Sorry it has been so long since my last post, it's been a hectic week at my real job! I hope you enjoyed my Premier League Previews so I'm now going to cast my glance towards the N-Power Championship. This will consist of smaller write-ups on the teams as naturally there is not quite the same big names and interest as there is on the Premier League.
Barnsley
Chances:
Barnsley have been perennial strugglers at this level and have been in and around the relegation places for the past few seasons. With Simon Davey now having left for pastures new I see a season of struggle, with a distinct possibility of the drop this time. Currently only 14 players on the books with a week until kick-off looks like a recipe for disaster to me.
Key Man:
Iain Hume; Having recovered from having his skull caved in by 'footballer' Chris Morgan Hume will be key to the Tykes chances. They have never been prolific scorers and most of the responsibility for goals will fall on Hume. Whether he lives up to this will go a long way to deciding their fate.
Bristol City
Chances:
Bristol have traditionally hovered around the play-off places only to fall away and miss out. This season though, I think they could bridge the gap and make a promotion push in what looks to me like a wide-open league. In David James, Lewin Nyatanga, Marvin Elliot and Nicky Maynard they look to have a very strong spine.
Key Man:
Nicky Maynard; Teams in this division tend to do well if they have a man banging in the goals. With no stand out teams this year that may be even more important. Therefore it could not be a better time for Maynard to fulfil his potential and bag over 20 goals.
Burnley
Chances:
Having lost only a few players since relegation from the Premier League it will be expected that Burnley will make a push for an immediate return. Players like Clarke Carlisle and Brian Jensen are seasoned pro's at this level and should provide a solid backline. If Martin Paterson can step up now that Steven Fletcher has left an immediate return could be on the cards.
Key Man:
Clarke Carlisle; The 'brightest man in football' needs to really perform this year. Whilst he didn't disgrace himself last year, he did look out of his depth at times. Burnley's defence has traditionally tight and they will need Carlisle leading them to provide that base.
Cardiff City
Chances:
In keeping Dave Jones in the managerial hotseat Cardiff have given themselves a much improved chance at another push for promotion. A proven manager at this level Jones has shown he can get the most from a relatively tight budget. He has been greatly aided by the brilliant academy at the club which continues to churn out promising young players who seem unphased by playing first team football.
Key Man:
Peter Whittingham; The wide man was top scorer last year and holding on to him is key to Cardiff's chances this year. As well as providing an obvious goal threat, Whittingham weighs in with more than his share of assists too. With cardiff in debt he should be the last man they think of selling to balance the books.
Coventry City
Chances:
Chris 'Cookie' Coleman has now left and been replaced by Aidy Boothroyd the fans will be hoping for Boothroyd to repeat his heroics in getting Watford promoted. They might have to wait a season for this as this Coventry team lacks real quality or experience. There are some good players like Westwood in goal and Eastwood and the returning McSheffrey up front, but in general the lack of depth may hinder a push this year.
Key Man:
Kieran Westwood; With a seeming decline in the real top quality goalkeepers in the game at the moment it is a wonder Westwood hasn't been snapped up. A brilliant shot-stopper and calming presence who is still young, with the new homegrown rules coming in I am suprised a Premier League team hasn't tested Coventry's resolve with a bid. If he stays expect Coventry to finish around mid-table.
Crystal Palace
Chances:
Last season Palace did well in the face of a 10 point deduction to finish above the relegation places. George Burley has worked wonders at this level before with Ipswich and a fairly tight budget and the fans will be hoping for more of the same. Such are the financial restrictions placed on him this time that a play-off challenge will probably be beyond them.
Key Man:
Darren Ambrose; Last season Ambrose really stepped up in a more senior role. He showed potential whilst at Ipswich and in flashes following a move to Newcastle, but seemed to have fallen away. Last year though, in a more central role, he shone. He was scoring cracking goals and providing assists, Palace will need a repeat to make any sort of challenge this year.
Derby County
Chances:
I get the impression that Nigel Clough is out of his comfort zone at Derby and I don't see him lasting long if County start badly. He has been given longer than most on the back of his Dad being such a club legend, but that extended welcome is worn out. He's had time to build a team and I don't think that team is good enough. My worry is that if he leaves Robbie Savage might take the reigns!
Key Man:
Robbie Savage; Love him or hate him, I'd imagine most are the latter, Savage is a good player at this level. His experience shows every game and he provides leadership in abundance as well as deflecting attention from underperforming team-mates with his 'antics'. They will need another fine season from him this year to avoid getting into a relegation scrap.
Doncaster Rovers
Chances:
I've seen a few people tipping them as a suprise package this season and I'd go some way to agreeing with that. They play football the 'right' way so I would expect a certain amount of goodwill is earnt from this, but they did impress towards the end of last season. They again look a bit too suspect at the back for me to tip them for a promtion push, bu they should steer clear of another relegation scrap.
Key Man:
James Hayter; An uncomplicated goalscorer is what you get from Hayter. Goals go a long way in this division so if he can find the net regularly Donny could have a better season than in recent memory, maybe a cup run too? He has been injury prone in previous campaigns and will do well to stay fit this year, he'd make a good outsider for top goalscorer I think.
Hull City
Chances:
Still without a real manager with the limbo with Phil Brown contnuing Hull could really struggle if they don't find some consistency on and off the field. 2 of their better players have already left in Stephen Hunt and Boaz Myhill and they haven't really been linked with anyone improve the current squad. They should be too good to go down, but if you want a good long odds shout for relegation, they would be my tip.
Key Man:
Matt Duke; With Myhill leaving this is Duke's opportunity to cement his promise with a regular starting spot in goal. I would imagine Hull's porous defence would give him plenty of practice, especially with Mouyokolo gone, so he will need to be in top form this season.
Ipswich Town
Chances:
In short, who knows!? With Marcus Evans money behind them and Roy Keane in charge many expected a repeat of when Sunderland bought their way up under Royston. However, this nevr happened and many are beginning to question whether that Sunderland season was a fluke and whether Keane is really cut out for management. I have my suspicions. Whilst Keane's hardline approach is commendable in the face of the general twattiness of the modern player, whether it is successful is debatable. Either way, I see a parting of company by Christmas if they aren't challenging.
Key Man:
Connor Wickham; The man who has apparently been the subject of some large bids from both Arsenal and Tottenham would do well to prove he's worth it in his first full season this year. I haven't seen enough of him to make a proper judgement, but I hope he's not just all physique and no real ability, interest from Arsene Wenger would suggest otherwise.
Leeds United
Chances:
They have certainly been busy building an improved squad this summer and with the league there for the taking I can understand that. Losing Jermaine Beckford to Everton will be a blow, but they have known since Christmas he was likely to go so should have planned for that eventuality. Billy Paynter is an astute signing, he will score plenty and will provide the workrate perhaps missing from Beckford's game. Kasper Schmeicel in goal too should be able to make the step-up to this level with ease.
Key Man:
Patrick Kisnorbo; In all the assessments of why Leeds fell away after Christmas last year the most sensible view was that they missed Kisnorbo at the back. He is vastly experienced and a large presence and they will be glad to see him taking his place at the heart of the defence for the start of the season. With goals and creativity not really a problem, if Kisnorbo can make them solid at the back then they might push for a return to the Premier League this season.
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Part 4 of 4...
The last of my Premier League previews is here! I hope you've enjoyed them so far and I would be interested to hear your views on my opinions and any general feedback on the blog in general. But, let's crack on with the previews...
Tottenham Hotspurs
Now, you might have noticed from previous posts that I am not a huge fan of Harry 'Top, top, sloppy chops' Redknapp or his moron of a son. I'd like to start this off by having a little chuckle that Harry didn't get Joe Cole. Not because I think he'd have been any good, but because Redknapp obviously tought his 'ingenious' transfer methods were going to pay off and they didn't. Maybe he should have put a bit more in the brown paper bag? Having said all this, obviously Tottenham have now got a perfectly good team, as evidenced by their fourth place finish last year. So far though they have not been very active in adding to a squad that looked pretty thin to me last year. And with Man City spending big on good players that should be a worry for Spurs fans. Tottenham's strength is in their core of above average Premier League players in every position, and in Luka Modric I think they have a potentially world class one too. For all Harry's wheeling and dealing though they still don't possess a player that can set the league alight like their competitors do. If they were to get Luis Fabiano that might do it, but I think he'll end up in Italy myself. I can see an early European exit followed by a hangover in the league which lets Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester's City and United get a lead they wont overcome. I think they will return to their, perhaps rightful, position of between 5th and 8th in the league. I think they came good at the right itme last year, but I don't see that being repeated, especially not with Redknapp and his limited tactics.
West Bromwich Albion
The perennial yo-yo team return to the Premier League with the question being, can they stay up this time? Sadly I think the answer is a resounding No! Di Matteo seems a good manager at Championship level, but I think he'll struggle to make the step up with only 3 years management experience under his belt. Looking at the team he has assembled, it look like a Championship team, and there have been no additions to change that view. Graham Dorrans looked like the spark in the team last year, and I would expect him to impress, but other than that they look weak. They shipped goals last year and they will come up against considerably better strikeforces at this level. The release of Robert Koren was a strange decision, he was an experienced international player who looked able to put his foot on the ball and dictate things. Similarly Borja Valero impressed me whilst on loan in Spain last year, letting him go was an error in my opinion. I can foresee a season of struggle and they'll probably only stay off the foot of the table due to Blackpool's hopelessness.
West Ham
Under Gianfranco Zola last year West Ham were desperately poor at times. I went to the Stoke fixture at Upton Park towards the end of the season and was truly shocked by the lack of direction the team had. As nice a man and brilliant a player Zola was, a change needed to be made. I think they picked Avram Gran purely on him being flavour of the month after taking Portsmouth to the Cup Final, but he should be a solid appointment. The job he did at Chelsea is often mocked, which I've never understood. When Mourinho left he had divided the dressing room and Grant pieced it back together and led Chelsea to 2 major finals and almost to the league title. That they won nothing shouldn't overshadow the fact they were heading nowhere when he took over. He has already brought in Piquionne from Lyon and the Mexican forward Pablo Barrera. Piquionne hasn't got a great record for goals during his career, but he did impress at Pompey last year. And Barrera looked good when he played at the World Cup. Keeping Scott Parker will be key as he is the man the team looks to for inspiration and sets a brilliant workrate for the younger lads to learn from. I think a centre back is still needed to do better than lower mid-table this season, but last years relegation worries shouldn't resurface.
Wigan Athletic
A funny team Wigan! Capable of beating Chelsea, but losing by over 7 goals on 2 occasions. Roberto Martinez' management style reminds me of Kevin Keegan a bit. He seems to be good at coaching the teams attack, but the defence is rancid and lacks organisation at times. Having just signed another Scottish starlet in James McArthur it looks like they will agin be simply trying to outscore their opponents. They have also sold a first-choice centre back in Titus Bramble to Sunderland and replaced him with the unproven Antonin Alcaraz who played very little whilst on-loan at the DW Stadium last year. Dave Whelan has traditionally shown patience with his managers, but I think if they start as badly as I think they might then Martinez may be seeking alternative employment. His obvious preference for good football is no excuse for ignoring the fact that a team of their stature should be looking to have a solid backline before anything else. I see a season of struggle, and if few new signings are made then possible relegation. And with their pathetic support and annoying rent-a-quote chairman I for one wont be too sorry!
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Looking back on last season you might think Wolves had had a decent season having not really been in the relegation shake up at the very end. If you take a closer look though you will realise that this was more because of some truly wretched teams around them than through any quality of their own. They are another team that has seemed content to rest on their laurels as far as transfers go, and another I can see this approach costing. Teams like West Ham and Bolton have made good, interesting additions already, Wolves have signed Stephen Hunt! If they just stand still then inevitably teams will move ahead of them. I like Mick McCarthy when I see him, he seems like a nice, salt-of-the-earth Yorkshiremen. His record as a manager though points to him being a good Championship manager who struggles with the move up in level to the Premier League. I would have Wolves down to really struggle this year, mainly down to a lack of goals, and to be involved in a relegation fight that I think they may eventually succomb to.
Tottenham Hotspurs
Now, you might have noticed from previous posts that I am not a huge fan of Harry 'Top, top, sloppy chops' Redknapp or his moron of a son. I'd like to start this off by having a little chuckle that Harry didn't get Joe Cole. Not because I think he'd have been any good, but because Redknapp obviously tought his 'ingenious' transfer methods were going to pay off and they didn't. Maybe he should have put a bit more in the brown paper bag? Having said all this, obviously Tottenham have now got a perfectly good team, as evidenced by their fourth place finish last year. So far though they have not been very active in adding to a squad that looked pretty thin to me last year. And with Man City spending big on good players that should be a worry for Spurs fans. Tottenham's strength is in their core of above average Premier League players in every position, and in Luka Modric I think they have a potentially world class one too. For all Harry's wheeling and dealing though they still don't possess a player that can set the league alight like their competitors do. If they were to get Luis Fabiano that might do it, but I think he'll end up in Italy myself. I can see an early European exit followed by a hangover in the league which lets Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester's City and United get a lead they wont overcome. I think they will return to their, perhaps rightful, position of between 5th and 8th in the league. I think they came good at the right itme last year, but I don't see that being repeated, especially not with Redknapp and his limited tactics.
West Bromwich Albion
The perennial yo-yo team return to the Premier League with the question being, can they stay up this time? Sadly I think the answer is a resounding No! Di Matteo seems a good manager at Championship level, but I think he'll struggle to make the step up with only 3 years management experience under his belt. Looking at the team he has assembled, it look like a Championship team, and there have been no additions to change that view. Graham Dorrans looked like the spark in the team last year, and I would expect him to impress, but other than that they look weak. They shipped goals last year and they will come up against considerably better strikeforces at this level. The release of Robert Koren was a strange decision, he was an experienced international player who looked able to put his foot on the ball and dictate things. Similarly Borja Valero impressed me whilst on loan in Spain last year, letting him go was an error in my opinion. I can foresee a season of struggle and they'll probably only stay off the foot of the table due to Blackpool's hopelessness.
West Ham
Under Gianfranco Zola last year West Ham were desperately poor at times. I went to the Stoke fixture at Upton Park towards the end of the season and was truly shocked by the lack of direction the team had. As nice a man and brilliant a player Zola was, a change needed to be made. I think they picked Avram Gran purely on him being flavour of the month after taking Portsmouth to the Cup Final, but he should be a solid appointment. The job he did at Chelsea is often mocked, which I've never understood. When Mourinho left he had divided the dressing room and Grant pieced it back together and led Chelsea to 2 major finals and almost to the league title. That they won nothing shouldn't overshadow the fact they were heading nowhere when he took over. He has already brought in Piquionne from Lyon and the Mexican forward Pablo Barrera. Piquionne hasn't got a great record for goals during his career, but he did impress at Pompey last year. And Barrera looked good when he played at the World Cup. Keeping Scott Parker will be key as he is the man the team looks to for inspiration and sets a brilliant workrate for the younger lads to learn from. I think a centre back is still needed to do better than lower mid-table this season, but last years relegation worries shouldn't resurface.
Wigan Athletic
A funny team Wigan! Capable of beating Chelsea, but losing by over 7 goals on 2 occasions. Roberto Martinez' management style reminds me of Kevin Keegan a bit. He seems to be good at coaching the teams attack, but the defence is rancid and lacks organisation at times. Having just signed another Scottish starlet in James McArthur it looks like they will agin be simply trying to outscore their opponents. They have also sold a first-choice centre back in Titus Bramble to Sunderland and replaced him with the unproven Antonin Alcaraz who played very little whilst on-loan at the DW Stadium last year. Dave Whelan has traditionally shown patience with his managers, but I think if they start as badly as I think they might then Martinez may be seeking alternative employment. His obvious preference for good football is no excuse for ignoring the fact that a team of their stature should be looking to have a solid backline before anything else. I see a season of struggle, and if few new signings are made then possible relegation. And with their pathetic support and annoying rent-a-quote chairman I for one wont be too sorry!
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Looking back on last season you might think Wolves had had a decent season having not really been in the relegation shake up at the very end. If you take a closer look though you will realise that this was more because of some truly wretched teams around them than through any quality of their own. They are another team that has seemed content to rest on their laurels as far as transfers go, and another I can see this approach costing. Teams like West Ham and Bolton have made good, interesting additions already, Wolves have signed Stephen Hunt! If they just stand still then inevitably teams will move ahead of them. I like Mick McCarthy when I see him, he seems like a nice, salt-of-the-earth Yorkshiremen. His record as a manager though points to him being a good Championship manager who struggles with the move up in level to the Premier League. I would have Wolves down to really struggle this year, mainly down to a lack of goals, and to be involved in a relegation fight that I think they may eventually succomb to.
Friday, 23 July 2010
Premier League Preview Part 3...
Sorry it took a couple of days. I'm sure many of you have been unable to function without knowing my predictions, so I'll get right on with it!
Manchester City
Now I was raised by a City fan so I do have a slight bias towards the Blue half of Manchester. Having said that, I really do see them doing very well this season. They have made, in my opinion, some excellent signings already this season, and are being linked with more good, young, hungry players. I thought they were excellent in spells last season and needed a few more players of better quality to really push on. I think this even more in the absence of any significant signings at Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea so far. David Silva is a brilliant player and I think that even though he is small in stature, he isn't afraid of hard work, so has the ingredients to be a success in the Premier League. The left-back Kolarov will be a huge improvement on Bridge from what I've seen. Jerome Boateng looked very good in the World Cup for Germany at centre back, and that should solve one of their weaknesses from last season. If they get either Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli too then I think they will have a formidable first XI and good backup too. Perhaps most importantly this all reminds me of Jose Mourinho's signings at Chelsea initially. None of these players have tasted huge success and are still hungry to do so. I think they will make a challenge for the title this year and if they stick with the manager for next season too then I think they have a very bright future ahead of them.
Manchester United
The Red Devils are a strange case at the moment. They should have loads of cash available if the noises coming out of the club from both the Glazers and Alex Ferguson are to be believed. However, the only signings added to what is widely recognised as a fairly weak squad have been Chris Smalling from Fulham and Javier Hernandez from Chivas in Mexico. I'm aware Ferguson has said the market is inflated and that he has faith in his youngsters coming through. The problem is that he inflated the market with last year's Ronaldo transfer and from what I've seen the youngsters are either not good enough or not ready. There is still a good first XI at the club, but the backup is weak and some players are either ageing (Scholes, Giggs, Neville), broken (Hargreaves), or underperforming (Carrick, Berbatov). I'm of the opinion that Ferguson works brilliantly when he has a very good assistant to aid him, and I don't think Mike Phelan is that man. Queiroz was very good with signings and tactics and Phelan doesn't seem good enough. They always challenge so I'd expect Ferguson to have them up there, but I think current prices of around 6/4 are way too short.
Newcastle United
So we move on to the madhouse! Or not so much now that Chris Hughton seems to have restored order to the asylum! The problem with Newcastle, and also perversely their greatest strength is the fans. The support they give is tremendous, but the constant going on about how they are a 'big club' on the back of some moderate success over a decade ago is frankly ridiculous. They are a medium sized club with a good fanbase, no more. And it does seem that a year in The Championsip has given the fans a bit of humility. The team steamrolled all opposition in The Championship, and will be looking to take some of that momentum into this campaign. However, there is a lack of real quality in this team. Steve Harper is a solid goalkeeper and the defence is also decent. In midfield there are a lot of hardworkers like Smith and Barton, but no cutting edge. And up front Andy Carroll looks a promising striker, but I have my doubts as to whether Peter Lovenkrands will be as good as last year once making the step up. I don't think they'll go down, as there are teams far worse and there seems to be a real team spirit there now. But, I thinka few seasons of consolidation are on the cards and the fans should be happy with that. They probably wont be though, so expect Hughton's job to be on the line evry time they lose a couple!
