Sunday, February 26, 2006
EPL Predictions Update- Week 27
Week 27 concluded today with lackluster form all over the EPl as Chelsea found a way to win again, while Arsenal continued its bad form away from home. The EPLPI stands at 136 correct and 202 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. Following is the team of the week.
Sorensen (AST)
Terry (CHE) Perry (POR) L. Young (CHA)
Solano (NEW) Pennant (BRM) Arteta (EVE) Pedersen (BLA) Kewell (LIV)
Hasselbaink (MID) Heskey (BRM)
English Premier League- Week 27
Chelsea look to regain their winning form in this week, as the fight to stay in the EPL heats up. Following is the schedule, and predictions. The EPLPI stands at 134 correct and 196 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005.
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Birmingham v Sunderland | 1-1 | |
| Blackburn v Arsenal | | |
| Charlton v Aston Villa | | |
| Chelsea v Portsmouth | | |
| Newcastle v Everton | | |
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| Bolton v Fulham | | |
| Liverpool v Man City | | |
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Thursday, February 23, 2006
EPL and Champions League Update
EPL week 27 is finally over, with the EPLPI having the best week ever with 10 correct and 4 incorrect predictions lifting the overall EPLPI to 134 correct and 196 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005.
In the Champions League Round of 16, the predictions did not fare as well as Arsenal, Bremen, etc., put up a good fight to upset their opponents. The CLPI stands at 86 correct and 78 incorrect predictions since February 22nd, 2005.
The team of the week for the EPL is as following:
Lehmann (ARS)
Hyypia (LIV) Taylor (POR) Gray (BLA)
Ronaldo (MAN) Nolan (BOL) Barton (MAC) Rochemback (MID)
Bellamy (BLA) Harewood (WHU) Moore (AST)
The team of the Round of 16 for the Champions League is as following:
Lehmann (ARS)
Luisao (BEN) Alcides (BEN) Clerc (LYN) Schulz (BRM)
Cambiasso (INT) Juninho (LYN) Petit (BEN) Borowski (BRM) Micoud (BRM)
Rosales (AJX)
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Champions League Round of 16
The Champions League is back!!! Europe's best will compete in the round of 16, which will witness some mouth-watering match-ups headed by the big one: Chelsea versus Barcelona. Following is a preview of each match, and predictions. An update will be ready once all the 1st-leg games are concluded. The Champions League Prediction Index CLPI stands at 84 correct and 71 incorrect predictions since February 22nd, 2005.
AC Milan at Bayern Munich: This is the seventh meeting between the two European superpowers. Their first meeting came in the semi-final round of the European Cup Winners Cup in 1968, where Milan won the first-leg at home 2-0, and managed to tie 0-0 in the second round to go through to the final. Overall, Milan won 4, tied 1 and lost 1 to Munich. The teams met three times in Germany, with a Munich win, a Milan win, and a tie. In terms of goals, Milan scored 8 while Munich netted 4 in their 7 meetings. Today's meeting comes under different circumstances. Despite winning three straight in Serie A, Milan are not in their best form, and Munich have won all 15 matches played in their brand new stadium, Football Arena Munich. Milan are also missing Cafu and Maldini, while Kahn is a late decision. Look for this match to be a close affair, with Munich gaining an advantage.
Liverpool at Benfica: In their 6 previous meetings, the Reds won 5 and lost 1. The 1st meeting came in the quarter-final round of the European Cup Winners Cup in 1978, where Liverpool win 2-1 and 4-1 in the 2nd-leg to advance. Liverpool scored 14 goals while Benefica managed 5. Benfica's lone win came in the European Cup in 1984 with a 1-0 score that was not enough to advance them as the Reds won 3-2 on aggregate. The teams met 3 times in Portugal, with the Reds winning two, and losing one. Today's match could witness the debut of Benfica's latest signing, Laurent Robert! Fowler and Alonso could figure in the Liverpool squad. With the Reds' good form as of late, expect this match to open up as it progresses. This first half could be a boring affair as both teams look to secure the back. However, the Liverpool strikers should be ready to score, as Benfica have a track record of scoring at least one goal. Liverpool will survive in Portugal.
Lyon at Eindhoven: The teams met twice in last year's Champions League, with both games ending in 1-1 ties, and Eindhoven advancing to the semi-final after winning 4-2 on penalties. Despite playing at home, PSV are regarded as the underdogs in this match-up, as Houllier's boys look to progress. PSV need stellar performances from the likes of Farfan and Kone if they are to advance. Look for a Lyon dismantling of PSV, as fate seems to have put Liverpool and their ex-coach Houllier on a collision course in the quarter-final!
Arsenal at Real Marid: This match-up is mind-boggling. If it occured a few years back it would have been the highlight of this matchday. However, with Arsenal looking not interested, and a Madrid side whose form keeps changing from match to match, it looks like this will be the least interesting match-up on Tuesday! This is the first meeting ever between the two clubs. Madrid have never lost to an English side at home in 8 attempts while Arsenal lost 5 of its 7 trips to Spain. Arsenal's defensive woes continue with the absence of Campbell, Cole, and Lauren. However, Reyes is expected to be back in the line-up. Madrid's only casualty will be Pablo Garcia who is out with a knee injury, while Raul is available to play. Madrid are counting on luck, while Arsenal on Wenger's pep talk. Look for Mardid to dismantle Arsenal and shoot them into next year. Even Henry will not be able to save them. Madrid through!
