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World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
- Thread starter BoomGoestheDynamite
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Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
And another member of the "Big Four" comes to Villa Park on Tuesday. Granted, it's Liverpool, so it's hard to tell if that's good or bad, but they're going to want revenge.
And another member of the "Big Four" comes to Villa Park on Tuesday. Granted, it's Liverpool, so it's hard to tell if that's good or bad, but they're going to want revenge.
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
JF... that was always going to be a tough game for Villa. Arsenal rarely loses at Emirates. Actually, even with that loss today, Villa has a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 2 draws at Emirates. That is a very admirable record in that stadium for any opposing side.
The three goals by Arsenal today were all top-tier quality. You could not fault Brad Friedel on any one of the three. If you are going to fault anyone, it would probably be the Villa midfielders, they gave Fabregas (once he entered the game at around 60 minutes) wayyyyy too much space to operate and when he and Arshavin work their magic, you had better get guys in their faces or it will be a long day. Turns out ... it was a long day.
JF... that was always going to be a tough game for Villa. Arsenal rarely loses at Emirates. Actually, even with that loss today, Villa has a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 2 draws at Emirates. That is a very admirable record in that stadium for any opposing side.
The three goals by Arsenal today were all top-tier quality. You could not fault Brad Friedel on any one of the three. If you are going to fault anyone, it would probably be the Villa midfielders, they gave Fabregas (once he entered the game at around 60 minutes) wayyyyy too much space to operate and when he and Arshavin work their magic, you had better get guys in their faces or it will be a long day. Turns out ... it was a long day.
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
This is going to be a pretty big game for both teams. If Villa win convincingly, O'Neill's team writes off the Arsenal loss and continues on their trek for potential CL play next yr; if Liverpool win, they buy Rafa some much needed time and a few breaths of oxygen.
If Liverpool loses, that collar tightens that much more for Rafa heading into the FA Cup on the weekend. Another Villa loss, and much of the good work that was done over the first half of the season is tempered and confidence clearly takes a hit.
This is going to be a pretty big game for both teams. If Villa win convincingly, O'Neill's team writes off the Arsenal loss and continues on their trek for potential CL play next yr; if Liverpool win, they buy Rafa some much needed time and a few breaths of oxygen.
If Liverpool loses, that collar tightens that much more for Rafa heading into the FA Cup on the weekend. Another Villa loss, and much of the good work that was done over the first half of the season is tempered and confidence clearly takes a hit.
P
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jmh
win or lose, we booze
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
Does anyone have a good explanation for why the Premier League schedules everyone (or almost everyone) for two games this weekend rather than finding a way to spread it out a little better? (Not that I find it at all annoying that this makes four years in a row that Fulham have had to play Chelsea on short rest, oh no, not at all.)
Does anyone have a good explanation for why the Premier League schedules everyone (or almost everyone) for two games this weekend rather than finding a way to spread it out a little better? (Not that I find it at all annoying that this makes four years in a row that Fulham have had to play Chelsea on short rest, oh no, not at all.)
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
Boxing Day (Dec. 26) is a traditional holiday in which there is always a full slate (New Year's Day is also one of these). The problem is that Boxing Day was a Saturday, so they had to add a midweek round to compensate, especially since those New Year's Day games conflict with the third round of the FA Cup Jan. 2.
Boxing Day (Dec. 26) is a traditional holiday in which there is always a full slate (New Year's Day is also one of these). The problem is that Boxing Day was a Saturday, so they had to add a midweek round to compensate, especially since those New Year's Day games conflict with the third round of the FA Cup Jan. 2.
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
I know your question was tongue in cheek, but it is a fair question. As the game is at Villa Park and Villa is doing much better this year than Liverpool, I would say Liverpool would probably be pretty happy with that, actually. TBA might say differently, but I doubt it.
What happens if it's a draw?
I know your question was tongue in cheek, but it is a fair question. As the game is at Villa Park and Villa is doing much better this year than Liverpool, I would say Liverpool would probably be pretty happy with that, actually. TBA might say differently, but I doubt it.
jmh
win or lose, we booze
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
I guess that's true. I'd be inclined to guess that clubs would rather have them spread out a little more evenly, but if they felt that way then you'd figure that the games would be scheduled that way to reflect club preferences, and since they aren't...
