#most of the Welsh team are from championship and league 1 teams it looks like

[torch-the-throne]

I’m in the blorbo zone and thinking about how, given the clubs that the actual Welsh national team represent, it’s highly likely that Colin’s repping Wales at a national level. And yet he’s spending most Premier League matches benched. How does that make him feel.

[nathjonesey-75]

The Thirty-Year Itch

When I was a young boy, I used to think that even twenty years was a lifetime – thirty was a millennium. When I turned thirty, I had the sinister feeling that I would have to grow up, start behaving maturely and that my young, green and careless days would be naturally terminated as instantaneously as my twenties.

 As it happens, looking back for three decades – my thirties were possibly more enjoyable, along with the realisation that – as the meme suggests – “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap!” So, turning back the clock to the year of 1989; an unbelievably pivotal year, not only for its eventful happenings, good and bad; but for the long-term change for the world.

 Globally, we had the start of crumbling dictatorships and old regimes as the “Iron Curtain” began to flake. Romania’s overthrowing of its communist president, Nicolae Ceausescu and overhaul of the old communist republic, the smoother Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia and even more famously – the majestically powerful opening of the Berlin Wall, ending one of the biggest divisions of the twentieth century, starting the reuniting of what we now know as Germany.

 From the eyes of a naïve, small-town boy from Wales who had two passions – sport and music, this particular year was an eye-opening door to wowing, new worlds and understanding heartache in a cruel world. In the sporting sense, it should have been another year remembered for success and silverware for my teams Llanelli RFC and Liverpool FC. Tragically, the events in Sheffield on April 15th, 1989 would change the landscape of years to come for my Merseyside second home after the loss of ninety-six lives at Hillsborough. With only a month to go until the anniversary of that colossal tragedy, I’d only like to think of Liverpool as a city more solidified through its guts, grit and togetherness ever since.

 Not only did the injustice, corruption and governmental evil epitomise the darker days of Thatcherite Britain and its inappropriate old guard of politicians and so-called leaders; but the legacy of loss and undermanagement in football changed how sport was facilitated, law was conducted – and how Liverpool and a city and as a football club – was both seen and run. Solidarity and deep doggedness from the Justice for the 96 team is something which I have grown, supported and seen – and wholeheartedly admired from Anne Williams, Margaret Aspinall and Trevor Hicks and all of their league of big, fighting hearts. Finally, some justice was seen two years ago – but did not replace those lost.

 This would be something which also deeply personified but affected one of my first heroes, Sir Kenny Dalglish. As much as it makes me proud to see him acknowledged in being knighted for his compassionate work in the city’s communities as well as for the football club, his career as our manager was torn apart by this maelstrom, forcing him to resign less than two years later. Probably my most memorable flashback of the year was watching the horror unfold on my grandparents’ old television on that fateful day. If 1989 produced some vintage wines in the way of the aforementioned freedom around the world – this one was a poisonous drop.

 On a more positive sporting note, while this was the height of passion in old Welsh rugby days – pre-Hillsborough’s standing areas meaning you could fit way, way over capacity in each stadium; I remember sitting as a ball boy in the Scarlets matches on frosty, cold nights with what must have been around 20,000 people watching derby matches in a stadium which only held 10,800 people. Possibly the link of two happenings as a ball boy was being interviewed by a New Zealand TV crew, as I was wearing an All Blacks jersey on the side of the pitch one evening – as a precursor to their tour in October 1989. Meeting the squad – one of the best teams (even to this day) I have ever seen, the day after they beat Llanelli 11-0 the previous day. Sir John Kirwan, the towering winger signed his autograph in my little old book with “Go For It”, leaving me open-mouthed, as if I’d met a god.

 In culture, my most-watched movie (apart from Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope) in cinemas was released in June 1989, among the most memorable of marketing campaigns I can remember as a child. Tim Burton’s Batman was something which I can honestly say – changed my life. I watched it four times in cinemas, then countless times when released on VHS later that year. The soundtrack by Prince, the score by Danny Elfman as well as the gothic darkness were elements with which I identified, more so than Spider-Man, after collecting tens of comics as a younger kid. It began a lifetime of slight obsession with the DC Comics character – which only petered out once Zac Snyder started making (and tarring) the Caped Crusader films with his green screen only style.

 Furthermore to the Prince soundtrack, as it was a world of far fewer musical genres back then; I was a Hip-Hop child. It was a time of mullets, soft rock and heavy metal along the mainstream music world – so discovering Hip-Hop in ’87 was something which kept me a bit one-eyed (or eared) as far as music went. 1989, it can be argued – was the best vintage year for the genre. Before the USA’s absurdly possessive copyright laws came into effect, we heard a year of sublime releases. Genre-expanding, sample-tastic albums, using the essence of Hip-Hop’s DJ styles – cutting pieces of tracks into new grooves were extending this brand of music method with new sub-genre styles. After years of Gangster Rap and politically charged messages from bands such as Ice-T, NWA and Public Enemy, a new wave of artists with alternate points to make had arrived, as did a segway from the underground to commercial hip-hop via some huge hits (Tone Loc, Neneh Cherry and so on).

 This week holds significance as the thirty-year anniversary of the release of one of my most influential albums. My copy of De La Soul’s “3 Feet High And Rising” became one of my school year’s most passed-around tapes. Along with this fresh piece of genius (which incidentally cost the band more money because of the samples used, than made them cash – and which they are currently battling with Tommy Boy Records for being finally released digitally), we were blessed with rap pearls such as Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique, Young MC’s Stone Cold Rhymin’, Queen Latifah’s  All Hail The Queen, 3rd Bass’s The Cactus Album….the list goes on. London’s Mixmaster supreme DJ Yoda even agrees with me on this!

Agreed, as DJ Yoda mentioned, there would definitely be some degree of personal nostalgia, vis-à-vis the albums which saw your personal growth and happy memories, but also the longevity of these album releases, as well as significance at the time. Latifah’s giant step for women in hip-hop, music’s expansion to new land and social equality through the softer messages of new types of rapping, following the domination of ‘Gangsta Rap’ and political bravery in the previous few years.

 One massive encounter in connection with this brand of music – was seeing the DMC Technics DJ Mixing Championship for the first time, on the television. Despite it not becoming my selected style of mixing material years later, this is where it all started for me. Cutmaster Swift was the first non-American to win the title, but it was the imprint on my mind of analogue mixing brilliance which pushed me further into records – and what can be done with them.

 At the time of this all happening, a new wave of music had begun. One of which I may have seen snippets on Top Of The Pops via certain tracks – in fact one which is now on my wall, after it was number 1 in the charts that year. L’il Louis’s French Kiss sounded like an excuse for “rudies” in a song to a fourteen-year-old heathen sheltered lad. After listening to Ice-T and especially Public Enemy’s Fight The Power – rebellion at the time for me was listening to lots of wise uprising, occasionally violent lyrics with lots of swearing and lots of putting White American policies to the ethical sword. It was five years later I caught the club-bug - and discovered House Music properly. But in 1989, it was blowing up as a scene. The effects of raves in Britain and the USA, not to mention the early stages of the club DJ superstar was catching headlines, being targeted by police and the tabloid press – with a late-eighties revamp of punk’s rebellious anti-establishment stance via electronic music and the drug Ecstasy. It was such a big year on so many levels.

 Finally, in other news – let’s have a look at what quirky little differences or nuances our kids would be baffled by – or at least raising eyebrows towards. In 1989, Madonna released the highly-anticipated, then controversial “Like A Prayer” video (for depicting Jesus as a person of colour) via a Pepsi commercial when we only had four TV channels in Britain. Now, we anticipate when she will finally call it a day. It’s not as if the royalties dried up a few years ago, is it?

 Adverts were good. I rest my case (click on link).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYkrvoI_oVE

Mullets and Shell Suits. *twitches uncontrollably*  

 *twitches uncontrollably again as Australia – proudly – announces mullets are back*

 Dear Generations Y and Z, there is a reason these garments have not been worn for over twenty-five years. This is called ‘not being a chav or bogan’. I hope you can understand why it would be dangerous to revisit this abhorrent get-up.

To close – in 1989, Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, or what we now know as the Internet. You wouldn’t be reading this now without it.

 Cheers.

[pavspatch]

What a Way to Wind Up a Career

THIS is a feature of mine that appeared in Non-League Football magazine in January, 1991. Got me in trouble with the Curzon president Maurice Rubin because the intro the mag added: “One of football’s unsung local heroes, Alan Sykes, enjoyed 18 years at Curzon Ashton. Mike Pavasovic pays tribute to his loyalty and football ability which have been appreciated by all in the area. Sadly his club do not award testimonials but at least this feature will highlight the career of a superb clubman.” Even though the words weren’t mine, Maurice thought I was having a go at the club because of the line about the lack of testimonials and he sought me out in the stand to make his feelings known. However, my abiding memory of Maurice is his Roller parked up among all the other cars behind the Katherine Street goal at National Park. Somehow the ball never hit it.

 WHEN Alan Sykes retired in May, 1990, it was fitting that he did so in true Roy of the Rovers style. After 18 years’ loyal service to one club, he signed off by scoring the goals that won Curzon Ashton the Manchester Premier Cup.

The script couldn’t have been better written if it had been intended for a boys’ comic. Sykes, who had made only a handful of appearances all season, suddenly found that injuries and suspensions (and no doubt the barmy eligibility rules the competition had in those days) meant he was included in the squad to take on Salford City at Old Trafford.

When the day came he was named as one of the substitutes. He was by no mans certain to get a game but that was of no consequence – it was enough simply having the chance to walk on to the turf graced by his boyhood heroes Best, Law and Charlton. However, it got better.

Not only was 37-year-old Alan brought on to play, he made it 1-1 just as things were looking grim. A goal at Old Trafford. It was a finale beyond belief.

Had his days as a footballer ended there and then Alan would not have complained. But somebody up there liked him and the fairytale took another twist. Against all his expectations he was named in the starting line-up for the replay at Droylsden.

Things were to get even better, although it didn’t seem like it at half time when the score was 1-1. Alan took off his boots, waiting to be substituted, but much to his surprise manager Steve Waywell told him to go back out. He did so — and scored a hat-trick.

Hardly an appearance all season and suddenly Old Trafford, a cup medal and four goals. What a way to wind up a career.

In many ways his performance was a victory for the bread-and-butter footballers who make up the vast majority of the game. Even at non-league level there are those who can boast of Wembley and international appearances. Alan Sykes brought his playing days to an end with such style he struck a blow for those thousands who toil year-in, year-out, with so little reward in the way of headlines.

However, that’s not to suggest that Sykesy was ever lacking in talent. In 604 appearances for Curzon he scored 234 goals and they were at all levels. Having joined them in their Manchester League days he continued to perform successfully in the Cheshire, North West Counties and Northern Premier leagues.

If Alan Sykes is remembered for one thing in particular it must surely be his unswerving loyalty to Curzon Ashton. He vehemently rejects the claims so many people make that he stayed at National Park because he lacked ambition.

“The fact it, there were never any offers,” he recalled. “You can’t decide decided yourself where you ant to go and no other non-league clubs came in for me. It’s not as though Hyde United ever came and said we’ll give you so much money to leave Curzon.

“On the other hand, after such a long time at a club you do develop a strong sense of loyalty. It’s harder to leave because you become almost like part of the furniture.

“Another point is that although players never made any money at Curzon in my day, they were well looked after in other ways. When I was at Huddersfield Polytechnic they used to drive over the Pennines to pick me up for matches. Another time, when I was doing industrial training in Barnsley, they paid for me to take a taxi to an evening game in Ashton.”

Actually, Sykes was linked with various Football League clubs in his teens but the best he managed was an appearance for Wrexham reserves against Tranmere. He spent a week at the Racecourse Ground rubbing shoulders with the likes of Micky Thomas and Arfon Griffiths but the Welsh club never got back to him. Other clubs to show interest were Stockport County, Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United.

Curiously, Alan’s career as a footballer has often run parallel to my own in journalism, and when our paths have crossed it has usually been an occasion of note.

I first heard of him when I was an 11-year-old in my first week at Hyde Grammar School. He may have dreamed that he’s play at Old Trafford one day but I never imagined I’d be writing about it.

Getting to know a new class, the legendary Fred Whyatt, then head of PE and games, found the name Brian Sykes on his list. “Are you related to Alan Sykes?” Fred inquired. “Yes, he’s my cousin,” Brian replied. “Well,” said Fred, “if you’re anything like him you’ll be a brilliant footballer.”

It’s an opinion to which Fred, now retired and a director of Hyde United, still adheres. He commented recently: “Of all the lads I dealt with in my 30 years at Hyde Grammar School, Alan Sykes was the best footballer. I’ll never know why he didn’t make it into the Football League.”

That was the end of my encounters with Alan for several years. While I got down to exams, he went on to play for Cheshire, British Polytechnics, Manchester County FA and then Curzon.

We met each other again in October, 1981, when Curzon visited Hyde United, who were then running away with the Cheshire League championship, and beat them 5-4.

By 1988 I was sports editor for the Ashton Reporter Group and covering Curzon on a regular basis. Alan was on the way back from one of a series of bad injuries which had such an adverse effect on the latter years of his career.

He was brought back for an FA Vase preliminary round tie at Staffordshire side Meir KA. He responded by scoring both goals in a 2-1 win.

This feat was not just a tribute to his enduring skill, but to his guts in coming back from an injury and in particular from a knee injury that had sidelined him for 18 months.

