Man City rule the city of Manchester, but do they rule the Premier League?

In his debut article for The Football Front, Jake Harrison explains how Manchester City are now the favourites to win the Premier League title.

It is the shift of power that was always going to happen. Manchester United and Chelsea continued to ignore the flaws in their respective sides. Manchester City were always going to power through with their deep pockets and reach the very top.

The Manchester derby scoreline was surprising but the result was not a shock. A cynic would suggest that City should be at the top given how much money they have spent;. A general view of opposition fans is that City are buying there way to the Premier League title.

But that doesn’t take away the fact that Roberto Mancini has the strongest squad in the top tier. A sad reflection on the state of world football that in football, the team with the most money – as long as they are run and managed well – will win. It is barely a relevant criticism to say City are buying the League and therefore devaluing the competition. This has been the case with various teams since 1992, and City are utilising this method to great effect – both on and off the pitch.

Last season the main disparagement with Mancini’s side was that they were too defensive, that they refused to release the handbrake. This season, City have kept the defensive resoluteness but added full-throttle attack.

Sergio Aguero (10 goals this season), Edin Dzeko (9) and Mario Balotelli (6) are strikers who would fit into any of the top sides in Europe on their day. Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson are players deserving of more recognition than a spot on the bench. Indeed, Man City have the best player in the Premier League: David Silva. An average of 3.6 goals per game this season doesn’t even tell half of the story; when Manchester City attack, they look like they’re going to score every single time.

An all-guns-blazing attacking force would usually result in weaknesses at the back. But this is a Mancini side. When City defend, they defend as a unit – and this is a unit that has been built over a short period of time, despite the fact that all defensive components look comfortable with one-another as they if they have been playing together for years.

Joe Hart must now be seen as one of the top goalkeepers in the world. The way in which he can command his area, distribute early and cleanly – not to mention his excellent shot-stopping – which is majestic at times.

In Micah Richards and Gael Clichy Man City have wonderful attacking full-backs who can defend as competently as well. While in the middle the supreme Vincent Kompany keeps them all in line, while the ever-improving yet always-mocked Joleon Lescott looks a lot more comfortable than he has done in recent years.

It is easy to laugh at Gareth Barry. But the defensive midfielder’s ability to play an unspectacular role is sometimes confused with ineffectiveness; the England man is vital to City’s efforts.

Yaya Toure was restricted to a more subdued role on Sunday to sure up the defence further, while James Milner appears to have converted himself into a first-class central midfielder. Both must be seen as two of the most in-form midfielders in the world right now.

Sunday’s derby was hardly a thrashing in the traditional sense, though. 3-1 would have been a fair reflection on the game but, nevertheless, a fantastic last few minutes from City and an appalling showing from United meant that three more goals were scored.

There is not a gulf between the two Manchester clubs. But there is sizeable gap between the two.

United need a creator in the middle; Tom Cleverley could be the man to fill this role but it is simply not possible to rely on such a young and inexperienced player, nor is it logical to depend upon the inconsistent Wayne Rooney to ignite a spark into any match. Patrice Evra has endured some torrid form for quite a while now, while Rio Ferdinand seems to edge closer towards the MLS with every passing minute. No empire is permanent. It seems as if the domination of Manchester United is coming to an end, either through fault of their own accord or the sheer relentlessness of their closest rivals.

City’s other main challenger has major problems too. Chelsea’s defence is weak, with John Terry and Ashley Cole struggling more as age catches up with them, while David Luiz still shows signs of rawness. Strikers Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba still aren’t the deadly forwards that they once used to be.

Whatever one’s views on the way in which City have reached their current position, their effectiveness and, at times, glorious football is undeniably brilliant. They score team goals that would fit into any end-of-season highlight packages but they also have the individual brilliance that every top team needs.

Manchester City are Premier League title favourites. At this early stage, that may seem a little hasty, especially when City had a similarly impressive start to the season last term. But this season looks to be different, even if it is just on paper. This season, City are not just a team of incredibly talented individuals – they are a ferocious, stunning team.

