Wow, another smashing of a quality opponent. Stevie G with the hat-trick, add in Riera's blast and Kuyt's typical johnny-on-the-spot heroics and you have a 5-0 thrashing of Villa at Anfield. Villa put on some pressure early and I have to give credit where credit is due. Pepe Reina is not my favorite keeper by any means but he made some quality stops when the game was still in doubt and his assist on Riera's goal was something to behold. He's actually a very effective distributor of the ball which I feel is an underrated quality in a goalie. Great game all around but especially by the man between the posts.
Milan, well, that was a different story. Very frustrating game against Napoli who were very spirited at home. The Rossoneri were actually lucky to escape with a point.
In more good news though my picks continue to improve. I was 5 out of 10 for the EPL and 4 out of 5 for Serie A. I got a couple exactly and even my upset pick of Tottenham over Chelsea was spot on. Maybe someday soon I'll match myself up against a real journalist and see who does better.
International games coming up very soon, can't wait!
Showing posts with label Picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Picks. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
My Favorite Time of the Week
Weekends mean that soccer will be on. Real soccer, not like the kind displayed by the Energy Drinks on Thursday. Good win for the Sounders, bad defense and goalkeeping for NY. Also a rough day Friday for my BC Eagles whose men's basketball and hockey teams both had their seasons ended today.
Let's hope my soccer teams fare better.
Here are my picks:
English Premier League
Playing on Sunday, game I hope I get to see, are Liverpool and Aston Villa. 2 top five clubs so you think it should be a close match but Liverpool are healthy and red hot while Martin O'neill's men are free-falling. Aston Villa will be the more desperate but Liverpool more confident. I'll call it 3-1 for the Reds at home at Anfield.
Portsmouth v. Everton: I know that Pompey will be desperate for points at home but I can't overlook Everton's advantage on paper, even though they were soundly beaten in the corresponding fixture. 2-1 Everton.
Blackburn Rovers v. West Ham: 1-1
Fulham v. Manchester United: 1-2
Stoke City v. Middlesbrough: 1-0
Tottenham v. Chelsea: My upset special of the week. 2-1 Spurs.
West Bromwich Albion v. Bolton Wanderers: 2-3
Newcastle v. Arsenal: I really hope Newcastle avoids the drop and they have drawn so many times this seson that I think their desperate need for points earns them another. 1-1.
Wigan Athletic v. Hull City: 2-0
Sunderland v. Manchester City: 2-1
Italian Serie A
Milan play away to Napoli this weekend. I don't know a ton about Napoli and can't recall seeing them this year. They are mid-table but they just changed coaches, hiring former Rossoneri midfielder Roberto Donadoni, and drew lowly Reggina last week. I just like the form Milan are in and will take them 0-2 over Napoli.
AS Roma v. Juventus: A big game for Roma but they will not be able to overcome the amount of injuries and suspensions they face. 1-3 Juve.
Internazionale v. Reggina: No contest 3-0.
I'll pick Genoa and Fiorentina to both pick up wins also as they continue to fight for the 4th spot.
I might be able to finally watch some games now that my cable is fixed!
Let's hope my soccer teams fare better.
Here are my picks:
English Premier League
Playing on Sunday, game I hope I get to see, are Liverpool and Aston Villa. 2 top five clubs so you think it should be a close match but Liverpool are healthy and red hot while Martin O'neill's men are free-falling. Aston Villa will be the more desperate but Liverpool more confident. I'll call it 3-1 for the Reds at home at Anfield.
Portsmouth v. Everton: I know that Pompey will be desperate for points at home but I can't overlook Everton's advantage on paper, even though they were soundly beaten in the corresponding fixture. 2-1 Everton.
Blackburn Rovers v. West Ham: 1-1
Fulham v. Manchester United: 1-2
Stoke City v. Middlesbrough: 1-0
Tottenham v. Chelsea: My upset special of the week. 2-1 Spurs.
West Bromwich Albion v. Bolton Wanderers: 2-3
Newcastle v. Arsenal: I really hope Newcastle avoids the drop and they have drawn so many times this seson that I think their desperate need for points earns them another. 1-1.
