

Could he replace Moyes at Everton?

David Moyes recently hinted that he may not be able to take Everton any further given the current financial restraints at the club and he may well be looking for a fresh challenge elsewhere. If that’s the case then former Toffees striker Hughes would be right on the top of their wish list. Injuries and a lack of strength in depth have hampered Moyes’s ambitions at Goodison Park and he may want a job where he can splash the cash a bit. However, despite sitting just above the drop zone I think Everton would be mad to axe Moyes and that it would be his decision to leave.

Could he replace Brown at Hull City?

Phil Brown is walking a tightrope at the KC Stadium and he knows the chairman could wield the axe at any moment. Would Hughes like to get his teeth stuck into the Tigers? Hull City have made great strides in recent years and fully deserve their place in the top flight. There is obviously money floating around at the club and they would back Hughes with cash to strengthen the squad, but again does he really want to go down that route of turning a club around? After guiding City to a League Cup final and just two defeats in the Premier League he will surely looking for a club that can compete for honours.

Could he replace Hughton at Newcastle United?

Chris Hughton has done a remarkable job at St James’ Park in the Championship and the Toon look like making an immediate return to the top flight. However there are some people who would still like a big name in charge of the club and Hughes could just be that man. He would make them hard to beat first and foremost but would then entertain the Geordies with attacking, winning football. I don’t think Hughes would be approached for the job in the coming months but Ashley may well make a move in the summer. Newcastle United are a massive club and have the infrastructure to be challenging for honours. If Hughes could bring a trophy back to Tyneside he would be a hero with the Toon Army.

Could he replace Ferguson at Old Trafford?

Mark Hughes was always tipped to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford but that was before he defected to the dark side of City. Will he ever be given the chance of managing the Red Devils? He will face tough competition for the biggest job in the game when Sir Alex decides to bow out from the likes of Mourinho, Hiddink, Capello and David Moyes, and he may also face a long wait as Fergie shows no sign of retiring. However, after suffering their fifth defeat in the league at the hands of Fulham at the weekend, maybe Fergie will walk away sooner rather than later. Hughes knows the club inside out and understands what the fans want. He may have tarnished his reputation with the fans by managing City but I think he could be a hit at Old Trafford. However, the chances of him landing the top job are slim.

Could Hughes do a McClaren and manage abroad?

Hughes has experience of Spanish football following his spell at Barcelona in the 80s but would he want to move his family to another county? The Premier League is where it’s at and I’d be surprised to see Hughes leave these isles.

The above options appear to be the most obvious ones for Hughes but I’m still not sure what his next move will be. I guess it all depends on a combination of availability, timing and ambition. But where do you think Hughes will end up next? I’d love to hear from you.

West Ham United v Chelsea: Hammers must win to avoid a black Christmas

Defeat today for West Ham United will see the Hammers prop up the table at Christmas and you don’t need me to tell you what that traditionally means in the Premier League. The Irons are in desperate need for points and Gianfranco Zola could not have asked for tougher opposition to get something from than the leaders Chelsea.

West Ham United have lost their past three games, conceding eight and scoring just once in the process, and have slipped into dire trouble on and off the pitch. They welcome their west London rivals Chelsea to Upton Park looking for their first win over Ancelotti’s men in six years. Paulo Di Canio was the hero that May day for the Hammers and Zola will be hoping one of his stars will follow in the Italian’s footsteps this afternoon.

Chelsea got back to winning ways against Portsmouth in midweek after going four games without a win and they know victory today will see them open up a six-point gap over Manchester United at the top.

Ancelotti will be keen to shore up his leaky defence but with West Ham’s defence all over the place at the moment and Drogba and co in fine scoring form they will fancy themselves to find the back of the net at least once.

West Ham will be buoyed by the return of Matthew Upson and striker Jiminez is also available for selection after injury. However, they will still be without Carlton Cole, Behrami, Hines and Kieron Dyer yet again.

Chelsea are expected to recall Carvalho and Joe Cole for today’s game and Didier Drogba is due to be declared fit after injury forced him to miss the Portsmouth game.

West Ham keeper Robert Green will have to make sure he doesn’t give any gifts away as he did in midweek against Bolton, but Chelsea remain clear favourites for the win.

West Ham United v Chelsea; Kick Off 4pm 20 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 3
Chris Cox : 1 - 3
Graham Enwright : 1 - 3
Sue Gardener : TBC
Chris Goodwin : 0 - 3
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 0 - 2
Don McMahon : 1 - 3
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 0 - 2
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 3
Stephen Orford (sqf) : 1 - 3
Tony Ratton : 1 - 3
Peter Rendle : 0 - 3
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 0 - 2
Isaac Williams : 1 - 3
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

It looks as though Chelsea will be sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League tree with victory today.

Home: 1; Draw: 0; Away: 13; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Everton v Birmingham City: Big Eck hopes to make it another Blue day for the Moyes

Birmingham City could enter Christmas in sixth spot with victory today over Everton but history is not on their side. The Blues have failed to beat the Toffees in the Premier League in six attempts and haven’t won at Goodison Park since 1957. However, this is a Blues’ side in a purple patch while Everton’s torrid luck with injuries shows no sign of letting up.