Manchester City aspire to end the repetitive cycle that has seen only three teams crowned Premier League champions since 1995.

This article was written by Jake Harrison, you can follow Jake on his Twitter: @Jake_Harrison92 .You can also find his blog here: jakecharrison.blogspot.com/

Five Observations from Week 8 in the Premier League

1. Manchester City send a powerful message that will resound across Europe – Prior to the Manchester Derby, Man United were viewed as invincible at home. And so they should have been. United had won their previous 24/25 Premier League home matches, a feat which in itself was a key factor as to why United won the league last season. Ahead of the match Mancini said he would be content if he left Old Trafford with a draw. But boy, didn’t he leave with so much more. Manchester City compounded Man United to their worst defeat since 1955. Mancini’s city were sensational. David Silva toyed with Man United’s defence throughout the game. Silva’s movement, passing and creativity was incontainable for Manchester United. City severely frightened Man United. Actually no, Manchester City humiliated Man United. But the result is a massive indicator of how Man City need to be taken seriously. Firstly, the fact Manchester City hammered Man United at Old Trafford demonstrates the sheer monstrosity of this expensively assembled City side. It proves not only does Manchester City have title credentials, they have the belief, quality and hunger to run away the Premier League. Secondly, in England, the press seem adamant to brand Roberto Mancini’s style as ‘calculated, disciplined and defensive.’ But these statements were confounded by this weekend’s result. Manchester City headed to the Champion’s invincible ground. A ground in which United had not lost a league game in over two years. But Manchester City came, saw and conquered. Not only this, City proved Mancini is willing to make his side play adventurous football in order to get crucial wins at away grounds, something he was criticised for continuously since becoming Man City manager. Finally, Man United now know the ‘noisy neighbours’ are no longer noisy. Manchester City are now roaring with hunger, belief and pride.
2. Liverpool must to learn to take their chances or fourth place will be beyond them – Liverpool have now drawn 3/5 of their home Premier League matches this season. Draws against Sunderland, Man United and Norwich have been agonising for Liverpool fans. All three games could have easily been won. Had Liverpool been more clinical. The simple matter is, Liverpool have been creating the chances. But the team, especially the strikers have failed to finish the chances. This wastefulness has cost them in the short term, as its meant Liverpool have dropped points against teams which they should have easily got three points off. As a result Liverpool find themselves 4 points away from 4^th placed Newcastle. But in the long term, Liverpool’s wastefulness upfront could have detrimental effects on their long term goals. The fact Newcastle and Tottenham have been solid and productive at home it could mean that Liverpool could fall away rather dramatically from 4^th place because of their rather avoidable dropped points.
3. Swansea impresses, but show they lack Premier League experience – Swansea played Wolves off the park for 83 minutes. Swansea kept the ball better, they created the better chances and looked far more accomplished against a rather defensively clumsy Wolves side. Swansea quite rightfully went into half time 2 goals ahead. It was utterly deserved. They dominated proceedings. But as the second half progressed, Wolves pressed higher up and looked desperate to somehow claw their way back into the game. Throughout the game, Swansea dealt with Wolves set pieces in a rather unconvincing manner. The team struggled to get the ball away and lost many key tackles and headers during set pieces. It came as no surprise that Wolves goal came from a set piece – be it a scrappy one. But the Wolves goal seemed to give the Wanderers all the confidence and momentum. Two minutes later, Jamie O’Hara made it 2-2. But this result was completely undeserved for Wolves. Who were second best for most of the game. The draw showed Swansea still lack a certain degree of Premier League experience. At the back, Swansea were not very organised in defending set pieces. While after the first Wolves goal, Swansea lost their focus and allowed Wolves to grow in confidence. This weekend’s result will provide harsh evidence to the Swansea players that keeping their concentration and not getting complacent for 90+ minutes is an imperative. As a team can be woeful as Wolves were and can still manage to come away with a draw by simply hanging in there and throwing knock out punches when the opportunity arises for them.
4. Bolton become softer and softer at home – Last season, Bolton were pretty hard to beat at home. The Wanderers only lost four home games last season. While this season, a different picture is painted. In five Premier League home games, Bolton have lost every single one, thus failing to even pick up a point at home. That is disastrous form. This form is unacceptable in any league in the world. The team have scored 4 at home this season, while conceding a monumental 17 goals at home. But this weekend’s game against Sunderland was supposed to be the game which Bolton bag their first home win of the season. Sunderland was there for the taking. Like themselves, Sunderland’s form has been relatively inconsistent. Prior to this weekend, Sunderland had only won once in 8 games – a hardly impressive feat. But Bolton have looked far too soft this season. In defence Bolton look unoriginally weak, while upfront, Bolton look toothless. Perhaps the difference between the Bolton and Sunderland was that Sunderland were more clinical. Bolton have a lot of improving to do. The team seem to have no real strengths at the moment.
5. Chelsea’s indiscipline could cost them their title challenge – So far this season, Chelsea have looked rather impressive. Their style of play, along with their attacking nature has made Andre Villas –Boas team very entertaining to watch. However, this weekend, they were the victims of their own downfall. Prior to the match, QPR provided Chelsea with a key chance to go ahead of Man United in the league. Furthermore, QPR’s home form this season has been far from impressive. The Rangers had not won a single home game and had only scored two goals at home prior to the game. But Chelsea’s two red cards which both were frustratingly avoidable and changed the game. Chelsea unsurprisingly with 9 men looked rather shaky at the back, but Chelsea reacted fantastically. Chelsea dominating proceedings with just 9 men. The Blues attacked, attacked and attacked. Perhaps Chelsea were unlucky not to get at least a draw. Chelsea created a handful of chances. However, Chelsea’s finishing was a tad lacklustre. Had they been more clinical, Chelsea could have possibly got all three points let alone a single point. But in 9 Premier League games, Chelsea have gained three red cards. 2/3 of the red cards were strikers (Torres and Drogba) both challenges were reckless and unneeded. AVB must further discipline his players, or Chelsea could be victims of their own downfall.

