Can Wigan save themselves from the drop again?

Wigan have started the season off poorly. Its simple as that. Three wins from 16 games is hardly inspiring form. Not only this, the team have a winning ratio of 20% which is frankly quite frightening if you’re a Wigan fan. But this woeful start to the season and a reflection on last season’s results, spell one question, Is this the season when Wigan fall through the relegation trap door?

Possibly. But the side have shown some fight. Recently Wigan picked up two away wins at Sunderland and West Brom. Furthermore, the team managed to hold Chelsea at home last weekend. These results are utterly vital, especially the away results. It shows Wigan have the ability to take points from the teams in and around them. Not only this, very few of Wigan’s relegation rivals can boast two away wins on the bounce.

Many pundits argue Wigan’s ability to keep possession of the ball has been the difference between them and their relegation rivals. Perhaps they have a point. After all, Wigan have a impressive passing accuracy of 81% this season. Wigan have also made more accurate passes (5268 passes), than Wolves (4938 accurate passes), Aston Villa (3876), Blackburn (3738), and Bolton (4470).

So, Wigan keep the ball better than the teams in and around them. That’s all well, and good but is it really working for the side? Some may comment that it does work for them. After all, under Martinez’ Wigan have never been relegated. However, against certain sides, Wigan’s passing strategy seems like its suffocating some of the Wigan players.

For example, when Arsenal and Spurs visited Wigan at the DW, the London sides high pressure system continuously caught Wigan out. Wigan would look to slowly build from the back and progressively go forward. However, Arsenal and especially Spurs did not allow Wigan’s defence to settle on the ball. Thus causing the players to misplace passes or worse, pass the ball straight to the opposition.

These missed place passes have proved to be fatal. As Wigan have often found themselves trailing games because of defensive mishaps.

But another problem Wigan are encountering is the team are not scoring enough goals.

This season, Wigan have scored 15 goals in 16 games. It is the worst goal scoring record in the Premier League. Indeed, Wigan are craving the return to form of Hugo Rodallega. Last season the Columbian scored 9 goals. While in 8 games this season, he failed to net.

Wigan’s struggle to score goals is a significant issue. Especially if one follows the trends of the last few seasons.

Last season, Wigan had the second worst goal scoring record in the Premier League. They scored 40 goals last season. While the team who had the worst goal scoring record, Birmingham City scored 37 goals and were relegated on the final day. Furthermore, in the 2009/10 season, Hull and Portsmouth scored the least amount of goals (34 goals) and both were relegated. Finally, three seasons ago, in the 2008/09 season, Middlesbrough scored (28 goals) and found themselves going through the relegation trap door.

This is a cause for concern for Wigan. Under Martinez, the team have a history of not being able to score goals. In Martinez’ first season, Wigan managed 37 goals, the third worst in the division. While as stated before, last season, the team had the second worst goal scoring record in the division. And so far this season, the team have the worst goal scoring record. Perhaps this is symbol of the yearly decline of Wigan.

The statistics also paint a vivid picture. If you cant score, you cant win and if you cant win, you cant survive.

Wigan’s goal scoring statistics foreshadow a worrying end to their Premier League dream. Of course there is a long way to go. But if Wigan’s statistics continue to follow the same trend, there really is one inevitable route which Wigan will be taking. Relegation.

But scoring goals are not Wigan’s only problems. The club are also conceding a hell of a lot of goals too.

Wigan have the third worst defence in the league. They have conceded 30 goals already this season. Wigan are far more exploitable than some of the teams around them. After all, the teams who often survive in the Premier League are often the most efficient. They can either consistently score, or they are very strong defensively. Wigan have been neither under Martinez. If the team could score far more goals, perhaps their goals conceded statistic would not be a big issue, as their total points tally would do the talking for them.

The problem Martinez is facing is a reoccurring problem. Relegation. In Steve Bruce’s final season at Wigan, he left the club 11^th. The team were 13 points away from relegation. While under Martinez, the team have always finished 16^th. In his first season, 2009/10 season, they finished 6 points away from the relegation spots. While last season, The Lactics finished an alarming three points away from the relegation zone.

This is clearly a worrying trend. With every season, the club are getting closer and closer to the relegation trap door. Only three years ago, the club were safe in mid-table. But now, under Martinez, the team have not had any progressive improvement. The team have been in a freefall of decline.

Wigan Athletic are aesthetically pleasing with their tidy keep ball philosophy. But the stringent issue is the team cant do anything productive with it. The club have won their last two away games, but that does not hide away the fact the team have severe underlying inadequacies such as not being able to finish or concede which have been crippling the club for years.