Two years later it was that famous night at Old Trafford. Revelling in Manchester United’s hospitality and never before encountered comfort of a seat in the directors’ box I have to admit that I quite unprofessionally leaped up with the rest when Sykesy scored.

The moment was at once exhilarating and amusing because in front of me a row of six or seven other people were on their feet. After an initial cheer they turned to me as one and shouted: “make sure you get his name in your pad.”

It was Alan’s family, another major pillar of his career. Alan has always been able to count on the backing and encouragement of his family and particularly of his “famous” father Jim.

Obviously, when asked to name his most memorable match Sykesy automatically recounts the Old Trafford story but there’s a couple of other games.

In 1980, Curzon, then in the Cheshire League, reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase, losing to Stamford. Not long afterwards, a special game was arranged to celebrate the opening of National Park’s Maurice Rubin Clubhouse. They took on Stockport County, but with a special guest — Bobby Charlton. The programme showing Alan’s name next to that of the Manchester United and England star is one of his most treasured possessions.

Six months into his retirement, Sykesy remains as passionate about the game as ever. He has stayed on at National Park as treasurer and is hoping to become an FA coach.

Looking back, he sees the biggest changes as the establishment of the Pyramid, which certainly blew apart the non-league status quo in Tameside, and the increasing importance of money with football.

He explained: “I don’t think the game has improved since 1972, but money’s playing a bigger part at all levels. I think it’s sad clubs like Curzon can’t really compete with the sums others pay. We lose players because other clubs offer the money. I suppose that’s human nature.

Perhaps the last word should go to Curzon Ashton chairman Harry Twamley who travelled to Alan’s Hyde home with fellow committee man Pete Booth to sign him in 1972.

He said: “Alan was written off many times but he always came back. He had three bad injuries after 30 but battled back to fitness every time and against the odds.

“What Alan achieved speaks volumes for his character and dedication. People thought he was finished when our reserve team was wound up but he proved them wrong and went on to score at Old Trafford.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player or as a character. I hope he will spend many more years with Curzon Ashton as a committee member.

“When I think about it, the best thing w ever did at Curzon was when we went to Alan’s house in 1972.”

[gadgetsrevv]

Euro 2020 qualifiers: 10 things to look out for | Football

1) All eyes on fans in Prague

In what looks certain to resemble the world’s most unedifying stag party, an estimated 6,000 England fans will descend on Prague to watch Gareth Southgate’s team take on the Czech Republic. Unsurprisingly designated as a “high risk” fixture, this Friday night game will attract no shortage of thirsty visitors to the Czech capital, hellbent on making a weekend of it in a city renowned for the cheapness of its beer and myriad other nocturnal delights. Scheduled to kick off at 8.45pm local time, when more patriotic fans will have had all day to occupy the city’s Old Town Square, get liquored up and perform their traditional repertoire of ditties, it is difficult to imagine the local constabulary will be kept idle following Uefa’s refusal to move the game to a more suitable day or time. While many England fans are perfectly well-behaved, anti-social behaviour of the kind seen in Amsterdam and Porto on recent excursions seems dismally inevitable. “You’re part of our team, make the country proud,” said Gareth Southgate, in the FA’s attempt to get in front of the problem by releasing a video entitled Don’t Be That Idiot. Somebody will almost certainly be that idiot and, if recent history tells us anything, they are unlikely to be alone. BG

• Czech Republic v England, 7.45pm Friday (all times BST)

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2) Is Connolly the solution to Ireland’s scoring problems?

Mick McCarthy’s second coming as Republic of Ireland manager got going in earnest in March when his team played with impressive vibrancy at home to Georgia, though they only won 1-0. Goals, you see, remain extremely hard to come by for Ireland. But a solution may have emerged: Brighton’s Aaron Connolly, fresh from scoring twice against Spurs last weekend, could make his senior international debut in Tblisi on Saturday. If he shows the same sharpness that he did against Tottenham, then Ireland could take a big step towards Euro 2020 qualification, and young Connolly will be hearing more of that ‘new Robbie Keane’ talk. PD

• Georgia v Ireland, 2pm Saturday

3) Ramsey injury may force tactical change on Giggs

Anything less than a haul of four points from games at Slovakia and at home against Croatia over the coming days is likely to end any chance Wales have of qualifying for Euro 2020, although they could still be thrown a lifeline via the Nations League. Suffering from discomfort to his adductor, Aaron Ramsey, arguably a more important player for the Welsh than even Gareth Bale, is out of the Slovakia game. Ryan Giggs could be forced into a tactical change and the thinking by Danny Gabbidon and Iwan Roberts on Elis James’s Feast Of Football podcast was that Giggs needs to avoid playing the brand of expansive football he prefers in charge of making his team more difficult to beat. With this in mind, playing five at the back with two midfielders sitting directly in front of them was mooted as a potential solution. Whatever Giggs decides, a very talented generation of Welsh players is in danger of being wasted and the results of the next two games could have a major say in the future of a young manager who has been far from convincing during his tenure so far. BG

• Slovakia v Wales, 7.45pm Thursday

Gareth Bale at Wales training in Cardiff, in the runup to the match in Slovakia. Photograph: Athena Pictures/Getty Images

4) Endangered Iceland should fear Ben Yedder

Darlings of the last European Championship, Iceland need to pull out some big results if they are to reach Euro 2020. They are third in Group H, behind an exciting young Turkey team and France, who thrashed them 4-0 earlier in the group. On Friday they host Les Bleus, who will be without the injured Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé but still have no shortage of options. Didier Deschamps could, for instance, use Mbappé’s absence to give Wissam Ben Yedder his most meaningful cap to date. The striker, who joined Monaco in the summer and has been as prolific there as he was at all his previous clubs, has had to wait a long time for international recognition but, at 29, he is still young enough and good enough to make an impact. He would boost his chances of appearing in an international tournament if he helps France beat Iceland on Friday and Turkey three days later. PD

• Iceland v France, 7.45pm Friday

5) Another toothless performance from Scotland?

While Scotland’s rugby players scored 61 without reply against Russia at the Rugby World Cup, their footballing counterparts would gladly settle for victory by a far slimmer margin when they are entertained in Moscow on Thursday. Scotland trail Russia, who are second in Group I behind Belgium, by nine points with four games remaining and their hopes of qualifying via any other route than the play-off place they earned through the Nations League have evaporated. In Ryan Fraser, John McGinn, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay and John Fleck Scotland have decent players, but their inability to score goals remains aconcern. The six forward players picked by Steve Clarke squad have just eight international goals between them and urgently need to improve that tally ahead of those play-offs so many Scottish hopes are pinned on. BG

• Russia v Scotland, 7.45pm Thursday

John McGinn holds off Ryan Fraser during Scotland training before the match in Russia. Photograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

6) O’Neill’s rock-hard run-in starts in Netherlands

Second behind Germany in a group that also contains the Netherlands, Northern Ireland’s remaining fixtures in Group C could scarcely be more difficult. Following their trip to Amsterdam they travel to the Czech Republic for a friendly, before completing their qualifiers against the Dutch at home and Germany away in November. Michael O’Neill will have to make do without Norwich left-back Jamal Lewis, who has pulled out with a knee injury, but the manager remains upbeat about his team’s chances of doing enough in successive qualifiers against the Netherlands to not have to concern himself with a potential route to the finals through the Nations League play-offs. “We are in a double-header with Holland and I believe if we get four points we will qualify,” he said. Having made his first international start in defeat against Germany last time out, Linfield striker Shayne Lavery could be the manplaying up front faced with a defence marshalled by Virgil van Dijk, as O’Neill has hinted the 20-year-old’s pace and intelligence could be a key weapon in a battle against one of the world’s best defenders. BG

• Netherlands v Northern Ireland, 7.45pm Thursday

7) Switzerland need to find the right side of late dramas

Switzerland could have already secured their qualification for Euro 2020, instead they are set for a tense finale in Group D: and they have not coped well with tense finales so far. In their first match, at home to Denmark, they blew a three-goal lead in the last six minutes; and in their last outing, in the Republic of Ireland, they looked comfortable before conceding an 85th-minute equaliser and hanging on for a point. They face those two countries again in the next few days, starting with a trip to Copenhagen on Saturday. Xherdan Shaqiri has chosen to remain in international exile but manager Vladimir Petkovic has recalled Stephan Lichtsteiner after omitting him for the trip to Dublin. Apparently he values the 35-year-old’s experience. “He is still our captain and leader,” said Petkovic of the Augsburg defender, without saying whether Lichtsteiner will actually play. PD

• Denmark v Switzerland, 5pm Saturday

8) Crunch time for Finland to break drought

Finland have never qualified for a major tournament. It’s somewhat of an annoyance for a nation of over five million people who gave football the supremely talented Jari Litmanen. Even tiny Iceland have beaten them to the punch. But having assumed a strong position in Group J – they’re second behind Italy – they will never have a better chance of enjoying a summer party themselves. Markku Kanerva’s side have won four and lost two (both to Italy) but now it’s crunch time. They face Bosnia-Herzegovina and Armenia next, the two teams directly below them. They travel to the Bilino Polje Stadium in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday. With Norwich’s in-form Teemu Pukki leading the line, Kanerva’s compact system is well set up to pick off their inconsistent opponents on the break. Finland have not conceded a goal against any team except Italy and Pukki has been just as lethal in qualifying as he has in the Premier League, scoring five in his last six. If he can continue his hot streak over the next few days, Finland’s long wait for some summer fun could soon be over. GB

• Bosnia-Herzegovina v Finland, 5pm Saturday

Finland’s Teemu Pukki has scored five times in his last six matches. Photograph: Markku Ulander/AFP/Getty Images

9) Can Hungary capitalise against inconsistent Croatia?

Going into their game against Slovakia last time out, Hungary were pretty much two wins from Euro 2020. Now, after a 2-1 loss, qualification from Group E looks unlikely. Hungary did beat a sluggish Croatia in Budapest in their previous group encounter, and looked impressive in doing so. But with Hungary distinctly lacking in individual quality, it’s the sum of their parts that makes this Hungarian apparatus tick. And when two or three of those parts falter, the whole machine malfunctions, as evidenced against Slovakia. Things don’t look like changing in Croatia either, with very few of Hungary’s key men finding any kind of form at club level this season. Yet Hungary are an odd side full of players unheard of in western Europe, but who are prone to big performances in big games. Croatia are massive favourites, but Hungary have refound a quality of turning up when it matters most under Italian coach Marco Rossi. And with Croatia looking decidedly inconsistent since the World Cup, maybe this isn’t as improbable as first thought. TM

• Croatia v Hungary, 7.45pm Thursday

10) Andorra aim to – finally – end long losing streak

Andorra have played 55 European Championship qualifiers and lost 55 European Championship qualifiers. It’s not pretty but maybe, just maybe, the tiny principality (population 76,965) could end that ugly losing streak against Moldova at home. Their visitors are the one nation that have a worse defensive record than them, having shipped 17 goals in six Group H qualifiers to Andorra’s 14. Moldova have managed to win once, 1-0 at home against Andorra, but if ever there was a chance for Koldo Álvarez to take a point – or even three – in a Euro qualifier, it is at the Estadi Nacional on Friday night. It would help if they could score a goal, mind. They haven’t managed that in six Euro 2020 qualifiers but even a 0-0 draw would be enough to make history. GB

• Andorra v Moldova, 7.45pm Friday

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[diarynz]

Rugby: Welsh supporters respond to Agustin Pichot's world rankings comments

New Post has been published on https://diary.nz/rugby-welsh-supporters-respond-to-agustin-pichots-world-rankings-comments/

Rugby: Welsh supporters respond to Agustin Pichot's world rankings comments

By Josh Raisey of RugbyPass.com

For the past 10 years, rugby’s world rankings have barely been mentioned by anyone – the All Blacks sat at the top and no one had a problem with that. But Wales’ ascent to the top of the rankings two weekends ago has now made it one of the most keenly discussed topics.

Suddenly there has been swathes of criticism of the system, which has given Wales and Ireland the opportunity to climb to No1 over the past few weeks, a status they will contest again this weekend when they face each other in Cardiff.

Agustin Pichot, the vice-chairman of World Rugby, has now weighed in on the debate, claiming it is “ridiculous” how Wales can climb to No1 despite last beating the All Blacks in 1953.

The former Argentina captain also said the ranking system does not treat either Italy or Los Pumas fairly as they have tougher schedules from respectively being in the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship.

Wales fans weren’t going to lie down and accept those comments, though, and they have responded on social media. A huge number of fans have said that Wales’ 14-match win streak over the past 15 months does not lie, that they have beaten the likes of South Africa, Australia and Ireland, all of whom have beaten the All Blacks in the past year.

World Rugby vice president Agustin Pichot has joined the chorus of criticism surrounding the world rankings system after Wales overtook New Zealand as the world’s top-ranked side.https://t.co/LZvSb3UK5q

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) August 29, 2019

Many fans have also said that Pichot has not voiced his opinion in the past when the All Blacks sat at the top and that it is only because Wales are No1 that he is critical.