Five Statistics from this weekend

1.) Man United have allowed the opposition more shots per game than any other Premier League side

2.) 80% of the goals Liverpool have conceded have come in the second half

3.) Robin Van Persie has scored 25 Premier League goals in 2011 – no other player has scored more than that in the Premier League in 2011.

4.) Edin Dzeko has scored 8 Premier League goals this season – 7 of those goals have been scored away from home.

5.) Manchester City have scored the first goal in every Premier League game they have played in this season – Only team in league to have this record in tact.

Premier League Predictions – Week 8

The Manchester Derby is the match which is on everyone’s lips this week. For the first time in a long time, Man City go into a Manchester Derby leading ahead of Man United. The Man United – Man City game promises to be a sensational game.

This week, our predictors are the guys from Natter Football and football blogger, James Owens.

Fixture	Ibby Akkas Prediction		Natter Football Prediction		James Owens Prediction		Actual Score
Wolves v Swansea	2-1		2-2		1-0		2-2
Aston Villa v West Brom	3-1		1-0		2-0		1-2
Bolton v Sunderland	3-2		2-1		2-2		0-2
Newcastle v Wigan	2-0		3-0		2-1		1-0
Liverpool v Norwich	4-0		4-0		3-1		1-1
Arsenal v Stoke	1-0		2-0		4-1		3-1
Fulham v Everton	0-0		1-1		0-0		1-3
Man United v Man City	3-2		3-2		2-1		1-6
Blackburn v Tottenham	2-2		1-2		1-3		1-2
QPR v Chelsea	1-3		1-3		0-3		1-0
Total Correct Scores	correct results - 2	perfect results - 0	correct results - 2	perfect results - 2	correct results - 3	perfect results - 0

The Results

Natter Football - 8 Points

James Owens - 3 Points

Ibby Akkas - 2 Points

After a very unpredictable weekend of Premier League football, Natter Football comes away with a convincing victory, after gaining an impressive 8 points through getting two perfect scores. While James Owens gets three points in second while in last place, Ibby Akkas finishes 2 points.

