Friday, December 30, 2005
English Premier League Update
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
The EPLPI stands at 99 correct and 156 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. The previews and teams of the week will not be published for the coming two weeks due to staff vacations. However, predictions for the upcoming two weeks will be posted. Thank you.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
English Premier League Predictions- Week 17
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Following are predictions for this week's holiday mathes.
| Match (Home Team 1st) | Predictions | Actual |
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| Charlton Athletic v Arsenal | | |
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| Tottenham Hotspur v | 3-0 | |
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| Aston Villa v Everton | | |
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| Arsenal v | | |
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| Fulham v Aston Villa | | |
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| West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur | | |
| West Ham United v | | |
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| Everton v Liverpool | | |
Sunday, December 25, 2005
English Premier League Preview- Week 17
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
The holidays are here, which means a bunch of games in the EPL. This is the time of year when teams can climb up the table really fast, or reinstate their claim for demotion. Following is a brief preview.
Chelsea: Fulham at home then 'citeh away. The first game could be tricky, as Fulham could steal points at Stamford Bridge despite not winning there since 1979. Look for a close game that could see Fulham grab a point, and help United and Liverpool in their race to the top. As for the second match, an in-form 'citeh can easily upset Chelsea. However, 'citeh's form has been unstable recently, and this could affect the outcome. The last draw in this fixture was back in 1994, so look for one side to win all the points. Wright-Phillips will visit his old buddies, but might not feature.
Manchester United: Of the top teams, United has the easiest task: West Brom at home then away to Birmingham. Both teams have a combined 28 points in the EPL, and will have to dig deep to get anything out of United. These two fixtures should help United move closer to the top, and hope that Chelsea drop some points.
Liverpool: Michael Owen returns to Anfield is the feature here, while the second game is the biggest derby game of the year: At Everton. These two games will define Liverpool's season. Regardless of what happened in Japan, if the Reds take all 6 points, then be sure they will be title contenders come next May. Last time Newcastle won at Anfield was in the 1995 League Cup, with a score of 1-0. As for the blockbuster game at city rivals Everton, anything could happen. These games defy form, class, or anything else for that matter. An in-form Arteta and McFadden could spur trouble for Rafa and friends.
Arsenal: What happened to the Gunners? Everytime they look like they found their form, they lose. However, this week will be a chance for them to get things right. With injuries still plaguing them, playing at Charlton and hosting Portsmouth will come as a relief. These should be two easy wins for the Gunners, which will help them improve their position. The Portsmouth game could be a tricky one.
The rest: Wigan hosting 'citeh jumps out. It is a test for a rejuvenated Wigan, and an unstable 'citeh. The rest of the games should see a maintaining of the status quo in the EPL.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
EPL Best XI for Week 16
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
The EPLPI rebounded in Week 16 and stands at 91 correct and 147 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. Following are the best XI for the past week.
Formation of the week: 3-5-2
Cech (CHE)
Queudrue (MID) Terry (CHE) Delaney (AST)
Camara (WIG) Barton (MAC) Cole (CHE) Giannakopoulos (BOL) Jenas (TOT)
Owen (NUF) Aiyegbeni (MID)
Cech (CHE)
Queudrue (MID) Terry (CHE) Delaney (AST)
Camara (WIG) Barton (MAC) Cole (CHE) Giannakopoulos (BOL) Jenas (TOT)
Owen (NUF) Aiyegbeni (MID)
English Premier League Preview & Predictions- Week 16
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
The EPLPI stands at 86 correct and 143 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. Following is a preview of this week's important games, including predictions. Check back later for an update.Manchester United at Aston Villa: Phillips and Mellberg will not feature for the home team, while Silvestre is a doubt for the visitors. Despite United's woes, they have lost one of their last 10 matches in the top-flight. Villa will find it difficult yet again to win at their own park with their last win in this fixture coming in the English League Cup 3rd round in 1999. United won the last 5 games at Villa Park. If they show up tp play, it will be difficult to beat them. Expect a late United romp.
Chelsea at Arsenal: Will the Gunners be able to keep their perfect home record? Or will Chelsea stamp their authority on yet another EPL victim? This will be a highly interesting fixture, as it could be a turning point for Arsenal's season. Reyes, Silva, Clichy, and Cole are out, while Bergkamp could return. Makelele is back in training but is a doubt for this match. So is Duff who suffered a knock during the Wigan encounter. Arsenal hold the historical upper-hand in this fixture, as they have beaten the Blues 67 times, drawn 49, and lost 46 times. Since new year's day, 2003, this fixture has never ended without a single goal being scored. Look for an exciting match, where the goal-scoring machine Henry looks to prove he is the best in front of a stiff Blues defence.
