England V Estonia

It is a bit of an irrelevant match as England have qualified. But with some key player injuries it is a chance for Roy to play with the team. The manager said of the match”We are not in an experimental mode, we think we’ve done enough experimenting,” “We think we do know what we want to do, we think we know the players who are capable of helping us to do what we want to do.” So this could be either a disaster or it could be a very good game. A win in either of their final two qualification games will also guarantee England a place among the top seeds for December’s Euro 2016 draw,

The teams line up as this

England: Hart, Clyne, Smalling, Cahill, Bertrand, Lallana, Milner, Barkley, Walcott, Kane, Sterling.

Subs: Walker, Butland, Jones, Chamberlain, Jagielka, Townsend, Shelvey, Vardy, Alli, Gibbs, Heaton.

Estonia: Aksalu, Teniste, Jaager, Klavan, Pikk, Kallaste, Dmitrijev, Mets, Zenjov, Purje, Vassiljev.

Subs: Meerits, Londak, Barengrub, Jurgenson, Baranov, Lindpere, Puri, Antonov, Kams, Gussev, Teever, Luts.

With a youthful side that has a lot fast paced movement it certainly will be a frantic game from England. This is exciting to see as it could give England, if it works, a new tactic for those stronger teams in the final. Or even for the situation where they need some goals.

Estonia have plenty to play for too, as they can still leapfrog Slovenia into third place. Slovenia are two-points ahead over Estonia in Group E. Estonia could conceivably take second place in the group, by beating England tonight, hoping other results go in their favour and then putting the hurt on the Swiss in Tallinn on Sunday night.

This should be a good game all in all, hopefully a few goals and another clean sheet.

Anyway till next time… Hopefully after an England win

Saturday football

The football is on once again and this season so far has been a very hard one to predict, but I will have another attempt at it

Tottenham V Manchester City V

Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will return after being rested for the League Cup defeat against Arsenal. Mason should be available again after a knee injury but Bentaleb remains on the sidelines. City boss is awaiting news of how many of the eight players that missed the midweek win over Sunderland will be fit again. Captain Vincent Kompany and key midfielder David Silva could return. City have gotten off to a flyer they were unfortunate to lose against West Ham who seem to have a knack of winning away against the bigger sides. But they wont be disheartened as they had a great performance against Sunderland in the Capital One Cup. Tottenham have been on a good run but the lost against the London rivals will make this hard match. There have also been 27 goals in total in the last 8 meetings of this fixture, most of them for City. City will certainly be up for this and it will take a good performance from Tottenham to win but also maybe Kane to get his first goal.

Leicester City V Arsenal

Leicester’s on-loan winger Nathan Dyer will miss the visit of Arsenal, as he remains troubled by a knee injury. Matty James is still absent, but Claudio Ranieri has otherwise reported a clean bill of health. Arsenal are awaiting the outcome of Gabriel’s appeal against an FA charge of improper conduct. Santi Cazorla returns after a one-match suspension but defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin is sidelined by a minor knee injury. Leicester are the only top-flight team to remain unbeaten this season, they keep coming back no matter what. They are a pacey side and will rely on a good counter to win games. Arsenal will want this win after the loss to Chelsea otherwise the fight for the title could well and truly be done. They may ploy the tact of sitting back and using a stronger counter. It will certainly be an interesting encounter.

Liverpool V Aston Villa

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed he will be without the injured trio of Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Dejan Lovren. They join Jon Flanagan and Jordan Henderson on the sidelines. Aston Villa midfielder Idrissa Gana is back in full training after a hamstring problem and is in contention to play. Adama Traore could return from an ankle complaint but Gabby Agbonlahor is a major doubt after suffering a calf injury against Birmingham City. Liverpool have been poor recently after such a semi decent looking start. They don’t have a clear message of what they are doing really they are stuck in the middle of ideas and this has been the downfall. Rodgers is on a knife-edge and another slip up surely it will be the end of him. Villa are on a good run against Liverpool having won the last eight meetings. Surely this will be in the back of both sides’ minds and it could be the catalyst for both sides’ seasons.