Make sure you check out Natter Football’s website: http://natterfootball.co.uk/ . The Natter Football group can be found on Twitter: @NatterFootball

James Owens has written can also be found on Twitter too: @JamesSethOwens

Take a look at this season’s Prediction Challenge League Table.

Find out here how last week’s predictors did!

For more information on The Predictions Challenge check out this page.

RIP Mr Clough – 7 Years On

The Football Front’s Senior Writer, Christian Brown writes a warm piece on the legend, Brain Clough.

News that still saddens me to this day. Waking up and watching all the tributes flood in, it’s quite hard to keep a set of dry eyes. I remember being in a car with my dad when we heard the news; he had to stop the car due to how shocked and distraught he was. Fierce rivals united as one, for a day at least. For on this day, the 20^th September, 7 years ago a true legend passed away at the age of 69. A footballing genius who took two clubs going nowhere into English and European powerhouses respectively. That man was Brian Clough.

Starting his football career off as a player, he played for hometown team Middlesbrough and scored 197 goals in 213 games for them, before switching to Sunderland. He then got 54 in 61 for them, before injury stopped his playing days at the tender age of 27. He attempted to make a comeback, but lasted 3 games before quitting for good. A little known fact it seems, Brian Clough was the first player to score 250 league goals in England – faster than Jimmy Greaves. He also represented his country twice.

His managerial career started with Hartlepools United (now Hartlepool), a spell which saw him name Peter Taylor as assistant manager. At 30, Clough was the youngest manager in the league. Clough was there for 2 years, before going to the East Midlands to join Derby County, taking Taylor with him. Before his arrival, the Rams had been out the top flight for 5 years. During his 6 year tenure however, Derby won the league and went to the semi finals of the European Cup, before being cheated by a bought referee against Juventus.

However, a fractious relationship with the board – notably with chairman Sam Longson - saw Clough and Taylor both resign in 1973. They may have won the league again in 1975 under Dave Mackay, but Derby fans still regard accepting their resignations as the worst decision the club has ever made. Since that title win, Derby haven’t done anything of note, apart from finish as the worst team in Premier League history with 11 points. They’ve just been sitting in the second division mounting the odd promotion campaign, a far cry from the days in the early 70’s.

Next for Clough, was Brighton. Taking Taylor with him, they didn’t set the country alight like they had done at Derby, and within a year Clough had left – to take over Leeds United. A move which shocked the whole footballing world, as Clough had repeatedly attacked Leeds’ style and then manager Don Revie, whilst Revie himself had told the board to appoint Leeds midfielder Johnny Giles as his successor. Taylor didn’t follow this time, so Clough was on his own. The pairing was a disaster, as it would appear that Clough changed things far too quickly.

The right idea was there, that Leeds ‘machine’ was at an end and parts needed to be changed in order for it to carry on. People like Bremner were getting old and needed replacing. There was also the style, which – under the previous management - was robust to say the least. The players didn’t take to him before, so when he turned up and said “you can throw all your medals into a bin cos you’ve won them all by bloody cheating”, they were hardly behind him. It led to the clubs worst start in 15 years, and after 44 days and a massive pay off, Clough was out the door.

Then, on the 6^th January 1975, Clough found his perfect managerial bride. For the people who say Christmas has two dates, the 25^th of December and the 6^th of January – what a Christmas present he was for that club. A club who were 13^th in Division 2 at the time of the takeover, a club who although had won the FA Cup 16 years prior and finished 2^nd in the top league 8 years ago, were seemingly going nowhere and doing nothing. A club left to rot in the second division, much like Derby before he took over. That club, was Derby’s East Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest.

