Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year’s celebration. I’ll be traveling, so in addition to probably missing the Bolton game, due to time constraints, I’m combining some quick PL predictions with an abbreviated preview of the Liverpool/Bolton Match. Be well.
Manchester City v Everton (10am, FSC): 0-2
Portsmouth v Tottenham (10am, Setanta): 1-1
Reading v West Ham (10am, Setanta Xtra): 1-2
Fulham v Watford (10am): 1-1
Middlesbrough v Sheffield United (10am): 0-0
Wigan v Blackburn (10am): 0-1
Newcastle v Manchester United (12:15pm, FSC): 1-3
Arsenal v Charlton (2:45pm, Tuesday, Setanta): 2-0
Aston Villa v Chelsea (3pm, Tuesday, FSC): 1-2
Liverpool v Bolton
7:45am, Setanta Sports.
Guess of a lineup:
Reina
Finnan Carragher Hyypia Riise
Pennant Gerrard Alonso Gonzalez
Kuyt Bellamy
After a tough game at the Reebok earlier in the season, where an absolute stinker of a decision (Reina handling “outside the box”) helped condemn Liverpool to another early away defeat, the Reds will look to continue their fine home form against a Bolton team that currently sits directly above them in the league.
As usual, the key to playing Bolton will be Liverpool’s ability to match their physicality. Sissoko will be missed as always, but games like Bolton are exactly the type of games he was bought for: breaking up play, matching the other side tackle for tackle, and generally being a nuisance. It will be up to Gerrard and Alonso to break up play and maintain possession even more than usual, and as a result, I imagine both will be sitting deeper than we usually see them.
I expect we’ll see a few players who did not start on Saturday. Not only do I imagine Hyypia will probably get a start, but Pennant should probably return to the side as well, as his crosses will be needed. I wouldn’t mind seeing Garcia get another start, especially given his performance on Saturday, but it seems more likely that Gonzo will return to the lineup, giving Liverpool even more pace on the flanks to hopefully trouble Bolton’s back line. Bellamy may feature (I’m not sure about his hamstring injury from Saturday), and if he’s fit, I hope he plays considering his run of form, but Kuyt and Crouch is a good pairing for how Bolton plays, given their ability to maintain possession.
31 December 2006
30 December 2006
Liverpool 1-0 Tottenham
Well, that was nerve-wracking to say the least. Enjoyable to watch to be sure (especially for a game with only one goal in it), and not only because of the victory, but nerve-wracking nonetheless. It was a good advertisement for the English game; the match was close all the way, end-to-end soccer with chances for both sides, and all with the standard inclement (exceptionally inclement) British weather.
Liverpool deserved the win today, but Tottenham must feel hard done by. The first half went well for Liverpool; they bossed possession, had a couple of good chances with Kuyt narrowly shooting wide and Robinson making two saves on Bellamy, and looked fluid despite the conditions. At the stroke of halftime, Zokora gave the ball away, Kuyt flicked on brilliantly to Gerrard, whose mishit ball fell kindly to Garcia.
Partly thanks to a hamstring injury to Bellamy which saw him off right after the restart and partly due to better Tottenham play (mainly inspired by Berbatov coming on as a sub), Liverpool was on the back foot for most of the second half and invited Tottenham on to them. They still looked dangerous on the counter attack until the end, but Tottenham was the better team. The biggest threat to Liverpool’s goal was Berbatov’s smart run and cross that forced Finnan to unknowingly head the ball onto the crossbar, but Hossam Ghaly also missed two decent chances.
Pleased with pretty much everyone’s performance today. Both Kuyt and Bellamy worked hard despite not scoring, threatening the Tottenham back line (which is surprisingly quick) throughout. Garcia was classy the entire game, looking threatening wherever he popped up (left wing, right wing, as a supporting striker after Crouch came on), keeping possession better than expected, and with a very composed finish on his goal. Aurelio, who received his first start since October, never looked out of depth despite this being a difficult game in a new league in conditions not usually experienced by Brazilians. The defense bent but never broke, with Carragher standing out with some excellent last-ditch tackles and winning everything in the air. All in all, there was a lot to be pleased about.
An away win is always welcome. An away win at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham was unbeaten in 12 matches, is even better, any way that you come by it. It was marginally worrying to see Spurs put so much pressure on Liverpool late, but with how difficult it has been to play at White Hart Lane and Liverpool’s difficulty beating good sides away from home, it had to be expected. On paper, this may have been the most difficult away fixture left in the league; Liverpool has already been to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, the Emirates, Goodison Park and Reebok Stadium. That bodes well for the second half of the season.
MOM: Carragher, with Garcia running close
Liverpool deserved the win today, but Tottenham must feel hard done by. The first half went well for Liverpool; they bossed possession, had a couple of good chances with Kuyt narrowly shooting wide and Robinson making two saves on Bellamy, and looked fluid despite the conditions. At the stroke of halftime, Zokora gave the ball away, Kuyt flicked on brilliantly to Gerrard, whose mishit ball fell kindly to Garcia.
