My Thoughts
Two teams here with ambitions of a top 4 finish, both with 1 point on the board thus far. While Liverpool were denied all 3 points on the opening weekend only by a rare late blunder by goalkeeper Pepe Reina, City never looked like getting 3 points at Spurs due to a complete lack of creativity and incision in the middle of the park. For Liverpool, Fernando Torres has been working his way back to full fitness following the World Cup, and could be ready to start with Joe Cole, who hasn't had the best of weeks, unavailable, although Woy Hodgson may well have Thursday's UEFA Cup tie away to Trabzonspor in mind when naming his team. City could hand home and full debuts respectively to Mario Balotelli and James Milner- they certainly need a more creative influence in central midfield, something the introduction of Milner could provide either as a direct replacement for perhaps Nigel de Jong or Gareth Barry, or wide left to allow David Silva to occupy a more central position
The Verdict
As aforementioned, both teams have aspirations of a top 4 finish and therefore would love all 3 points. However, a defeat for either would leave them 5 points off the top of the league, which even at this early stage of the season would leave them playing catch-up. Both managers are also likely to have one eye on UEFA Cup games on Thursday night. Draw
The Bet
The draw can be backed outright at a general 9/4. It's likely to be a cagey affair, so also consider under 2.5 goals at a best price of 4/6 with Boylesports. Also, with Fernando Torres still finding his form and fitness, Liverpool's best hope a goal with Joe Cole suspended could well be Steven Gerrard (who may or may not have obtained a superinjunction to prevent the reporting his alleged impregnation of a 15-year-old girl). He can be backed to score (as he may or may not have done in the aforementioned alleged incident) anytime at a best price of 7/2 with Paddy Power
Showing posts with label Manchester City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manchester City. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Shifty's Season Review Part 3
Fulham
What I Said: Mid-table obscurity, 1 or 2 more reinforcements may be required in order to compete in the Premier League and Europa League- Bobby Zamora hast to improve on last season's tally of 2 league goals
What Actually Happened: 12th counts as mid-table obscurity I guess. They didn't half compete in the Europa League, though, making it all the way to the final. Zamora's improvement brought him to the verges of the England squad
Hull City
What I Said: They will need to start in a similar manner to last season if they are to survive- it will be fascinating to see how US striker Jozy Altidore adapts to the Premier League. Phil Brown will need to demonstrate all his managerial skills in order to keep the Tigers roaring in the Premier League
What Actually Happened: Went down not roaring, but with something of a whimper. Brown "relieved of his duties" in February, replaced by Elephant Man Iain Dowie. How did Altidore get on? 1 league goal, 1 red card
Liverpool
What I Said: There is an over-riding feeling that last season was their best chance to win the league in many years. And they blew it. Now with Xabi Alonso departed, and doubts over the strength in depth in attack, if injuries affect Torres and Gerrard, they could lose touch with the lead
What Actually Happened: 7th place is most definitely out of touch with the lead. By all accounts, a dreadful season for the bin dippers. A revamp of the squad appears necessary, regardless of who the manager is come August
Manchester City
What I Said: They have spent money as if it is going out of fashion, although their bid for the Death Star looks likely to fail. If Mark Hughes can get his team set up the way he wants, then anywhere from 7th upwards should be considered a success
What Actually Happened: Finished 5th. Lost 3 derbies in injury time. Hughes got the sack just before Christmas, for falling short of the club's stated projected points tally of 70. Lost 3 derbies in injury time. Brought in Roberto Mancini, who seemed awfully keen on playing 3 defensive midfielders. Lost 3 derbies in injury time. Ended the season on 67 points. Did I mention that they lost 3 derbies in injury time?
What I Said: Mid-table obscurity, 1 or 2 more reinforcements may be required in order to compete in the Premier League and Europa League- Bobby Zamora hast to improve on last season's tally of 2 league goals
What Actually Happened: 12th counts as mid-table obscurity I guess. They didn't half compete in the Europa League, though, making it all the way to the final. Zamora's improvement brought him to the verges of the England squad
Hull City
What I Said: They will need to start in a similar manner to last season if they are to survive- it will be fascinating to see how US striker Jozy Altidore adapts to the Premier League. Phil Brown will need to demonstrate all his managerial skills in order to keep the Tigers roaring in the Premier League
What Actually Happened: Went down not roaring, but with something of a whimper. Brown "relieved of his duties" in February, replaced by Elephant Man Iain Dowie. How did Altidore get on? 1 league goal, 1 red card
Liverpool
What I Said: There is an over-riding feeling that last season was their best chance to win the league in many years. And they blew it. Now with Xabi Alonso departed, and doubts over the strength in depth in attack, if injuries affect Torres and Gerrard, they could lose touch with the lead
What Actually Happened: 7th place is most definitely out of touch with the lead. By all accounts, a dreadful season for the bin dippers. A revamp of the squad appears necessary, regardless of who the manager is come August
Manchester City
What I Said: They have spent money as if it is going out of fashion, although their bid for the Death Star looks likely to fail. If Mark Hughes can get his team set up the way he wants, then anywhere from 7th upwards should be considered a success
What Actually Happened: Finished 5th. Lost 3 derbies in injury time. Hughes got the sack just before Christmas, for falling short of the club's stated projected points tally of 70. Lost 3 derbies in injury time. Brought in Roberto Mancini, who seemed awfully keen on playing 3 defensive midfielders. Lost 3 derbies in injury time. Ended the season on 67 points. Did I mention that they lost 3 derbies in injury time?