Stoke City
Another team I have a soft spot for. I don't think Tony Pulis is given the credit he deserves for making Stoke seem like part of the Premier League furniture now. When they came up they were meant to be sent from whence they came having had a hiding every week. To their immense credit they set about making themselves very difficult to beat and making the Brittania Stadium a fortress. Having survived with ease that first year Pulis tried to add some flair to a functional side with the likes of Tuncay coming in. Whilst this didn't work out, it shows a flexible approach that many assumed he didn't have. I think if they can add some flair and a regular goalscorer to a team that is very hard to beat they might trouble the top 6 or 7. That signing looks unlikely this summer though so I think another relatively solid mid-table finish beckons. Probably having upset some of the big boys along the way!
Sunderland
I think it would be fair to say that having spent a decent sum of money last summer Steve Bruce's team underachieved a bit. Darren Bent was an inspired signing. Whilst not brilliant at any part of the game he is preficient at most aspects and if the team is set up to provide him with chances he will put a lot of them away. I liked Lorik Cana so it suprised me somewhat to see him leave for Galtasaray. This could be down to the signing of Cristian Riveros of Paraguay though. Another central midfielder, he impressed me at the World Cup with his tackling, but also with his ability to pick a pass. I think he should be a success. John Mensah looked good for Ghana at centre back too, and Bruce is in the process of once agian signing Titus Bramble. The backline seemed to be the problem last year and I don't think Bramble will make an awful lot of difference. He's decent backup if that's what he is being bought as, but if he is going to be first choice then I'd question Bruce's judgement. Cattermole being fit for a whole season should provide extra protection. I think he is the closest thing England have to a disciplined, tough-tackling defensive midfielder so he will be one to watch for me. There are some promising players coming through like Colback and Waghorn, who enjoyed successful loans at Ipswich and Leicester in The Championship last season respectively. They should agin be a team to watch, but will probably end up aorund mid-table I think.
Manchester City
Now I was raised by a City fan so I do have a slight bias towards the Blue half of Manchester. Having said that, I really do see them doing very well this season. They have made, in my opinion, some excellent signings already this season, and are being linked with more good, young, hungry players. I thought they were excellent in spells last season and needed a few more players of better quality to really push on. I think this even more in the absence of any significant signings at Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea so far. David Silva is a brilliant player and I think that even though he is small in stature, he isn't afraid of hard work, so has the ingredients to be a success in the Premier League. The left-back Kolarov will be a huge improvement on Bridge from what I've seen. Jerome Boateng looked very good in the World Cup for Germany at centre back, and that should solve one of their weaknesses from last season. If they get either Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli too then I think they will have a formidable first XI and good backup too. Perhaps most importantly this all reminds me of Jose Mourinho's signings at Chelsea initially. None of these players have tasted huge success and are still hungry to do so. I think they will make a challenge for the title this year and if they stick with the manager for next season too then I think they have a very bright future ahead of them.
Manchester United
The Red Devils are a strange case at the moment. They should have loads of cash available if the noises coming out of the club from both the Glazers and Alex Ferguson are to be believed. However, the only signings added to what is widely recognised as a fairly weak squad have been Chris Smalling from Fulham and Javier Hernandez from Chivas in Mexico. I'm aware Ferguson has said the market is inflated and that he has faith in his youngsters coming through. The problem is that he inflated the market with last year's Ronaldo transfer and from what I've seen the youngsters are either not good enough or not ready. There is still a good first XI at the club, but the backup is weak and some players are either ageing (Scholes, Giggs, Neville), broken (Hargreaves), or underperforming (Carrick, Berbatov). I'm of the opinion that Ferguson works brilliantly when he has a very good assistant to aid him, and I don't think Mike Phelan is that man. Queiroz was very good with signings and tactics and Phelan doesn't seem good enough. They always challenge so I'd expect Ferguson to have them up there, but I think current prices of around 6/4 are way too short.
Newcastle United
So we move on to the madhouse! Or not so much now that Chris Hughton seems to have restored order to the asylum! The problem with Newcastle, and also perversely their greatest strength is the fans. The support they give is tremendous, but the constant going on about how they are a 'big club' on the back of some moderate success over a decade ago is frankly ridiculous. They are a medium sized club with a good fanbase, no more. And it does seem that a year in The Championsip has given the fans a bit of humility. The team steamrolled all opposition in The Championship, and will be looking to take some of that momentum into this campaign. However, there is a lack of real quality in this team. Steve Harper is a solid goalkeeper and the defence is also decent. In midfield there are a lot of hardworkers like Smith and Barton, but no cutting edge. And up front Andy Carroll looks a promising striker, but I have my doubts as to whether Peter Lovenkrands will be as good as last year once making the step up. I don't think they'll go down, as there are teams far worse and there seems to be a real team spirit there now. But, I thinka few seasons of consolidation are on the cards and the fans should be happy with that. They probably wont be though, so expect Hughton's job to be on the line evry time they lose a couple!
Stoke City
Another team I have a soft spot for. I don't think Tony Pulis is given the credit he deserves for making Stoke seem like part of the Premier League furniture now. When they came up they were meant to be sent from whence they came having had a hiding every week. To their immense credit they set about making themselves very difficult to beat and making the Brittania Stadium a fortress. Having survived with ease that first year Pulis tried to add some flair to a functional side with the likes of Tuncay coming in. Whilst this didn't work out, it shows a flexible approach that many assumed he didn't have. I think if they can add some flair and a regular goalscorer to a team that is very hard to beat they might trouble the top 6 or 7. That signing looks unlikely this summer though so I think another relatively solid mid-table finish beckons. Probably having upset some of the big boys along the way!
Sunderland
I think it would be fair to say that having spent a decent sum of money last summer Steve Bruce's team underachieved a bit. Darren Bent was an inspired signing. Whilst not brilliant at any part of the game he is preficient at most aspects and if the team is set up to provide him with chances he will put a lot of them away. I liked Lorik Cana so it suprised me somewhat to see him leave for Galtasaray. This could be down to the signing of Cristian Riveros of Paraguay though. Another central midfielder, he impressed me at the World Cup with his tackling, but also with his ability to pick a pass. I think he should be a success. John Mensah looked good for Ghana at centre back too, and Bruce is in the process of once agian signing Titus Bramble. The backline seemed to be the problem last year and I don't think Bramble will make an awful lot of difference. He's decent backup if that's what he is being bought as, but if he is going to be first choice then I'd question Bruce's judgement. Cattermole being fit for a whole season should provide extra protection. I think he is the closest thing England have to a disciplined, tough-tackling defensive midfielder so he will be one to watch for me. There are some promising players coming through like Colback and Waghorn, who enjoyed successful loans at Ipswich and Leicester in The Championship last season respectively. They should agin be a team to watch, but will probably end up aorund mid-table I think.
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Premier League Preview Continued...
Without further ado, here is the next 5 teams up in my look at the forthcoming Premier League Season.
Birmingham
Next up it's last seasons suprise package Birmingham City. A lot of people, me included saw the way that Birmingham struggled to make it out of the Championship, and particularly struggled for goals and foresaw trouble. It is to Alex McLeish's great credit that at no point was relegation really on the cards. This was mostly down to a very hardworking team ethic and a determination not to give anything away easy to the opposition. Personally I would take a look at someone like Roger Johnson as a possible England centre half if a truly hopeless plodder like Matt Upson can seemingly be an automatic pick! He took a group of Championship performers and players like Barry Ferguson who had previously failed in the Premier League and got fantastic performances out of them every week. It looks to me like he has got a perfect blend of youth and experience there and has tried to bring in a bit of flair like Benitez up front to add something different. There is continued pursuit of Ryan Babel at Liverpool I think is interesting. I remember him playing for Ajax and Holland younger age teams and looking a hell of a player. I think if a manager showed some confidence in him he could really blossom. If they were to get hold of Babel or a similar player then it would be a sign of progress. Birmingham will be well clear of trouble, in my opinion, as they have a strong team with decent back up. They could have a good cup run or even push for Europe through the league with a couple of attacking players. They don't have an out-and-out goalscorer, and whilst they seem a rarity these days it would be worth the investment.
Chelsea
Last seasons champions in Carlo Ancelotti's first season, and in some style too! But can he repeat the trick? In Ancelotti Chelsea have a manager who is used to squeezing performances out of players who are getting towards the twilight of their careers. He has brought in the man responsible for the Milanlab that has prolonged so many of AC Milan's players careers in the last decade and will be hoping for similar results at Chelsea. At points in last season Nicolas Anelka and John Terry in particular looked off the pace. All the talk coming out of Chelsea is that this is the year that their youth system will finally start producing first team players. Jeffrey Bruma (centre back), Josh McEachran (attacking midfielder) and Gael Kakuta and Fabio Borini (both forwards) have been seen around the squad and are all expected to play some part this year. I think this shows Chelsea in a very positive light. All the aforementioned players have looked impressive in the cameos they have been given. Add this to the fact the older players should, in the main, be good for another year at least, and I think the title is currently Chelsea's to lose.
Everton
My tip for the Manchester United managers position when it becomes available next! David Moyes has done an astonishing job at Everton in establishing them as a team that no-one would be suprised to see in Europe anymore, or even making a go of Champions League qualification. This has all been done largely without any huge money transfers and without any big names before they joined the club. Players like Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka have been brought from lower league teams, Mikel Arteta is one of the finest passers in the league and was bought for peanuts from Rangers. Marouane Fellaini is their one big money signing and I think you'd struggle to argue he hasn't justified that price tag. I think with the Aberdeen connection that Ferguson would definitely recommend his protege for the post after he finally retires. Had Everton not have started so poorly, after the Joleon Lescott saga, then they could have got Champions League football. And there have been no such disturbances this summer. The problem lies in Manchester City and Tottenham's greater prestige and spending power. Moyes will be forced to hunt much harder for players if he aims to finish above these 2. I do think they will finish ahead of Liverpool though, and provide city bragging rights for their fans. I'd certainly take them in a match bet with Liverpool if one becomes available at a good price.
Fulham
Another of last seasons over-achievers/suprise packages, depending on your viewpoint. The success they had in reaching the Europa League final and beating the likes of Juventus en route, got Roy Hodgson the coveted Liverpool job. As we speak this currently leaves Fulham without a permanent manager so it is a bit difficult to make predictions. They need to make an appointment soon though, or it will be too late for the manager to get his ideas across and bring in any fresh faces they might want. Martin Jol is the current favourite and I think this would represent a good appointment for Al Fayed. He was harshly treated by Tottenham in his time with them and will have a point to prove. In saying all this I think Hodgson got evrything anyone could get out of this Fulham team last year, and with teams aorund them improving I think they might struggle unless the new manager freshens the squad up a bit. Losing Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal, as looks increasingly likely, would be a blow as he has been a brilliant replacement for Van Der Sar for the last couple of seasons. I can see this season being a real fall from grace and I wouldn't put people off backing them at around 10/1 to go down.
Liverpool
Could this be their year? In a word, no! Personally I don't see even a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel Liverpool have been heading down since the American owners came in. Carragher and Gerrard look over the hill and absolutely shattered respectively. Torres is a fine striker when fit, but he is beginning to look increasingly injury prone, with constant hamstring problems resembling Michael Owen's problems. Mascherano, whilst not my favourite player, has gone AWOL and will not be there next season at a guess. The players being talked about moving are along the lines of Danny Murphy and Paul Scharner, whilst far from poor are not going to propel them to new heights. Joe Cole is an injury riddled shadow of the player that was tipped as the new Gazza, and has played only an average of 17 games a season in his Chelsea career. He looked horrendously off the pace when he featured at the World Cup, and if this is the big signing of the summer then the Europa League is looking like it's now the accepted target. With the money at last years top 5 they need fresh investment to avoid being left behind. Without it they run the risk of falling behind teams like Birmingham and, perhaps most painfully, Everton. I like Uncle Roy, but his appointment reeks of short-termism. They are unlikely to fall far this season, but I don't see progress being made. Anywhere between 6th and 12th depending on player sales and buys for me.
Birmingham
Next up it's last seasons suprise package Birmingham City. A lot of people, me included saw the way that Birmingham struggled to make it out of the Championship, and particularly struggled for goals and foresaw trouble. It is to Alex McLeish's great credit that at no point was relegation really on the cards. This was mostly down to a very hardworking team ethic and a determination not to give anything away easy to the opposition. Personally I would take a look at someone like Roger Johnson as a possible England centre half if a truly hopeless plodder like Matt Upson can seemingly be an automatic pick! He took a group of Championship performers and players like Barry Ferguson who had previously failed in the Premier League and got fantastic performances out of them every week. It looks to me like he has got a perfect blend of youth and experience there and has tried to bring in a bit of flair like Benitez up front to add something different. There is continued pursuit of Ryan Babel at Liverpool I think is interesting. I remember him playing for Ajax and Holland younger age teams and looking a hell of a player. I think if a manager showed some confidence in him he could really blossom. If they were to get hold of Babel or a similar player then it would be a sign of progress. Birmingham will be well clear of trouble, in my opinion, as they have a strong team with decent back up. They could have a good cup run or even push for Europe through the league with a couple of attacking players. They don't have an out-and-out goalscorer, and whilst they seem a rarity these days it would be worth the investment.
Chelsea
Last seasons champions in Carlo Ancelotti's first season, and in some style too! But can he repeat the trick? In Ancelotti Chelsea have a manager who is used to squeezing performances out of players who are getting towards the twilight of their careers. He has brought in the man responsible for the Milanlab that has prolonged so many of AC Milan's players careers in the last decade and will be hoping for similar results at Chelsea. At points in last season Nicolas Anelka and John Terry in particular looked off the pace. All the talk coming out of Chelsea is that this is the year that their youth system will finally start producing first team players. Jeffrey Bruma (centre back), Josh McEachran (attacking midfielder) and Gael Kakuta and Fabio Borini (both forwards) have been seen around the squad and are all expected to play some part this year. I think this shows Chelsea in a very positive light. All the aforementioned players have looked impressive in the cameos they have been given. Add this to the fact the older players should, in the main, be good for another year at least, and I think the title is currently Chelsea's to lose.
Everton
My tip for the Manchester United managers position when it becomes available next! David Moyes has done an astonishing job at Everton in establishing them as a team that no-one would be suprised to see in Europe anymore, or even making a go of Champions League qualification. This has all been done largely without any huge money transfers and without any big names before they joined the club. Players like Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka have been brought from lower league teams, Mikel Arteta is one of the finest passers in the league and was bought for peanuts from Rangers. Marouane Fellaini is their one big money signing and I think you'd struggle to argue he hasn't justified that price tag. I think with the Aberdeen connection that Ferguson would definitely recommend his protege for the post after he finally retires. Had Everton not have started so poorly, after the Joleon Lescott saga, then they could have got Champions League football. And there have been no such disturbances this summer. The problem lies in Manchester City and Tottenham's greater prestige and spending power. Moyes will be forced to hunt much harder for players if he aims to finish above these 2. I do think they will finish ahead of Liverpool though, and provide city bragging rights for their fans. I'd certainly take them in a match bet with Liverpool if one becomes available at a good price.
Fulham
Another of last seasons over-achievers/suprise packages, depending on your viewpoint. The success they had in reaching the Europa League final and beating the likes of Juventus en route, got Roy Hodgson the coveted Liverpool job. As we speak this currently leaves Fulham without a permanent manager so it is a bit difficult to make predictions. They need to make an appointment soon though, or it will be too late for the manager to get his ideas across and bring in any fresh faces they might want. Martin Jol is the current favourite and I think this would represent a good appointment for Al Fayed. He was harshly treated by Tottenham in his time with them and will have a point to prove. In saying all this I think Hodgson got evrything anyone could get out of this Fulham team last year, and with teams aorund them improving I think they might struggle unless the new manager freshens the squad up a bit. Losing Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal, as looks increasingly likely, would be a blow as he has been a brilliant replacement for Van Der Sar for the last couple of seasons. I can see this season being a real fall from grace and I wouldn't put people off backing them at around 10/1 to go down.
Liverpool
Could this be their year? In a word, no! Personally I don't see even a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel Liverpool have been heading down since the American owners came in. Carragher and Gerrard look over the hill and absolutely shattered respectively. Torres is a fine striker when fit, but he is beginning to look increasingly injury prone, with constant hamstring problems resembling Michael Owen's problems. Mascherano, whilst not my favourite player, has gone AWOL and will not be there next season at a guess. The players being talked about moving are along the lines of Danny Murphy and Paul Scharner, whilst far from poor are not going to propel them to new heights. Joe Cole is an injury riddled shadow of the player that was tipped as the new Gazza, and has played only an average of 17 games a season in his Chelsea career. He looked horrendously off the pace when he featured at the World Cup, and if this is the big signing of the summer then the Europa League is looking like it's now the accepted target. With the money at last years top 5 they need fresh investment to avoid being left behind. Without it they run the risk of falling behind teams like Birmingham and, perhaps most painfully, Everton. I like Uncle Roy, but his appointment reeks of short-termism. They are unlikely to fall far this season, but I don't see progress being made. Anywhere between 6th and 12th depending on player sales and buys for me.
Monday, 19 July 2010
Some League Previews I Think...
As promised in my last post I will be doing a series of previews of UK and European Leagues over the next week or so. I'm sure you've all been waited with baited breath since the prospect was mentioned so luckily for you the wait is now over! I will take a look at the English Premier League, or 'EPL' if you're a foreign reader, and I'll take a look at every team. I wont do this for all leagues I wouldn't think as that would require an ungodly amount of research, but I might do it as I do love the tedium of researching football! I will do 5 teams at a time as I have a job and this is all quite time-consuming!
English Premier League 2010/11
Aston Villa
Villa are probably going to be similar to the last few years with Martin O'Neill in charge. They'll look very good at points, dreadful at others. The dreadful times will probably coincide with a Carew injury and having to pick Heskey. As of yet Villa haven't really made any signings and aren't really being linked with anyone except Robbie Keane. I've not really seen the reason behind the high regard most people in the UK have for O'Neill. I think he was very good at smaller clubs with limited ambitions (Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester), and was also very good where 4-4-2 was the predominant tactical outlook (1990's England and with Celtic). Since he has been at Villa though I think his tactical limitations and lack of scouting outside of the UK in the main have stalled Villa's progress. There have been some successes and Villa have improved undoubtebly, but I think they have come as far as they can with him at the helm. Carew was a success, but the other strikers he has purchased have been enything but. Milner was a success, but then there was Nigel Reo-Coker and Stewart Downing, who look like expensive flops to me. None of his teams have ever been particularly creative either and this also limits them in my opinion. If the Plan A isn't working there is no Plan B or a player to change a game with a piece of skill. When Randy Lerner came in shortly after O'Neill that was the time for Villa to push on. Now, with Man City's riches and Tottenham's resurgence I think Villa could be poised for a fall unless O'Neill makes some good acquisitions. If Milner is sold for around £25-£30m then this would represent great business and could give them some financial muscle to make signings. If O'Neill fails to use this money wisely then I foresee a parting of ways. I think Villa will finish around 8th this year, possibly lower depending on signings.
