Bolton Wanderers v Stoke City
With the first semi final witnessing a hard-fought Manchester derby, today’s fixture at the national stadium was bound not to enthuse neutral supporters to the same degree. Not that fans of the two teams will care. Stoke, whose crowd at the Britannia Stadium is consistently acknowledged as one of the best in the Premier League, will hope to replicate that atmosphere inside Wembley. The Potters, who have never won the FA Cup, are not 100 per cent safe from relegation, but it would take an exceptional set of results for them to miss out on top-flight football next year.
Bolton, meanwhile, are sitting pretty in eighth position in the table, and Owen Coyle’s first full season in charge could represent one of the most successful in recent years. They will be without cup-tied goal-scoring sensation Daniel Sturridge, who has scored six goals in his eight games for Wanderers. However, they have managed well without him in previous rounds, securing away wins against three Premier League opponents, Wigan (albeit a replay), Fulham and Birmingham.
Prediction: Bolton 2-1 Stoke
Arsenal v Liverpool
Liverpool fans will have noticed that Fernando Torres yesterday extended his run at Chelsea without scoring, something that was put into context by Reds’ striker Andy Carroll opening his account for the club with a brace against Manchester City on Monday. Liverpool were dominant in that fixture, taking a 3-0 lead into half-time and being able to take their collective foot off the gas. As unlikely as it seemed just three months ago, Liverpool have an outside chance securing an automatic Europa League spot – although city rivals Everton are breathing down their necks.
Liverpool’s hosts today, Arsenal, can afford nothing less than a win today to keep their stalling championship hopes alive. Three points at Blackpool last weekend was preceded by a dreadful five-week period, in which they were knocked out of all three cup competitions and managed just three draws in their three Premier League outings. Arsenal’s traditional problem – that they do not score enough goals, in spite of their typical midfield creativity – was exacerbated by the equally familiar goalkeeping problems. Being forced to bring Jens Lehmann back to the club does not bode well for a team chasing the title. Even so, I expect them to raise their game today, and sneak a win in what should be a cracking game of football.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
Football round-up, Saturday 16th April
FA Cup semi final:
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
This match, which saw City deservedly triumph over their neighbours thanks to a second-half goal from Yaya Toure, will be talked about for years to come in the blue half of Manchester. Their long wait for a trophy did not end this evening, of course, but it will probably feel like it. United, who had Paul Scholes rightly sent off, have been denied the chance of a famous treble, and will be smarting after this result. I predicted a United win, and I was surprised by the attitude shown by City, who bossed most of the game. Then again, even Mario Balotelli could get psyched up for a semi final against his team’s greatest rival.
Premier League:
Birmingham 2-0 Sunderland
Blackpool 1-3 Wigan
Everton 2-0 Blackburn
WBA 1-3 Chelsea
West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa
The closest relegation battle I can remember got even more intriguing this afternoon, with wins for Wigan and Birmingham ensuring that each leapfrogged today’s opponents, Blackpool and Sunderland respectively. Chelsea secured a morale-boosting win in breaking Roy Hodgson’s unbeaten run as West Brom manager. Blackpool will perhaps worry the most tonight. Most fans will have seen today’s fixture, at home to the bottom club, as the best opportunity to chalk up a vital three points. West Ham failed to maximise the Tangerines’ pain though, with the Hammers failed to cling on for a draw against Villa (a result I thought they would secure when I previewed the weekend’s football). Everton beat Blackburn in the day’s other fixture, and Rovers now occupy 16th place, just three points ahead of bottom-placed Wolves – who have a game in hand. If Sunderland’s dire form continues, even they might not be safe.
Championship (selected):
Burnley 2-1 Swansea
Cardiff 3-0 Portsmouth
Crystal Palace 1-2 Scunthorpe
Preston 3-1 Sheffield United
Reading 3-1 Leicester
The bottom of the Championship may not be quite as exciting as the Premier League, but in recent weeks Preston North End – and to a lesser extent Scunthorpe – have spiced up the final few games. Scunthorpe’s win at Crystal Palace, who narrowly avoided relegation last season) means that both teams are heavily embroiled in the scrap to avoid the drop, with Preston just a point behind Scunny. North End have taken fourteen points from their last seven games, a record that would put them TOP had it been replicated since the start of the season. Their win over Sheffield United has all but condemned the Blades to playing League One football next year.