Partly thanks to a hamstring injury to Bellamy which saw him off right after the restart and partly due to better Tottenham play (mainly inspired by Berbatov coming on as a sub), Liverpool was on the back foot for most of the second half and invited Tottenham on to them. They still looked dangerous on the counter attack until the end, but Tottenham was the better team. The biggest threat to Liverpool’s goal was Berbatov’s smart run and cross that forced Finnan to unknowingly head the ball onto the crossbar, but Hossam Ghaly also missed two decent chances.
Pleased with pretty much everyone’s performance today. Both Kuyt and Bellamy worked hard despite not scoring, threatening the Tottenham back line (which is surprisingly quick) throughout. Garcia was classy the entire game, looking threatening wherever he popped up (left wing, right wing, as a supporting striker after Crouch came on), keeping possession better than expected, and with a very composed finish on his goal. Aurelio, who received his first start since October, never looked out of depth despite this being a difficult game in a new league in conditions not usually experienced by Brazilians. The defense bent but never broke, with Carragher standing out with some excellent last-ditch tackles and winning everything in the air. All in all, there was a lot to be pleased about.
An away win is always welcome. An away win at White Hart Lane, where Tottenham was unbeaten in 12 matches, is even better, any way that you come by it. It was marginally worrying to see Spurs put so much pressure on Liverpool late, but with how difficult it has been to play at White Hart Lane and Liverpool’s difficulty beating good sides away from home, it had to be expected. On paper, this may have been the most difficult away fixture left in the league; Liverpool has already been to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge, the Emirates, Goodison Park and Reebok Stadium. That bodes well for the second half of the season.
MOM: Carragher, with Garcia running close
29 December 2006
Liverpool at Tottenham 12.30.06
10am. Available in the US live on Setanta Xtra (Directv only). Delayed on Setanta Sports at 12pm.
Liverpool: 6th place; 34 points out of 20 games
Tottenham: 7th place; 31 points out of 20 games
Last 4 meetings:
3-0 Liverpool (h) 09.23.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 01.14.06
0-0 (a) 09.10.05
2-2 (h) 04.16.05
Last 3 games:
Liverpool: 0-1 Blackburn (a); 2-0 Watford (h); 3-0 Charlton (a)
Tottenham: 2-1 Villa (h); 1-3 Newcastle (a); 1-0 Southend (h)
Goalscorers (league; more than one goal):
Liverpool: Kuyt 6; Bellamy 5; Alonso, Gerrard 3; Crouch, Garcia, Gonzalez 2
Tottenham: Defoe 6; Berbatov 5; Keane, Lennon, Murphy 2
Referee: Mark Halsey
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise
Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia
Kuyt, Bellamy
There are two ways this could go following the result from Tuesday. Liverpool could fall back into old habits away from home and struggle for a result, or they could come out looking to put the midweek far behind them, play as they did at Wigan or Charlton, and go for the jugular. Obviously, I’m hoping it’s the latter.
Please, no 3-5-2 this time out. It’s worked well before, and I do believe both Riise and Finnan are well suited to the wingback roles, but it was somewhat baffling to see Liverpool deploy the formation at Blackburn after finding their form in a 4-4-2 and using it to good success. It’s why I’ve gone for both Pennant and Garcia on the wings; Pennant because he’s played better of late and his crosses are needed, Garcia because although he frequently frustrates away from home, he’s a match winner who scores big goals, and Liverpool certainly needs that right now.
I said my piece on Crouchy in the Blackburn review. I’m not of the opinion that Crouch isn’t good enough; on the contrary, he was a key part of last season’s successes and brings a lot to the team, but it wasn’t coming off midweek, and Liverpool’s front line will need to be firing on all cylinders. Kuyt hasn’t played as well away from home, but he’s looked the handier of the two recently by a country mile.
The defense will have to be at its best. Both Defoe and Berbatov are breaking into stride, as evidenced by Tottenham’s rise up the table and recent goal output. Spurs have played good, attacking soccer, especially at White Hart Lane, and Liverpool will have to be aware. Agger’s included for his pace, and while Tottenham’s had troubles getting the ball wide with Lennon out (both Malbranque and Ghaly are wingers who want to cut inside), I’ve left Aurelio out because it still seems to early in his PL career to start him in a game like this.
This match will be more important than usual for determining the places at the end of the season, more important than a match in late December usually is. If Tottenham can pick up a victory, a 4 horse race for 3rd and 4th position becomes a 5 horse race. Due to Spurs’ excellent form throughout December they now sit only 3 points back of Liverpool and 5 points back of 3rd, after everyone was tempted to write them off in October. If Liverpool wins, not only will the tough away victory boost confidence, it will open up a 6-point gap between the teams.
Liverpool’s use of the chances they get in front of goal will decide this game. As said, White Hart Lane has become a difficult place to play; Liverpool won’t get 20-odd shots as they did at Blackburn. If they can put their chances away, there’s an excellent opportunity to get all three points. Not to mention that a goal usually leads to one or two more in reasonably quick succession. However, if the recurring wastefulness continues, Tottenham is more than capable of making Liverpool pay.