Wigan Athletic v. Hull City: 2-0
Sunderland v. Manchester City: 2-1
Italian Serie A
Milan play away to Napoli this weekend. I don't know a ton about Napoli and can't recall seeing them this year. They are mid-table but they just changed coaches, hiring former Rossoneri midfielder Roberto Donadoni, and drew lowly Reggina last week. I just like the form Milan are in and will take them 0-2 over Napoli.
AS Roma v. Juventus: A big game for Roma but they will not be able to overcome the amount of injuries and suspensions they face. 1-3 Juve.
Internazionale v. Reggina: No contest 3-0.
I'll pick Genoa and Fiorentina to both pick up wins also as they continue to fight for the 4th spot.
I might be able to finally watch some games now that my cable is fixed!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Weekend Wrap-up
Well I did a little bit better with my picks this week. I even got my first exact call with Inter's 2-0 win over Fiorentina. Called another scorer right too, not that I'm bragging. Anyways a quick recap:
I can't really gloat because it's still unlikely either of my teams, Liverpool and Milan, will win their respective leagues. But that only makes the routs over the weekend a little bit less awesome. Great performances all around by the Reds and the Rossoneri with special work put in by Gerrard, Torres, Inzaghi, Pato, Pirlo, Beckham, and give Pepe Reina some credit. Not my favorite keeper even though he's on my team but he made some good stops and at least one great one.
Other Notes:
Poor Aston Villa. Falling to a bottom-half Tottenham side saw them continue their slide and Arsenal have now taken fourth place back over. I'm pretty sure they won't meet again so Aston Villa really need to collect all the points they can get. But, the road gets rougher as they draw Liverpool and Manchester United in successive weeks. I was kind of hoping this was the year the "Big Four" got shaken up a bit but we might be back to business as usual.
Finally, I have already professed my admiration for him, but some more dap is in order for Pippo Inzaghi whose brace against Siena saw him reach the incredible milestone of 300 goals. Hats off to Pippo. Love him or hate him no one can dare deny that he is indeed one of the most prolific goalscorers in modern soccer.
MLS starts soon. Anyone care?
I'll try to.
I can't really gloat because it's still unlikely either of my teams, Liverpool and Milan, will win their respective leagues. But that only makes the routs over the weekend a little bit less awesome. Great performances all around by the Reds and the Rossoneri with special work put in by Gerrard, Torres, Inzaghi, Pato, Pirlo, Beckham, and give Pepe Reina some credit. Not my favorite keeper even though he's on my team but he made some good stops and at least one great one.
Other Notes:
Poor Aston Villa. Falling to a bottom-half Tottenham side saw them continue their slide and Arsenal have now taken fourth place back over. I'm pretty sure they won't meet again so Aston Villa really need to collect all the points they can get. But, the road gets rougher as they draw Liverpool and Manchester United in successive weeks. I was kind of hoping this was the year the "Big Four" got shaken up a bit but we might be back to business as usual.
Finally, I have already professed my admiration for him, but some more dap is in order for Pippo Inzaghi whose brace against Siena saw him reach the incredible milestone of 300 goals. Hats off to Pippo. Love him or hate him no one can dare deny that he is indeed one of the most prolific goalscorers in modern soccer.
MLS starts soon. Anyone care?
I'll try to.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Weekend Picks
Going down to visit my lady friend in NYC this weekend so I'll throw my picks up here now and we'll see how I did and have a recap on Monday.
English Premier League
Arsenal v. Blackburn Rovers: Despite a nice win over Fulham during the week I don't see how Rovers can contend with a resurgent and increasingly healthy Arsenal side. 3-1 to the Gunners.
Bolton Wanderers v. Fulham: A tough one to pick. I like what Fulham has done this season but every time I doubt Bolton they surprise me and I like them at the Reebok. 2-1 Bolton with Kevin Davies on target.
Everton v. Stoke City: Everton sit in sixth while their opponents here are in a relegation scrap. The Potters haven't won away all season and while they do seem to have more to play for I don't see that changing. A valiant effort might see them snatch a point and I'll back them to do so, 2-2 at Goodison Park.
Hull City v. Newcastle: Picking against Hull never seems to be wise this season but they've cooled considerably and the returns of Owen, Butt, and Duff will tip the scales in Newcastle's favor on this occasion. A 1-2 scoreline snatches 3 vital away points for the visitors.