At the other end of the table, Reading, who have not lost in the league since 12th February, beat Leicester to record their eighth consecutive victory, propelling them ahead of Swansea, who slumped to a loss at Turf Moor against Burnley, despite taking a second half lead. The Swans’ south Wales rivals Cardiff regained the second automatic promotion place from Norwich, who beat Nottingham Forest last night. The Bluebirds now need just one point to guarantee a play-off place, but they will not want to enter that lottery, particularly after last year’s heart-breaking loss at Wembley to Blackpool. QPR, who did not play today, need just five points to secure promotion, and six to ensure their promotion.
Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
This match, which saw City deservedly triumph over their neighbours thanks to a second-half goal from Yaya Toure, will be talked about for years to come in the blue half of Manchester. Their long wait for a trophy did not end this evening, of course, but it will probably feel like it. United, who had Paul Scholes rightly sent off, have been denied the chance of a famous treble, and will be smarting after this result. I predicted a United win, and I was surprised by the attitude shown by City, who bossed most of the game. Then again, even Mario Balotelli could get psyched up for a semi final against his team’s greatest rival.
Premier League:
Birmingham 2-0 Sunderland
Blackpool 1-3 Wigan
Everton 2-0 Blackburn
WBA 1-3 Chelsea
West Ham 1-2 Aston Villa
The closest relegation battle I can remember got even more intriguing this afternoon, with wins for Wigan and Birmingham ensuring that each leapfrogged today’s opponents, Blackpool and Sunderland respectively. Chelsea secured a morale-boosting win in breaking Roy Hodgson’s unbeaten run as West Brom manager. Blackpool will perhaps worry the most tonight. Most fans will have seen today’s fixture, at home to the bottom club, as the best opportunity to chalk up a vital three points. West Ham failed to maximise the Tangerines’ pain though, with the Hammers failed to cling on for a draw against Villa (a result I thought they would secure when I previewed the weekend’s football). Everton beat Blackburn in the day’s other fixture, and Rovers now occupy 16th place, just three points ahead of bottom-placed Wolves – who have a game in hand. If Sunderland’s dire form continues, even they might not be safe.
Championship (selected):
Burnley 2-1 Swansea
Cardiff 3-0 Portsmouth
Crystal Palace 1-2 Scunthorpe
Preston 3-1 Sheffield United
Reading 3-1 Leicester
The bottom of the Championship may not be quite as exciting as the Premier League, but in recent weeks Preston North End – and to a lesser extent Scunthorpe – have spiced up the final few games. Scunthorpe’s win at Crystal Palace, who narrowly avoided relegation last season) means that both teams are heavily embroiled in the scrap to avoid the drop, with Preston just a point behind Scunny. North End have taken fourteen points from their last seven games, a record that would put them TOP had it been replicated since the start of the season. Their win over Sheffield United has all but condemned the Blades to playing League One football next year.
At the other end of the table, Reading, who have not lost in the league since 12th February, beat Leicester to record their eighth consecutive victory, propelling them ahead of Swansea, who slumped to a loss at Turf Moor against Burnley, despite taking a second half lead. The Swans’ south Wales rivals Cardiff regained the second automatic promotion place from Norwich, who beat Nottingham Forest last night. The Bluebirds now need just one point to guarantee a play-off place, but they will not want to enter that lottery, particularly after last year’s heart-breaking loss at Wembley to Blackpool. QPR, who did not play today, need just five points to secure promotion, and six to ensure their promotion.
Keep Wembley for the final
This weekend, fans, officials and players from four clubs will travel to London to watch their side compete in the FA Cup semi-finals. Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Manchester United and Stoke City will make the trip to Wembley - and will now also have to contend with likely delays on the M1.
I don't always agree with Sir Alex Ferguson, but on this he is absolutely right. It is ridiculous for these clubs to tramp down to the capital; Stoke, the nearest to London, is a 300-mile round trip. Of course, two of the teams will have to do it all again for the final.
