Southampton - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

England striker Jay Rodriguez made his return in a 2-2 away draw against Newcastle, as Southampton sought to build on the good foundations they laid down in last season’s impressive 7^th place finish. An opening goal from striker Graziano Pelle after 24 minutes will have filled Saints fans with hope, but it was short lived as goals from Papiss Cisse and Georginio Wijnaldum gave the Magpies a lead early in the second half. Rodriguez’s replacement, Shane Long, grabbed a late equaliser for Southampton after 79 minutes which will give the travelling fans something to cling onto.

Norwich - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

The 2015/16 season began with a match that will leave Canary fans with a bitter taste lingering in their mouths. A few contentious decisions saw the game run away from them in a 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Having gone 2-0 down, Norwich responded well as substitute Nathan Redmond pulled one back after 69 minutes. Striker Cameron Jerome then scored what would probably be the greatest goal of his career, expertly hooking the ball over his head, only for it to be taken away for a “high boot”. Although the foot was high, it seemed to have no impact on surrounding players, suggesting the goal should have stood. A potential turning point in the game got away from the Canaries and they went on to concede another, beginning their Premier League return with a defeat.

Newcastle United - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

In manager Steve McClaren’s return to the Premier League, Newcastle faced a tough opening day fixture against last year’s surprise package, Southampton. The match was hard fought, with the Magpies having plenty to shout about as they ploughed on through to a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. One particular moment will stand out from the game as summer signing Georginio Wijnaldum buried his header to take the game to 2-1. An astute acquisition from McClaren, one which has slipped a little under the radar. The Newcastle boss may be disappointed to see his side fail to hold on to the win, however has many positives to take from the match.

Manchester United - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

After Louis van Gaal’s clear out over the summer it was important for the Red Devils to get off to a quick start this campaign. It wasn’t quite that easy though as they stumbled through their opening fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. A first half Kyle Walker own goal was all United fans could shout about after the game with a less than convincing performance in their 1-0 victory. With an abundance of new signings it may take a short while for the squad to pull together fully, but despite a poor performance, van Gaal will be pleased to escape with 3 points. New signing Sergio Romero started in goal amidst uncertainty over last year’s star man David de Gea’s future, and was instrumental in keeping Spurs out all game, including a late Christian Eriksen effort.

Chelsea - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Reigning champions Chelsea faced a Swansea side who have hit the ground running this season and battled through for a 2-2 draw. Last year’s “best defence in the league” struggled massively throughout this match, with weaknesses exposed in right-back Branislav Ivanovic and Captain John Terry. Having lead twice, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will be disappointed his side let the 3 points get away from them. He’ll be left further frustrated by Thibaut Courtois’ sending off as he brought down Bafetimbi Gomis, giving away the penalty which allowed Swansea to score their second equaliser of the game. Despite their appeal, the Belgian’s ban stood as the FA saw no reason to overrule the red card. Mourinho managed to shift the blame for the defeat onto his medical staff who ran onto the pitch as Eden Hazard went down late in the game, reducing Chelsea to 9 players for a period of time. Overall it was a strong Swansea performance and leaky Chelsea defence that brought about the draw and the Blues were lucky to get away with a point.

England’s Predicted World Cup Squad

Props: Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola, Dan Cole, David Wilson & Kieran Brookes

Joe Marler, Dan Cole and David Wilson have been sure selections for a while now given their form over the last year, so they are an obvious inclusion. Mako Vunipola has had a great season for Saracens and on Saturday proved he doesn’t just have to play the impact role for England. The selection of Kieran Brookes over Alex Corbisiero has been made simply due to the late back injury that Corbisiero has suffered. Brookes has been great off the bench for England in the past, and his ability to cover both loose and tighthead prop gets him in the squad.

Hookers: Tom Youngs, Rob Webber & Jamie George

Since Dylan Hartley’s dismissal from the World Cup training squad, the position of hooker has been England’s greatest concern. The obvious choice to start now must be Youngs, even with questions over his ability at the lineout on the international stage. Webber has been in and out of the England squad for a while now, and although he isn't in great form,  the lack of depth in this position should be enough to get him in. Jamie George could be England’s answer to their problems in this position; he has been fantastic in the loose and in the set piece all year. In addition to this, he is set to make his debut this weekend, so hopefully he can impress. Unfortunately for Luke Cowan-Dickie this world cup has come too soon, proved by last weekend when he really struggled in the set piece.