Liverpool: 6th place; 34 points out of 20 games
Tottenham: 7th place; 31 points out of 20 games
Last 4 meetings:
3-0 Liverpool (h) 09.23.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 01.14.06
0-0 (a) 09.10.05
2-2 (h) 04.16.05
Last 3 games:
Liverpool: 0-1 Blackburn (a); 2-0 Watford (h); 3-0 Charlton (a)
Tottenham: 2-1 Villa (h); 1-3 Newcastle (a); 1-0 Southend (h)
Goalscorers (league; more than one goal):
Liverpool: Kuyt 6; Bellamy 5; Alonso, Gerrard 3; Crouch, Garcia, Gonzalez 2
Tottenham: Defoe 6; Berbatov 5; Keane, Lennon, Murphy 2
Referee: Mark Halsey
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise
Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia
Kuyt, Bellamy
There are two ways this could go following the result from Tuesday. Liverpool could fall back into old habits away from home and struggle for a result, or they could come out looking to put the midweek far behind them, play as they did at Wigan or Charlton, and go for the jugular. Obviously, I’m hoping it’s the latter.
Please, no 3-5-2 this time out. It’s worked well before, and I do believe both Riise and Finnan are well suited to the wingback roles, but it was somewhat baffling to see Liverpool deploy the formation at Blackburn after finding their form in a 4-4-2 and using it to good success. It’s why I’ve gone for both Pennant and Garcia on the wings; Pennant because he’s played better of late and his crosses are needed, Garcia because although he frequently frustrates away from home, he’s a match winner who scores big goals, and Liverpool certainly needs that right now.
I said my piece on Crouchy in the Blackburn review. I’m not of the opinion that Crouch isn’t good enough; on the contrary, he was a key part of last season’s successes and brings a lot to the team, but it wasn’t coming off midweek, and Liverpool’s front line will need to be firing on all cylinders. Kuyt hasn’t played as well away from home, but he’s looked the handier of the two recently by a country mile.
The defense will have to be at its best. Both Defoe and Berbatov are breaking into stride, as evidenced by Tottenham’s rise up the table and recent goal output. Spurs have played good, attacking soccer, especially at White Hart Lane, and Liverpool will have to be aware. Agger’s included for his pace, and while Tottenham’s had troubles getting the ball wide with Lennon out (both Malbranque and Ghaly are wingers who want to cut inside), I’ve left Aurelio out because it still seems to early in his PL career to start him in a game like this.
This match will be more important than usual for determining the places at the end of the season, more important than a match in late December usually is. If Tottenham can pick up a victory, a 4 horse race for 3rd and 4th position becomes a 5 horse race. Due to Spurs’ excellent form throughout December they now sit only 3 points back of Liverpool and 5 points back of 3rd, after everyone was tempted to write them off in October. If Liverpool wins, not only will the tough away victory boost confidence, it will open up a 6-point gap between the teams.
Liverpool’s use of the chances they get in front of goal will decide this game. As said, White Hart Lane has become a difficult place to play; Liverpool won’t get 20-odd shots as they did at Blackburn. If they can put their chances away, there’s an excellent opportunity to get all three points. Not to mention that a goal usually leads to one or two more in reasonably quick succession. However, if the recurring wastefulness continues, Tottenham is more than capable of making Liverpool pay.
Premiership Predictions 12/30
Charlton v Aston Villa (7:45am, Setanta): Charlton was desperately unlucky to not get the full 3 points from Alan Pardew’s first match in charge, and I imagine they’ll continue to look a better side than they did under Les Reed. At the same time, Villa, while continuing to slide down the league table, has still been very good at grinding out draws on the road. 1-1
Chelsea v Fulham (10am, FSC): Fulham always gives Chelsea a good game; Chelsea was made to work very hard for their 2-0 victory earlier in the season and Fulham shocked Chelsea at Craven Cottage last season. However, I still can’t see Chelsea continuing to drop points, no matter Terry’s injury, and reckon they’ll come out looking to make amends for Tuesday’s draw. Chelsea 3-1
Manchester United v Reading (10am, Setanta): No matter Reading’s continued good play, including their hard-earned draw against Chelsea midweek, United is on an excellent run of form, and it will take a lot to pick up points at Old Trafford. Not to mention United will be looking to avenge the 1-1 draw at Reading earlier in the year. United 2-0
Blackburn v Middlesbrough (10am): If Blackburn plays the way they did against Liverpool, defending well enough, Friedel on a blinder, and converting the few chances they get, they should take the points. Boro defended very well at Everton midweek, despite having been very questionable away from home all season long, but I can’t see that trend continuing. Blackburn 1-0
Bolton v Portsmouth (10am): This will be an excellent test as to how far Pompey’s really come. We keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with Portsmouth, but it hasn’t happened yet. However, the Reebok Stadium is an extremely difficult place to go and pick up a victory no matter how well Bolton’s playing, and Bolton’s picked up 9 points in the last 3 matches. Bolton 2-1
Everton v Newcastle (10am): This one’s got draw written all over it. Newcastle’s been the better side of late (Glenn Roeder really should be commended), but Everton will be tough to beat at home. If Everton does better in the final third than they did against Boro midweek, they’ll have an excellent chance to win, but I can’t see either team pulling away from or dominating the other. 2-2
