For what do we call this pandemonium of an epic derby collision between these two juggernauts we call Manchester United and Manchester City...We shall call it the "SIEGE OF MANCHESTER". In the town of Manchester, United has always been the neighbour o show of his fancy red Jaguar. He washes it, wax it and speeds up and down town while his neighbour, City looks over next door in envy. Nut now it seems as if the tables have turned. City's recent hard work in the office has earned him a promotion and a new company car; an Aston Martin. And it seems as if United isn't the only kid on the block with a fast car. For so long United has been the dominant team in Manchester, title after title. Just a couple weeks ago there was an impression among all of us that even with a United that is missing a lot of tools in the box, were still able still some how going to pull off another Premier League title. United's tie against Everton last week with a combination of a City win over Wolvehampton last week has reduced that five point table lead to THREE!! I don't think there has been a derby to this scale between to strong teams. Already between these two teams there has been three lead changes on the table. This ia a straight up inner city battle for the title. United have won three of the past five meetings between them and CIty. United have the history but les not forget about the last meeting between these two teams ended in City blowing up United 6 - 1and City have been in very good form for most of this season. SInce that big loss in October, United have filled in there defensive holes...or somewhat have. It is more like filling in a pipe leak with some gum, it will work for a short while but it is not practical and will not last for very long. And on that note I honestly think that is what this game will come down too; will Manchester United's defence be strong and hold their ground or will they be cut up by the Manchester City front line with their diagonal runs.
Man City Key Player - Carlos Tevez: If there was any man that could bring down the axe on United's title dreams it would be Carlos Tevez. Tevez has scored against his former team with two different teams. Tevez has also been looking in good form scoring four goals in has last three games. This includes his hat-trick against Norwich. Look for him to test Rio Ferdinand with his pace.
Man United Key Player - Wayne Rooney: Easy and simple when Rooney plays well United plays well. Especially with United's lack of creativity in the centre of the park they will need Rooney to play his regular role of midfielder and attacker. He has also been in good form. Rooney has five goals in his pas four games. Even if he doesn't score expect him to create space for Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, because of his movement on and off the ball.
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Monday 30 April 2012
Tuesday 24 April 2012
WDF Post Game Analysis: Game 35
Well good people, this is the new Barclays Premier League. A
league where no one is safe. Where they three teams that are promoted are
mid-table and regulars like Bolton and Blackburn are relegation threatened.
Where seven teams fight for four spots. This is the prologue to our analysis of
the hardest league to call, worldwide.
Arsenal FC vs. Chelsea FC, April 21st
A game that was supposed to be a thriller, turned out to be
quite a bore. Chelsea looked content to maintain possession and look for a
point as neither team looked like breaking the deadlock before the half-hour
mark. Torres, in for Drogba, made a few clever moves, but nothing came of his
industry and guile. The one notable chance came to the home side, as Walcott
wiped in a dangerous free kick from the right side that miraculously fell to
the prolific Arsenal number 10. van Persie’s effort drove straight into Cech
hands and the 27-goal man denied his 28th of the season. The tepid
affair became duller and the second half posed no interesting points apart from
the Walcott injury (what looked like a hamstring tweak). van Persie created
little in the way of chance, the talismanic striker's attempts impotent at
best. The visitors almost broke free but not for a brilliantly dangerous tackle
on Daniel Sturridge inside the six-yard box. Both teams will need to step up
their attempts if they look to dismantle Newcastle in the race for fourth.
Newcastle United FC vs. Stoke City FC, April 21
From the moment the whistle blew, this game was one-way
traffic. Yes, Stoke City had a few notable chances but this game was written as a
win before it had even began. Newcastle’s two-man show did it again as Cisse and Cabaye
flexed their creative muscles all over the pitch. The game started with a bang,
with Johan Cabaye opening the scoring. A quick counter attack orchestrated by
Hatem Ben Arfa down the left proved perilous for the Stoke defense. Ben Arfa
skipped my Marc Wilson to tee up Cisse, only for his brilliantly taken header
to rattle off the woodwork. Cabaye was on hand to nod in the opener from four
yards out. The game could have started differently with John Walters wasting an
excellent opportunity to put Stoke ahead. But it was all Newcastle and four
minutes after the introductory goal, Cabaye was at it again. A quick
counter-attack broke Cabaye and Cisse free and the Frenchman found his
Senegalese partner with an exquisite pass from left to centre. Cisse slotted
home the nutmeged pass and the game was all but over. A few chances went Stokes
way but nothing of distinguished worth to put on paper. The second half came
and just before the hour mark, Cabaye hit home a fastidious 20-yard curler. The
game fizzled out and Newcastle marched, yet again, towards the elusive
Champions League spot.
