Wow - two incredible stories in the big matches in England. My heart was thumping at what felt like 200 beats per minute at the end of the match at the Emirates, and I don't even support either of the teams. But first, a sensational result in today's second FA Cup semi:
Bolton 0-5 Stoke
Stoke ripped up the formbook with this win, a result I daresay you could have got 100/1 against before the start of play. Etherington and Huth put the Potters two up within the first twenty minutes leaving favourites Bolton rocked. One more goal before the break from Kenwyne Jones gave Tony Pulis' men a comfortable halftime lead, before a Jon Walters brace emphatically secured Stoke's place in the final.
They will meet yesterday's victors Manchester City, ensuring that the winner will be the first piece of silverware for either team in three decades: Manchester City's last trophy was the 1976 League Cup, while Stoke's was the same title four years before that.
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
After 95 minutes, this match was typical of Arsenal's recent form: much possession, but precious little to show for it. Just as the Gunners were preparing to wave goodbye to any chance of a trophy this season, however, Liverpool's otherwise-excellent Jay Spearing blotted his copybook by tripping Cesc Fabregas in the penalty box. Robin van Persie sparked delirious scenes at the Emirates by coolly converting the resulting spotkick, and Arsenal looked, after an hour and a half of fruitless toil, to have secured three priceless points.
Following a lengthy period of treatment for Jamie Carragher earlier in the second half, however, still three minutes of additional time remained, and, extraordinarily, Liverpool struck back. A mindless shove in the area by Emmanuel Eboue gave Dirk Kuyt the chance to level the match, again from the spot, in the 112th minute. He converted with aplomb, blasting his penalty past the flying Wojciech Szczesny (incidentally, my favourite name in professional football, with the possible exception of Dudley 'DJ' Campbell).
The end of the match was marked by a spat by a disgusted Arsene Wenger and a jubilant Kenny Dalglish; Wenger could not argue the award of the penalty (although may have a case that the game should not have continued as long after the end of the eight minutes of added time signalled).
The managers' exchange of words merely added a final twist to a quite remarkable seven minutes in North London.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
AV campaign intensifies in increasingly bad-tempered and divisive contest
Twelve months after the general election, British election machines are once again moving up through the gears. 5th May sees a plethora of different contests across the country:
It is curious to note, and one cannot help but do so, that the only national vote - whether or not the UK should change its method of electing MPs from the First Past the Post system (FPTP) to the Alternative Vote (AV) - is becoming increasingly ill-tempered. Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown has, in today's Observer, issued a strong rebuke to what he termed the "scaremongering" of the NO campaign.
Lord Ashdown also described the tactics of Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi as "tawdry" and "indefensible". Warsi's cabinet colleague, environment secretary Chris Huhne, has already been compared to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels.
I will not here go into the merits of a YES or NO vote. What is becoming apparent, however, is the relatively small role of Labour leader Ed Miliband in the campaign. Admittedly, he did cause a minor stir after apparently refusing to share a stage with Nick Clegg, but ever since he has taken a back seat role.
This may turn out to be a wise move from Miliband. His detractors might argue that he is not a strong enough leader to take a more active role in the campaign, and with his net approval rating at -19 per cent according to today's YouGov poll, he is far from an automatic vote-winner.
In addition, his party is split almost down the middle on the referendum, making it hard for Miliband to push the issue without the risk of causing splits within the party. Labour grandees Lord Prescott, David Blunkett and Margaret Beckett favour a NO vote, while most of the shadow cabinet have endorsed a YES vote.
Miliband, though, will be pleased to see members of the government attacking each other over the issue, and with Vince Cable's attack on the PM's immigration plans, cracks within the coalition are perhaps starting to emerge. The coalition government has insisted that it will not be fatally wounded whatever the referendum result in May.
But Nick Clegg will be aware that this was his flagship policy from the coalition. The Lib Dems will be demoralised should NO prevail, and Ashdown's remarks display a palpable sense of worry within Cowley Street. Ed Miliband may be backing YES, but, from a political perspective, he might not be too disheartened by a NO vote. He will be able to sit back and take advantage of the likely repercussions.
AV referendum
Scottish Parliament
Welsh Assembly
Some English councils/unitary authorities/mayoral contests
Leicester South parliamentary by-election
It is curious to note, and one cannot help but do so, that the only national vote - whether or not the UK should change its method of electing MPs from the First Past the Post system (FPTP) to the Alternative Vote (AV) - is becoming increasingly ill-tempered. Former Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown has, in today's Observer, issued a strong rebuke to what he termed the "scaremongering" of the NO campaign.
Lord Ashdown also described the tactics of Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi as "tawdry" and "indefensible". Warsi's cabinet colleague, environment secretary Chris Huhne, has already been compared to Nazi propaganda chief Joseph Goebbels.
I will not here go into the merits of a YES or NO vote. What is becoming apparent, however, is the relatively small role of Labour leader Ed Miliband in the campaign. Admittedly, he did cause a minor stir after apparently refusing to share a stage with Nick Clegg, but ever since he has taken a back seat role.
This may turn out to be a wise move from Miliband. His detractors might argue that he is not a strong enough leader to take a more active role in the campaign, and with his net approval rating at -19 per cent according to today's YouGov poll, he is far from an automatic vote-winner.
In addition, his party is split almost down the middle on the referendum, making it hard for Miliband to push the issue without the risk of causing splits within the party. Labour grandees Lord Prescott, David Blunkett and Margaret Beckett favour a NO vote, while most of the shadow cabinet have endorsed a YES vote.
Miliband, though, will be pleased to see members of the government attacking each other over the issue, and with Vince Cable's attack on the PM's immigration plans, cracks within the coalition are perhaps starting to emerge. The coalition government has insisted that it will not be fatally wounded whatever the referendum result in May.
But Nick Clegg will be aware that this was his flagship policy from the coalition. The Lib Dems will be demoralised should NO prevail, and Ashdown's remarks display a palpable sense of worry within Cowley Street. Ed Miliband may be backing YES, but, from a political perspective, he might not be too disheartened by a NO vote. He will be able to sit back and take advantage of the likely repercussions.
Football preview – Sunday 17th April
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
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
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
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