It seemed very unlikely that the former scrum-half was going to be able to pass these comments without facing a backlash, and that has indeed come from the Welsh fans who feel that Warren Gatland’s side are rightfully ranked No1. This is what has been said:

Agustin pichot. You, sir are ignorant. Wales have beaten Australia, Boks, Ireland the past 12 months, the 3 teams NZ lost to. So we get more ranking points. Your bosses create the criteria

— rob griffiths (@spincha10) August 28, 2019

So in the last year or so Wales have lost only once and beating some of the best teams in the World in that time South Africa Australia Ireland where New Zealand have lost to Australia South Africa and Ireland so on current form Wales are the best team in the world

— mr Gaff (@davidgr24598467) August 29, 2019

These people need to get a grip!! Let us enjoy our brief moment at the the top 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

— Kelly Paynter (@paynter_kelly) August 29, 2019

He makes no sense at all. You can win the world cup without beating the number 1 team. The numbers dont lie… 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

— Ed Williams (@dynllandeilo) August 29, 2019

Imagine any sporting league in the world where you couldn’t be on top, if it meant that there was a less successful team (that you happen not to have played for over a year, through no fault of your own) who would then finish below you. Pichot is a bellend. https://t.co/zO3vRNnHBC

— Mike Bubbins (@MikeBubbins) August 29, 2019

This dismissal of mathematics is very Trumpian. Look at Wales last 12 months v NZs. Look at how god awful the Boks and Wallabies have been the past couple of years and therefore the reduced value of AB wins v the highly competitive 6N teams. Wales fully deserving of no1 spot.

— Philip Bredin (@philbredin) August 28, 2019

Did he call them ridiculous when the formula for calculating them was agreed? If fudges are put it, it’s a slippery slope. The rankings are not strictly speaking the best team in the world, it’s the team with the best recent record in the world.

— Sam Rogers (@samalexrogers) August 29, 2019

He’s such a annoying twat. Rankings are supposed to give an objective ranking not fiddled until they align what some shitty administrator who’s desperate to make a name for himself thinks.

— Undeb Rygbi (@URygbi) August 28, 2019

In Pichot’s defence, he has only echoed what many fans, particularly from New Zealand, have been saying since the Grand Slam winners displaced Steve Hansen’s side.

Many of the complaints have been that Wales have fortunately faced many of the top-ranked sides in Cardiff, which is a veritable fortress, while their away wins have come against the likes of Argentina, who have won three of their last 26 matches, and an experimental Springboks side in Washington.

But all Wales could do was beat those teams, which they did, and they undoubtedly have the best record over the past year or so on paper. Whether they would beat the All Blacks or not is academic as they have not played. Ultimately, with the World Cup under a month away, these rankings will not be playing on the coaches’ minds too much.

This article first appeared on RugbyPass.com and is republished with permission

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[icemaninvestments]

New Season  Tips - Click and Collect

Ok Kidz, this is it IceMan has been studiously analysing pre-season form, transfer activity and movements in the betting markets to ensure optimisation of return on investment for the IceMan Portfolio. it's time to 'Click' to put the investments down in the expectation of being able to 'Collect' in May (as we always do). Usual rules all the English bets are for promotion giving us a chance to get up via the play offs which is a route that has been kind to us on many occasions. The bets are singles no accumulators which increases the initial outlay but means one underperforming team cannot sabotage returns. This is no tracker fund; it is an actively managed portfolio.

Before I give the football tips just a quick bit of politics. Bullshitter Boris Johnson is now PM. I can’t say anymore as I am still trying to get my nut around that fact. In USA the racist Trump keeps saying racist things. In London on Saturday 3rd August the Stephen Yaxley Lennon aka Tommy Knobinson fan boys are having a Free Tommy event. This will be countered by Anti – Fascists, Anti Racists, Feminists, trade unionists and many Solidarity Groups. I will be there. No Pasaran.

Ok Football and as is traditional I am ignoring the Premiership, as entertaining as it is I can't see any betting angles so I ain't getting involved.

CHAMPIONSHIP - Fulham 9/4 Promotion

This looks well competitive and I could make a case for twelve teams. I narrowed it down to two which was Fulham 9/4 and Stoke City 4/1 before a serious injury to Stoke's influential captain nudged me towards the Cottagers from West London.  This means overlooking the favorites Leeds and abandoning last year’s pick Derby who have lost a lot of talent that they had on loan last season. The case for Fulham rests on the fact that they have a good squad and look like they will score bucketloads of goals having retained star striker Mitrovic and added Cavaleiro and Knockaert on loans.

LEAGUE ONE - Portsmouth 9/4 Promotion

Once again torn between two teams Portsmouth who narrowly missed automatic promotion last season and Peterborough who have spent a bit of money and were knocking on the door of the play offs last year. I have gone for Portsmouth despite the fact they are likely to lose Jamal Clarke they invested well in other positions. Kenny Jackett is a good manager at this level, and I will be hoping for an automatic promotion slot this time.

LEAGUE TWO - Mansfield 9/4 Promotion

This one was easy as I am sticking with last year’s selection Mansfield who disappointingly missed out on promotion by losing on the final day of last season and then lost a play- off semi -final on penalties. Hoping luck improves under new rookie manager John Dempster. The Stags will be without last year’s loan star Tyler Walker but they have recruited well and have a well-balanced squad who should get over the line this season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE – Wrexham 5/1 Promotion

Always a tricky contest with just the one automatic promotion place to claim so Wrexham may need to negotiate a route via the play offs. Finished fourth last season and have strengthened the squad pre-season. Will be an ultra-competitive league which includes Notts County who were one of founders of the football league in 1888 and are playing for the first time at this level.  

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP – ABERDEEN 21/20 w/o Celtic and Rangers

Regrettably my team Celtic are unbackable at long odds on, so I am returning to a bet that has been kind to us over the years that is Aberdeen to come best of the rest without Celtic. It pains me to say but Rangers are more of a force these days, so I being extremely cautious and excluding Rangers as well. Kilmarnock filled third place year but the departure of Manager Steve Clarke and recent loss to welsh minnows Connah’s Quay suggests they have gone backwards. I am confident Aberdeen will have enough about them to secure third place.      

SCOTTISH CHAMPIONSHIP– Dundee United 9/4 Winners ( Trust me it is pure coincidence that so many picks this year are priced at 9/4)

As I know from personal experience Dundee United are massive underachievers at this level and always seem to find one or two too good for them. United have cost us on a couple of occasions in recent seasons so it is with a heavy heart that I go again. It looks like a tight Division and city rivals Dundee are likely to be their main rivals. The reason I have not given this league a pass is because United have completed a great bit of business in signing Lawrence Shankland from Ayr. This man is a goal machine and has tempted me to roll the dice again.             

SCOTTISH LEAGUE ONE – Falkirk 4/7 Winners

Another league I could have passed over but Falkirk ‘The Bairns’ look like the proverbial sure thing. The squad is markedly superior to their rivals and contains lots of players with Premiership experience. They were relegated from League One last season, but I expect them to make a comfortable return. The price is very skinny but this is  ‘buying money’.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE TWO – Edinburgh City 4/1 Winners

Taking a bit of a poke at this one as with most Scottish leagues there is little value in the promotion or each way markets, so all Scottish bets are to win. The Citizens came third last year behind two strong teams in Peterhead and Clyde. I am hoping they can kick on from that experience and get their nose in front this time. Cove Rangers who romped through a lower division last season are installed as market leaders so I expect this one will be a close call.      

OLD STUFF

Gaelic Football Well Mayo 8/1 my Dad’s County are still in the mix and in an effective quarter final game against my Mum’s County Donegal. No split loyalties from IceMan as the money is down for Mayo and like the rest of Ireland I just want Mayo to win their first Championship since 1951 so that we can all get on with our lives. Donegal have been more recent winners btw. Mayo now trading at 16/1 which suggests they have a mountain as large as Croagh Patrick to climb. HURLING sadly my outside pick Dublin were eliminated without making much impression on the competition.          

CRICKET Had a small pick up on New Zealand 10/1 each way who somehow contrived to lose an epic World Cup final to England.

Copa America Football = Venezuela at 40/1each way long shots started promisingly but lost out to Argentina in the quarter finals which was about par at that price  to be fair.

Ok so all caught up and set for the new season . Let the games commence .

IceMan Investments

Be Woke. Not Broke.

[allyharrismedia]

2016 QMJHL Playoffs: Round One Preview

By Ally Harris

If there’s one word to describe the Charlottetown Islanders right now, it’d be confident. 

The Islanders enter the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the league, with a seven-game winning streak on the go.

And unlike the Islanders of years past, the team doesn’t just have its sights set on winning a playoff round. This team is preparing to go all the way.

“We’re gonna look to make it a couple of rounds this year and go for the championship,” said goaltender Mason McDonald. “I think we have the team to do that, especially the way we’ve been playing in the second half.”

But before they can do that, they have to advance past the first round. The Islanders will open the playoffs on Friday on the road against the Rimouski Oceanic.

“It’s a good matchup for us,” said McDonald. “We got the team we wanted and now we just have to execute. We’ll have a good week of practice, go to Rimouski and be ready for game one.”

“This is the most confident we’ve been all year,” said forward Keith Getson. “Everybody knows in our room we’re playoff ready and we’re excited to embrace the challenge.”

Regular Season

The Islanders faced off against the Oceanic twice in the regular season, allowing just one goal in regulation in the process. As things worked out, it was Matt Welsh who was the goaltender in both games.

The first game between the teams was in Rimouski back in October. That game was scoreless through regulation and overtime, and took a six-round shootout before Hunter Moreau finally put one in the back of the net to give the Oceanic the 1-0 win. Welsh also stopped a pair of penalty shots in that game.

When the teams met again at the Eastlink Centre in January, it was the Islanders who this time came away with the two points in a 3-1 victory. Jake Coughler, Brad Kennedy, and Mitchell Balmas scored for the Islanders in that contest as Welsh turned away 26 shots.

Home and Away

The Islanders did everything they needed to do to try and earn home ice at the end of the regular season, but the Oceanic did everything they needed to do to stop them. 

While home ice would have been nice for the Islanders – they are 13-1 in their last 14 home games – being on the road for the extra game isn’t the end of the world. The Islanders have also been impressive on the road lately: they are 7-3-0-0 in their last 10 away from the Eastlink Centre.

For the Islanders, it doesn’t matter whether they’re at home or on the road. The end goal is still the same.

“Either way it’s the same thing,” said Getson. “We’re gonna go into another team’s barn, we’re gonna get two points.”

Rimouski have also been winning at home recently, going 7-2-1-0 at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in their last 10 games there. On the season, they have an impressive 23-8-3-0 record at home. On the road, they are 13-17-2-2.

Goaltending

Goaltending was the number one story of the playoffs last year with McDonald getting injured in game three of the first round.

The Islanders hope it’ll be a different story this year.

Goaltenders can be the difference maker in the playoffs and the Isles have all the confidence in the world in McDonald, who has had a strong end to the season.

“Mason is as sharp as I’ve seen him, rounding into form at the perfect time,” said Head Coach Jim Hulton.

McDonald, meanwhile, is just doing what he does best.

“I’m just doing what I do all the time: going out there and playing hockey. (I’m) not thinking about numbers, not thinking about wins, losses – just going out and playing.”

And if lightning does strike twice, it doesn’t hurt that the Islanders have a solid backup in Matt Welsh.

For Rimouski, Louis-Philip Guindon appeared in 57 games this season, posting 32 wins, a 2.81 GAA, and a 0.905 SAV%.

Defense

The Islanders have tightened up defensively in the second half. In their past 12 games, they’ve given up more than three goals just once. 

Hulton said the most impressive thing about the Islanders’ last seven wins was the way they’d won those games.

“In particular, this last seven have all been tight-checking, low scoring games. And that’s what playoff hockey is all about.”

In the first half of the season, and even early in the second half, the team was struggling in close games where they needed to defend a lead. That hasn’t been the case lately.

“We’re comfortable now with the lead,” said Hulton. “We kind of got over that rough patch where we blew some leads and we seem to be comfortable now in a lot of different situations, and that’s what playoffs are all about. 

“You can expect the unexpected, and you have to be prepared for anything and everything.”

Offense

Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Islanders since Christmas. With the addition of guys like Daniel Sprong and Samuel Blais on the roster, the Isles have scored 131 goals in 33 games – just under four goals a game.

What Hulton was most impressed with about the Islanders’ last two games of the season was the fact that none of the goals were scored on the power play.

“There was a stretch of time there where we seemed to (depend) on our power play to create any momentum offensively. We understand now that we have to be able to grind some teams down 5-on-5.”

Blais led the team in scoring with 82 points (33 goals and 49 assists), ahead of Brad Kennedy with 56 points (25 goals and 31 assists) and Filip Chlapik with 54 (12 goals and 42 assists).

For Rimouski, Antoine Dufort-Plante led the way with 63 points (23 goals and 40 assists), followed by Dylan Montcalm with 59 points (23 goals and 36 assists) and Tyler Boland with 54 (26 goals and 28 assists).

Special Teams

Although the power play didn’t score over the weekend, that doesn’t mean they haven’t been hot this season. 

The Islanders had the league’s third-best power play over the regular season, clicking at 24.9%. Rimouski’s power play was 7th, at 22.8%.

Their penalty kills are the other way around. Rimouski’s penalty kill is third in the league and has an 81.1% success rate. The Islanders rate of 78.6% is 8th overall.

“We’re looking to be a couple more months going here,” said Hulton. “We want to continue to be in that mindset and that process is to come and get better every day and now we can just focus on one opponent and playing the game the right way.”