Watford v Wigan (10am): Not for the faint of heart. Both teams, as promoted teams are apt to do, defend deeply and defend well. Watford was unlucky not to earn a draw against Arsenal Tuesday, while Wigan had 3 put past them in the second half by United, but both teams should pretty much cancel each other out. 0-0
West Ham v Manchester City (10am): Manchester City on the road, combined with Curbishley having West Ham playing much better as a team. I expect the Hammers to continue to accrue points and get away from the relegation battle. West Ham 2-1
Sheffield United v Arsenal (12:15pm, FSC): Probably will be like Arsenal’s last game at Watford. Arsenal has struggled to break down teams on the road, and Sheffield United has exceeded expectations recently, but Arsenal should be able to beat Paddy Kenny and the Blades’ defense at least once, while I can’t see Sheffield troubling Lehmann. Arsenal 2-0
Chelsea v Fulham (10am, FSC): Fulham always gives Chelsea a good game; Chelsea was made to work very hard for their 2-0 victory earlier in the season and Fulham shocked Chelsea at Craven Cottage last season. However, I still can’t see Chelsea continuing to drop points, no matter Terry’s injury, and reckon they’ll come out looking to make amends for Tuesday’s draw. Chelsea 3-1
Manchester United v Reading (10am, Setanta): No matter Reading’s continued good play, including their hard-earned draw against Chelsea midweek, United is on an excellent run of form, and it will take a lot to pick up points at Old Trafford. Not to mention United will be looking to avenge the 1-1 draw at Reading earlier in the year. United 2-0
Blackburn v Middlesbrough (10am): If Blackburn plays the way they did against Liverpool, defending well enough, Friedel on a blinder, and converting the few chances they get, they should take the points. Boro defended very well at Everton midweek, despite having been very questionable away from home all season long, but I can’t see that trend continuing. Blackburn 1-0
Bolton v Portsmouth (10am): This will be an excellent test as to how far Pompey’s really come. We keep waiting for the other shoe to drop with Portsmouth, but it hasn’t happened yet. However, the Reebok Stadium is an extremely difficult place to go and pick up a victory no matter how well Bolton’s playing, and Bolton’s picked up 9 points in the last 3 matches. Bolton 2-1
Everton v Newcastle (10am): This one’s got draw written all over it. Newcastle’s been the better side of late (Glenn Roeder really should be commended), but Everton will be tough to beat at home. If Everton does better in the final third than they did against Boro midweek, they’ll have an excellent chance to win, but I can’t see either team pulling away from or dominating the other. 2-2
Watford v Wigan (10am): Not for the faint of heart. Both teams, as promoted teams are apt to do, defend deeply and defend well. Watford was unlucky not to earn a draw against Arsenal Tuesday, while Wigan had 3 put past them in the second half by United, but both teams should pretty much cancel each other out. 0-0
West Ham v Manchester City (10am): Manchester City on the road, combined with Curbishley having West Ham playing much better as a team. I expect the Hammers to continue to accrue points and get away from the relegation battle. West Ham 2-1
Sheffield United v Arsenal (12:15pm, FSC): Probably will be like Arsenal’s last game at Watford. Arsenal has struggled to break down teams on the road, and Sheffield United has exceeded expectations recently, but Arsenal should be able to beat Paddy Kenny and the Blades’ defense at least once, while I can’t see Sheffield troubling Lehmann. Arsenal 2-0
28 December 2006
Midseason Team of the Season
I’m marginally tardy to the party, but here’s my team so far this season now that we’re 20 games deep into the Premiership campaign.
Goalkeeper: Jussi Jasskelainen
Jasskelainen is up there with Van der Sar and Reina in goals against average and clean sheets, but he’s had much more to do than either of the other two keepers and has done it with the usual expected consistency.
Right Back: Steve Finnan
It’s easy to claim Finnan’s inclusion is because of my heavy bias, but he’s been Liverpool’s most consistent player and consistently one of the best right backs in the league for a couple of years now. One of Liverpool’s leaders in assists and one of the best crossers on the team, Finnan’s had no problems joining the attack, especially when he’s been played as a wingback in a 3-5-2, but also has very few defensive liabilities.
Center Back: Sol Campbell
The lead figure in Pompey’s revival this season. He’s added experience and discipline to Pompey’s backline, and it’s showed not only in Sol’s excellent play, but the improvement in all the defenders around him. Even David James looks to be a different keeper with Campbell in front of him.
Center Back: John Terry
Was very tempted to put Rio Ferdinand here, but Terry’s absence over the past couple of games has shown exactly how important he is to Chelsea. Without him, their defense looks average at best, and Terry has had one of his typically excellent starts to the season, although we’ll see how he returns from back surgery.
Left Back: Gareth Barry
Martin O’Neill lists him as a left back, then so will I. Barry’s easily been Villa’s best player, chipping in with 7 goals (albeit mostly from penalties), going forward to add width to the attack, while dramatically improving defensively.
Right Mid: Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s arguable that Ronaldo is the best player in the Prem this year. Less stepovers, marginally less diving, and an increased reliance and his speed and power to simply embarrass defenders. Mountains of tricks in his locker, an excellent free kick taker, and confidence galore. It’s maddening to no end complementing an annoying git like Ronaldo, but wow has he been good.