Arsenal
There are, as always, a few if's and but's when it comes to Arsenal. I must admit I have a soft spot for them as I think Wenger is the most influential manager of the last 20 years and would love for his principles to show reward at some point. Having said all that, I'm not blind to their weaknesses. The goalkeeper has been a problem ever since Lehmann left and needs solving. The fact Wenger has already been active in pursuing Mark Schwarzer shows he has recognised the problem and is looking to solve it. Whilst Arsenal seem reluctant to pay Fulham's asking price of £4m for a 38 year old I still think he'd be worth it even if you only got 2 seasons out of him. Wenger also released 3 centre backs and has so far only brought in 1 in Laurent Kocielsny. I did a little review of him in my last blog for those that are interested and I think he look good, if a bit raw and inexperienced. I think Arsenal need to bring in a more experienced centre back too, but in usual Wenger fashion it probably wont be someone that anyone has thought/heard of! Midfield is probably Arsenal's strongest area, and it looks increasingly likely Fabregas will be staying. This a huge boost as last season Cesc was in brilliant form and is the player that Arsenal turn to for guidance and inspiration. Some defensive midfield cover for Alex Song would be a good idea, it will probably come in the shape of a young player being promoted or a young player being signed cheaply though. The signing of Marouane Chamakh looks good to me, I think this will herald Arsenal going full-time with the 4-2-3-1 formation that all top teams now seem to use. Chamakh is a strong player who can hold the ball up whilst Fabregas, Arshavin and Van Persie buzz round him. If all of these 3 stay fit then Arsenal should put in a strong challenge for the title. However, this has long been the achilles heel of Arsenal, their inability to keep anyone fit or to bring them back properly from injuries. If this problem can finally be fixed then I would be very tempted to back Arsenal for the League at the prices available.
Blackpool
Ian Holloway and his 'Ollyism's' will grace the Premier League next season! Sadly that might be the only reason to smile at Bloomfield Road. Whilst they did brilliantly to get promoted last year they probably weren't the best team in the play-offs and like Derby before them, it has probably all come too soon. Charlie Adam is their gem and I think he will impress enough to get a move when they are probably relegated, but I don't see anyone else with the class to cut it at the top level. The signings being talked about are not going to help much either. Getting DJ Campbell on-loan again is not going to secure your Premier League status and this seems to be the level of player they are aiming at. It all reminds me very much of West Brom's usual transfer plans of steadily building with a view to not stacking up debt and having a shot at promotion again if they went down. This is a sensible view to take I think, although it will probably leave the fans a bit disappointed. I can see them battling out some good results at home against other strugglers, but I don't see them staying up. I think they will finish bottom of the league.
Blackburn
Under the man known to many as 'Fat' Sam Blackburn are steadily morphing into his Bolton team of the early noughties. This is a double edged sword that the fans still seem unsure of. With Bolton Allardyce achieved impossible league finishes on a small budget, but did so playing some of the worst football the league has seen. This has led to calls for his head at both clubs regardless of the improvement in league position. Blackburn's form at Eewood Park has made it something of a fortress and they will probably beat everyone equal or worse than themselves at home and will probably cause some shocks against the big boys too. The club are being linked with 1 or 2 flair players, and they will probably provide the skills that Djorkaeff and Okocha did for Allardyce at Blackburn whilst the rest of the team concentrate on fouling and bullying the opposition. I'm really not a fan of Allardyce, or the style his teams play in. He's got a ridiculously good view of his abilities that just doesn't tie in with his achievements and he is Fergusons chief brown noser, and the in their faces football is terrible to watch. I can't deny it's effectiveness though and for this reason they could make a push for upper mid table and possible Europa League qualification.
Bolton
I think Bolton are going to be a bit of a suprise package this year. Owen Coyle is trying to get them playing good football and has made some good signings already. Getting Martin Petrov from Man City is a brilliant move I think. He could be the man that sets things moving that the Reebok Stadium hasn't had since Jay-Jay Okocha. As ever they will probably utilise Kevin Davies strength up front so they will need the midfield to be creative to help him out. Petrov and Wilshere (if the anticipated loan is done with Arsenal) will provide flair and thrust. They are still solid at the back with the ever impressive Jaaskelainen in goal and the emerging talent of Phil Jones at centre back. Fabrice Muamba provides protection and work-rate in midfield and the signing of Graham Alexander adds experience to a fairly youthful team. I think a cup run might be on, as we have seen Coyle is not afraid to use a full-strength team in the cups with Burnley. If it all fits together then I can see a push for European football too. Although I think a few teams might push on a bit this year and provide an interesting 4 or 5 way battle. I hink they will finish somewhere between 12th and 7th, depending on a cup run getting in their way.
English Premier League 2010/11
Aston Villa
Villa are probably going to be similar to the last few years with Martin O'Neill in charge. They'll look very good at points, dreadful at others. The dreadful times will probably coincide with a Carew injury and having to pick Heskey. As of yet Villa haven't really made any signings and aren't really being linked with anyone except Robbie Keane. I've not really seen the reason behind the high regard most people in the UK have for O'Neill. I think he was very good at smaller clubs with limited ambitions (Wycombe, Norwich, Leicester), and was also very good where 4-4-2 was the predominant tactical outlook (1990's England and with Celtic). Since he has been at Villa though I think his tactical limitations and lack of scouting outside of the UK in the main have stalled Villa's progress. There have been some successes and Villa have improved undoubtebly, but I think they have come as far as they can with him at the helm. Carew was a success, but the other strikers he has purchased have been enything but. Milner was a success, but then there was Nigel Reo-Coker and Stewart Downing, who look like expensive flops to me. None of his teams have ever been particularly creative either and this also limits them in my opinion. If the Plan A isn't working there is no Plan B or a player to change a game with a piece of skill. When Randy Lerner came in shortly after O'Neill that was the time for Villa to push on. Now, with Man City's riches and Tottenham's resurgence I think Villa could be poised for a fall unless O'Neill makes some good acquisitions. If Milner is sold for around £25-£30m then this would represent great business and could give them some financial muscle to make signings. If O'Neill fails to use this money wisely then I foresee a parting of ways. I think Villa will finish around 8th this year, possibly lower depending on signings.
Arsenal
There are, as always, a few if's and but's when it comes to Arsenal. I must admit I have a soft spot for them as I think Wenger is the most influential manager of the last 20 years and would love for his principles to show reward at some point. Having said all that, I'm not blind to their weaknesses. The goalkeeper has been a problem ever since Lehmann left and needs solving. The fact Wenger has already been active in pursuing Mark Schwarzer shows he has recognised the problem and is looking to solve it. Whilst Arsenal seem reluctant to pay Fulham's asking price of £4m for a 38 year old I still think he'd be worth it even if you only got 2 seasons out of him. Wenger also released 3 centre backs and has so far only brought in 1 in Laurent Kocielsny. I did a little review of him in my last blog for those that are interested and I think he look good, if a bit raw and inexperienced. I think Arsenal need to bring in a more experienced centre back too, but in usual Wenger fashion it probably wont be someone that anyone has thought/heard of! Midfield is probably Arsenal's strongest area, and it looks increasingly likely Fabregas will be staying. This a huge boost as last season Cesc was in brilliant form and is the player that Arsenal turn to for guidance and inspiration. Some defensive midfield cover for Alex Song would be a good idea, it will probably come in the shape of a young player being promoted or a young player being signed cheaply though. The signing of Marouane Chamakh looks good to me, I think this will herald Arsenal going full-time with the 4-2-3-1 formation that all top teams now seem to use. Chamakh is a strong player who can hold the ball up whilst Fabregas, Arshavin and Van Persie buzz round him. If all of these 3 stay fit then Arsenal should put in a strong challenge for the title. However, this has long been the achilles heel of Arsenal, their inability to keep anyone fit or to bring them back properly from injuries. If this problem can finally be fixed then I would be very tempted to back Arsenal for the League at the prices available.
Blackpool
Ian Holloway and his 'Ollyism's' will grace the Premier League next season! Sadly that might be the only reason to smile at Bloomfield Road. Whilst they did brilliantly to get promoted last year they probably weren't the best team in the play-offs and like Derby before them, it has probably all come too soon. Charlie Adam is their gem and I think he will impress enough to get a move when they are probably relegated, but I don't see anyone else with the class to cut it at the top level. The signings being talked about are not going to help much either. Getting DJ Campbell on-loan again is not going to secure your Premier League status and this seems to be the level of player they are aiming at. It all reminds me very much of West Brom's usual transfer plans of steadily building with a view to not stacking up debt and having a shot at promotion again if they went down. This is a sensible view to take I think, although it will probably leave the fans a bit disappointed. I can see them battling out some good results at home against other strugglers, but I don't see them staying up. I think they will finish bottom of the league.
Blackburn
Under the man known to many as 'Fat' Sam Blackburn are steadily morphing into his Bolton team of the early noughties. This is a double edged sword that the fans still seem unsure of. With Bolton Allardyce achieved impossible league finishes on a small budget, but did so playing some of the worst football the league has seen. This has led to calls for his head at both clubs regardless of the improvement in league position. Blackburn's form at Eewood Park has made it something of a fortress and they will probably beat everyone equal or worse than themselves at home and will probably cause some shocks against the big boys too. The club are being linked with 1 or 2 flair players, and they will probably provide the skills that Djorkaeff and Okocha did for Allardyce at Blackburn whilst the rest of the team concentrate on fouling and bullying the opposition. I'm really not a fan of Allardyce, or the style his teams play in. He's got a ridiculously good view of his abilities that just doesn't tie in with his achievements and he is Fergusons chief brown noser, and the in their faces football is terrible to watch. I can't deny it's effectiveness though and for this reason they could make a push for upper mid table and possible Europa League qualification.
Bolton
I think Bolton are going to be a bit of a suprise package this year. Owen Coyle is trying to get them playing good football and has made some good signings already. Getting Martin Petrov from Man City is a brilliant move I think. He could be the man that sets things moving that the Reebok Stadium hasn't had since Jay-Jay Okocha. As ever they will probably utilise Kevin Davies strength up front so they will need the midfield to be creative to help him out. Petrov and Wilshere (if the anticipated loan is done with Arsenal) will provide flair and thrust. They are still solid at the back with the ever impressive Jaaskelainen in goal and the emerging talent of Phil Jones at centre back. Fabrice Muamba provides protection and work-rate in midfield and the signing of Graham Alexander adds experience to a fairly youthful team. I think a cup run might be on, as we have seen Coyle is not afraid to use a full-strength team in the cups with Burnley. If it all fits together then I can see a push for European football too. Although I think a few teams might push on a bit this year and provide an interesting 4 or 5 way battle. I hink they will finish somewhere between 12th and 7th, depending on a cup run getting in their way.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Transfer Gossip...
This blog is something of a special request! A friend of mine asked me to include my thoughts on the subject, probably remembering the many times I have ranted that the people who get paid to make up this stuff should all be ashamed. After this I am planning to do an assessment of at least 5 Leagues from both the UK and Europe with some tips for next year included too. But, right now I'm going to assess this summers most likely stories and give my thoughts on some transfers I can see happening too, as well as likely successes of some that have already taken place.
The Big Ones that have already happened
David Silva to Manchester City
I really like this transfer. I think he is as big a name as City are likely to attract without the promise of Champions League football and is a signing more for footballing ability than marketing potential I think. Silva might have been overshadowed by the more famous David at Valencia (Villa!) for the past few seasons, but he was also hugely important to Valencia and was a regular for Spain before the World Cup. He is another of the little men that Spain are now famous for, but this one is a tougher customer than usual! He spent a season or 2 on loan at smaller clubs early in his career getting toughened up, in particular at Albacete. I think these experiences will bear him in good stead and if City can find a central striker who cares more than Adebayor then with Silva and Tevez behind I'm sure they can mount a challenge this year. Don't expect goals though, he's more of a provider than a scorer!
Lorient Kocielesny to Arsenal
This transfer seemed to go on for ages and showed Arsene Wenger's determination to get his man. I don't watch an awful lot of French Ligue 1, mostly due to it being utter toilet, but he has made a swift rise and looked very good from what I've seen and read. He was playing in Ligue 2 the season before last, then came up to Ligue 1 and again looked a very capable centre half. He bears similarities to last seasons success Thomas Vermaelen as he is also capable of playing football and putting in crunching challenges. This is an interesting one I think. Having one ball playing centre back is good, but 2 could become a liability. He is also only 24 and has 1 season of top flight European football behind him. Part of Vermaelen's settling in was probably due to having the experience of Billy Gallas next to him. Without any current experience in defence at Arsenal it could all go horribly wrong.
Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling to Manchester United
I have grouped these 2 together as they are both young players who no-one has seen a great deal of before. I also think that unless Ferguson can persuade someone to give him big money for Dimitar Berbatov then this will be the extent of their summer spending. I wouldn't give the red-nosed whiner 50p for him personally, he doesn't fit in at Man Utd at all and I'd use that to bargain a cut price deal. Saying that, Steve Bruce will no doubt steam in with a £40m offer if Ferguson asks him! Anyway, back to Smalling and Hernandez. I have very differing views on these 2. I think Hernandez looks a real prospect, he shone for Mexico in the World Cup and reminded me of Carlos Vela 2 years ago when everyone thought he was ready to make a breakthrough at Arsenal. He's small, quick and knows where the goal is. My worry would be that a player like that needs to play his way in and at a club the size of United he might not get that time. Smalling is not good enough in my opinion. I think Ferguson paid all that money (£10m!) on the back of 3 good games and he got torn apart by anyone with pace or tricks later in the campaign. He is only young, but he was playing non-league football 2 years ago and I think the learning curve will be far too steep for him to make it.
The Potential Moves
Fernando Torres to Manchester City/Chelsea
This one is looking increasingly likely as I write this, with various reports stating talks are now happening with regards to a move to Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea. With Torres making Darren Anderton look like a picture of health at the moment I think the jury is out on this move. I think it will happen due to Liverpool's finances and Abramovich's professed desire for a big name signing. If they can get him fit then Torres is one of the world's best, but he's no use to anyone if he's on the treatment table.
Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal
This is an interesting one as it looks likely to happen and goes against Arsene Wenger's usual policy. Signing a 38 year old looks dodgy in writing, but as a short term fix, Schwarzer fits the bill. With Scielzeny getting rave reviews at Brentford last year on loan, it looks like he'll be the latest young goalkeeper that Arsene will put his hopes on. At £4m Shwarzer might be expensive, but unless Wenger can attract someone like Joe Hart or Seb Frey then I think this would be a good purchase.
Joe Cole to Tottenham/Arsenal/Liverpool
This is only going one way! All roads lead to White Hart Lane for Mr Cole as none of the others seem at all serious about picking him up, even on a free. Harry 'Sloppy Chops' Redknapp twitched something about signing him onths ago and has gone about the transfer in his usual way. He says he likes the player, then states he is at another club so it would be rude to speculate (having already done so), states that he might have wages that are too high (but thats the chairmans decision), then says he will speak to him about how he always liked him. Then he will sign on huge wages, that aren't Harry's fault obviously (thats the chairmans decision) and when he flops it will be the chairmans fault, Harry never wanted him. I hate Redknapp and the ridiculous pandering to him in this nations media is appalling. Someone should really call him up on the bungs, the dodgy agents fees, the fact the media have never questioned the trail of bankruptcy he has left behind him at every club he's been at is shocking. Get me on TV, I'll do it!
The ones that will go on all summer...
Mario Balotelli to Arsenal/Man Utd/Man City/West Ham etc
I will categorically state now that this will not happen. It wont stop the papers repeating it all summer, but it isn't happening. Inter Milan have said he isn't going, he has said he's happy and they have a new manager who hasn't had time to fall out with the stroppy boy wonder yet! He is clearly a hell of a player when in the mood, sadly his frequent personality clashes with teammates, opposing players and managers mean he is yet to fulfil that potential. This is lazy journalism at its best, anyone taking this story to their editor should be handed their P45 and told never to darken that door again!
Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard to Real Madrid
Another one that should be immediately thrown in the bin, but sadly wont. Jose Mourinho is now manager of Real Madrid so the English media will once again link our 'world class' players with him. This is either due to sheer stupidity on the level of these players or the media's borderline homosexual obsession with Jose. Ashley Cole might happen so I'll leave that aside, he is the best left-back in the world and is not well liked in England, Jose signed him before, it all adds up. The other 2 don't. Whilst Madrid's transfer policy is somewhat mental this would really tae it up a notch if they signed either 'Lamps' of 'Stevie Me'. Both of them are over 30, both of them are vastly over-rated, as seen by the fact that even though they're apparently 'world class' there has never been a hint of a foreign club seriously considering buying them, and both of their clubs value them at stupidly high values. Neither of them have the technique to fit in in Spain and Madrid are already well staffed in central midfield. There's as much chance of this happening as there is of Cristiano Ronaldo not being a preening pr*ck.
A big name striker/midfielder coming to Manchester United
Another lazy one that comes up all the time. Just to make something clear straight away, Man Utd are broke. Skint. Up financial sh*t creek minus 1x paddle. So they will not be spending a shedload of money on one of the world's best players. Wesley Sneijder is the current flavour of the month. He would be valued at around £30m on the back of an amazing season and after spending that on Berbatov I would be extremely suprised if the Glazer's ever gave Ferguson that sort of money again. A waste of paper if ever there was one.
Some tips...
A few bookmakers will offer transfer betting in their football specials markets. You can get 17/20 on Betfair currently for James Milner to stay at Aston Villa, I'd take that. To value him at £30m is ridiculous when he's nothing more than a decent hard-working player and I can't see City paying it, and no-one else is interested. Skybet go around 10/11 that David Silva gets under 5.5 goals, and I like that too. Skybet also go 6/4 that Joe Cole goes to Tottenham, this is a bank job I think, it's basically a done deal!
The Big Ones that have already happened
David Silva to Manchester City
I really like this transfer. I think he is as big a name as City are likely to attract without the promise of Champions League football and is a signing more for footballing ability than marketing potential I think. Silva might have been overshadowed by the more famous David at Valencia (Villa!) for the past few seasons, but he was also hugely important to Valencia and was a regular for Spain before the World Cup. He is another of the little men that Spain are now famous for, but this one is a tougher customer than usual! He spent a season or 2 on loan at smaller clubs early in his career getting toughened up, in particular at Albacete. I think these experiences will bear him in good stead and if City can find a central striker who cares more than Adebayor then with Silva and Tevez behind I'm sure they can mount a challenge this year. Don't expect goals though, he's more of a provider than a scorer!
Lorient Kocielesny to Arsenal
This transfer seemed to go on for ages and showed Arsene Wenger's determination to get his man. I don't watch an awful lot of French Ligue 1, mostly due to it being utter toilet, but he has made a swift rise and looked very good from what I've seen and read. He was playing in Ligue 2 the season before last, then came up to Ligue 1 and again looked a very capable centre half. He bears similarities to last seasons success Thomas Vermaelen as he is also capable of playing football and putting in crunching challenges. This is an interesting one I think. Having one ball playing centre back is good, but 2 could become a liability. He is also only 24 and has 1 season of top flight European football behind him. Part of Vermaelen's settling in was probably due to having the experience of Billy Gallas next to him. Without any current experience in defence at Arsenal it could all go horribly wrong.
Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling to Manchester United
I have grouped these 2 together as they are both young players who no-one has seen a great deal of before. I also think that unless Ferguson can persuade someone to give him big money for Dimitar Berbatov then this will be the extent of their summer spending. I wouldn't give the red-nosed whiner 50p for him personally, he doesn't fit in at Man Utd at all and I'd use that to bargain a cut price deal. Saying that, Steve Bruce will no doubt steam in with a £40m offer if Ferguson asks him! Anyway, back to Smalling and Hernandez. I have very differing views on these 2. I think Hernandez looks a real prospect, he shone for Mexico in the World Cup and reminded me of Carlos Vela 2 years ago when everyone thought he was ready to make a breakthrough at Arsenal. He's small, quick and knows where the goal is. My worry would be that a player like that needs to play his way in and at a club the size of United he might not get that time. Smalling is not good enough in my opinion. I think Ferguson paid all that money (£10m!) on the back of 3 good games and he got torn apart by anyone with pace or tricks later in the campaign. He is only young, but he was playing non-league football 2 years ago and I think the learning curve will be far too steep for him to make it.
The Potential Moves
Fernando Torres to Manchester City/Chelsea
This one is looking increasingly likely as I write this, with various reports stating talks are now happening with regards to a move to Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea. With Torres making Darren Anderton look like a picture of health at the moment I think the jury is out on this move. I think it will happen due to Liverpool's finances and Abramovich's professed desire for a big name signing. If they can get him fit then Torres is one of the world's best, but he's no use to anyone if he's on the treatment table.
Mark Schwarzer to Arsenal
This is an interesting one as it looks likely to happen and goes against Arsene Wenger's usual policy. Signing a 38 year old looks dodgy in writing, but as a short term fix, Schwarzer fits the bill. With Scielzeny getting rave reviews at Brentford last year on loan, it looks like he'll be the latest young goalkeeper that Arsene will put his hopes on. At £4m Shwarzer might be expensive, but unless Wenger can attract someone like Joe Hart or Seb Frey then I think this would be a good purchase.
Joe Cole to Tottenham/Arsenal/Liverpool
This is only going one way! All roads lead to White Hart Lane for Mr Cole as none of the others seem at all serious about picking him up, even on a free. Harry 'Sloppy Chops' Redknapp twitched something about signing him onths ago and has gone about the transfer in his usual way. He says he likes the player, then states he is at another club so it would be rude to speculate (having already done so), states that he might have wages that are too high (but thats the chairmans decision), then says he will speak to him about how he always liked him. Then he will sign on huge wages, that aren't Harry's fault obviously (thats the chairmans decision) and when he flops it will be the chairmans fault, Harry never wanted him. I hate Redknapp and the ridiculous pandering to him in this nations media is appalling. Someone should really call him up on the bungs, the dodgy agents fees, the fact the media have never questioned the trail of bankruptcy he has left behind him at every club he's been at is shocking. Get me on TV, I'll do it!
The ones that will go on all summer...
Mario Balotelli to Arsenal/Man Utd/Man City/West Ham etc
I will categorically state now that this will not happen. It wont stop the papers repeating it all summer, but it isn't happening. Inter Milan have said he isn't going, he has said he's happy and they have a new manager who hasn't had time to fall out with the stroppy boy wonder yet! He is clearly a hell of a player when in the mood, sadly his frequent personality clashes with teammates, opposing players and managers mean he is yet to fulfil that potential. This is lazy journalism at its best, anyone taking this story to their editor should be handed their P45 and told never to darken that door again!
Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard to Real Madrid
Another one that should be immediately thrown in the bin, but sadly wont. Jose Mourinho is now manager of Real Madrid so the English media will once again link our 'world class' players with him. This is either due to sheer stupidity on the level of these players or the media's borderline homosexual obsession with Jose. Ashley Cole might happen so I'll leave that aside, he is the best left-back in the world and is not well liked in England, Jose signed him before, it all adds up. The other 2 don't. Whilst Madrid's transfer policy is somewhat mental this would really tae it up a notch if they signed either 'Lamps' of 'Stevie Me'. Both of them are over 30, both of them are vastly over-rated, as seen by the fact that even though they're apparently 'world class' there has never been a hint of a foreign club seriously considering buying them, and both of their clubs value them at stupidly high values. Neither of them have the technique to fit in in Spain and Madrid are already well staffed in central midfield. There's as much chance of this happening as there is of Cristiano Ronaldo not being a preening pr*ck.
A big name striker/midfielder coming to Manchester United
Another lazy one that comes up all the time. Just to make something clear straight away, Man Utd are broke. Skint. Up financial sh*t creek minus 1x paddle. So they will not be spending a shedload of money on one of the world's best players. Wesley Sneijder is the current flavour of the month. He would be valued at around £30m on the back of an amazing season and after spending that on Berbatov I would be extremely suprised if the Glazer's ever gave Ferguson that sort of money again. A waste of paper if ever there was one.
Some tips...
A few bookmakers will offer transfer betting in their football specials markets. You can get 17/20 on Betfair currently for James Milner to stay at Aston Villa, I'd take that. To value him at £30m is ridiculous when he's nothing more than a decent hard-working player and I can't see City paying it, and no-one else is interested. Skybet go around 10/11 that David Silva gets under 5.5 goals, and I like that too. Skybet also go 6/4 that Joe Cole goes to Tottenham, this is a bank job I think, it's basically a done deal!
Monday, 12 July 2010
Looking back on the World Cup...
I will probably do another blog on this subject, but here are some of my immediate thoughts. I shall break them into Good and Bad sections, and I think Bad may be the more heavily populated!
The Good
Diego Forlan
Being chosen as Player of the World Cup might well be the first time in history FIFA have got something anywhere approaching correct in recent years. And for this they should be congratulated. Forlan has been making Ferguson's decision to cast him aside look very silly in Spain ever since he went there. However, due to the incredibly insular attitude this nations media have he has rarely been given the credit he deserves. He has been Pichichi (Top Scorer) in Spain 2 of the last 3 years, and doesn't play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. He has been the key man in getting Uruguay to the Semi-Finals playing in more of a playmaker role for his country. This hasn't stopped him banging in 5 goals and tying for 2nd spot in the Golden Boot though. A fantastic player, and this award will hopefully see him stop being referred to as 'ex-Man Utd flop' Diego Forlan!
Sergio Ramos
I think this man has been superb in this tournament. He wont get that much credit because he's 'just' a right-back, but he has been immense. Whilst Spain won the tournament I think outside of David Villa and perhaps Iker Casillas you would struggle to say anyone stood out. For me Ramos did just that with his non-stop energy on the right hand side. He could often be seen making a tackle in his own half, then giving the ball to Xavi, before popping up at the other end to make a run into the box before passing or crossing to the forwards. One of Roy Hodgson's first tasks at Liverpool should be to show Glen Johnson that this is how to be an attacking full-back whilst still actually defending!
Cracking Goals
Before the match last night on BBC they showed a run down of the best goals, and there have been some belters! Once the players got the hang of the ball they were letting fly from everywhere. Van Bronckhorst's howlitzer for Holland against Uruguay was a fine example of this. It was like an exocet missile heading for the top corner! Maicon's beauty against North Korea from almost the byline was another beauty. The fact that some pundits were questioning whether he meant it should see them being ushered out of the door for showing such poor knowledge in my opinion. He has form for it, having done it for Inter on more than one occasion in the last couple of seasons.
Germany
One team that did try to attack was the Germans. Scoring 4 goals three times was a breath of fresh air in this often boring tournament and they should be commended for trying to beat the opposition rather than just trying not to lose. Whilst they are a counter-attacking team, they were relentless once they got their noses in front. As Australia, England and Argentina will testify. The decision to have Bastia Schweinsteiger as a defensive midfielder was key in this. Whilst most teams had 1, or even 2, destroyers Germany had an ex-winger who was comfortable joining in in attack. With Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira also impressive alongside him they weren't going to sit back or kick people as most other teams seemed content too. Themselves and Argentina were probably the 2 most attractive sides in the tournament and did their best to make it exciting.
The Bad
Cheating
The amount of cheating that now goes on has reached ridiculous levels and is beginning to actually turn me off some games. Even the final was tainted for me by the fact that Iniesta had been throwing himself about, waving imaginary cards around, getting Heitinga sent off and just generally being a horrible, pasty little man! This World Cup has showed that something needs to be done to stop all of this before people start watching a mor emanly sport like say synchronised swimming!? This is a huge bugbear of mine anyway and this tournament has just fuelled my rage. Grown men throwing themselves at the floor then rolling round clutching body parts because someone has breathed on them is not what football is about. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I have seen some interesting ideas floated. I would definitely introduce a straight yellow card for anyone that waves an imaginary one trying to get a fellow player booked. I would look at retrospective punishments for diving, although I do relaise this may mean the end of Arjen Robben's career. I realise this would be harder to implement as there needs to be a line drawn as to how much you can realistically review, but players need to know that they will be punished. If you roll round the floor like someone has just broken your leg then you should have to receive a minimum of 5 minutes with a physio checking you haven't. Whilst some of these are obviously in jest, the sentiment is not.
The Makelele Role
This is another of my pet hates and seems to be very en vogue at the moment. Under Jose Mourinho Makelele was hyped up beyond belief for what I see as little more than being a nuisance and passing the ball under 5 yards. This has led to most managers now thinking that what their team needs is a player in this role. You only have to look at Michael Essien or Bastian Schweinsteiger to see that a defensive midfielder can offer so much more. This World Cup has seen truly dreadful players like Busquets, Mascherano, Van Bommel all basically fouling people to break up play, but doing it where they are unlikely to be booked. Germany did well on the back of Shweinsteiger being able to start attacks from that position and this should be the future blueprint. I'm all for players being disciplined, but this is a step too far. When you are asking a player to stop the opposition playing by any means necessary and actively discouraging any actual football being played then something has gone awry in my opinion.
England
Dreadful. Horrendous. Embarrassing. These words go some way to describe the 'performances' put in by the national team. The only positive thing that should come out of this is a realsiation of where England actually rank in the grand scheme of things. To have qualified 2nd from the weakest group in the World Cup is bad enough, to then be made to wear a dress and cry by Germany is just dreadful. Whilst England definitely didn't perform at their very best, it should also now be realised that barring Ashley Cole none of these players are truly world class. My definition of this is 'would they get in a squad of 23 if picking a world team?'. I can only see Cashley in that squad. No before people start banging on about Rooney, most would pick 5 or 6 attackers in that squad. I would take Villa, Drogba, Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta before Rooney without thinking. This leaves him battling with players like Forlan, Ozil and Tevez for the final spot. For all the hype surrounding Rooney I don' think he's any better than someone like Tevez. In fact I'd have them as very similar. They are both nowhere near as technically able as players like Messi and Ronaldo, but will put the effort in to compensate for this. See the amount of passes that bounce off Rooney's shins for further evidence. I'm not saying he's poor, far from it, just that to Lord him as an equal of Messi is nothing short of a lie.
Englands TV Pundits
Of all the things that were bad at this World Cup I would say that by some distance the worst was listening to these people's 'expert' views and analysis. The only man who talked any sense or gave any insight was Clarence Seedorf and you could often see his mirth at being surrounded by such buffoons. ITV were undoubtebly the worst, as usual. Edgar Davids was the Winston Bogarde of their outfit, content to just sit there and pick up his wages. Andy Townsend is surely clinging t his job by the fingernails. He offers nothing more than platitudes about how 'the boy done good' and his ignorance of foreign players is surely a sackable offence. If your job is to give analysis of teams at the World Cup how can you do no research and then laugh at their funny names!? I'd expect to be sacked if I was that bad at my job. Hansen looks like he gave up caring long ago, which is a shame because he can be good. Lineker's autcue jokes aren't even so bad they're funny, they're just crap. And Shearer. Jesus wept. He is either offering no view at all or when he rarely does he's wrong! It's insulting to have these morons talking to us about football. Just because they played the game doesn't mean they understand the finer points of it. It's probably why they aren't managers! Get some journalists in, people who are paid to offer views and analysis and won't be as afraid to upset their mates in the game as this pathetic lot. Oh, one final thing. Never, ever, let Harry Redknapp, any Redknapp for that matter on TV again. Him shamelessly advertising himself for the England job was shameful and he should be called up on it. Awful man.
The Good
Diego Forlan
Being chosen as Player of the World Cup might well be the first time in history FIFA have got something anywhere approaching correct in recent years. And for this they should be congratulated. Forlan has been making Ferguson's decision to cast him aside look very silly in Spain ever since he went there. However, due to the incredibly insular attitude this nations media have he has rarely been given the credit he deserves. He has been Pichichi (Top Scorer) in Spain 2 of the last 3 years, and doesn't play for Real Madrid or Barcelona. He has been the key man in getting Uruguay to the Semi-Finals playing in more of a playmaker role for his country. This hasn't stopped him banging in 5 goals and tying for 2nd spot in the Golden Boot though. A fantastic player, and this award will hopefully see him stop being referred to as 'ex-Man Utd flop' Diego Forlan!
Sergio Ramos
I think this man has been superb in this tournament. He wont get that much credit because he's 'just' a right-back, but he has been immense. Whilst Spain won the tournament I think outside of David Villa and perhaps Iker Casillas you would struggle to say anyone stood out. For me Ramos did just that with his non-stop energy on the right hand side. He could often be seen making a tackle in his own half, then giving the ball to Xavi, before popping up at the other end to make a run into the box before passing or crossing to the forwards. One of Roy Hodgson's first tasks at Liverpool should be to show Glen Johnson that this is how to be an attacking full-back whilst still actually defending!
Cracking Goals
Before the match last night on BBC they showed a run down of the best goals, and there have been some belters! Once the players got the hang of the ball they were letting fly from everywhere. Van Bronckhorst's howlitzer for Holland against Uruguay was a fine example of this. It was like an exocet missile heading for the top corner! Maicon's beauty against North Korea from almost the byline was another beauty. The fact that some pundits were questioning whether he meant it should see them being ushered out of the door for showing such poor knowledge in my opinion. He has form for it, having done it for Inter on more than one occasion in the last couple of seasons.
Germany
One team that did try to attack was the Germans. Scoring 4 goals three times was a breath of fresh air in this often boring tournament and they should be commended for trying to beat the opposition rather than just trying not to lose. Whilst they are a counter-attacking team, they were relentless once they got their noses in front. As Australia, England and Argentina will testify. The decision to have Bastia Schweinsteiger as a defensive midfielder was key in this. Whilst most teams had 1, or even 2, destroyers Germany had an ex-winger who was comfortable joining in in attack. With Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira also impressive alongside him they weren't going to sit back or kick people as most other teams seemed content too. Themselves and Argentina were probably the 2 most attractive sides in the tournament and did their best to make it exciting.
The Bad
Cheating
The amount of cheating that now goes on has reached ridiculous levels and is beginning to actually turn me off some games. Even the final was tainted for me by the fact that Iniesta had been throwing himself about, waving imaginary cards around, getting Heitinga sent off and just generally being a horrible, pasty little man! This World Cup has showed that something needs to be done to stop all of this before people start watching a mor emanly sport like say synchronised swimming!? This is a huge bugbear of mine anyway and this tournament has just fuelled my rage. Grown men throwing themselves at the floor then rolling round clutching body parts because someone has breathed on them is not what football is about. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I have seen some interesting ideas floated. I would definitely introduce a straight yellow card for anyone that waves an imaginary one trying to get a fellow player booked. I would look at retrospective punishments for diving, although I do relaise this may mean the end of Arjen Robben's career. I realise this would be harder to implement as there needs to be a line drawn as to how much you can realistically review, but players need to know that they will be punished. If you roll round the floor like someone has just broken your leg then you should have to receive a minimum of 5 minutes with a physio checking you haven't. Whilst some of these are obviously in jest, the sentiment is not.
The Makelele Role
This is another of my pet hates and seems to be very en vogue at the moment. Under Jose Mourinho Makelele was hyped up beyond belief for what I see as little more than being a nuisance and passing the ball under 5 yards. This has led to most managers now thinking that what their team needs is a player in this role. You only have to look at Michael Essien or Bastian Schweinsteiger to see that a defensive midfielder can offer so much more. This World Cup has seen truly dreadful players like Busquets, Mascherano, Van Bommel all basically fouling people to break up play, but doing it where they are unlikely to be booked. Germany did well on the back of Shweinsteiger being able to start attacks from that position and this should be the future blueprint. I'm all for players being disciplined, but this is a step too far. When you are asking a player to stop the opposition playing by any means necessary and actively discouraging any actual football being played then something has gone awry in my opinion.
England
Dreadful. Horrendous. Embarrassing. These words go some way to describe the 'performances' put in by the national team. The only positive thing that should come out of this is a realsiation of where England actually rank in the grand scheme of things. To have qualified 2nd from the weakest group in the World Cup is bad enough, to then be made to wear a dress and cry by Germany is just dreadful. Whilst England definitely didn't perform at their very best, it should also now be realised that barring Ashley Cole none of these players are truly world class. My definition of this is 'would they get in a squad of 23 if picking a world team?'. I can only see Cashley in that squad. No before people start banging on about Rooney, most would pick 5 or 6 attackers in that squad. I would take Villa, Drogba, Messi, Ronaldo and Iniesta before Rooney without thinking. This leaves him battling with players like Forlan, Ozil and Tevez for the final spot. For all the hype surrounding Rooney I don' think he's any better than someone like Tevez. In fact I'd have them as very similar. They are both nowhere near as technically able as players like Messi and Ronaldo, but will put the effort in to compensate for this. See the amount of passes that bounce off Rooney's shins for further evidence. I'm not saying he's poor, far from it, just that to Lord him as an equal of Messi is nothing short of a lie.
Englands TV Pundits
Of all the things that were bad at this World Cup I would say that by some distance the worst was listening to these people's 'expert' views and analysis. The only man who talked any sense or gave any insight was Clarence Seedorf and you could often see his mirth at being surrounded by such buffoons. ITV were undoubtebly the worst, as usual. Edgar Davids was the Winston Bogarde of their outfit, content to just sit there and pick up his wages. Andy Townsend is surely clinging t his job by the fingernails. He offers nothing more than platitudes about how 'the boy done good' and his ignorance of foreign players is surely a sackable offence. If your job is to give analysis of teams at the World Cup how can you do no research and then laugh at their funny names!? I'd expect to be sacked if I was that bad at my job. Hansen looks like he gave up caring long ago, which is a shame because he can be good. Lineker's autcue jokes aren't even so bad they're funny, they're just crap. And Shearer. Jesus wept. He is either offering no view at all or when he rarely does he's wrong! It's insulting to have these morons talking to us about football. Just because they played the game doesn't mean they understand the finer points of it. It's probably why they aren't managers! Get some journalists in, people who are paid to offer views and analysis and won't be as afraid to upset their mates in the game as this pathetic lot. Oh, one final thing. Never, ever, let Harry Redknapp, any Redknapp for that matter on TV again. Him shamelessly advertising himself for the England job was shameful and he should be called up on it. Awful man.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
World Cup Final 2010...
And finally, after all the build-up, it's the World Cup Final. After all the hype after the Group Stages around the South American teams it's 2 European teams that will contest this match, Spain and Holland. Both are considered great underachievers at international level and neither have won the World Cup before, so we will have a new name on the trophy too. As I have already gone into great depth in previous blogs about line-ups and formations I will assess the key men for each team this time.
Spain v Holland, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Sunday 11th July
The Key Men
Spain
Iker Casillas
'San Iker' has not been his usual reliable self over the past season, but looked like he might be back to something approaching his best in the Semi-Final against Germany. He made some good saves in the match and will surely have regained some of the confidence he has lost after a season of dropping one clanger after another for Real Madrid. When in form Casillas is a brilliant goalkeeper and one of my favourites, du mostly to him going against the modern trend of having some absolute monsters between the sticks that most clubs seem to be going for. Whilst this does make the goal look smaller and coming for crosses easier, I personally prefer agility over these attributes. And that is something that Casillas has in abundance.