[brajeshupadhyay]

Swansea City 3-0 Birmingham City: Steve Cooper’s side move level with Leeds at Championship summit

Swansea City 3-0 Birmingham City: Steve Cooper’s side move level with Leeds at Championship summit with easy victory over Pep Clotet’s Blues

Swansea joined Leeds at the top of the Championship by beating Birmingham

After a frustrating first half, a Kyle Naughton strike finally broke the deadlock  

Bersant Celina then doubled the home side’s advantage with a deserved second

After Yan Dhanda was fouled, Borja Baston stepped up to score from the spot  

By Alex Bywater For Mailonline

Published: 08:56 EDT, 25 August 2019 | Updated: 09:40 EDT, 25 August 2019

Swansea continued their unbeaten start to the new Championship season as they finally got the rewards their impressive performance deserved against awful Birmingham. 

This was attack against defence for most of the 90 minutes as the Blues set up to contain against Steve Cooper’s men who totally dominated possession. 

Swansea were frustrated in a goalless first half, but after the break they cut loose in ruthless fashion to score three times in just 12 minutes.

Swansea maintained their unbeaten start to the season and moved joint top of the league

Kyle Naughton finally opened the scoring in the second half with a strike from outside the area

Bersant Celina then doubled his side’s lead with a left-footed finish into the roof of the net

Swansea were totally dominant against Birmingham and the scoreline did not flatter them

Substitute Kyle Naughton and Bersant Celina did the damage and Borja Baston’s penalty – his fifth goal of the season – sent the Welsh side back to second in the league. Birmingham, by contrast, were abysmal and never looked like scoring.

MATCH FACTS 

Swansea City (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Roberts, Van der Hoorn, Rodon, Bidwell (Naughton 45); Fulton, Grimes (capt); Celina (Garrick 84), Dhanda (Byers 84), Ayew; Borja 

Substitutes not used: Nordfeldt, Routledge, Surridge, Wilmot 

Booked: Dhanda 

Goals: Naughton 63, Celina 68, Baston 75

Birmingham City (5-3-2): Camp; Harding, Dean (capt), Roberts, Pedersen, Seddon (Crowley 76); Davis (Bellingham 76), Sunjic, Villalba; Gimenez (G Gardner 57), Jutkiewicz 

Substitutes not used: Stockdale, C Gardner, Medina, Bailey Booked: Davis, Pederson, Seddon, Sunjic

Referee: Andy Woolmer Attendance: 17,277 

Star man: Matt Grimes (Swansea)

Swansea have had a fine start to the new season and they haven’t lost at home in the league since Boxing Day. The last team to win at the Liberty Stadium was Manchester City in an FA Cup tie. 

Still, Cooper’s side have had a bad habit of beginning games poorly to date. That was not the case here as they were quick out of the traps. 

With Yan Dhanda making his first league start of the campaign, Cooper’s men were straight into their passing style as they dominated the ball. Dhanda was the man with the first chance. 

Andre Ayew’s inch-perfect pass found the former Liverpool man and a goal looked certain, but Birmingham captain Harlee Dean did well to throw himself at the ball and block the shot. 

Borja fired wide and Ayew had a tame header saved, but Swansea monopolised the ball with their attractive passing style more than evident to a 17,277 strong Bank Holiday crowd.

Fran Villalba fired wide for Birmingham from range, but the Blues were limited and with a five-man defence their modus operandi was defence instead of attack. Swansea’s chances kept coming. 

Birmingham defender Marc Roberts fouled midfielder Yan Dhanda (right) in the penalty area 

Borja Baston stepped up to take the kick and calmly slotted it into the back of the net

Championship

Premier League

Championship

League One

League Two

Scottish Premiership

Scottish Div 1

Scottish Div 2

Scottish Div 3

Ligue 1

Serie A

La Liga

Bundesliga

Clean through on goal, Borja wrongly chose not to shoot with his left foot and pulled the back for Dhanda. Kristian Pedersen got back to head off the line. 

The home frustration was palpable as their team went to the break level despite boasting 77 per cent of the possession. 

The hosts had been frustrated referee Andy Woolmer stopped play for half time with Celina in on goal and in search of a greater threat down the left, Cooper swapped full-back Jake Bidwell for Naughton at the break.

Grimes whipped in two quick free-kicks, the second of which Borja headed on goal forcing Lee Camp into a fine save. 

Birmingham swapped Alvaro Gimenez for Gary Gardner, but they continued to offer nothing at the right end of the pitch. 

Finally, Swansea broke through. Borja appealed for a penalty after he was shoved attempting to get on the end of a Connor Roberts cross. 

The calls were waved away, but the ball fell to Naughton who turned back inside on to his favoured right foot and fired past Camp from the edge of the box. Like London buses, a Swansea second soon arrived. 

Just five minutes after Naughton’s strike, Mike van der Hoorn pressed high, won the ball from Villalba, and played in Celina who did the rest with a powerful strike. 

It had proven to be a frustrating afternoon up until Naughton’s second half breakthrough

Steve Seddon of Birmingham City vies for possession with Connor Roberts of Swansea City

Camp would surely have been disappointed to be beaten at his near post again. In the 75th minute it was 3-0. 

Dhanda was fouled in the box by Marc Roberts and Borja stepped up to slot home his second penalty in a week by sending Camp the wrong way.

It was ruthless stuff but entirely deserved and although it is still very early days, Swansea do look like a side capable of troubling anyone in this division even though they will face much better opposition than they did here.

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[eastbridge-sb]

EFL Championship Match Previews – 28th January Tuesday

Cardiff v West Brom

Both Cardiff City and West Bromwich Albion had FA Cup distractions at the weekend but now resume their more important league duties once more. West Brom remain top of the table despite a very clear drop in form, whilst Cardiff are situated in a mid-table position but still only a few wins away from getting back into the promotion picture.

One positive for Cardiff is that Neil Harris has most certainly made them a much harder team to beat. The 6-1 away loss to Queens Park Rangers was something of a fluke, but that remains one of only two league losses since he joined the club after departing Millwall. Furthermore, the Bluebirds haven’t lost at home since Neil Warnock’s final match in charge when losing to rivals Bristol City in November.

Whilst they don’t necessarily lost that many games (only one more than second in the table Leeds), one thing this Cardiff team does a lot is draw. No other team in the Championship has drew more games than they done. To put a percentage on it, Cardiff have drew 42.86% of their league contests so far. This includes each of their last four at home in all competitions, and they’ve lost only once at the Cardiff City Stadium in league action this season. That being said, Cardiff haven’t beaten any current top-half team at home in six attempts.

WBA will have been glad to get away from the hustle and bustle of the league at the weekend when going to Premier League West Ham United. That is because they’ve been having a tough time of things in the Championship, which does seem strange considering they top the table. It is a six-match winless run for Slaven Bilic’s men, but four of those were draws. Their recent display when losing at home to Stoke City was lacklustre by their standards and major improvement is required.

Bilic himself has suggested that the club needs to go into the transfer market. That therefore means he doesn’t have complete faith in his current squad to necessarily turn matters around. Clearly they’re more than capable as they had a six-game winning run which only ended last month. However, now is clearly the best time to be facing West Brom as there is a vulnerability about them.

I do think Cardiff are the value pick here. I’m not prepared to really back West Brom again until they resume winning ways, and a trip to the Welsh capital is always tough, as only Bristol City have left with three points this season. They’ll raise their game for this and WBA will know they’re in for a game.

Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Cardiff +0.25 at 1.800

Hull v Huddersfield

We have a Yorkshire Derby on our hands at the KCOM Stadium on Tuesday night as Hull City entertain Huddersfield Town. Whilst there was arguably greater pre-season expectation in the camp of recently relegated Huddersfield, it is actually Hull who are ten points better off as things stand. Hull’s agenda is to make the play-offs, whilst for the Terriers it is purely avoiding back-to-back relegations.

It is a testing period for Hull at the moment considering the January transfer window is open and soon to close. Their star man and prized asset Jarrod Bowen has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and the Tigers must decide if they cash in on their soon to be free agent forward, or keep him until the summer and hope he can fire them into the Premier League. He should play this game and that always makes Hull a live threat.

Only Ollie Watkins of Brentford and Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic has more goals than Bowen in the Championship, so Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley knows exactly who they need to keep quiet. Hull do have many other threats however, and Kamil Grosicki headlines those. This duo are Premier League standard and this leaky Huddersfield defence will be tested on a regular basis.

Well we say leaky, but this Huddersfield side kept a clean sheet versus none other than in-form Brentford last time out. The introduction of recent signing Richard Stearman to the back line certainly made a huge impact, whilst other new recruits Andy Kind and Emile Smith-Rowe also had roles to play. Cowley has generally made this team tougher to beat, so this is no routine three points for Hull.

Certainly one area that Cowley will be aiming to improve upon is their offensive outlay. They don’t necessarily create as much, and the numbers are reflecting that. They’re one of only two teams in the league who are averaging fewer than ten attempts on goal per game (the other being Charlton). Only Derby, Middlesbrough and Wigan have scored fewer goals, whilst only four teams have conceded more. Cowley knows where they need to improve, and they’re not without a chance in a one-off derby clash.

Nevertheless, Hull are the team to side with on this occasion. They just have many more weapons in their arsenal and you’d expect them to cause plenty of problems. They faced a strong Chelsea outfit in the FA Cup at the weekend, and they’ll be keen to get back to the bread and butter league action and look to halt their two-game home league losing run. They’re one of the highest home scorers in the league with 21, and that should stand them in good stead.

Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Hull -0.50 at 2.000

Leeds v Millwall

Leeds United and Millwall is certainly a rivalry where there is little love lost between the two and both outfits will be particularly fired up for this one. Leeds most definitely will be as they’re on a three-match losing run and are keen to get their season back on track in front of their passionate supporters. Opponents always raise their game when Leeds are in the other changing room, and Gary Rowett is on a six-match away league unbeaten run.

There was no FA Cup action for Leeds at the weekend and Marcelo Bielsa will have been quite glad for that. It’ll have given them an opportunity to recharge their batteries and get ready for the next portion of the season, which is often such a defining period, especially when one enters it in poor form. It has been well-documented that Leeds tend to worry around this point, so they are battling some mental demons as well and that is something the opponents will be keen to exploit.

All of a sudden, scoring goals has become a problem for the Whites. Eddie Nketiah has returned to Arsenal after the Premier League side recalled him from his loan, so all of the pressure and weight of expectation is placed upon lone striker Patrick Bamford to deliver the goods. He has proved quite frustrating but he is someone who has always scored goals at this level. Creating chances is no problem, and Bielsa will be hoping their luck in front of goal improves sooner rather than later.

There was no rest for Millwall at the weekend and they were in cup action. The league of course remains their priority and a promotion tilt is certainly not without question. Rowett will be glad for expectations to be generally low from the outside as it offers a release for them, even more so when big underdogs on occasions such as this.

One slight worry for Millwall is that they’ve faced three of the top-five away from home so far and failed to win any, although they did draw at West Brom and they’d gladly take a repeat scoreline here. Quite a defensive approach is anticipated as Millwall have only scored more than once away in the Championship on two occasions, and that included a loss to Brentford. They’ll play a counter attacking style and that’ll suit them just fine.

Quite a tactical match is anticipated here and Under 2.5 Goals does appear to be quite a logical call. Leeds’ recent struggles in front of goal and likely tactics from the away team further enhances such claims. Also, 19 of Leeds’ 28 league games this season saw a maximum of two goals, which puts them bottom of the ‘over 2.5 league table’. Games involving both are averaging around the 2.40 mark, so the percentage call is to favour the under.

Asian Total Goals Betting Recommendation: Under 2.50 at 1.800

Preview by:@JamesOR1.

Things are getting more and more exciting as the Championship continues. Place your bets with VOdds for the best oddds or enjoy a hassle-free betting with our Skype betting.

The post EFL Championship Match Previews – 28th January Tuesday appeared first on Eastbridge.

source https://eastbridge-sb.com/efl-championship-match-previews-280120/

[torentialtribute]

Swansea City 3-0 Birmingham City: Steve Cooper’s side move level with Leeds at Championship summit

Swansea City 3-0 Birmingham City: Steve Cooper sideways movement level with Leeds at Championship summit with easy win over Pep Clotet & # 39; s Blues

Swansea joined Leeds defeating the top of the championship by Birmingham

After a frustrating first half, Kyle Naughton's strike finally broke the deadlock

Bersant Celina then doubled the advantage of the home team with a deserved second

After Yan Dhanda was polluted, Borja Baston stepped up to score from the spot

by Alex Bywater for Mailonline

Published: 13:56 BST, August 25, 2019 | Updated: 14:05 BST, August 25, 2019

Swansea continued their undefeated start to the new championship season because they finally received the rewards earned their impressive performances against the dreadful Birmingham.

This was an attack against the defense for most of the 90 minutes because the Blues focused on the men of Steve Cooper who completely dominated the property.

Swansea was frustrated in a goalless first half, but after the break they relentlessly cut loose to score three times in just 12 minutes.

Swansea maintained their unbeaten start of the season and moved the joint top of the competition

Kyle Naughton finally opened the score in the second half with a strike from outside the area ed

Bersant Celina doubled then his side with a left-hand finish on the roof of the net

Swansea were completely dominant against Birmingham and the scoreline did not flatter them

Kyle Naugh ton and Bersant Celina have done the damage and the penalty from Borja Baston – his fifth goal of the season – sent the Welsh side back to second in the competition. Birmingham, on the other hand, was terrible and never looked like scoring.

