Tuesday
Arsenal v Newcastle, 2:45pm, FSC: You saw the template for this match on Saturday. Although Arsenal was still sore from their Carling Cup loss when they met Newcastle this weekend, I can’t see a much different result. Poor Kev. At least Mike Ashley has loads of money (hint hint, Hicks). Arsenal 3-0
Sunderland v Birmingham, 3pm, Setanta: If Sunderland has any hope of staying up, they need to win their home matches, but Birmingham’s only two league losses over the past month have been to United and Chelsea, and they’ve only lost by one goal each time. 1-1
Middlesbrough v Wigan, 3pm, Setanta Xtra: Bruce has Wigan playing very well, but Boro’s been decent at home, and Middlesbrough need to make their home games count, as they’re only 2 points above the relegation places. Boro 1-0
Bolton v Fulham, 3pm: Fulham’s bought a ton of players during this window in Hodgson’s attempt to stave off relegation, and although Bolton’s home form under Megson has been excellent, I think Fulham can still come away with a much-needed point. 1-1
Wednesday
Chelsea v Reading, 2:45pm, FSC: Ugh. No matter injuries, no matter suspensions, no matter the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea keeps getting results. As much as I dislike them, as it’s Chelsea, that’s a very respectable quality in a team. Chelsea 2-0
Manchester Utd v Portsmouth, 3pm, Setanta: Boy I hope United comes back down to Earth with their league form soon, but I’m not holding my breath. Sigh. United 2-0
Derby v Manchester City, 2:45pm: Derby’s seemingly given up hope of staying up. They’ve looked likely to be relegated since August, but when players and the manager are admitting as much in the media, it can’t bode well for results or morale. City 2-1
Everton v Tottenham, 3pm: Were it not for Jermaine Jenas blowing two one-on-one opportunities yesterday, Tottenham could have come away with something from Sunday’s match against United. Spurs have played very well of late, while Everton has as well, and although it’s at Goodison (where Everton’s been excellent), I think the two teams may cancel each other out. 2-2
Liverpool v West Ham is Wednesday at 2:45pm. It's live on Setanta Xtra, which is usually only available on DirecTV, so chances are I'll have the review up after the delayed Setanta showing that starts at 7:45pm.
And while it doesn’t deserve it’s own post, I have to gloat a bit about the FA Cup draw held today. Not so much about Liverpool’s next match against Barnsley (as I reckon Saturday proved that any team from any division is worthy of respect), although having another leg at home is comforting (despite this season’s home form), and a bit unusual.
No, what I’m pleased about is that there are only 6 Premiership teams left out of the 16 in the draw. And with those odds, Arsenal and Manchester United are drawn against each other. Ha.
And at the very least, there will be three non-Premiership sides in the quarterfinals.
Sometimes this “magic of the FA Cup” cliché actually holds water.
Full draw:
Bristol Rovers v Southampton
Cardiff City v Wolves
Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Liverpool v Barnsley
Manchester United v Arsenal
Preston v Portsmouth
Coventry City v West Brom
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
1 comment :
I finally got to watch the game aganist H&W and O boy it was a total FA cup game! up and down and left and right, benny got a second hat-trick this season, BBP at the death, but Lucas's GOAL was somthing else!! it took my breath away!!! the boy did good, he's going to be a great player in years to come, I love this cup competition. Barnsley in the next round at Anfield! bring it on please. But don't we need to get our act together on the set plays, dear god we have West Ham Wednesday and Sunderland on Saturday (my birithday) so I'am out to watch both games! Come on you REDS. LFCFL-FTY-SYOTOS
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