Week 7 predictions

Prediction League

Chris Deacon 10 points, 2 PS
Blackburn 1 West Brom 2
Everton 1 Norwich 0
Fulham 2 Bolton 0
Newcastle 3 Swansea 1
Wolves 2 Stoke 3
Wigan 0 Chelsea 4
QPR 1 Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 2
Tottenham 2 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 0


Fraser Stradling 10 points, 2 PS
Blackburn 1 West Brom 2
Everton 2 Norwich 0
Fulham 1 Bolton 3
Newcastle 1 Swansea 0
Wolves 1 Stoke 3
Wigan 0 Chelsea 2
QPR 0 Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 3
Tottenham 3 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 3 Arsenal 2

Daniel Underwood 9 points, 1 PS
Blackburn 1 West Brom 1
Everton 2 Norwich 1
Fulham 2 Bolton 1
Newcastle 1 Swansea 1
Wolves 1 Stoke 2
Wigan 1 Chelsea 3
QPR 1 Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Tottenham 3 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 1

James Sherwood 8 points, 1 PS
Blackburn 3 West Brom 2
Everton 1 Norwich 1
Fulham 1 Bolton 2
Newcastle 1 Swansea 1
Wolves 1 Stoke 3
Wigan 1 Chelsea 4
QPR 0 Manchester United 3
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Tottenham 3 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 1

Tyrone Nicklin 8 points, 2 PS
Blackburn 2 West Brom 1
Everton 1 Norwich 0
Fulham 3 Bolton 1
Newcastle 0 Swansea 0
Wolves 1 Stoke 2
Wigan 0 Chelsea 2
QPR 1 Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 1
Tottenham 1 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 2

Joshua Jones 7 points, 1 PS
Blackburn 1 West Brom 1
Everton 2 Norwich 1
Fulham 2 Bolton 1
Newcastle 2 Swansea 2
Wolves 1 Stoke 1
Wigan 1 Chelsea 3
QPR 0 Manchester United 2
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 1
Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 1

Daniel A Lofti 7 points, 1 PS
Blackburn 2 West Brom 2
Everton 2 Norwich 1
Fulham 2 Bolton 0
Newcastle 2 Swansea 0
Wolves 1 Stoke 1
Wigan 0 Chelsea 3
QPR 0 Manchester United 3
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Tottenham 2 Sunderland 0
Manchester City 3 Arsenal 1

Perry Blanchette 4 points, 0 PS
Blackburn 3 West Brom 2
Everton 2 Norwich 0
Fulham 2 Bolton 2
Newcastle 3 Swansea 0
Wolves 1 Stoke 1
Wigan 0 Chelsea 5
QPR 0 Manchester United 1
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Tottenham 3 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 2 Arsenal 1

Jack Burman 3 points, 0 PS
Blackburn 2 West Brom 1
Everton 1 Norwich 2
Fulham 2 Bolton 1
Newcastle 1 Swansea 2
Wolves 2 Swansea 1
Wigan 1 Chelsea 2
QPR 2 Manchester United 1
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Tottenham 2 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 1 Arsenal 2

Liam O'Donovan 2 point, 0 PS
Blackburn 3 West Brom 1
Everton 2 Norwich 1
Fulham 1 Bolton 2
Newcastle 1 Swansea 1
Wolves 2 Stoke 1
Wigan 1 Chelsea 3
QPR 2 Manchester United 0
Aston Villa 2 Liverpool 0
Tottenham 3 Sunderland 1
Manchester City 1 Arsenal 1

Late Gomez strike rescues deserved point for Wigan

An 87th minute Jordi Gomez tap-in, rescued a point for Wigan as they held a poor Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at the DW Stadium.

Daniel Sturridge's strike just before the hour mark looked set to give Chelsea their fourth successive Premier League win; however Petr Cech's failure to hold a Hugo Rodallega tame shot, gifted Gomez the easy chance to give Wigan a share of the spoils.

Andre Villas-Boas will no doubt be frustrated at his sides failure to hold on, for what would have been an undeserved victory.

John Terry went the closest early on; however his long range effort was never in danger of opening the scoring.

Didier Drogba nearly headed the Blues ahead from a teasing Raul Meireles cross, but the Ivory Coast forward's effort went wide, despite the despairing dive of Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal.

As the half progressed, the more Wigan grew in confidence and controlled the later stages on the first 45 minutes, with Victor Moses a consistent thorn in the Chelsea side.

And it was the former Crystal Palace man who was pivotal in the games first talking point. Moses's shot was goal bound; however Branislav Ivanovic blocked the shot with an arm, only for Martin Atkinson to wave away the home sides appeals.

Roberto Martinez's side deservedly reached half-time level, as Villas-Boas went in search of the victory replacing Oriol Romeu with Salamon Kalou.

