A New Force Emerging?

Stoke City have recently signed Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios from Tottenham.  Also Cameron Jerome was a late signing for The Potters who now boast an experienced attacking array with height and power along with a solid midfield and a fearsome home record. The Britannia Stadium is Stokes own fortress and for many teams an away win at Stoke is hard to come by and it looks set to remain this way as their attacking options have increased significantly. The height of Peter Crouch with the strength of Kenwyne Jones and now Cameron Jerome means many defences have a good chance of being physically bullied by Stoke as they look to assert their claim on the Premier League as an established, solid club. A Europa League finish is realistic for the end of this season for Stoke and they are already in the competition and have done well to qualify so far with good wins away from home with most of their players relatively inexperienced in Europe. This can only boost their confidence and ability however, and with their new found stronger side they could really test the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea when they play each other.

Stoke uprising or same old stuff from the Potters? What do you think?

Burnley FC - One time wonder?

There is a debate amongst a few of my friends as to whether Burnley FC were simply lucky to win the playoff final against Sheffield United in 2009, or they thoroughly deserved promotion to the promised land. Only some would say that land definately was not promised to Burnley of all teams. After spending season after season disappointing their fans with mixed results, their time finally came but it came in not the most pleasing manner. During that season they lost games they should have won, and scraped wins they should have lost which is a good thing I suppose, yet scrappy still. The strike that took them to the Premiership in the final however was something of true elegance as the ball struck the net from 30 yards out in the first half and was the only goal in the game. During the season though, Burnley lost or drew their first 4 games with their first recorded win coming against Nottingham Forest. A rough January saw them lose 6 games on the bounce and their reply came when they beat rivals Blackpool after an abysmal run of form which triggered the revival of Burnley in the Championship run in. A few draws and some good wins later and they found themselves contenders for a playoff spot, and a playoff spot they earned too. The manner in which they carried out their season would suggest they made it hard for themselves but the way they ended up in the playoff spots and winning promotion also says they picked themselves up off the floor showing remarkable character and spirit in the team with a desire for success. The Premiership season (their first time in the English Premiership ever) could not have started better too with Burnley in the Europa League spots by Christmas. However, with the departure of manager Owen Coyle in January the club seemed to go straight downhill from there, and down is where they finished back into the Championship with their pride intact however since they could brag about a stunning win over Manchester United. Last season finished rather disappointingly with many of their fans expecting another playoff push, or even automatic promotion, but it simply never came. This season has been a slow start for the club too which does beg the question; where Burnley just one time wonders or do they actually have what it takes to fight their way back into the Premiership in the coming years?

What do you think?

Sheffield United - League 1 Sleeping Giant

Are they really a sleeping giant yet to be awoken in the depths of League 1? Or have they already been sprung to life with the realization that they need to work extra hard to achieve Championship status again? Opinions may differ but evidence would suggest they are working in full swing at the minute with some good wins under their belt and a great start to unfamiliar League 1 life. The Blades remain undefeated in the league as of yet, and they were pre season favorates by many to become League 1 champions and shoot straight back up into the second tier of English football where they have previously established themselves as a solid outfit. What went wrong for The Blades though last season? It would seem nothing went right at all thats for sure but the reasons behind their downfall are unclear. From winning promotion to the Premier League a few seasons back and their relegation back into the Championship, it seemed likely they would stay there or maybe have another crack at promotion to the Premiership after their playoff final defeat to Burnley, yet something since then has happened to the team. They were not playing as a team, they could not defend, their attacks were normally weak and snuffed out and the result was relegation to League 1. However, despite their lower league status they are now playing like a Championship side once again and are up in the mix at the top end of the table and fighting for promotion. They arguably have the strongest side in League 1, but the challenge will still be a hard one for them to overcome with the likes of Preston, MK Dons, Charlton and Huddersfield to contend with, all chasing that elusive top spot and a way out of the league and into the next level. With the re-introduction of the Steel City derby to look forward to and the prospect of a tough battle to stay near the top of the table, Sheffield United have their work cut out for them but they should relish the moment and enjoy every game they play as they have been doing so far continuing to play their good football against a tough field of highly competitive opponents. Their fans should note that they have a side rich in experience and ability and with a packed out Bramall Lane and one of the best away followings in the league behind them, they should help their team all the way to the final game of the season, but of course as with every season there is always a few twists and turns that can really turn things around!