Manchester United FC vs. Everton FC, April 22nd
This game epitomized why we watch the English Premier
League. It also gives anyone who is trying to predict these matches a near
impossible task. Where to begin! The game erupted into life with Jelavic opening
the scoring — a sublime header off a brilliant cross from Hibbert — just after
the half hour mark. Jelavic had to place his header perfectly, going back
across goal, finding the side mesh. United responded eight minutes later with
his own idea of a well-taken header and turned home a wonderful cross from
Nani. The winger from Portugal was looking dangerous down the left flank and
would do more damage later on. The second half began and it went all United's
way in the opening minutes. Ten minutes into the last 45, Welback made a goal
out of nothing. The ball fell to him at the top of the box and some crafty
footwork opened the space. The young English striker opened his hips and fired
in a glorious shot into the top right corner. Nani was on hand three minutes
later and a well worked one touch play around the Everton box — something of a
United staple — put the left winger through. A lovely chip beat Tim Howard and
the game seemed all but over. Everton were not about to roll over and it was
Hibbert again that was the provider. The right back found an unmarked Fellaini
with a low cross, the Belgium international hitting a sweat volley to put the
game within one goal. United were at it again, and Rooney and Welback combined
to put the home side two goals to the good. The Toffees kept asking the
question of a very precarious Untied defense and their probing paid off. Phil
Neville sent in a dangerous ball into the six-yard box, looking for Fellaini.
Johnny Evans and Rio Ferdinand made an absolute mess of the clearance and
Jelavic was first to jump on the sloppy defense. A well taken, close range
volley form the Croatian striker put the game with reach and two minutes later,
the drama continued. A lovely worked play down the left flank, combined with
shoddy marking from a certain United right back (Rafael) put Steven Pienaar in
on goal and the South African made no mistake. The left-winger banged in the
close range shot to tie the game up, four a-piece. The game ended with a few
more attempts going Manchester’s way, none of which coming to fruition. United
will feel robbed of three points but the only assailant of their worries is
their self. Attack wins games, but defense wins titles.
Liverpool FC vs. West Bromwich Albion FC, April 22nd
Poor Liverpool. Kenny Dalglish hit the nail on the head (or
whatever that saying is) in his post game: “Same old story.” Sadly it is. The
Reds have hit the woodwork a stunning 30 times this season. If they had tucked
a third of those chances away, the men in red would be fighting for a Champions
League spot at this point. But the gods had different ideas. The ever-improving
Andy Carroll and consistent threat that is Luis Suarez could not find their
scoring boot on this day. The Reds laid siege to the WBA defense and the all
action display almost led to the opener ten minutes into the first half. Suarez
twisted and turned, in his customary fashion, and slipped a perfect ball into
the right flank for Dirk Kuyt. The Dutch hit-man-turned-winger smashed his shot
wide of the mark to sum up a torrid season. My spidey-senses tell me the
Netherlands international is on his way out of the Anfield door come the end of
the season. The onslaught continued and this time it was Glen Johnson who
played provider. A cute run from the right flank and a sweet pass found Suarez
just inside the box. The Uruguayan striker ripped a shot into Ben Foster’s
hands and the resulting loose ball was fired over the top by Maxi Rodriguez.
WBA had a few things to say about the game and almost caught Liverpool sleeping.