Locks: Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Geoff Parling & Dave Attwood

Lawes has been one of England’s stand out performers over the last year and is another player who has a place nailed down. Although Joe Launchbury has been out of the game for a long time due to a neck injury, having had a few games for Wasps at the end of the season the young lock looked like he hadn’t been away, and having been given a starting spot this weekend it is likely he will make the final cut.  Some may feel George Kruis is unlucky to miss out, and they wouldn’t be wrong but with England’s strength in depth in this department his exclusion is understandable. Having been on a winning tour with the Lions, Parling is a man with a wealth of experience, and could be a vital member of England’s squad. Much like the other locks selected, Attwood has a great work rate around the pitch, and large physical presence.

Back Row: Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Tom Wood, Billy Vunipola & Ben Morgan

The England Captain Robshaw is a certain pick, as is Vunipola, who was exceptional throughout the 6 nations, and all year for Saracens. Haskell is probably the next likely to make the squad with his ability to cover all back row positions, as well as being the most experienced pack member. Hopefully he has learnt to avoid posts since February. Tom Wood has been involved in this England squad for a number of years now, and having been made Captain last weekend its clear Lancaster has a lot of belief in him. Ben Morgan is probably the most unlikely, but if he can find the form he had prior to injury he would walk into the squad.

Scrum Half: Ben Youngs, Danny Care & Richard Wigglesworth

There is little debate over Ben Youngs being England’s first choice scrum half after a stellar 6 nations. Similarly Danny Care’s experience and Wigglesworth’s superb tactical game gives them an easy selection. If it were not for an end of season injury this position could have had more competition coming from a flying Joe Simpson, but unfortunately for himself and England this was not meant to be.

Fly Half: George Ford & Owen Farrell

Much like at scrum half, the 10s for this world cup are pretty certain. Ford has been one of the best players in Europe over the last year, and is England’s first choice 10, while Farrell has plenty of experience at the top and seems to be rediscovering his form at the right time. Some may think Cipriani will be unlucky to miss out, which is true to a point. However, he would not make it over these two as an out and out 10 and although he can play fullback, there are other players that cover multiple positions (Goode and Slade).

Centre: Jonathan Joseph, Sam Burgess, Henry Slade & Brad Barritt

England have struggled to find a lasting centre partnership for a while due to many factors. However, the latest dilemma is a positive one, with many quality players putting their hands up for selection. After being one of the 6 nations top performers this year it seems Joseph pretty much has the 13 shirt nailed down. So the question is who will play 12 along side him? Until recently, it was thought to be Barritt, with the South African born 12 having a wealth of experience and being known as a rock in defense. However, after last week Burgess has shown that, despite what many people thought, he can handle Union at the top level. Not only this, but he showed he does not only provide the brick wall Barritt does, but he also offers more going forward with ball in hand. Of course there will be doubt over his experience and reading of the game, but I think his leadership and persona on the field outweighs this, along with playing inside his Bath counterparts. The final centre to make the cut is Henry Slade, edging out Burrell and Twelvetrees, who both have not been showing the form they have in the past. Although inexperienced, Slade’s looked very comfortable at the weekend, impressing many. Additionally to this he can genuinely compete for the 10,12 and 13 shirt, showing the range of his skills.

Back Three: Jonny May, Jack Nowell, Anthony Watson, Mike Brown & Alex Goode

The remaining players were quite easy to select given the players already cut from Lancaster’s training squad. Nowell having had a good 6 nations has another chance to impress this weekend. Watson was sensational last weekend, and May, having been proclaimed as England’s best trainer in Denver, makes him likely to be selected. At fullback, Goode looked much more comfortable at the weekend than he did during the 6 Nations, and hopefully Brown has made a full recovery since his head injury, as we have seen how important he can be for England.