Sheffield United league predictions please?

Euro 2012 - Poland

Euro 2010 is quickly approaching and qualification is still going on with all the 'big' teams on course to qualify. England should avoid another embarrassing non qualification, but you never know with teams like England whos form seems to be constantly changing from game to game. These Euro's should be an exciting tournament for all to watch with current World Cup champions Spain looking to add to their dominance by adding a second successive European Champions title to their honours after winning it in 2008. Germany will prove to be tough resilient opposition for anyone who faces them as they can field a young yet experienced side with many Bayern Munich players on the team with other class players such as Bastian Schweinsteiger to dictate the midfield. Italy will surely bounce back from their dismal World Cup campaign and they are showing they are capable of doing this by beating Spain in a friendly. France also suffered a shocking World Cup and performed far below their expectations and will too bounce back and find form for the Euro's as they look to fight back under new manager Laurent Blanc. England will probably field their new found starlets Tom Cleverly and Chris Smalling with the lethal combination of Rooney up front with Ashley Young supporting and possibly Adam Johnson also, England are one to really watch out for and they will be looking to abolish their reputation as 'tournament bottlers' as the current FIFA ranked number 4 team in the world  seek their first major honours for a long time. The Netherlands with their dominant and physical style of play will test teams such as Spain who are not really equipped for a physical battle as we saw in the World Cup Final where Spain ended up victors, but nevertheless the Netherlands will look to continue playing as they did throughout the whole tournament and should impress.

Does anyone have any thoughts on who will win Euro 2012? Lets hear your voices please!

Biggest Derby Games in English Football

The English derby is a passionate game between two teams which share their dislike for each other either because of Geographical reasons, or reasons of success. A recent example of this would the the rivalry between Manchester United and Chelsea when Chelsea won the league after having millions of pounds pumped into the club and a good few strong purchases in the transfer market. I am interested to know who you all would have in their top derby games or fiercest rivalries so I will compose a short list displaying a few of mine.

Leeds United vs Millwall
Millwall vs West Ham
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Manchester United vs Leeds United
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Burnley vs Blackburn
Cardiff vs Swansea

These are just a few and I was hoping to see a few of your choices and why you would have them there.

Leeds United - Love them or hate them!

Who would be  Leeds United fan? Hated by most, supported passionately by their own, Leeds fans must love being in that unique club of being branded as some of the most vilified fans in the country. This does not make it true though of course and they can be praised for regularly packing out Elland Road even when they were playing in League 1. It must be great to be supporting Leeds right now. They have had their first competitive game against their fierce local rivals Bradford City in the League Cup and we were treated to a 3-2 win in which Bradford gave their all and even took the lead but ultimately lost out to the better side. As if this local derby wasn't enough, they have now been drawn in the next round against the old enemy, Manchester United. This game has all the makings of a tasty affair with tackles bound to fly in, tempers will probably flair and there should be a few goals too as well as a sell out crowd at Elland Road. They did the unthinkable last time they were both drew in the FA Cup and knocked United out of the competition winning 1-0 at Old Trafford, something not many teams in the Premiership can do let alone League 1. This was arguably the greatest result Leeds have had in years because of the fact it was Man United in their own backyard and they showed them up when United were clear favourates to win the competition outright. Can Leeds repeat this enormous feat when the 2 sides meet in the Carling Cup and add their two most hated rivals to their list of vanquished foes in the cup, or will United come out all guns blazing hoping to seek revenge for the embarrassing defeat last time around? As things go, Leeds have been on the cusp of promotion from League 1 for a few years now and when the time finally came they almost did it again with in the Championship but they narrowly missed out on the playoff spot they needed, so could we be seeing another Leeds United revival? Will they be able to emulate the success of the team that saw them feature in a European Cup final in 1975 against Bayern Munich in a few years time? Or will they slowly stagnate into Championship basement dwellers, a victim of their own quick success? Only time will tell and right now is a great time to be a supporter of Leeds United as exciting times lay ahead for them surely.