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
That wasn't what I was hoping for.
Agreed that the Liverpool game is now all that much bigger.
For a side that won at Old Trafford for the first time in 23 years I can forgive an off game at Emirates.
Given the lack of parity, in the early part of the season it really is necessary to measure the 5-12 teams by who they have played, and where...there is a lot of movement in the table once the schedules start to even out.
That wasn't what I was hoping for.
Agreed that the Liverpool game is now all that much bigger.
For a side that won at Old Trafford for the first time in 23 years I can forgive an off game at Emirates.
Given the lack of parity, in the early part of the season it really is necessary to measure the 5-12 teams by who they have played, and where...there is a lot of movement in the table once the schedules start to even out.
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
Pretty much by now everyone has played everyone once. You pretty much know what you have. But (and it is a big BUT) the January transfer window opens in a few days. Not a ton usually happens, but you never know. Last yr Arsenal got Arshavin on the last day of the window. A big signing or two amongst the teams in that 5-12 range.. or even in the top 4-5 could clearly change things.
Pretty much by now everyone has played everyone once. You pretty much know what you have. But (and it is a big BUT) the January transfer window opens in a few days. Not a ton usually happens, but you never know. Last yr Arsenal got Arshavin on the last day of the window. A big signing or two amongst the teams in that 5-12 range.. or even in the top 4-5 could clearly change things.
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
So what does Villa do? Gabby is effective, Heskey and Carew spotty...maybe a quicker player up top to play the last 15? Especially if Heskey leaves. Not sold on the CMF depth so another place to see what the market offers.
MON won't be calling to ask me but I hope they don't bring in a guy past his prime and instead look to grab somebody that could make an impact in the second half and still be playing in 2 years. I saw one rumor about Kenwyne Jones, from Sunderland...25 yo striker, 6'1.5"...10 apps, 5 goals.
They don't have a ton of money to throw around, the early exit in Europa didn't help the coffers any. (although they may be fresher in the long run) I don't think they'll be outbidding the sheiks.
I know they look pretty good right now, Sunday notwithstanding, but they looked pretty good this time last year and just faded. I'll leave the managing to MON, if he doesn't pick anybody up it won't bother me, but I hope they go for speed and youth if they do...the first 11 are capable of top 4, some youth to spell the older guys would be my preference.
So what does Villa do? Gabby is effective, Heskey and Carew spotty...maybe a quicker player up top to play the last 15? Especially if Heskey leaves. Not sold on the CMF depth so another place to see what the market offers.
MON won't be calling to ask me but I hope they don't bring in a guy past his prime and instead look to grab somebody that could make an impact in the second half and still be playing in 2 years. I saw one rumor about Kenwyne Jones, from Sunderland...25 yo striker, 6'1.5"...10 apps, 5 goals.
They don't have a ton of money to throw around, the early exit in Europa didn't help the coffers any. (although they may be fresher in the long run) I don't think they'll be outbidding the sheiks.
I know they look pretty good right now, Sunday notwithstanding, but they looked pretty good this time last year and just faded. I'll leave the managing to MON, if he doesn't pick anybody up it won't bother me, but I hope they go for speed and youth if they do...the first 11 are capable of top 4, some youth to spell the older guys would be my preference.
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Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
Good post... Yeah, this is about the time that Villa starts to fade. I was watching the gamecast at work, so had no video the other day, but saw it was 0-0 for the longest time. The longer it went, the worse I felt for Villa.
Good win for Rafa and Liverpool. They desperately needed a win against a quality side. Should help restore some of Liverpool's eroding confidence. Villa's sure took a jolt this week. FA Cup is going to be big for them this weekend. They need to get back up on the horse and get back at it.
Good comprehensive win for Arsenal today at Fratton Park, 4-1, vs Pompey. No Fabregas today, but hardly even mattered. Boy, Pompey look ripe to go down.
Good post... Yeah, this is about the time that Villa starts to fade. I was watching the gamecast at work, so had no video the other day, but saw it was 0-0 for the longest time. The longer it went, the worse I felt for Villa.