I will be brief. In May 1975, Forest finished the season 16^th in the Second Division. 5 years later in May 1980, Forest had just retained the European Cup in Madrid. They had gone from finishing runners up behind Wolves in the Second Division, to winning the European Cup back to back, with a League title along the way. Clough also won the League Cup 4 times with Forest in his 18 year reign (twice with Taylor, twice without), the European Super Cup, a Charity Shield victory, a semi final in the UEFA Cup before being cheated by a bought ref – again, and an FA Cup Final, which they lost 2-1. The FA Cup was the only honour that eluded Clough.

In May 1993, Clough retired following Forest’s relegation from the Premier League. That club will never see success on that scale ever again, as they – like Derby – find themselves plodding along in the Second Division, having found themselves in footballing purgatory (third division) for 3 years. They’ve been out the top flight for 12 years now. Brian Clough retired as the greatest British manager of all time. Say what you like about Ferguson, but without the millions at his disposal, would he have done what Clough did at Forest and Derby?

Ferguson hasn’t touched people like Clough did either. The amount Clough gave to charity and other people is phenomenal. His arrogance and brashness have planted many a smile on our faces, and you don’t see Ferguson helping out the common people when they’re on strike. Clough touched the people of Nottingham to the point where they funded the £70,000 statue of him in Nottingham City Centre. It amazes me how Brian was never given the England job. Everyone was calling for it to happen, but The FA – as usual – showed no backbone and appointed Ron Greenwood. Forest then went on to win 2 European Cups.

Call it fate, call it a coincidence, call it what you will – 3 days ago (17/11/11) Derby beat Forest at The City Ground to regain The Brian Clough Cup; a cup contested to honour Brian’s achievements. Brian’s son Nigel is currently managing at the first team Brian won success with as a manager. Today, on Brian’s anniversary, Forest host Newcastle United. The same Newcastle that Middlesbrough and Sunderland both hate – the teams Brian played for. If Forest win tonight, you can’t help but think the master manager is behind it all, sitting in God’s favourite chair with a huge grin on his face.

Here are some quotes from the great man:

“If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he’d have put the grass up there”

“Football hooligans? Well there are 92 club chairmen for a start”

“Rome wasn’t built in a day. But I wasn’t on that particular job”

“Players lose you games, not tactics. There’s so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes”

(“What if a player comes to you asking to change something?”) “Well, we talk about it for twenty minutes, and then decide I was right”

“I’m sure the England selectors thought if they took me on and gave me the job, I’d want to run the show. They were shrewd, because that’s exactly what I would have done”

“If a chairman sacks a manager he initially appointed, he should go as well”

“I wouldn’t say I was the best in the business. But I’m in the top one”

A hero to the common man, and the best manager England never had. RIP ‘Sir’ Brian Clough

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.

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

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

This is part two of the npower Championship preview – Part one can be found here.

Crystal Palace – 2010/11 finish: 20^th

Last season started with so much optimism for Palace; George Burley started the season in charge, Nathaniel Clyne was still there and even Edgar Davids signed at one point. But, it came so close to tears as Palace very nearly went down. Under the guidance of former player Dougie Freedman they won’t be going down this season. Key additions such as Glenn Murray and Jonathan Parr will improve the team. Whilst retaining crucial players like Julian Speroni will ensure relegation doesn’t’ happen. It’s clear the club do not have enough to challenge for promotion, following their financial crisis suffered and the relegation battle last year. But most Palace fans will happily settle for a mid-table place - which is exactly what they should achieve. Position – 16^th

Derby County – 2010/11 finish: 19^th

After the complete write off last season, this summer started with so much hope. New signings were ade, money was actually spent by Mr Clough. But then pre-season started. Draws against Morecambe and Macclesfield occurred, before embarrassingly losing to Matlock Town, and then 2-1 against Crewe with arguably The Rams’ best team out and being a goal up. Clough’s dilly dallying in the window has caused targets to move elsewhere or stay put, and when the owner is saying how “Derby will finish top 6”, you do fear for Clough’s job security. Average additions to an already average squad will not get Derby to the top 6, so after this season it will be goodbye and farewell to Mr Nigel Clough. Position – 19^th

