Friday, April 28, 2006
EPL & Champions League Update
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Champions League: After two scoreless matches, Arsenal and Barcelona have struck a date for the top-prize, the Champions League Cup. Both predictions were incorrect, yielding a CLPI of 93 correct and 82 incorrect predictions since February 22, 2005.
The team of the Semi-finals 2nd leg for the Champions League is as following:
Formation of the week: 4-4-2
Lehmann (ARS)
Van Bronckhorst (BAR) Puyol (BAR) Toure (ARS) Stam (MIL)
Iniesta (BAR) Josico (VIL) Serginho (MIL) Giuly (BAR)
Henry (ARS) Inzaghi (MIL)
Lehmann (ARS)
Van Bronckhorst (BAR) Puyol (BAR) Toure (ARS) Stam (MIL)
Iniesta (BAR) Josico (VIL) Serginho (MIL) Giuly (BAR)
Henry (ARS) Inzaghi (MIL)
English Premier League: Liverpool and West Ham met in a preview of the FA Cup final. Chelsea and Man Utd were off, getting ready for their meaningless match this weekend. Mathematically Man Utd can still win the EPL if they win-out and Chelsea loses its remaining game. However, Man Utd have to overcome a 12 goal differential, which is very very unlikely. Congrats to Chelsea. Week 35/36 yielded a 3-5 record, including 2 scores on-target, taking the EPLPI to 176 correct and 240 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005.
The team of the week for the EPL is as following:
Formation of the week: 3-4-3
James (MAC)
M. Taylor (POR) Z. Knight (FUL) S. Distin (MAC)
S. Malbranque (FUL) T. Miller (SUN) N. Solano (NUF) J. Bullard (WIG)
Davies (BOL) Cisse (LIV)
James (MAC)
M. Taylor (POR) Z. Knight (FUL) S. Distin (MAC)
S. Malbranque (FUL) T. Miller (SUN) N. Solano (NUF) J. Bullard (WIG)
Davies (BOL) Cisse (LIV)
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Champions League Semi-Finals 2nd Leg
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
It is time to announce the finalists for this year's Champions League final. Who will be the best in Europe, and arguably the World? With 1-0 advantages going into the 2nd leg, can Arsenal and Barcelona withstand 90 minutes, and reach the ultimate stage? 48 stand between us and the answers to these questions. Following is a brief preview, and predictions.
AC Milan at Barcelona: Milan dominated play for the opening 25 minutes at the San Siro, however, after hitting the post, and missing a couple of chances, it was inevitable that it was going to be a bad night for Milan. Now the Italians need a champions-like performance in Spain to reach the final. Scoring will not be a problem for Milan but keeping a clean sheet will be. Ronaldinho will not be an easy foe, as he will be out to prove that his side is the best in the world.
Arsenal at Villarreal: Will the Liverpool-like run continue for Arsenal? It is highly unlikely. In the 1st leg, Villarreal seemed to play cautiously to set things up for the second leg. Playing at home has always been a strength for Villarreal, and with Arsenal's defence taking another knock, it seems inevitable that they will make their exit. However, this should be an entertaining match.
| Predicted | Actual | |
| Villarreal v Arsenal | 3-0 | 0-0 |
| | ||
| AC Milan v Barcelona | 2-0 | 0-0 |
English Premier League Predictions- Week 35/36
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
With the EPL title firmly in the grasp of money-bags Chelsea, there are few meaningful games left to play. Birmingham, Portsmouth and West Bromwich are all fighting for survival. This week will probably not seperate the competitors, but it will sure help them position themselves. The London derby is anothe rimportant match, where the winner could secure Champions League football, along with millions of Euro. Lets hope the Gunners win 4th and not emulate the Reds like last season! Following is a brief preview focused on the struggle to survive, followed by predictions as usual.
Liverpool at West Ham: Liverpool have nothing to lose. Win or lose 3rd place is theirs to take. However, West Ham can help their European chances with all three points, as the difference between 10th and 6th is 5 points with 3 games left! However, it doesn't look likely that this will happen. The teams met 110 times, with the Reds winning 56, drawing 32, and losing 22. The last win for West Ham was in 1999 with a score of 1-0. Nothing interesting here really. Liverpool are likely to field a weakened squad regardless of what happens in the FA Cup.
Fantasy Tip: I'd stay away from Stevie and Alonso since it is unlikely they will start. From West Ham, Yossi and Harewood are interesting, along with Konchesky.