MATCH FACTS

Swansea City (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Roberts, Van der Hoorn, Rodon, Bidwell (Naughton 45); Fulton, Grimes (capt); Celina (Garrick 84), Dhanda (Byers 84), Ayew; Borja

Unused substitutes: Nordfeldt, Routledge, Surridge, Wilmot

Booked: Dhanda Targets: ] Naughton 63, Celina 68, Baston 75

Birmingham City (5-3-2): Camp; Harding, Dean (capt), Roberts, Pedersen, Seddon (Crowley 76); Davis (Bellingham 76), Sunjic, Villalba; Gimenez (G Gardner 57), Jutkiewicz

Unused substitutes: Stockdale, C Gardner, Medina, Bailey Booked: Davis, Pederson, Seddon, Sunjic

Referee: Andy Woolmer Visitors: 17,277

Star man: Matt Grimes (Swansea)

Swansea had a good start to the new season and they have not lost home in the league since Boxing Day The last team to win at Liberty Stadium was Manchester City in a draw with FA Cup.

Yet Cooper had the bad habit of starting to spell badly so far. That was not the case here because they quickly fell out.

With Yan Dhanda making his first competition start of the campaign, Cooper & # 39; s men were straight in their passing style when they dominated the ball. Dhanda was the man with the first chance.

Andre Ayew found the former Liverpool man's perfect pass and a goal seemed certain, but the Birmingham captain, Harlee Dean, did well to throw himself at the ball and block the shot.

Borja shot wide and Ayew had saved a tame header, but Swansea more than clearly monopolized the ball with his attractive passing style in front of a 17,277-strong Bank Holiday crowd.

Fran Villalba shot wide for Birmingham from distance, but the Blues were limited and with a five-man defense, their modus operandi was defense rather than attack. The chances of Swansea just kept coming.

Borja Baston stepped up to take the kick and hit the quiet back of the net

Clear on goal, Borja wrongly chose not to shoot with his left foot and pulled back to Dhanda. Kristian Pedersen returned to leave the line. The frustration of the home country was palpable when their team went to the break, despite 77 percent possession.

The hosts were frustrated referee Andy Woolmer stopped playing for half with Celina in goal and looking for a greater left-wing threat, Cooper exchanged full-back Jake Bidwell for Naughton during the break. ]

Grimes hit two quick free kicks, the second of which came on goal and forced Lee Camp to make a great save.

Birmingham exchanged Alvaro Gimenez for Gary Gardner, but they continued to bid nothing on the right side of the field. Swansea finally broke through. Borja appealed for a penalty after being pushed while trying to get a Connor Roberts cross.

It was a frustrating afternoon until Naughton's breakthrough in the second half

Steve Seddon of Birmingham City bias for possession with Connor Roberts of Swansea City

The phone calls were put away urd, but the ball landed on Naughton who b shot in on his favorite right foot and shot past Camp from the edge of the box. Just like London buses, Swansea arrived quickly.

Just five minutes after Naughton's strike, Mike van der Hoorn pushed high, won the ball from Villalba and played in Celina, who did the rest with a powerful strike.

Camp would certainly have been disappointed if he had been beaten again in his nearby post. In the 75th minute it was 3-0. Dhanda was shot by Marc Roberts in the penalty area and Borja locked his second penalty in one week by sending Camp the wrong way. , Swansea looks like a party capable of harassing anyone in this division, even though they will get much better opposition than here.

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Swansea v Birmingham: Both sides to oblige at the Liberty

(New post on FreeBetAlerts.com) - https://freebetalerts.com/2019/01/28/swansea-v-birmingham-both-sides-to-oblige-at-the-liberty/ #Football, #Freebets, #Tips

Swansea v Birmingham: Both sides to oblige at the Liberty Please share.

Swansea welcome Birmingham to the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night with both clubs hunting three points that could provoke a potential charge at the Championship play-off positions. Mark O’Haire looks for the best betting opportunity… “10 of Birmingham’s 14 meetings with top-half teams have seen both sides score, as well as eight of 11 trips to teams in 18th and above.”

Swansea v BirminghamTuesday January 29, 19:45Live on Sky SportsSwansea hitting formA Bersant Celina screamer and two goals from Oli McBurnie helped Swansea to a cushy 4-1 FA Cup success over Gillingham on Saturday. Barrie McKay – making his first start since Christmas – was also on the scoresheet as the Welsh club booked their place in the 16 of the FA Cup in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1964/65.Swans boss Graham Potter made four changes to the team that overcame high-flying Sheffield United here 1-0 seven days earlier an the Championship showed their class to cruise into a comfortable half-time advantage. Swansea eased off in the final 20 minutes but still managed to fire in nine on-target attempts during their convincing win.Injured defender Joe Rodon was replaced by Cameron Carter-Vickers into the heart of defence alongside Mike van der Hoorn as expected. However, Kyle Naughton missed out with a knee problem and is doubtful here, along with Wayne Routledge. Connor Roberts looks likely to remain at right-back with Declan John on the opposite flank.Birmingham bidding for overdue win Birmingham enjoyed a weekend off as Garry Monk’s men plot a way back into the play-off race. The Blues have slipped seven points off the top-six following defeats in back-to-back games against promotion-chasing Norwich and Middlesbrough, leaving the Second City with only two triumphs to their name in eight Championship outings (W2-D3-L3).Birmingham’s most recent match saw the Blues go down 3-1 at Carrow Road. All four of the goals arrived in 12 first-half minutes as Che Adams levelled proceedings after Monk’s troops fell behind, only for Norwich to power past City thereafter. Despite staying competitive after the interval, Birmingham rarely threatened to overturn the deficit. Post-match Monk admitted his Blues were second-best, suggesting the display was “uncharacteristic”. The former Swansea manager will be hoping for an improved effort this midweek with new signing Kerim Mrabti in the fray for a debut. Elsewhere, Isaac Vassell is being eased back into the fold but Omar Bogle, David Davis and Marc Roberts remain out.Swansea [2.18] have lost each of their last three home league meetings with Birmingham but the Welsh side arrive with their tails up. Since the start of December, the Swans have returned W4-D2-L2, whilst eight of their 11 league victories since returning to this level have come against clubs currently below them in the Championship standings.Birmingham [3.80] have won just once against top-half teams this term (W1-D7-L6) and have claimed only four triumphs in 13 since October. However, the Blues are well matched with Swansea across a range of performance data metrics and the high draw nature of the two teams makes the stalemate an appealing [3.40] play here.The best bet might just arrive in the Both Teams To Score market where ‘Yes’ can be backed at [1.92]. Swansea have only twice failed to score since October’s international break, recording just three clean sheets in the same sample – unsurprisingly, 11 of those 15 fixtures paid out for BTTS backers.Meanwhile, 10 of Birmingham’s 14 meetings with top-half teams have seen both sides score, as well as eight of 11 trips to teams in 18th and above. The Blues have scored in all bar two of their Championship encounters since mid-September and have only twice silenced a top-half team in 2018/19.

Mark’s 2018/19 Profit/Loss Staked: 99.00 ptsReturned: 101.23 ptsP/L: +2.23 pts

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5 teams from the past we wish had made it to the Euros

Back in October 2002, in front of more than 70,000 fans at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Wales moved top of their European Championship qualifying group with a 2-1 win over Italy.

The most striking thing, though, was that they entirely deserved it.

If anything, the narrow loss flattered Italy, who had no answer for the pace and dynamism of Craig Bellamy and the guile of Simon Davies. Wales looked all set to make the Euros for the first time and, given Greece’s eventual success in Portugal in 2004, who knows what might have happened after that.

However, they ultimately fell short, denied in controversial circumstances. We’ve delved a little deeper into that campaign, and into four more of Europe’s exciting ‘nearly’ teams,

Wales, Euro 2004

With Italy and a strong Serbia & Montenegro squad in their way, Wales weren’t meant to even be in the running.

They had won just one of their 12 qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, a 1-0 triumph over Belarus, and things weren’t exactly looking rosy. However, rookie manager Mark Hughes learned from that campaign and led his country. Finland were seen off in Helsinki and, after the success against Italy, a double over Azerbaijan left them looking very healthy indeed.

Even a run of one point from the final four qualifiers was enough to earn a play-off spot, where they succumbed 1-0 on aggregate to Russia, but that wasn’t the whole story.

Yegor Titov, who played in the first leg, tested positive for a banned substance. The Russian was banned for the second leg, but Welsh fans felt the punishment should have been more severe. Ultimately, Vadim Evseev’s goal in Cardiff made the difference, and Russia were eliminated in the group stage despite being the only team to beat eventual champions Greece.

Israel, Euro 2008

The big story in Euro 2008 qualifying was England’s failure to make the cut, but there was another exciting team that almost made it out of the same group.

Israel looked to have handed England a lifeline with their last-gasp victory over Russia in the penultimate game, but Dror Kashtan’s squad might have even surpassed the Three Lions with a bit more luck.

After going unbeaten throughout their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign (and not even making the play-offs despite four wins and six draws), Israel won’t have been happy with their draw, but still ended up with an identical record to England after seven wins, two draws and three defeats in their 12 games, putting them a point behind second-placed Russia.

A goalless draw with England in Ramat-Gan helped, while the attacking threat of players like Roberto Colautti, Toto Tamuz and teenage Chelsea striker Ben Sahar – all supported by rising Premier League star Yossi Benayoun – served them well.

Two defeats to group winners Croatia proved their undoing, with Arsenal striker Eduardo the main culprit with the only goal of the game in one meeting and a hat-trick in another. Israel have never been as close again.

Scotland, Euro 2008

While England ended up being the highest-profile casualties, that honour could easily have gone to France.

Scotland went toe-to-toe with the Euro 2000 champions – and fellow group B rivals Italy, with Gary Caldwell scoring a winner against Les Bleus at home and James McFadden – one of the stars of the Scottish campaign – doing the same at the Parc des Princes.

With two games left, Scotland had their fate in their own hands. Four points from games away to Georgia and at home to Italy would guarantee their progress, while three would be enough if France didn’t get the maximum from their final two outings. In the end, Scotland got none.

With 17-year-old Georgi Makaridze making his debut in goal for Georgia, Scotland can only blame themselves for drawing a blank, but the defeat to Italy might have been even more painful.

Having clawed their way back from 1-0 down to draw level on points with France – who still had a tricky trip to Ukraine to navigate – Scotland appealed for a late free-kick when Alan Hutton was felled. The referee gave Italy the call instead, and Christian Panucci got to the ball for his first international goal in five years. France were through before they needed to kick a ball, and Scotland’s wait for a major tournament went on. More than a decade later, they’re still waiting.

Armenia, Euro 2012

When an unfancied side gets itself in with a shot at a major tournament, it’s often because they’ve discovered a golden generation of sorts. It worked for Latvia in 2004, with 16 of their squad aged between 24 and 30 as they defied the odds to take their place in Portugal, but Armenia did things very differently in 2012.

The stars of that squad included big names of old approaching the end of their career, like veteran goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky and captain Sargis Hovsepyan, a man who began his career before the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, these two were supported by Henrikh Mkhitaryan, just 21 when the qualification campaign got underway.

It was a now-or-never situation, and Armenia really went for it, scoring 21 times in their first nine games, highlighted by a stunning 4-0 win away to Slovakia.

A win in Ireland in their final game would have secured a play-off spot where, as it happened, Estonia would have been waiting. However, a first-half red card for Berezovsky put them on the back foot and they ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat. Four years later, their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign saw them finish dead last with no wins from their eight games.

Ukraine, Euro 2000

Slovenia’s run to Euro 2000 was a fantastic achievement, but we often forget it came at the expense of a Ukraine side who could easily have gone far in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Ukraine boasted a number of players who helped Dinamo Kyiv reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 1999: strike pairing Andriy Shevchenko and Serhiy Rebrov might have been the main stars, but others like Vladyslav Vashchuk and goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskiy also played their part.

Yozhef Sabo’s squad went unbeaten throughout their qualifying group, culminating in a truly massive game against Russia. Victory for either team at the Luzhniki would see them top the group, while a draw would leave Ukraine second, Russia third and France – who were busy beating Iceland in Paris – as group winners by a single point.

Shevchenko’s lucky late free-kick earned Ukraine a vital point, and when they drew Slovenia in the play-offs they’ll have thought they were all but there, especially when Shevchenko put them ahead in their first leg in Ljubljana.

However, their opponents fought back to take a narrow lead to Kiev, where Miran Pavlin’s equaliser saw them through.

Who’ll miss out this time? Find a full range of European Championships betting on paddypower.com

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Lawro's final day Premier League predictions v England netball head coach Tracey Neville

There is just one relegation place to be decided on the final day of the Premier League season, with Swansea needing a minor miracle to survive at the expense of Southampton.

Can the Welsh side pull it off? BBC Sport’s football expert Mark Lawrenson thinks not, saying: “I expect Swansea to beat Stoke, but not by anywhere near enough for them to stay up.

“For Southampton to be relegated now, they would have to lose to Manchester City while Swansea win, and with a nine-goal swing in goal difference – which is not going to happen.”

Lawro is making predictions for all 380 top-flight games this season, against a variety of guests.

His final guest of the 2017-18 campaign is England netball head coach Tracey Neville.

Tracey, who steered England to gold at the last month’s Commonwealth Games,[1] is the older sister of former England defender and coach Gary Neville, and the twin of England women’s football head coach Phil.

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Tracey grew up supporting the team that both her brothers played for – Manchester United.

“It is United all the way for me – they are true to my heart,” she told BBC Sport. “I do still have a season ticket at Old Trafford but I don’t actually get out to watch them these days – I am probably more of a social supporter.”

Her favourite moment as a United fan is a game both her brothers were involved in – their last-gasp win in the 1999 Champions League final, when Gary played against Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp and Phil was on the bench.