Bournemouth - Weeks 1 & 2 Review

Bournemouth started their opening game as many may have predicted with a fast-flowing, attacking brand of football. They threatened the Aston Villa goal on various occasions in the early stages of the match and more clinical finishing could have seen a far different result. Eddie Howe was full of praise for the performance of his side despite the 1-0 loss at the small Vitality Stadium. Howe made some smart signings over the summer, perhaps most notably the permanent signing of goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who played a huge part in Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League following a particularly successful loan spell last year. Another stand-out signing would be that of Max Gradel, the Ivorian winger looking to impress upon his return to England after 4 seasons in France with Saint-Etienne. He had limited time to make an impact, used as a substitute in the Villa match, however expect to see him play a bigger role in other fixtures.

2015/2016 English Premier League Team Previews

Arsenal:

Arsenal need to continue the great form shown at the end of last season, and build on their second FA Cup win in a row. The fantastic signing of word-class Petr Cech is a weight off of Arsene Wenger's mind, and all he has to do now is concentrate on allowing his other brilliant players to flourish; Mesut Ozil needs to prove that he is one of the best players in the world after a poor showing last season, Alexis Sanchez simply needs to do exactly what he did all season whilst Olivier Giroud needs to avoid injury and keep up the form that earned him 14 goals in an injury-hit season. He could definitely pass 20 this year if he can stay on the pitch. Arsenal are set for a great season, and in the predicted table I have them finishing 2nd, which would be a great platform for them in their title quest the season after. This year is just too soon for them though.

2015/2016 Preview - Manchester City

Pellegrini could well be looking at his last season in charge of Manchester City, especially as they seem to have lined up Guardiola for the role. However, there is still the present to look forward to, and with the quality of players such as Aguero, Silva, Toure and Kompany, Manchester City will always be up towards the top of the table. Something seemed to be missing last year though, and I doubt very much that Fabian Delph will fix those problems, but Raheem Sterling, despite all the controversy, could add a little something to this City side, and help inspire them, something that Pellegrini failed to do last season. I think once again City will be in for a disappointing season given the calibre of their players, and will finish 3rd this season.

2015/2016 Preview - Liverpool

This will be an interesting season for Liverpool. An impressive 2013/2014 season was then marred by a disappointing 2014/2015 season, and this year I see Brendan Rodgers leading his men to somewhere between those points, to an average 5th place. New men such as Milner and Firmino look like great additions to the squad, and Rodgers will be hoping Benteke has something of the Luis Suarez in him, although that seems a tad optimistic. Bringing in Clyne after a great season last year seems like a solid purchase, but Liverpool still need to stop leaking goals so often, and will need to keep an eye on that throughout the season. They will improve on last year's disappointments though, and a fit Daniel Sturridge will help guide them through to 5th place, narrowly missing out on that top 4 spot.

2015/2016 Preview - Crystal Palace

With Alan Pardew at the helm, and the backing from their usual backing from the stands, Palace will be looking for a good mid-table place, and I have them finishing in 12th. Pardew rejuvenated the side and led them to 10th, a fantastic achievement, yet the mid-table competition will be much stronger this year, and although Yohan Cabaye could be the signing of the season, the quality of the player's isn't up to the standards of those around them. It will once again be a spirited campaign from Palace, and one I'm sure that will have it's ups and downs, but 12th place is nothing to be ashamed of and will help to improve Palace's worldwide reputation and potentially attract the kind of players that will help them push up the table, players more similar in quality to the brilliant Yohan Cabaye.

2015/2016 Preview - Chelsea

Can Chelsea win the title again? Yes, yes they can. This world-class squad is still world-class, and Falcao has joined the squad looking to prove that his spell at Manchester United was a blip in an otherwise stunning career. If there is one manager that can get the best out of Falcao, you'd think it would be Mourinho. Tactically brilliant, technically flawless, and proven winners, Chelsea will show once again why they are one of the best sides in the world by winning the title. They will need to be wary of Arsenal braething down their necks, and the usual threats from Manchester, but this side looks so calm and drilled that it would require something special to knock the champions off of their perch.