The rest: Again, there is nothing greatly interesting in the rest of the fixtures. If you are a fan of the relegation zone, you will have plenty to watch, as Portsmouth play West Bromwich. Wigan could be headed back to the win column after suffering a number of consecutive defeats on the hands of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Otherwise, watch cricket!
| Match (Home Team 1st) | Predictions | Actual |
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| Aston Villa v Manchester United | | |
| Everton v Bolton Wanderers | | |
| Fulham v Blackburn Rovers | | |
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| West Ham United v Newcastle United | | |
| Wigan Athletic v Charlton Athletic | | |
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| Arsenal v Chelsea | | |
Friday, December 16, 2005
Champions League Round of 16 Preview
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Following is a preview of the match-ups set for the Round of 16 of this year's Champions League.
Chelsea v Barcelona: This is always an entertaining fixture that should witness goals galore. The two teams met seven times, with Barcelona winning four and Chelsea three. The most recent meeting was during last year's Round of 8 in the Champions League, when Chelsea won 4-2 at Stamford Bridge to advance to the semi-final. The first meeting between the two clubs was in the 1966 Fairs Cup semi-final, and Barcelona won 2-0. Chelsea scored 11 times against the Spanish side, while Barcelona scored 17 times. With a strong Chelsea side, and a spectacular Ronaldinho on a roll, look for this match-up to be a very interesting, and highly contested one.
Real Madrid v Arsenal: This is the first ever meeting between the two clubs. Arsenal's hopes of advancing will have to go through the Spanish capital, where a mediocre Madrid team awaits. Did Madrid steal Baptista from Wenger? Are they trying to lure Henry over? Will Englishman Beckham doom Arsenal's hopes? All these questions will be raised again before this fixture. From a coaching stance, Arsenal have the upper hand. However, in terms of peronnel on the field, both teams seem to be struggling this season. This is another dream fixture for football fans everwhere, and it should be an interesting one too.
Werder Bremen v Juventus: Yet another match-up where the two sides will meet for the first time. Bremen guranteed its place in the Round of 16 on the final matchday, while Juventus cruised to qualification. This should be a comfortable Juve win, unless Bremen manage to settle down by February.
Bayern Munich v AC Milan: The two sides met six times, with Milan holding the upper hand with 4 wins, 1 tie, and a loss. The only loss came in the 2nd leg of the 1990 European Cup semi-final, when Munich won 2-1 after extra time. Milan still qualified on away goals rule after the aggregate score was tied 2-2. The most recent meeting between the two clubs came in 2002 in the European Cup group stages, when Milan won 2-1. Overall, Milan rocked the German nets 8 times, while Bayern responded with 4 of their own. This will be a game of tactics, as last year's runners-up Milan cannot afford to lose, especially with their recent bad run in the Italian league. Munich also want to stamp their authority on the European scene, and prove that they can be a threat. Interesting match!
Eindhoven v Lyon: These two sides met twice in the quarter-finals of last year's Champions League, with the Dutch side advancing to the semi-finals on penalty kicks. Both matches from last year ended with a 1-1 tie, and spot kicks broke the tie 4-2 for the Dutch side. Both teams are great to watch with a slight advantage for Lyon, who are doing well in France, and managed to qualify with 5 wins and a draw, along with 13 goals, 2nd most after Barcelona's 16. Eindhoven qualified with 3 wins, a draw, and 2 losses, along with 4 goals.
Ajax v Intermilan: The sides met three times, with Inter winning twice and losing one. The last meeting was in 2002 in the 1st group stages of the Champions League, and Inter won 2-1 thanks to a Crespo brace. The first meeting was in the European Cup final in 1972, when a Cruyff brace helped Ajax to the title. Both teams were not tested in the group stages, and this match-up will show who is better-prepared.
Benfica v Liverpool: The sides met six times before, with the Reds winning 5 and losing only once. The last meeting between the two was in the 2nd leg of the 2nd round in the 1984 European Cup, when Benfica won 1-0. Despite that win, Liverpool advanced 3-2 on aggregate. The first ever meeting between them came in 1978, during the 1st leg of the European Cup's quarter-finals. Liverpool won 2-1, and won the 2nd leg 4-1 to advance. Overall, Liverpool found the Portugese nets 14 times, while Benfica managed to score 5 times. In terms of qualification, Benfica had the tougher route to this stage of the tournament, as they had to beat Manchester United on the final matchday to advance. The healthier team should win this match-up to advance to the quarter-finals. Look for a defensive display by the Reds in Benfica, and a low-scoring match. The 2nd leg at Anfield will also be highly competitive, as Benfica proved they can survive.