Barcelona at Chelsea: Best player in the world Ronaldinho is out for revenge after last year's failure in the Champions League to EPL Champions Chelsea. With all the talk about a bad pitch etc. by BArcelona, look for Chelsea to provide a stellar defensive display as usual. The long-ball will factor in for Drogba, who will look to sneak a goal past the weak Barca defense. The teams met 7 times, with the first meeting coming in the semi-final of the Fairs Cup in 1966. Barcelona won the 1st leg 2-0, and lost 2-0 in the 2nd leg. This called for a replay which Barcelona won 5-0 to advance to the final. Chelsea won 3 while Barca won 4 of the clubs' prior meetings. In terms of goals, Barcelona scored 17 while Chelsea scored 11. The two teams met at the same stage of last season's Champions League. Chelsea never lost to Barca at Stamford Bridge. This match-up is the highlight of the round. With Barca's offence, and Chelsea's defense, look for a great show of skills. If Chelsea survive the 1st half, look for them to win a tight one. Barcelona will start by throwing all their tricks at the Chelsea back five, but look for Terry to lead the counter-attack. Close call!
Villarreal at Rangers: Both teams have reached this stage for the first time. One of them will make the quarter-finals for the first time, giving their opponents time to breathe for avoiding the other big guns of Europe. It is the first meeting between the two clubs. Other than that, there is nothing interesting here. Rangers are in unfamiliar territory (they think its the UEFA Cup) and Villarreal's adventure continues. Lets hope the Reds are drawn with one of these two teams!
Juventus at Werder Bremen: Another first. This is the first meeting ever between the two clubs. Juventus is doing alright as they usually do, while Bremen look forward to joining the UEFA Cup. Look for a Juve win.
Intermilan at Ajax: This is the 4th meeting between the two clubs, with Inter winning twice and losing once. Their first meeting came in the European Cup final in 1972, when a Cruyff brace awarded the Dutch-side the Cup. Overall, Ajax scored 3 and Inter 3. Intermilan's numerous aquistions in the off-season did not help them in Serie A. Their big-name players only helped them become a regular team. Look for the Dutch side to win and advance!
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Bayern Munich v AC Milan | | |
| Benfica v Liverpool | | |
| PSV Eindhoven v Lyon |
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| Real Madrid v Arsenal |
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| Chelsea v Barcelona | | |
| Rangers v Villarreal |
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| Werder Bremen v Juventus |
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| Ajax v Intermilan |
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Monday, February 20, 2006
English Premier League- Week 26
After 25 weeks of the 2005-2006 EPL season, the EPLPI stands at 124 correct and 192 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. This week will featue midweek games, as teams look to take care of their postponed games. Chelsea will look forward to marching towards its second EPL title in a row. Here is the schedule, and predictions. An update will be posted once all the games are concluded.
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Arsenal v Bolton | 1-1 | |
| Aston Villa v Newcastle | | |
| Everton v Blackburn | | |
| Fulham v West Brom | | |
| Middlesbro' v Chelsea | | |
| Portsmouth v Man Utd | | |
| Wigan Athletic v Liverpool | | |
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| Man City v Charlton | | |
| Sunderland v Tottenham | | |
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| West Ham v Birmingham | | |
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| Liverpool v Arsenal | | 1-0 |
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| Blackburn v Sunderland | | 2-0 |
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| Tottenham v Wigan Athletic | | |
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| Newcastle v Charlton | | 0-0 |
Sunday, February 05, 2006
English Premier League- Week 25
Due to technical difficulties, PLAY BALL!!! was not able to post this week's predictions before the start of matches. Following is the post.
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Birmingham v Arsenal | 1-1 | |
| Bolton v Wigan Athletic | 2-1 | |
| Man Utd v Fulham | 2-0 | |
| Middlesbro' v Aston Villa | 0-0 | |
| Newcastle v Portsmouth | 0-0 | |
| West Brom v Blackburn | 0-1 | |
| West Ham v Sunderland | 2-1 | |
| Everton v Man. City | 2-0 | |
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| Chelsea v Liverpool | 0-1 | |
| Tottenham v Charlton | 1-1 | |
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| Charlton v Liverpool | 1-3 | |
Thursday, February 02, 2006
EPL Predictions Update- Week 24
After the conclusion of Week 24 in the EPL, the EPLPI stands at 121 correct and 184 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. The EPL Best XI for Week 24 is as following:
Schwarzer (MID)
Bocanegra (FUL) Parnaby (MID) Distin (MAC)
Reo-Coker (WHU) Pires (ARS) Riera (MAC) Robben (CHE)
Bentley (BLA) Van Nistelrooy (MAN) Hasselbaink (MID)
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
English Premier League- Week 24
Chelsea: After a draw at Charlton, and another in the FA Cup against Everton, it will be interesting to see how the Blues bounce back at Villa. It will not be as simple as it sounds, as Villa have the manpower to spring an upset. However, expect the Blues to regain their momentum towards the EPL title.
Liverpool: After squandering a golden opportunity to grab the #2 spot in the EPL from United, the Reds look to resume their march towards that target. After beating Portsmouth in the FA Cup, it looks like a struggling Birmingham will not be a problem especially with the return of Anfield cult hero Fowler. His return could be a turning point in the Red's season.
Manchester United: Blackburn have long been known to own the Red Devils. This should be an interesting clash that will witness a ton of cards.
The Rest: Nothing interesting really except for the 'Citeh game and the Wigan-Everton clash. Do not feel down if you miss any of these games.
| Match (Home Team 1st) | Predictions | Actual |
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| Charlton Athletic v |
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| Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur |
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| Aston Villa v |
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| Arsenal v West Ham United |
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| Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United |
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