Manchester United V Sunderland

Manchester United have a problem at left-back, with Marcus Rojo sidelined by a hamstring injury and Luke Shaw a long-term absentee. Paddy McNair is also injured so winger Ashley Young could deputise, as he did in the midweek League Cup tie. Sunderland pair Defoe and Rodwell are doubts due to respective hamstring and ankle injuries. Kaboul is available again after being suspended for the midweek defeat by Manchester City. United are on the rise they aren’t playing brilliant football in the united way but they are winning matches. New boy Martial has been a revelation and shown his worth he is scouring with composure and skill. If he scores he will be the first player for united to score in the first free premier league of his career. Sunderland are in the opposite direction of United they have lost badly in a lot of games and the league cup game against City wont do the confidence of the squad any good. With two points from all their games they look in massive trouble, win it could be a revelation. But this is unlikely Sunderland have won just two of the 28 Premier League meetings, and United are 7 in 9 currently.

Southampton V Swansea City

Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand could make his first start of the season, having returned from a knee injury as a substitute in midweek. Graziano Pelle is expected to overcome a foot injury but the game comes too soon for Jordy Clasie. Swansea has no new injury concerns and are likely to be unchanged from last weekend’s game against Everton. That means Jack Cork is set to face his old club for the first time since he left for the Swans in January.   Southampton looked good against United and where just a bit unlucky to get the point, they did try to fight back even though their heads dropped. Swansea once again look good, they have won important matches and been very consistent. They have won the last three meetings between these clubs, so they will be full of confidence when the visit the Saints. It looks unlikely to be exciting given that there has only been one goal in the last 3 meetings.

Stoke City V Bournemouth

Stoke striker Mame Diouf may again be absent with the hamstring injury that ruled him out of last weekend’s draw against Leicester. Ibrahim Afellay and Charlie Adam are available after serving suspensions. Bournemouth will restore a host of first-team players who were rested for their midweek League Cup tie at Preston. He remains without Tommy Elphick and Harry Arter, plus injured summer signings Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel. Stoke will be hurt after losing the match to Leicester after leading by 2 goals. They will want to bounce back this weekend and hopefully give the fan the first win of the season. Bournemouth are doing very well, they have shown good character as the newly promoted side. With the Cherries winning only winning five of their 22 matches against the Potters and just one of those victories has come away at Stoke, the last meeting end 3 nil in favour of the home side. But that the past and in current form Stoke should expect a tough match for sure.

West Ham V Norwich

West Ham striker Andy Carroll played 63 minutes in the League Cup on Tuesday but is unlikely to make his first league start since January. Angelo Ogbonna is a major injury doubt but there could be first starts for deadline day signings Nikica Jelavic and Michail Antonio. Norwich midfielder Alex Tettey is available after a ban, but on-loan winger Matt Jarvis is ineligible to face his parent club. Gary Hooper misses out again with an ankle injury. Yet to turn it on at home the Hammers will be searching victory and this may be the opponent to do that. But they will need to be creative with threats given that Norwich are likely to sit back. They are a good side strong defensively and will put pressure on the side it may be an interesting match this and could be won with a single goal. But with the home side winning 8 out of 9 they have the advantage.

Newcastle V Chelsea

Newcastle are boosted by the return of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic following his three-match suspension. However Papiss Cisse, Cheick Tiote and Steven Taylor are all out, while Jack Colback and Rolando Aarons are doubts. Banned Chelsea striker Diego Costa misses his first league game since being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association. Manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Willian, Oscar and Pedro are all available after injuries. Newcastle are a very poor side this season. They look almost certain for relegation, and possible the first casualty of management in the top flight. Newcastle need to win this match and facing Chelsea maybe a positive as no one expects them to win. Chelsea seem to have gotten into gear recently the win against Arsenal and in the Champions league showed some positives and then in mid-week for the Cup. This would be another key win before the international break. Newcastle have won their last three home matches against Chelsea. If Newcastle win this match it will truly shows the twist and turns of the premier league.