Center Mid: Michael Essien
Essien’s been immense this season, typified by his wonder goal against Arsenal, but he’s added much more to his game this year. More influential in midfield (smarter in the tackle and more of a goal threat) when he gets a start there, he’s also been a more than capable right back when called upon.
Center Mid: Cesc Fabregas
Every year Fabregas gets better and better, and he’s not even 20 yet. He’s got everything you’d want in a midfielder: excellent vision, great range of passing, and an increasingly good eye for goal. As he matures, he’ll get better in the tackle as well. Shows how much that Arsenal believes in him as he recently signed an 8-year contract tying him to the club until 2014.
Left Mid: Matty Taylor
Taylor’s having the season of his life. He’s scored something like 4 wonder goals this month (one of which will assuredly be amongst the goals of the season) that have kept Pompey in the top 5 of the Prem. Like Barry, he can play in both midfield and defense, and like Barry, is angling for an England call-up (why Stewart Downing is ahead of either of these players in beyond me).
Striker: Kevin Doyle
Doyle’s goals are the main reason Reading has done so well in the league. Tempting to put Kanu here, as he’s had a great season for Pompey after misfiring for Arsenal and West Brom, but Doyle’s season is slightly more surprising. He’s had absolutely no problem adjusting from the Championship to the Prem, and has been consistently scoring all season, including putting in the penalty that earned Reading a draw against Manchester United.
Striker: Didier Drogba
What needs to be said? 12 league goals this season and now that he’s learned to stay on his feet (well, more so than last season), Drogba’s got everything you want in a striker: pace, strength, a nose for goal, the ability to shoot with either foot, and heading ability. Boy, it would have been nice had he reacted poorly to Sheva joining Chelsea and forcing a transfer (as looked possible right after the deal). Instead, he’s cemented his place as the best striker in the league, by far.
Goalkeeper: Jussi Jasskelainen
Jasskelainen is up there with Van der Sar and Reina in goals against average and clean sheets, but he’s had much more to do than either of the other two keepers and has done it with the usual expected consistency.
Right Back: Steve Finnan
It’s easy to claim Finnan’s inclusion is because of my heavy bias, but he’s been Liverpool’s most consistent player and consistently one of the best right backs in the league for a couple of years now. One of Liverpool’s leaders in assists and one of the best crossers on the team, Finnan’s had no problems joining the attack, especially when he’s been played as a wingback in a 3-5-2, but also has very few defensive liabilities.
Center Back: Sol Campbell
The lead figure in Pompey’s revival this season. He’s added experience and discipline to Pompey’s backline, and it’s showed not only in Sol’s excellent play, but the improvement in all the defenders around him. Even David James looks to be a different keeper with Campbell in front of him.
Center Back: John Terry
Was very tempted to put Rio Ferdinand here, but Terry’s absence over the past couple of games has shown exactly how important he is to Chelsea. Without him, their defense looks average at best, and Terry has had one of his typically excellent starts to the season, although we’ll see how he returns from back surgery.
Left Back: Gareth Barry
Martin O’Neill lists him as a left back, then so will I. Barry’s easily been Villa’s best player, chipping in with 7 goals (albeit mostly from penalties), going forward to add width to the attack, while dramatically improving defensively.
Right Mid: Cristiano Ronaldo
It’s arguable that Ronaldo is the best player in the Prem this year. Less stepovers, marginally less diving, and an increased reliance and his speed and power to simply embarrass defenders. Mountains of tricks in his locker, an excellent free kick taker, and confidence galore. It’s maddening to no end complementing an annoying git like Ronaldo, but wow has he been good.
Center Mid: Michael Essien
Essien’s been immense this season, typified by his wonder goal against Arsenal, but he’s added much more to his game this year. More influential in midfield (smarter in the tackle and more of a goal threat) when he gets a start there, he’s also been a more than capable right back when called upon.
Center Mid: Cesc Fabregas
Every year Fabregas gets better and better, and he’s not even 20 yet. He’s got everything you’d want in a midfielder: excellent vision, great range of passing, and an increasingly good eye for goal. As he matures, he’ll get better in the tackle as well. Shows how much that Arsenal believes in him as he recently signed an 8-year contract tying him to the club until 2014.
Left Mid: Matty Taylor
Taylor’s having the season of his life. He’s scored something like 4 wonder goals this month (one of which will assuredly be amongst the goals of the season) that have kept Pompey in the top 5 of the Prem. Like Barry, he can play in both midfield and defense, and like Barry, is angling for an England call-up (why Stewart Downing is ahead of either of these players in beyond me).
Striker: Kevin Doyle
Doyle’s goals are the main reason Reading has done so well in the league. Tempting to put Kanu here, as he’s had a great season for Pompey after misfiring for Arsenal and West Brom, but Doyle’s season is slightly more surprising. He’s had absolutely no problem adjusting from the Championship to the Prem, and has been consistently scoring all season, including putting in the penalty that earned Reading a draw against Manchester United.
Striker: Didier Drogba
What needs to be said? 12 league goals this season and now that he’s learned to stay on his feet (well, more so than last season), Drogba’s got everything you want in a striker: pace, strength, a nose for goal, the ability to shoot with either foot, and heading ability. Boy, it would have been nice had he reacted poorly to Sheva joining Chelsea and forcing a transfer (as looked possible right after the deal). Instead, he’s cemented his place as the best striker in the league, by far.