The change failed to give them any more of a cutting edge, as Wigan, deploying three centre backs, kept Chelsea at bay.

With the returning Frank Lampard receiving treatment on the sidelines, Chelsea from nowhere opened the scoring. Ashley Cole aimed a brilliant diagonal pass to Sturridge, whose first touch was brilliant to control the ball, with his second devastating, smashing the ball past Al-Habsi.

The goal didn't spurn Chelsea on to kill the game off, with Villas-Boas deciding to replace Sturridge and the lively Juan Mata in an attempt to see the game out.

Instead the move invited Wigan pressure and with time running out, Gomez levelled.

Sub Franco Di Santo did well to find Rodallega, whose shot wasn't the best; however Cech failed to hold and the ball fell perfectly for Gomez who scored his fourth goal in five games.

Four minutes of extra time were signalled, but neither side threatened the all important third goal as Wigan salvaged an unlikely but deserved point.

Three January transfer targets for each Premier League club

Arsenal

Wayne Bridge Sixth month loan.

With both Andre Santos and Kieron Gibbs injured, all be it the latter is returning soon, a six month loan deal for a still good left-back wouldn’t be the worst move.

Edin Hazard £28million

The player has been quoted as saying he wants to join Real Madrid or Arsenal, the player is one Arsenal have been linked with frequently. They’d have to smash their transfer record to sign him, but Arsene Wenger has the funds available.

Lukas Podolski £11million

The German has been linked with the club for a good few months now, and with all their strikers, minus Robin Van Persie, failing to ignite this season, a new centre forward is probably needed. His versatility also makes him a good signing.

Aston Villa

Alex £6million

With the defender set to leave Chelsea, Richard Dunne and James Collins have failed to forge a great centre half partnership so far this season and Alex would be the perfect addition.

Romelu Lukaku Six month loan.

Stoke couldn’t sign him because of a transfer ruling back in the summer; however come January he is free to join anyone. He might want to gain first-team experience elsewhere, the only stumbling block being the African Cup of Nations ruling Didier Drogba and Salamon Kalou out for Chelsea.

Tom Huddlestone £10million

With Scott Parker and Luka Modric forging a fantastic centre midfield partnership for Tottenham, Tom Huddlestone will have limited opportunities with Spurs and with Jenas ruled out for the season, a move for Huddlestone would be a good one.

Blackburn

Nicky Maynard £5million

Apart from Yakubu the side lacks a goal threat, and with Nicky Maynard consistently linked with a move to the Premier League, Blackburn could do worse than gamble on the Bristol City forward.

Nedum Onouha Six month loan

The Manchester City defender has been frozen out at the club and will no doubt use the January window as a chance to leave. Many clubs will probably look to get the defender on a loan deal and with Blackburn’s shaky defence, they should be one.

Steven Davis £7million

With Rangers’ poor financial state they will probably have to cash in on some players, they won’t want to lose one of their best players but he would be a perfect addition for a Blackburn midfield needing a bit of British grit.

Bolton

Tim Ream £4million

The US defender has been linked frequently with Bolton and West Brom. And with Owen Coyle looking set to lose star defender Gary Cahill a move to sure up his shaky defence is needed and Ream represents a cheap but good alternative.

Josh McEachran Six month loan

Chelsea let Bolton have Daniel Sturridge on loan for the last part of the previous season and Coyle will no doubt want the London club to let them have the talented midfielder with injuries to Stuart Holden and Lee Chung Yong.

Nicky Maynard £5million

Kevin Davies hasn’t had the best of seasons and the pressure has been on Ivan Klasnic this season, and he has scored a fair few goals; however they are in need to add up front and Nicky Maynard will be a good addition.

Chelsea

Gary Cahill £7million

The defender has been linked with Chelsea for a long time, and with the England international’s contract up at the end of the season a move in January is highly likely. Cahill will add pace to a slow Chelsea back four.

Edison Cavani £35million

With Didier Drogba going to the African Cup of Nations in January, the lack of form in Fernando Torres and the departing Nicolas Anelka, Andre Vilas-Boas will probably want to add to his strike force, and with Cavani performing fantastically for Napoli, a move wouldn’t be out of the question.

Gregory Van Der Wiel £14million

Chelsea’s problem area has been right back with Jose Boswinga having an average season, the Dutchman would be a good addition.

Everton

Carlton Cole £6million

Louis Saha hasn’t had the best of season’s meaning Everton have struggled to score goals and a cut price move for the West Ham forward isn’t out of the question.

Chris Samba £11million

Sylvian Distin has been edged out of the Everton squad and with Jonny Heitinga struggling to cement a first team birth, a partner for Phil Jagielka is probably needed. The only problem would be the high fee that Samba has.

Adam Ljajic £9million

The Fiorentina midfielder has been linked with Everton for a long time, and since the departure of Mikel Arteta the Everton midfield has lacked a creative spark.