“It’s got to be Barcelona, hasn’t it?” Neville said. “It is weird that it happened in the same way that my moment happened at the Commonwealth Games, coming back from behind to triumph in the last seconds.

“I just remember being away on tour with the England netball team as a player, sat watching it in my hotel room at about 4am.

“My room-mate was in the bed next to mine and, when United’s winner went in, I just remember putting my pillow to my mouth and literally screaming into it so I didn’t wake her up.”

Premier League predictions – week 38 Result Lawro Tracey SUNDAY Burnley v Bournemouth x-x 2-1 0-0 Crystal Palace v West Brom x-x 1-2 0-1 Huddersfield v Arsenal x-x 1-1 0-2 Liverpool v Brighton x-x 2-0 1-2 Man Utd v Watford x-x 2-0 2-0 Newcastle v Chelsea x-x 0-2 2-1 Southampton v Man City x-x 0-2 0-4 Swansea v Stoke x-x 2-0 1-2 Tottenham v Leicester x-x 2-0 1-0 West Ham v Everton x-x 2-0 0-0

A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.

LAWRO’S PREDICTIONS

All kick-offs 15:00 BST.

SUNDAY

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Burnley v Bournemouth

Both of these teams have had good seasons. In fact, Burnley have had an outstanding one.

The Clarets are in Europe already so this result does not really matter, but they will want to end such a successful season on a high with a home win.

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Bournemouth made a bad start, losing their first four games, but after recovering from that, they have never seriously seemed like they are in any real relegation trouble.

Another big positive for the Cherries is their ability to come back in games, and they try to play football as well, which is also a good thing.

You don’t get the sense that they start the season thinking that they just want to avoid relegation any way they can – their mantra seems to be more along the lines of “let’s go and play”.

In comparison, the Clarets are not the most open team – they can be pretty functional – but I think they will come out on top on Sunday.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-1

Tracey’s prediction: Neither team has anything to play for so this could be quite a flat game. 0-0

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Crystal Palace v West Brom

After five games of the season, West Brom were 10th with two wins, two draws and just one defeat, while Crystal Palace were bottom with zero points. What a contrast there has been in their results since then.

What I like about Palace goes beyond the way they have been coached and the way their manager Roy Hodgson has got results. That has all been very impressive, but their success is also down to their fans.

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When they play at Selhurst Park it is really intimidating. It is always noisy and the atmosphere is great, and I don’t think you can say that about too many grounds in the Premier League.

Having said all that, I am going for a surprise here, because I think the Baggies will win.

Their form under caretaker manager Darren Moore has been superb and although they have been relegated since their last match, Saturday’s win over Spurs, I am expecting another strong performance from them here.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-2

Tracey’s prediction: West Brom are down but I still think they will want to put on a good performance for their caretaker manager Darren Moore. 0-1

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Huddersfield v Arsenal

I did not see Huddersfield’s draw with Chelsea on Wednesday coming, same as I did not expect them to get anything at Manchester City on Sunday either.

Those two points against two of the top five teams in the country have got the Terriers to safety, and I doff my cap to them because I never fancied them to stay up from day one.

You can see that from the league table below based on my predictions – and I know Huddersfield fans have already noticed that.

But that was because I always thought they were going to get relegated and did not think they had enough to stay up.

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In the last quarter of the season you could see them sinking into the abyss so they deserve immense credit for turning that around and beating the drop.

I am pleased too, because they are what I would call a typical Championship team who got promoted and have had to fight very hard to stay there. The manager, David Wagner, has done a super job.

As for Arsenal, am I surprised that they win 5-0 at home and then follow that by losing 3-1 at Leicester? No, not at all.

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The Gunners are still the only team in the top four tiers of English football not to have earned a single point on the road in 2018, although I do think that will change on Sunday.

There is no way Huddersfield will play with the same intensity now they are safe, and a more open game will suit Arsene Wenger’s side in his final game in charge.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Tracey’s prediction: It is Wenger’s last game so I think Arsenal will do it for their manager. 0-2

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Liverpool v Brighton

Liverpool’s superior goal difference means they only need a point to be sure of finishing above Chelsea and making the top four, and I think the Reds will get the result they need.

Brighton secured their survival by beating Manchester United last Friday night and they are not fighting for anything anymore.

All three promoted teams – Newcastle, Huddersfield and the Seagulls – have stayed up and they have fought hard for it, because all of three of them have barely scratched the top half of the table since the end of November.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Tracey’s prediction: Liverpool have come off a pretty tough campaign and I am backing Brighton here. 1-2

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Man Utd v Watford

It’s been a bit of a strange season for Manchester United, but they are going to finish second and they could win the FA Cup too.

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But Jose Mourinho’s playing style is clearly a major problem for some United fans, and the other big issue is that they don’t look like they are going to be anywhere near Manchester City again next season either.

I am expecting United to win and pass the 80-point mark, which has been enough to win the title in four seasons during the Premier League era, but they never got close to City this year.

Meanwhile, it has been a difficult campaign for Watford and, although they have never really been in danger of relegation, this could be Javi Gracia’s last game in charge of the Hornets.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Tracey’s prediction: I am obviously going for a United win here. 2-0

There has definitely been progress from United under Mourinho, in terms of them being where people want to be, which bodes well for next season.

I’ve done quite a lot of research into Mourinho’s methods as a coach and, as a leader myself in netball, I think there are some things he does that are great to take away. I have already done that to implement them in my sport.

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Newcastle v Chelsea

Chelsea have underachieved this season and I cannot see Antonio Conte being in charge of the Blues at the start of the next campaign.

Unfortunately for Newcastle fans, it is not clear whether Rafa Benitez will still be their manager by then either.

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Benitez has done a great job and he will be happy if he gets some money to spend in the transfer market, so it is a no-brainer to try to keep him, surely.

Newcastle have not picked up another point since they passed the 40-point mark a few weeks ago. They have lost four games in a row, but that doesn’t matter because it is job done – they are safe.

I don’t see the Magpies returning to winning ways on Sunday, either. It would be just like Chelsea to put in a silky performance this week, but they have not done that often enough this season.

Lawro’s prediction: 0-2

Tracey’s prediction: 2-1

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Southampton v Man City

I am expecting City to win, but not by enough goals to send Saints down.

Pep Guardiola’s side have broken the records for most points, most goals and most wins in a Premier League season, but he wants the champions to reach 100 points too.

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I hope they do it, because they deserve it – and I cannot see anyone beating those records for a long time.

The football City have played has been sublime. Yes, the numbers are fantastic but their style of play is what people will remember in years to come.

Lawro’s prediction: 0-2

Tracey’s prediction: I just think City are too good at the moment. 0-4

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Swansea v Stoke

I expect Swansea to win, but not by anywhere near enough for them to stay up. They will be joining Stoke in the Championship next season.

Swans boss Carlos Carvalhal will be leaving at the end of the season. He started well but they have gone eight games without a win, and that is why they are back down at the bottom end of the table.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Tracey’s prediction: Stoke have got a lot to prove following their relegation so I actually think this will be a real battle. I think Swansea will take an early lead but Stoke will come back at them to win. 1-2

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Tottenham v Leicester

Leicester are another club where we do not know whether the manager will stay in his job at the end of the season.

There are 10 Premier League sides whose manager is either definitely leaving, on a short-term contract that ends this summer, or faces an uncertain future because of poor results or relegation: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester, Southampton, Stoke, Swansea, Watford, West Brom and West Ham.

If you count Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez, who may decide he wants to leave if he is not backed financially, and Huddersfield boss David Wagner, who is being touted as a potential replacement for Foxes boss Claude Puel, then that figure is 12 managers who could be leaving out of 20 top-flight clubs.

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That is what the Premier League is like these days, with such a high turnover of managers. It seems a lot of clubs are making a decision almost day-by-day – there is no forward-thinking going on.

If Puel needs to win to keep his job, then I don’t think that will happen.

I am backing Tottenham to win, and Harry Kane to score – he got a hat-trick on the final day of last season.[2]

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Tracey’s prediction: Spurs know they are finishing in the top four and I think they will sign off for the season with a win. 1-0

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West Ham v Everton

West Ham boss David Moyes and Everton manager Sam Allardyce are two of the managers I was talking about above.

Both men have done what was asked of them by keeping their sides up after being appointed in mid-season and, while Moyes will get a say in his future, it could be that Everton decide that Allardyce is surplus to requirements.

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It is hard to know what is going on at Everton because there are so many mixed messages coming out of Goodison Park. Allardyce appears adamant he is staying for the final year of his contract, but I don’t think many Toffees fans would be too happy if that happens.

Will either of them be in the Premier League in August? Who knows. But if they aren’t, I would not bet against them getting a job in September or October when a chairman presses the panic button.

In terms of the game, I am going for Moyes to come out on top against his former club.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Tracey’s prediction: I think this will be another flat game. 0-0

Lawro was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.

How did Lawro do in midweek?

From the rearranged midweek Premier League games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Lawro got three correct results, with no perfect scores, from six matches for a total of 30 points.

Lawro was up against opponents who had made predictions on FA Cup quarter-final and semi-final weekend. Comedian John Bishop also picked up 20 points after getting two correct results, but BBC Asian Network DJ Noreen Khan did not add to her tally.

Total scores after week 37 Lawro 3,360 Guests 2,730

Lawro v Guests P37 W23 D3 L11

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+/- DENOTE POSITION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWRO’S TABLE AND ACTUAL POSITION POS TEAM P W D L PTS +/- 1 Man City 38 31 6 1 99 0 2 Man Utd 38 30 7 1 97 0 3 Tottenham 38 30 7 1 97 0 4 Liverpool 38 23 15 0 84 0 5 Chelsea 38 24 9 5 81 0 6 Arsenal 38 19 13 6 68 0 7 Leicester 38 16 8 14 56 +2 8 Burnley 38 12 12 14 48 -1 9 West Ham 38 10 17 11 47 +6 10 Southampton 38 12 10 16 46 +7 11 Bournemouth 38 11 10 17 43 +1 12 West Brom 38 12 7 19 43 +7 13 Stoke 38 8 13 17 37 +7 14 Crystal Palace 38 9 8 21 35 -3 15 Everton 38 8 11 19 35 -7 16 Newcastle 38 7 10 21 31 -6 17 Brighton 38 4 13 21 25 -3 18 Swansea 38 6 6 26 24 0 19 Watford 38 5 7 26 22 -6 20 Huddersfield 38 2 13 23 19 -4

GUEST LEADERBOARD

SCORE GUEST LEADERBOARD 160 Justin Hawkins, Chris Shiflett 130 James Anderson*, Joe Johnson* 120 Russel Leetch*, Will Poulter, Moeen Ali 110 Aron Baynes* 100 Noreen Khan, Cesaro & Seamus, Wretch 32 91 Lawro (average after 37 weeks), 90 John Bishop, Arni and Justin from The Vaccines, Pete Wentz 80 John Cena, Darren Campbell 70 Plan B, Brendan Foster*, Mark Strong 60 Jimmy from Django Django, Will Ferrell, Nish Kumar, Non Stanford, Rick Witter 50 Steve Cram, Michael Dapaah, Russell Howard, Channing Tatum, Joe Root, Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, Dario Saric, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell, 40 James Bay, Craig David, Ed Lay 30 Elis James, Rhys James, Felix White 20 Charlie Cooper, Richard Osman, Emmanuel Sanders and Josh Norman

* Shows weeks where Lawro had more than one guest, and only the highest score contributed to the guest total.

Lawro’s best score: 170 points (week 30 v Arni and Justin from The Vaccines)

Lawro’s worst score: 40 points (week four v Umenyiora and Bell, week five v Non Stanford, week 21 v Darren Campbell and week 23 v Saric and Baynes)

References

^ gold at the last month’s Commonwealth Games, (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ he got a hat-trick on the final day of last season. (www.bbc.co.uk)

BBC Sport – Football

Lawro's final day Premier League predictions v England netball head coach Tracey Neville was originally published on 365 Football

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Premier League predictions: Lawro v comic Elis James

Premier League predictions: Lawro v comic Elis James

Premier League predictions: Lawro v comic Elis James

Will Manchester Metropolis’s unhealthy week get even worse once they go to Wembley on Saturday night time?

In-form Tottenham can be attempting to inflict extra distress on Pep Guardiola’s aspect, who didn’t wrap up the Premier League title final weekend and are out of the Champions League too.

BBC Sport soccer knowledgeable Mark Lawrenson says: “The huge open areas of Wembley will go well with Metropolis however I’ve a sneaking feeling that they’ll drop extra factors in opposition to Spurs.”

Lawro goes for a 1-1 draw. Do you agree? You can also make your predictions now, tackle Lawro and different followers, create your personal league and attempt to make it to the highest of the desk by taking part in the BBC Sport Predictor game.

He can be making a prediction for all 380 top-flight video games this season, in opposition to quite a lot of friends.

This week he takes on comic Elis James.

Elis James reveals off his assortment of Swansea and Wales soccer shirts when he performs Owen in BBC Three sitcom Josh. He says he’s simply going to get pleasure from this summer time’s World Cup as a impartial, explaining: “Wales haven’t certified for 60 years so it means nothing to me, apart from as a feast of soccer.”

James is a Swansea fan, who interviewed the Welsh membership’s boss Carlos Carvalhal for this week’s The Premier League Show.

“It is rather unhappy that we’re preventing relegation for a 3rd season on the trot however I used to be massively impressed with Carlos,” James informed BBC Sport.