Good win for Rafa and Liverpool. They desperately needed a win against a quality side. Should help restore some of Liverpool's eroding confidence. Villa's sure took a jolt this week. FA Cup is going to be big for them this weekend. They need to get back up on the horse and get back at it.
Good comprehensive win for Arsenal today at Fratton Park, 4-1, vs Pompey. No Fabregas today, but hardly even mattered. Boy, Pompey look ripe to go down.
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
Here come my fearless FA Cup 3rd Round predictions.....
Accrington v Gillingham ....Accrington is one of 4 League 2 teams left... Gillingham is 18 spots higher (League 1).. Gillingham has yet to win an away match in any competition this year... Prediction: Gillingham wins 2-1
Blackpool v Ipswich .... Two Championship sides and Blackpool is having the better season... but, Ipswich is 3 wins/2 draws/0 losses vs Blackpool in their last 5 meetings. Prediction: Ipswich pulls the mild upset on the road, 1-0
Bolton v Lincoln ... This is the only Prem-League 2 tie in the round. Lucky for Bolton. And they are even at home, to boot. Prediction: Bolton coasts, 4-1
Brentford v Doncaster... Doncaster (Champ. side) on the road vs Brentford (League 1) is 21 places higher. Brentford's home record is impressive as they go for their 9th straight without a loss, but it all ends here. Prediction: Doncaster wins with not too much trouble, 2-0
Huddersfield v West Brom ... West Brom (Champ.) travel to Huddersfield (League 1). W Brom are 27 places better than Huddersfield. Just too tough for Huddersfield, who have been great at home. W Brom are excellent on the road and just better. Prediction: West Brom wins, 3-0
Leicester v Swansea .... As close as FA Cup ties can get... both are Champ. sides and both are adjacent in the table (Leicester 5th, Swansea 6th). Leicester beat Swansea, 2-1, back on the opening weekend of the season. This one is at Walkers Stadium, which will help Leicester get past the 3rd round for the first time in the last 4 seasons. Prediction: Leicester City wins, 3-2
Millwall v Derby... Derby County (Champ.) is just 13 places better than Millwall (League 1). Derby has won only one of their last six games and have not scored in their last 3. Millwall has won their last 4 games at New Den. This has upset written all over it. Prediction: Millwall 2, Derby County 1
MK Dons v Burnley... Bad draw for the Dons. They are 38 places adrift of Prem side Burnley, who has had a very nice season up in the Prem after their promotion. Paul Ince's side is at home, but it won't be enough. Prediction: Burnley wins, 2-0
Plymouth v Newcastle... an all-Championship side tie, but the gap in class is noticeable. I do really like Argyle, but they are not in Newcastle United's class. 21 places inferior, Plymouth Argyle are all but done here. Prediction: Newcastle win, 4-2
Portsmouth v Coventry... Pompey is 17 places higher than Champ. side Coventry and are also in dire straits financially off the pitch. But... this one is at Fratton Park and the fans there will be bonkers. They might suck in the Prem, but they will win in this round of the FA Cup. Prediction: Pompey wins, 3-1
Preston v Colchester.... Interesting... this is Preston North End's first game since the sacking of their manager Alan Irvine. Rob Kelly takes over as caretaker manager. How will PNE respond to Kelly? Preston (Champ.) is only 12 places better than Colchester (League 1) anyhow. Are PNE ripe for the picking? North End has won only 1 of their last 10. The pick here is for Colchester to deliver a death blow at Deepdale. Prediction: Colchester wins 1-0
Scun thorpe v Barnsley.... Another all-Champ. side tie. Barnsley is just 6 places better than Scun thorpe. The teams have met once this year and drew, 1-1. This is gonna be close. Would not be shocked to see a replay back at Barnsley. Prediction: draw 1-1.. and then Barnsley wins replay, 1-0
Sheffield Wed v Crystal Palace.... Another all-Champ. side tie. Palace is 14 places better than Wednesday. Wednesday did draw with Palace 0-0 at Selhurst Park this year, but are now without a manager and now are winless in their last 11 (0 W, 3 D, 8 L). It helps being at Hillsborough for this one, but I don't think it will matter. Prediction: Crystal Palace, 2-0