Fulham

Andre Pierre Gignac £3million

Having fallen out with Marsielle manager Didier Deschamps the French striker is set to leave his current side. And with Fulham lack an out and out goalscorer Gignac could be on his way.

Steven Pienaar £5million

Having struggled to adapt to life at Tottenham, Pienaar could be on his way out as he looks to rediscover his best form.

Lewis Dunk £4million

The Brighton defender has been linked with a move to the Premier League all season, he probably wouldn’t make the first team at Fulham; however would definitely be one for the future.

Liverpool

Sandro £18million

Having lost Lucas Leiva for the rest of the season to injury, Liverpool lack a defensive midfielder and with Sandro struggling to edge Scott Parker out of the Spurs midfield, a move would be unlikely, but not out of the question.

Christian Eriksen £20million

Liverpool lack a real right midfielder and despite Eriksen’s favoured position being just off the striker, he can play there and with Stewart Downing on the opposite flank, the Liverpool midfield would have a nice balance.

Jan Klass Huntelaar £14million

The Dutchman has scored goals wherever he has played and with Andy Carroll’s poor form, the club need an out and out goalscorer and with Huntelaar probably wanting to leave Schalke a move could be possible.

Manchester City

Daniel De Rossi £14million

With his Roma contract expiring at the end of the season, the midfielder could be on his way out of the club. Manchester City have been linked with Italian and a cut price move in January could be on.

Thiago Silva £25million

The Brazilian defender has been linked with a move to Manchester City and with the club failing to keep a clean sheet in eight games, a centre back will be a priority for Roberto Mancini.

Pedro £27million

Having been edged out of the Barcelona side by the new signing Alexis Sanchez, Pedro could be on his way out of Pep Guardiola’s side, and with Manchester City, minus Adam Johnson, lacking any real width, Pedro would be ideal.

Manchester United

Wesley Sneijder £30million

A creative midfielder is needed, and Manchester United have been heavily linked with the Dutchman for a long time. Having missed out on Sneijder in the summer, a second move for the Inter midfielder could be on the cards.

Giorgio Chiellini £30million

Having lost Nemanja Vidic to injury for the rest of the season, Manchester United probably need another centre half. Giorgio Chiellini would be the perfect replacement with Rio Ferdinand ageing; however a deal is unlikely.

Nicolas Gaitan £24million

The Benfica midfielder tormented United during their poor Champions League campaign, and the playmaker has been linked with a move.

Newcastle

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel £12million

Minus Demba Ba the club don’t have a striker who can guarantee goals, and with the Dutchman being frequently linked with a move away from Sporting Lisbon, Newcastle could make a move.

Roman Pavlyuchenko £9million

Out of the Spurs side, Roman Pavlyuchenko will be looking to exit White Hart Lane with Euro 2012 coming up. Newcastle need a centre forward, the only stumbling block would be if Pavlyuchenko wants to stay in England or go home to Russia.

Liam Ridgewell £4million

Ridgewell nearly left Birmingham in the summer transfer window and with Newcastle losing Steven Taylor to injury for the rest of the season, a cut price move for Ridgewell is likely. Their left back problems also mean his versatility is a bonus.

Norwich

Billy Sharp £4million

Paul Lambert has successfully brought from the lower leagues before and Billy Sharp’s goal record in the Championship is impressive.

Liam Ridgewell £4million

The Championship defender wants to get back into the Premier League and with Norwich’s failure to keep a clean sheet all season means a defensive addition in January is needed.

Robert Snodgrass £6million

The winger was hounded by Norwich in the summer transfer window and with Norwich’s good start to the season, a move could be on the cards.

QPR

Darren Gibson Six month loan

Gibson will want to get first team action prior to the Euro 2012 tournament, and a loan move away from Manchester United is probable. QPR need to add to their limited numbers in midfield and the move makes sense.

Bobby Zamora £8million

Having fallen out with Martin Jol at Fulham, a move away from Craven Cottage is on the cards. Heidar Helguson apart, QPR have struggled to find a striker who can find the net in the Premier League and a move for the England international would be a great coup.

Roman Pavlyenchenko Six month loan

An unlikely move; however QPR have been linked with the Russian international. And with a striker a priority on Neil Warnock’s transfer list, a six month loan could be a good move for both parties with the Euro 2012 tournament in the summer.

Stoke

Bobby Zamora £8million

Despite signing many strikers Tony Pulis doesn’t have a goalscorer in his ranks and a move for Zamora would be perfect for Stoke. Zamora’s ineligibility in the Europa League could be a stumbling block.

Darren Gibson Six month loan

A move away from Manchester United is highly likely and with Stoke lacking a piece of creativity in midfield, a six month loan deal would make perfect sense.

Albert Adomah £5million

The Bristol City winger has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and with Jermaine Pennant’s patchy form this season, Adomah would be a good addition.

