Tuesday 29 March 2011

Why Fabio Capello’s should be embarrassed of his handling of the Rio Ferdinand captaincy issue.



Its been a while since ive written! University and life have made me a busy person. But I think I’m back.
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So, the unfavourable John Terry has replaced Rio Ferdinand as England captain. This decision frustrates most England fans. It annoys most fans because the one question everyone’s asking is, ‘What exactly has Rio Ferdinand done wrong to be stripped of the captaincy?’

It’s a very fair question. It would have been understandable had Ferdinand acted like a fool and had an affair with Capello’s wife or something like that. But Ferdinand has acted reasonably immaculately during his time as captain. It’s a complete injustice towards Rio Ferdinand.
During his short tenure as captain of England. Ferdinand hasn’t done much wrong. He has represented himself in a very respectable way and well mannered way. Not only does he possess great leadership skills on the pitch, but Rio Ferdinand also is an individual who is versatile and tries to connect with society. Ferdinand seems like a knowledgeable person, trying to break away from the stereotypes that all footballers are numb nuts. You only have to look at his variety of assets such as his magazine (#5 Magazine) and his music label company, surely this shows that he is intelligent and possess talents outside of the game.

Some argue, Rio Ferdinand doesn’t deserve to be England captain anyway. Due to his shady past. Yes, he has been involved with some funny business in the earlier parts of his career. But lets take this into perspective. Most England players are dodgy twats. That’s the honest truth. Most of the England squad have been involved in controversies or been in trouble with the law. Take Jack Wilshere , the guy is one of England’s brightest prospects and is quickly becoming a key player for England. Wilshere, 19, has already had encounters with the police and has even been briefly arrested. Its sad to see that most England players are often in the wrong place at the wrong time, or worse. Some are committing stupid acts, like shooting kids with guns, cheating and hitting people. But Rio Ferdinand continues to be a brilliant ambassador for England and Man United. He is widely respected in the world of football and respected outside the game too.

Rio Ferdinand is deeply upset about being stripped of the captaincy. And so he should be. Ferdinand has been humiliated by Capello. When John Terry was stripped of the captaincy it was seen as humiliating for John Terry. But he deserved it. However, its even more humiliating for Ferdinand. As he hasn’t done anything wrong to be stripped of the captaincy.

After re-appointing John Terry as captain, Capello labelled Terry’s time of being stripped of the captaincy as a ‘punishment.’ This completely undermines the value of Rio Ferdinand. Capello’s actions are basically saying, he doesn’t have faith in Ferdinand’s ability as a leader. It’s a sad state of affairs. As Capello has shown little respect towards Rio Ferdinand.

Fabio Capello’s decision to run back to John Terry shows how naïve he is. It seems Capello is unaware of the potential consequences of his actions. The decision has the potential to unsettle the squad. Some players, may rue Capello’s decision to undermine Ferdinand and may deeply sympathise with Ferdinand. While others maybe stuck in the cross fire of awkwardness. Some players will be unsure of who to turn to, the ex captain or the reinstated captain. Furthermore, some players may not even look up to John Terry after his disgusting antics regarding Wayne Bridge’s former girlfriend.

You also have to remember, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand have to play alongside each other. Now, of course, Ferdinand is a true professional. And wont let it effect his game. But Capello’s naïve decision could have an impact on the relationship between the two players. Communication is crucial in football, especially in the heart of the defence. If both players fail to respect each other and maintain a healthy acquaintance, this could have a devastating effect on England’s performances.

But, yes, John Terry is a good leader, he leads by example on the pitch and has other great characteristics. But off the pitch he is a first class bastard. Fact. But for me, Terry lost his right to lead his nation. He lost that right when he was going to his mates house and was betraying his marriage and friendship. Why couldn’t Capello make John Terry a vice captain? Making him the full time captain is far too much of an extreme decision. This is because of the effects the decision has had on England. Firstly, Rio Ferdinand has been humiliated in the process. Secondly, John Terry in some respects isn’t favoured by players or fans. Thirdly, everyone thinks Terry deserved to lose his leadership of England after his horrible antics. Surely Fabio Capello should have considered this? Capello hasn’t received any good press or been praised for many decisions since the World Cup. Rash decisions like reinstating Terry will only add to a negative perception which is being built up around Capello.