And, as the FA fights to maintain the Cup's place in English football - dishing out fines to managers such as Blackpool's Ian Holloway for not fielding a full strength team - it is compliant in killing much of the romance of the tournament's latter stages. It goes against traditional footballing instincts for fans to be able to sing "Que sera, sera, we're going to Wem-ber-ley..." at a quarter-final.
What was wrong with the semi-finals being played at Anfield or Villa Park? The Wembley showcase final is less of an occasion if the teams have already been there. And if Manchester United beat City, and also get to the Champions' League final, their fans will be thoroughly sick of it!
I don't always agree with Sir Alex Ferguson, but on this he is absolutely right. It is ridiculous for these clubs to tramp down to the capital; Stoke, the nearest to London, is a 300-mile round trip. Of course, two of the teams will have to do it all again for the final.
And, as the FA fights to maintain the Cup's place in English football - dishing out fines to managers such as Blackpool's Ian Holloway for not fielding a full strength team - it is compliant in killing much of the romance of the tournament's latter stages. It goes against traditional footballing instincts for fans to be able to sing "Que sera, sera, we're going to Wem-ber-ley..." at a quarter-final.
What was wrong with the semi-finals being played at Anfield or Villa Park? The Wembley showcase final is less of an occasion if the teams have already been there. And if Manchester United beat City, and also get to the Champions' League final, their fans will be thoroughly sick of it!
Friday, 15 April 2011
FA Cup preview - Saturday 16th April
Manchester City v Manchester United, Wembley (5.15pm)
Manchester United's quest for a treble this season continued after the mid-week victory over Chelsea. United's season was perhaps typified by the 77th minute of the match. Didier Drogba scored for Chelsea, pulling them back to within a goal of qualifying for the semi-finals on away goals. In devastating fashion, though, United crushed Chelsea's hopes almost as soon as they had been raised by immediately going down the other end and restoring their two-goal cushion, thanks to a cool finish from Park Ji-sung.
Wayne Rooney, who had a masterful game on Tuesday, will miss out on tomorrow's game after his choice words at Upton Park a fortnight ago. Rooney, who has seemingly banished the problems that dogged his first half of the season, will be a huge loss for United. Fortunately for Sir Alex Ferguson, he can call on Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov; Manchester City, who will be without their injured talisman Carlos Tevez for a month, do not have the same calibre of reserves.
City have been something of a disappointment this campaign. Sitting in fourth, thirteen points adrift of their neighbours and with Tottenham breathing down their necks in pursuit of the final Champions' League place, they have, once again, flattered to deceive. Roberto Mancini is surely frustrated with the inconsistency of his side's performances, perhaps best demonstrated by their last two results. A thumping, confidence-filling victory over Sunderland was followed by a limp performance on Monday night at Anfield during a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
United will relish the prospect of securing three trophies this season, and, although becoming champions of Europe will be a tall order, they should add to City's long wait to add to their relatively empty trophy cabinet with a victory at the national stadium tomorrow. Even a United team generally accepted as much weaker than previous years has more class and strength in depth than City. Prediction: City 1-3 United
Manchester United's quest for a treble this season continued after the mid-week victory over Chelsea. United's season was perhaps typified by the 77th minute of the match. Didier Drogba scored for Chelsea, pulling them back to within a goal of qualifying for the semi-finals on away goals. In devastating fashion, though, United crushed Chelsea's hopes almost as soon as they had been raised by immediately going down the other end and restoring their two-goal cushion, thanks to a cool finish from Park Ji-sung.
Wayne Rooney, who had a masterful game on Tuesday, will miss out on tomorrow's game after his choice words at Upton Park a fortnight ago. Rooney, who has seemingly banished the problems that dogged his first half of the season, will be a huge loss for United. Fortunately for Sir Alex Ferguson, he can call on Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov; Manchester City, who will be without their injured talisman Carlos Tevez for a month, do not have the same calibre of reserves.