Sunderland

Nikica Jelavic £9million

The Rangers forward has been linked with a move away from the club with the Scottish club’s poor financial state, and with Sunderland in desperate need of a striker, a move is likely.

Wayne Bridge Six month loan

The Manchester City full-back is set to leave the club and with Sunderland having problems in the left back area, a six month loan deal would be ideal for both parties.

Bobby Zamora £8million

Having fallen out with Martin Jol, Zamora could be on his way out of Fulham. Sunderland need a striker and are well financed by their American owners so a move is possible.

Swansea

Josh McEachran Six month loan

Brendan Rodgers has links at Chelsea, and his attacking approach means McEachran would fit perfectly into the Swansea side.

Ricardo Fuller £2million

Danny Graham has adapted to life well at Swansea; however they probably need to add another striker, Fuller is technically good and with his lack of games at Stoke a move to Swansea could happen.

Jacob Butterfield £4million

The Barnsley midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League and he would fit in well at Swansea. Whether Swansea could afford the midfielder is the only stumbling block.

Tottenham

Gary Cahill £7million

The defender looks set to leave Bolton and with Tottenham flying, he could reject Chelsea in favour of Harry Redknapp’s high flying Spurs.

Junior Hoillet £9million

The winger doesn’t have long on his Blackburn contract left and has been linked with a move to Spurs frequently. Aaron Lennon is the only one of the four Spurs midfielders whose place in the squad is a threat so a move for the winger is very possible.

Carlos Tevez £25million

Unlikely, but Redknapp loves players in the Tevez mould. Tevez looks set to leave Manchester City in the January window; however his high wages and desire to leave England means a move probably won’t happen.

West Brom

Liam Ridgewell £4million

A cut price move for the adaptable Birmingham defender is likely. West Brom had a loan bid for the defender rejected in the summer, and with West Brom’s leaky defence, Ridgewell could complete a move soon.

Carlton Cole £6million

With Peter Odemwinge failing to find the form which made him so successful last season, West Brom probably need to add a striker to their side. Carlton Cole probably wants Premier League football so a move isn’t unlikely.

Robert Snodgrass £6million

The Leeds winger has been fantastic this season and a move to the Premier League looks likely. West Brom’s Jerome Thomas hasn’t had the best of season’s meaning Snodgrass could join.

Wolves

Carlos Cuellar £4million

The Spanish defender has struggled to get into the Villa side this year, and with Wolves struggling to keep clean sheets this season a cut price move for the want-away defender is probable.

Jack Collison £6million

The talented midfielder has been linked with a move back to the Premier League and he would fit in well to a creative Wolves midfield.

Emmanuel Frimpong Six month loan

The Arsenal defensive midfielder could move away from the Emirates for the second half of the season on loan. Wolves have been heavily linked with a move for Frimpong and a deal could happen.

Wigan

Nedem Onouha Six month loan

The Manchester City defender has been frozen out at City and with Wigan’s need for defensive additions, Onouha would be perfect.

Danny Wilson Six month loan

Like Onouha, Wilson has struggled to get into the Liverpool side, and a six month loan deal would represent a good move for both parties.

Frederic Piquionne £2million

Wigan don’t have the strongest of budgets available to them, and a cut price move for the former Portsmouth forward could be on the cards.

How would the Premier League look if the big calls were given correctly?

Ever wondered how the league would change if all the big refereeing talking points in games went correctly?

Here is how the league would look if the huge decisions in games were given appropriately.

The red card decisions are given by when they were (i.e David Luiz red card would've been in 3rd minute so unlikely Chelsea would've won all three points with ten men for 87 minutes)

Using this Stoke have been the most fortunate side this season, where as QPR and Liverpool have been the unluckiest.

Some big and incorrect decisions (i.e Gary Cahill red card vs Tottenham), I've not included as in all likely-hood they wouldn't have had an impact on the game.



Biggest movers up
QPR would move into the top half of the table (Three places)
Liverpool would move up one place, but gain four points (One place)
Wigan would be out of the bottom three (Two places)




Biggest fallers
Stoke would fall from 8th down to 12th (Four places)
West Brom would slip into the bottom three (Three places)
Chelsea would fall to sixth (Three places)


Manchester City (+1)

+1 vs. Chelsea- David Silva should have been awarded a penalty when they were leading 1-0.

Manchester United (0)

+2 vs. Newcastle- Demba Ba’s penalty was an incorrect decision.

-2 vs. Chelsea- 2 goals offside.

Chelsea (-3)
-2 vs. Chelsea- David Silva should have been awarded a penalty when Chelsea were trailing 1-0.

-2 vs. Newcastle- David Luiz should’ve seen red at 0-0.

+1 vs. Manchester United- 2 goals offside.