Till next time…

England V Switzerland

This is an insignificant International qualifier as  in England have already qualified and already booked the Hotel. But it significance plays to the fact Wayne Rooney can become record goalscorer for England with 50 international goals. With Carrick injured there is a chance that Shelvey will get another chance to impress against a much tough opposition. But Delph, who played well in the game, Mason, and Milner, who is capable of playing also and could help Roy find even more options.

England beat Switzerland 2-0 in Zurich last September thanks to Danny Welbeck’s brace. But they have got a lot better since that game, and according to the captain team spirit is  a lot higher.They are currently second in Group E ahead of Estonia and need four points from their final three games to qualify.

Team Line 

England; Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Smalling, Shaw, Delph, Shelvey, Milner, Sterling, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Rooney.
Subs: Gibbs, Butland, Walcott, Stones, Jagielka, Vardy, Kane, Mason, Barkley, Heaton.

Switzerland: Sommer, Lichtsteiner, Klose, Rodriguez, Schar, Inler, Xhaka, Behrami, Stocker, Drmic, Shaqiri.
Subs: Burki, Hitz, Widmer, von Bergen, Moubandje, Lustenberger, Kasami, Fernandes, Inler, Stocker, Embolo.

First Half Nil – Nil

Immediately the game slowed and turned bad for England when Delph was taken off the pitch with a  reoccurrence of his ham string injury. England were somewhat second bested throughout. They wanted to play the game with the ball to feet and hadn’t really got much of a defensive plan. Shelvey struggled with that defensive midfield role as he want given as much time on the ball as on Saturday. A few chance were created for the side but nothing really stuck. The two best were for Rooney one in which he miss timed his jump and the other he was forced away from the ball. The stand out performer has been Milner who has shown his workman ability in the half getting up and down the pitch and he even managed to get a shot on target but ti wasn’t a clinical enough finish. Sterling really needed to start crossing the ball earlier instead of running into the box doing some step overs and losing it. Switzerland have shown a lot of class really they had a game plan which was to close England off and they have done that and that’s why its Nil Nil. They have also had some good chance with a flicked ball which has allowed a runner to get of the two centre backs.

Second half/ Full Time  2- Nil

England did get a bit better in the second half, they came out and played with a  bit more composure. The change of Shelvey for Kane made the biggest difference as it allowed Rooney to drop back and let Milner be the controlling player. This did allow England to pick up the and play more quick. Then the dead lock was broken by Kane who slotted home a good low fizzer into the bottom corner. But then the biggest talking point of the math occurred Rooney got his 50th, from a well struck penalty. The last two goals have come form the penalty spot but it still a massive achievement. It was poor game but one moment has picked it up and that is thanks to Wayne Rooney’s record-breaking moment. This was a dull game however and it showed the lack of something that England has. They don’t have that player that will do something excellent. The introduction of Kane was good for the side as he is a better type of striker who can pull the defenders and create extra space and maybe that might be the formation that Roy prefers going into the tournament with Rooney playing behind the main striker.

But for tonight its about Rooney and his impressive goal tally.. 300 Goals for Club and Country and 50 for England more importantly

Till next time…

San Marino V England- Match Report

This is much a training match as described by the manager and the press  and most of the fans. San Marino aren’t a great team and have lost a fair few times. England have won all 5 of their previous meetings with San Marino, netting 31 goals in the process (6-0, 7-1, 5-0, 8-0, 5-0) So this should hopefully be a goal fest for the sides.

The Line Ups

San Marino: Aldo Simoncini, Bonini, Brolli, Davide Simoncini, Palazzi, Berardi, Hirsch, Battistini, Chiaruzzi, Matteo Vitaioli, Selva.

Substitutes: Benedettini, Berretti, Alessandro Della Valle, Alex Della Valle, Golinucci, Mazza, Rinaldi, Stefanelli, Tosi, Valentini, Fabio Vitaioli, Muraccini.