Friday, 20 November 2009
Will there be any controversial handballs this weekend? It's a Given
Here's this week's edition of Graeme's Silly Bet:
The 1987 Crystal Light National Aerobic Champioship Team Competition: The San Francisco Bay Club
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeMJOPlK-0E
After the midweek excitement of the play-offs which had it all, handball controversy, Shay Given going mental and Russia getting bundled out, it's back to normal league action this weekend.
Post-international games tend to throw up problems for the more multi-cultured clubs. For example, how are Arsenal going to cope without placenta-drench Robin van Persie leading the line for a few weeks. You could say his ankle is a big bloody mess. Arsenal cannot be happy with Giorgio Chiellini's ligament busting challenge.
This weekend has thrown up some interesting match-ups, onwards with the bets:
Sunderland v Arsenal
Steve Bruce will continue to highlight his growing reputation in management circles with a stonking 2-0 victory over what, some believe, will be his future club
Sunderland to win 5/1 @ Paddy Power
Liverpool v Man City
AT the beginning of the season there were a few mentals who thought that this would be a top of the table clash. Instead, Hughes and Benitez have managed to make some crazy signing decisions to determine the contrary. This Saturday's 4th spot decider looks set to see Aquilani make his first start in the league for his new club with Johnson and Gerrard on the bench, therefore I think City will lose this late in the game by 2 goals to 1
Liverpool to win 2-1, 13/2 @ William Hill
Dundee v ICT
I hate Caley, Sean Higgins FTW!
Sean Higgins 1st goalscorer, no odds up yet
On a side note, check out this comic blog drawn by two guys from Alness with nothing better to do with their time
http://www.drawnbydrunks.co.uk
The 1987 Crystal Light National Aerobic Champioship Team Competition: The San Francisco Bay Club
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeMJOPlK-0E
After the midweek excitement of the play-offs which had it all, handball controversy, Shay Given going mental and Russia getting bundled out, it's back to normal league action this weekend.
Post-international games tend to throw up problems for the more multi-cultured clubs. For example, how are Arsenal going to cope without placenta-drench Robin van Persie leading the line for a few weeks. You could say his ankle is a big bloody mess. Arsenal cannot be happy with Giorgio Chiellini's ligament busting challenge.
This weekend has thrown up some interesting match-ups, onwards with the bets:
Sunderland v Arsenal
Steve Bruce will continue to highlight his growing reputation in management circles with a stonking 2-0 victory over what, some believe, will be his future club
Sunderland to win 5/1 @ Paddy Power
Liverpool v Man City
AT the beginning of the season there were a few mentals who thought that this would be a top of the table clash. Instead, Hughes and Benitez have managed to make some crazy signing decisions to determine the contrary. This Saturday's 4th spot decider looks set to see Aquilani make his first start in the league for his new club with Johnson and Gerrard on the bench, therefore I think City will lose this late in the game by 2 goals to 1
Liverpool to win 2-1, 13/2 @ William Hill
Dundee v ICT
I hate Caley, Sean Higgins FTW!
Sean Higgins 1st goalscorer, no odds up yet
On a side note, check out this comic blog drawn by two guys from Alness with nothing better to do with their time
http://www.drawnbydrunks.co.uk
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Shifty's Season Preview I think I'm on Part 6 now
man citeh al-magoo
The Citizens (that's their official nickname, and the only one publishable on this site) have spent money as if it was going out of fashion (and, let's face it: it kind of is) this summer; securing the signatures of Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Toure, Santa Cruz and others beside, although they have been frustrated in their efforts to sign Joleon Lescott, and their bid for the Death Star looks likely to fail. Add these new signings to last season's acquisitions, and the Bitters look like they have a squad as strong as any in the league. However, it remains to be seen how quickly they can settle down into a coherent system, and how long it will take the players to learn each other's names. Mark Hughes also faces a tough task keeping all of his strikers happy (this writer is assuming that citeh are not going to line up for their opening game at Blackburn in a 1-2-7 formation).
Verdict: If Hughes gets the time to set his team up the way he wants, and can keep all his players happy, then anywhere from 7th upwards this season should be considered a success, with foundations being laid for a top 4 challenge in future seasons.