Carles Puyol
If you are a Sun reader you will have seen Terry 'El Tel' Venables (last seen 'aiding' Steve McClarens successful reign as England coach) deriding Puyol as Spain's weak link. I'd completely disagree with this assessment and like to personally call for that newspaper to either get some pundits who know what they're on about or to stop printing! I'll begin by saying that I'm sure Terry would no doubt refer to John Terry as one of the best central defenders in the world. I would then add that Puyol wrote the book on being a limited, but inspiring captain and leader. Essentially they are the same player, only I'd still have Puyol as a slightly better footballer, but that's just personal opinion. Puyol might not be Spain's captain (that's Casillas) but he is still a commanding leader. He is a brave player, and a clever one who knows when to take a booking or concede a freekick to benfit the team effort. He marshalls the backline and is more than happy to give the ball to his technically superior colleagues to lead the attack. In short, Venables is a moron.
Xavi and Iniesta
As seems to be the fashion I have classed these 2 as one player. And I really think they are almost 1 brain in 2 bodies, their understanding is almost telepathic! Xavi is the best passer on the planet, having made well over 500 so far this tournament, eclipsing anyone else involved, and over 75% have found there target. This is a truly outstanding achievement. Iniesta plays a more advanced role, but you can see he is always available for Xavi to pass to and then set off on the attack with his dribbling skills or lay the ball back to Xavi and move to a new position for another pass. It is this constant pass and move, tiki-taka, style that makes Spain so hard to beat. They are so happy on the ball that even close marking doesn't seem to ruffle their feathers! They just spin around give the ball, then position themselves for a possible return. Apart from the attacking benfits, the defensive protection this ball retention gives is invaluable. Most games Spain will have around 60% possession and put simply, when they have the ball the opposition can't score. I think this is a massively underappreciated skill that Xavi and Iniesta in particular have perfected. They are also tireless in their efforts to press the opposition when they don't have the ball to force mistakes and gain the ball back. They often do this high up the pitch so that there is even less threat from the other team. Some might find this boring, but personally I think it's a brilliant tactic.
David Villa
My choice for 3 or 4 years now as the best striker in world football. He plays in a sort of Thierry Henry-esque style, coming in from the wing, bearing down on goal. And for me he is just as good. He hasn't always been at the best clubs, but he has never scored less than 15 goals in a season since turning pro. Bear in mind this is better than Owen, Drogba, Raul, Henry, Shearer and Torres. No mean feat! He can score with his left and right feet as well as his head, from close range, long range and even takes a good freekick when called upon. Whilst many players seem to be either 'forwards' or 'non-scoring strikers' in modern formations, Villa is a goalscorer plain and simple. This team has not always looked great in attack at this tournament and Villa's goals have dragged Spain through and see him leading the chase for the Golden Boot, an honour he will surely win if he adds to his tally in this match. He has finally got his big move, at 28, to Barcelona, and I would expect to see he and Messi tearing defences apart next season.
Holland
Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong
These 2 are the midfield pivot Holland work from. They provide extra protection to Holland's defence and allow the attackers to do their stuff knowing that they are covered. Holland's defence is a well drilled unit, but Gregory Van Der Wiel aside, they are an ordinary bunch. Van Maarwijk has obviously recognised this and plays both these 2, slightly different, defensive midfielders. Van Bommel is possibly the most unashamedly dirty footballer the game currently has! He is the master of the niggly foul, shirt pull, slightly late challenge, but has also pefected doing it when he is less likely to get a booking. A lot of people will tell you that he's a horrible player, and they might be right, but this team wouldn't be half as good without him in it. He is the difference between Marco Van Basten's team at Euro 2008 and this version. Van Basten banished him form the squad and Van Maarwijk (his father-in-law!) has reaped the rewards of reinstating him. Nigel De Jong is the more physical presence. He is an absolute beast of a man who using this physicality to its full effect when trying to get the ball from the opposition. I thought he was absolutely fantastic at Man City last season and has been again in this tournament. He wins the ball and gives it to someone with more ability, and in this modern 4-2-3-1 formation that is his job, and he is fantastic at it. These 2 will be key to Hollands battle as they will be up against Alonso, Xavi and Iniesta. These 3 rarely give the ball away, and I would expect these 2 to try and impose themselves on Spain and try to disrupt their flowing football.
Wesley Sneijder
This is a man who has recovered form the disappointment of being bombed out of Real Madrid last summer to possibly become World Player of the Year! He was a casualty of the change in leadership at the Bernabeu last summer and Jose Mourinho took a punt on him that has been handsomely justified with some fantastic performances leading Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble. He plays behind the forwards in a central playmaker role. He looks for passes, shooting opportunities and space to exploit in the oppositions defence. He has got a share of the Golden Boot so far, although more than 1 goal was very dubiously his, and will look to score again to win that honour from midfield. With Robben missing early on and Van Persie yet to hit top form, Sneijder has been key to Hollands progression so far. For them to have a chance aginst this brilliant Spain team he will have to be excellent again. Spain will not let Holland have a lot of chances, so Sneijder needs to make the most of the one's that come their way.
Arjen Robben
The ex-Chelsea man came into the tournament off the back of a fantastic season in Germany for Bayern Munich, but carrying an injury. Now this shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that has followed his career! If he wasn't so prone to injury he would probably be the best winger in the world. Whilst I personally hate his pathetic swan-diving at the slightest touch then performing about 3 full rolls whilst in mock agony, I am not foolish enough to not recognise his great talent. He is almost as fast on the ball as off it and has great dribbling skills which put defneders on the back foot and off balance. This often opens up opportunities for himself or his team-mates and is a dying skill in the modern game unfortunately, as it is also one of the most exciting. A lot of coaches would try and drum this out of him, like Mourinho with Joe Cole, but he has been fortunate that in Van Gall and Van Maarwijk he has 2 that nurture this ability. Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevilla are no slouches, but they will have their work cut out when Robben pops up on their flank!
Overall Assessment
It pains me to say it a bit, but I think Spain will come out victors in a dull game. With so much on the line I can't see Holland attacking as much as they might, but I think this is th only way to beat Spain. If you set up to counter attack them, then you need to regain possession. And as the German team found out in the Semi-Fianl that is easier said than done! Spain probably can play better than they have, but the simple fact is that they haven't needed to. They have the possession game down to a fine art and will no doubt dominate it again. I think we will probably see the game decided by a slice of luck for Holland or a David Villa piece of magic for Spain.
Betting
As I've mentioned, I do not see this being a goalfest. I would go under 2.5 at a widely available 1/2. I would look at a Spain 1-0 victory at a top priced 11/2 with Victor Chandler. I would probably also bet on a draw/Spain in the half-time/full-time market with 4/1 widely available.
Spain v Holland, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Sunday 11th July
The Key Men
Spain
Iker Casillas
'San Iker' has not been his usual reliable self over the past season, but looked like he might be back to something approaching his best in the Semi-Final against Germany. He made some good saves in the match and will surely have regained some of the confidence he has lost after a season of dropping one clanger after another for Real Madrid. When in form Casillas is a brilliant goalkeeper and one of my favourites, du mostly to him going against the modern trend of having some absolute monsters between the sticks that most clubs seem to be going for. Whilst this does make the goal look smaller and coming for crosses easier, I personally prefer agility over these attributes. And that is something that Casillas has in abundance.
Carles Puyol
If you are a Sun reader you will have seen Terry 'El Tel' Venables (last seen 'aiding' Steve McClarens successful reign as England coach) deriding Puyol as Spain's weak link. I'd completely disagree with this assessment and like to personally call for that newspaper to either get some pundits who know what they're on about or to stop printing! I'll begin by saying that I'm sure Terry would no doubt refer to John Terry as one of the best central defenders in the world. I would then add that Puyol wrote the book on being a limited, but inspiring captain and leader. Essentially they are the same player, only I'd still have Puyol as a slightly better footballer, but that's just personal opinion. Puyol might not be Spain's captain (that's Casillas) but he is still a commanding leader. He is a brave player, and a clever one who knows when to take a booking or concede a freekick to benfit the team effort. He marshalls the backline and is more than happy to give the ball to his technically superior colleagues to lead the attack. In short, Venables is a moron.
Xavi and Iniesta
As seems to be the fashion I have classed these 2 as one player. And I really think they are almost 1 brain in 2 bodies, their understanding is almost telepathic! Xavi is the best passer on the planet, having made well over 500 so far this tournament, eclipsing anyone else involved, and over 75% have found there target. This is a truly outstanding achievement. Iniesta plays a more advanced role, but you can see he is always available for Xavi to pass to and then set off on the attack with his dribbling skills or lay the ball back to Xavi and move to a new position for another pass. It is this constant pass and move, tiki-taka, style that makes Spain so hard to beat. They are so happy on the ball that even close marking doesn't seem to ruffle their feathers! They just spin around give the ball, then position themselves for a possible return. Apart from the attacking benfits, the defensive protection this ball retention gives is invaluable. Most games Spain will have around 60% possession and put simply, when they have the ball the opposition can't score. I think this is a massively underappreciated skill that Xavi and Iniesta in particular have perfected. They are also tireless in their efforts to press the opposition when they don't have the ball to force mistakes and gain the ball back. They often do this high up the pitch so that there is even less threat from the other team. Some might find this boring, but personally I think it's a brilliant tactic.
David Villa
My choice for 3 or 4 years now as the best striker in world football. He plays in a sort of Thierry Henry-esque style, coming in from the wing, bearing down on goal. And for me he is just as good. He hasn't always been at the best clubs, but he has never scored less than 15 goals in a season since turning pro. Bear in mind this is better than Owen, Drogba, Raul, Henry, Shearer and Torres. No mean feat! He can score with his left and right feet as well as his head, from close range, long range and even takes a good freekick when called upon. Whilst many players seem to be either 'forwards' or 'non-scoring strikers' in modern formations, Villa is a goalscorer plain and simple. This team has not always looked great in attack at this tournament and Villa's goals have dragged Spain through and see him leading the chase for the Golden Boot, an honour he will surely win if he adds to his tally in this match. He has finally got his big move, at 28, to Barcelona, and I would expect to see he and Messi tearing defences apart next season.
Holland
Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong
These 2 are the midfield pivot Holland work from. They provide extra protection to Holland's defence and allow the attackers to do their stuff knowing that they are covered. Holland's defence is a well drilled unit, but Gregory Van Der Wiel aside, they are an ordinary bunch. Van Maarwijk has obviously recognised this and plays both these 2, slightly different, defensive midfielders. Van Bommel is possibly the most unashamedly dirty footballer the game currently has! He is the master of the niggly foul, shirt pull, slightly late challenge, but has also pefected doing it when he is less likely to get a booking. A lot of people will tell you that he's a horrible player, and they might be right, but this team wouldn't be half as good without him in it. He is the difference between Marco Van Basten's team at Euro 2008 and this version. Van Basten banished him form the squad and Van Maarwijk (his father-in-law!) has reaped the rewards of reinstating him. Nigel De Jong is the more physical presence. He is an absolute beast of a man who using this physicality to its full effect when trying to get the ball from the opposition. I thought he was absolutely fantastic at Man City last season and has been again in this tournament. He wins the ball and gives it to someone with more ability, and in this modern 4-2-3-1 formation that is his job, and he is fantastic at it. These 2 will be key to Hollands battle as they will be up against Alonso, Xavi and Iniesta. These 3 rarely give the ball away, and I would expect these 2 to try and impose themselves on Spain and try to disrupt their flowing football.
Wesley Sneijder
This is a man who has recovered form the disappointment of being bombed out of Real Madrid last summer to possibly become World Player of the Year! He was a casualty of the change in leadership at the Bernabeu last summer and Jose Mourinho took a punt on him that has been handsomely justified with some fantastic performances leading Inter Milan to an unprecedented treble. He plays behind the forwards in a central playmaker role. He looks for passes, shooting opportunities and space to exploit in the oppositions defence. He has got a share of the Golden Boot so far, although more than 1 goal was very dubiously his, and will look to score again to win that honour from midfield. With Robben missing early on and Van Persie yet to hit top form, Sneijder has been key to Hollands progression so far. For them to have a chance aginst this brilliant Spain team he will have to be excellent again. Spain will not let Holland have a lot of chances, so Sneijder needs to make the most of the one's that come their way.
Arjen Robben
The ex-Chelsea man came into the tournament off the back of a fantastic season in Germany for Bayern Munich, but carrying an injury. Now this shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that has followed his career! If he wasn't so prone to injury he would probably be the best winger in the world. Whilst I personally hate his pathetic swan-diving at the slightest touch then performing about 3 full rolls whilst in mock agony, I am not foolish enough to not recognise his great talent. He is almost as fast on the ball as off it and has great dribbling skills which put defneders on the back foot and off balance. This often opens up opportunities for himself or his team-mates and is a dying skill in the modern game unfortunately, as it is also one of the most exciting. A lot of coaches would try and drum this out of him, like Mourinho with Joe Cole, but he has been fortunate that in Van Gall and Van Maarwijk he has 2 that nurture this ability. Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevilla are no slouches, but they will have their work cut out when Robben pops up on their flank!
Overall Assessment
It pains me to say it a bit, but I think Spain will come out victors in a dull game. With so much on the line I can't see Holland attacking as much as they might, but I think this is th only way to beat Spain. If you set up to counter attack them, then you need to regain possession. And as the German team found out in the Semi-Fianl that is easier said than done! Spain probably can play better than they have, but the simple fact is that they haven't needed to. They have the possession game down to a fine art and will no doubt dominate it again. I think we will probably see the game decided by a slice of luck for Holland or a David Villa piece of magic for Spain.
Betting
As I've mentioned, I do not see this being a goalfest. I would go under 2.5 at a widely available 1/2. I would look at a Spain 1-0 victory at a top priced 11/2 with Victor Chandler. I would probably also bet on a draw/Spain in the half-time/full-time market with 4/1 widely available.
Friday, 9 July 2010
Battle of the best loser...
Tomorrow night sees the 3rd and 4th place play-off in the World Cup. Traditionally this game has not been taken that seriously and it's fairly easy to understand why! Can anyone from outside the countries involved remember any of these games or the results? Didn't think so!
Uruguay v Germany, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Saturday 10th July
Defence
I have been through these 2 teams before, so I wont go into too much detail again. Mainly because I really can't be bothered! I'll just assess the way I see things panning out in each area of the pitch without going into individual player detail.
We are seeing 2 very experienced defences in this match, and players who are used to playing with each other. Uruguay's impressive tournament has been built on the back of a solid backline although that all went a bit awry against Holland! Similarly Germany have been typically solid throughout as you'd expect, but they will have to cope with 2 strikers in form in Forlan and the returning Suarez for Uruguay. Both of these will be keen to add to their tally's and claim the Golden Boot, so I would imagine they'll be coming out all guns blazing.
These games are notoriously difficult to call as traditionally one team tries to win and the other doesn't. The hard part is working out which is which! Both have strong defences and exciting attackers. This should make for an interesting game as actually I think both teams will go for the victory. This being the case I think the impressive Germans will probably have too much for a worn-out Uruguayan back four.
Midfield
The midfields are very different. Uruguay are more quietly efficient, whereas some of the German players have really stepped up and announced themselves to the world so far. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil have all impressed, and would probably all be in the running for most people's team of the tournament so far. Schweinsteiger has revelled in Louis Van Gaal's new positon for him of defensive midfielder. He has the ability to tackle well and boundless energy to always be involved in play, as well as the ability on the ball you would expect of a man who started his career on the wing. Sami Khedira was only promoted from the U21 side this year, and probably wouldn't have played had Michael Ballack been fit. He has performed the role of keeping play ticking over and always providing an outlet for his teammates to pass too. I would not be suprised to see him get a big move before the summer is out. And Mesut Ozil is the next big playmaker! He is a traditional no10, playing off the striker(s) and constantly prompting and probing to exploit gaps and create chances. As I've mentioned Uruguay are more a functional unit more than a creative one and are really there to provide extra protection for the defence than provide any attacking thrust.
This looks a one-sided match up to me if Germany perform as we now know they are capable of. All the extra defensive responsibilities should be taking their toll on the Uruguayans by now. I can see them absolutely dominating midfield again and I would fancy Shweinsteiger and Ozil to be brilliant again.
Attack
This is where Uruguay have come to the fore so far. They have 2 attackers in great form and both still in with a shout for the Golden Boot. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have been on top of their respective games so far. Suarez sat out the Semi-Final after his heinous crime in the Quarters of handballing to save his team from certain defeat (an unselfish hero in my eyes!). Both of these 2 will pose the German defence problems and I would fancy one of them to grab a goal. Forlan has shown he is not afraid to shoot from distance, with 2 successes so far, and he is also on freekick duty. Suarez has shown that strikers knack of being in the right place at the right time and you begin to see how he got 49 (FORTY NINE) goals for Ajax last year. Another player who will surely get a big move soon. I would love to see Forlan grab a couple and the Golden Boot to see him get some long overdue recognition. He may have 'failed' at Man Utd, but he has banged them in in Spain and been top scorer in 2 of the last 3 years. Germany have the triumvate of Podolski, Klose and Mueller back together for this match with Mueller returning from suspension. Klose needs 2 goals to be the highest scorer ever in World Cup's and that should provide plenty of personal motivation tomorrow. Podolski seems a very keen individual and very confident in his own abilities. This will probably go some way to explain his performances and goals here after such a disappointing campaign in Germany with FC Koln. Mueller is listed in the 3 players for young player of the tournamnet, and rightly so. One of the unheard of German players coming into this, his direct running and 3 goals so far have made sure people know his name now! He is another who will want to cement his burgeoning reputation with another good performance.
I can see goals from both teams tomorrow night with such good, in-form players playing up front for both teams. I do fancy Germany to outscore the Uruguayan's as they have more firepower in my opinion and a far superior midfield backing them up.
Betting
This could be an interesting proposition depending on who you fancy to be trying. I think both will due to Uruguayan pride and German youthful endeavour. For this reason I think we might have a classic. I would be tempted to go for both teams to score at 4/6 with Bluesq.com. I also fancy Klose to take advantage of Uruguays defence and you can get 9/2 with various firms on first goalscorer or anytime at 6/5 again with Bluesq.com. Getting on over 2.5 goals at a widely available 8/13 looks a shrewd bet to me too.
Uruguay v Germany, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Saturday 10th July
Defence
I have been through these 2 teams before, so I wont go into too much detail again. Mainly because I really can't be bothered! I'll just assess the way I see things panning out in each area of the pitch without going into individual player detail.
We are seeing 2 very experienced defences in this match, and players who are used to playing with each other. Uruguay's impressive tournament has been built on the back of a solid backline although that all went a bit awry against Holland! Similarly Germany have been typically solid throughout as you'd expect, but they will have to cope with 2 strikers in form in Forlan and the returning Suarez for Uruguay. Both of these will be keen to add to their tally's and claim the Golden Boot, so I would imagine they'll be coming out all guns blazing.
These games are notoriously difficult to call as traditionally one team tries to win and the other doesn't. The hard part is working out which is which! Both have strong defences and exciting attackers. This should make for an interesting game as actually I think both teams will go for the victory. This being the case I think the impressive Germans will probably have too much for a worn-out Uruguayan back four.