England: Hart, Clyne, Stones, Jagielka, Shaw, Shelvey, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Barkley, Vardy, Rooney.

Substitutes:  Butland, Smalling, Walcott, Cahill, Carrick, Delph, Kane, Mason, Sterling, Gibbs, Heaton.

England sides are defiantly an experimental side as the starting eleven aren’t a very good-looking side.  And it is unlikely to be the starting eleven for the actual tournament.

First Half  Nil – 2 

The first thing that is heavy noticeable is the pitch isn’t great, You can see it is very patchy. And as reported they were watering it very heavily and, the ball is bobbling badly. Saying that, it shouldn’t stand in England’s way as they will be much more skilled and will be able to control the ball well. It started off very central for England but they held the ball well and where just testing the defence.  A free kick on the edge of the box was wiped in by Milner which then created a penalty for Rooney to slot home and get his goalscoring record for England. It was a bit of a confusing penalty couldn’t see much in it but in the replay it look as thought there was a bit of shirt pulling. England just kept pressing after that and changed and altered play which caused a lot of issues for San Marino.  A good cross into the box then was knocked into the net by one of their own, Cristian Brolli, which just highlights how bad of a side they are, they just can’t deal with any of the crosses that England are using.  It been a decent half for England the team have done well in respects of it being a professional match. But they have missed some good opportunities to get a goal from a decent cross or good pass. For me Shelvey has shown his worth and been the best player on the pitch defending well and get the ball back up the pitch into an attacking position.

Half Time/ Full Time  Nil – 6

It was a very quick start for England. Chamberlin got the ball down the wing and whipped a cross in which was then headed down by Barkley. It was as though they weren’t there to be honest.  England then started to turn the screw more and more having shots at the goal but nothing really then stuck.  Delph and Kane were then subbed on to give them a bit of a run really.  Walcott was then also brought on who had an immediate impact  who replaced Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, when he tapped home an easy cross from Delph at close range.  Joe Hart, who has had very little to do, did give a bit of a scare when a small lack of concentration caused him to carelessly spilling the ball at the feet of a San Marino player before diving on top of it. As san Marino started to tired the opportunities got more and more for England. Shelvey, who has been very good, threaded a ball through the home defence but Kane with a bit of work to do waited for the keeper  to come off his line and go down before lobbing it into the net. Ross Barkley then slips the ball through to Walcott, who slides a finish beyond the San Marino keeper from 10 yards. Putting him on a Hat-trick after coming off the bench 10 minutes earlier. Walcott should  have been going home with the match ball. John Stones played a delightful ball into the path of the substitute but his finish is narrowly wide. Walcott showed his prowess as a winger and really makes you question his want for being played down the middle. The other player that did very well tonight was Shelvey who controlled passed and played with high confidence.

It was a good performance form England they didn’t embarrass themselves and were able to come home from the match safely qualified for the Euros and go to Wembley in hunt of glory rather than crucial points.   So it switzerland now and a chance for players to get themselves in the managers mind for the Tournament.

Till next time…

San Marino V England

A crucial qualifying match win this and England go to France 2016. Loose and we look like a bunch of idiots and once again England will be questioned on the teams quality and skill. As well as big questions will be place on the manager Roy Hodgson.

Englands team is really a team of the usual suspect but with confirmation that John Stones, Jonjo Shelvey & Jamie Vardy to start for England against San Marino tomorrow. So it looks like a team that may have an edge of experimentation and a test to see who could be picked as the Euros squad. Which will be good for the squad looking forward to potential injuries or massive dips in form.

Really the big question will be if Kane or Rooney will be able to show a bit of something in front of the net. They advent done it as of yet in league although Rooney getting a hat-trick to make sure his club side qualify for the highly important Champions league. They’re expected to score given the Three Lions 5-0 record and 31 goals scored and only one conceded against the Sammarinese. But the side aren’t strong and it maybe an opportunity for the pair of them to get some goal mouth confidence. 