Opinions please!

Few Transfers

Liverpool have confirmed that a deal is in place with French club Evian for the sale of midfielder Christian Poulsen. The French side are newly promoted in Ligue 1 and all that needs to be done is for the player to agree personal terms with the club. No transfer fee has been spoke of as of yet. Staying with Liverpool, the Merseyside outfit have signed Uruguay international Sebastian Coates from Nacional after securing his work permit earlier on today. Newcastle United have snatched up former Inter Milan left back Davide Santon for a fee of around £5 million and will be seen as a replacement for Jose Enrique who left recently for Liverpool. Thats all the news I have for you now but I will keep you updated when I can,

What do you all think about these transfers? Good or bad? Worth it or over-rated? Voice your opinions please!

The greatest league in the world - England or Spain?

For a long long time, the English Premier League has been regarded as the best league in world football. Some opinions however, would seem to be split now because of the Spanish dominance on the European club scene and World football, with Spain winning the World Cup 2010 and the European Under 21 Championships this year. With huge stadiums such as Camp Nou, the Bernabeu and Estadio Mestalla with the players to boot, the Spanish league has never looked so promising and attractive for players to move there. Recent transfers have seen some of the worlds top players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas move to their boyhood clubs away from the Premier League and this can only help boost La Ligas potential claim to be the best league in the world. Barcelona have dominated on all fronts and boast the best player in the world at the moment Lionel Messi and have top rated players such as Iniesta and Xavi to back him up while Real Madrid boast Ronaldo, Kaka and Sergio Ramos amongst others. However, as it has always been, England has some of the worlds most passionate fans. The energy around stadiums is like no other and there is always a buzz before every weekend as people live and breath the football. Teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea will always grab the headlines but up and coming teams such as Manchester City and Tottenham only further boost the Premier Leagues competitiveness, and it is the physicality of the league which no other league can re produce. The premier League is unique in that some players who arrive in the Premier League who are already established players elsewhere, simply cannot hack the pace and strength of the English league and although Spain dominates on the World scene, some of the worlds best players still remain in England as well as home grown talent such as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard who are both world class players.

Which is the best league? I would love to here your opinions!

Preston North End - Sinking Ship or Rising Up?

Preston started last season just the way they ended it; terribly. This fact has shocked many of their supporters as they have always been up and around the playoff spot in the Championship and always seen as a steady club as far as league survival goes. However, something happened last year to the team and I am not quite sure what it was, or I'm not quite sure anyone knows in fact. The proud Lilly Whites of Lancashire who once fielded such class as Sir Tom Finney and Sir Bobby Charlton (as player manager) are now in the dark depths of League 1, unknown territory really considering they are used to playing opposition such as ex Premier League Burnley and Leicester City. Now they have a tough battle to win promotion as many would expect such an experienced quality side to do and this expectation makes it by no means easier. As professional footballers they are expected to take things in their stride and adapt but sometimes pressure and expectation can get the better of them still, as we have seen with teams such as Bradford City and Leeds United, both ex premiership teams who sunk down to the lower leagues within a few years. The recent downfall of Plymouth from Championship outfit to League 2 club will remind Preston that although they may be used to playing in the higher leagues, it doesnt always go your way and Preston will definately be a team to watch out for this season and may suffer a few shock defeats. However, so far they have done quite well and seem to be adapting to life in League 1 just fine with wins over Chesterfield, Exeter and Notts County and this suggests we can expect more of the same from Preston this season although its always handy to expect the unexpected as you never know what can happen in football!

Your thoughts please........