Midfield
The midfields are very different. Uruguay are more quietly efficient, whereas some of the German players have really stepped up and announced themselves to the world so far. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil have all impressed, and would probably all be in the running for most people's team of the tournament so far. Schweinsteiger has revelled in Louis Van Gaal's new positon for him of defensive midfielder. He has the ability to tackle well and boundless energy to always be involved in play, as well as the ability on the ball you would expect of a man who started his career on the wing. Sami Khedira was only promoted from the U21 side this year, and probably wouldn't have played had Michael Ballack been fit. He has performed the role of keeping play ticking over and always providing an outlet for his teammates to pass too. I would not be suprised to see him get a big move before the summer is out. And Mesut Ozil is the next big playmaker! He is a traditional no10, playing off the striker(s) and constantly prompting and probing to exploit gaps and create chances. As I've mentioned Uruguay are more a functional unit more than a creative one and are really there to provide extra protection for the defence than provide any attacking thrust.
This looks a one-sided match up to me if Germany perform as we now know they are capable of. All the extra defensive responsibilities should be taking their toll on the Uruguayans by now. I can see them absolutely dominating midfield again and I would fancy Shweinsteiger and Ozil to be brilliant again.
Attack
This is where Uruguay have come to the fore so far. They have 2 attackers in great form and both still in with a shout for the Golden Boot. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have been on top of their respective games so far. Suarez sat out the Semi-Final after his heinous crime in the Quarters of handballing to save his team from certain defeat (an unselfish hero in my eyes!). Both of these 2 will pose the German defence problems and I would fancy one of them to grab a goal. Forlan has shown he is not afraid to shoot from distance, with 2 successes so far, and he is also on freekick duty. Suarez has shown that strikers knack of being in the right place at the right time and you begin to see how he got 49 (FORTY NINE) goals for Ajax last year. Another player who will surely get a big move soon. I would love to see Forlan grab a couple and the Golden Boot to see him get some long overdue recognition. He may have 'failed' at Man Utd, but he has banged them in in Spain and been top scorer in 2 of the last 3 years. Germany have the triumvate of Podolski, Klose and Mueller back together for this match with Mueller returning from suspension. Klose needs 2 goals to be the highest scorer ever in World Cup's and that should provide plenty of personal motivation tomorrow. Podolski seems a very keen individual and very confident in his own abilities. This will probably go some way to explain his performances and goals here after such a disappointing campaign in Germany with FC Koln. Mueller is listed in the 3 players for young player of the tournamnet, and rightly so. One of the unheard of German players coming into this, his direct running and 3 goals so far have made sure people know his name now! He is another who will want to cement his burgeoning reputation with another good performance.
I can see goals from both teams tomorrow night with such good, in-form players playing up front for both teams. I do fancy Germany to outscore the Uruguayan's as they have more firepower in my opinion and a far superior midfield backing them up.
Betting
This could be an interesting proposition depending on who you fancy to be trying. I think both will due to Uruguayan pride and German youthful endeavour. For this reason I think we might have a classic. I would be tempted to go for both teams to score at 4/6 with Bluesq.com. I also fancy Klose to take advantage of Uruguays defence and you can get 9/2 with various firms on first goalscorer or anytime at 6/5 again with Bluesq.com. Getting on over 2.5 goals at a widely available 8/13 looks a shrewd bet to me too.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Another day another Semi...
And on to the second of my World Cup Semi-Final previews and it's a repeat of the Euro 2008 final in this one. Germany have been the more impressive team so far and will be looking to gain revenge tomorrow night. So, without any further ado, here is my preview...
Germany v Spain, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Wednesday 7th July
Defence
We should see both teams lining up pretty similarly to their Quarter-Finals for this one. Sapin have had a settled back 4 now for around 2 years and barring injury it shouldn't change for this game. At left-back will be everyone's favourite injury-feigning, rolling around, card-waving, utter s**t, Joan Capdevilla! I always thought of him as a steady defender who provided useful attacking support. I suppose that still applies, but he has tarnished his reputation with his antics in the Portugal game for me. At centre back it will again be the Barcelona pair of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol. These 2 have not looked that solid to me so far, Paraguay went at them for the first 20 minutes in the Quarter-Final and worried them. Germany are capable, as we've seen, of maintaining those levels for 90 minutes and I think this could prove crucial. At right-back it's Sergio Ramos. Along with David Villa I think he's the only Spanish player to emerge with his reputation enhanced. He has been up and down like a yo-yo every game and has rarely been caught out of position as well as teeing up scoring opportunities for the strikers. Personally I would be tempted to bring in Carlos Marchena for Pique at centre back to provide a more experienced head, but at this late stage it would be a major shock if that happened.
For Germany it will likely be the same back 4 as in their hugely successful performance against Argentina. This will have Philip Lahm at right-back. Along with Ramos I think this guy is the best in the world at right-back. He has a seemingly endless supply of energy and pops up in defence and attack and is rarely out of position. A brilliant player and one that would improve any team in the world. At centre back it will likely be Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker. Boateng has just signed for Man City and looked very good in his favoured position against the Argie's. He was part of the effort in silencing Argentina's attackers, including Messi, and was very impressive whilst doing it. Very quick and physical and should have no problems adapting to the Premier League. Mertesacker is more like the brains of the operation. He isn't anywhere near as quick, but is good positionally and helps the less experienced Boateng out in that respect. At left-back it will be probably be Arne Friedrich, who even popped up to score in the last match! An experienced pro, he will be steady at the back and look to support in attack when the opportunity arises.
This match will probably rest on the midfield performances, but the defences will play a part. David Villa has looked devastating so far and the German's will look to shackle him as they did Messi. If they do that they will cut off the only real goal threat Spain have had so far. The Spanish will have to improve markedly to cope with Germany's constant, relentless attacking. If they don't then the Germans will overrun them.
Midfield
This is where I think the match will be won or lost. For Spain there will be the triumvate of Xavi, Busquets and Alonso. I have already given my thoughts on Busquets, but I will repeat them. He is the weak link in this Spanish team, his lack of ability is so clear compared to everyone else on the team it's startling. His job is to win the ball and lay it off to Xavi or Alonso to do the damage. Too often though he tries to play the balls himself and gifts the opposition possession back. Xavi is the master of passing, he rarely gives the ball away and is always available to the other players. He keeps this Spanish team ticking. Alonso is also a master passer, but is more likely than Xavi to play a long aerial pass when he thinks it's required.
For Germany it is again a middle 3. Man of the match from the Argentina game Bastian Schweinsteiger is ostensibly the holding player. Due to his career initially beginning as a winger though he is more than capable of bringing the ball forward and helping out in attack. Argentina couldn't cope with this and the goal he layed on for Arne Friedrich is a perfect example of his game. Alongside him will be Sami Khedira. He is more a Xavi style player who keeps the ball moving and keeps possession for this German team. He is excellent at this and some of the morning's papers have linked him with Chelsea, I think he and Essien would make a brilliant partnership in midfield. Making up the 3 is the link man between defence and attack, Mesut Ozil. Whilst he is unlikely to be back helping out in defence too much he does come back to receive the ball from Khedira and Schweinsteiger to set attacks rolling. He was a bit quiet against Argentina as Schweinsteiger took centre stage, but demolished England and Australia to show the effect he can have.
Whilst many would imagine Spain will dominate midfield, and midfield possession, I think Germany can change this. Busquets is not, in my opinion, good enough to be in this team and Germany should walk all over him. I would bring in Bilbao's Javi Martinez, but this wont happen. Unless Busquets has the game of his life I think Spain are in for a rude awakening!
Attack
For Spain their attack so far has been all about one man, David Villa. He has almost single-handedly dragged Spain through and has backed up my assertion that he is the best striker in the world right now. Torres has looked little short of hopeless so far. I would personally put Fernando Llorente in from the start, but Torres is a popular member of the squad and a Del Bosque favourite so he will start. The trio is made up by Andres Iniesta. A brilliant player, though he has been a bit subdued so far here for some reason. They will all need to be firing on all cylinders as Germany have been the most impressive team on show at this World Cup so far barring the Serbia game. On the bench will be Mata, Navas and Llorente all hoping to make an impact if brought on. I have always been impressed with Navas when watching him in La Liga. However, when he has played in this tournament he has looked like Aaron Lennon, without the Blazin Squad haircut. All pace and no end product. Mata is more likely to come inside and shoot, but has not impressed me at all when he's featured. As I've mentioned I think Llorente should start, but expect to see him introduced from the bench if Spain are struggling.
Germany also have a front 3. Thomas Muller is suspended for this match though, and that will be a loss. Whilst he only has 1 season of club football under his belt he has been very good so far. He will be likely to be replaced by either Toni Kroos or Marko Marin, both impressive young players themselves. Kroos is a more direct replacement as more of a central player, Marin is a small, nippy right-winger. Germany will not be as potent whoever plays, but both are capable of coming in and impressing. Whoever is picked will line-up with Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, the 2 Poles! Seriously though, both are proven players at this level and have seemingly put disappointing domestic seasons behind them to impress so far. Klose is closing in on the real Ronaldo's World Cup scoring record, and will be looking to add to his total against a so far unimpressive Spanish rearguard. Podolski always seems greedy to me, but he scores and Germany win so he can't be that bad!
I think Germany's form in attack against Spain's form in defence could spell disaster for Spain. Unless Spain up their game Germany could destroy them I think. Germany will be looking to contain David Villa, and if they do that I can't see how Spain will score.
Betting
Because of Spain's incredible record of the past 4 years and being reigning Euro champions I think there is some cracking prices around. I would be tempted to back Germany with a -1 handicap at 11/2 with Sportingbet, if Germany get ahead I can see them running riot as they have previously. I would take Germany to do it in 90 minutes at a widely available 7/4 too. Spain have some hot-heads in their squad in Puyol, Pique and Busquets so if, like me, you fancy a Germany win then 1 of them to get sent off might hold appeal at 3/1 with Paddypower on any sending off in the match.
Germany v Spain, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Wednesday 7th July
Defence
We should see both teams lining up pretty similarly to their Quarter-Finals for this one. Sapin have had a settled back 4 now for around 2 years and barring injury it shouldn't change for this game. At left-back will be everyone's favourite injury-feigning, rolling around, card-waving, utter s**t, Joan Capdevilla! I always thought of him as a steady defender who provided useful attacking support. I suppose that still applies, but he has tarnished his reputation with his antics in the Portugal game for me. At centre back it will again be the Barcelona pair of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol. These 2 have not looked that solid to me so far, Paraguay went at them for the first 20 minutes in the Quarter-Final and worried them. Germany are capable, as we've seen, of maintaining those levels for 90 minutes and I think this could prove crucial. At right-back it's Sergio Ramos. Along with David Villa I think he's the only Spanish player to emerge with his reputation enhanced. He has been up and down like a yo-yo every game and has rarely been caught out of position as well as teeing up scoring opportunities for the strikers. Personally I would be tempted to bring in Carlos Marchena for Pique at centre back to provide a more experienced head, but at this late stage it would be a major shock if that happened.
For Germany it will likely be the same back 4 as in their hugely successful performance against Argentina. This will have Philip Lahm at right-back. Along with Ramos I think this guy is the best in the world at right-back. He has a seemingly endless supply of energy and pops up in defence and attack and is rarely out of position. A brilliant player and one that would improve any team in the world. At centre back it will likely be Jerome Boateng and Per Mertesacker. Boateng has just signed for Man City and looked very good in his favoured position against the Argie's. He was part of the effort in silencing Argentina's attackers, including Messi, and was very impressive whilst doing it. Very quick and physical and should have no problems adapting to the Premier League. Mertesacker is more like the brains of the operation. He isn't anywhere near as quick, but is good positionally and helps the less experienced Boateng out in that respect. At left-back it will be probably be Arne Friedrich, who even popped up to score in the last match! An experienced pro, he will be steady at the back and look to support in attack when the opportunity arises.
This match will probably rest on the midfield performances, but the defences will play a part. David Villa has looked devastating so far and the German's will look to shackle him as they did Messi. If they do that they will cut off the only real goal threat Spain have had so far. The Spanish will have to improve markedly to cope with Germany's constant, relentless attacking. If they don't then the Germans will overrun them.
Midfield
This is where I think the match will be won or lost. For Spain there will be the triumvate of Xavi, Busquets and Alonso. I have already given my thoughts on Busquets, but I will repeat them. He is the weak link in this Spanish team, his lack of ability is so clear compared to everyone else on the team it's startling. His job is to win the ball and lay it off to Xavi or Alonso to do the damage. Too often though he tries to play the balls himself and gifts the opposition possession back. Xavi is the master of passing, he rarely gives the ball away and is always available to the other players. He keeps this Spanish team ticking. Alonso is also a master passer, but is more likely than Xavi to play a long aerial pass when he thinks it's required.
For Germany it is again a middle 3. Man of the match from the Argentina game Bastian Schweinsteiger is ostensibly the holding player. Due to his career initially beginning as a winger though he is more than capable of bringing the ball forward and helping out in attack. Argentina couldn't cope with this and the goal he layed on for Arne Friedrich is a perfect example of his game. Alongside him will be Sami Khedira. He is more a Xavi style player who keeps the ball moving and keeps possession for this German team. He is excellent at this and some of the morning's papers have linked him with Chelsea, I think he and Essien would make a brilliant partnership in midfield. Making up the 3 is the link man between defence and attack, Mesut Ozil. Whilst he is unlikely to be back helping out in defence too much he does come back to receive the ball from Khedira and Schweinsteiger to set attacks rolling. He was a bit quiet against Argentina as Schweinsteiger took centre stage, but demolished England and Australia to show the effect he can have.
Whilst many would imagine Spain will dominate midfield, and midfield possession, I think Germany can change this. Busquets is not, in my opinion, good enough to be in this team and Germany should walk all over him. I would bring in Bilbao's Javi Martinez, but this wont happen. Unless Busquets has the game of his life I think Spain are in for a rude awakening!
Attack
For Spain their attack so far has been all about one man, David Villa. He has almost single-handedly dragged Spain through and has backed up my assertion that he is the best striker in the world right now. Torres has looked little short of hopeless so far. I would personally put Fernando Llorente in from the start, but Torres is a popular member of the squad and a Del Bosque favourite so he will start. The trio is made up by Andres Iniesta. A brilliant player, though he has been a bit subdued so far here for some reason. They will all need to be firing on all cylinders as Germany have been the most impressive team on show at this World Cup so far barring the Serbia game. On the bench will be Mata, Navas and Llorente all hoping to make an impact if brought on. I have always been impressed with Navas when watching him in La Liga. However, when he has played in this tournament he has looked like Aaron Lennon, without the Blazin Squad haircut. All pace and no end product. Mata is more likely to come inside and shoot, but has not impressed me at all when he's featured. As I've mentioned I think Llorente should start, but expect to see him introduced from the bench if Spain are struggling.
Germany also have a front 3. Thomas Muller is suspended for this match though, and that will be a loss. Whilst he only has 1 season of club football under his belt he has been very good so far. He will be likely to be replaced by either Toni Kroos or Marko Marin, both impressive young players themselves. Kroos is a more direct replacement as more of a central player, Marin is a small, nippy right-winger. Germany will not be as potent whoever plays, but both are capable of coming in and impressing. Whoever is picked will line-up with Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, the 2 Poles! Seriously though, both are proven players at this level and have seemingly put disappointing domestic seasons behind them to impress so far. Klose is closing in on the real Ronaldo's World Cup scoring record, and will be looking to add to his total against a so far unimpressive Spanish rearguard. Podolski always seems greedy to me, but he scores and Germany win so he can't be that bad!
I think Germany's form in attack against Spain's form in defence could spell disaster for Spain. Unless Spain up their game Germany could destroy them I think. Germany will be looking to contain David Villa, and if they do that I can't see how Spain will score.
Betting
Because of Spain's incredible record of the past 4 years and being reigning Euro champions I think there is some cracking prices around. I would be tempted to back Germany with a -1 handicap at 11/2 with Sportingbet, if Germany get ahead I can see them running riot as they have previously. I would take Germany to do it in 90 minutes at a widely available 7/4 too. Spain have some hot-heads in their squad in Puyol, Pique and Busquets so if, like me, you fancy a Germany win then 1 of them to get sent off might hold appeal at 3/1 with Paddypower on any sending off in the match.
Monday, 5 July 2010
I've got a little Semi on...
And so here we are. We've narrowed down the original 32 entrants to just 4, with Germany, Holland, Uruguay and Spain the last teams standing. I will have a look at the teams again, same format as before, and attempt to analyse where the game may well be won or lost. First up it's:
Holland v Uruguay, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Tuesday 6th July
Defence
Holland, whilst not necessarily containing any names you might recognise, are extremely strong in defence. This is borne out in the stat that they have only conceded 3 goals in their 5 games so far. This is a great credit to Bert Van Marwiijk, their coach, as he has been picking the same defence when fit almost since taking over and they are now a compact, well-drilled unit. However, the right-back Gregory Van Wiel, one of the young players who has most impressed, is suspended for this match. He is likely to be replaced by John Heitinga shuffling across from centre back I would have thought. Heitinga played most of his time for Atletico Madrid in Spain at right-back and was known to struggle when up against dynamic wingers. At centre back I would have thought that we would see Andre Ooijer and the return of Joris Mathijsen. Mathijsen played the majority of the qualifying vampaign and there should be no problems in him slotting in next to experienced campaigner Ooijer. At left-back will again be the captain Gio Van Bronckhorst. This back 4 is very experienced, but without the dynamism of Van Wiel they are lacking in pace and attacking intent.
For Uruguay it should be the same back 4 we saw line-up against Ghana in the Quarter-Final. We should see the hugely impressive Jorge Fucile at left-back, and he should again provide sound defensive cover along with attacking support. At right-back should be Maxi Pereira, who has been a reliable defender so far, and will need to be up against Arjen Robben. At centre back we should again see the pairing of the 2 Diego's, Lugano and Godin. These 2 are both used to playing with each other and make a solid and reliable starting point. Holland have 3 attackers who are capable of winning a game on their own and the Uruguyan defence will need to be alert at all times to deal with the threat they pose.
I can see Van Bommel beiong given a detail to follow Diego Forlan and cut off the supply to Uruguay's forwards. The suspension of Luis Suarez also robs Uruguay of their most potent goal threat so far. I see this as hugely weighting the battle in Holland's defences favour. Uruguay's defence could well be in for a torrid time. Robben has looked better and better every game, Sneijder is orchestrating play, and Van Persie has looked threatening too. They will need to have the game of their lives to cope and I think the dream might end here.
Midfield
Holland have the 2 defensive midfield pivot that many teams favour now. They have Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong normally, but De Jong is suspended here. This could be a big miss as he has been a huge presence for them defensively so far. Demy De Zeuww of Ajax will probably fill in. He is 27 now and has been aound the Dutch League before getting his big move and fitting straight in. He wont be as dominating as De Jong, but with Suarez out he might not need to be. Sneijder again will be the link man, and he has carried this season'e exceptional form into the tournament so far. With Van Persie not quite firing on all cylinders, Sneijder is THE MAN in this team. If he plays well then I think it's bye, bye Uruguay!
For Uruguay it will be the 2 man pivot too. They play Eguren and Rios and they are both very disciplined. I would have thought they will be told that they are to stay back at all times to help out the defence with the threat Holland pose. Alvaro Pereira or Diego Perez will occupy the link man role and will probably be told to think of defence before bombing on and supporting the strikers. They could even bring in Nicolas Lodeiro's creativity in a flat 4 man midfield as Luis Suarez is suspended and it would provide more defensive support.
Again I see Holland dominating this match up. Sneijder has his eye on the player of the tournament gong and I would expect him to run this game and enhance his credentials even more.