Southampton v Luton... Should be a walk for Soton. They are a League 1 side and are 42 places better than Luton Town (a non-League side from the Blue Square Premier League). Is there any hope for Luton? Soton has not lost to a non-League club in the FA Cup third round in 71 yrs. Prediction: Southampton wins, 4-0
Stoke v York.... Another big gap in talent here. Stoke City (Prem.) is 83 places better than non-League York (Blue Square Premier League). York is unbeaten in 11 (10 W, 1 D) and Stoke City have not scored in their last 3 games while losing all 3. What does that mean? It means that Stoke City is going to open up a big old can of whoop a ss on York to get out their frustrations. Prediction: Stoke City wins, 5-0
Sunderland v Barrow... A third successive Prem v Non-League tie. This time it is Barrow from the Blue Square Premier traveling to the Stadium of Light for their slaughter. This chasm of talent is 98 places between the sides and is the greatest differences in this round. Any hope? Barrow is undefeated in their last 7 (3 W, 4 D); Sunderland has not won in their last 7 (D 3, L 4). But that is of little matter. Wipe out city coming up.... Prediction: Sunderland wins, 3-0
Torquay United v Brighton... Torquay United (Leauge 2) is 23 pts adrift of League 1's Brighton. It will help that this match is at Plainmoor. Great spot for an upset. I like the Torquay form (W 3, L 1) and the home crowd will be going nuts. Prediction: Torquay United 1, Brighton 0
Wigan v Hull... both teams are in the bottom third of the Prem with Wigan 4 places better. Neither team is playing well at all right now, but Hull City has not won on the road all yr (D 3, L 7) in any competition. Prediction: Wigan wins, 2-1
Chelsea v Watford... Chelsea (Prem) takes on Watford (Champ.) and are 32 places better. This is also at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel are all on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Will it matter? Nahhh... Nicolas Anelka is due back from his calf injury and Flourent Malouda is back from his suspension. Prediction: Chelsea wins, 3-0
Man Utd v Leeds.... Man United (Prem) are 43 places better than Leeds United (League 1). Leeds are the leaders of League 1 and have not lost in their last 15 (W 12, D 3). United have won 7 of their last 9 and the last two games were by an aggregate 8-1. Bad time to be playing Man Utd and bad stadium to be going to (Old Trafford). Prediction: Man United wins close one, 2-1
Notts County v Forest Green... NC (League 2) are 41 places higher than non-League Forest Green (BS Premier), who are the lowest surviving team still left in the FA Cup. Interesting that this is the second straight yr that Forest Green has made it to the third round and they have only made it this far these two times in their 118 yr history. Prediction: Notts County wins, 2-0
Sheffield Utd v QPR.... An all-Championship tie. Sheff United are 7th while Queens Park Rangers are 10th. They played to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road earlier this year in Paul Hart's debut as manager for QPR after coming over from Portsmouth. Sheffield United is undefeated in 5 games vs QPR (W 2, D 3) in the Championship. Prediction: Sheffield United sqeaks out a crazy 4-3 win
Tranmere v Wolves.... League 1's Tranmere get the home tie vs Wolverhampton (Prem). They are 51 places below Wolves. This is a bad spot for Tranmere. Despite not losing in 7 of their last 8, Wolves will be looking for blood as they have won only 3 of their last 15 in all competitions. Prediction: Wolverhampton wins, 2-1
West Ham v Arsenal..... An all-Prem tie set for Upton Park. West Ham are 14 places below Arsenal. This is an all-London derby that goes wayyyy back. No secrets here. Arsenal and West Ham drew 2-2 at Upton Park at the end of October this yr. In that one, Arsenal led 2-0 in the second half. They let their foot off the gas. It won't happen again. Prediction: Arsenal 3, West Ham 1
There you have it, kids... that is how I see the FA Cup 3rd Round going.
Here come my fearless FA Cup 3rd Round predictions.....