Middlesbrough v. Portsmouth: Portsmouth have an atrocious away record and Middlesbrough have proven tough at home after defeating Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium a few matches ago but my gut says that Portsmouth is simply the stronger side. Both clubs need the points desperately but I think Middlesbrough lack of scoring hurts them in this one. 0-2 to Pompey.
Sunderland v. Wigan Athletic: Sunderland want to distance themselves from the drop zone but Wigan have their eyes on a still attainable spot in Europe. A hard fought match ends all square, 1-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United v. Liverpool: With both teams coming off European victories and the usual war of words swelling beforehand I expect nothing less than title match atmosphere at Old Trafford on Saturday. Liverpool were more convincing than United and have an extra days rest. I could go on and on, but of course I'm going to pick my boys. 2-1 Liverpool. C'mon you Scousers!
Chelsea v. Manchester City: Both of these squads are also coming off of solid European performances but I have to take Chelsea at home. 3-2 to the home side in a fast and furious affair at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa v. Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham look resurgent with a revamped strike force led by the returning Robbie Keane. One of the biggest questions in the EPL these days is whether or not Villa can deal with a pressure they've never faced and hold onto the final Champions League spot. I'm not sure of the answer, but I don't think this is the game in which they falter. Villa wins 3-1.
West Ham v. West Bromwich Albion: West Brom only have pride left to play for but I don't think that will be enough. Zola's men win Monday's match 2-0.
Italian Serie A
I'll be picking a select few games this week for Serie A, and that will probably be the norm.
Siena v. AC Milan: Milan have been, much to my dismay, very inconsistent this season. I think the club has settled down a but though after a rough week or so with a UEFA Cup exit and all the Beckham hub-bub. There are still some injury concerns but I think they'll take this one comfortably. 0-2 to the Rossoneri.
Juventus v. Bologna: Juventus could field a fine squad with just their injury list and Bologna have Serie A's top goalscorer in Marco Di Vaio. A surprise 1-1 draw in Turin.
Sampdoria v. AS Roma: Roma's injury woes continue and a little hangover from their valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort against Arsenal during the midweek will see them fall to an enigmatic Sampdoria side, 1-0.
Inter Milan v. Fiorentina: Mourinho knows that the Scudetto is the biggest honor his club can now win after crashing out to Manchester United in the CL. This might be the best match in Italy this weekend. I expect Inter to win but I think it will be tight. 2-0 to the Nerazzurri.
Lots of action this weekend and I'll miss it all for the Ms. Good thing Comcast threw in that DVR.
English Premier League
Arsenal v. Blackburn Rovers: Despite a nice win over Fulham during the week I don't see how Rovers can contend with a resurgent and increasingly healthy Arsenal side. 3-1 to the Gunners.
Bolton Wanderers v. Fulham: A tough one to pick. I like what Fulham has done this season but every time I doubt Bolton they surprise me and I like them at the Reebok. 2-1 Bolton with Kevin Davies on target.
Everton v. Stoke City: Everton sit in sixth while their opponents here are in a relegation scrap. The Potters haven't won away all season and while they do seem to have more to play for I don't see that changing. A valiant effort might see them snatch a point and I'll back them to do so, 2-2 at Goodison Park.
Hull City v. Newcastle: Picking against Hull never seems to be wise this season but they've cooled considerably and the returns of Owen, Butt, and Duff will tip the scales in Newcastle's favor on this occasion. A 1-2 scoreline snatches 3 vital away points for the visitors.
Middlesbrough v. Portsmouth: Portsmouth have an atrocious away record and Middlesbrough have proven tough at home after defeating Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium a few matches ago but my gut says that Portsmouth is simply the stronger side. Both clubs need the points desperately but I think Middlesbrough lack of scoring hurts them in this one. 0-2 to Pompey.
Sunderland v. Wigan Athletic: Sunderland want to distance themselves from the drop zone but Wigan have their eyes on a still attainable spot in Europe. A hard fought match ends all square, 1-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester United v. Liverpool: With both teams coming off European victories and the usual war of words swelling beforehand I expect nothing less than title match atmosphere at Old Trafford on Saturday. Liverpool were more convincing than United and have an extra days rest. I could go on and on, but of course I'm going to pick my boys. 2-1 Liverpool. C'mon you Scousers!
Chelsea v. Manchester City: Both of these squads are also coming off of solid European performances but I have to take Chelsea at home. 3-2 to the home side in a fast and furious affair at Stamford Bridge.