This may well be Wigan’s final dance in the Premier League.

Christian Brown’s npower Championship 2011/12 Preview - Part One

The Football Front’s Christian Brown in a three feature takes a look at the chances of the team’s in the npower Championship

It is well known that the npower Championship is arguably the most competitive league in the world. This as a result therefore leaves a predicament for everyone trying to predict what will happen, as you will undoubtedly be wrong. A team expected to blow the division apart will catastrophically fail, and a team that everyone assumes all the nails in the coffin have been planted will defy the odds and miraculously stay up, or even sometimes go up. This article will well and truly put my neck on the proverbial line so to speak, so let’s gingerly begin.

Club analysis

Barnsley – 2010/11 finish: 17^th

Towards the end of last season, Barnsley fans may have been forgiven for feeling optimistic for the season ahead. They had survived Adam Hammill leaving for Wolves, and Barnsley secured their best finish for 5 years. Then it all turned upside down, as Mark Robins left under acrimonious circumstances, with Keith Hill coming in. Hill has a huge job on his hands, as many of those players seemed hugely loyal to Robins, and bringing in unproven Rochdale players from League 1 will not improve on 17^th place. Keith Hill should have stayed at Spotland, as he’s going back the way he came. Position – 23^rd

Birmingham City – 2010/11 finish: 18^th (relegated from Premier League)

You have to feel for Birmingham. Conceding a 96^th minute goal against Spurs and Blackburn’s inability to defend cost them a place in the Premier League, despite Birmingham winning the Carling Cup. After that kick in the private area, Alex McLeish left to take over hated rivals Aston Villa, and to rub salt in the wounds further, it now seems that as owner Carson Yeung’s assets have been frozen. The club may have to sell star players to avoid administration. Despite this however, Birmingham have a lot of strength in depth, such as teen sensation Jordon Mutch, and while this may not be the instant return they hoped for under new boss Chris Houghton, they’ll push it right to the wire. Position – 7^th

Blackpool – 2010/11 finish: 19^th (relegated from Premier League)

And so, rather ironically, the fairy tale dream of Premier League survival for Blackpool ended at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ that is Old Trafford. In some ways, this is a blessing. The inevitable exit of Charlie Adam would have meant that they’d have perhaps broken Derby’s dismal record of 11 points if they’d stayed up, as Adam ran the show for Blackpool. The problem Ian Holloway has to address now is how to replace him in a league below. The fact is you can’t replace a player of that much quality, although the experienced head of new arrival Barry Ferguson will help...but still won’t be enough for the Seasiders to bounce back at first attempt. Position – 12^th

Brighton & Hove Albion – 2010/11 finish: 1^st (promoted as champions from League One)

So Brighton return to the Championship after a 5 year absence, but what can we expect from them? Can they do a Norwich’ and finish second? Or in typical Brighton style, end up requiring a miracle to stay up on the final day? The way their pre season started, it seemed the latter would be occurring, as top scorer Glenn Murray and top assist leader Elliot Bennett departed the club, joining Crystal Palace and Norwich respectively. These players have been replaced however, notably Murray with Mackail-Smith from Peterborough. If he can get a partnership with fellow new recruit Will Hoskins and if Buckley can do half as good a job as Bennett did last year, then Brighton will do neither of the scenarios – but will stay up comfortably. Position – 18^th

Bristol City – 2010/11 finish: 15^th

Bristol City. The team who were supposed to set the league alight last season. Well they didn’t. There are numerous factors for this, the notable ones being that as good a goalkeeper David James is, he’s not a defence on his own. While upfront, Nicky Maynard got injured. However, this season they have Maynard back now, the question is whether he’ll be playing with the same commitment as to when he first joined. Maynard may have perhaps had his head turned by the intensifying interest shown in him by bigger clubs. To make things more unsettling, Maynard has one year left to run on his contract. This only increases speculation; speculation that will affect him, and therefore the team. Position – 14^th

Burnley – 2010/11 finish: 8^th

Owen Coyle may have been hated before by the Burnley fans for leaving the club on the lurch. While Burnley got relegated and failed to achieve promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt. However, the degree of hate will have increased now. Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears, 2 crucial cogs in Burnley’s ‘machine’, have joined Coyle’s Bolton. Eddie Howe will now have his work cut out, as his best winger and best full back have gone – with little time to find a suitable replacement for both. It looks like it’s going to be a long season ahead for Clarets fans. Position – 15^th