City have been something of a disappointment this campaign. Sitting in fourth, thirteen points adrift of their neighbours and with Tottenham breathing down their necks in pursuit of the final Champions' League place, they have, once again, flattered to deceive. Roberto Mancini is surely frustrated with the inconsistency of his side's performances, perhaps best demonstrated by their last two results. A thumping, confidence-filling victory over Sunderland was followed by a limp performance on Monday night at Anfield during a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
United will relish the prospect of securing three trophies this season, and, although becoming champions of Europe will be a tall order, they should add to City's long wait to add to their relatively empty trophy cabinet with a victory at the national stadium tomorrow. Even a United team generally accepted as much weaker than previous years has more class and strength in depth than City. Prediction: City 1-3 United
Premier League preview
Saturday 16th April, all kick-offs 3pm
Blackpool v Wigan, Bloomfield Road
By all accounts, Blackpool have been entertaining this season, and games involving the Tangerines have featured the highest average number of goals in the Premier League. Ian Holloway was unhappy with the referee’s performance in their last outing against Arsenal in a game that once again demonstrated that Blackpool have what it takes to survive. Wigan look in more dire straits, although a win here would put them above their hosts. I cannot see that happening, though, and despite something of an uptick in fortunes recently, the Latics have not won away in the league since Boxing Day. Prediction: Blackpool by 1
Everton v Blackburn, Goodison Park
A difficult start to the season for Everton has been put firmly behind them, and they have an outside chance of finishing ahead of their Merseyside rivals Liverpool. They put in a clinical first-half performance last time out at Wolves, and they should beat a Blackburn side that is still not safe. Rovers look as gritty as ever, and will push Everton hard, but the hosts will have too much class. Prediction: Everton by 2
West Brom v Chelsea, The Hawthorns
Roy Hodgson appears to have settled down at the Albion after his torrid spell at Liverpool. The Baggies are certainly better off for having him; they have not lost under his management, securing impressive points against Arsenal and at Stoke, and beating Hodgson’s previous club and, last weekend, Sunderland away. They are all but safe. Chelsea had any realistic chance of a trophy this season shattered by their Champions League defeat to Manchester United this week, and morale is bound to be low at Stamford Bridge, particularly with rumours emerging about Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club. An interesting aside to whenever Chelsea play is whether Fernando Torres will finally break his duck and score for the Blues – see: http://www.hasfernandotorresscoredforchelsea.com/. Prediction: Score draw
West Ham v Aston Villa, Upton Park
The battle of the claret-and-blues might well be the (Premier League) game of the day. West Ham have had fluctuating fortunes over the course of the season. For the first half, they struggled at the foot of the league, with perhaps only their two good cup runs saving Avram Grant’s job. They have not won since a 3-0 triumph over Stoke on 5th March. Villa scored a priceless win on Sunday against Newcastle, although were not overly impressive, and fans are far from 100 per cent behind manager Gerard Houllier. They have talent in every department, but Upton Park is not an easy place to pick up maximum points. Prediction: Score draw
Birmingham v Sunderland, St Andrews
Birmingham are yet another club looking nervously over their shoulders in the closest relegation battle in years. St Andrews is another relative fortress at the wrong end of the table, and Sunderland are almost the ideal team to come up against for the Blues, with the Black Cats themselves in a dreadful run of form. Since the beginning of February, Steve Bruce’s men have scored seven goals and picked up just one point – at the Emirates – out of a possible 24. They probably have enough points to avoid being sucked into a relegation fight, but this fixture should give the hosts a vital three points. Prediction: Birmingham by 1
Blackpool v Wigan, Bloomfield Road
By all accounts, Blackpool have been entertaining this season, and games involving the Tangerines have featured the highest average number of goals in the Premier League. Ian Holloway was unhappy with the referee’s performance in their last outing against Arsenal in a game that once again demonstrated that Blackpool have what it takes to survive. Wigan look in more dire straits, although a win here would put them above their hosts. I cannot see that happening, though, and despite something of an uptick in fortunes recently, the Latics have not won away in the league since Boxing Day. Prediction: Blackpool by 1
Everton v Blackburn, Goodison Park
A difficult start to the season for Everton has been put firmly behind them, and they have an outside chance of finishing ahead of their Merseyside rivals Liverpool. They put in a clinical first-half performance last time out at Wolves, and they should beat a Blackburn side that is still not safe. Rovers look as gritty as ever, and will push Everton hard, but the hosts will have too much class. Prediction: Everton by 2