Doncaster Rovers – 2010/11 finish: 21^st

In terms of injuries, no-one in arguably the whole of the Football League had it as bad as Doncaster Rovers. How they survived last season was an absolute miracle. Speculation over Sean O’Driscoll’s job was unfairly increasing, but as John Ryan said – “we will never have an injury crisis this bad ever again in the history of the club.” Keeping hold of players like Billy Sharp and James Coppinger have been crucial, whilst also acquiring the services of Tommy Spurr from rivals Sheffield Wednesday, will tighten things up at the back. In terms of league position, their team is in no state to challenge, but they will stay up rather comfortably. Position – 17^th

Hull City – 2010/11 finish: 11^th

Hull City will be a very strange tiger this season. At one point last season they were in the hunt for the 6^th play off place, but Middlesbrough put an end to that with a 4-1 thumping at The KC Stadium. However, from all the signings they’ve currently brought in during the close season, only Jack Hobbs and Adriano Basso would seem players that could maybe piece together a play off charge. Paul McKenna and Dele Adebola are experienced yes, but a combined age of 69? No-one knows what to expect from this Hull team, which could well work in their favour. With a strong squad already in place though, this should be another productive season. Position – 10^th

Ipswich Town – 2010/11 finish: 13^th

After so much expectation last year, it was perhaps inevitable Ipswich were going to fail. This season there is more expectation, but with good reason. With Paul Jewell at the helm and with five quality additions brought into the club (Michael Chorpra, David Stockdale, Lee Bowyer, Jay Emmanuel Thomas and Nathan Ellington), this could well be the season Ipswich achieve the targets set by the club’s hierarchy and the impatient fans. The players already in the squad are hardly from the footballing scrapheap, so with the new men in place they’ll definitely be good enough to mount a charge, and that is exactly what they’ll do. Position – 4^th

Leeds United – 2010/11 finish: 7^th

What is going on at Leeds? First they lose both holding midfielders Bradley Johnson and Neil Kilkenny on frees, then they force their goalkeeper out before bringing in a sub standard replacement in comparison to Schmeichel, and then to top it off, 2 of their best strikers get injured (Becchio and Somma)! With Premier League eyes keenly fixed on both Max Gradel and Robert Snodgrass, if Leeds aren’t careful, they could be back where they came from. Losing Schmeichel is a monumental blow, as he won the club so many points on his own last. New keeper, Longeran will not do the same. Position – 13^th

Leicester City – 2010/11 finish: 10^th

The Foxes aren’t high up on every other Championship club’s Christmas card list at this current moment in time. Last season, they got a load of Premier League loans in. This season they’ve bought a whole new team, spending ludicrous fees and paying out ridiculous wages in the process. For example; Matt Mills cost them £5.5 million, and Paul Konchesky is on 40k a week. Unfortunately for football purists, money does talk; and talks a lot in this league. Leicester will get promoted, especially so under Sven’s guidance – but they still don’t have the required strength to win the league outright. A lot of people will be hoping Leicester fall flat, but you can’t see it. Position – 2^nd

Middlesbrough – 2010/11 finish: 12^th

Last season, Middlesbrough were expected to walk the league. Kris Boyd signed, and he was expected to score 20+ and help steer Boro back to the top flight. None of this happened, and they even had a patch where they were looking over their shoulders constantly, as they were fighting against the relegation trapdoor. Tony Mowbray then came in, and a storming finale ensured they finished a respectable 12^th. They should have been allowed to build on this finish, but financial problems have meant that they have to sell, rather than buy. Mowbray will have to work wonders to get a top 6 finish, and that just won’t happen. Position – 11^th

Part One is available here

The final and third part will be available on Wednesday 3rd 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

Christian Brown’s nPower Championship Review 2011/2012 – Part One

The Championship. Is it more competitive than ever before?