Now, I don’t want to go down the route which most football commentators have gone down, saying, ‘oh Capello doesn’t understand because the issue of captaincy isn’t an issue in Italy.’ I think it’s a bit harsh on those who love, play and follow Italian football. For me, whatever, team you play for, being a captain is an honour. It’s a gesture which emphasises your leadership skills, the respect the players and staff have for you and your professionalism on and off the pitch. Arguably, Terry isn’t really respected by his team mates, some cant stand him because of his actions. But Capello hasn’t misunderstood the value of being captain because of culture in Italy. He has misunderstood the commercial and social side of being the England captain. Throughout the decades, the captain of the England national team is seen as a national treasure, a player which children aspire to be and an individual who has strong respectable values. After Terry’s saga, how many view him as a national treasure? How many companies want John Terry to be the main man in their adverts? How many children, or perhaps, how many adults want their children to aspire to John Terry? Not many. Now that he is captain, will any one turn around and fall in love with him again? Hell no.

John Terry had his chance, and he truly messed it up. But Capello is clearly disconnected from English football, as he cannot see the dislike that surrounds John Terry. How many times can you hear boo’s when John Terry touches the ball in every away game Chelsea have? This shows how much he is disliked by fans of Premier League teams. And a majority of England fans, support teams in England, who are more often than not going to boo John Terry.

Terry maybe a good leader, but the fans still play a crucial role in football. I bet most fans feel Terry doesn’t deserve to be the captain of England. Even though he has served his ‘punishment.’ But what does Capello except? John Terry has managed to stay clean and not play away from home for a whole year, so his reward is the England captaincy? Lets get real.

Over the past 8 months Capello has made some alienating decisions. He has made decisions which have confused the England squad players themselves and the fans. And in some respects, Capello’s poor decision making, is making the fans lose their patience and faith in him. Perhaps, the players are now questioning Capello’s credentials too.

For all the money Fabio Capello earns being England manager, I think he should spend a bit of that cash on communication courses. The boss seriously needs to learn how to handle intimate issues with care, he is far too ridged. And that is going to unsettle and make the players feel terribly undervalued. The fact he hadn’t spoken to Rio Ferdinand when he removed as captain his disgusting. It just emphasises his lack of common sense and respect towards an integral member of the England squad. A good coach is one who explains why you have to do something, rather than telling you to do it. Capello must get his ideas and thoughts clearly across to the players, or they these multi millionaire players will feel that Capello is looking down on them.

Rio Ferdinand deserves the respect from Fabio Capello to explain why he has been removed him as captain. The back pages of the newspapers should not inform Rio Ferdinand to why he has been removed as captain. After all, not many can deny that Ferdinand represented his country in a textbook manner

When John Terry was stripped of the captaincy in February 2010, it left a sour taste in the mouth of John Terry. And he deserved to taste it. Now over a year later, he has been reinstalled as captain.

But this time, it’s left a sour taste in the mouths of the every England fan.

Friday 18 March 2011

Premier League Predictions 18/03

Here are our predictions for this weekend’s Premier League matches. Predictions coming from a good friend of mine Jordan Finlay.

Fixture

Ibby Akkas’ Prediction

Jordan Finlay’s Prediction

Actual Result

Tottenham v Aston Villa

3-1

3-2

0-0

Aston Villa v Wolves

3-0

2-0

0-1

Blackburn v Blackpool

2-2

2-1

2-2

Man United v Bolton

3-0

4-0

1-0

Stoke v Newcastle

3-1

1-1

4-0

West Brom v Arsenal

0-2

1-3

2-2

Wigan v Birmingham

1-1

0-2

2-1

Everton v Fulham

0-0

2-2

2-1

Sunderland v Liverpool

2-0

2-1

0-2

Chelsea v Man City

1-1

2-1

2-0

Total correct scores

Correct Results - 3

Perfect Results - 1

Correct Results - 2

Perfect Results - 0



Latest Results

Ibby Akkas
Correct Results - 3 = 3 points
Perfect Results - 1 = 3 points
Total - 6 Points

Jordan Finlay

Correct Results - 2 = 2 points
Perfect Results - 0 = 0 points
Total - 2 Points

Relatively poor predictions from both of us today! In 10 games, we only predicted three correct results. Not cool!