Tottenham at Arsenal: The battle of London. The real one, not one involving a blue team who bought its way to the EPL title! To begin with, these teams know each other very well with 150 games played between them! Arsenal won 63, drew 38, and lost 49. Last Spurs win at Highbury was back in 1993 with a score of 3-1 thanks to a brace from Hendry! Arsenal have dominated the Spurs at Highbury. In the Premier LEague era, Spurs won only once at Highbury. However, this game is different as the stakes couldn't be any higher! A chance to qualify for next season's Champions League along with millions of Euro! Add to that the fact that Henry could leave if there is no Champions League football next year at Highbury, or Emirates Stadium! This will be a classic! Lots of goals! Lots of controversy!
Fantasy Tip: Henry is a doubt! Unless you are a gambles, I would stay away from him. However, Adebayor is very likely to start up front, and has been in great form as of late. On the Spurs side, they are lucky if they can field 11 players! Jenas and King are definitely out, while Mido, Davids, and Gardner are doubtful. The only sure bet is Robbie Keane. With his great form recently, and his talk about this being the most important game of his career, expect him to do nothing at all. Maybe a goal that doesn't make a difference.
The Relegation Zone: Portsmouth are in best shape as they will host 3-point freebie Sunderland! Birmingham are away to a boring Everton side, while West Brom play at Owen-ful Newcastle. These three games will be vital in shaping up the bottom-end of the table! Look for Pompey to improve its chances, and Birmingham and West Brom to be outside looking in. This will go down to the wire!
Fantasy Tip: This is where fantasy heaven lies! Every player on these battling squads will show up with his boots and ready to play. However, if you choose the right personnel, you could find yourself on top of the world by Saturday night. Almost everybody on the Pompey squad is worth a chance led by the doubtful Lua Lua. My gut feeling says he will play and rip up the Sunderland backline. Birmingham's Pennant is a great risk. He could either come up big, or completely flunk. Yet another risky call you have to make. However, Heskey should give the Everton defenders a tough battle, similar to Crouch a few weeks ago. With the right elements, Heskey could come up big. As in two-goals big!Finally, West Brom's Zoltan Gera is a mad man! He nearly single-handedly beat Liverpool a while back! A very interesting fantasy player!
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Arsenal v Tottenham | | |
| Bolton v Charlton | | |
| Everton v Birmingham | | |
| Newcastle v West Brom | | |
| Portsmouth v Sunderland | | |
| | | |
| Fulham v Wigan Athletic | | |
| | | |
| Aston Villa v Man City | | |
| | | |
| West Ham v Liverpool | | |
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
EPL & Champions League Update
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Champions League: The semi-finals reflected a cautious approach, as expected. Only two goals were scored, leaving everything on the table for the 2nd leg. Barca came out best with a 1-0 win in Italy, while Arsenal continue emulating the Reds with yet another 1-0 win. With a 1-1 record, including one score on target, the CLPI goes to 93 correct and 80 incorrect predictions since February 22, 2005.
The team of the Semi-finals 1st leg for the Champions League is as following:
Formation of the week: 4-4-2
Valdes (BAR)
Edmilson (BAR) Marquez (BAR) Eboue (ARS) Stam (MIL)
Ronaldinho (BAR) Gattuso (MIL) Giuly (BAR) Hleb (ARS)
Henry (ARS) Eto'o (BAR)
English Premier League: After a two-game week, the EPL has been delivered to Chelsea. Even if they lose all three games left, their superior goal record will give them the crown for a second-successive year. The only unrealistic scenario where Chelsea don't win the title is with them losing their three games, and United winning all three and making up a 12-goal difference. With a side that couldn't beat relegated Sunderland at home, that scenario is unlikely. Congratulations to Chelsea. However, the race for relegation is heating up, and will go down to the final whistle of the season. Following week 34 and an 8-10 record including two on-target scores, the EPLPI goes to 173 correct and 235 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005.
The team of the week for the EPL is as following:
Valdes (BAR)
Edmilson (BAR) Marquez (BAR) Eboue (ARS) Stam (MIL)
Ronaldinho (BAR) Gattuso (MIL) Giuly (BAR) Hleb (ARS)
Henry (ARS) Eto'o (BAR)
English Premier League: After a two-game week, the EPL has been delivered to Chelsea. Even if they lose all three games left, their superior goal record will give them the crown for a second-successive year. The only unrealistic scenario where Chelsea don't win the title is with them losing their three games, and United winning all three and making up a 12-goal difference. With a side that couldn't beat relegated Sunderland at home, that scenario is unlikely. Congratulations to Chelsea. However, the race for relegation is heating up, and will go down to the final whistle of the season. Following week 34 and an 8-10 record including two on-target scores, the EPLPI goes to 173 correct and 235 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005.