Aston Villa v. Tottenham Hotspur: Tottenham look resurgent with a revamped strike force led by the returning Robbie Keane. One of the biggest questions in the EPL these days is whether or not Villa can deal with a pressure they've never faced and hold onto the final Champions League spot. I'm not sure of the answer, but I don't think this is the game in which they falter. Villa wins 3-1.
West Ham v. West Bromwich Albion: West Brom only have pride left to play for but I don't think that will be enough. Zola's men win Monday's match 2-0.
Italian Serie A
I'll be picking a select few games this week for Serie A, and that will probably be the norm.
Siena v. AC Milan: Milan have been, much to my dismay, very inconsistent this season. I think the club has settled down a but though after a rough week or so with a UEFA Cup exit and all the Beckham hub-bub. There are still some injury concerns but I think they'll take this one comfortably. 0-2 to the Rossoneri.
Juventus v. Bologna: Juventus could field a fine squad with just their injury list and Bologna have Serie A's top goalscorer in Marco Di Vaio. A surprise 1-1 draw in Turin.
Sampdoria v. AS Roma: Roma's injury woes continue and a little hangover from their valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort against Arsenal during the midweek will see them fall to an enigmatic Sampdoria side, 1-0.
Inter Milan v. Fiorentina: Mourinho knows that the Scudetto is the biggest honor his club can now win after crashing out to Manchester United in the CL. This might be the best match in Italy this weekend. I expect Inter to win but I think it will be tight. 2-0 to the Nerazzurri.
Lots of action this weekend and I'll miss it all for the Ms. Good thing Comcast threw in that DVR.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Champions League: Round of 16
Well I got 5 out of 8 right, and that was even after the first leg, but at least it was better than my first foray into picking the EPL. Here are some quick recaps of the games from this week.
Atletico was held to a scoreless draw at Porto which allowed the Portuguese to go through thanks to the away goals rule. All accounts state Porto's dominance and after their 2-2 win away from home a ticket to the next round seems well deserved to me.
Villareal came out 2-1 winners against Panathinaikos in a hostile Greek environment. The win put them through 3-2 on aggregate.
Chelsea left it late, Didier Drogba scoring in the 83rd minute against Juventus to tie the score at 2-2. The Ivorian's winner at home pushed Chelsea through 3-2 on aggregate. Hiddink looks to have his Blues firing on all cylinders.
Bayern, well...what can you say? The German giants humiliated Sporting Lisbon once again and go through with an astounding 12-1 aggregate.
Roma were the 1-0 victors at the Stadio Olimpico yet suffered heartbreak in the penalties as Arsenal's earlier victory by the same score put the tie into extra time. Tonetto's miss put the Gunners through. I was really rooting for Roma as I am a huge Totti fan and it would have been cool to have a team play a final in its home stadium.
A game Inter side was not enough to knock off the Manchester United juggernaut. Inter acquitted themselves well but goals early in each half from Nemanja Vidic and Christiano Ronaldo sent the 3rd Italian team of the week home. United remain on course for an unprecedented 5 trophies.
No one would count out a scrappy Lyon side after they drew at home with Barcelona but the Spanish proved too talented at Camp Nou. Goals by Messi, Eto'o, and Henry (2) within 18 minutes in the first half ultimately led to a comfortable 5-2 victory for the Spanish side and push them through 6-3 on aggregate.
But the most important match of course...
Liverpool ran riot on Real Madrid. 4-0. Unbelievable! I predicted they'd play it safe with a lead and an away goal in hand. They've adopted this strategy before and it's actually led to them losing some second-leg home matches while still managing to progress. But this time Rafa went for the jugular and it payed off big time. Liverpool piled on from the whistle and dominated play in the early stages with goals from Torres and a fortunate spot-kick from Gerrard seeing the Reds 2-0 up at the break. Stevie G added some insurance right after halftime with a sweet half volley. Iker Casillas who actually had an outstanding match for Madrid, was finally beaten for the 4th time on a classic Liverpool break out finished by onrushing defender Andrea Dossena.
Wins like this make it all the more frustrating that Liverpool gets snagged up by lesser sides in the EPL every year but besides that I can't begrudge a classic European victory like this. Knowing they won't have to run into my other favorite team, again, I'm riding high with Liverpool, hopefully to the CL final.