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

Premier League + FA Cup predictions 16/04

Here are our predictions for this weekend’s Premier League and big FA Cup semi final fixtures. This week our predictors are Liam Milner and Ed Diggins, who has written his explanations for his predictions.

Premier League Predictions

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Ed Diggins prediction		Liam Milner prediction		Actual score
Birmingham v Sunderland	1-2		1-1		2-1		2-0
Blackpool v Wigan	2-1		2-2		2-2		1-3
Everton v Blackburn	2-0		2-1		2-0		2-0
West Brom v Chelsea	1-1		1-1		1-1		1-3
West Ham v Aston Villa	2-1		1-0		1-2		1-2
Arsenal v Liverpool	2-2		0-0		1-1		1-1
Total correct scores	Correct Results- 2	Perfect Results - 1	Correct Results - 2	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results - 4	Perfect Results - 3

FA Cup Predictions

Fixture	Ibby Akkas prediction		Ed Diggins prediction		Liam Milner prediction		Actual score
Man City v Man United	1-0		0-1		0-2		1-0
Bolton v Stoke	2-1		1-0		2-1		0-5
Total correct scores	Correct Results- 1	Perfect Results - 1	Correct Results - 0	Perfect Results - 0	Correct Results- 0	Perfect Results - 0

The Results

Liam Milner - 13 points

Ibby Akkas - 5 points

Ed Diggins - 2 points

After a brilliant weekend of football we have a clear winner for this weeks predictions! Liam Milner absolutely ran away with it this week. He managed to get 4 correct results along with a fantastic 3 perfect predictions. Impressive stuff.

But thanks to Ed and Liam for participating this week!

Ed Diggins has been kind enough to give us his overview on this weekend’s Premier League and FA Cup ties. It’s definitely worth the read.

Ed Diggins’ thoughts on this weekend’s Premier League and FA Cup action

Saturday, 16 April 2011

Barclays Premier League

Birmingham v Sunderland, 15:00

It is not that long since people were touting Steve Bruce’s men as possible European candidates, but how things have changed. A horrific run of form and results have seen them slip into the relegation zone, something that has been familiar to them over recent years. However, I think they will pull through and beat the drop. The Blues motivation from this game is three points will not only take them level with 13^th placed Sunderland, but also takes them ever closer to safety. This will not be pretty and Sunderland would be happy to take a point I am sure. 1-1 written all over it.

Prediction – Score draw

Blackpool v Wigan, 15:00

A huge game at the tail end of the pile, the first of two this weekend which may well go a long way to deciding who stays up. Wigan lie bottom on 31 points and a win will take them above Blackpool who have been in free-fall since December. Wigan have been impressive of late if that’s the correct word to use, with a reasonable showing last week against Chelsea and holding Spurs to a 0-0 the previous week a sign that maybe they can come into form. A win here could be the springboard to success. Realistically I can not see Blackpool loosing this but both sides are really poor and both in my opinion favourites for the drop. I am going for a 2-2 here.

Prediction – Score Draw.

Everton v Blackburn, 15:00

Instinct tells me this will be the most boring game of the weekend, though in this mad league, who knows what to expect. I am going home win here, with Everton having one goal to spare over a Blackburn side hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. They need something from this game, but recent form suggests the maximum Blackburn can expect is a draw. I don’t think they will get it, but they will put on a decent show hopefully for them. 2-1 to the Toffees is where my money is going.

Prediction – Home win.