The team of the week for the EPL is as following:
Formation of the week: 4-4-2
James (MAC)
Collins (WHU) Spector (CHA) Gallas (CHE) Clement (WBA)
Carrick (TOT) D'Alessandro (POR) Park (MAN) Johansson (WIG)
Lua Lua (POR) Rooney (MAN)
James (MAC)
Collins (WHU) Spector (CHA) Gallas (CHE) Clement (WBA)
Carrick (TOT) D'Alessandro (POR) Park (MAN) Johansson (WIG)
Lua Lua (POR) Rooney (MAN)
Champions League Semi-Finals 1st Leg
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
| | Predicted | Actual |
| AC Milan v Barcelona | | |
| | | |
| Arsenal v Villarreal | | |
English Premier League Predictions- Week 34
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Due to technical difficulties, there will be no preview this week. Following is the schedule, and predictions. After week 33 and a 5-5 record including 2 on-target correct scores, the EPLPI stands at 170 correct and 230 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005.
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Man Utd v Sunderland | 2-1 | |
| | | |
| Arsenal v West Brom | 2-0 | |
| Blackburn v Liverpool | 1-1 | |
| Bolton v Chelsea | 1-0 | |
| Everton v Tottenham | 1-1 | |
| Fulham v Charlton | 2-1 | |
| Newcastle v Wigan Athletic | 2-2 | |
| Portsmouth v Middlesbrough | 0-0 | |
| West Ham v Man City | | |
| | | |
| Aston Villa v Birmingham | 1-2 | |
| | | |
| Charlton v Portsmouth | 2-1 | |
| Chelsea v Everton | 1-1 | |
| Man City v Arsenal | 2-0 | |
| Middlesbrough v West Ham | 1-0 | |
| Sunderland v Newcastle | 0-2 | |
| Tottenham v Man Utd | 2-3 | |
| West Brom v Bolton | 1-1 | |
| | | |
| Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa | 2-0 | |
| | | |
| Birmingham v Blackburn | 1-1 | |
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
English Premier League Predictions- Week 33
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Are Man Utd for real? Will they be able to close the gap on Chelsea, and breathe down the "special one's" neck? This week is pivotal for Man Utd, as they host the high-flying Gunners. Chelsea will not have an easy task taking care of West Ham! If Chelsea win the EPL this season, it is because Man Utd's loss this week. Here is a preview, followed by predictions.
West Ham at Chelsea: In 47 meetings at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea won 22, drew 9, and lost 16! West Ham are fully capable of beating Chelsea, especially against a shaky Chelsea side depending more on media performance rather than the football! Chelsea will be looking to prove the critics wrong with a stellar performance here today. However, fate could be planning something!
Fantasy Tip: Dean Ashton could have a superb game here. I prefer to stay away from Chelsea players for now. They have not been producing much lately.
Bolton at Liverpool: In 58 meetings at Anfield, the Reds won 31, drew 17, and yes unfortunately, lost 10. However, none of the losses were in the Premiership era. What should we expect here? Well, Liverpool have won 4 straight, while Bolton have lost 3 straight. Both teams are playing for Europe. However, Liverpool obviously realize that 2nd place is not a reality anymore. Therefore, this is a contest for Benitez to test his men, especially upfront, and decide on who to keep, and who to trade to Tottenham!
Fantasy Tip: Fowler will start and could have abig game especially after the media exposure of his contract situation. Morientes could also be a surprise in this match.
Arsenal at Man Utd: This will be the 100th meetings between the two clubs at Old Trafford. In the previous 99 games, Utd won 55, drew 28, and lost 16. With Arsenal looking to seal 4th place and brush off Tottenham, and Utd feeling a slim chance growing towards winning the EPL, this will be a great match! Expect lots of cautions and yellow cards. This will not be a simple game to be forgotten. It could deliver the EPL to Chelsea in case of a Utd loss, or make things interesting at the top.
Fantasy Tip: Personally, I'd stay away from both teams. This will by no means be an open-play style of match. It will be more like a boxing match. However, Henry and Rooney are always fine choices to star. Fabregas, Eboue, Adebayor, and Saha are options to be looked at.
The rest: The battle for survival is heating up at warp speed. It will be interesting to see if Birmingham's resurrection continues at Wigan, although it is very doubtful it will! West Brom could help its case by getting three points from Villa. It will get even more complicated at the bottom after the results of this week. Happy viewing!
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Charlton v Everton | 1-1 | |
| Portsmouth v Blackburn | 0-3 | |
| Sunderland v Fulham | 1-2 | |
| Tottenham v Man City | 2-2 | |
| Wigan Athletic v Birmingham | 2-1 | |
| | | |
| Middlesbrough v Newcastle | 1-1 | |
| Aston Villa v West Brom | 0-0 | |
| Liverpool v Bolton | 3-0 | |
| Chelsea v West Ham | 0-1 | |
| Man Utd v Arsenal | 1-0 | |
| | | |
| Portsmouth v Arsenal | 1-1 | |
Friday, April 07, 2006
EPL & Champions League Predictions Update
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Due to technical difficulties, the update for the EPL and Champions League will be combined. After Week 32 and a 4-7 record, the EPLPI went to 165 correct and 225 incorrect predictions since March 19, 2005. The CLPI, with a record of 3-1, went to 92 correct and 79 incorrect predictions since February 22, 2005.