Attack
Holland play Dirk Kuyt furthest up as a target man with Van Persie and Robben playing off him. This system works well as Dirk Kuyt is nothing if not hard-working. I personally think he-s dreadful at Liverpool, but a lot of that can be put down to his being played on the wing when he is patently not a winger in any shape or form! Robben was carrying an injury coming into the tournament. Van Maarwijk can again take great credit as his gamble on the glass man's recovery has paid off spectacularly so far. His insistence on throwing himself at the floor and rolling around certainly grates with me, but he is some player when in full-flight and puts defenders on the backfoot immediately. Van Persie hasn't been great so far, but he is still performing OK and is capable of unleashing rockets from his left-boot when the mood takes him.
Uruguay are usually heavily reliant on Diego Forlan and this is even more true as Luis Suarez is suspended for his heinous crime in the last match. I have seen people calling for huge bans and rule changes because of his handball, but I think he was adequately punished. The attacking team get a free shot from 12 yards, which any striker should score, and Uruguay lose a man too. I think anyone would have to agree they would do the same, so to brand him some sort of devil-man is a bit rich I think. As a wise friend of mine pointed out he will probably now be a national hero if they go on to triumph and will be able to ask any man for a lend of his wife for the night with no fear of repercussions! All the joking aside, he has been Uruguay's main goal threat and they will miss him sorely. The responsibility will fall on Forlan to somehow create and score and I think this will see them lose in this game.
In conclusion, I would say the loss of Suarez for Uruguay and Holland's stellar attack add up to misery for South America's last representatives. I can't see them scoring more than once and I think Holland will get 2 at least with the attacking force they have.
Betting
I would be inclined to back Holland for a clean sheet at 10/11 with Skybet. The 4/6 on offer for Holland to do it in 90 minutes looks massive to me with Skybet again. Holland beat Brazil and Uruguay edged past Ghana, how they can go with that price is beyond me and it should be snapped up! For a bit more value Betfred go 13/8 on the -1 handicap on Holland and I can see them covering that.
Holland v Uruguay, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Tuesday 6th July
Defence
Holland, whilst not necessarily containing any names you might recognise, are extremely strong in defence. This is borne out in the stat that they have only conceded 3 goals in their 5 games so far. This is a great credit to Bert Van Marwiijk, their coach, as he has been picking the same defence when fit almost since taking over and they are now a compact, well-drilled unit. However, the right-back Gregory Van Wiel, one of the young players who has most impressed, is suspended for this match. He is likely to be replaced by John Heitinga shuffling across from centre back I would have thought. Heitinga played most of his time for Atletico Madrid in Spain at right-back and was known to struggle when up against dynamic wingers. At centre back I would have thought that we would see Andre Ooijer and the return of Joris Mathijsen. Mathijsen played the majority of the qualifying vampaign and there should be no problems in him slotting in next to experienced campaigner Ooijer. At left-back will again be the captain Gio Van Bronckhorst. This back 4 is very experienced, but without the dynamism of Van Wiel they are lacking in pace and attacking intent.
For Uruguay it should be the same back 4 we saw line-up against Ghana in the Quarter-Final. We should see the hugely impressive Jorge Fucile at left-back, and he should again provide sound defensive cover along with attacking support. At right-back should be Maxi Pereira, who has been a reliable defender so far, and will need to be up against Arjen Robben. At centre back we should again see the pairing of the 2 Diego's, Lugano and Godin. These 2 are both used to playing with each other and make a solid and reliable starting point. Holland have 3 attackers who are capable of winning a game on their own and the Uruguyan defence will need to be alert at all times to deal with the threat they pose.
I can see Van Bommel beiong given a detail to follow Diego Forlan and cut off the supply to Uruguay's forwards. The suspension of Luis Suarez also robs Uruguay of their most potent goal threat so far. I see this as hugely weighting the battle in Holland's defences favour. Uruguay's defence could well be in for a torrid time. Robben has looked better and better every game, Sneijder is orchestrating play, and Van Persie has looked threatening too. They will need to have the game of their lives to cope and I think the dream might end here.
Midfield
Holland have the 2 defensive midfield pivot that many teams favour now. They have Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong normally, but De Jong is suspended here. This could be a big miss as he has been a huge presence for them defensively so far. Demy De Zeuww of Ajax will probably fill in. He is 27 now and has been aound the Dutch League before getting his big move and fitting straight in. He wont be as dominating as De Jong, but with Suarez out he might not need to be. Sneijder again will be the link man, and he has carried this season'e exceptional form into the tournament so far. With Van Persie not quite firing on all cylinders, Sneijder is THE MAN in this team. If he plays well then I think it's bye, bye Uruguay!
For Uruguay it will be the 2 man pivot too. They play Eguren and Rios and they are both very disciplined. I would have thought they will be told that they are to stay back at all times to help out the defence with the threat Holland pose. Alvaro Pereira or Diego Perez will occupy the link man role and will probably be told to think of defence before bombing on and supporting the strikers. They could even bring in Nicolas Lodeiro's creativity in a flat 4 man midfield as Luis Suarez is suspended and it would provide more defensive support.
Again I see Holland dominating this match up. Sneijder has his eye on the player of the tournament gong and I would expect him to run this game and enhance his credentials even more.
Attack
Holland play Dirk Kuyt furthest up as a target man with Van Persie and Robben playing off him. This system works well as Dirk Kuyt is nothing if not hard-working. I personally think he-s dreadful at Liverpool, but a lot of that can be put down to his being played on the wing when he is patently not a winger in any shape or form! Robben was carrying an injury coming into the tournament. Van Maarwijk can again take great credit as his gamble on the glass man's recovery has paid off spectacularly so far. His insistence on throwing himself at the floor and rolling around certainly grates with me, but he is some player when in full-flight and puts defenders on the backfoot immediately. Van Persie hasn't been great so far, but he is still performing OK and is capable of unleashing rockets from his left-boot when the mood takes him.
Uruguay are usually heavily reliant on Diego Forlan and this is even more true as Luis Suarez is suspended for his heinous crime in the last match. I have seen people calling for huge bans and rule changes because of his handball, but I think he was adequately punished. The attacking team get a free shot from 12 yards, which any striker should score, and Uruguay lose a man too. I think anyone would have to agree they would do the same, so to brand him some sort of devil-man is a bit rich I think. As a wise friend of mine pointed out he will probably now be a national hero if they go on to triumph and will be able to ask any man for a lend of his wife for the night with no fear of repercussions! All the joking aside, he has been Uruguay's main goal threat and they will miss him sorely. The responsibility will fall on Forlan to somehow create and score and I think this will see them lose in this game.
In conclusion, I would say the loss of Suarez for Uruguay and Holland's stellar attack add up to misery for South America's last representatives. I can't see them scoring more than once and I think Holland will get 2 at least with the attacking force they have.
Betting
I would be inclined to back Holland for a clean sheet at 10/11 with Skybet. The 4/6 on offer for Holland to do it in 90 minutes looks massive to me with Skybet again. Holland beat Brazil and Uruguay edged past Ghana, how they can go with that price is beyond me and it should be snapped up! For a bit more value Betfred go 13/8 on the -1 handicap on Holland and I can see them covering that.
Friday, 2 July 2010
4th one's a charm...
Here is my thoughts on the last of the 4 Quarter-Finals this weekend. I have covered both of these teams in a previous blog so I will try and add a bit of info on some of the squad players that might well feature too.
Spain v Paraguay, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Saturday 2nd June
Defence
Paraguay are a compact and experienced team in defence who are more bothered about not conceding than they are about marauding upfield and helping the attack. This is no bad thing as 1 goal concede so far will testify. They always looked resolute against Japan and never looked very likely to be carved open. At centre half it should be Da Silva of Sunderland and Claudio Morel. Both are experienced defenders, although we may see Caceres restored to the line-up after missing out through injury in the Japan game. The youngest member of Paraguay's defenders at the World Cup is Antonin Alcaraz at 27, so experience shouldn't be a problem. Saying that though, pace might!
For Spain it will be the usual suspects unless injury strikes. We will see Barcelona's pairing of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol at centre half. Pique has looked a bit of a liability at times so far and will need to be better if Spain are to go on and the lift the cup. Puyol is the leader of the team and a symbol of Catalonia and Spain, he might be getting on, but he provides leadership for this team. My man of the match in the Portugal game would have been Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid at right-back. With Portugal lacking somewhat in attack Ramos supported he attack at every opprtunity and was brilliant. At left back we have the new Rivaldo, Joan Capdevilla, my villain of the tournament. There is little I hate more in the game than cheating, diving and trying to get opposition players booked/sent off. This despicable man did all 3 in one against Portugal, and whilst those cheating swine earnt it, I was not impressed one bit. The only change I could envisage would be Alvaro Arbreloa possibly coming in at left-back for his reliability.
The Paraguayan defence will have to have the game of their lives to contain this Spanish attack, and in particular the in-form David Villa. I can't see them doing it myself.
Midfield
Like a lot of modern teams Paraguay play a 4-3-3. This has Nestor Ortigoza or Edgar Barreto anchoring, both of whom are very reliable defensive players unlikely to be found near the oppositions penalty area. The impressive Cristian Riveros, who will be playing for Sunderland next year, will be with the experienced Enrique Vera in the centre. Riveros has impressed me with his astute passing and tactical awareness and looks likely to be a Premier League success.
Spain have the masters of tiki-taka football in the middle, Xavi and Iniesta. These 2 are almost one player really with an almost 6th sense understanding of where the other will be. Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona play slightly behind. Busquets is a poor-man's Mascherano in my opinion, and anyone who read my last post will understand that's far from a compliment! He is Spain's weak link for me witha horrible touch and tendency to give away freekicks. Alonso is a great passer over any distance, long and short, and is a deep-lying playmaker for Spain in the Andrea Pirlo mold. It's a system designed to get the ball and then never lose it, and this is often the case!
I can see Paraguay having a horrible time trying to get moves going in midfield. Spain are quick to press and if Paraguay lose the ball it could be 10 minutes before they see it again.
Attack
Spain have Iniesta helping out in attack, but the main 2 protagonists are David Villa and Fernando Torres. Villa has proven himself to be the top striker in world football again at this tournament. He might not have been at Europe's biggest clubs so far, but he has always got goals and that's most important. Torres on the other hand has been woeful so far! Looking well short of fitness and form, Spain improved markedly when Fernando Llorente of Bilbao came on against Portugal. I doubt whether Spain will drop Torres though, but I do expect to see Llorente again if Torres is misfiring.
Paraguay will have a 3 pronged attack of Roque Santa Cruz, Hector Valdez and Lucas Barrios. Oscar Cardozo may start and will definitely feature at some point. Cardozo has the best scoring record of them, but the other 3 are favourites of the manager Gerardo Martino. I don't see it myself though. I think they will need the physical presence of Cardozo to cause Spain problems. Whilst the others are good players, I don't think they have enough to trouble Spain.
I see Spain's attack giving the Paraguayan defence a torrid time. Villa is in great form at the moment and I think it's a matter of time before Spain really open someone up. Sadly I think Paraguay might be that team.
Betting
I would handicap Spain in this one and expect them to cover a 1 goal handicap at 6/4 with various firms. I would have them to keep a clean sheet too at Evens at Boylesports with the stipulation Spain win too. I would again back David Villa for first goal too at 11/4 with William Hill.
Spain v Paraguay, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time, Saturday 2nd June
Defence
Paraguay are a compact and experienced team in defence who are more bothered about not conceding than they are about marauding upfield and helping the attack. This is no bad thing as 1 goal concede so far will testify. They always looked resolute against Japan and never looked very likely to be carved open. At centre half it should be Da Silva of Sunderland and Claudio Morel. Both are experienced defenders, although we may see Caceres restored to the line-up after missing out through injury in the Japan game. The youngest member of Paraguay's defenders at the World Cup is Antonin Alcaraz at 27, so experience shouldn't be a problem. Saying that though, pace might!
For Spain it will be the usual suspects unless injury strikes. We will see Barcelona's pairing of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol at centre half. Pique has looked a bit of a liability at times so far and will need to be better if Spain are to go on and the lift the cup. Puyol is the leader of the team and a symbol of Catalonia and Spain, he might be getting on, but he provides leadership for this team. My man of the match in the Portugal game would have been Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid at right-back. With Portugal lacking somewhat in attack Ramos supported he attack at every opprtunity and was brilliant. At left back we have the new Rivaldo, Joan Capdevilla, my villain of the tournament. There is little I hate more in the game than cheating, diving and trying to get opposition players booked/sent off. This despicable man did all 3 in one against Portugal, and whilst those cheating swine earnt it, I was not impressed one bit. The only change I could envisage would be Alvaro Arbreloa possibly coming in at left-back for his reliability.
The Paraguayan defence will have to have the game of their lives to contain this Spanish attack, and in particular the in-form David Villa. I can't see them doing it myself.
Midfield
Like a lot of modern teams Paraguay play a 4-3-3. This has Nestor Ortigoza or Edgar Barreto anchoring, both of whom are very reliable defensive players unlikely to be found near the oppositions penalty area. The impressive Cristian Riveros, who will be playing for Sunderland next year, will be with the experienced Enrique Vera in the centre. Riveros has impressed me with his astute passing and tactical awareness and looks likely to be a Premier League success.
Spain have the masters of tiki-taka football in the middle, Xavi and Iniesta. These 2 are almost one player really with an almost 6th sense understanding of where the other will be. Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona play slightly behind. Busquets is a poor-man's Mascherano in my opinion, and anyone who read my last post will understand that's far from a compliment! He is Spain's weak link for me witha horrible touch and tendency to give away freekicks. Alonso is a great passer over any distance, long and short, and is a deep-lying playmaker for Spain in the Andrea Pirlo mold. It's a system designed to get the ball and then never lose it, and this is often the case!
I can see Paraguay having a horrible time trying to get moves going in midfield. Spain are quick to press and if Paraguay lose the ball it could be 10 minutes before they see it again.
Attack
Spain have Iniesta helping out in attack, but the main 2 protagonists are David Villa and Fernando Torres. Villa has proven himself to be the top striker in world football again at this tournament. He might not have been at Europe's biggest clubs so far, but he has always got goals and that's most important. Torres on the other hand has been woeful so far! Looking well short of fitness and form, Spain improved markedly when Fernando Llorente of Bilbao came on against Portugal. I doubt whether Spain will drop Torres though, but I do expect to see Llorente again if Torres is misfiring.
Paraguay will have a 3 pronged attack of Roque Santa Cruz, Hector Valdez and Lucas Barrios. Oscar Cardozo may start and will definitely feature at some point. Cardozo has the best scoring record of them, but the other 3 are favourites of the manager Gerardo Martino. I don't see it myself though. I think they will need the physical presence of Cardozo to cause Spain problems. Whilst the others are good players, I don't think they have enough to trouble Spain.
I see Spain's attack giving the Paraguayan defence a torrid time. Villa is in great form at the moment and I think it's a matter of time before Spain really open someone up. Sadly I think Paraguay might be that team.
Betting
I would handicap Spain in this one and expect them to cover a 1 goal handicap at 6/4 with various firms. I would have them to keep a clean sheet too at Evens at Boylesports with the stipulation Spain win too. I would again back David Villa for first goal too at 11/4 with William Hill.
3 out of 4 ain't bad...
The 3rd of the 4 Quarter-Finals sees Argentina take on Germany. I really see this as being THE match of the tournament for excitement, Maradona's there for Christ's sake! These are 2 of histories most successful teams and 2 of the more impressive attacking forces so far so I really hope we're in for a treat tomorrow night!
Argentina v Germany, Kick-Off 3pm UK Time, Saturday 2nd July
Defence
Both of these teams have been criticised for their perceived weaknesses at the back, but so far they have carried them this far. Personally, I do agree with some of the points made about their weaknesses which I will go into here.
Argentina's back-line hasn't really been put to the test yet, and I think they'll consider themselves very lucky for that! Maradona, as expected, has made some very interesting choices in his back 4. Gabi Heinze, now of PSG, plays at left-back. Now, Gabi was a very good player in his time before, during and immediately after Man United, but now he's utter tosh! He's slow, petulant and just not good enough to cope if someone really gets at him, as I'd expect the Germans to do. At right-back it's either Jonas Gutierrez of Newcastle or Nicolas Otamendi of Velez Sarsfield. Gutierrez is a fairly mediocre winger by trade and is hopeless defensively, as you'd imagine, and Otamendi is a promising centre back who lacks the pace to play a full-back role. I would expect Germany to target the flanks and get some joy there. At centre half it's always Martin Demechelis of Bayern Munich alongside either Martin Samuel or Nicolas Burdisso, both of Inter Milan. Demechelis is the weakest of the 3, but under Maradona is a sure starter. None of them are quick, but Samuel is a very powerful player and reads the game well. If Germany, and Ozil in particular, are on form Argentina may find themselves in trouble!
Germany are lacking in pace at centre half too. Per Mertesacker of Werder Bremen and Arne Friedrich of Hertha Berlin are both vastly experienced though with over 65 caps each. They are a solid unit, but they will no doubt be troubled by the pace of Argentina's front 3. At full-back I would expect to see Philip Lahm, the captain, and Dennis Aogo or Jerome Boateng. Lahm is a brilliant modern full-back, full of running, defensively astute and capable of supporting the attack too. Aogo and Boateng are not! Both are, in my opinion, defensively suspect and prone to lapses of concentration. Expect to see Messi target whichever one gets the nod. I don't think the game will necessarily be decided here, although I really think Germany are going to get a lot of chances gifted by Argentina's poor defence.
Midfield
Argentina play a fairly normal 4-4-2, but with the wingers and forwards given licence to roam and swap positions at will. In the middle they normally start with Javier Mascherano of Liverpool and Juan Veron, now of Estudiantes. Personally I hate Macherano, let me make that clear! He is a horrible, petulant little player who constantly fouls and seems to have a very limited knowledge of how to actually play football. With that off my chest, he does have a role here as Veron's legs! Seba is in the twilight of his career now, and is in the team for his eye for a pass and nothing more. Angel Di Maria of Benfica and Maxi Rodriguez of Liverpool are the wingers. Di Maria is one of the rising stars of European football and is expected to move to Real Madrid after the tournament. I was very impressed with him at his club last year, but I don't think he's been great at this World Cup so far. Maxi isn't the same player who was so solid for Atletico Madrid and is another who I think has failed to live up to his billing so far.
Germany have, for me, had the most impressive midfield in the tournamnet so far. Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern Munich has been a revelation since Van Gaal spotted his potential and put him in a defensive midfield position last season. He is a terrier, like Mascherano, but as a bonus actually knows how to play football! He is accompanied by Sami Khedira of Stuttgart. Not a name I was massively familiar with pre0tournament, but now one of my favourite players so far. He is a very unfussy player, defensively astute, capable of great passing and calm. A revelation in the absence of Michael Ballack. Mesut Ozil completes the trio and is surely one of the players of the tournament so far. He is a classic playmaker given licence to roam by Jogi Low and prompts and probes all match. He will be one of the best in the world in a few years, mark my words! I see Germany winning this match up. Veron isn't anywhere near quick enough and I see him being a passenger as this game passes him by. I wouldn't be at all suprised to see Mascherano sent off either if they fall behind.
Attack
This is where Argentina undoubtebly have the edge. And that edge is Lionel 'The Flea' Messi! The best player I have ever seen, and he has proved it in this World Cup with everything but a goal so far. He has ran this Argentina team in much the way Maradona uesd to or Zidane did for France. Everytime a player has the ball they look to give it to Messi and for him to make things happen. Those that criticised hisunselfish display against Mexico will do well to notice he was often triple-marked, freeing up space for the other attackers. He will join Pele, Maradona and Di Stefano as one of the best ever I think. Alongside him is Carlos Tevez of Man City. I think he's every bit as good as Wayne Rooney myself, what he lacks in technique he makes up for in effort and he scores goals too when played up front. These 2 will give Germany a test like they haven't had yet.