Accrington v Gillingham ....Accrington is one of 4 League 2 teams left... Gillingham is 18 spots higher (League 1).. Gillingham has yet to win an away match in any competition this year... Prediction: Gillingham wins 2-1
Blackpool v Ipswich .... Two Championship sides and Blackpool is having the better season... but, Ipswich is 3 wins/2 draws/0 losses vs Blackpool in their last 5 meetings. Prediction: Ipswich pulls the mild upset on the road, 1-0
Bolton v Lincoln ... This is the only Prem-League 2 tie in the round. Lucky for Bolton. And they are even at home, to boot. Prediction: Bolton coasts, 4-1
Brentford v Doncaster... Doncaster (Champ. side) on the road vs Brentford (League 1) is 21 places higher. Brentford's home record is impressive as they go for their 9th straight without a loss, but it all ends here. Prediction: Doncaster wins with not too much trouble, 2-0
Huddersfield v West Brom ... West Brom (Champ.) travel to Huddersfield (League 1). W Brom are 27 places better than Huddersfield. Just too tough for Huddersfield, who have been great at home. W Brom are excellent on the road and just better. Prediction: West Brom wins, 3-0
Leicester v Swansea .... As close as FA Cup ties can get... both are Champ. sides and both are adjacent in the table (Leicester 5th, Swansea 6th). Leicester beat Swansea, 2-1, back on the opening weekend of the season. This one is at Walkers Stadium, which will help Leicester get past the 3rd round for the first time in the last 4 seasons. Prediction: Leicester City wins, 3-2
Millwall v Derby... Derby County (Champ.) is just 13 places better than Millwall (League 1). Derby has won only one of their last six games and have not scored in their last 3. Millwall has won their last 4 games at New Den. This has upset written all over it. Prediction: Millwall 2, Derby County 1
MK Dons v Burnley... Bad draw for the Dons. They are 38 places adrift of Prem side Burnley, who has had a very nice season up in the Prem after their promotion. Paul Ince's side is at home, but it won't be enough. Prediction: Burnley wins, 2-0
Plymouth v Newcastle... an all-Championship side tie, but the gap in class is noticeable. I do really like Argyle, but they are not in Newcastle United's class. 21 places inferior, Plymouth Argyle are all but done here. Prediction: Newcastle win, 4-2
Portsmouth v Coventry... Pompey is 17 places higher than Champ. side Coventry and are also in dire straits financially off the pitch. But... this one is at Fratton Park and the fans there will be bonkers. They might suck in the Prem, but they will win in this round of the FA Cup. Prediction: Pompey wins, 3-1
Preston v Colchester.... Interesting... this is Preston North End's first game since the sacking of their manager Alan Irvine. Rob Kelly takes over as caretaker manager. How will PNE respond to Kelly? Preston (Champ.) is only 12 places better than Colchester (League 1) anyhow. Are PNE ripe for the picking? North End has won only 1 of their last 10. The pick here is for Colchester to deliver a death blow at Deepdale. Prediction: Colchester wins 1-0
Scun thorpe v Barnsley.... Another all-Champ. side tie. Barnsley is just 6 places better than Scun thorpe. The teams have met once this year and drew, 1-1. This is gonna be close. Would not be shocked to see a replay back at Barnsley. Prediction: draw 1-1.. and then Barnsley wins replay, 1-0
Sheffield Wed v Crystal Palace.... Another all-Champ. side tie. Palace is 14 places better than Wednesday. Wednesday did draw with Palace 0-0 at Selhurst Park this year, but are now without a manager and now are winless in their last 11 (0 W, 3 D, 8 L). It helps being at Hillsborough for this one, but I don't think it will matter. Prediction: Crystal Palace, 2-0
Southampton v Luton... Should be a walk for Soton. They are a League 1 side and are 42 places better than Luton Town (a non-League side from the Blue Square Premier League). Is there any hope for Luton? Soton has not lost to a non-League club in the FA Cup third round in 71 yrs. Prediction: Southampton wins, 4-0