Thursday 17 March 2011

Mario Balotelli v. Bib

Mario Balotelli has fantastic abilties on the pitch. Arguably, a player who could one day become one of the best in the world. But he is an idiot. Sorry, but he cant even get a god damn bib on! Even Robbie Savage's commentary is perfect for this!

Watch it here!




Read why Mario Balotelli needs to shut up and do his talking on the pitch.

Sunday 13 March 2011

Has the FA Cup lost its significance in the modern game?


The FA Cup is like poetry. Every fan, has a handful of brilliant FA Cup moments. And in recent years there have been so many special and unforgettable moments.

But it seems the FA want to change the structure of the FA Cup in order to make it more appealing and entertaining. However, has the cup really lost all its magic and appeal? Hell no.

Take last year’s FA Cup. Portsmouth had a dream run in the cup. Amongst all the uncertainty off the field, the team managed to go all the way to the final. The most refreshing moment of Portsmouth’s run was beating Tottenham in the semi-final. The FA Cup set the platform for whole nation to root for a Portsmouth win. It was almost as if the character and unity of that Portsmouth team triumphed over ability of the Tottenham side. That semi final proved the the unique characteristics of the FA Cup were still alive and kicking. The Portsmouth players showed how much they desired to be successful in the FA Cup even amongst all the adversity off the field.

Giant killings are a huge characteristic of the FA Cup. Some argue that the modern FA Cup has lost its giant killing feature. Does anyone recall Barnsley in the 2008 FA Cup? That Barnsley team beat two Champions League standard sides. In the fifth round Barnsley went to Anfield and grabbed a late a winner to knock out Liverpool. And in that Liverpool team, the reds had seven players who had won the Champions League. So it’s not the case Liverpool fielded a completely weakened side. Furthermore, Barnsley were candidates for relegation during their heroics at Anfield. And the fact they came to Anfield and won emphasises the magnitude of the giant killing.

In the next round Barnsley faced the mammoth task of overcoming Chelsea. Chelsea fielded 11 regular international players but were still defeated by Barnsley. Barnsley’s two giant killings demonstrates the magic of the FA Cup. As it’s typical of the FA Cup, that form and reputation goes out of the window. The player who scored the winner for Barnsley, Kayode Odejayi, hadn’t scored since September. Six months later, he breaks his goal scoring drought to knock Chelsea out. Now that’s beauty. It’s as if Barnsley’s cup story came out of a fictional book.

However, by the end of the 2007/08 season, Chelsea made into the Champions League final. There is an argument that the top teams nowadays give more prominence to their European competitions rather than the FA Cup. Arguably, this is true. European competitions give far more money to the clubs in terms of television revenue and more prize money. So the more successful you are in Europe, the more you earn in terms of finance. So its unsurprising that clubs would rather success in Europe than FA Cup success. But it doesn’t mean the FA Cup has lost its value or magic. At the end of the day, players want to be successful. And success in football is measured by the trophies you win. Winning the FA Cup is still a big deal for players. It’s still a hugely reputable trophy and any player will see that winning the FA Cup is a fantastic achievement.

The 1985 Heysel disaster lead to all the English teams being banned from European competitions for 5 years. This had a significant effect on the domestic English cups, especially the FA Cup. As it meant the FA Cup was given more distinction as it was the biggest cup competition for every English team and its fans. Hence why the 1988 FA Cup final was seen as a massive shock. As Wimbledon beat Liverpool to win their first ever major trophy. The result was seen as a massive surprise as Liverpool were firm favourites to win and had recently been crowned league champions. The fact English teams were unable to play in Europe, this helped maintained the strong interest in the FA Cup during the 80’s. As the press gave more priority to the domestic cups over Europe and the fans along with the players were far more passionate about the FA Cup.

Arguably, the format of the European Cup and the Uefa Cup have had an effect on the importance of the FA Cup. Before 1997, the Champions League was only eligible to the teams who won the Premier League. While the runners up in the league would enter the Uefa Cup Winners Cup (what we would today call the Europa League). This meant that England only had one club in Europe’s elite competition.

So in other words, there were around three English teams every season representing England in Europe before 1997. The small minority of English teams participating in Europe meant the FA Cup continued to hold its prominence. As to most clubs it was the biggest cup competition to win.