Alex McLeish’s men head to Merseyside on the back of a five-game winning run and haven’t lost since Arsenal beat them at the Emirates nine games ago. Birmingham’s success has been built on a rock solid defensive line and now that McLeish has adopted a 4-4-2 approach the goals have flowed. Birmingham held Everton’s city rivals Liverpool to a draw last month on Merseyside so they will head up the M6 with no fears.

Everton go into the game on the back of two morale boosting results against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Everton may not be having the best of campaigns this season but there is nothing wrong with their fighting spirit. They will be full of confidence after gaining a point and scoring three at the Bridge last weekend and David Moyes will expect his men to end Birmingham’s fantastic run.

The Toffees are just one point off the relegation zone but a win today could see them climb to 12^th. However, the majority of the Panel sees this game ending as a draw.

Everton v Birmingham City; Kick Off 3pm 20 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 0 - 0
Chris Cox : 2 - 2
Graham Enwright : 1 - 2
Sue Gardener : TBC
Chris Goodwin : 2 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 1 - 2
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 1 - 1
Don McMahon : 1 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 1 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : 1 - 1
Tony Ratton : 2 - 2
Peter Rendle : 2 - 2
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Isaac Williams : 1 - 1
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

This looks to have draw written all over it.

Home: 2; Draw: 10; Away: 2; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley: It’s D-Day for McCarthy

This is the day when Mick McCarthy’s decision to rest 10 players against Manchester United at Old Trafford pays off or blows up in his face.

The former Sunderland chief stunned football by changing his entire outfield team despite having beaten Tottenham Hotspur at the Lane just days earlier. McCarthy claims it was the best decision for him and Wolves and that this afternoon’s game against Burnley was the most important and winnable game of the two.

The majority of Wolves fans were furious with McCarthy for taking such a negative step – after all they had just beat Spurs away, were on a two-game unbeaten run and confidence was sky high.  However, McCarthy will feel justified in making that decision if they beat the Clarets and climb to potentially 12^th in the table.

Burnley travel to Molineux still searching their first win away from Turf Moor but they will be full of confidence having held Arsenal to a draw in midweek. Owen Coyle’s Clarets have only recorded one point on their travels this season – v Manchester City – but they have won two of their past four visits to Molineux. Christmas will have certainly come early if Burnley end their winless run on the road today.

Burnley enter the game on the back of one win in nine and have conceded more goals than anyone else in the top flight on their travels (27). Wolves have lost four of their past nine and sit just inside the drop zone on goal difference.

The last goalless draw between these two sides came in 1976 so the fans who brave the cold this afternoon should see plenty of goalmouth action. And with Liverpool and Manchester City up next for Wolves, McCarthy will be praying his team wins this afternoon and his Old Trafford move pays off.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley; Kick Off 1:30pm 20 Dec 2009

Prediction Panel

Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Dave Blackburn : 1 - 1
Chris Cox : 1 - 2
Graham Enwright : 0 - 0
Sue Gardener : TBC
Chris Goodwin : 1 - 2
Paul Grech (sqf) : TBC
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : TBC
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 1 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Paul O'Meara (sqf) : TBC
Dave Nash : 1 - 0
Stephen Orford (sqf) : 0 - 0
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 1 - 1
Dan Taylor : TBC
Andy Wakeman : 1 - 1
Isaac Williams : 0 - 0
Mark Williams : TBC

Panel Verdict

The Panel believes Wolves will get something out of this game.

Home: 5; Draw: 7; Away: 2; TBC: 6.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!

Squarefootball Diary - Saturday 19 December 2009

Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter.

23:30 Squarefootball Diary bit.ly/4CRdKQ #

23:40 Squarefootball Diary: Squarefootball diary brought via the medium of football tweets on Twitter. 23:30 Squ.. bit.ly/6H88U2 #sqf #

07:39 Blackburn Rovers v Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs must win to prove top four credentials: Spurs gave their top f.. bit.ly/62u0oq #sqf #

09:00 Portsmouth vs Liverpool: Two teams looking for seasonal pointers bit.ly/7Uhh2n #

09:15 Fulham vs Manchester United: Will Europa League have sapped Fulham? bit.ly/6UblJx #

09:30 Manchester City vs Sunderland: Must-win for Hughes and Bruce bit.ly/4z7ljF #

09:38 Manchester City vs Sunderland: Must-win for Hughes and Bruce: Manchester City managed by an under pressure.. bit.ly/6IxWR2 #sqf #

11:21 sqF Mailbag: man u is gonna win bit.ly/6cDYjj #

17:10 Rumours abound in Manchester that Mark Hughes has said his goodbyes to the team and will leave tonight #

17:20 Arsenal vs Hull City: Will Hull get physical to best Arsenal in the bitter cold? bit.ly/88goXx #

17:21 sqF Mailbag: Spurs will win at Ewood Park today, Blackburn will put up tough fight but will not be .. bit.ly/6GqTnY #

17:21 sqF Mailbag: Im not that confident that well get a result today,Blackburn are a very well organized.. bit.ly/6Mb0Mc #

17:35 Speculation grows that Mark Hughes will be sacked tonight bit.ly/6i22K7 #

17:38 Speculation grows that Mark Hughes will be sacked tonight: Mark Hughes looks like he will be sacked tonigh.. bit.ly/7rDPsr #sqf #

23:27 Mark Hughes replaced by Roberto Mancini - yet two defeats in 20 games (all comps) is the lowest number of all 92 clubs. No-one's safe! #

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