Stoke v York.... Another big gap in talent here. Stoke City (Prem.) is 83 places better than non-League York (Blue Square Premier League). York is unbeaten in 11 (10 W, 1 D) and Stoke City have not scored in their last 3 games while losing all 3. What does that mean? It means that Stoke City is going to open up a big old can of whoop a ss on York to get out their frustrations. Prediction: Stoke City wins, 5-0
Sunderland v Barrow... A third successive Prem v Non-League tie. This time it is Barrow from the Blue Square Premier traveling to the Stadium of Light for their slaughter. This chasm of talent is 98 places between the sides and is the greatest differences in this round. Any hope? Barrow is undefeated in their last 7 (3 W, 4 D); Sunderland has not won in their last 7 (D 3, L 4). But that is of little matter. Wipe out city coming up.... Prediction: Sunderland wins, 3-0
Torquay United v Brighton... Torquay United (Leauge 2) is 23 pts adrift of League 1's Brighton. It will help that this match is at Plainmoor. Great spot for an upset. I like the Torquay form (W 3, L 1) and the home crowd will be going nuts. Prediction: Torquay United 1, Brighton 0
Wigan v Hull... both teams are in the bottom third of the Prem with Wigan 4 places better. Neither team is playing well at all right now, but Hull City has not won on the road all yr (D 3, L 7) in any competition. Prediction: Wigan wins, 2-1
Chelsea v Watford... Chelsea (Prem) takes on Watford (Champ.) and are 32 places better. This is also at Stamford Bridge. Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel are all on Africa Cup of Nations duty. Will it matter? Nahhh... Nicolas Anelka is due back from his calf injury and Flourent Malouda is back from his suspension. Prediction: Chelsea wins, 3-0
Man Utd v Leeds.... Man United (Prem) are 43 places better than Leeds United (League 1). Leeds are the leaders of League 1 and have not lost in their last 15 (W 12, D 3). United have won 7 of their last 9 and the last two games were by an aggregate 8-1. Bad time to be playing Man Utd and bad stadium to be going to (Old Trafford). Prediction: Man United wins close one, 2-1
Notts County v Forest Green... NC (League 2) are 41 places higher than non-League Forest Green (BS Premier), who are the lowest surviving team still left in the FA Cup. Interesting that this is the second straight yr that Forest Green has made it to the third round and they have only made it this far these two times in their 118 yr history. Prediction: Notts County wins, 2-0
Sheffield Utd v QPR.... An all-Championship tie. Sheff United are 7th while Queens Park Rangers are 10th. They played to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Road earlier this year in Paul Hart's debut as manager for QPR after coming over from Portsmouth. Sheffield United is undefeated in 5 games vs QPR (W 2, D 3) in the Championship. Prediction: Sheffield United sqeaks out a crazy 4-3 win
Tranmere v Wolves.... League 1's Tranmere get the home tie vs Wolverhampton (Prem). They are 51 places below Wolves. This is a bad spot for Tranmere. Despite not losing in 7 of their last 8, Wolves will be looking for blood as they have won only 3 of their last 15 in all competitions. Prediction: Wolverhampton wins, 2-1
West Ham v Arsenal..... An all-Prem tie set for Upton Park. West Ham are 14 places below Arsenal. This is an all-London derby that goes wayyyy back. No secrets here. Arsenal and West Ham drew 2-2 at Upton Park at the end of October this yr. In that one, Arsenal led 2-0 in the second half. They let their foot off the gas. It won't happen again. Prediction: Arsenal 3, West Ham 1
There you have it, kids... that is how I see the FA Cup 3rd Round going.
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Terrierbyassociation
Fight Cancer, Wherever You Find It
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
No 'Pool prediction?
No 'Pool prediction?
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
TBA... sorry... the list I was going from only had 24 ties on it (not the full 32)... I will do the final 8 ties now. GRRR!!
TBA... sorry... the list I was going from only had 24 ties on it (not the full 32)... I will do the final 8 ties now. GRRR!!
Re: World Soccer XI: To South Africa, and Beyond!