The team of the week for the EPL is as following:
Formation of the week: 3-4-3
Reina (LIV)
Delap (SUN) Tebily (BRM) Chimbonda (WIG)
Bowyer (NUF) Cattermole (MID) O'Neil (POR) Osman (EVE)
Adebayor (ARS) Lua Lua (POR) Cisse (LIV)
Reina (LIV)
Delap (SUN) Tebily (BRM) Chimbonda (WIG)
Bowyer (NUF) Cattermole (MID) O'Neil (POR) Osman (EVE)
Adebayor (ARS) Lua Lua (POR) Cisse (LIV)
The team of the Quarter-finals 2nd leg for the Champions League is as following:
Formation of the week: 5-3-2
Moretto (BEN)
Arruabarrena (VIL) Belletti (BAR) Pena (VIL) Javi Venta (VIL) Eboue (ARS)
Diarra (LYN) Riquelme (VIL) Ronaldinho (BAR)
Inzaghi (MIL) Schevchenko (MIL)
Moretto (BEN)
Arruabarrena (VIL) Belletti (BAR) Pena (VIL) Javi Venta (VIL) Eboue (ARS)
Diarra (LYN) Riquelme (VIL) Ronaldinho (BAR)
Inzaghi (MIL) Schevchenko (MIL)
Champions League Quarter-Finals- 2nd Leg
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Its time to shorten the field yet again. Who will survive? Who will go home? The next 48 hours shall provide answers. Here are the predictions. Check back frequently for updates.
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Intermilan v Villarreal | | |
| Lyon v AC Milan | | |
| | | |
| Benfica v Barcelona | | |
| Arsenal v Juventus | | |
The CLPI goes to 92 correct and 79 incorrect predictions since February 22, 2005
English Premier League Predictions- Week 32
You Will Never Walk Alone 2005
Arsenal continued its European incursion as Chelsea seems to be cruising at home. SEEMS is the keyword! Does anyone have a feeling that the "special one's" words just MIGHT come back to bite him in the behind? Well, the lead at the top is down to 9 with 7 games left. Four of Chelsea's 7 games are away, to Birmingham, Bolton, Blackburn, and Newcastle respectively. On the other hand, Man Utd's 7 games will see 3 away trips, including Bolton, Tottenham, and finally Chelsea. So basically here is the theory: Chelsea can waste 6 points and still be champions. Otherwise, Man Utd could steal this thing. Yes I am actually saying this! Welcome to the EPL!
Chelsea at Birmingham: In 86 meetings, Chelsea won 39, drew 23, and lost 24. Birmingham have not beaten Chelsea since 1980. However, with the club going through a rough patch, expect some of the lads to step up and show what they're made of. Alright it's hard enough facing Chelsea but it can be done. Ask the 'boro boys. I see a draw!
Fantasy Tip: Drogba, Crespo, Joe Cole, and probably Lamps. On the other side, I like Pennant.
Liverpool at West Brom: In their 130 meeting, Liverpool won 58, drew 38, and lost 34! West Brom have not scored against Liverpool since 1986 in a losing effort! The last 10 games of this fixture saw Liverpool score 30 goals and concede only two! This is a no-brainer. Engouh said already. Goodluck in the Championship next season!
Fantasy tip: Crouch Crouch Crouch. Stevie is out so beware.
Man Utd at Bolton: 108 meetings saw Utd win 43, draw 24, and lose 41. Last time Bolton beat Utd at home was in 1978! With United is great form recently, and Bolton lost in mid-table, I think a tie is in-play.
Fantasy Tip: Giggsy, Rooney, and possibly Saha. Nobody from Bolton is attractive. Maybe Stelios and Nolan if you have to!
Aston Villa at Arsenal: Well-aquainted opponents we have here! In 170 meetings, Arsenal won 67, drew 40, and lost 63. Will Arsenal's European form translate to the EPL? Possibly. Three goals this game easy.
Fantasy Tip: Fabregas and Henry are gold. Eboue is good too. Stay away from Villa!
| | Predicted | Actual |
| Arsenal v Aston Villa | | |
| Birmingham v Chelsea | | |
| Bolton v Man Utd | | |
| Everton v Sunderland | | |
| Fulham v Portsmouth | | |
| Newcastle v Tottenham | | |
| West Brom v Liverpool | | |
| | | |
| Man City v Middlesbrough | | |
| West Ham v Charlton | | |
| | | |
| Blackburn v Wigan Athletic | | |
| | | |
| Birmingham v Bolton | | |