26 December 2006
Liverpool 0-1 Blackburn
This is an easy one to analyze.
All those black dots? Those are Liverpool’s missed attempts at goal. There’s something like 20 of them. Meanwhile, Blackburn, with about half the opportunities, made theirs count.
The game should have been over midway through the first half. But unable to put the ball in the net, Liverpool went into the break tied, and Benni McCarthy made them pay soon after the restart. Tugay beat Gerrard and cleverly played Pedersen out to the left, who crossed in for McCarthy to sweep in from close range. The rest of the game was just as frustrating, with Liverpool putting in the effort, but a combination of excellent goalkeeping, lousy finishing, and the woodwork seeing Blackburn stay in front.
When a team is that wasteful in front of goal, especially away from home, there’s not much else to be said. At the very least, Liverpool should have come away with a draw. Ewood Park is never an easy place to play no matter how Blackburn’s doing in the league, especially for Liverpool. Rovers are one of those teams, like Bolton, against whom Liverpool struggles for results. But today, Liverpool dropped points they should have gotten.
Too many good chances, evidenced by that lovely graphic, went from the box straight to Brad Friedel. Don’t get me wrong, Friedel had an excellent game (as ex-Liverpool keepers are wont to do against the Reds), with an absolutely superb save to deny Xabi Alonso near the death. But too many shots went directly into Friedel’s arms instead of the back of the net, especially from Peter Crouch, who made absolutely no claims for a starting place today. Singling players out, especially after a loss, does little good, and I understand that Peter hasn’t been playing regularly and isn’t the most prolific striker anyway, but today was poor, simple as. Other players disappointed as well, and it certainly seemed as if Blackburn wanted it more, but Crouch’s performance stood out because of Liverpool’s overall profligacy.
The loss sees Liverpool drop to fifth or sixth (depending on Arsenal's result), although league places at the moment (between 3rd and 7th, anyway) mean little right now. There are two clear packs at the top of the table, United/Chelsea, and everyone else. This game hurts, but Liverpool is still in the thick of it and it’s crucial not to lose sight of that. Of course Liverpool fans are disappointed with the result, specifically the finishing, but I’m afraid the moaning is going to go overboard. These games happen. There’s class in this team and class in this strike force. It’s one game. There are more than enough fixtures coming up to earn back the dropped points.
Roll on Spurs.
All those black dots? Those are Liverpool’s missed attempts at goal. There’s something like 20 of them. Meanwhile, Blackburn, with about half the opportunities, made theirs count.
The game should have been over midway through the first half. But unable to put the ball in the net, Liverpool went into the break tied, and Benni McCarthy made them pay soon after the restart. Tugay beat Gerrard and cleverly played Pedersen out to the left, who crossed in for McCarthy to sweep in from close range. The rest of the game was just as frustrating, with Liverpool putting in the effort, but a combination of excellent goalkeeping, lousy finishing, and the woodwork seeing Blackburn stay in front.
When a team is that wasteful in front of goal, especially away from home, there’s not much else to be said. At the very least, Liverpool should have come away with a draw. Ewood Park is never an easy place to play no matter how Blackburn’s doing in the league, especially for Liverpool. Rovers are one of those teams, like Bolton, against whom Liverpool struggles for results. But today, Liverpool dropped points they should have gotten.
Too many good chances, evidenced by that lovely graphic, went from the box straight to Brad Friedel. Don’t get me wrong, Friedel had an excellent game (as ex-Liverpool keepers are wont to do against the Reds), with an absolutely superb save to deny Xabi Alonso near the death. But too many shots went directly into Friedel’s arms instead of the back of the net, especially from Peter Crouch, who made absolutely no claims for a starting place today. Singling players out, especially after a loss, does little good, and I understand that Peter hasn’t been playing regularly and isn’t the most prolific striker anyway, but today was poor, simple as. Other players disappointed as well, and it certainly seemed as if Blackburn wanted it more, but Crouch’s performance stood out because of Liverpool’s overall profligacy.
The loss sees Liverpool drop to fifth or sixth (depending on Arsenal's result), although league places at the moment (between 3rd and 7th, anyway) mean little right now. There are two clear packs at the top of the table, United/Chelsea, and everyone else. This game hurts, but Liverpool is still in the thick of it and it’s crucial not to lose sight of that. Of course Liverpool fans are disappointed with the result, specifically the finishing, but I’m afraid the moaning is going to go overboard. These games happen. There’s class in this team and class in this strike force. It’s one game. There are more than enough fixtures coming up to earn back the dropped points.
Roll on Spurs.
25 December 2006
Liverpool at Blackburn 12.26.06
10am. Available in the US live on Setanta.