“I feel he’s a implausible supervisor and it has been miraculous what he has finished since coming in at Christmas – so fingers crossed we can be OK.”

Premier League Present: Firefighting Premier League survival – Carvahal

Swansea have been backside of the desk when Carvalhal was appointed on 28 December however are actually 15th, 4 factors above the relegation zone with six video games remaining.

James added: “I need to admit, when Carlos took over I knew he was supervisor of Sheffield Wednesday and I knew they’d received to the Championship play-offs final season, however that was it.

“I checked out his Wikipedia web page and he had been at a protracted listing of golf equipment that you’ve got heard of from the Europa League.

“However when it comes to what he has finished for Swansea, I couldn’t have requested for something extra. I feel he has been very good.

“I actually thought we have been doomed this time, so I’m completely thrilled with the way in which it has labored out as a result of our future is now in our personal palms.

“Jordan Ayew has been certainly one of our standout gamers this season, actually since Carlos took over, and clearly Alfie Mawson, who I feel is a superb footballer and absolutely deserving of his England cap.”

You possibly can take heed to extra on Swansea and Welsh soccer from Elis James in his Feast of Football podcast with Danny Gabbidon and Iwan Roberts, here.

Premier League predictions – week 34 Outcome Lawro Elis SATURDAY Southampton v Chelsea 2-3 1-1 1-2 Burnley v Leicester 2-1 2-1 1-0 Crystal Palace v Brighton 3-2 2-1 2-2 Huddersfield v Watford 1-0 1-1 1-2 Swansea v Everton 1-1 1-1 1-0 Liverpool v Bournemouth 3-0 2-0 1-0 Tottenham v Man Metropolis 1-3 1-1 2-1 SUNDAY Newcastle v Arsenal x-x 1-1 1-0 Man Utd v West Brom x-x 3-0 3-0 MONDAY West Ham v Stoke x-x 2-0 2-1

An accurate end result (selecting a win, draw or defeat) is price 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.

LAWRO’S PREDICTIONS

All kick-offs 15:00 BST except in any other case said.

SATURDAY

Southampton 2-Three Chelsea

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Elis’ prediction: 1-2

Match report.

Burnley 2-1 Leicester

Lawro’s prediction: 2-1

Elis’ prediction: Burnley are a troublesome prospect at residence. 1-0

Match report.

Crystal Palace 3-2 Brighton

Lawro’s prediction: 2-1

Elis’ prediction: This is without doubt one of the odder derbies. 2-2

Match report.

Huddersfield 1-Zero Watford

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Elis’ prediction: 1-2

Match report.

Swansea 1-1 Everton

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Elis’ prediction: It didn’t go brilliantly for Swansea in opposition to West Brom final weekend once we solely received a draw, however I do fancy us to beat Everton (takes deep breath). 1-0

Match report.

Liverpool 3-Zero Bournemouth

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Elis’ prediction: I can be fascinated to see how Liverpool react after what occurred in opposition to Metropolis on Tuesday night time. 1-0

Match report.

Tottenham 1-Three Man Metropolis

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Elis’ prediction: Once more, I’m fascinated to see how Metropolis react to going out of the Champions League, and Tottenham are taking part in very nicely in the meanwhile. Metropolis’s season can be in tatters in the event that they lose this sport too. 2-1

Match report.

SUNDAY

Newcastle 2-1 Arsenal

Arsenal have received their previous six video games in all competitions however that’s what they at all times appear to do at this stage of the season, when the stress is off them.

Newcastle are additionally on run, profitable three in a row. They’re just about secure now and are within the prime half, which is nice for them as a result of most of this season has been a slog.

Arsene Wenger says Europa League is Arsenal’s focus

I’m going to go for a draw however it’s exhausting to foretell a end result for this one as a result of I do not know what kind of crew Arsene Wenger will put out after Thursday’s journey to Moscow.

Profitable the Europa League to get into the Champions League is clearly the precedence for the Gunners now.

Lawro’s prediction: 1-1

Elis’ prediction: 1-0

Match report

Man Utd 0-1 West Brom

West Brom might go down if Saturday’s outcomes go in opposition to them after which they lose this sport.

It’s exhausting to see something however a defeat for the Baggies at Previous Trafford however, extra pertinently, I wish to know which Manchester United crew we’re going to see – the one from the primary half at Etihad Stadium, or the one from the second half.

After the break, when United roared again from 2-Zero right down to win the derby, it appeared they have been simply let off the leash, which supervisor Jose Mourinho doesn’t usually do.

They seemed superb and gamers like Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba got here alive. United followers will wish to see extra of the identical.

Lawro’s prediction: 3-0

Elis’ prediction: 3-0

Match report

MONDAY

West Ham 1-1 Stoke

Issues are fairly rosy for West Ham in the meanwhile after their level at Chelsea gave them a little bit of respiratory house above the underside three.

If the Hammers win this sport they’re just about secure, whereas Stoke could be left in all kinds of hassle. Issues look unhealthy sufficient for them already.

Paul Lambert believes Potters want three wins to outlive relegations

The Potters want to start out profitable video games however they simply do not have sufficient firepower of their aspect and they aren’t adequate defensively to purchase themselves time to nick a aim.

In distinction, West Ham carry a risk in the meanwhile by means of Marko Arnautovic, who’s flying after making a sluggish begin.

He is not going to want any further motivation to proceed his good kind in opposition to his former membership.

Lawro’s prediction: 2-0

Elis’ prediction: 2-1

Match report

Lawro was chatting with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.

How did Lawro do final week?

From the final spherical of Premier League video games, Lawro received 4 right outcomes, together with one excellent rating, from 10 matches for a complete of 70 factors.

He beat comedian Russell Howard, who received two right outcomes, together with one excellent rating, for a complete of 50 factors.

Whole scores after week 33 Lawro 2,930 Visitors 2,470

Lawro v Visitors P33 W19 D3 L11

+/- DENOTE POSITION DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LAWRO’S TABLE AND ACTUAL POSITION POS TEAM P W D L PTS +/- 1 Man Metropolis 32 26 5 1 83 0 2 Man Utd 32 25 6 1 81 0 3 Tottenham 32 25 6 1 81 +1 4 Liverpool 33 20 13 0 73 -1 5 Chelsea 32 21 6 5 69 0 6 Arsenal 32 16 11 5 59 0 7 Leicester 32 14 6 12 48 +1 8 Bournemouth 33 10 10 13 40 +3 9 Southampton 32 11 7 14 40 +9 10 West Ham 32 8 16 8 40 +4 11 West Brom 33 11 6 16 39 +9 12 Burnley 32 9 10 13 37 -5 13 Stoke 33 7 12 14 33 +6 14 Everton 33 7 9 17 30 -5 15 Crystal Palace 33 7 7 19 28 +2 16 Newcastle 32 6 9 17 27 -6 17 Brighton 32 4 13 15 25 -4 18 Swansea 32 5 4 23 19 -3 19 Watford 33 4 6 24 18 -7 20 Huddersfield 33 1 11 21 14 -4

GUEST LEADERBOARD

SCORE GUEST LEADERBOARD 160 Justin Hawkins, Chris Shiflett 130 James Anderson*, Joe Johnson* 120 Russel Leetch*, Will Poulter, Moeen Ali 110 Aron Baynes* 100 Cesaro & Seamus, Wretch 32 90 Arni and Justin from The Vaccines, Pete Wentz 89 Lawro (common after 33 weeks) 80 John Cena, Darren Campbell 70 John Bishop** Brendan Foster*, Mark Sturdy 60 Jimmy from Django Django, Will Ferrell, Nish Kumar, Non Stanford, Rick Witter 50 Steve Cram, Michael Dapaah, Russell Howard, Channing Tatum, Joe Root, Margot Robbie and Allison Janney, Dario Saric, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell, 40 Craig David, Ed Lay 30 Rhys James, Felix White 20 Charlie Cooper, Richard Osman, Emmanuel Sanders and Josh Norman

* Reveals weeks the place Lawro had multiple visitor, and solely the very best rating contributed to the visitor complete.

** Reveals weeks the place visitor complete doesn’t embrace rearranged video games.

Lawro’s finest rating: 170 factors (week 30 v Arni and Justin from The Vaccines)

Lawro’s worst rating: 40 factors (week 4 v Umenyiora and Bell, week 5 v Non Stanford, week 21 v Darren Campbell and week 23 v Saric and Baynes)

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FA Cup third round: 10 ties to look out for this weekend

Ailing Bolton and Aston Villa ogle vulnerable at Eastleigh and Wycombe, Exeter v Liverpool retains its enticement amid TV meddling and Chelsea might just imagination their Cup chances

1) Eastleigh wave non-league flag against Bolton

Previously excellent known for subsisting leukaemia and subsequently being pecked to within an inch of their own lives by emus on Soccer AM while wearing a hair made from lettuce and cookies in the name of charity, Eastleighs young Welsh manager Chris Todd has every right to imagination his Hampshire slopes chances of advancing to the fourth round at the expense of Bolton Wanderers. The only non-league area left in the challenger, Eastleigh sit fourth in the Conference and have been bankrolled to the pitch of PS3m by their sugar daddy, Stewart Donald, in recent years. They figure the former QPR winger Lee Cook and the ex-Nottingham Forest defender Dan Harding among their ranks, two musicians who wont have come cheap. Of course Bolton Wanderers have abundance of Championship experience more, having played poorly enough in the schism this season to find themselves fastened to the bottom of the table as well as PS173m in debt, the subject of a winding-up order from HM Revenue and Customs, under a move embargo and resigned to the possibility of having to sell their best musicians during this January window. These are dark epoches at the Macron Stadium on and off the lurch, with makes good and staff members doubtful when or if they are able to next getting paid. With securing Championship survival almost certainly a priority for Neil Lennon and his musicians, Eastleigh love could be forgiven for being more expectant than hopeful of hitting them in the compact environs of the 5,192 -capacity Ten Acres and going into the move for round Four. Barry Glendenning

Sachin Nakrani: what on dirt has gone wrong at Bolton ? All the latest news from the Conference

Listen to the husk on the FA Cup

2) Senseless timing impairs famous night for Exeter

It ought to beggar belief that the powers that be have done their utmost to make an ordeal out of “the worlds largest” petitioning tie in a glean short of traditional Cup romance. But here “weve been”, and if it seems self-defeating that supporters of a competition whose lustre remains difficult to maintain are being actively inconvenienced then it is worth reminding ourselves that we should not be remotely surprised by now. It would be fascinating to hear the logic of the BBCs decision to move this fixture to 7.55 pm on a Friday night 90 hours after the last train of the day departs Exeter St Davids station for the 250 -mile journey to Liverpool but that is the capability broadcasters have. It is gonna be a fine date when their requirements are drawn up with half a thinking for matchgoing love such as the 1,347 away partisans who will nonetheless attain the journey. Liverpool shall not be required to be require too much assistance in disposing of League Two resists but asking them to fulfil this tie-up three days after a Tuesday night League Cup semi-final at Stoke City was surely not necessary, either.

None of this scold should, of course, detract from a famous party for Exeter City and their excellent director, Paul Tisdale. Their league form four consecutive overcomes does not bode well for a amaze but they might just have caught Jurgen Klopp, who had to recall the almost-forgotten Tiago Ilori from his loan at Aston Villa the coming week to partly offset a lack of available centre-backs, and his team at a good time. St James Park will be rocking a sight that should make good video. It is just a shame that little else seem to be concern. Nick Ames

Klopp to arena young, inexperienced Liverpool against Exeter Puzzle-loving Oakley establishes Exeter clues how to defeat Liverpool

Paul Tisdale: hats entertainment. Picture: ProSports/ REX/ Shutterstock

3) Aston Villa should go for transgressed to avoid a shock

This tie yells sicken louder than most and perhaps Remi Garde would be well advised to make good usage of an early opportunity to experience belt-and-braces life in the Football League. Wycombe Wanderers, sixth in League Two, are still some style from filling Aston Villa on a level playing field but Gareth Ainsworth has assembled an impressive area that they are able to hope to bounce back from a home overcome to Morecambe last weekend. In Garry Thompson and Paul Hayes, Ainsworth could plain a strikeforce with a combined age of 67, but Wycombe aim for a high-energy style and Villa boosters may as well hope their team have entered into a same flavour of things. It has all been downhill since Theo Walcott opened the tallying for Arsenal in the 40 th instant of last seasons final; even if Wembley supports a few chastening recognitions, any pause from the weekly grind will seem like a comfort at the moment. History should encourage them to go for purposes: Villa obligated League Cup visits to Adams Park in 2003 and 2005, winning 5-0 and improbably 8-3. NA

Cole completes free convey to Coventry City from Aston Villa Garde craves Arsenals Debuchy to join Aston Villa

4) Resting players has burnt Allardyce in the past

The holders get their recent defence of the accolade underway and they do so in the knowledge that Sam Allardyce and Sunderland are not especially fixated on the booty. Allardyce has had a particularly chatty week but his decrees about the FA Cup dedicated pause for imagine. Of direction Im going to make changes, said Allardyce, pointing to the fact that Sunderland will play Swansea City on Wednesday as part of a full conference curriculum. If the Premier League decides to made a stupid fixture midweek when they dont bloody need to, then I havent got much choice.