The simple fact the English teams were relatively poor in Europe before 1999 could suggest why the FA Cup was continually seen with great importance. During the period from 1991-1997 no English team made into the final group stages of the Champions League. Thus demonstrating their European assault would have ended prematurely. The fact it ended early suggests more importance was given to win the FA Cup. As it was the biggest cup competion for every English side.

Man United did finally break through the group stages in the Champions League. And even won the European cup in 1999. Man United’s success meant they had to represent Europe in the Intercontinental Cup (now known as Club World Cup). In order to participate, United had to withdraw from the FA Cup that season. They were the first team in FA Cup history to not defend their trophy.

A constant criticism is that Man United’s actions meant the ‘demise of the FA Cup.’ As it showed the bigger clubs were not interested in the FA Cup and other competitions were more important. But that simply isn’t the case. For a team to represent the WHOLE of Europe it must overshadow their FA Cup commitments. Of course, it would have been far better to see United competing in both cups. But Man United’s actions have been taken out of proportion. Man United is one club. Just one team. How can one team’s decision affect the whole of the FA Cup? And the teams participating in it? Man United’s rivals didn’t think ‘oh now Man United don’t want to play in the FA Cup, we don’t want to play in it anymore too.’ If anything, Man United’s decision made other teams take the FA Cup with far more seriousness. As it meant one strong contender was out of the FA Cup.

The FA Cup offers hope, pride and excitement to football. There is no better feeling than seeing the underdog triumph against all the odds. The FA Cup is like a beautiful chronicle. Every year, there is a result or a story which rejuvenates every football fans passion for the game. Every year there are memorable fixtures which the fans will never forget. Yes, the FA Cup has lost some of its significance in the past few decades. But its still is a magical competition.

The FA Cup has something iconic about it. Maybe it’s the idea of making history at Wembley, the most grand and historic stadium. The cup has a strong heritage which oozes pride and expectation into every single fan. No fan wants to see their side being embarrassed by a lower league team nor do they want to see their team lose to their bitter rivals. The FA Cup is all about pride and glory.

The cup sets the standard. The customs of the FA Cup are envied across the globe. The competition offers a mixture of the modern and the past traditions. Take this example. The last time Man United played Man City in a semi final of the FA Cup. Man City won. And were beaten by a certain Bolton. Can history reapeat itself? Only time will tell!

But the FA Cup is still alive and kicking. And long may it continue.

Friday 11 March 2011

Are Bayern Munich right to let Louis van Gaal leave at the end of the season?

So, Bayern Munich and Louis van Gaal have agreed part company at the end of the season. Crazy. This time last season, Bayern had just knocked out Fiorentina in the Champions League, courtesy of the away goal rule. Arguably, that game was the start of Bayern’s brilliant adventure in Europe that season. Even though Bayern were hugely successful last season. As they won the German cup and the Bundesliga with relative comfort. But the success of last season wasn’t enough for the Bayern hierocracy to keep faith in their Dutch manager.

It’s fair to say, instant success was pretty much expected in Van Gaal’s first season at Bayern. Simply because the club had spent a shed load of cash on new acquisitions. In total, the club spent £72 million. Bringing in the likes of Arjen Robben (£21 million), Mario Gomez (£30 million) and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (£12 million). All of which are quality players who added to the array of talent already at Bayren.

The new acquisitions swiftly clicked into place as Louis van Gaal’s first season was brilliant. However, one must remember, the team only won 1 of their first 4 opening games. Maybe foreshadowing the shambolic second season. However, they managed to overcome their poor start and won the league with 5 points clear and only lost 4 games throughout the league season. A fantastic Bundesliga campaign. Van Gaal’s 4-5-1 system suited the Munich side perfectly. Bayern had Frank Ribery on the left side of midfield, while on the other flank, the new acquisition Arjen Robben occupied the right hand side. Robben had a fantastic debut season. The flying Dutchman was the team’s top goal scorer with 22 goals. While upfront Bayern played Mario Gomez. The team had absolutely no reason to fail. As they clearly had quality and depth running through the team.