Cardiff City – 2010/11 finish: 4^th

Last season’s failure in the play offs meant that Cardiff had ‘bottled it’ for the third time in three years. It was a failure which cost Dave Jones his job. Initially the doom and gloom stayed around the club for a while, with key players such as Jay Bothroyd leaving. But now, Malky Mackay has taken over, and replaced the departing players with arguably better players. The additions of Don Cowie and Kenny Miller signify ambition, but it’s the return of Bluebirds hero Robbie Earnshaw that has reinstalled the faith. There is still a very strong possibility a certain talisman named Craig Bellamy may return to the club...a strong season ahead. Position – 3^rd

Coventry City – 2010/11 finish: 18^th

One my main memories of Coventry City is when they got relegated from the Premier League. One fan had a banner reading “We’ll be back”. They still haven’t returned, and they definitely won’t return this year – or the one after. The Sky Blues have been involved in the most disastrous summer imaginable, with three quarters of their spine (Westwood, Crainie, Gunnarsson and King) all leaving, with only Crainie remaining at the club. City fans know all too well the importance Westwood and King in particular, and their departures will have hurt the club a lot. Andy Thorn will have no chance unfortunately, but it’s not his fault. Position – 22^nd

Part Two will be available on Tuesday 2^nd August

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

Things you may like to read

Splintered Woodgate’s final chance

The Championship. Is it more competitive than ever before?

Matt Bruce’s npower League Two 2011/12 Review – Part One

Aston Villa and Alex McLeish – A marriage destined to fail

So, after weeks of rumours, rejecting and rejections, Aston Villa have finally got a manager.

Their new manager is of course, former Birmingham City manager, Alex McLeish.

But there are times in life, when two people who are clearly wrong for each other end up being together. You may think to yourself or tell your mates, ‘That relationship wont last long.’ The same notion is apparent in football, especially when thinking about Aston Villa and their new manager, Alex McLeish.

This appointment is so odd. It’s like two people with conflicting values or ties getting married. It reminds of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

And like that love story, it’s destined to go wrong.

To the Villa fans, the appointment of Alex McLeish sends a message of a lack of ambition from Randy Lerner.

To put this into context, last season Alex McLeish’s Birmingham City were relegated. In his three Premier League seasons with Birmingham City, twice he has been relegated. How can this enthral the fans? How can the fans have hearts filled with optimism when they know they have a manager who has a knack at getting his teams in a dog fight at the bottom end of the table?

Aston Villa’s last two managers symbolised the clubs ambition. In Martin O’Neil, Aston Villa had a successful manager, who was well respected by the Villa fans. While in Gerard Houllier, Aston Villa had a manager who had won various cups throughout his management career.

However, with Alex McLeish, although he has been highly successful in Scotland especially with Rangers, he has hardly captured the Villa fans minds and hearts. One fan commented, ‘we had a disastrous season [Last season], I feel with him [Alex McLeish] in charge it will be a lot worse.’

The statistics horrify the Aston Villa fans too. McLeish’s Birmingham last season had the fewest shots in the whole of the Premier League (314 shots) and they scored the least amount of goals in the league too (37 goals). Of course this unsettles the Villa fans, as Villa traditionally play attacking football and score many goals.

For many clubs, the relationship between the fans and manager is crucial in how long the manager survives. If the manager is adored by his fans, it often gives the manager time and patience. While if the fans dislike the manager, it often means the fans are more inflammable and hostile towards the manager and his decisions.

The passionate opposition towards Alex McLeish being the manager of Aston Villa is symbolised by the protests outside Villa Park. One protesting Villa fan said, ‘we don’t want rejects from there [Birmingham].’ This suggests Alex McLeish is fighting a battle he will never win.

However, the feeling of discontent will further alleviate if the results do not go Villa’s way.

If, Villa go through a poor run of form at the start of the season, the fans will instantly target Alex McLeish. The Scotsmen may expect this, but it will make Villa Park a highly pressurised environment.

In McLeish’s first press conference for Aston Villa, the new manager commented, ‘Let me prove myself and I’ll win you over.’ The grim reality is that many Villa fans will not give McLeish a chance to prove himself. After all, he is by no means an ideal candidate in the fans eyes.

There is something incredibly ironic about Aston Villa’s hunt for a new manager. Steve McClaren, was rumoured to be short listed for the Villa job. However, due to the negative reception from the fans towards McClaren, the board removed him from the shortlist.