Atletico was held to a scoreless draw at Porto which allowed the Portuguese to go through thanks to the away goals rule. All accounts state Porto's dominance and after their 2-2 win away from home a ticket to the next round seems well deserved to me.
Villareal came out 2-1 winners against Panathinaikos in a hostile Greek environment. The win put them through 3-2 on aggregate.
Chelsea left it late, Didier Drogba scoring in the 83rd minute against Juventus to tie the score at 2-2. The Ivorian's winner at home pushed Chelsea through 3-2 on aggregate. Hiddink looks to have his Blues firing on all cylinders.
Bayern, well...what can you say? The German giants humiliated Sporting Lisbon once again and go through with an astounding 12-1 aggregate.
Roma were the 1-0 victors at the Stadio Olimpico yet suffered heartbreak in the penalties as Arsenal's earlier victory by the same score put the tie into extra time. Tonetto's miss put the Gunners through. I was really rooting for Roma as I am a huge Totti fan and it would have been cool to have a team play a final in its home stadium.
A game Inter side was not enough to knock off the Manchester United juggernaut. Inter acquitted themselves well but goals early in each half from Nemanja Vidic and Christiano Ronaldo sent the 3rd Italian team of the week home. United remain on course for an unprecedented 5 trophies.
No one would count out a scrappy Lyon side after they drew at home with Barcelona but the Spanish proved too talented at Camp Nou. Goals by Messi, Eto'o, and Henry (2) within 18 minutes in the first half ultimately led to a comfortable 5-2 victory for the Spanish side and push them through 6-3 on aggregate.
But the most important match of course...
Liverpool ran riot on Real Madrid. 4-0. Unbelievable! I predicted they'd play it safe with a lead and an away goal in hand. They've adopted this strategy before and it's actually led to them losing some second-leg home matches while still managing to progress. But this time Rafa went for the jugular and it payed off big time. Liverpool piled on from the whistle and dominated play in the early stages with goals from Torres and a fortunate spot-kick from Gerrard seeing the Reds 2-0 up at the break. Stevie G added some insurance right after halftime with a sweet half volley. Iker Casillas who actually had an outstanding match for Madrid, was finally beaten for the 4th time on a classic Liverpool break out finished by onrushing defender Andrea Dossena.
Wins like this make it all the more frustrating that Liverpool gets snagged up by lesser sides in the EPL every year but besides that I can't begrudge a classic European victory like this. Knowing they won't have to run into my other favorite team, again, I'm riding high with Liverpool, hopefully to the CL final.
Wednesday's CL Picks
I'll have my review of all the Champions League action up after the entire round wraps up. Here's my picks for Wednesday.
FC Porto v. Atletico Madrid: (2-2 first leg) 1-2
Atletico advance with a 3-2 aggregate.
Barcelona v. Lyon: (1-1) 3-1
Barcelona advance with a 4-2 aggregate.
AS Roma v. Arsenal: (0-1) 2-0
Roma advance with a 2-1 aggregate.
Manchester United v. Internazionale: (0-0) 2-0
Manchester United advance with a 2-0 aggregate.
FC Porto v. Atletico Madrid: (2-2 first leg) 1-2
Atletico advance with a 3-2 aggregate.
Barcelona v. Lyon: (1-1) 3-1
Barcelona advance with a 4-2 aggregate.
AS Roma v. Arsenal: (0-1) 2-0
Roma advance with a 2-1 aggregate.
Manchester United v. Internazionale: (0-0) 2-0
Manchester United advance with a 2-0 aggregate.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Tuesday's CL Picks
Here are my picks for tomorrow's second leg matches:
Bayern Munich v. Sporting Lisbon: (5-0 first leg) 2-1
Bayern advance, 7-1 aggregate.
Panathinaikos v. Villareal: (1-1) 1-1
Panathinaikos through on penalties.
Juventus v. Chelsea: (0-1) 2-1
Chelsea advance on away goals rule.
Liverpool v. Real Madrid: (1-0) 0-0
Liverpool advance, 1-0 aggregate.
Bayern Munich v. Sporting Lisbon: (5-0 first leg) 2-1
Bayern advance, 7-1 aggregate.