Louis van Gaal’s European pedigree assisted Bayern on their Champions League journey last season. Bayern picked up 7 wins in 13 European matches. Including impressive wins such as hammering Juventus 4-1 in Italy, beating Man Utd 2-1 and smashing Lyon 3-0 in the second leg of the semi final. It’s a common criticism that the team were lucky to go through against Man United and Fiorentina. As they won by the away goals rule. But Louis van Gaal’s Bayern had it tough. They had to perform well in their first leg matches at home. This is something they did. But not in a satisfying manner. As the team conceded crucial away goals against Fiorentina and Man United. But Bayern’s quality attack proved the difference. As the team scored two or more goals in all of their away matches in the knock out stages.

Bayern had a tense rollercoaster of a journey on route to the Champions League final. Although in the semi’s against Lyon they comfortably beat them over the two legs. But the ties against Man United and Fiorentina were nothing short of scarped wins. But Bayern made into the final, their first Champions League final since winning the trophy in 2001. But, it’s fair to say Van Gaal’s men were nullified by a calculated Inter Milan side in 2010 final.

But has Louis van Gaal been fairly treated by Bayern Munich? The Dutchman offered the club instant success. Yes, it was expected. After all, the club spent over £70 million on new players. Plus they already had arrays of talent in their squad. But expecting something in football and something practically happening in the game are two different things. But Van Gaal proved he could manage the squad and find a system which would quickly reap success for the side.

But of course, this season has been nothing but a disaster. Bayern Munich are a massive 19 points behind the league leaders Borussia Dortmund. And are 5 points away from the Champions League spots. Munich are in huge trouble. There is no doubt about that. But does Louis van Gaal deserve the sack for this catastrophic season? One would have to say yes.

On paper, Bayern Munich are the best side in Germany. The team has quality running throughout the side. Furthermore, being a massive 19 points behind in the league leaders is absurd. Especially as Bayern won the league last season. Bayern Munich are the biggest side in Germany. The club generates a huge amount of revenue and has the biggest stadium in Germany. Yet, there is a strong possibility that they may not even qualify for the Champions League next season.

Louis van Gaal did an incredible job in his first season at Bayern Munich. His instant success was supposed to be one significant step towards the Bayern’s sustained domination of German football. But this season has been a horror show. The team were knocked out of the German cup at home by Schalke. This is something which is totally unheard of in the history and culture of Bayern Munich.

After it was confirmed Van Gaal was to leave at the end of the season. The club commented that Louis van Gaal and the Bayern hierarchy had ‘differing views on the club's strategic direction.’ In other words, the club doesn’t want to see another horror show like this season again.

When Louis van Gaal joined the club, he described Bayern Munich as being a ‘dream job.’ The first season was a dream season. Everything fell into place for the side. But that dream quickly turned into a nightmare in the second season.

No one can take away the achievements of Louis van Gaal’s first season at Bayern Munich. But the club haven’t just taken a step back this season, they have taken huge step in decline. Bayern Munich are the 4th richest club in the world. The club has it all. They have the stadia, the fans, the economic resources and the players. Challenging for the league and playing in the Champions League should be a minimal expectation.

And Louis van Gaal has had to pay the price for not being able to sustain the fierce expectations of a massive club.

FA Cup Quarter Final Predictions

Our Quarter final predictions for the FA Cup. Massive weekend for all these teams. Two games away from the final itself! Predictions this week are coming from Matty Springett. A hero.

Fixture

Ibby Akkas Prediction

Matty Springett Prediction

Actual Result

Birmingham v Bolton

2-2

3-2

2-3

Manchester United v Arsenal

3-0

1-0

2-0

Stoke v West Ham

2-1

1-2

2-1

Man City v Reading

4-0

4-1

1-0

Total correct scores

Correct Results - 3

Perfect Results - 1

Correct Results - 2

Perfect Results - 0



The Results

Ibby Akkas
Correct results - 3 = 3 points
Perfect results - 1 = 3 points
Total - 6 Points

Matty Springett
Correct Results - 2 = 2 points
Perfect results - 0 = 0 points
Total - 2 points

Monday 7 March 2011

Predictions - Champions League last 16 second leg ties

Here are our predictions for the Champions League last 16 second legs. Predictions for this round are coming from the winner of our last Champions League predictions, Ben Wen. And the other predictor for this round is Dan Leydon of Hot Footy News.

