22/02/2015 - Football Predictions

After correctly predicting 2 scores yesterday and getting other results correct, we're going to try out hand at predicting two of the afternoon kick-offs today.

21/02/2015 - Football Predictions

2-1

With big Tim Sherwood at the helm now for Villa they will look to secure a winning start. In what will prove to be a close game, I think the Villains at home with their new manager will earn victory.

£5 Billion For That? Bargain. Liverpool vs Spurs - Review

Well, we went for 2-2 here, and who can blame us for not seeing a Mario Balotelli winner? A close game with a predictable Harry Kane goal opened up the race for a top 4 finish. Markovic's opener was cancelled out by a 23rd goal of the season for the in-form striker, and Gerrard's penalty gave Liverpool the lead for a second time before Moussa Dembélé equalised. It was Adam Lallana's cross that gave Mario Balotelli his first Premiership goal of the season, and gave Liverpool a crucial 3 points.

We thought it would be a good, high energy game where Liverpool pushed for victory and Spurs tried to hold tight knowing a loss would open up the competition for Champions League football, and we were right. Whilst Sterling's absence appeared to be a huge loss for the Reds, Brendan Rodgers's men showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with, and will be pushing Spurs, Arsenal, Southampton and Man Utd all the way. Sturridge had his first start back from injury, and showed his rustiness as his shot lacked power and he wasn't as clinical as usual, coming close with a smart back heel coming of the post, with Lloris beaten.

In the preview we said big game players such as Lloris would have to shine to cope with the Liverpool pressure, and Markovic's goal was largely the goalkeeper's fault, as the weak shot ended up in the back of the net. Eriksen came big as expected when he and Lamela helped create the first goal for Spurs and Harry Kane turned in from 10 yards out. Sturridge did impress however when he worked himself into the position to be fouled by Danny Rose for the penalty, which Gerrard coolly slotted him. For Spurs to draw level it was once again the Dane Eriksen who's good free-kick forced an impressive save from Mignolet, which Dembélé bundled home. For the winner, a tired Daniel Sturridge made way for controversial Balotelli, who hit home from close range to seal a very important victory for Liverpool. It was a similar chance to those he has had earlier in the season and it is dissapointing for Liverpool that he hasn't scored sooner in the Premier League, but that goal could score Champions League football for the Anfield team and to beat an in-form Tottenham could carry a lot of momentum for Liverpool as they push toward the end of the season.

Liverpool vs Tottenham - Preview

Having incorrectly guessed the Liverpool result but correctly guessing the Spurs result, score and goalscorer here, we move on from Derby Day to the game today.

VS

Liverpool won't need any warning about the threat that Harry Kane poses after bagging his 21st and 22nd goals of the season against Arsenal. It's difficult to see how the Reds are going to stop him tonight, it's difficult to see how anyone in the world is going to stop him right now. A disappointing Merseyside derby did result in another clean sheet for Liverpool and Simon Mignolet however, that makes it 4 in a row, and leaves them unbeaten in 8 league games. Coupled with home advantage, despite Spurs' good form having lost just twice in 15 games, it is not going to be an easy trip for the London side. Both sides will need their big game players out there today, we're looking at Eriksen, Kane and Lloris along with Sterling, Gerrard and a first start back from injury for Daniel Sturridge. Both teams will be wary of giving away free kicks near the penalty area as both sides have shown their ability to pop the ball in the back of the net from those positions. It will be a massive game for Skrtel, who is a great player and he needs to have a big game, as does Sakho, whose good pace for a defender could prove to be a lifesaver for Liverpool.
Spurs have been showing that they will fight for Champions League football, their recent form has been very impressive and they have earned 15 points from losing positions this year following the 2-1 at home to rivals Arsenal. The way they appear to line up will give Christian Eriksen a lot of chances to distribute, he won't have Lucas there to hound him and he can distribute to his wingers Lamela  and potentially a first start back for Chadli, and he also has the Hurricane up top to find against Liverpool's back 3. Eriksen will be crucial if Spurs are to break down this tough Liverpool defence (didn't think I'd be saying that a year ago), and if Mason has the legs for this game his work rate could be a deciding factor.
Of course Liverpool aren't without their threats, Daniel Sturridge is a great player, he and Sterling could cause real problems for Vertonghen and Dier with their pace, although Rose and Walker are very quick and will hope to snuff out any balls over the top. Gerrard disappointed in his final Merseyside derby, and the trip back home to Anfield will only spur him on further to prove his value to the club in a game they can not afford to lose.
Because a loss would be so detrimental to their top 4 chances, Liverpool will really push for this win, but will have to be wary of Tottenham's threat on the counter attack. Tottenham themselves can not afford defeat, but will settle for a tough away draw, not allowing Liverpool into the race for the top four. I can see this one going 2-2, Spurs are going to have to defend a lot but if Eriksen can pick out the right ball to Kane, Lamela or Chadli than they should be able to spring a few great opportunities on Liverpool.

Derby Day Preview - 07/02/2015

With two huge derbies on this fine Saturday we will take a look at the 12:45 North London fixture and the Merseyside derby at 5:30, and let you know who to look out for and who is going to win.