Just before the half hour mark, Shane Long headed Jonas Olsson’s long ball into
the path of Chris Brunt, only for the right-wingers volley to be palmed away in
convincing fashion by Pepe Reina. The Spanish keeper reestablished his worth
after his three game suspension at Newcastle. WBA had started to find a rhythm
and a Liam Ridgewell almost opened the scoring from a West Brom corner. The
centre back hit his shot straight into the hands of Reina. The first half
ended, and the home side must have gone into the dressing rooms perplexed at
how they weren’t in front by at least two goals. Jordan Henderson hit a sweet
strike after another brilliant build-up by the Reds after the restart. The
young Englishman was on the end of another play down the right flank and hit
the woodwork from 17 yards out. A scramble in front of the net almost fell
perfectly for Jay Spearing who’s resulting shot was cleared off the line by a
relieved West Brom defense. But it was WBA who struck with impunity 15 minutes
before the final whistle. Glen Johnson’s perfect game in attack was quickly
turned into a nightmare in defense. The right back’s dangerous lateral pass was
intercepted my Mulumbu and found it’s way to Peter Odemwingie who wrong footed
the Liverpool goalie, firing the Baggies into the lead. It was the sucker
punch, the fatal blow, and Liverpool had no counter. The Merseyside outfit
continued to probe but could produce nothing of meaning. Kenny Dalglish’s side
have now taken 12 points from 14 games this calendar year and are 16 points
adrift of the top four place they so desperately strive for. Can Kenny turn it
around? I think so.
We wrap up this week with our scores: Justin takes home the
points for this week having guessed a draw at the Emirate over my Arsenal
victory. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll talk and be boggled by the EPL next
weekend.
Cheers.
Friday 20 April 2012
WDF Pre-Game Big 4 Line Up: Game 35
Arsenal FC vs. Chelsea FC, April 21st
Arsenal FC: The Robin van Persie’s are looking pretty much
unstoppable at the moment, if not for, well, Robin van Persie. Others have
helped out with the resurrection: Walcott now has something to play for
(Oxlade-Chamberlaine), Alex Song looks as efficient as ever, transforming
defense into attack almost effortlessly, and with natural full backs in their
ranks (Sagna and Gibbs) Arsene Wenger has cause to wriggle out a very French smile.
This match is a true test of their resolve as they are facing an incredibly
in-form team in Chelsea. Both teams are fancying a counter-attack style of
play, as they vie for entry into the Champions League, which with every Premier
League season seems harder to qualify for.
Key Player — Robin van Persie: I have always been a big fan
of the multi talented striker, but I believe if he had picked up the slightest
of injuries this season, Arsenal would be in seventh right now. He is their
goal machine — scoring, assisting and generally being the main reason behind
anything offensive at that club. John Terry and whoever he is partnered with
will have a tough job holding him down.
Chelsea FC: The Blues come into this game full of renewed
confidence with the arrival of Roberto Di Matteo and a hard fought victory over
mighty Barcelona. This is both a blessing and a curse for the south London
club. Arsenal have the luxury of competing for one competition (a Champions
League spot) and Chelsea are involved in three (FA Cup, Champions League and a
top four finish). One of Chelsea’s many strengths is their depth and they will
have to call upon this if they expect to win at the Emirates Saturday. Having
played Wednesday against the world’s best team, they now have to go to a very
strong opposition, with only two days of “rest.” Expect to see Lampard on the
bench and Torres starting up front.
Key Player — Didier Drogba: The man in form for Chelsea
currently, though the whole team has looked strong as a unit. Drogba seems to
think that he’s 25 again, and is playing like it. He ran circles around Gallas
in the FA Cup game against Tottenham and popped up with the winner mid-week
against Barcelona, no small feat may I add. His power and close control
combined with an absolutely ruthless finishing ability make him one of the
Premier Leagues most feared strikers.
Justin’s Pick: Arsenal 2 – 2 Chelsea Austin’s
Pick: Arsenal 2 – 1 Chelsea
Newcastle United FC vs. Stoke City FC, April 21st
Newcastle United FC: The surprise package this season. Many
thought their fine form would fizzle out by this time but some brilliant
purchases by manager Alan Pardew helped the Magpies in their continued hunt for
Champions League football. Now, that being said, I do not think they have what it
takes to play Champions League ball but a few more acquisitions in the summer could make them
a real force come next season. Back to the present, if Cisse can continue his
ridiculous run of form, I foresee a rout at the Sport Direct Arena.