Rangers v Villarreal: Another first. The two sides have never met. Both sides are lucky to be alive at this stage of the tournament. Some people would have preferred a Manchester United v Schalke match-up, but this is football. This will be the least interesting match-up from the bunch, as a lucky Rangers team meets a similarly luck Villarreal team. In any case, both teams have reached this stage for the first time, and one European team will be lucky to draw the winner of this match-up in the Round of 8. Lets hope its the Reds!!!
Champions League Final 16 Draw
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
A few footballing giants will be left out of the Elite 8 as the draw resulted in a few huge fixtures, such as Barcelona v Chelsea, and Munich v Milan. Following is the complete schedule for the Round of 16.
Chelsea v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Arsenal
Werder Bremen v Juventus
Bayern Munich v AC Milan
Eindhoven v Lyon
Ajax v Intermilan
Benfica v Liverpool
Rangers v Villarreal
Real Madrid v Arsenal
Werder Bremen v Juventus
Bayern Munich v AC Milan
Eindhoven v Lyon
Ajax v Intermilan
Benfica v Liverpool
Rangers v Villarreal
Thursday, December 15, 2005
EPL Best XI for Week 15
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Formation: 3-4-3
Kiely (CHA)
Terry (CHE) Ferdinand (MAN) Baines (WIG)
McFadden (EVE) Butt (BRM) Gerrard (LIV) Solano (NUF)
Rooney (MAN) Zamora (WHU) Kamara (WBA)
English Premier League Preview & Predictions- Week 15
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Wigan at Chelsea: The Blues have never beaten the Latics at Stamford Bridge, but that was an old Chelsea outfit. The Blues are looking for their 4th consecutive win in the EPL, while Wigan hope to avoid yet another loss. Despite the continued absence of Makelele, Chelsea should do just fine. Look for Drogba to steal the show. Easy 3 in the bag for the home team.Middlesbrough at Liverpool: Pool will play their final game before heading to Japan to participate in the World Club Championships. This should be a good test for the resolve of Pool's defence, as they look for yet another clean sheet. Hamann will not feature in this match after Essien's horror tackle during Champions League action ealier. Alonso is back along with Sissoko. Look for this to be a Stevie clinic.
Arsenal at Newcastle: Playing at St. James' Park is not a scary issue these days, as the Magpies try to find an identity. Owen is a doubt, while half Newcastle's squad is out injured. Arsenal should have a rested side ready for action. The Magpies last win against Arsenal at St. James' Park was in 2000. Look for that streak to continue.
Everton at Manchester United: WOW! No Europe for the Devils eh? Priceless! RVN will be out while Cahill and Arteta wil not feature for Everton, killing their minute chance of winning all three points here. McFadden could be a surprise figure in this match. With United coming into this match on a low, Everton could surprise them and pinch a late-winner. Close call!
Following is the schedule, and predictions.check back after the conclusion of games for an update.
| Match (Home Team 1st) | Predictions | Actual |
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| Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United | | |
| Bolton Wanderers v Aston Villa | | |
| Charlton Athletic v | | |
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| West Bromwich Albion v | | |
| Newcastle United v Arsenal | | |
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| Manchester United v Everton | | |
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| Tottenham Hotspur v | | |
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| Everton v West Ham United | | |
| Manchester United v Wigan Athletic | | |
Friday, December 09, 2005
Champions League Best XI for Matchday 6
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
16 teams remain standing after the conclusion of the group-stage of the Champions League, as Manchester United were ousted by a fighting Benfica side. Teams that topped their groups are: Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, Villarreal, Milan, Lyon, Liverpool, and Inter. These teams will avoid each other in the round of 16, but could face one of Bayern, Ajax, Bremen, Benfica, PSV, Real Madrid, Chelsea, or Rangers. The CLPI stands at 84 correct and 71 incorrect predictions since February 22nd, 2005. Following are the best 11 for Matchday 6.