Vardy may get a main position of strike considering his fine form in the league at present, but he is more likely to get a supporting role than anything. As he isn’t as big of a name as Kane and Rooney when it comes to scoring for England and club.  The other Player is Shelvey who has had a bit of a turn around recently. He has gelled very well into Monks Swansea and also seems to have matured as a player. Possibly taking the game a bit more seriously, after hiring both a personal trainer and a live in chef.  He is also one of those players that can do it all such as being defensive and creating a chance but also he is one those payers not afraid to take a pot shot at the goal when nothing is happening. 

This is a game that should be a simple win, but with Scotland losing to Georgia anything can help in an international fortnight. Switzerland next week won’t be a pushover and moving towards next summer’s finals, Hodgson needs to start working on a definitive side, with partnerships being harnessed in the build up.

Anyway till next…

England Team- September International break

So the Transfer window is closed and the premier league is back into somewhat of a swing. And all the English players have grouped together to play international matches and qualify for the Euros.  The team has been announced, with some surprising inclusion and some welcome additions.

The usual suspects have been included such as the out form captain Rooney and Kane who have yet to make any impact on the premier league. The inclusion of Walcott is somewhat unsurprising and surprising . He has been good in form for England scoring and making a difference when played. But has yet too much as of yet and also missed some really key opportunities at the weekend.

The interesting inclusion of Delph is another one that seems to be on caps rather than form as he has recently been out with injury after his big move to City and has really had any minutes. If you compare this to someone like Sterling who as actually have been in good form his inclusion becomes even more confusion. Once again the question become is form an actual factor for call up or is it more the just have caps.

One inclusion that is exciting and well deserved is Jon Jo Shelvey who has been on terrific form for Swansea and has been a key member of that side. He also offer as a player a strong midfield presence who can ping the ball forward when needed. Which will be good for playing the midfield diamond where he can play at the bottom and also act as defensive cover. The only issue with him however is that he has a habit of being a bit reckless and committing fouls and picking up cards which in a torment could cause problems.

But anyway these  international are likely to be very boring that don’t offer much and also risk a lot of players being injured and causing  problems at club level.

Anyway till next time….

Sunday Foot and Kick

It’s the last Sunday of Football before the international break and there are only two matches on offer after a very interesting Saturday

Southampton V Norwich City

Southampton pair Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane are likely to recover in time from a stomach infection and hip injury respectively. Fraser Forster and Ryan Bertrand remain out with knee injuries, while Jordie Clasie has a hamstring problem.Norwich will be without Lewis Grabban, who has been suspended by the club after walking out prior to the midweek League Cup win over Rotherham. Martin Olsson, Youssouf Mulumbu and Kyle Lafferty remain injured.  Southampton don’t look brilliant at present they crashed out of the Europa league this week and have struggled against sides that they could have beaten. They need players to start going and also need their strikers to start scoring goals also.Norwich travel to St Mary’s boasting an unbeaten record in the league away from home in 2015. They have also shown themselves to be a mid table side in the premier league playing well and being solid in defence.  Even with their away record this will be tough as Southampton have lost just one of their last nine meetings with Norwich City in all competitions. This may be the game that gets them going and doing better in the league.

Swansea City V Manchester United

Ki Sung-yeung could come back into the Swansea starting line-up, having proved his fitness with 81 minutes of League Cup action in midweek.That is likely to be Garry Monk’s only selection quandary, with no other injury concerns in the squad.Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini is available having served his three-match league suspension.Marcos Rojo may come back into the squad but Phil Jones will miss out again with mild thrombosis. Swansea started were they left off last season winning games and playing good football. The squad looks good and the signings they have made have fit the Swansea bill. United will need to be wary of Gomis, who has been enjoying a burst of goals since the end of last season when asked to step into the void left by the departure of Wilfried Bony. United are a bit boring and playing in a  clinical manner which isn’t something associated with great Man United sides. But they still have won games and the win in mid-week was emphatic. Rooney has scored the most goals in united side after his hat trick and he will be hoping that his drought has ended in the premier league also. Swansea City won both Premier League meetings last season. They were the only team to do the league double against United in 2014-15. I’m not so sure this will happen again but Swansea has nothing to fear coming into this match.