Key Player — Papiss Cisse: The Senegalese sensation. The
supplier of goals. The stupefier (not a word) of defenses. Yep, he’s been
magnificent since his bargain move from FC Frieburg. Scoring goals seems so
casual for the big man, and I expect him to continue his fine run of form. Ten
goals in nine appearances… need I say more?
Stoke City FC: The club still playing what most call “The
English Way.” A brand of incredibly boring football but gets the job done. That
being said, Tony Pulis has done a magnificent job of forming a team that no one
wants to play against. He is up against a much stronger squad in the form of
Newcastle, who can also play that traditional style of long ball football
mentioned earlier. I suspect Stoke to put 11 men behind the ball and fight hard
for a draw or maybe a 1-0 win. Expect an extremely defensive display from The
Potters.
Key Player — Peter Crouch: The much traveled
striker scored probably his best goal to date a few weeks back and is looking
very much a veteran goal scorer. His aerial prowess and brilliant touch (which
came out of nowhere, see World Cup 2006) make him a pain for any defense. If
Stoke can unleash the 6”7’ striker, Newcastle may have far more problems than
expected.
Justin’s Pick: Newcastle 2-0 Stoke Austin’s
Pick: Newcastle 2-0 Stoke
Manchester United FC vs. Everton FC, April 22st
Manchester United FC: The big man has done it again. Sir
Alex the King has made something out of nothing, yet again. He boggles my mind!
How do you make Johnny Evens look good?! Whatever, stupid Scotsman…:) United are looking like champions once more and I expect a routine win over
Wayne Rooney’s former employers. As much as United are looking like Champions
of England, they will come against a stern test against the blue half of
Liverpool. Everton are not to be trifled with, and are on a fine run of form,
downing Swansea, West Brom and Sunderland with considerable ease. That being
said, United are a superlative team and moreover, the better team. Expect a
battle for the first 60 minutes but United to unleash the beast Rooney against
his boyhood club.
Key Player — Sir Alex Ferguson: The Mastermind. The maestro.
The grey-haired handler. Call him what you want, he’s brilliant. I honestly
want to see him strap on his old boots and make an on-field appearance. I know
it sounds ridiculous but look at Scholes and Giggs. Why can’t he do it??? Next thing you know he’ll convince Cantona
to come out of retirement. Christ! Leave them alone! No one’s judging you if
you call it a day, man!
Everton FC: Everton are coming into this game full of
confidence, having disposed of Sunderland 4-0. They are also sitting in seventh
place in the league, which is no small feat considering the dogfight at the top
of the table. The do have a tremendous task on their hands heading to Old
Trafford. Nullifying the threat of Rooney will help slow United down, but the
real problem will come in the final 15 minutes. United are notorious for
scoring late goals, a true testament to their character, and have done so on 18
occasions already this season. If Everton can play 95 minutes of solid defense
and try and counter the counter, they could come up with a surprise win.
Key Player — Leighton Baines: The Dynamic left back is
looking like usurping Ashley Coles place in the England line up, and for good
reason. He has been astounding for The Toffees this season, coming up with five
goals and two assists. On the other end of the spectrum, he’s helped keep nine
clean sheets and been the team’s most consistent player. His task Sunday will
be to nullify the wide right player (Nani, Young or Valencia, all of whom are
incredibly dangerous). A daunting task, but an attainable one for the England
international.
Justin’s Pick: Manchester 2-0 Everton Austin’s
Pick: Manchester 3-0 Everton
Liverpool FC vs. West Bromwich Albion FC, April 22st
Liverpool FC: There is a mini revival on the Merseyside and
that comes in the form of Andy Carroll. Yes, the much-maligned striker has
found the goings tough and after 16 months of mediocrity, he’s now hitting
excellent form. It’s becoming infectious, and Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and
Martin Skrtel (Liverpool player of the season for me) are feeling its affects.
Liverpool are at home to a mediocre West Brom side who will probably sit back
and defend, trying to catch Liverpool on the counter-attack. If Liverpool can
restore the defensive stability of earlier this season (Johnson, Skrtel, Agger,
Enrique) West Brom will be the first of many casualties to the Reds. Expect a
forward game from Liverpool, playing Suarez and Carroll up top as a front two,
If Kenny has any sense about him. It was Fernando Torres that came up with the
winner the last time these two sides met — can the new number 9 do the same?