West Brom v Chelsea, The Hawthorns
Roy Hodgson appears to have settled down at the Albion after his torrid spell at Liverpool. The Baggies are certainly better off for having him; they have not lost under his management, securing impressive points against Arsenal and at Stoke, and beating Hodgson’s previous club and, last weekend, Sunderland away. They are all but safe. Chelsea had any realistic chance of a trophy this season shattered by their Champions League defeat to Manchester United this week, and morale is bound to be low at Stamford Bridge, particularly with rumours emerging about Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the club. An interesting aside to whenever Chelsea play is whether Fernando Torres will finally break his duck and score for the Blues – see: http://www.hasfernandotorresscoredforchelsea.com/. Prediction: Score draw
West Ham v Aston Villa, Upton Park
The battle of the claret-and-blues might well be the (Premier League) game of the day. West Ham have had fluctuating fortunes over the course of the season. For the first half, they struggled at the foot of the league, with perhaps only their two good cup runs saving Avram Grant’s job. They have not won since a 3-0 triumph over Stoke on 5th March. Villa scored a priceless win on Sunday against Newcastle, although were not overly impressive, and fans are far from 100 per cent behind manager Gerard Houllier. They have talent in every department, but Upton Park is not an easy place to pick up maximum points. Prediction: Score draw
Birmingham v Sunderland, St Andrews
Birmingham are yet another club looking nervously over their shoulders in the closest relegation battle in years. St Andrews is another relative fortress at the wrong end of the table, and Sunderland are almost the ideal team to come up against for the Blues, with the Black Cats themselves in a dreadful run of form. Since the beginning of February, Steve Bruce’s men have scored seven goals and picked up just one point – at the Emirates – out of a possible 24. They probably have enough points to avoid being sucked into a relegation fight, but this fixture should give the hosts a vital three points. Prediction: Birmingham by 1
Christchurch disaster puts a dampener on World Cup legacy
It was with sadness a couple of weeks ago that I read that Christchurch’s 44,000-seater AMI Stadium (or ‘Stadium Christchurch’ as it is blandly known for Rugby World Cup sponsorship reasons) will not be able to host any of this autumn’s (southern spring’s) tournament.
I realise, of course, that there were far greater tragedies that resulted from the earthquake that struck the city in February. I have friends who live in Christchurch, and while they were thankfully unharmed, the scenes of devastation were made all the more real. There was almost an unprecedented loss of life for New Zealand.
Considering all that, it may seem trivial to comment on World Cup stadia. However, it would have been a great demonstration that Christchurch was back on its feet and reopen for business had the stadium (right) been made ready for the tournament. As it is, the city will now largely miss out on the expected national windfall of US$545 million. But I am no structural engineer; I of course submit to their assessments.
Stadiums in Dunedin and Auckland will take some of Christchurch’s games; both are decent arenas, although Auckland is now lined up to host two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, the third-place play-off and the final itself. It puts complaints about using Wembley for the FA Cup semis into some perspective.
The other grounds hosting relocated games are no great shakes. They were all due to host games anyway, but more minor ones than they will now bear witness to. Rugby Park, Invercargill (below), with a capacity of just 17,000, will now play host to the Scotland-Georgia fixture, which has been pushed out of Dunedin to make way for an England game (the Scots cannot be too impressed by that). Trafalgar Park in Nelson, another tiny ground by international standards with room for just 16,000 spectators, will take a greater role, as will North Harbour Stadium in Albany, Greater Auckland. Albany’s stadium, which holds 25,000, has one fantastic stand; unfortunately, that is pretty much its only stand.
These three grounds will be more than happy to step into the vacuum caused by the Christchurch disaster, and it is a great opportunity both for the development of the regional economies and to be put beamed into living rooms and bars across the world. Unfortunately, the boost received by Invercargill, Nelson and North Harbour is predicated on the rather depressing sight of a great stadium, which I was lucky enough to watch a Super 14 match at in 2008, lying empty. It is another blow to Christchurch and its people. Hopefully the All Blacks can give them something to cheer.
I realise, of course, that there were far greater tragedies that resulted from the earthquake that struck the city in February. I have friends who live in Christchurch, and while they were thankfully unharmed, the scenes of devastation were made all the more real. There was almost an unprecedented loss of life for New Zealand.