Anyway till next time…

Community Shield Chelsea V Arsenal Match Report

So it the game I’ve already preview the game here.

The teams line up as

Arsenal XI : Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Walcott. Subs . Martinez, Debuchy, Gibbs, Gabriel, Arteta, Iwobi, Giroud.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Ramires, Willian, Hazard; Remy.Subs. Begovic, Zouma, Mikel, Oscar, Cuadrado, Moses, Falcao.

Missing for the sides is lexis Sanchez misses out because of his Copa America involvement. And Wilshire who is missing through injury. The only player to be missing for Chelsea is Costa.

(as always report done during the game)

First Half Nil- 1

The game started off very equal for both sides, playing the ball into the final third and then getting stopped by the deference. A notable moment in which a penalty appeal could have been made against  Mertesacker on Fabregas, but there was nothing given as it was seen to be more of a clash of bodies in the replay.  The breakthrough came from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (which was Arsenal’s first goal against Chelsea since 2007) when he is picked out by Theo Walcott just inside the area, he opens up space for himself before curling the ball into the far corner. A great finish to get it passed the keeper and giving him no chance of saving it.  This certainly showed confidence from the young player but also shows what he might be able to do this season. Some good chance from Ramires who amended to first flick the ball round Koscielny, but it went wide at the post. Then he was able to get high in the air and head it at goal but it went over.  Arsenal did look to be a bit slower coming to the end off the first half as Chelsea got a bit more confident.

The second half needs more of the same intensity from Arsenal and the hope of getting another goal and keeping a clean sheet. Whilst Chelsea need to be slightly faster with the passing and maybe change the striker form Remy to Falcao who may offer a bit more for them.

Second Half/ Full Time Nil – 1

Slow start again from both sides it obvious that they are not all 100% as of yet. Chelsea looked a bit more direct with the introduction of Falcao. But they were are almost caught out when Mesut Özil is left alone in plenty of space. As Francis Coquelin spoted his run and tries to drive a low pass to Ozil but hits it with too much pace on it, but good vision from Özil to see an opening. Hazard had a golden chance to score when Cesc Fabregas’ pass puts him through on goal but he skews his shot high and wide, with pressure coming of Koscielny. First booking of the game came as Cesar Azpilicueta couldn’t keep up with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and opts to pull the Arsenal man back.  Then a second booking of the game for Coquelin  who accumulated to many talking to from referee Taylor. Ivanovic then races back on side after getting in Cechs’ face but Oscar floats the ball over the wall and Cech does well to punch away.

The substation of Walcott for Giroud somewhat started working instantly as he was able to create two really good chance one of which went wide over and the other was just too tight of angle.  Chelsea didn’t seem to have much to offer in the final stages getting closed down quickly by a more defensively strong Arsenal who brought on Gibbs and Arteta as a statement of intent. Chelsea tried to be more attacking bring on Zuma and Oscar and Moses. A missed opportunity came for Cazorla who tried to be cute and dink the ball but the deflection landed to Ramsey and his shot too a huge deflection.   The game started to get a bit scrappy at the end with a constant barrage of fouls in the middle of the park. Some of the Chelsea players looking a bit frustrated from the lack of opportunities.

Full time thoughts 

So the score ended one nil for Arsenal. It was a great performance from Arsenal some brilliant performance from the team. Cech was great in-goal stopping some really important goal opportunities for Chelsea. This is also massively important for Arsenal because it means that they have beaten a team that has held something over them in the past. I can’t wait for Wilshire and Sanchez to return as this will make the team really strong. Also the possibility of signing a new striker in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

Anyway till next time…

England Squad

So the English leagues are nearly done and now we look towards the summer and international friendlies and qualifiers for next years Euros. Today the team has been announced

The team goes as

Roy Hodgson has three new names in his 24-man squad for June games in Ireland and Slovenia http://t.co/xLbiZncPhE pic.twitter.com/W3GZ3U3jVv

— England (@England) May 21, 2015

This looks to be a good squad, it a great time for Roy to ones again tinker and experiment and look at non traditional options from the big 5 in the english premier league.