Panathinaikos v. Villareal: (1-1) 1-1
Panathinaikos through on penalties.
Juventus v. Chelsea: (0-1) 2-1
Chelsea advance on away goals rule.
Liverpool v. Real Madrid: (1-0) 0-0
Liverpool advance, 1-0 aggregate.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Milan and Ancelotti
Milan play Atalanta tomorrow. Atalanta is still clawing for a UEFA Cup spot and I have seen them play a few games this year. Milan need to be on their toes. They should be able to win comfortably even with their lingering injury woes but they need to play all 90 minutes. Fiorentina are breathing down their necks to get into 3rd place and while they have a tricky match against Palermo I think they will putt it out. Milan needs all 3 points and head coach Carlo Ancelotti will still be under pressure.
It is basically confirmed that if Milan do slip out of 3rd Ancelotti's time at Milan is over. He is the longest tenured coach in Serie A and has led Milan to Champions League glory 2 times and 1 Scudetto. But like Benitez the league really has been his weakness and I think that even if Milan stay in third it might be time for a change. I personally like him and often agree with his tactics. I love the 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation and many of the players he has brought in have been immense for the Rossoneri. However it has been a long time and many of the players too are getting fairly old. I think, like Rafa Benitez, that he should be given (if he wants it) one more year to bring home some more serious hardware but I at the same time I would be a lot more worried if Liverpool lost Benitez.
So we'll see how the rest of the year pans out. As for tomorrow I predict Milan wins it 2-0 at the San Siro with at least one goal from my man Pippo Inzaghi.
It is basically confirmed that if Milan do slip out of 3rd Ancelotti's time at Milan is over. He is the longest tenured coach in Serie A and has led Milan to Champions League glory 2 times and 1 Scudetto. But like Benitez the league really has been his weakness and I think that even if Milan stay in third it might be time for a change. I personally like him and often agree with his tactics. I love the 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation and many of the players he has brought in have been immense for the Rossoneri. However it has been a long time and many of the players too are getting fairly old. I think, like Rafa Benitez, that he should be given (if he wants it) one more year to bring home some more serious hardware but I at the same time I would be a lot more worried if Liverpool lost Benitez.
So we'll see how the rest of the year pans out. As for tomorrow I predict Milan wins it 2-0 at the San Siro with at least one goal from my man Pippo Inzaghi.
A Few Saturday Picks
I'm not even going to bother predicting any FA Cup results as it might be the most unpredictable competition in soccer. It's like the NCAA Basketball Tournament in a way except even bigger odds are overcome sometimes.
There is one EPL game on today. Sunderland v. Tottenham is an interesting match up because they have the exact same record. There's really not much to choose between them. Sunderland have been in spotty form but Tottenham are coming off a 4-0 dismantling of Boro. Still, I'm cautiously going to go with Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light
In Serie A action I'll take Roma 2-0 over Udinese at home and Juventus 1-0 in the Turin derby over Torino. I also predict (and sort of hope) that Inter will continue their little slump and, with one eye surely on the Champions League coming up against Manchester United, Genoa will hold them on their home turf. 1-1 draw.
I also hope to watch some of the Madrid derby today. I don't see too many Spanish games but I've seen these two sides in European action enough to think it could be an exciting game. I'm going to choose Real over Atletico, 3-1.
There is one EPL game on today. Sunderland v. Tottenham is an interesting match up because they have the exact same record. There's really not much to choose between them. Sunderland have been in spotty form but Tottenham are coming off a 4-0 dismantling of Boro. Still, I'm cautiously going to go with Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light
In Serie A action I'll take Roma 2-0 over Udinese at home and Juventus 1-0 in the Turin derby over Torino. I also predict (and sort of hope) that Inter will continue their little slump and, with one eye surely on the Champions League coming up against Manchester United, Genoa will hold them on their home turf. 1-1 draw.
I also hope to watch some of the Madrid derby today. I don't see too many Spanish games but I've seen these two sides in European action enough to think it could be an exciting game. I'm going to choose Real over Atletico, 3-1.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday Recap
I'm not sure if the EPL results today and their contrast with my picks has more to do with the fact that I am by no means an expert or the fact that it's just a competitive, unpredictable league. Probably both. I only got one right and that was a predictable win at Newcastle by Manchester United. At least I managed some decent pre-match analysis as the Magpies took an early lead and played hard only to be finally outclassed and defeated thanks to goals from Rooney and Berbatov on either side of the break.