2015/2016 Preview - Aston Villa

With Tim Sherwood at the helm, the Villains will be more optimistic this season than last, and despite the loss of Christian Benteke and captain Fabian Delph, the money is there for them to improve as a squad and with 7 signings made already it is clear to see that Sherwood is doing just that. Ayew looks like a great signing for Villa and fans will be hoping he flourishes early on. Despite the 4-0 loss in the FA Cup Final to Arsenal, the Villains can be pleased that they made it that far, Tim Sherwood guided them there brilliantly and they came up against a brilliant Arsenal side in good form. I have Aston Villa finishing in mid-table, 11th place, not shocking anyone but comfortably away from the relegation zone, which will please the fans of the side that finished 17th last year.

2015/2016 Preview - Arsenal

Arsenal need to continue the great form shown at the end of last season, and build on their second FA Cup win in a row. The fantastic signing of word-class Petr Cech is a weight off of Arsene Wenger's mind, and all he has to do now is concentrate on allowing his other brilliant players to flourish; Mesut Ozil needs to prove that he is one of the best players in the world after a poor showing last season, Alexis Sanchez simply needs to do exactly what he did all season whilst Olivier Giroud needs to avoid injury and keep up the form that earned him 14 goals in an injury-hit season. He could definitely pass 20 this year if he can stay on the pitch. Arsenal are set for a great season, and in our predicted table we have them finishing 2nd, which would be a great platform for them in their title quest the season after. This year is just too soon for them though.

Four Balls Blog Predicts The 2015/2016 English Premier League Table

1	Chelsea
2	Arsenal
3	Manchester City
4	Manchester United
5	Liverpool
6	Tottenham Hotspur
7	Newcastle
8	Everton
9	Stoke
10	Southampton
11	Aston Villa
12	Crystal Palace
13	West Ham
14	Swansea
15	West Brom
16	Sunderland
17	Bournemouth
18	Leicester
19	Watford
20	Norwich

Chelsea are our predicted winners of the 2015/2016 Premier League!

What do you agree/disagree with in this table?

7 Players To Look Out For At The 2015 Rugby World Cup

Chris Wyles:

The inclusion of Chris Wyles in this article may surprise many readers, however, the American utility back has been sensational for Saracens this year, filling in wherever needed in the back line. He finished the season as one of Saracen’s (winners of the Aviva Premiership) top try scorers, which should not be taken lightly. America have progressed massively since the last world cup, and looking at their pool, they have an outside chance of making it through the group stages. If they are to do this, there is no doubt that Wyles will be one of their corner stones.

Henry Slade:

The young English man has been a hot topic this year, being at the center of an outstanding season for Exeter. Slade’s talent has never been in question; the only worry is this World Cup will come too soon for the youngster. However, the versatility of Slade may be a defining factor, enabling him to squeeze his way into the highly contested final squad. Assuming he makes the final cut, he is sure to light up the English backline with his ability to go through a gap himself as easily as he can put other players through.

Waisake Naholo:

The Highlander’s right winger has been scoring tries and smashing records this year in their Super Rugby campaign. His impressive form earned a bid from French giants, Clermont. However, New Zealand Rugby Union have realised his threat on the field and have offered a deal to keep him in the country. Having been named in their Rugby Championship squad it is likely he will also get some game time and force his way into their Rugby World Cup squad. If this is the case, he will surely tear up the field with his regular try-scoring threat .

Handré Pollard:

The young South African out-half is likely to be the Springbok’s first choice this year. He has been at the centre of everything good that the Bulls have done this year, and is likely to take this form into his international game. Last year he was the star of the Junior Rugby World Championship, and even though his team lost in the final to England, it was enough to show the world the threat he possesses and the threat he could pose at senior level this year.

Nehe Milner-Skudder:

Milner-Skudder is yet another Kiwi who has exploded onto the Super Rugby scene this year. It seems impossible to find a highlight reel at the moment without the youngsters quick stepping and fast hands. His impressive form has seen him called up to the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship. If given the chance he will surely make an impression and grab a place in what is one of the most competitive world cup squads.