One player that has caused a lot of controversy is the inclusion of Leicester forward Jamie Vardy. He has only scored four Premier League goals this season, which is made a lot of people angry.  But if you look at the stats for him and his wing play you would be mad not to pick him. Vardy has also finish the season strongly, helping Leicester to secure Premier League survival with three goals in his past nine matches and a series of impressive performances. He  also has nearly the same number of assists as Hazard but also for his pace on that wing he gives the England set up something completely different.  Speaking about the section the boss said “There’s no doubt that players who have that pace and that desire to run in behind players are always interesting for coaches”.

Then you have the well done selection of Charlie Austin who has been fantastic this season and shown himself to the a top premier league striker. Yes he has got as many goals as Kane, but if you look at the team he is in, in comparison to Kane you could see why. He has scored 17 goals this season and also offers a forceful and big target, but also with skill and ball control to match. One of the best part of the game is that what he lacks in pace he makes up with vision and the ability to find space. This will be interesting to see in the international stage and maybe offer something that could be utilised against the bigger sides such as Italy or France in the euros.

The notable absences are that of Leighton Banes, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlin and Ryan Mason through injury. As well as Ashely Young and Luke shaw who are both apparently not 100% fit enough to warrant a position in the squad this time.  As well as Kane who has chosen to play for the under 21s in the Finals this summer. Which in all respects is a very wise decision coming into play for next years Seniors campaign.

Speaking in his conference “In particular I’m very pleased to welcome three people who haven’t been with us before but who get the chance, to some extent because of the Under-21s, because quite often we’ve used some of those players in our squad and it’s given them the opportunity.

This is defiantly an interesting side which may give yet more option for a manager who looks to be looking at the future as well as casting the net further based on form rather than just on club and the fact the have already got some caps.

Saturday Football- The penultimate week

One week to go and then the season is over, 😦 But it is slightly interesting there is a battle for third, second and fourth spot. The challenge for who doesn’t get Europa spot or who does want to. The other interesting factor of the week this could be the decider of who gets relegated next week.

Southampton V Aston Villa

Southampton are sort of stumbling over the finishing line they played so well over the begging of the season. The last four matches have yielded a single point, with Ronald Koeman’s side losing three away from home. In comparison Aston Villa started off really poorly but with the influence of Tim Sherwood, they have turned it around. They have won consecutive game also Christian Benteke scoring 10 goals in his last nine league appearances. Southampton have only beaten Villa once in six meetings at St Mary’s Stadium: a 4-1 success in September 2012. I don’t think they have much chance to win again as the form has dropped slightly and Villa look like they are up for a good fight and a win for them would guarantee safety and set them up for the FA cup.

Villa Win

Burnley V Stoke

Last week was a good week for one side, but not the other side. Burnley were finally relegated after playing slightly well this campaign this will be the last chance to see their team at home in the Premier League before an immediate return to the Championship, but it will be a totally different atmosphere. The reason for the relegation is  goalscoring  they have failed to score in 17 league matches and when they did win it was only due to them winning by a single gaol margin.  Stoke did very well this season under Mark Hughes they are on target to get the highest they need one more point to better last season’s tally of 50, a club record in the Premier League. Burnley will certainly put up a good fight but I think Stoke should pip them to the points, with the possibility of a goal for Peter Crouch who has yet to score against Burnley. 