Sorry about the mix-up... I missed 8 FA Cup 3rd Round ties, so here they are:
Aston Villa v Blackburn... An all-Prem tie.. with Villa 7 places higher than Blackburn. Good thing this is at Villa Park. I think, despite the results of the first half of the season, that had this been at Ewood Park, Villa might well have been in trouble. As it is, this will be tough. Prediction: Aston Villa wins, 1-0
Bristol City v Cardiff... An all-Champ. tie. Cardiff are in 4th and are 8 places higher than Bristol City. Cardiff already beat Bristol City handily this year, 3-0, at their new ground in Leckwith Road. "I saw [Cardiff chairman] Peter Risdale's face when the draw was made and he wasn't a happy man - they're not happy that they have to come to Ashton Gate...We have to use our home advantage as best we can," said Bristol City boss Gary Johnson. Prediction: draw at Ashton Grove, 1-1, and Cardiff takes the replay back at home, 1-0
Everton v Carlisle... League 1's Carlisle travel to Goodison Park to face Everton (Prem). Carlisle is 48 places inferior to Everton. Everton are short of strikers with Jo suspended, Yakubu at the African Cup of Nations and Louis Saha injured. Even with these guys out, it is tough envisioning anything other than an Everton win. Prediction: Everton moves on, 3-1
Fulham v Swindon.... Another Prem vs League 1 tie. Swindon is in big trouble here. They travel to Craven Cottage and face a pretty good Fulham side, who is 41 places higher in the standings. Fulham has been on a good run one loss in their last 9 (and that was a 2-1 squeaker to Chelsea). Prediction: Fulham wins, 3-0
Middlesbrough v Manchester City... Boro (Champ.) is 26 places worse than City (Prem). Middlesbrough have striker problems, with Dave Kitson returning to Stoke, Leroy Lita suspended and Jeremie Aliadiere a doubt with an ankle injury. Winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is Manchester City's major concern with his ankle problem and they have Stephen Ireland (hamstring) unavailable.
Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are at the African Cup of Nations. Boro have not had the easiest run of it in the Championship (they are currently mid-table in 11th) and this tie with City can't thrill them. New City manager Roberto Mancini is 2 for 2 since taking over for sacked Mark Hughes. Better make that 3 for 3. Prediction: Manchester City wins , 3-1
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City... Forest (Champ.) get Birmingham (Prem) at City Ground. That will help. Birmingham is 15 places higher than Forest. Also, Birmingham has not lost in their last 11 games (all Prem). Forest has not lost in their last 16 (all Champ. matches). No Stephen Carr for Birmingham as he is banned for this one. Man... this is one of the toughest to call. I am going to go with Birmingham, but only after a replay back at St Andrews. Prediction: 1-1 draw and then 2-1 Birmingham in the replay
Reading v Liverpool... yet another Champ vs Prem tie. This one is at the Madejski Stadium in Reading. Reading are 33 places below Liverpool. Tough spot for Reading. Caretaker manager Brian McDermott's team just got pounded 4-1 by Plymouth Argyle on Monday... and now he gets a fairly p.o.'d Liverpool team looking to scalp dam n near anyone? Ouch. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is expected to field a strong side, but is without Glen Johnson, who picked up a knee injury at Aston Villa. The Reds are also without suspended midfielder Javier Mascherano. I know this is at Reading, but they have not been good at all this year and have not won in their last 5 (D 3, L 2); Liverpool have won two straight and both were clean sheets. Bad spot for Reading. Prediction: Liverpool wins, 2-0
Tottenham v Peterborough.... the last of the Champ. vs Prem ties. Big difference in talent here, though. Spurs are 4th in the Premiership and Peterborough dead last in the Championship (24th and are 40 places below Spurs) and have won only 3 of 24 games in the Champ. this year. Spurs come into this on a 4 game unbeaten run without conceding a goal in any (W 3, D 1). What's more.. they have only been knocked out of the 3rd round once in the last 6 yrs (by Leicester City in 06). Peterborough has won only 1 of the last 11 (in all competitions) and they have not won at all on the road this year in 12 games. Looks like new Peterborough manager Mark Cooper will have to try for his first Prem FA Cup scalp next season. Prediction: Tottenham wins easily, 4-0
Ok, guys... THAT is now it. Whew! 32 ties over and out! We shall see how well the crystal ball works this weekend.