Considering all that, it may seem trivial to comment on World Cup stadia. However, it would have been a great demonstration that Christchurch was back on its feet and reopen for business had the stadium (right) been made ready for the tournament. As it is, the city will now largely miss out on the expected national windfall of US$545 million. But I am no structural engineer; I of course submit to their assessments.
Stadiums in Dunedin and Auckland will take some of Christchurch’s games; both are decent arenas, although Auckland is now lined up to host two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, the third-place play-off and the final itself. It puts complaints about using Wembley for the FA Cup semis into some perspective.
The other grounds hosting relocated games are no great shakes. They were all due to host games anyway, but more minor ones than they will now bear witness to. Rugby Park, Invercargill (below), with a capacity of just 17,000, will now play host to the Scotland-Georgia fixture, which has been pushed out of Dunedin to make way for an England game (the Scots cannot be too impressed by that). Trafalgar Park in Nelson, another tiny ground by international standards with room for just 16,000 spectators, will take a greater role, as will North Harbour Stadium in Albany, Greater Auckland. Albany’s stadium, which holds 25,000, has one fantastic stand; unfortunately, that is pretty much its only stand.
These three grounds will be more than happy to step into the vacuum caused by the Christchurch disaster, and it is a great opportunity both for the development of the regional economies and to be put beamed into living rooms and bars across the world. Unfortunately, the boost received by Invercargill, Nelson and North Harbour is predicated on the rather depressing sight of a great stadium, which I was lucky enough to watch a Super 14 match at in 2008, lying empty. It is another blow to Christchurch and its people. Hopefully the All Blacks can give them something to cheer.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Canadian General Election, 2 May 2011
On 2 May, Canada will have yet another general election, its fourth in just seven years. Conservative leader Stephen Harper has been Prime Minister since 2006, but has always fallen short of winning a majority, something that has led to the relative instability of politics in Ottawa.
Part of the problem is the existence of one of the strongest regionalist parties in the world – the Bloc Québécois, which desires independence for Quebec. That the party perennially wins around two thirds of the province’s ridings, or approximately fifty seats (in a Parliament of 308) makes it extremely difficult for the national parties – the Conservatives, the Liberals and the New Democrats (NDP) – to secure a majority. With 154 seats required for an overall majority, that hurdle is raised that much higher by the BQ’s consistent success. The national parties, in other words, have to win around 60 per cent of the seats not captured by the BQ.
In 2008, Harper’s Tories nevertheless did come relatively close to securing that elusive majority, winning 143 seats. This time, they may finally achieve it. Polls show them leading the Michael Ignatieff’s Liberals by eight percentage points, but the Liberals appear to be closing the gap.
This seems an election to watch, albeit with the most likely result at this stage being yet another minority government for Harper. Nevertheless, I will update the blog as the election campaign develops.
2008 results:
VOTE SHARE:
Conservative 38%
Liberal 26%
Bloc Québécois 10%
New Democrats 18%
Others 8%
SEATS:
Conservative 143
Liberal 77
Bloc Québécois 49
New Democrats 37
Others 2
Part of the problem is the existence of one of the strongest regionalist parties in the world – the Bloc Québécois, which desires independence for Quebec. That the party perennially wins around two thirds of the province’s ridings, or approximately fifty seats (in a Parliament of 308) makes it extremely difficult for the national parties – the Conservatives, the Liberals and the New Democrats (NDP) – to secure a majority. With 154 seats required for an overall majority, that hurdle is raised that much higher by the BQ’s consistent success. The national parties, in other words, have to win around 60 per cent of the seats not captured by the BQ.
In 2008, Harper’s Tories nevertheless did come relatively close to securing that elusive majority, winning 143 seats. This time, they may finally achieve it. Polls show them leading the Michael Ignatieff’s Liberals by eight percentage points, but the Liberals appear to be closing the gap.
This seems an election to watch, albeit with the most likely result at this stage being yet another minority government for Harper. Nevertheless, I will update the blog as the election campaign develops.
2008 results:
VOTE SHARE:
Conservative 38%
Liberal 26%
Bloc Québécois 10%
New Democrats 18%
Others 8%
SEATS:
Conservative 143
Liberal 77
Bloc Québécois 49
New Democrats 37
Others 2
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