Stoke Win 

Queens Park Ranger V Newcastle United

This we be slightly interesting to team that are in complete melt down. QPR have finally been put out of the misery of will the won’t they after an embracing performance against Man City really just showed the season they have had. A few bad eggs have been blamed by some for the downfall, but I would put it down to bad performances and not the right set of tactics home and away at the beginning of the season. Newcastle has been just as bad really, the leaving of Pardew from an outside prospective would announce the decline. But the rot had already set in before he left, they don’t have the right players for the squad, they don’t seem to be able to get the basics right and won’t be likely to recruit anyone to improve next year.  The idea of them trend water seemed odd at the time but it looks as though this hasn’t worked and the are in a big risk of being relegated. They have to win this match to keep up the fight and stop regulation, one positive is that they have won their last four games against QPR – all by a single-goal margin, so if  this fact sticks this may be the lifeline they need.

Newcastle Win

Sunderland V Leicester

Last year it was ‘Gus’s Great Escape’ that saw Sunderland to safety, but the Leicester City story this time is arguably even more impressive. Sunderland are in the same situation as last year but like there Tyne Wear neighbours they to are in a bit of relegation scrap separated by 2 points but they have a mod week game against Arsenal also.  Both teams are coming off the back of consecutive wins. But what might separate the sides is the fact that Sunderland are undefeated in the last 10 matches. But this is unlikely to play on Leicester mind because I suspect they will put up a good fight. Which for me may nick it  as the could do something with a speedy attack.

Leicester Win 

Tottenham Hotspur V Hull City

Tottenham have been in poor form as recent times they have gone off the boil as it were. But this may be due to the large amount of games and the disappointment of not winning the cup one could understand the decline. But this is also working in their favour as a season not in the Europa cup may do what it did for Liverpool and allow them to focus on  a top 4 finish next season.  Hull have gone back a step this year after playing int he FA cup final and staying up this time last year, they are in the drop zone. They won go down this week but with out three points from this match will be a massive help. Hull are without a victory in six Premier League games against Tottenham since winning their first top-flight meeting, at White Hart Lane, in October 2008. But this could change with the form that Tottenham are in and the fact the goals have dried up a bit for Kane, if Hull can maintain a good defence and get some good chine they could help maintain Premier League football for next year.

Hull Win 

West Ham V Everton

The hammers have been struggling for form ever since the begging of the year. In January they were contending for a champions league spot as well-looking a dead on favourite to get a Europa spot. In their first 18 matches of the season they picked up 31 points. In the subsequent 18 games they have collected just 16 points. They have slipped down the able very quickly due to bad performances and injury problems up front.   Everton have been similar they did however manage to turn it around recently but with back to back defeat conceding goals, it looks like he troubles are back. But the more interesting factor of this match is who can avoid the least yellow cards, this being due to the fact that England has been given an extra Europa spot for FairPlay and both side are at the top of the list to get it. So the game may not be about goals it maybe about not get silly yellows and reds so they can still qualify for Europa cup next season. But on form anyway Everton will want revenge they won the reverse 2-1 but the FA cup so the side knocked out on a dramatic penalty shoot that ended 8-9 to West Ham.  But something say that this maybe a null game which not much happens.

Draw

Liverpool V Crystal Palace

SO this is it the build up has been on going but this is the last Anfield match for Stevie G. It will be emotional and heated one could imagine. For Palace there isn’t much to play for other than pride and the chance to rifle up the table to get more money, the main task for Pardew is complete keep them up for another season.  After winning four successive Premier League games, Palace have now lost four in a row.  They will be wanting to put up a fight one could imagine to end an odd season on a high to set up the next. For Liverpool they have been very poor winning their last seven Premier League games, scoring just seven goals. Their two victories came against Newcastle and QPR. They did well though to draw against Chelsea and it was from the man of the moment Stevie G. This match is set up to be his moment again possible scoring a spectacular goal, but one would imagine that Crystal palace will be aware of this.Although Crystal Palace have not won a league game at Anfield for 24 years since a 2-1 victory in November 1991, when Marco Gabbiadini and Geoff Thomas netted for the Eagles. They have recently had a good run against Liverpool losing only one of the match out of four. It will be as I said a charged game but you can Liverpool winning it just for the atmosphere alone.

Liverpool Win