Germany's attack will be the 3 pronged trident of Podolski, Klose and Mueller. All 3 contracted to Bayern Munich and all been impressive so far. Mueller has only completed his first full season last year, but looks like he's been there forever, a very mature player. Klose is lethal at international level, and particularly good in the air. He's not played loads of club football, but looks to have saved his best for the World Cup. Lukas Podolski reminds me of Milan Baros. He is an incredibly greedy player, he will always opt to shoot given half a chance, but he does have a good goalscoring record at this level. He caused England's Glen Johnson to have a terrible game last time out and will look to torment Argentina's full backs in the same way.
I think we will see goals here as both have good attacks and weaknesses to exploit in defence. Saying that, I think Germany have more threats and if Argentina go behind it will be interesting if they revert to type and implode spectactularly! I can't imagine Maradona being a calming influence!
Betting
I fancy goals goals, goals here and might go as far as over 4.5 available at 15/2 at Stan James for some longer odds. I would look at the sendings off market and take Blue Sq's 11/4 on Yes. I would back Germany in 90 minutes at a frankly massive 12/5 at Ladbrokes too. Germany to qualify at 13/10 with bet365 might appeal to those with less cojones!
Argentina v Germany, Kick-Off 3pm UK Time, Saturday 2nd July
Defence
Both of these teams have been criticised for their perceived weaknesses at the back, but so far they have carried them this far. Personally, I do agree with some of the points made about their weaknesses which I will go into here.
Argentina's back-line hasn't really been put to the test yet, and I think they'll consider themselves very lucky for that! Maradona, as expected, has made some very interesting choices in his back 4. Gabi Heinze, now of PSG, plays at left-back. Now, Gabi was a very good player in his time before, during and immediately after Man United, but now he's utter tosh! He's slow, petulant and just not good enough to cope if someone really gets at him, as I'd expect the Germans to do. At right-back it's either Jonas Gutierrez of Newcastle or Nicolas Otamendi of Velez Sarsfield. Gutierrez is a fairly mediocre winger by trade and is hopeless defensively, as you'd imagine, and Otamendi is a promising centre back who lacks the pace to play a full-back role. I would expect Germany to target the flanks and get some joy there. At centre half it's always Martin Demechelis of Bayern Munich alongside either Martin Samuel or Nicolas Burdisso, both of Inter Milan. Demechelis is the weakest of the 3, but under Maradona is a sure starter. None of them are quick, but Samuel is a very powerful player and reads the game well. If Germany, and Ozil in particular, are on form Argentina may find themselves in trouble!
Germany are lacking in pace at centre half too. Per Mertesacker of Werder Bremen and Arne Friedrich of Hertha Berlin are both vastly experienced though with over 65 caps each. They are a solid unit, but they will no doubt be troubled by the pace of Argentina's front 3. At full-back I would expect to see Philip Lahm, the captain, and Dennis Aogo or Jerome Boateng. Lahm is a brilliant modern full-back, full of running, defensively astute and capable of supporting the attack too. Aogo and Boateng are not! Both are, in my opinion, defensively suspect and prone to lapses of concentration. Expect to see Messi target whichever one gets the nod. I don't think the game will necessarily be decided here, although I really think Germany are going to get a lot of chances gifted by Argentina's poor defence.
Midfield
Argentina play a fairly normal 4-4-2, but with the wingers and forwards given licence to roam and swap positions at will. In the middle they normally start with Javier Mascherano of Liverpool and Juan Veron, now of Estudiantes. Personally I hate Macherano, let me make that clear! He is a horrible, petulant little player who constantly fouls and seems to have a very limited knowledge of how to actually play football. With that off my chest, he does have a role here as Veron's legs! Seba is in the twilight of his career now, and is in the team for his eye for a pass and nothing more. Angel Di Maria of Benfica and Maxi Rodriguez of Liverpool are the wingers. Di Maria is one of the rising stars of European football and is expected to move to Real Madrid after the tournament. I was very impressed with him at his club last year, but I don't think he's been great at this World Cup so far. Maxi isn't the same player who was so solid for Atletico Madrid and is another who I think has failed to live up to his billing so far.
Germany have, for me, had the most impressive midfield in the tournamnet so far. Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern Munich has been a revelation since Van Gaal spotted his potential and put him in a defensive midfield position last season. He is a terrier, like Mascherano, but as a bonus actually knows how to play football! He is accompanied by Sami Khedira of Stuttgart. Not a name I was massively familiar with pre0tournament, but now one of my favourite players so far. He is a very unfussy player, defensively astute, capable of great passing and calm. A revelation in the absence of Michael Ballack. Mesut Ozil completes the trio and is surely one of the players of the tournament so far. He is a classic playmaker given licence to roam by Jogi Low and prompts and probes all match. He will be one of the best in the world in a few years, mark my words! I see Germany winning this match up. Veron isn't anywhere near quick enough and I see him being a passenger as this game passes him by. I wouldn't be at all suprised to see Mascherano sent off either if they fall behind.
Attack
This is where Argentina undoubtebly have the edge. And that edge is Lionel 'The Flea' Messi! The best player I have ever seen, and he has proved it in this World Cup with everything but a goal so far. He has ran this Argentina team in much the way Maradona uesd to or Zidane did for France. Everytime a player has the ball they look to give it to Messi and for him to make things happen. Those that criticised hisunselfish display against Mexico will do well to notice he was often triple-marked, freeing up space for the other attackers. He will join Pele, Maradona and Di Stefano as one of the best ever I think. Alongside him is Carlos Tevez of Man City. I think he's every bit as good as Wayne Rooney myself, what he lacks in technique he makes up for in effort and he scores goals too when played up front. These 2 will give Germany a test like they haven't had yet.
Germany's attack will be the 3 pronged trident of Podolski, Klose and Mueller. All 3 contracted to Bayern Munich and all been impressive so far. Mueller has only completed his first full season last year, but looks like he's been there forever, a very mature player. Klose is lethal at international level, and particularly good in the air. He's not played loads of club football, but looks to have saved his best for the World Cup. Lukas Podolski reminds me of Milan Baros. He is an incredibly greedy player, he will always opt to shoot given half a chance, but he does have a good goalscoring record at this level. He caused England's Glen Johnson to have a terrible game last time out and will look to torment Argentina's full backs in the same way.
I think we will see goals here as both have good attacks and weaknesses to exploit in defence. Saying that, I think Germany have more threats and if Argentina go behind it will be interesting if they revert to type and implode spectactularly! I can't imagine Maradona being a calming influence!
Betting
I fancy goals goals, goals here and might go as far as over 4.5 available at 15/2 at Stan James for some longer odds. I would look at the sendings off market and take Blue Sq's 11/4 on Yes. I would back Germany in 90 minutes at a frankly massive 12/5 at Ladbrokes too. Germany to qualify at 13/10 with bet365 might appeal to those with less cojones!
Quarter finals continued...
So, here we are, after what seems like an eternity without football we are back today with the first 2 Quarter-Finals of this World Cup. I have looked at Brazil v Holland in my previous post so I will cast my glance towards Uruguay v Ghana in the underdogs game tonight. One of these 2 will make the Semi-Finals this year!
Both of these teams probably wouldn't have expected to make the Semi-Finals before the tournament began and yet one of them will do. As it goes, Uruguay were my tip pre-tournament for an outsider and I'm very happy with my investment at 200/1! But, to show I'm no genius I thought Ghana would really struggle in the absence of Chelsea's Michael Essien and yet here they are.
Uruguay v Ghana, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time
Defence
Ghana are a physically imposing team throughout the pitch and that is definitely true in defence. The full-backs are John Paintsil of Fulham at right back and Hans Sarpei of Leverkusen at left back. Paintsil might have failed to make it at West Ham, but flourished under Roy Hodgson at Fulham. I think he's a very good player who is capable of helping out in both defence and attack. Sarpei is 34 now and coming to the end of his career. This somewhat limits his attacking forays, but his experience means that he can still be very useful in defence. In the centre of defence are 2 behemoths of men in John Mensah of Sunderland and normally Samuel Inkoom of FC Basel. Mensah is by far the more experienced of the 2 with Inkoom only 20 years old and a graduate of the very successful under-21 team of last year. Defence has been Ghana's strong suit in this World Cup so far and I wouldn't expect Uruguay to get much change out of them, they will have to make the most of any chances that come their way.
Uruguay have a much more experienced and settled squad generally and this has been borne out in some very good team displays in defence so far. They also have the experience of playing in Europe which some of their Ghanaian counterparts don not yet. Victorino and Fucile lined up in the full-back positions and I would expect them to do the same for this match. Both are very solid full-backs, capable of defending and attacking as required, and Jorge Fucile has particularly impressed me so far in the tournament and for Porto last year. At centre back the pair I would expect to see is the 2 Diego's, Lugano of Fenerbahce and Godin of Villarreal. These 2 have played together for a few years now for Uruguay and you can see the understanding that has developed. Personally, I would expect Diego Godin to move to one of Europe's bigger clubs before long. In back-up they also have the highly rated Martin Caceres of Barcelona who can slot in at right-back or centre half. I really don't see them having too much trouble containing Asamoah Gyan.
Midfield
Ghana's midfield is missing the presence of their 2 most famous recent players, Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah. Whilst Appiah is present in South Africa he isn't a starter anymore. A lot of people, me included, thought they might struggle in their absence. But, they have actually been very impressive and have shown us some of the future stars we might soon see in Europe's big leagues. The 2 Boateng's started in the centre in their last match against the USA, Kevin-Prince of Portsmouth and Derek of Getafe. Kevin was one of the few bright spots in Portsmouth's campaign last year and has carried that form over into the World Cup. Anthony Annan is a very promising midfielder too who has been linked with a big move before and was looking good until injury struck in the last group game. He might be fitter for this though, and provides a creative edge they miss in his absence. Sulley Muntari, Jonathon Mensah and Andre Ayew make-up the 5 man midfield. Mensah is a huge presence and often sits in front of the defence providing extra cover. Muntari is good one minute and horrendous the next as anyone who has followed him at Portsmouth or Inter Milan will back me up on! Andre Ayew is a typically athletic midfielder who does the simple things well and covers a lot of ground. I think Ghana need Anthony Annan to be firing on all cylinders to have a chance as without that they look one dimensional and flat and very unlikely to score.
Uruguay are a blend of youth and experience in midfield. Maxi Pereira is a defender by trade and often plays the part of a holding midfielder in this team with very little remit to get beyond the halfway line. Whilst not his natural postion he seems to have adappted well to the role and does provide security for Uruguay's 3 attackers to stay upfield. Alvaro Pereira and Egidio Arévalo Ríos play a bit ahead of Maxi Pereira and supply Diego Forlan with the ball to create opportunities for himself and the other 2 attackers. Both are good players with Alvaro Pereira already in Europe at 19 at FC Porto and showing a lot of promise when given game time. Nicolas Lodeiro is at Ajax and is considered the big creative hope of Uruguyan football, however the coach, Oscar Tabares, doesn't seem to trust him enough to start yet. Expect to see him introduced late on to open up Ghana if Uruguay are tired. Sebastien Eguren is another who might feature, he is more of a defensive player and has a lot of European experience. I would expect Ghana to flood the midfield to try and stop the supply lines to Diego Forlan, but I can see Uruguay's experience telling and winning this battle.
Attackers
This is where Ghana have traditionally had problems and that has continued in this World Cup. Asamoah Gyan is ther lone striker and he has not massively impressed me so far. If you just look at the Top Goalscorer leaderboard and see his name with 3 goals next to it, you'd probably wonder what more he has to do to impress me? Well, 2 of those were penalties and in open play he looks cumbersome and his finishing isn't great either in my opinion. He will really need to up his game if he's going to score tonight and I think Uruguay's defence will marshal him with ease.
Uruguay have one of my favourite players Diego Forlan playing for them. In my opinion he is a vastly under-rated player in this country. European Golden Boot Winner in 2 of the last 3 years and not playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is one hell of an achievement for me and one he doesn't get enough recognition for. He has performed more of a creative role in this World Cup but has 2 goals and is laying on lots of chances for his strike partner Luis Suarez of Ajax. Talking of whom has 3 goals so far and scored 49 in all competitions for Ajax last year. I can see hm getting 1 or 2 more here and providing David Villa with a challenge for the Golden Boot as well as probably earning a big move. The trio of attackers is made up by Edinson Cavani of Palermo. A player recently linked with Tottenham and a very creative influence too. I think he'll get his move to a bigger club this summer and go on to have a great impact wherever he ends up. I can see these 3 giving Ghana's defence all sorts of problems and I think if they score early they could go on to get 3 or even 4.
Betting
Both of these teams are tight at the back, but Ghana are also pretty toothless up front, so I'll back Uruguay to keep a clean sheet at a best priced 5/4 wih Coral and Ladbrokes. I'd also have the 2nd half as the half with most goals at a best priced 6/5 with Victor Chandler. I'll take Uruguay to do the job in 90 minutes with 11/10 widely available. For a longer shot I would probably look at 3-0 or 4-0 scorelines to Uruguay, these can be backed at around 20/1 and 50/1 respectively. Forlan and Suarez lead the betting at 9'2 and 11/2 for First Goalscorer and I'd look at that too.
Both of these teams probably wouldn't have expected to make the Semi-Finals before the tournament began and yet one of them will do. As it goes, Uruguay were my tip pre-tournament for an outsider and I'm very happy with my investment at 200/1! But, to show I'm no genius I thought Ghana would really struggle in the absence of Chelsea's Michael Essien and yet here they are.
Uruguay v Ghana, Kick-Off 730pm UK Time
Defence
Ghana are a physically imposing team throughout the pitch and that is definitely true in defence. The full-backs are John Paintsil of Fulham at right back and Hans Sarpei of Leverkusen at left back. Paintsil might have failed to make it at West Ham, but flourished under Roy Hodgson at Fulham. I think he's a very good player who is capable of helping out in both defence and attack. Sarpei is 34 now and coming to the end of his career. This somewhat limits his attacking forays, but his experience means that he can still be very useful in defence. In the centre of defence are 2 behemoths of men in John Mensah of Sunderland and normally Samuel Inkoom of FC Basel. Mensah is by far the more experienced of the 2 with Inkoom only 20 years old and a graduate of the very successful under-21 team of last year. Defence has been Ghana's strong suit in this World Cup so far and I wouldn't expect Uruguay to get much change out of them, they will have to make the most of any chances that come their way.
Uruguay have a much more experienced and settled squad generally and this has been borne out in some very good team displays in defence so far. They also have the experience of playing in Europe which some of their Ghanaian counterparts don not yet. Victorino and Fucile lined up in the full-back positions and I would expect them to do the same for this match. Both are very solid full-backs, capable of defending and attacking as required, and Jorge Fucile has particularly impressed me so far in the tournament and for Porto last year. At centre back the pair I would expect to see is the 2 Diego's, Lugano of Fenerbahce and Godin of Villarreal. These 2 have played together for a few years now for Uruguay and you can see the understanding that has developed. Personally, I would expect Diego Godin to move to one of Europe's bigger clubs before long. In back-up they also have the highly rated Martin Caceres of Barcelona who can slot in at right-back or centre half. I really don't see them having too much trouble containing Asamoah Gyan.
Midfield
Ghana's midfield is missing the presence of their 2 most famous recent players, Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah. Whilst Appiah is present in South Africa he isn't a starter anymore. A lot of people, me included, thought they might struggle in their absence. But, they have actually been very impressive and have shown us some of the future stars we might soon see in Europe's big leagues. The 2 Boateng's started in the centre in their last match against the USA, Kevin-Prince of Portsmouth and Derek of Getafe. Kevin was one of the few bright spots in Portsmouth's campaign last year and has carried that form over into the World Cup. Anthony Annan is a very promising midfielder too who has been linked with a big move before and was looking good until injury struck in the last group game. He might be fitter for this though, and provides a creative edge they miss in his absence. Sulley Muntari, Jonathon Mensah and Andre Ayew make-up the 5 man midfield. Mensah is a huge presence and often sits in front of the defence providing extra cover. Muntari is good one minute and horrendous the next as anyone who has followed him at Portsmouth or Inter Milan will back me up on! Andre Ayew is a typically athletic midfielder who does the simple things well and covers a lot of ground. I think Ghana need Anthony Annan to be firing on all cylinders to have a chance as without that they look one dimensional and flat and very unlikely to score.
Uruguay are a blend of youth and experience in midfield. Maxi Pereira is a defender by trade and often plays the part of a holding midfielder in this team with very little remit to get beyond the halfway line. Whilst not his natural postion he seems to have adappted well to the role and does provide security for Uruguay's 3 attackers to stay upfield. Alvaro Pereira and Egidio Arévalo Ríos play a bit ahead of Maxi Pereira and supply Diego Forlan with the ball to create opportunities for himself and the other 2 attackers. Both are good players with Alvaro Pereira already in Europe at 19 at FC Porto and showing a lot of promise when given game time. Nicolas Lodeiro is at Ajax and is considered the big creative hope of Uruguyan football, however the coach, Oscar Tabares, doesn't seem to trust him enough to start yet. Expect to see him introduced late on to open up Ghana if Uruguay are tired. Sebastien Eguren is another who might feature, he is more of a defensive player and has a lot of European experience. I would expect Ghana to flood the midfield to try and stop the supply lines to Diego Forlan, but I can see Uruguay's experience telling and winning this battle.
Attackers
This is where Ghana have traditionally had problems and that has continued in this World Cup. Asamoah Gyan is ther lone striker and he has not massively impressed me so far. If you just look at the Top Goalscorer leaderboard and see his name with 3 goals next to it, you'd probably wonder what more he has to do to impress me? Well, 2 of those were penalties and in open play he looks cumbersome and his finishing isn't great either in my opinion. He will really need to up his game if he's going to score tonight and I think Uruguay's defence will marshal him with ease.
Uruguay have one of my favourite players Diego Forlan playing for them. In my opinion he is a vastly under-rated player in this country. European Golden Boot Winner in 2 of the last 3 years and not playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona is one hell of an achievement for me and one he doesn't get enough recognition for. He has performed more of a creative role in this World Cup but has 2 goals and is laying on lots of chances for his strike partner Luis Suarez of Ajax. Talking of whom has 3 goals so far and scored 49 in all competitions for Ajax last year. I can see hm getting 1 or 2 more here and providing David Villa with a challenge for the Golden Boot as well as probably earning a big move. The trio of attackers is made up by Edinson Cavani of Palermo. A player recently linked with Tottenham and a very creative influence too. I think he'll get his move to a bigger club this summer and go on to have a great impact wherever he ends up. I can see these 3 giving Ghana's defence all sorts of problems and I think if they score early they could go on to get 3 or even 4.
Betting
Both of these teams are tight at the back, but Ghana are also pretty toothless up front, so I'll back Uruguay to keep a clean sheet at a best priced 5/4 wih Coral and Ladbrokes. I'd also have the 2nd half as the half with most goals at a best priced 6/5 with Victor Chandler. I'll take Uruguay to do the job in 90 minutes with 11/10 widely available. For a longer shot I would probably look at 3-0 or 4-0 scorelines to Uruguay, these can be backed at around 20/1 and 50/1 respectively. Forlan and Suarez lead the betting at 9'2 and 11/2 for First Goalscorer and I'd look at that too.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)