West Ham keep chugging towards Europe with a 1-0 win at Wigan (I didn't get that one too wrong). Carlton Cole scored the winner before being sent off for getting two yellows.
A poor match by most accounts saw Blackburn hold Everton to 0-0 at home. A better result for Rovers than I predicted but not enough to keep them from sliding back into the bottom 3.
I should have had more respect for Stoke City's home form as they produced another fine win at the Britannia Stadium with Bolton the unlucky victims. 2-0 to Stoke with one goal provided by James Beattie who has been an important acquisition for the Potters.
Middlesbrough couldn't gain any momentum from their upset of Liverpool and got thumped by Tottenham 4-0 at White Hart Lane. Aaron Lennon, with a brace, joined Keane and Pavlyuchenko on the score sheet.
Hull City earned a dramatic win, and a vital 3 points, with a 1-0 scoreline against Fulham.
The only game I got to watch was Manchester City v. Aston Villa, a game I predicted would end in a draw. Manchester City definitely came out with more purpose with good chances by Stephen Ireland, who has had a great season, Felipe Caicedo, who is a bull of a man, and Shaun Wright-Phillips all going begging. They should have been up more but Elano converted a definite penalty after Wright-Phillips was taken down. It could have been closer to the draw I predicted after the break if Villa had taken their chances but like many of City's they went by the wayside. Good goalkeeping by Bran Friedel kept Villa in the game before Wright-Phillips made sure of maximum points for the home team late on. 2-0 to Manchester City.
Having picked these games kind of made it more interesting to follow them throughout the day (when I should have been working), and I'm excited that this makeshift pseudo-journalism will add another dimension to my love for soccer.
A bit of Italian action and my thoughts on my other favorite team's manager are up next.
West Ham keep chugging towards Europe with a 1-0 win at Wigan (I didn't get that one too wrong). Carlton Cole scored the winner before being sent off for getting two yellows.
A poor match by most accounts saw Blackburn hold Everton to 0-0 at home. A better result for Rovers than I predicted but not enough to keep them from sliding back into the bottom 3.
I should have had more respect for Stoke City's home form as they produced another fine win at the Britannia Stadium with Bolton the unlucky victims. 2-0 to Stoke with one goal provided by James Beattie who has been an important acquisition for the Potters.
Middlesbrough couldn't gain any momentum from their upset of Liverpool and got thumped by Tottenham 4-0 at White Hart Lane. Aaron Lennon, with a brace, joined Keane and Pavlyuchenko on the score sheet.
Hull City earned a dramatic win, and a vital 3 points, with a 1-0 scoreline against Fulham.
The only game I got to watch was Manchester City v. Aston Villa, a game I predicted would end in a draw. Manchester City definitely came out with more purpose with good chances by Stephen Ireland, who has had a great season, Felipe Caicedo, who is a bull of a man, and Shaun Wright-Phillips all going begging. They should have been up more but Elano converted a definite penalty after Wright-Phillips was taken down. It could have been closer to the draw I predicted after the break if Villa had taken their chances but like many of City's they went by the wayside. Good goalkeeping by Bran Friedel kept Villa in the game before Wright-Phillips made sure of maximum points for the home team late on. 2-0 to Manchester City.
Having picked these games kind of made it more interesting to follow them throughout the day (when I should have been working), and I'm excited that this makeshift pseudo-journalism will add another dimension to my love for soccer.
A bit of Italian action and my thoughts on my other favorite team's manager are up next.
Midweek Action
It's that time at the end of every EPL season when clubs are playing what seems like match after match after match. I work at both of my jobs on Tuesday so I didn't get to post a few picks or any kind of Liverpool preview like I will in the future. The results today were all pretty predictable. Arsenal beat West Brom 3-1 at The Hawthorns and Chelsea went down south to the seemingly always wet Fratton Park to defeat Portsmouth 1-0.
I didn't get to see the game but from what I read the first half was a bit choppy with Sunderland being denied at least one great chance by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. But all accounts say things settled down and David Ngog's first league goal and another by Yossi Benayoun, both opportunistic chances, sealed the 3 points for the Reds.
Some picks for tomorrow...