The Premier League would argue that it does vicious is a requirement to, with Euro 2016 among the factors truncating the domestic calendar, but Allardyce is far from incorrect and this regrettable segment of planning provides a ready-made excuse for directors in need of Premier League points to give their big musicians a weekend off. It would be wise for Sunderland devotees to prepare apprehensions even lower than usual, then, although Allardyce might recall that it does not ever pay to rest actors in anticipation of future troubles. Two years ago, the then-West Ham manager reached nine changes fielding the youngsters Seb Lletget, Dan Potts, Danny Whitehead, George Moncur and Callum Driver for a third-round knot at Nottingham Forest, with a League Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City merely three days away. If a 5-0 defeat at the City Ground was not entirely unexpected; the 6-0 thumping when senior participates recalled at the Etihad was emphatically not part of the masterplan. NA

Allardyce ready to rebuild Sunderland around Defoe Wenger presents Arsenal injury update and rulers Sanchez out

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Sam Allardyce didnt “ve been meaning to” disturbed Jurgen Klopp video

5) A jam-packed residence could swell Oxford Uniteds hopes

Things are seeming up for Oxford United, who have sold out their 12,000 -capacity Kassam Stadium for only the third time in its 15 -year biography with the prospect of murderous a Premier League nose. Michael Appletons team are third in League Two and on route both for advertising and the very highest position in 15 times. The midfielders Kemar Roofe and Liam Sercombe have scored 19 league purposes between them and both in particular the former West Brom youngster Roofe are attracting envious gazes from abroad. Oxford parcels a punch but they find themselves stingy, very: they have confessed merely eight durations in 12 residence plays and Swansea City might have wished for the purposes of an easier assignment before next Wednesdays face-off with fellow relegation contenders Sunderland. The proclamation that Alan Curtis will stay on as director until the end of the season has provided a timely shot of stability( irrespective of what it might advocate about the past months search for Garry Monks replacement) but it has not been able to has become a astound if subconscious were elsewhere. The Kassam roar tends to drift out of the three-sided stadium and across the car park behind its open terminate, but perhaps it will be more audible than ever on Sunday lunchtime. NA

Napoli reject PS1 4.1 m Swansea bid for Italys Gabbiadini

6) Cureton eyeing chance to put Everton to sword

Dagenham& Redbridge have led a captivated life in the previous two rounds of this years FA Cup. Despite trailing 2-0 after only seven times of their first round replay against Morecambe, they acquired it into the second round where they again needed a replay , not to mention extra-time, to get past lowly Whitehawk from English footballs sixth tier. The League Two golf-clubs reward for these exertions is a trip-up to Goodison Park, where they will face an Everton team that have played twice since the Daggers lodged it to Exeter on 2 January, although it remains to be seen how many first team regulars Roberto Martinez battlegrounds pondering his crew has Premier League visits to Manchester City and Chelsea in the week ahead.

One Dagenham& Redbridge player unlikely to be phased by the prospect of lining up at Goodison Park is Jamie Cureton, even if, like most of his team-mates, the 40 -year-old has never played there before. In his 22 nd season as health professionals footballer at his 14 th guild, the striker actually obliged his professional debut for Norwich City against Everton in 1994, but has stated that, despite all those miles on the clock, this is the biggest FA Cup competitor of their own lives. There arent many grounds I havent played at and before the reap I was looking at that and thinking what a great draw Everton would be, he said. Its another one to cross off the listing. One could be forgiven for presuming Dagenham& Redbridge would have a better fortune of overpowering their Premier League opposition if they were entertaining them at Victoria Road, but having failed to prevail a single league game there all season they may well favor their chances of notching up win on the road. BG

Still back at Dagenham for challenging third stint as administrator Besic, the cultured scrapper which is able turn out to be an Everton masterpiece

Dagenham& Redbridge Ayo Obileyes( second privilege) celebrates scoring his backs third goal against Whitehawk. Image: Steve Paston/ PA

7) FA Cup can provide Chelsea with sole possibility of trophy

Imagine the fun that is likely to be had with this fixture a few short weeks ago. The Twitter memes, the archway observations studying whether Chelsea Chelsea, get onto? could pull off an almighty third-round upset. There is less to wisecrack about now: Chelsea have, at last, strung together a run of improved sort in the Premier League and their relentlessly efficient old-fashioned methods has the potential to be rendering under Guus Hiddink. With neither relegation nor a Champions League place seeming realistic, a concerted tilt at the FA Cup might regard particular appeal and it would certainly placed a few noses out of joint if, given their lucks thus far, Chelsea emerged from this season with one more award than many of their challengers. What hope, then, for Mark Robins Scunthorpe United, who inspect Stamford Bridge for the first time since a 3-1 third-round defeat in 2005? There is always Bradfords stupefying 4-2 succes last-place January, which in retrospect was a harbinger for the lack of care prevalent in the first half of Chelseas 2015 -1 6. Another reverse against League One rivals would appear unlikely, but Chelsea must still treat hurdles like this seriously if their convalescence is to gather tempo. NA

Costa and Oscar separated after Chelsea instructing struggle Win( residence) tickets to Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion

There were issues on the training ground between Oscar and Diego Costa. Photo: Stefan Wermuth/ Reuters

8) Spurs v Leicester City a prequel to a Premier League showdown

It is a foible of the fixture register that this meeting will be repeated a merely three days later, when Leicester City return to White Hart Lane if they meet any degree in leaving at all for a Premier League accord. And not just any Premier League equal: few could have predicted that these two would both be strongly involved in the name hasten at the seasons midway degree, so it remains to be seen whether Sundays meeting determines a bout of darknes puppetry or a full-scale removal of the gauntlets. Mauricio Pochettino has balk wholesale a difference in bowl contenders so far this expression, citing a better understanding of his actors fitness than in his first season, and if the league claim searches up for grabs it is also exhibition to say that any Premier League slope that considers the FA Cup diligently stands a decent likelihood of being honored, too.

Leicester will certainly end to some degree from the formula that has served them so spectacularly in recent months Jamie Vardy will miss out through injury and Claudio Ranieri is very likely to remained others to minimise the the opportunities of their minor stutter becoming anything worse and maybe lead more peril of overstretching through duel on multiple figureheads. One sure thing is that neither director will be interested in prolonging the argument: expect this one to be settled entertainingly on the working day, with the victor having sharpened their stomach by learning off a believable adversary for the trophy. NA

Riyad Mahrez: The Gallery Spurs on verge of signing teenager Shilow Tracey from Ebbsfleet

9) Big spending Derby County there to be shot at

Hartlepool United are currently in the end of a major stun last season when Blyth Spartans, of the Northern Premier League, beat them at Victoria Park in the second round. More of the same seemed on the cards when Salford City , non-league favorites du jour, travelled to the north-east in December but Ronnie Moores team narrowly persisted after a replay and can now are hoping to receiving antagonists whom there is rather less push to defeat.

Derby County are surely there to be shot at: the most recent signs of Nick Blackman and Abdoul Camara returned the Championship slopes spend on transmit fees alone this season up to around PS26m and they are leaving little to occasion in their quest of promotion to the Premier League. Their one-point advantage over third-placed Hull is not something Paul Clement and corporation will want to let slip after that various kinds of spend; Hartlepool, then, will be eager to capitalise if Derbys focus sways and in the 19 -year-old midfielder Brad Walker they have a knack who is surely not much longer for the lower reachings of League Two. The home unit will need a significant improvement on their recent formation, though. They have lost their last four league plays and the danger is that Derby bankrolled by Mel Morris, whose companionship, King, developed the Candy Crush video game will resemble minors in a sweet store. NA

Karanka and Clement, the former Madrid No2s, share No1 target

Scott Fenwick employs Hartlepool ahead in additional time against Salford, helping them on their channel to a third-round meeting with Derby. Photo: Alex Livesey/ Getty Images

10) Championship competitors will have concentrated elsewhere

The money they have invested already is a statement of intent; some of the summing-ups Championship squads are compensating are astronomical. So said Sean Dyche shortly before his Burnley team resumed life in the second rank following their relegation from the Premier League. He was speaking with particular reference to Middlesbrough and Derby County, which is now occupy first and second place in Championship, while his own Burnley team are reasonably positioned back in fifth, 10 points off the pace-setters. With so much money up for grabs just for being in the Premier League next season, its hard to thought anyone at Middlesbrough or Burnley holding even a single boo about the outcome of their competitor at the Riverside, as long as promotion is still a alternative. Any kind of FA Cup run for either team would be a distraction, but not by any means one that is welcome. BG

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Swansea City 3-0 Birmingham City: Steve Cooper’s side move level with Leeds at Championship summit with easy victory over Pep Clotet’s Blues Swansea joined Leeds at the top of the Championship by beating Birmingham After a frustrating first half, a Kyle Naughton strike finally broke the deadlock   Bersant Celina then doubled the home side’s advantage with a deserved second After Yan Dhanda was fouled, Borja Baston stepped up to score from the spot   By Alex Bywater For Mailonline Published: 08:56 EDT, 25 August 2019 | Updated: 09:40 EDT, 25 August 2019 Swansea continued their unbeaten start to the new Championship season as they finally got the rewards their impressive performance deserved against awful Birmingham.  This was attack against defence for most of the 90 minutes as the Blues set up to contain against Steve Cooper’s men who totally dominated possession.  Swansea were frustrated in a goalless first half, but after the break they cut loose in ruthless fashion to score three times in just 12 minutes. Swansea maintained their unbeaten start to the season and moved joint top of the league Kyle Naughton finally opened the scoring in the second half with a strike from outside the area Bersant Celina then doubled his side’s lead with a left-footed finish into the roof of the net Swansea were totally dominant against Birmingham and the scoreline did not flatter them Substitute Kyle Naughton and Bersant Celina did the damage and Borja Baston’s penalty – his fifth goal of the season – sent the Welsh side back to second in the league. Birmingham, by contrast, were abysmal and never looked like scoring. MATCH FACTS  Swansea City (4-2-3-1): Woodman; Roberts, Van der Hoorn, Rodon, Bidwell (Naughton 45); Fulton, Grimes (capt); Celina (Garrick 84), Dhanda (Byers 84), Ayew; Borja  Substitutes not used: Nordfeldt, Routledge, Surridge, Wilmot  Booked: Dhanda  Goals: Naughton 63, Celina 68, Baston 75 Birmingham City (5-3-2): Camp; Harding, Dean (capt), Roberts, Pedersen, Seddon (Crowley 76); Davis (Bellingham 76), Sunjic, Villalba; Gimenez (G Gardner 57), Jutkiewicz  Substitutes not used: Stockdale, C Gardner, Medina, Bailey Booked: Davis, Pederson, Seddon, Sunjic Referee: Andy Woolmer Attendance: 17,277  Star man: Matt Grimes (Swansea) Swansea have had a fine start to the new season and they haven’t lost at home in the league since Boxing Day. The last team to win at the Liberty Stadium was Manchester City in an FA Cup tie.  Still, Cooper’s side have had a bad habit of beginning games poorly to date. That was not the case here as they were quick out of the traps.  With Yan Dhanda making his first league start of the campaign, Cooper’s men were straight into their passing style as they dominated the ball. Dhanda was the man with the first chance.  Andre Ayew’s inch-perfect pass found the former Liverpool man and a goal looked certain, but Birmingham captain Harlee Dean did well to throw himself at the ball and block the shot.  Borja fired wide and Ayew had a tame header saved, but Swansea monopolised the ball with their attractive passing style more than evident to a 17,277 strong Bank Holiday crowd. Fran Villalba fired wide for Birmingham from range, but the Blues were limited and with a five-man defence their modus operandi was defence instead of attack. Swansea’s chances kept coming.  Birmingham defender Marc Roberts fouled midfielder Yan Dhanda (right) in the penalty area  Borja Baston stepped up to take the kick and calmly slotted it into the back of the net Championship Premier League Championship League One League Two Scottish Premiership Scottish Div 1 Scottish Div 2 Scottish Div 3 Ligue 1 Serie A La Liga Bundesliga Clean through on goal, Borja wrongly chose not to shoot with his left foot and pulled the back for Dhanda. Kristian Pedersen got back to head off the line.  The home frustration was palpable as their team went to the break level despite boasting 77 per cent of the possession.  The hosts had been frustrated referee Andy Woolmer stopped play for half time with Celina in on goal and in search of a greater threat down the left, Cooper swapped full-back Jake Bidwell for Naughton at the break. Grimes whipped in two quick free-kicks, the second of which Borja headed on goal forcing Lee Camp into a fine save.  Birmingham swapped Alvaro Gimenez for Gary Gardner, but they continued to offer nothing at the right end of the pitch.  Finally, Swansea broke through. Borja appealed for a penalty after he was shoved attempting to get on the end of a Connor Roberts cross.  The calls were waved away, but the ball fell to Naughton who turned back inside on to his favoured right foot and fired past Camp from the edge of the box. Like London buses, a Swansea second soon arrived.  Just five minutes after Naughton’s strike, Mike van der Hoorn pressed high, won the ball from Villalba, and played in Celina who did the rest with a powerful strike.  It had proven to be a frustrating afternoon up until Naughton’s second half breakthrough Steve Seddon of Birmingham City vies for possession with Connor Roberts of Swansea City Camp would surely have been disappointed to be beaten at his near post again. In the 75th minute it was 3-0.  Dhanda was fouled in the box by Marc Roberts and Borja stepped up to slot home his second penalty in a week by sending Camp the wrong way. It was ruthless stuff but entirely deserved and although it is still very early days, Swansea do look like a side capable of troubling anyone in this division even though they will face much better opposition than they did here.   Advertisement Share or comment on this article: The post Swansea City 3-0 Birmingham City: Steve Cooper’s side move level with Leeds at Championship summit appeared first on Sansaar Times.

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