Liverpool: 3rd place; 34 points out of 19 games
Blackburn: 17th place; 19 points out of 18 games
Last 4 meetings:
1-1 (h) 10.14.06
1-0 Liverpool (a) 04.16.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 10.15.05
0-0 (h) 03.16.05
Last 3 games:
Liverpool: 2-0 Watford (h); 3-0 Charlton (a); 4-0 Fulham (h)
Blackburn: 2-6 Arsenal (a); 2-1 Reading (a); 1-0 AS Nancy (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Kuyt 6; Bellamy 5; Alonso, Gerrard 3; Crouch, Garcia, Gonzalez 2; Agger, Carragher, Fowler, Riise 1
Blackburn: McCarthy 6; Nonda 4; Bentley 3; Pedersen 2; Gallagher, Kerimoglu 1
Referee: Rob Styles
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Gonzalez
Crouch, Bellamy
No real reason to foresee any major changes. It’s becoming clear that there’s a first choice team, and it wasn’t simply rotation for rotation’s sake earlier in the season.
The only likely changes are Gonzalez for Garcia, Hyypia for Agger, and Crouch for Kuyt. But then again, I’ve been picking Crouch to start for a couple of games now and it hasn’t come true yet. Although, Crouch always seems more likely to start away from home.
Blackburn is always a physical game, and I imagine the lineup will reflect that. It’s why I’ve left both Aurelio and Garcia out. As much as Luis pops up with important goals in big games, he still gives the ball away too cheaply, and that will be even more of a liability tomorrow than it usually is. Along the same lines, while Aurelio is now fit and has been an excellent crosser of the ball when he’s been healthy, this doesn’t seem like the type of game where he should be making his first start in over two months. Of course, the last time Fabio started was home against Rovers, where he supplied the corner for Bellamy’s first league goal for Liverpool.
Blackburn’s been inconsistent, and the fact they’ve been underperforming for the majority of the season shows in the league position. However, they always give Liverpool a tough game, and Ewood Park is always a difficult place to go and get a result. Earlier in the season, Blackburn was the better side for the majority of the game at Anfield, and opened the scoring by capitalizing on the defensive lapses that had plagued Liverpool at the time. Recently, Liverpool’s done a far better job at establishing the tempo and style of the game and preventing those silly errors.
This won’t be the same Blackburn side that got massacred by Arsenal 6-2 over the weekend. Not only is Mark Hughes a protégé of Ferguson, so the Blackburn locker room will not have been a pleasant place to be, Blackburn is a different team home than away. And this is always a closely contested game; just look at the scorelines from the last few outings, not to mention the fact that someone always seems to pick up a dreadful injury (knocking furiously on wood). But Liverpool will know what they have to do to win the game, have delivered some excellent away performances recently, and will want to pick up all three points here after dropping two to Rovers at Anfield.
Liverpool: 3rd place; 34 points out of 19 games
Blackburn: 17th place; 19 points out of 18 games
Last 4 meetings:
1-1 (h) 10.14.06
1-0 Liverpool (a) 04.16.06
1-0 Liverpool (h) 10.15.05
0-0 (h) 03.16.05
Last 3 games:
Liverpool: 2-0 Watford (h); 3-0 Charlton (a); 4-0 Fulham (h)
Blackburn: 2-6 Arsenal (a); 2-1 Reading (a); 1-0 AS Nancy (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Kuyt 6; Bellamy 5; Alonso, Gerrard 3; Crouch, Garcia, Gonzalez 2; Agger, Carragher, Fowler, Riise 1
Blackburn: McCarthy 6; Nonda 4; Bentley 3; Pedersen 2; Gallagher, Kerimoglu 1
Referee: Rob Styles
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise
Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Gonzalez
Crouch, Bellamy
No real reason to foresee any major changes. It’s becoming clear that there’s a first choice team, and it wasn’t simply rotation for rotation’s sake earlier in the season.
The only likely changes are Gonzalez for Garcia, Hyypia for Agger, and Crouch for Kuyt. But then again, I’ve been picking Crouch to start for a couple of games now and it hasn’t come true yet. Although, Crouch always seems more likely to start away from home.
Blackburn is always a physical game, and I imagine the lineup will reflect that. It’s why I’ve left both Aurelio and Garcia out. As much as Luis pops up with important goals in big games, he still gives the ball away too cheaply, and that will be even more of a liability tomorrow than it usually is. Along the same lines, while Aurelio is now fit and has been an excellent crosser of the ball when he’s been healthy, this doesn’t seem like the type of game where he should be making his first start in over two months. Of course, the last time Fabio started was home against Rovers, where he supplied the corner for Bellamy’s first league goal for Liverpool.
Blackburn’s been inconsistent, and the fact they’ve been underperforming for the majority of the season shows in the league position. However, they always give Liverpool a tough game, and Ewood Park is always a difficult place to go and get a result. Earlier in the season, Blackburn was the better side for the majority of the game at Anfield, and opened the scoring by capitalizing on the defensive lapses that had plagued Liverpool at the time. Recently, Liverpool’s done a far better job at establishing the tempo and style of the game and preventing those silly errors.
This won’t be the same Blackburn side that got massacred by Arsenal 6-2 over the weekend. Not only is Mark Hughes a protégé of Ferguson, so the Blackburn locker room will not have been a pleasant place to be, Blackburn is a different team home than away. And this is always a closely contested game; just look at the scorelines from the last few outings, not to mention the fact that someone always seems to pick up a dreadful injury (knocking furiously on wood). But Liverpool will know what they have to do to win the game, have delivered some excellent away performances recently, and will want to pick up all three points here after dropping two to Rovers at Anfield.