Manchester City v. Aston Villa - I honestly find myself rooting for City in this just because I don't want Villa any closer to 3rd place. I'm also not sure how to pick this game. I've seen these two teams quite a bit this season and they're been in some very different types of games. City are missing some key players in Robinho and Bellamy but my gut tells me this one will be close with some back and forth action and maybe an exciting finish.
Aston Villa: 3-2
Newcastle v. Manchester United - My friend and I always talk about how Newcastle should be better because come on, they're Newcastle. I really hope the Magpies stay up and I believe they will. I am not as optimistic about their chances of fending off United but I think they'll play it tough.
Manchester United: 2-0
Stoke City v. Bolton - Stoke are very scrappy, and have been in solid form at home all year but Bolton has played well in recent weeks when I have seen them ans I think they'll eventually outmatch the home squad.
Bolton: 2-1
Wigan Athletic v. West Ham - Two teams in good form sitting at 8th and 7th in the table, separated by 1 point. I'd give Wigan the edge at home but Zola has his men playing the kind of soccer he wants. All square at the JJB.
Draw: 1-1
Blackburn Rovers v. Everton - Everton has had a good season while Blackburn suffered heavily in the offseason with transfers and all year with injuries. My buddy is a big Blackburn fan and I'd like to pick them but I just can't.
Everton: 3-1
Fulham v. Hull City - Hull City can count me among their fans now because of the way they came storming out of the gates this season but they have understandably cooled and now sit only three points from the drop zone. They need to take all the points they should get but unfortunately for them I don't think this is one of those games. The Cottagers have impressed me lately and their defense just did a good job frustrating Arsenal.
Fulham: 2-0
Tottenham v. Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough sit in 18th but they are actually unbeaten in their last 4 matches. Tottenham on the other hand just lost the League Cup Final and were ousted from the UEFA Cup to continue a season to forget. Middlesbrough will want to ride the energy after defeating mighty Liverpool but I think Tottenham has at least enough to match them at home.
Draw: 2-2
We'll see how I did tomorrow!
I didn't get to see the game but from what I read the first half was a bit choppy with Sunderland being denied at least one great chance by Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina. But all accounts say things settled down and David Ngog's first league goal and another by Yossi Benayoun, both opportunistic chances, sealed the 3 points for the Reds.
Some picks for tomorrow...
Manchester City v. Aston Villa - I honestly find myself rooting for City in this just because I don't want Villa any closer to 3rd place. I'm also not sure how to pick this game. I've seen these two teams quite a bit this season and they're been in some very different types of games. City are missing some key players in Robinho and Bellamy but my gut tells me this one will be close with some back and forth action and maybe an exciting finish.
Aston Villa: 3-2
Newcastle v. Manchester United - My friend and I always talk about how Newcastle should be better because come on, they're Newcastle. I really hope the Magpies stay up and I believe they will. I am not as optimistic about their chances of fending off United but I think they'll play it tough.
Manchester United: 2-0
Stoke City v. Bolton - Stoke are very scrappy, and have been in solid form at home all year but Bolton has played well in recent weeks when I have seen them ans I think they'll eventually outmatch the home squad.
Bolton: 2-1
Wigan Athletic v. West Ham - Two teams in good form sitting at 8th and 7th in the table, separated by 1 point. I'd give Wigan the edge at home but Zola has his men playing the kind of soccer he wants. All square at the JJB.
Draw: 1-1
Blackburn Rovers v. Everton - Everton has had a good season while Blackburn suffered heavily in the offseason with transfers and all year with injuries. My buddy is a big Blackburn fan and I'd like to pick them but I just can't.
Everton: 3-1
Fulham v. Hull City - Hull City can count me among their fans now because of the way they came storming out of the gates this season but they have understandably cooled and now sit only three points from the drop zone. They need to take all the points they should get but unfortunately for them I don't think this is one of those games. The Cottagers have impressed me lately and their defense just did a good job frustrating Arsenal.
Fulham: 2-0
Tottenham v. Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough sit in 18th but they are actually unbeaten in their last 4 matches. Tottenham on the other hand just lost the League Cup Final and were ousted from the UEFA Cup to continue a season to forget. Middlesbrough will want to ride the energy after defeating mighty Liverpool but I think Tottenham has at least enough to match them at home.
Draw: 2-2
We'll see how I did tomorrow!
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