Nemani Nadolo:

The 6ft 5 in, 125kg Fijian winger has been tearing up the Super Rugby league this year with two miraculous finishes coming in recent weeks. The goliath winger is one of few players who cannot only go through you but also round you just as easily. The Crusaders wing has been named in the Fijian World Cup training squad, and if he can make the match day team, he is definitely a player to keep an eye.

Henry Speight :

The Brumbies’ winger is fast, strong and skillful, and has all the attributes to become a world-class winger. The Fijian-born winger is set to be a key player for Australia in their World Cup campaign. This, of course is providing he can get back into the squad following a ban he has picked up following dangerous rucking involving a tip. His form prior to this incident suggests he should have no problem making the Australian team.

Side Note:

We really hope that Nick Cummings makes the Australian squad, even as waterboy. There is no doubt that his post match interviews will light up the tournament as much as the very best of tries.

Who Will Win The Men's Singles At Wimbledon 2015?

It's Wimbledon time, and after Stan the Man shocked the tennis world by beating Novak Djokovic to claim the French Open title, everyone is eagerly anticipating another tense tournament. A tournament that has everyone asking questions; can Djokovic put his disappointing French Open display behind him and retain the title at Wimbledon? Can Nadal come back into form and stake a claim for the trophy? Can Federer prove once again why he dominated Wimbledon for so long? And can Britain see Andy Murray lift the trophy on Centre Court for the second time? 

We will provide our mystic insight and discover what the world's greatest tennis tournament has in store for us in its 129th edition by analysing some of the lead candidates for the trophy, starting with the fourth seed and French Open champion, Stanislas Wawrinka.

5 Things England Learned From The Barbarians Game

1) Lee Dickson should never play for England again

He's boring. So, so boring. His boringness adds nothing to the England side, especially not compared to options such as Youngs, Care and Simpson (although Simpson's injury seems to have ruled him out of contention). Wigglesworth is a better option for a boring scrum half, and despite being the captain of this side that won 73-12 against the Barbarians, he should never wear the white shirt of England for the rest of his professional rugby career.

RWC 2015 - Possible England Extended Squad

Back three: M Brown, A Goode, J Nowell, A Watson, J May, M Yarde.

Centres: J Joseph, B Barritt, H Slade, L Burrell, B Twelvetrees, K Eastmond, S Burgess, E Daly.

Fly-halves: G Ford, O Farrell, D Cipriani, S Myler.

Scrum-halves: B Youngs, R Wigglesworth, D Care, L Dickson, J Simpson.

Props: A Corbisiero, J Marler, M Vunipola, D Wilson, D Cole, K Brookes, M Mullan.

Hookers: D Hartley, T Youngs, R Webber, L Cowan-Dickie.

Locks: J Launchbury, C Lawes, G Parling, D Attwood, G Kruis, M Itoje, E Slater.

Back row: C Robshaw, B Vunipola, B Morgan, T Wood, J Haskell, N Easter, M Kvesic, C Clark

Rumour has it that this is the England training squad for the Rugby World Cup this year, according to the often reliable Steve James of the Telegraph, and it has to be said that it looks a pretty strong one. Having called for the inclusion of Joe Simpson, Elliot Daly, Henry Slade and Kyle Eastmond in this article here, and Tuilagi's exclusion may have played a part in this, but it's safe to say we are pretty happy with Lancaster's selection in the backs. One omission from that article, if this squad proves to be correct, would be the electrifying Christian Wade, who has once again lit up the Premiership with his shocking pace and lightning-quick feet.

25/04/2015 - Football Predictions

1-1

The return of Mauricio Pochettino to St.Mary's will certainly excite the home crowd, but I fear we will be in for a very lacklustre game. Having seen Southampton labour to 3 wins in their last 9 league matches, and Spurs to 4 wins in their last 12 games, this game promises very little in terms of excitement, even with both teams striving to pip Liverpool to 5th. One of the best defences in the laegue comes up against one of the best goalscorers in the league, as 15 clean sheet Southampton will look to cancel out Harry Kane, and I don't think the young Englishman will prevail. I'm going for 1 goal each, a Christian Eriksen free kick saving a point for Pochettino's men.