Tottenham (-1)

+1 vs. Stoke- Should’ve had either a goal or penalty at 1-2.

-2 vs. Fulham- Kyle Walker handball should’ve cost them a win.

Arsenal (0)

No point change

Liverpool (+4)

+3 vs. Fulham- Luiz Suarez disallowed goal at 0-0 plus Jay Spearing red card.

-2 vs. Everton- Jack Rodwell red card was wrong and could’ve changed game.

+1 vs. Stoke- Two penalty decisions went against Liverpool.
+2 vs. Sunderland- Kieron Richardson should've been sent off early on, probably wouldn't get a point.

Newcastle (-2)

+1 vs. Chelsea- David Luiz should’ve been sent off after 3 minutes, would’ve changed game.

-1 vs. Manchester United- Demba Ba’s penalty was incorrect decision.

-2 vs. Wolves- Wolves incorrect disallowed goal.

Stoke (-5)

-2 vs. Tottenham- Spurs should have had one goal or a penalty.

-2 vs. Liverpool- Two penalty decisions went against Liverpool.

-1 vs. Norwich- Leon Barnett red card was wrong, meaning Norwich might have held on.

Aston Villa (0)

+1 vs. West Brom- Chris Herd dismissal was wrong.

-1 vs. QPR- Villa’s penalty was an incorrect one.

Norwich (+1)

-1 vs. Blackburn- Incorrect penalty for Norwich in last minute.

+2 vs. Stoke- Leon Barnett red card was never a red card.

Swansea (0)

No point change

Everton (+1)

+1 vs. Liverpool- Jack Rodwell red card was incorrect, could’ve swung game.

QPR (+4)

+2 vs. West Brom- Shaun Wright-Phillips incorrect disallowed goal.

+2 vs. Aston Villa- Villa’s penalty was an incorrect one.

Fulham (-1)

-2 vs. Liverpool- Jay Spearing red card? Luiz Suarez disallowed goal.

+1 vs. Tottenham- Kyle Walker blatant handball at 1-2.

West Brom (-3)

-1 vs. QPR-  Shaun Wright-Phillips incorrect disallowed goal at 0-1.

-2 vs. Aston Villa- Chris Herd red card was never a dismissal at 0-1.

Sunderland (-2)

+1 vs. Wolves- Jamie O’Hara handled the ball before Fletcher scored winner.

-2 vs. Blackburn- Chris Samba disallowed header would’ve made it 0-2.
-1 vs. Liverpool- Richardson should have been sent off, they probably wouldn't get a point.

Wolves (-1)

-2 vs. Sunderland- Jamie O’Hara handled the ball before Fletcher scored winner.

+1 vs. Newcastle- Last minute disallowed goal was incorrect.

Wigan (+2)

+2 vs. Blackburn- Morten Gamst Pedersen corner goal.

Blackburn (+2)

+1 vs. Sunderland- Chris Samba disallowed header would’ve made 2-0.

-1 vs. Wigan- Morten Gamst Pedersen corner goal.

+2 vs. Norwich- Last minute penalty for Norwich was incorrect.

Bolton

No point change

Week 6 Predictions

The Prediction League

Liam O'Donovan 9 points, 2 PS
Arsenal 1 Everton 1
Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1
Liverpool 2 QPR 0
Manchester United 3 Wolves 1
Norwich 0 Newcastle 1
Swansea 2 Fulham 0
West Brom 2 Wigan 0
Sunderland 3 Blackburn 1
Stoke 2 Tottenham 1
Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

James Sherwood 9 points, 2 PS
Arsenal 1 Everton 1
Bolton 2 Aston Villa 0
Liverpool 2 QPR 1
Manchester United 3 Wolves 0
Norwich 2 Newcastle 2
Swansea 2 Fulham 1
West Brom 1 Wigan 2
Sunderland 3 Blackburn 3
Stoke 1 Tottenham 3
Chelsea 2 Manchester City 1

Daniel A Lofti 7 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Bolton 1 Aston Villa 2
Liverpool 3 QPR 0
Manchester United 3 Wolves 0
Norwich 1 Newcastle 2
Swansea 1 Fulham 2
West Brom 2 Wigan 0
Sunderland 2 Blackburn 0
Stoke 1 Tottenham 2
Chelsea 1 Manchester City 3

Fraser Stradling 7 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1
Liverpool 2 QPR 0
Manchester United 3 Wolves 0
Norwich 2 Newcastle 1
Swansea 1 Fulham 3
West Brom 1 Wigan 1
Sunderland 2 Blackburn 1
Stoke 1 Tottenham 1
Chelsea 0 Manchester City 1

Joshua Jones 7 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Bolton 2 Aston Villa 1
Liverpool 3 QPR 1
Manchester United 3 Wolves 0
Norwich 2 Newcastle 1
Swansea 1 Fulham 1
West Brom 2 Wigan 2
Sunderland 2 Blackburn 1
Stoke 1 Tottenham 2
Chelsea 1 Manchester City 1