Premiership Predictions 12/26
Merry Christmas everyone, hope the holiday finds you all well. Tomorrow will be a fantastic day, with a mountain of televised games all day long to distract you from friends and family. Enjoy it. Liverpool/Blackburn preview up later today, in between family and enough American sports to shake a stick at.
Tottenham v Aston Villa (8am, FSC): 8 game winless streak for Villa, and despite the tough loss at Newcastle, Spurs have been better of late. Tottenham 2-1
Chelsea v Reading (8am, Setanta): Chelsea's been leaving them late recently, with close wins over Wigan and Everton, but a 2-0 scoreline again looks foreseeable. Chelsea 2-0
West Ham v Portsmouth (8am): Portsmouth’s been tough to beat all season, and if West Ham can pick up a win here, it will show a lot about how well Curbishley will do in turning around the season. West Ham 2-1
Bolton v Newcastle (10am, FSC): Should be a tight and even entertaining affair, with Bolton’s propensity for close wins and Newcastle’s recent run of good form regardless of their long injury list. 2-2
Manchester United v Wigan (10am, Setanta Xtra): Wigan’s struggled for results recently despite decent form, and Manchester United should be able to take advantage. United 2-0
Everton v Middlesbrough (10am): Ugh, Middlesbrough on the road. Plus, Everton’s getting healthier with Arteta back in the squad, and Johnson finally among the goals last week after a long drought. Everton 2-0
Sheffield United v Manchester City (10am): Wouldn’t bet against Sheffield continuing to earn points. 10 in the last 5 games, and they could have picked up more at Portsmouth, where they went head early only to lose. Sheffield 1-0
Watford v Arsenal (12:30pm, FSC): Honestly, I’d imagine this will be a lot like Watford’s game at Liverpool. One team clearly on top, but Watford keeping it closer than it probably should be, mostly thanks to Ben Foster. After last week’s demolishment of Blackburn, Arsenal may well have more goals in them, but Aidy Boothroyd’s team defends desperately. Arse 2-0
Charlton v Fulham (3pm Wednesday, Setanta): The game of musical chairs continues. So Les Reed’s out, and Alan Pardew moves into the job that his replacement at West Ham held last season. Charlton’s preparing for life in the Championship, and it looks likely that Pardew will be the manager for the long haul. He’ll have the season to start to mold the squad in his vision, and if he keeps them up (which isn’t beyond the realm of possibility, yet), even better. But next season will be when he completely shapes the team as he wants it, and it will probably be while competing for promotion.
As for tomorrow's game, throw previous form out the window. One, it’s a London derby. Two, there will be the effect of having a new manager. Probably contentious, possibly entertaining, and seemingly destined for a draw. 1-1
Tottenham v Aston Villa (8am, FSC): 8 game winless streak for Villa, and despite the tough loss at Newcastle, Spurs have been better of late. Tottenham 2-1
Chelsea v Reading (8am, Setanta): Chelsea's been leaving them late recently, with close wins over Wigan and Everton, but a 2-0 scoreline again looks foreseeable. Chelsea 2-0
West Ham v Portsmouth (8am): Portsmouth’s been tough to beat all season, and if West Ham can pick up a win here, it will show a lot about how well Curbishley will do in turning around the season. West Ham 2-1
Bolton v Newcastle (10am, FSC): Should be a tight and even entertaining affair, with Bolton’s propensity for close wins and Newcastle’s recent run of good form regardless of their long injury list. 2-2
Manchester United v Wigan (10am, Setanta Xtra): Wigan’s struggled for results recently despite decent form, and Manchester United should be able to take advantage. United 2-0
Everton v Middlesbrough (10am): Ugh, Middlesbrough on the road. Plus, Everton’s getting healthier with Arteta back in the squad, and Johnson finally among the goals last week after a long drought. Everton 2-0
Sheffield United v Manchester City (10am): Wouldn’t bet against Sheffield continuing to earn points. 10 in the last 5 games, and they could have picked up more at Portsmouth, where they went head early only to lose. Sheffield 1-0
Watford v Arsenal (12:30pm, FSC): Honestly, I’d imagine this will be a lot like Watford’s game at Liverpool. One team clearly on top, but Watford keeping it closer than it probably should be, mostly thanks to Ben Foster. After last week’s demolishment of Blackburn, Arsenal may well have more goals in them, but Aidy Boothroyd’s team defends desperately. Arse 2-0
Charlton v Fulham (3pm Wednesday, Setanta): The game of musical chairs continues. So Les Reed’s out, and Alan Pardew moves into the job that his replacement at West Ham held last season. Charlton’s preparing for life in the Championship, and it looks likely that Pardew will be the manager for the long haul. He’ll have the season to start to mold the squad in his vision, and if he keeps them up (which isn’t beyond the realm of possibility, yet), even better. But next season will be when he completely shapes the team as he wants it, and it will probably be while competing for promotion.
As for tomorrow's game, throw previous form out the window. One, it’s a London derby. Two, there will be the effect of having a new manager. Probably contentious, possibly entertaining, and seemingly destined for a draw. 1-1
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