The Citizens (that's their official nickname, and the only one publishable on this site) have spent money as if it was going out of fashion (and, let's face it: it kind of is) this summer; securing the signatures of Barry, Tevez, Adebayor, Toure, Santa Cruz and others beside, although they have been frustrated in their efforts to sign Joleon Lescott, and their bid for the Death Star looks likely to fail. Add these new signings to last season's acquisitions, and the Bitters look like they have a squad as strong as any in the league. However, it remains to be seen how quickly they can settle down into a coherent system, and how long it will take the players to learn each other's names. Mark Hughes also faces a tough task keeping all of his strikers happy (this writer is assuming that citeh are not going to line up for their opening game at Blackburn in a 1-2-7 formation).
Verdict: If Hughes gets the time to set his team up the way he wants, and can keep all his players happy, then anywhere from 7th upwards this season should be considered a success, with foundations being laid for a top 4 challenge in future seasons.
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Everton v Manchester City, Saturday 25th April
My Thoughts
David Moyes has once again done an excellent job this season with Everton: FA Cup finalists, firmly established in the top 6, and responsible for one of the signings of the season in Marouane Fellaini (how he wasn't on the shortlist for Young Player of the Year I'm not sure. The only possible reason I can think of is folk not realising he's only 21. I'm going to avoid going into a rant about Aaron Lennon and get back to previewing the game at hand). Mark Hughes, on t'other hand, has faced different pressures to those faced by Moyes, but has done an equally impressive job, with the team's expensive individuals beginning to show signs of forming a cohesive unit, although they are still woefully inconsistent. Their home form is strong (11-0-6), but their away form this season has been a real let-down (1-5-10), which has led to question marks being raised on the contribution away from home of the likes of Robinho. Everton have not lost in their last 8 at Goodison Park, winning their last 4, with City winless in their last 14 Premier League away games. These stats would tend to point to a home win, however Everton looked very tired towards the end of their 0-0 draw (itself a very respectable result, sure to provide a confidence boost ahead of the FA Cup Final), and with this match coming just 3 days after, David Moyes may well be inclined to freshen his side up. However, Everton's squad is one of the smallest in the league, and with Jo and Lars Jacobsen both going off injured against Chelsea, that squad may be stretched even further.
The Verdict
Both these sides will have one eye on 7th placed West Ham. City can still conceivably catch the Hammers and claim Europa League football for next season, while Everton's 8 point lead over Gianfranco Zola's side should be enough to keep them in the top 6. With Everton no doubt having thoughts about the FA Cup final, City may well have a chance to break their awful run away from home this season and claim a result here. Draw
The Bet
Back the draw (best price 5/2 general). Or, for a little bit of extra interest, Robinho, who looks to be rediscovering his form, having found the net against West Brom last week, can be backed at 11/4 with Paddy Power to score anytime. Avoid backing any Everton goalscorers until the team sheets are published, due to the possibility of David Moyes making changes
David Moyes has once again done an excellent job this season with Everton: FA Cup finalists, firmly established in the top 6, and responsible for one of the signings of the season in Marouane Fellaini (how he wasn't on the shortlist for Young Player of the Year I'm not sure. The only possible reason I can think of is folk not realising he's only 21. I'm going to avoid going into a rant about Aaron Lennon and get back to previewing the game at hand). Mark Hughes, on t'other hand, has faced different pressures to those faced by Moyes, but has done an equally impressive job, with the team's expensive individuals beginning to show signs of forming a cohesive unit, although they are still woefully inconsistent. Their home form is strong (11-0-6), but their away form this season has been a real let-down (1-5-10), which has led to question marks being raised on the contribution away from home of the likes of Robinho. Everton have not lost in their last 8 at Goodison Park, winning their last 4, with City winless in their last 14 Premier League away games. These stats would tend to point to a home win, however Everton looked very tired towards the end of their 0-0 draw (itself a very respectable result, sure to provide a confidence boost ahead of the FA Cup Final), and with this match coming just 3 days after, David Moyes may well be inclined to freshen his side up. However, Everton's squad is one of the smallest in the league, and with Jo and Lars Jacobsen both going off injured against Chelsea, that squad may be stretched even further.
The Verdict
Both these sides will have one eye on 7th placed West Ham. City can still conceivably catch the Hammers and claim Europa League football for next season, while Everton's 8 point lead over Gianfranco Zola's side should be enough to keep them in the top 6. With Everton no doubt having thoughts about the FA Cup final, City may well have a chance to break their awful run away from home this season and claim a result here. Draw
The Bet
Back the draw (best price 5/2 general). Or, for a little bit of extra interest, Robinho, who looks to be rediscovering his form, having found the net against West Brom last week, can be backed at 11/4 with Paddy Power to score anytime. Avoid backing any Everton goalscorers until the team sheets are published, due to the possibility of David Moyes making changes
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