Sorry about the mix-up... I missed 8 FA Cup 3rd Round ties, so here they are:
Aston Villa v Blackburn... An all-Prem tie.. with Villa 7 places higher than Blackburn. Good thing this is at Villa Park. I think, despite the results of the first half of the season, that had this been at Ewood Park, Villa might well have been in trouble. As it is, this will be tough. Prediction: Aston Villa wins, 1-0
Bristol City v Cardiff... An all-Champ. tie. Cardiff are in 4th and are 8 places higher than Bristol City. Cardiff already beat Bristol City handily this year, 3-0, at their new ground in Leckwith Road. "I saw [Cardiff chairman] Peter Risdale's face when the draw was made and he wasn't a happy man - they're not happy that they have to come to Ashton Gate...We have to use our home advantage as best we can," said Bristol City boss Gary Johnson. Prediction: draw at Ashton Grove, 1-1, and Cardiff takes the replay back at home, 1-0
Everton v Carlisle... League 1's Carlisle travel to Goodison Park to face Everton (Prem). Carlisle is 48 places inferior to Everton. Everton are short of strikers with Jo suspended, Yakubu at the African Cup of Nations and Louis Saha injured. Even with these guys out, it is tough envisioning anything other than an Everton win. Prediction: Everton moves on, 3-1
Fulham v Swindon.... Another Prem vs League 1 tie. Swindon is in big trouble here. They travel to Craven Cottage and face a pretty good Fulham side, who is 41 places higher in the standings. Fulham has been on a good run one loss in their last 9 (and that was a 2-1 squeaker to Chelsea). Prediction: Fulham wins, 3-0
Middlesbrough v Manchester City... Boro (Champ.) is 26 places worse than City (Prem). Middlesbrough have striker problems, with Dave Kitson returning to Stoke, Leroy Lita suspended and Jeremie Aliadiere a doubt with an ankle injury. Winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is Manchester City's major concern with his ankle problem and they have Stephen Ireland (hamstring) unavailable.
Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor are at the African Cup of Nations. Boro have not had the easiest run of it in the Championship (they are currently mid-table in 11th) and this tie with City can't thrill them. New City manager Roberto Mancini is 2 for 2 since taking over for sacked Mark Hughes. Better make that 3 for 3. Prediction: Manchester City wins , 3-1
Nottingham Forest v Birmingham City... Forest (Champ.) get Birmingham (Prem) at City Ground. That will help. Birmingham is 15 places higher than Forest. Also, Birmingham has not lost in their last 11 games (all Prem). Forest has not lost in their last 16 (all Champ. matches). No Stephen Carr for Birmingham as he is banned for this one. Man... this is one of the toughest to call. I am going to go with Birmingham, but only after a replay back at St Andrews. Prediction: 1-1 draw and then 2-1 Birmingham in the replay
Reading v Liverpool... yet another Champ vs Prem tie. This one is at the Madejski Stadium in Reading. Reading are 33 places below Liverpool. Tough spot for Reading. Caretaker manager Brian McDermott's team just got pounded 4-1 by Plymouth Argyle on Monday... and now he gets a fairly p.o.'d Liverpool team looking to scalp dam n near anyone? Ouch. Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is expected to field a strong side, but is without Glen Johnson, who picked up a knee injury at Aston Villa. The Reds are also without suspended midfielder Javier Mascherano. I know this is at Reading, but they have not been good at all this year and have not won in their last 5 (D 3, L 2); Liverpool have won two straight and both were clean sheets. Bad spot for Reading. Prediction: Liverpool wins, 2-0
Tottenham v Peterborough.... the last of the Champ. vs Prem ties. Big difference in talent here, though. Spurs are 4th in the Premiership and Peterborough dead last in the Championship (24th and are 40 places below Spurs) and have won only 3 of 24 games in the Champ. this year. Spurs come into this on a 4 game unbeaten run without conceding a goal in any (W 3, D 1). What's more.. they have only been knocked out of the 3rd round once in the last 6 yrs (by Leicester City in 06). Peterborough has won only 1 of the last 11 (in all competitions) and they have not won at all on the road this year in 12 games. Looks like new Peterborough manager Mark Cooper will have to try for his first Prem FA Cup scalp next season. Prediction: Tottenham wins easily, 4-0
Ok, guys... THAT is now it. Whew! 32 ties over and out! We shall see how well the crystal ball works this weekend.
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