Tyrone Nicklin 7 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 3 Everton 1
Bolton 0 Aston Villa 0
Liverpool 2 QPR 0
Manchester United 2 Wolves 0
Norwich 1 Newcastle 2
Swansea 1 Fulham 1
West Brom 1 Wigan 3
Sunderland 2 Blackburn 1
Stoke 2 Tottenham 3
Chelsea 3 Manchester City 4

Chris Deacon 6 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 1 Everton 0
Bolton 0 Aston Villa 2
Liverpool 3 QPR 1
Manchester United 2 Wolves 0
Norwich 0 Newcastle 2
Swansea 1 Fulham 1
West Brom 2 Wigan 1
Sunderland 3 Blackburn 1
Stoke 2 Tottenham 4
Chelsea 0 Manchester City 0

Daniel Underwood 6 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Bolton 1 Aston Villa 1
Liverpool 2 QPR 1
Manchester United 2 QPR 0
Norwich 1 Newcastle 2
Swansea 1 Fulham 2
West Brom 1 Wigan 0
Sunderland 2 Blackburn 1
Stoke 1 Tottenham 2
Chelsea 2 Manchester City 2

Perry Blanchette 6 points, 1 PS
Arsenal 1 Everton 1
Bolton 2 Aston Villa 1
Liverpool 2 QPR 0
Manchester United 1 Wolves 0
Norwich 2 Newcastle 2
Swansea 2 Fulham 1
West Brom 3 Wigan 0
Sunderland 2 Blackburn 1
Stoke 1 Tottenham 3
Chelsea 1 Manchester City 2

Jack Burman 3 points, 0 PS
Arsenal 2 Everton 1
Bolton 2 Aston Villa 1
Liverpool 2 QPR 1
Manchester United 1 Wolves 1
Norwich 1 Newcastle 2
Swansea 2 Fulham 1
West Brom 2 Wigan 1
Sunderland 1 Blackburn 2
Stoke 1 Tottenham 2
Chelsea 2 Manchester City 4

My euro 2012 squad

Goalkeepers
Joe Hart (Manchester City)
John Ruddy (Norwich)
Ben Foster (West Brom)

Defenders
Micah Richards (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
Phil Jones (Manchester United)
John Terry (Chelsea)
Phil Jagielka (Everton)
Joleon Lescott (Manchester City)
Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Leighton Baines (Everton)

Midfielders
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Gareth Barry (Manchester City)
James Milner (Manchester City)
Scott Parker (Tottenham)
Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
Adam Johnson (Manchester City)
Ashley Young (Manchester United)
Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Forwards
Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Darren Bent (Aston Villa)
Jermaine Defoe (Tottenham)
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea)

Rooney and co get United back on track

Manchester United put their midweek Champions League exit behind them by easily overcoming Wolves 4-1.

Two goals apiece from Nani and Wayne Rooney ensured the Red Devils closed the gap on their city rivals to two points.

United opened the scoring as Nani scored from outside the area and almost in identical fashion Rooney doubled the lead. Steven Fletcher gave the visitors a lifeline just minutes into the second half, before Antonio Valencia tied up both Nani and Rooney in quick succession, for their doubles and United’s third and fourth goals.

The returning Michael Carrick missed Manchester United’s first chance of the game as he headed over after good work from the impressive Valencia.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were on top and it wasn’t long before they deservedly opened the scoring. Nani received the ball out wide and cut inside to smash home, beating Wayne Hennessey’s despairing dive.

Shortly after, Rooney scored for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory at home to Chelsea, way back in September. Rooney’s shot was well placed, with Hennessey’s view unsighted due to a cluster of defenders in his way, meaning the keeper could do nothing to prevent United’s second.

Having comfortably made it to half-time, United let Wolves back into the game early in the second half as Fletcher headed home well from a Matt Jarvis cross.

A chance at levelling the game for the Premier League strugglers never arrived as Valencia teed up two goals in six minutes.

The Ecuadorian winger was too quick for Stephen Ward and his cross was perfect for Nani to stroke home Manchester United’s third.

Again Valencia exposed Ward, as the winger’s turn of pace deceived the full-back before finding Rooney at the back post who finished well as United made it 4-1.

Sub Federico Macheda saw his late shot well saved by Hennessey; however it mattered not as United got back to winning ways in impressive style. 

Basel Frei up a shock exit for United

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League in extraordinary fashion, going down 2-1 away to Basle last night.

Goals from Marco Streller and Alexander Frei meant Phil Jones’s late consolation effort was worthless, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side was left to deal with the prospect of Europa League football, in the New Year.

United fielded a strong starting XI in the knowledge defeat would eliminate them from the competition and they started confidently; however Basel opened the scoring just nine minutes in.