However, with Alex McLeish, a man who most Villa fans passionately oppose, the club appointed him as manager. It’s incredible how the club showed respect and value towards the fans, but then betrayed the fans so painfully by appointing a hated figure to lead their beloved Aston Villa.

It’s abundantly clear that the marriage between Aston Villa and Alex McLeish will stutter severely. The Villa fans have little faith in McLeish. One Villa fan commented, ‘he [Alex McLeish] is not good enough for Aston Villa.’ They are rueful towards the Villa board, as there are better candidates out there such as Mark Hughes and Rafa Benitez.

The feeling amongst the Aston Villa fans is that their team have dramatically lowered their sights and ambitions.

However, the board have got to take the rap for this mess. They have completely disregarded the fans feelings and values. One Villa fan commented, ‘I feel, Aston Villa’s board has bankrupted Aston Villa’s credibility.’ The sad thing is, most football fans, will agree with this comment.

The marriage between Alex McLeish and Aston Villa is marred with disapproval, conflict and bitterness.

Alex McLeish stated, he was ‘the man’ for the Villa job.

I give it 6 months.

Things you may like to read

Why Emile Heskey’s Premier League days are all but over

How Darren Bent’s move to Aston Villa is good for Villa

Why more English players should play abroad

Premier League predictions 22/06

It’s the final Premier League week. But, there is still plenty to fight for. The relegation spots are by no means a done deal. Birmingham, Wolves, Wigan, Blackpool, and Blackburn could all join West Ham in the Championship next season.

This week, our predictors are, James Taylor and Liam Blackburn.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		James Taylor prediction		Liam Blackburn prediction		Actual Result
Aston Villa v Liverpool	1-2		1-1		1-1		1-0
Bolton v Man City	1-1		1-2		1-3		0-2
Everton v Chelsea	3-2		1-1		0-0		1-0
Fulham v Arsenal	1-1		2-1		1-2		2-2
Man United v Blackpool	3-1		2-0		2-0		4-2
Newcastle v West Brom	2-1		1-1		3-1		3-3
Stoke v Wigan	2-1		2-2		1-1		0-1
Tottenham v Birmingham	1-0		2-0		1-0		2-1
West Ham v Sunderland	2-1		2-1		0-1		0-3
Wolves v Blackburn	2-0		1-0		2-2		2-3
Total Correct Scores	Correct Results - 4	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 4	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 4	Perfect Results - 0

The Results

James Taylor - 4 Points

Liam Blackburn - 4 Points

Ibby Akkas - 4 Points

The Point System

Correct Result = 1 point

Perfect Result = 3 points

You can follow James Taylor on his Twitter - @James11Taylor

Take a look at his blog too - bringingthegameintodisrepute.wordpress.com

Our other predictor is on Twitter too - @liamblackburn

His blog is definitely worth read as well! - samenamedifferentgames.wordpress.com

Things you may like to read

Premier League relegation predictions - http://tiny.cc/y943d

Stoke City – The symbol of progression - http://tiny.cc/azbvf

Why it’s only right Kenny Dalglish got the Liverpool job - http://tiny.cc/ttj43

Premier League Predictions for 20/04

Here are our predictions for the mid-week Premier League games. Our predictors this time round are Omar Chaudhuri of Five Added Minutes. And the Target Man.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Omar Chaudhuri prediction		The Target Man prediction		Actual Score
Newcastle v Man United	1-1		0-1		0-2		0-0
Chelsea v Birmingham	2-0		2-0		3-0		3-1
Tottenham v Arsenal	1-3		1-1		2-2		3-3
Total correct scores	Correct Results -2	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 2	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 2	Perfect Results - 0

The Results

5 added minutes - 2 points

Omar Chaudhuri - 2 points

Ibby Akkas - 2 points

This week everyone got the majority of their predictions correct! So its not a surprise that its a 2 point draw between all the predictors. Thanks to both predictors for participating.


Be sure to check out the two predictors blogs. Both are brilliant reads!

Omar Chaudhuri - http://5addedminutes.wordpress.com/

The Target Man - http://thetargetman.com/

Both predictors can also be found on twitter too;

Omar Chaudhuri - @OmarChaudhuri

The Target Man - @TheTargetManblog

Things you may like to read

Why Arsenal's complacency and lack of professionalism has seriously hindered their chances this season - http://tiny.cc/y1tgc

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to any chance of success this season - http://tiny.cc/ozm9k

Why Man United need to quickly find a replacement for Paul Scholes - http://tiny.cc/rgp8m

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

Why the League Cup still holds importance in the English game

Sunday the 27^th 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 19^th 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.