Formation of the week: 4-3-3
Gomes (PSV)
Sergio Ramos (MAD) Kromkamp (VIL) Carragher (LIV) Lauren (ARS)
Kaka (MIL) Cocu (PSV) Beto (BEN)
Valdez (BRE) Farfan (PSV) Rivaldo (OLY)
Gomes (PSV)
Sergio Ramos (MAD) Kromkamp (VIL) Carragher (LIV) Lauren (ARS)
Kaka (MIL) Cocu (PSV) Beto (BEN)
Valdez (BRE) Farfan (PSV) Rivaldo (OLY)
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Champions League Matchday 6 Predictions & Preview
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
The final Champions League Matchday is upon us. This round will conclude the group stage announcing the start of the REAL battles in the Round of 16. Ten spots have been already sealed up by holders Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Ajax, Intermilan, Lyon, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. This leaves six more places up for grabs. Two groups, D & E, are still mysterious, and should present their representatives after the conclusion of this matchday. Following is a preview of this matchday, the schedule, and predictions. Check back after the conclusion of this matchday for an update. The CLPI stands at 76 correct and 63 incorrect predictions since February 22nd, 2005.
Group A: Not much drama here as Juventus and Bayern fight it out for the top spot, while Club Brugge look forward to joining the UEFA Cup.
Group B: The top half of this group is set in stone. However, Thun's visit to Sparta could decide the UEFA Cup spot, as Thun need a win or a draw. A loos will see them bid farewell to Europe after a gallant display to get this far.
Group C: Udinese, Panathinaikos, and Bremen will slug it out for the 2nd spot and the UEFA Cup spot, as all three teams have a chance. However, Udinese will face a slight disadvantage as they face a hot Barca team.
Group D: This is where the action starts. Any team in this group can qualify to the next round wih a win. Villarreal look set to qualify, while United need a good performance away to remain standing. Watch this one.
Group E: PSV need a win to qualify, while Fenerbahce look to upset the Dutch side to steal the UEFA Cup spot. Milan and Schalke will do battle to decide who wins the group. A draw for that game could be enough if PSV fail to win. Interesting.
Group F: Nothing to watch here. The rankings will remain the same, even if Rosenborg lose and Olympiacos win, since Rosenborg hold the tie-breaker. The same situation is tru for the top two, as Lyon holds the tiebreaker and will not fall to second whatever the results are. This one is over. Lights out.
Group G: Same as Group F with the exception of the top two positions changing. Liverpool are looking to avenge their heavy loos to Chelsea in the EPL, while Chelsea are looking to stamp their authority on the European scene. Betis are heading to the UEFA Cup no matter what happens. Adios.
Group H: Two spots are up for grabs here- 2nd place and the UEFA Cup spot. Rangers controls its fate, as a win at home will see them through. Any other result will put Artmedia and Porto in the mix of it, and anything is possible. However, look for a Rangers win to seal the second qualifying spot, leaving Artmedia and Porto to do battle for the UEFA Cup.
| Match (Home team 2nd) | Prediction | Actual |
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| Fenerbahçe vs PSV | | |
| Schalke vs | | |
| Real | | |
| Rosenborg vs | | |
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| Internazionale vs Rangers | | |
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| Wedensday | | |
| Bayern vs Club Brugge | | |
| Juventus vs Rapid | | |
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| Thun vs | | |
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| Panathinaikos vs | | |
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Monday, December 05, 2005
English Premier League Predictions- Week 14
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Following is this week's schedule for the EPL, and predictions. The EPLPI stands at 82 correct and 134 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. Tune in later for a preview of this weekend's matches.
| Match (Home Team 1st) | Predictions | Actual |
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| Blackburn Rovers v Everton | | |
| Bolton Wanderers v Arsenal | | |
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| Newcastle United v Aston Villa | | |
| Tottenham Hotspur v | | |
| West Bromwich Albion v Fulham | | |
| Manchester United v | | |
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| Charlton Athletic v | | |
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| Birmingham City v West Ham United | | |
EPL Best XI for Week 14
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Liverpool continued its good run in the EPL, while Chelsea barely sneaked by a good Middlesbrough side. Bolton succeeded in stopping the Gunners, while 'Citeh decimated Charlton. The EPLPI stands at 87 correct and 139 incorrect predictions after the last Matchday. Following are the Best XI for this week of EPL action.
Formation: 3-4-3
Reina (LIV)
Terry (CHE) Faye (BOL) Ferdinand (MAN)
Gerrard (LIV) Whitehead (SUN) Sinclair (MAN) Carrick (TOT)
Van Nistelrooy (MAN) Davies (BOL) Vassell (MAC)
Reina (LIV)
Terry (CHE) Faye (BOL) Ferdinand (MAN)
Gerrard (LIV) Whitehead (SUN) Sinclair (MAN) Carrick (TOT)
Van Nistelrooy (MAN) Davies (BOL) Vassell (MAC)