An initial cross wasn’t dealt with, as Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling collided, leaving the latter on the floor with an apparent head injury, and Xherdan Shaqiri’s follow up cross was poorly dealt with by David De Gea in the United goal leaving Streller with the simple task to give Basle the lead.

The goal shocked United into action; however despite dominating the possession count, they failed to create any real chance of note in the first 25 minutes.

And when the chance came Manchester United’s way, the usually assured Wayne Rooney missed a guilt edged opportunity to level. Nani, who was United’s best and most consistent attacking threat through out, did brilliantly to find Rooney with a curling cross, only for the England centre forward to fail to make the appropriate connection with the goal gaping.

Rooney and Nani both missed presentable chances with Yann Sommer in the Basle goal denying the duo well.

A horrible looking fall resulted in Vidic being stretchered off just moments before half-time. He and the goal scorer Streller challenged for the ball and the United captain twisted his right knee in the collision and was in evident pain.

In the second half it was Basle who went the closest to scoring the games second goal as Frei saw his free-kick expertly saved by De Gea.

Manchester United nearly levelled in comical fashion, as again Nani did brilliantly on the right and his cross was volleyed against his own bar by Markus Steinhofer, with Ashley Young unable to finish score with the rebound.

With time running out on United’s Champions League campaign it was all but killed off with just six minutes remaining as Frei scored a second. Again a Shaqiri a cross was the source of the goal, as the youngster’s teasing delivery wasn’t dealt with by Smalling and Frei, lurking behind the defender, headed past De Gea.

A late header from Jones wasn’t enough, as the Red’s lost for the first and vital time in the group stage as the Swiss club celebrated an unlikely progression.

Sir Alex Ferguson will look back to the 3-3 home draw with Basel as the main reason why United didn’t qualify, after losing a 2-0 lead, however ultimately Manchester United didn’t deserve to progress from a group on paper they should have.

England romp to comfortable victory

England under 21’s easily overcame their Icelandic counterparts in a 5-0 win at Colchester last night.

Marvin Sordell opened the scoring after 40 minutes before Martin Kelly doubled the lead with a good finish in the second half. Three late goals, one from Craig Dawson and two from substitute Gary Gardner probably flattered England who continued their 100% winning start to the 2013 European Championship qualifiers.

Having won 3-0 in Iceland just a month ago, Stuart Pearce’s side were in confident mood ahead of the game and their fourth straight win ensures qualification is firmly in their hands.

Sordell and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin missed early opportunities as Iceland frustrated their hosts early on; however as half-time approached Sordell opened the scoring. Captain Jordan Henderson did brilliantly to find the Watford man who smashed home the opener.

Iceland failed to cause England any real trouble, having lost most of their 2011 European Championship side to the senior squad, the gulf in quality was evident.

England didn’t have to wait long in the second half for them to double their lead, which came via an unlikely source in Kelly. A rampaging run which started in his own half saw the Liverpool centre half finish well past Arnar Petursson in the Iceland goal.

The hat-trick hero from the 3-0 win in Iceland, Oxlade-Chamberlin was again denied before Dawson continued his fine goal scoring form for the under 21 side with his third in just five games, an impressive feat for a centre half, after his looped header found the top corner.

In injury time Gardner, brother of Sunderland’s Craig Gardner, scored twice to add gloss to the score line. Firstly Gardner superbly curled home a free-kick, before smashing home a fine fifth.

Trotter’s double eases Millwall’s relegation worries.

Two goals from the stand in Captain Liam Trotter inspired Millwall to 3-2 victory over fellow Championship strugglers Doncaster.

An entertaining match saw both sides defensive frailties exposed as the game could’ve finished any score.

Trotter opened the scoring from the penalty spot after the youngster John Marquis was felled, only for Doncaster’s prolific striker Billy Sharp to level from another spot kick on 40 minutes. Doncaster however failed to reach the interval level as Trotter scored to make it 2-1 just before half-time, with Carl Ikeme in the Doncaster goal at fault.

Substitute Darius Henderson headed a third from a free-kick with just eight minutes remaining only for Sharp to get his second of the game with a back post header; but Millwall held on and moved up three places in a tight bottom half of the Championship table.

On the back of a good point away to Crystal Palace, Millwall started the stronger with the impressive Marquis causing the experienced Habib Beye problems in the first half. And the first real talking point occurred between these two as Beye appeared to hit out at Marquis, yet despite seeing the incident Andy D’Urso only cautioned the Senegalese defender.

Millwall deservedly opened the scoring after Marquis went over a Hertia Ilunga tackle in the box. The resulting penalty was a confident one from Trotter who gave Ikeme little chance.

Despite dominating the match, Millwall threw Doncaster the chance to level the game up on forty minutes as Sharp won and converted a penalty; smashing the spot-kick down the middle to bring the scores level at 1-1.