Fixture

My Predictions (Ibby Akkas)

Ben Wen’s predictions

Dan Leydon’s predictions

Actual result

Barcelona v Arsenal

2-0

2-1 (Arsenal to win on pens)

1-2

3-1

Shakhter v Roma

1-1

2-1

2-2

3-0

Schalke v Valencia

3-1

0-1

1-1 (Schalke to go through)

3-1

Tottenham v AC Milan

1-1

2-1

4-0

0-0

Bayern v Inter

2-0

1-1

0-2

2-3

Man Utd v Marseille

3-0

2-0

1-0

2-1

Chelsea v Copenhagen

2-0

3-0

3-0

0-0

R. Madrid v Lyon

2-1

2-1

2-1

3-0

Total correct scores

Correct Results - 4

Perfect Results - 1

Correct Results - 4

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Results -2

Perfect Results - 0



The Results

Ibby Akkas
Correct Results - 4 = 4 points
Perfect Results - 1 = 3 Points
Total - 7 points

Ben Wen
Correct Results - 4 = 4 points
Perfect Results - 0 = 0 points
Total - 4 Points

Dan Leydon
Correct Results - 2 = 2 points
Perfect Results - 0 = 0 points
Total - 2 Points

After a fun round of Champions League last 16 games, we have a prediction winner! This week have won by 7 points! But its been a close shave. Me and Ben both had the same number of correct results but I edged the win because of one singular perfect result! But thanks to Dan and Ben for participating!


Be sure to check out Dan Leydon’s website. It has some brilliant creative posters which are defiantly worth checking out! And he has some very good articles on his website too: http://hotfootynews.blogspot.com/

Follow him on Twitter: @blastedfrench

Sunday 6 March 2011

Why the League Cup still holds importance in the English game

Sunday the 27th of February. A day that Birmingham City fans will never forget. Arguably it was the proudest day of the club’s history. It was the day that Birmingham City defied all the odds by winning the their first major trophy since 1963, by beating Arsenal. The League Cup now belongs to Birmingham City.

But, some people believe the magic and beauty which made the English domestic cups so popular has gone. I see where there coming from. As some teams field weakened sides in the Cup’s in order to focus on their league campaigns. There is no denying this fact. But that doesn’t mean teams are not interested or bothered in winning the FA Cup or even the League Cup. Just ask the Birmingham City fans. There is still a little bit of magic left in our domestic cups.

The 2011 League Cup final proved two things to me. Firstly, it showed how much winning the competition meant to Birmingham city. Critics of the competition argue the League Cup doesn’t hold any significance in the modern game anymore. But they are clearly were wrong. Birmingham’s triumph proved this, the scenes at the end of the game were euphoric. The celebrations and beaming smiles of the Birmingham fans, players and staff was quite inspiring. Most footballing fans felt a collective joy and happiness for Birmingham. Now, are you telling me League Cup doesn’t hold any significance anymore? If that critique is still believed it’s a hell of a damning view on Birmingham’s fantastic achievements.

Something else I picked up from the 2011 League Cup final was how much the defeat meant to the Arsenal players. Of course, the critics argue the League Cup is a competition that the big clubs don’t even care about. But the reactions of the Arsenal players at the end of the game tell a totally different story. The Arsenal players were shocked, hurt and even tearful after the game. The Gunners were craving to end their trophy drought. And the League Cup final gave them a fantastic opportunity to reopen their trophy cabinet. The reactions of the Arsenal players suggest one thing. They seriously cared about the League Cup. They wouldn’t have responded in such an emotive way if they didn’t have any aspirations to win the trophy.

The magic hasn’t just suddenly appeared in the final of the 2011 League Cup. It’s been apparent throughout the previous rounds. Take the third round tie between the League Two side Northampton and Liverpool at Anfield. Northampton gave it their all and matched Liverpool right to the wire. The league two side ended up embarrassing the Premier League side by winning on penalties. The fact the might of Liverpool were beaten demonstrates the beauty of our cup competitions. This is simply because Liverpool had no right to lose that game. The odds were heavily stacked against Northampton. The most beautiful aspect for Northampton was winning at Anfield. I don’t think the Northampton fans and players will ever forget that night at Anfield. But the critics argue Liverpool fielded a ‘weakened side.’ They did, no one can reject that claim. But Liverpool fielded 5 internationals. In fact three even played in the last World Cup. So there was enough quality out there to beat a struggling League Two side. And if you ask any Liverpool fan or players, they would seriously be content with a good League Cup run. Furthermore, history will tell you, Liverpool have a brilliant relationship with the League Cup. As they are the record holders with 7 League Cups to their name. So arguing the point the club doesn’t care about the League Cup is invalid.