Firstly, to North London:

VS

This is a huge game for both sides, with just two points separating them and trying to put pressure on the top four, Arsenal and Spurs will be desperate for a win here. They both share good form coming in to this match as well, Spurs having lost just twice in their last 14 games and Arsenal winning 12 of their last 15 games. It has the makings of a classic, with players such as Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil back from injury, and certain players on fire, such as Alexis Sanchez and Harry Kane and that brings us to the key match-up ahead of this game...

Harry Kane vs David Ospina

These players look formidable, the unstoppable object of Harry Kane meets the immovable force of David Ospina. Harry Kane, England star in the making with 20 goals to his name this season, will relish the opportunity as a lifelong Spurs fan to come against Arsenal and particularly Per Mertesacker, who won't be able to cope with Kane's direct running if he becomes isolated. If Kane gets a defender in his current form, you automatically assume it is a goal. But maybe not today, with Ospina in goal. Ospina has been sensational since Szczesny got dropped, and he has now racked up 4 clean sheets in his last five games. It may be his first North London derby but Ospina will be ready, he is experienced and will expect his purple patch to continue.

Verdict: This will be a tight. Very tight. Whilst Ospina is in great form, so is Lloris, but he'll have to contend with Alexis Sanchez today, which is not something he'll be looking forward to. I think home advantage will carry Spurs to victory in a hard fought 2-1 game. Kane and Eriksen to score for the hosts.

Who Will Win Today?

Merseyside:

VS

The Mersyside derby rarely disappoints, and we hope today is no exception. With Liverpool returning to their form of last year, in some part thanks to Daniel Sturridge's return, the people are excited to watch this  clash. Aaron Lennon may get a debut today, whilst Lallana and Markovic are doubts ahead of the game. In Steven Gerrard's last Merseyside derby of his career, you can guarantee he will give it everything he has got, just like on every other occasion, but I can see him looking to make this one special. 10 goals in 32 games against the blues, he will do everything in his power to slam home another. The last time these two met at Goodison Park we saw a thrilling 3-3 draw, whereas here it will be probably be tighter and more nervy, neither of these teams can afford to lose, with Liverpool in 7th and Everton 12th.

Verdict: Liverpool will win today, Coutinho, Gerrard, Sterling and Sturridge will lead the Reds to victory, to signify how much they've turned their season around we have seen even Mignolet perform well, conceding just 3 in 7 games. To add to this, Everton have won 1 of their last 5 home games in the league, and they will be relying on scoring early on to get anything from the game. In contrast, Liverpool have won 5 of their last 6 games, won 4 of their last 5 away games, keeping a clean sheet in the last 3. Liverpool to win 2-0, Sterling to continue to shine and Gerrard to hit the back of the net.

Who Will Win Today?

Who Should Replace Harry Redknapp At QPR?

After Harry Redknapp announced his resignation from QPR due to imminent knee replacement surgery, a big decision has to be made: who should take over? I will look at some of the main candidates for the position and evaluate each option, no one is seriously expecting a manager to keep QPR up, but who has the best chance, and who could bring them straight back up?


Tim Sherwood:
Lasting 17 months in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, many believe Tim Sherwood did well at turbulent Tottenham, with a Premier League win percentage of 59%, the highest of any Tottenham boss in Premier League history, many believe Spurs would have made top 4 had he been in charge for the whole season. He is well known for creating a good atmosphere in the changing room, and could well rouse this QPR side for a push for survival, however, he lacks the experience of some other candidates.

Rating: 4/5

Glenn Hoddle:

Already at the club after Harry brought him in at the beginning of the season, the incredibly experienced Glenn Hoddle could be the man to see QPR to safety. A career win percentage of 39% comes after a controversial spell at England after Harry Redknapp himself called him the "perfect man for the job", and a tough spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2004 to 2006. Out of management for almost 10 years now, is he the right man for the job?

Rating: 3/5

Michael Laudrup:

The suave Dane commands a lot of respect in the Premier League after a sensational spell at Swansea is currently on a one year contract at Qatari side Lekhwiya. The flowing, attacking brand of play that Laudrup's 4-2-3-1 tactic brings to the table could be perfect with Austin up front for QPR. A keen eye for a bargain with signings such as Michu in his repertoire, even if QPR go down, he could bring them back up with smart signings and attractive football. The only problem is getting him as soon as possible, they may have to settle for him in the 15/16 season instead.

Rating: 5/5

Les Ferdinand:

Currently in temporary charge of QPR after Redknapp's departure, few people know the club better than Les. His early career at QPR consisted of over 80 goals, 24 goals in one Premier League season as well, he seems like a good choice until you realise he has no management experience, but I suppose everyone has to start somewhere...

Rating: 2/5

Verdict: Michael Laudrup is the ideal candidate for me, but where do QPR go from here? Wait for his contract to run out and leave Les in charge alongside Chris Ramsey for the rest of the season? Or take the best available option in either Tim Sherwood or Glenn Hoddle? It depends on the mentality of the board. If they are consigned to relegation this season, then waiting for Laudrup to swoop in ad lead them up and consolidate a Premier League place in the next couple of years is the best option. If they think either Tim or Glenn can keep them up they have to wonder if they'll be able to keep QPR up for the next couple of years. I personally doubt that either of them could. I'd go for the Great Dane.

Who should be the next manager of QPR?