League 1

League 1 will certainly be tough this year with teams that did well last season now failing to produce the goods such as Rochdale and Bournemouth. Dale manager Steve Eyre is yet to record his first league win after the 3-1 defeat at home to Hartlepool, while Bournemouth suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Walsall. Sheffield United are still going strong so far and are contenders for the title along with fellow newly relegated Preston, and with Charlton and MK Dons in the mix at the top it could turn out to be anyones game when it comes to winning the league outright. Oldham continued their start to the season as they usually do, with a steady start except this was made sweeter with the derby win over local rivals Rochdale and another derby with Bury to look forward to for the Latics. The Shakers are experiencing a decent run of form with some good wins to their name including the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry in the Carling Cup. The bottom of the table looks like it will be a scrappy one with all the bottom clubs struggling to find any sort of form at all and if this continues it will be a hard fight back up the ladder and into safety. It is early days yet, but League 1 looks like it could throw in some surprises over the coming months and it should hopefully have an exciting end to the season. More to come soon.

Champions League

I see Manchester City have an early vote from a fan already for the champions league winners! This ones a tough one for me because their lack of European experience may be their downfall despite their current world class team. Europa league turned out to be a bit much for them last season but who knows, maybe they can do what Tottenham did in last years Champions League? The strike partnerships of Tevez/Aguero or Aguero/Dzeko looks frightening to say the least with a strong midfield to back them up with experienced players such as Yaya Toure at their disposal, could Man City put up a reasonable challenge for Europes elite competition?

THOUGHTS PLEASE!

Best England Team Ever

I may as well do a best England Team line up since I would be interested to see who people would have in midfield in particular. Mine is as follows from goalkeeper upwards,

Gordon Banks

Bobby Moore
Tony Adams
Terry Butcher
Stuart Pearce

David Beckham
Bobby Charlton
Paul Gascoigne
Paul Scholes

Alan Shearer
Gary Lineker

Thoughts anyone?

BEST EVER MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM

Now, even though I am a neutral I am constantly being asked by people who my best ever Manchester United line up ever would be. So here goes starting with the goalkeeper upwards in a 4-4-2 formation.
Peter Schmeichel
Gary Neville
Jaap Stam
Nemanja Vidic
Dennis Irwin
Cristiano Ronaldo
Roy Keane
Paul Scholes
George Best
Eric Cantona
Wayne Rooney

Thoughts please!

Predictions for League 2

With teams with large fan bases such as Bradford City and surprise packages like Crawley Town in the mix so far, League 2 has plenty to offer for the neutral fans out there who just enjoy watching a game of competitive football. New boys Oxford have got off to a great start to life in the football league with 2 wins and a draw against tough opponents in the form of Shrewsbury, Swindon and Aldershot respectively, whilst newly relegated Plymouth sit dead bottom of the table and by no means comfortable with 3 losses on the bounce. A bit of good news for Plymouth fans though as the clubs administrator says a deal is in place for a buyer to come in. Rotherham are living up to expectations in League 2 so far and are top of the table with 13 points from 5 games but will they manage to keep their place at the summit with the recent sale of star striker Adam Le Fondre to Reading? I will keep you posted about any news regarding League 2 teams as I hear it.

Premier League season 2011/12

The premier league season has kicked off already after what seemed like just a couple of weeks from when the season ended and it could not have come any quicker than this. Time flew by and already we have been treated to the usual thrills and spills of the worlds best league such as the destruction of Arsenal in their 8-2 defeat at Old Trafford, to Manchester City emerging as the team to beat after years in the shadow of their Manchester compatriots. Liverpool could emerge as surprise contenders after a poor season last time round after King Kenny made a few decent buys in the mould of an experienced Charlie Adam and a touch of youth with Jordan Henderson making his mark already with a well taken goal to kick start his Liverpool career. New boys QPR started their campaign with a win over Everton, and fellow new arrivals Swansea City started their season with two hard fought draws. All this could be the start of an entertaining Premier League season as the top 4 battle it out once again with new contenders in the mix and the new boys showing signs of premier league class already but the season is too early to call anything yet and only time will tell as the season wears on.