There is the argument that a problem with the League Cup is that all the big teams are continuously wining it. It’s a valid point one has to say. But it has been like that for decades. During the 80’s, Liverpool won the League Cup four times in a row (81 -84.) Doesn’t this prove that even in the 80’s when the League Cup was taken with great seriousness, it was still being continuously won by the best teams? So the point of the League Cup being dominated by the bigger sides doesn’t mean that the cup has lost its magic or appeal. The fact it’s happened for decades suggests it’s the mere nature of the cup to be won by the elite English teams. Take Manchester United. Before being knocked out in this season’s League Cup, they won the cup twice in a row. See the similarities between the 80’s and today’s League Cup?

There is the common assertion that the teams participating in the European competitions couldn’t careless about the League Cup. This is completely wrong. Obviously, they would put their European success over the League Cup. But the English sides playing in Europe do care about the League Cup. As I’ve mentioned before, Manchester United were demolished by relegation candidates West Ham United in the fourth round this season. Again, people will say ‘United played a second team.’ But I’m sure the United fans, players and staff were deeply embarrassed to be smashed by four goals. Especially as Manchester United are a massive club, who are aspiring to win a record 19th Premier League title. Some may feel Man United ‘have no real interest’ in the League Cup, but that would be a huge dis-service to the values of the club and the fans. The club is about winning. Every trophy is a winnable trophy and is a trophy which is cherished.

Birmingham’s League Cup triumph symbolises the importance of the League Cup in the English game. Both teams showed a passion and desire to earn their club a valuable piece of silverware. The League Cup is constantly ambushed with criticisms. But the competition still provides some of the best footballing stories and folklore.

There is something that all football fans love. The underdog triumphing. And time after time, the League Cup offers this spectacle to the football world.

Friday 4 March 2011

Premier League Predictions 04/03

Here are our predictions for this weekend’s Premier League games. Predictions coming from the dudes at Narrow the Angle and Tangerine Dreaming. Feel free to question and critique.

Fixture

My prediction (Ibby Akkas)

Narrow the Angle predictions

John of Tangerine Dreaming’s Predictions

Actual Result

Birmingham v West Brom

2-0

1-0

1-2

1-3

Arsenal v Sunderland

2-0

2-1

3-1

0-0

Bolton v Aston Villa

1-1

1-1

4-1

3-2

Fulham v Blackburn

3-1

2-0

1-0

3-2

Newcastle v Everton

2-1

1-1

2-2

1-2

West Ham v Stoke

3-2

2-1

4-0

3-0

Man City v Wigan

5-0

3-0

6-0

1-0

Liverpool v Man Utd

1-1

0-0

1-0

3-1

Wolves v Spurs

1-3

1-2

1-2

3-3

Blackpool v Chelsea

2-4

0-3

2-3

1-3

Total correct scores

Correct Results - 4

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Results - 4

Perfect Results - 0

Correct Results - 7

Perfect Results - 0



Results

Ibby Akkas
Correct Results - 4 = 4 points
Perfect Results - 0 = 0 points
Total - 4 Points

Narrow the Angle
Correct Results - 4 = 4 points
Perfect Results - 0 = 0 points
Total - 4 Points

John - Tangerine Dreaming’s
Correct Results - 7 = 7 points
Perfect Results -0 = 0 points
Total = 7 Points

This week everyone scored quite decently! But sadly no one got any perfect scores. But we still have a clear winner. John managed a brilliant 7 points. He got 7 results correct out of 10. Impressive stuff! Myself and the dudes at Narrow the Angle came joint second with 4 points.

Well done John!

Be sure to follow Narrow the Angle on Twitter: @NarrowTheAngle

Check out their website too - http://www.narrowtheangle.com/

Tangerine Dreaming is a fantastic website specialised on Blackpool. Check it out here: http://tangerinedreaming.wordpress.com/

Follow John on Twitter : @Tanger_Dreaming

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