Key Player — Andy Carroll: A few weeks ago, I had written a
first draft on the failures of the big striker and man, I’m glad I didn’t post
that! He has done very well for himself in the last couple of weeks but he
still has a lot to learn. His ability in the air is second to none and he’s
getting better at bringing the ball down but there are some glaring weaknesses
in his play that still need to be worked out. As a conditioner, I would drill
the young man on his lower abdominal area, as he suffers from tall mans abs
disease — all upper abs — hence his weakness in dribbling and acceleration. If
he can get those down, he will be absolutely unstoppable. To the present, he
will almost assuredly lead the line against West Brom, and if he can continue
his run of form, they will have a lot to think about in defense.
West Bromwich Albion FC: The former boss comes home. Kenny
recently said Roy will be welcomed back with a warm reception, but I don’t see
this in the cards. He left Liverpool in shambles and I don’t think the Kop will
be as forgiving as Dalglish is insinuating. West Bromwich Albion are coming off a 1-0 victory
over QPR heading to Anfield. Roy’s ability to muster wins against top teams is
well noted (Man U, Juventus, Liverpool) and the men in Red will have to be
aware of this. He’s the king of the underdog story and he’ll be hoping for a retelling
against his former club.
Key Player — Youssouf
Mulumbu: The Congolese international has been the engine room for
West Brom this season. He does it all: defend, attack and everything in between. He
has been the most consistent player for West Brom and they will look to him to
break up Liverpool’s attack and transition defense into attack with pace. He
strength and vision will be required in full force as he faces one of the best
midfielders in the world in the form of Steven Gerrard. If he can stop the
prolific Liverpool skipper, West Brom have an outside chance of leaving Anfield
with all three points.
Justin’s Pick: Liverpool 2-0 WBA Austin’s
Pick: Liverpool 2-0 West WBA
Thursday 19 April 2012
WDF Team to Watch: Manchester United FC
A pretty easy decision, honestly.
For the last two months United have look like the champions of the EPL once
again. The king of the last two decades has done it again and turned the ship
around (what’s with me and boat references??). An honorable mention to
Newcastle as they have done stunning work this season, more notably in the last
couple of months. But Fergy has done it again. Now, I know City fans will whine
that the season is not yet over, but it is. To be honest, they never had a
chance. Don’t get me wrong, the turn around at that club has been fantastic
(although with a billion pounds at your disposal, I’m pretty sure my dead
grandmother could assemble an amazing team). But they were always doomed to a
better side. United are not more skilled or stronger or faster; if anything,
man for man, City are a far better team. But the sad fact is that this is not
tennis in that it is a team sport and Sir Alex Ferguson has the best team in the Premier League, bar none. That’s what happens
when you commit to one manager for 20 years: there’s continuity. I’m getting
off topic, as this is not WDF News; it is a Team of the Month and we will have
plenty to talk about when United lift the Trophy in a few months time. There is
no one reason why United have won 12 of their last 14 matches, it comes down to
the united front (get it?) that Sir Alex has constructed. He’s made Johnny
Evens look like an excellent player, for Christ’s sake! The person that is
responsible for this success is Alex Ferguson. Now, as I said before, there is
no one player that is accountable for their accomplishments. United line up a
4-4-1-1 with Rooney playing in the tradition number 10 role, but in reality he
plays centre back as much as he plays striker. For all of United’s strengths
there have been some glaring holes in the system. A solid centre midfielder
with creativity and guile would be greatly welcomed by the Old Trafford
faithful as well as a much-needed face-lift in defense. There has been talk of
United bringing in Nathaniel Clyne, one of England’s most talented right backs
who’s currently plying his trade at Crystal Palace. He would be a brilliant
acquisition for United as they haven’t had a natural right back since Gary
Neville departed. They need someone to take the number 2 kit and make it their
own, as I don’t see the Fabio twins as the answer to this problem. All in all,
come May, it will be Manchester United that lift the Barclays Premier League
Trophy for the 20th time. Sir Alex will triumph again, and you know
what? He bloody well deserves it.
Monday 16 April 2012
Prospects Corner: Neymar
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