Ikeme, who was on loan at Middlesbrough earlier in the season, gifted Millwall their advantage back just three minutes later as he allowed Trotter’s tame effort to go under his body.

Doncaster felt they should’ve had a second penalty on the stroke of half-time; however Dean Saunders was left frustrated after the apparent foul on Giles Barnes wasn’t given.

The second half saw an open game as both sides were guilty of missing chances. Firstly Shane Lowry missed the chance to extend the Lions’ lead as he hit a post; before Marc Antoine Fortune saw his goal bound effort well blocked.

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett brought on both Hamir Bouazza and Henderson in an attempt to kill Doncaster off. And the attacking changes paid dividends as the latter headed home expertly from a free-kick to make it 3-1.

Doncaster’s sub of their own got his side back into the match as Kyle Bennett did superbly to glide past two Millwall defenders, before finding Sharp at the back post to half the deficit margin.

Bouazza missed a great chance to make it four late on; however it mattered not as Millwall ended a run of three games without a win.

Week 5 Predictions

The Prediction League

Liam O'Donovan (13 points, 3 PS)
Newcastle 1 Chelsea 2
Blackburn 1 Swansea 2
Manchester City 3 Norwich 1
QPR 1 West Brom 1
Tottenham 2 Bolton 1
Wigan 1 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 1
Everton 2 Stoke 0
Wolves 2 Sunderland 1
Fulham 1 Liverpool 0

Chris Deacon (11 points, 2 PS)
Newcastle 2 Chelsea 2
Blackburn 1 Swansea 0
Manchester City 3 Norwich 0
QPR 1 West Brom 1
Tottenham 2 Bolton 0
Wigan 0 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 2
Everton 0 Stoke 1
Wolves 0 Sunderland 1
Fulham 1 Liverpool 3


Joshua Jones (8 points, 1 PS)
Newcastle 1 Chelsea 2
Blackburn 1 Swansea 2
Manchester City 3 Norwich 0
QPR 1 West Brom 1
Tottenham 3 Bolton 1
Wigan 0 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 3
Everton 2 Stoke 1
Wolves 1 Sunderland 2
Fulham 2 Liverpool 3

Daniel A Lofti (7 points, 1 PS)
Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1
Blackburn 1 Swansea 1
Manchester City 3 Norwich 0
QPR 1 West Brom 1
Tottenham 2 Bolton 0
Wigan 0 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 2
Everton 2 Stoke 1
Wolves 1 Sunderland 2
Fulham 1 Liverpool 2

Daniel Underwood (7 points, 1 PS)
Newcastle 1 Chelsea 1
Blackburn 1 Swansea 1
Manchester City 3 Norwich 1
QPR 1 West Brom 1
Tottenham 3 Bolton 1
Wigan 1 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 2
Everton 2 Stoke 1
Wolves 1 Sunderland 1
Fulham 1 Liverpool 1

Jack Burman (7 points, 1 PS)
Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1
Blackburn 1 Swansea 2
Manchester City 2 Norwich 1
QPR 1 West Brom 2
Tottenham 2 Bolton 1
Wigan 1 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 1
Everton 1 Stoke 2
Wolves 2 Sunderland 1
Fulham 1 Liverpool 2

Tyrone Nicklin (6 points, 1 PS)
Newcastle 2 Chelsea 2
Blackburn 1 Swansea 3
Manchester City 6 Norwich 0
QPR 1 West Brom 1
Tottenham 3 Bolton 1
Wigan 1 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 1
Everton 2 Stoke 0
Wolves 0 Sunderland 0
Fulham 2 Liverpool 3

Perry Blanchette (5 points, 0 PS)
Newcastle 1 Chelsea 2
Blackburn 0 Swansea 0
Manchester City 4 Norwich 0
QPR 0 West Brom 1
Tottenham 2 Bolton 0
Wigan 0 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 2
Everton 2 Stoke 2
Wolves 1 Sunderland 2
Fulham 1 Liverpool 2

Fraser Stradling (4 points, 0 PS)
Newcastle 0 Chelsea 2
Blackburn 1 Swansea 1
Manchester City 4 Norwich 1
QPR 1 West Brom 2
Tottenham 1 Bolton 0
Wigan 0 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 1
Everton 1 Stoke 0
Wolves 0 Sunderland 0
Fulham 1 Liverpool 3

James Sherwood (4 points, 0 PS)
Newcastle 2 Chelsea 1
Blackburn 2 Swansea 0
Manchester City 3 Norwich 0
QPR 1 West Brom 0
Tottenham 5 Bolton 1
Wigan 2 Arsenal 2
Aston Villa 1 Manchester United 2
Everton 2 Stoke 0
Wolves 1 Sunderland 1
Fulham 0 Liverpool 3