West Brom v Chelsea, 15:00

West Brom are flying and can really put it up to the Champions here. Woy has steadied the ship and their rise up the table in recent weeks has been sensational. 7 games undefeated, 3 wins & 4 draws makes the Baggies one of the form teams in the EPL at the moment, but still, predicting a win for them over a Chelsea side not exactly in top form is all too easy. Expect a back lash and Chelsea with nothing else to play for now, will arrive at the Hawthorns all guns blazing. The home side have the added motivation of ramming the opening day 6-0 defeat where the sun don’t shine and having given Manchester United and more recently Arsenal and Liverpool a tough day out on their own patch, I predict them to get a point. I would not be surprised though to see Torres end his scoring drought. I am going for another 1-1 draw for Chelsea following on from their trip to Stoke. But that is more going against the head. Realistically if I was putting money down, I would go for 2-1 Chelsea.

Prediction - Score draw.

West Ham v Aston Villa, 15:00

The second of this week’s huge games in the relegation zone. A win for Villa would all but securing top flight football next season. Their form is more erratic than a whores drawers so they are not easy to predict. 3 recent horror shows at Bolton, Wolves and City point to a team in turmoil, but a good showing at Everton and home to the Magpies last week may give them the lift they so badly need. West Ham are without a win in 4, but their home form is decent enough and I think they will pull through here and get 3 vital points. 1-0 to the hammers for me.

Prediction – Home Win.

FA Cup Semi Final.

Man City v Man Utd - 17:15

The biggest game of the weekend and one of the biggest of the season so far, so it is really is impossible to call. The form book suggests an easy United win, but this is a derby, this is the FA cup and nothing will come easy for either side in this one. City’s recent record over United is poor, with only one win in 8 games. That came in last season’s home leg of the Carling Cup semi. Since then, City have seen a good performance at Old Trafford in February go to waste, succumbing to a late Wayne Rooney wonder goal in the process of a 2-1 defeat.

A key thing here is who will Alex Ferguson play? I expect up to nine changes in the United team, as Fergie looks to the upcoming gruelling schedule with one eye on Newcastle on Tuesday. I shall be in the United end at Wembley on Saturday, so of course, I can only see a United win, but this is not certain by any means. Carlos Tevez is allegedly out for City while Rooney is missing for United. United have two in form strikers in Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez, yet City’s misfiring duo of Edin Džeko and Mario Balotelli have to strike gold sooner or later, right? It really is close to call and a victory for either team would not surprise me. Neither team will want extra time but it is possible and in my opinion the result hinges on what team Fergie picks. 1-0 united, after extra time perhaps.

Prediction – Close win for United, possibly on penalties.

Sunday, 17 April 2011 Barclays Premier League.

Arsenal v Liverpool, 16:00

This result depends on the simple question, which Arsenal will turn up? The one who turned over Barcelona in the Champions league first leg or the team who seemingly has forgotten how to score at home in the league of late? Arsenals home form is patchy to say the least, its 5 games since they turned in an impressive home performance. Liverpool have intentions of Europe through fifth place and will no doubt, be going all out for the win. I think they can nick a point, at least…0-0

Prediction – Scoreless draw.

FA Cup Semi Final

Bolton v Stoke, SF, 16:00

A huge day for both clubs and the most unlikely of semi-final pairings. I have a gut instinct that Bolton will nick this one, but it depends on who reacts to the big occasion. They both have beaten each other at home this year, so there is little between them. I sense a scrappy, dour affair with few chances and a lot of the ball in the air, something that will suit Stoke more than Bolton. But Bolton will have plenty of possession and I think they can turn this into a slim 1-0 win and see them reach the final.

Prediction – Bolton win.

Make sure you follow both our predictors Ed Diggins and Liam Milner on Twitter;

Ed Diggins - @ed_diggins

Liam Milner - @liammilner

Be sure to have a look at the great Back Page Football website, where Ed himself is a contributor. - http://backpagefootball.com/

Check out Liam Milner’s fantastic blog too, Killer Pass - http://killerpass.wordpress.com/

Things you may like to read

England's new 4-3-3 system. The platform for english success? Part two - the negatives - http://tiny.cc/aexxp

Why Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres if they are to have any success this season - http://tiny.cc/56aq4

Has the FA Cup lost all of its significance in the modern game? - http://tiny.cc/co7ec