Derby County
Gareth Roberts got an assist for Derby in their match against Ipswich but that wasn’t enough to beat Ipswich which must have been quite worrying because everyone beats Ipswich. I don’t know what Gareth was doing when he was supposed to be playing against Forest.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (unselected)
Ipswich H 1-2 (A1 7, played all)
Ben Davies transferred from Notts County to Derby when they finally made a bid that was high enough – and made his debut against Nottingham Forest.
Ben thinks all Derby need is a bit of luck and soon they’ll be winning games again.
Ben says Nigel Clough was the main reason why he joined Derby. He’s confident that he’s ready for Championship football.
Ben has received death threats from fans of his former club Notts County but he doesn’t seem overly worried, just disappointed.
League: Soton A 0-0 (played all) with Notts Co
League: Forest H 0-1 (played all) with Derby County
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (played all)
Robbie Savage chose to remain at Derby rather than going to Vancouver but he won’t be at Derby for long. He’ll be retiring at the end of the season.
After four games without a win for Derby (including an FA Cup match against Crawley Town), and with no win since the end of October over a team other than Preston, Scunthorpe, Ipswich or Portsmouth, Robbie found himself on the bench.
Robbie thinks Blackpool should change their tactics and Liverpool shouldn’t get too ahead of themselves.
Robbie gives his take on assistant referee Sian Massey’s ability to do her job – which is really all that matters.
League: Watford A 2-0 (played all)
League: Forest H 0-1 (starts, Y foul 35, off 55)
League: Ipswich H 1-2 (bench)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster made his 400th career appearance against Reading but that was the only thing he had to celebrate where that match was concerned.
League: Reading H 0-3 (played all)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (played all)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 0-2 (played all)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 89)
Brian Stock missed six matches with an injury but sources disagreed on whether it was his leg or his back. But something definitely hurt.
Brian is close to signing a new deal with Doncaster.
League: Reading H 0-3 (out, leg or back)
FA Cup: Wolves A 5-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Ipswich A 3-2 (out, leg or back)
League: Barnsley H 0-0 (out, leg or back)
League: Burnley H 1-0 (starts, off 84)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt again played for Leeds against parent club Arsenal. He said he would try his hardest to score but he wouldn’t celebrate. Luckily he didn’t try hard enough.
League: Scunthorpe H 4-0 (starts, G1 17, off 80)
FA Arsenal H 1-3 (starts, off 79)
League: Portsmouth A 2-2 (starts, off 62)
League: Hull A 2-2 (out, hamstring)
Leicester City
Andy King is discussing a new contract with Leicester. He believes Leicester need to build some momentum as they fight for a place in the play-offs. Andy has been nominated for the PFA January Player of the Month award.
League: Preston A 1-1 (played all)
FA Cup: Man City A 4-2 (played all)
League: Millwall H 4-2 (played all)
League: Sheff Utd A 0-1 (G 1 4, played all)
Middlesbrough
Danny Coyne was probably really happy with Middlesbrough’s 4-0 away victory over Bristol City. It was just a shame he wasn’t actually on the pitch.
League: Bristol C A 0-4 (bench)
League: Preston H 1-1 (out, back)
League: Scunthorpe H 2-0 (out, back)
Rhys Williams is still recovering from a pelvic problem but he is training again.
Millwall
Steve Morison returned to the starting line-up after not completely recovering from flu and had a couple of quiet matches before getting back on the scoresheet against Ipswich. He also scored against Barnsley. Maybe he’d have scored against Norwich too if he hadn’t injured his calf.
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett hopes Steve will sign a new contract with Millwall.
League: Ipswich H 2-1 (G2 76, played all)
League: Leicester A 4-2 (played all)
League: Barnsley H 2-0 (G1 17, played all)
League: Norwich A 2-1 (starts, off 16)
Norwich City
Andrew Crofts scored twice against Sheffield United. It would be nice if he could do that against England but England are probably better than Sheffield United.
League Cardiff H 1-1 (starts, off 78)
League: Sheff Utd A 1-2 (Y foul 14, G1 61, G2 80, played all)
League: Palace A 0-0 (Y 76, played all)
League: Millwall H 2-1 (Y foul 35, played all)
Showing posts with label rhys williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rhys williams. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 22nd January 2011 (Part 3)
Ipswich Town v Doncaster Rovers
Ipswich will be hoping Doncaster are still suffering the after-effects of their FA Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers They really don’t want to lose for the ninth time in eleven matches.
Troy Brown could return from a hamstring injury for Ipswich.
John Oster should start for Doncaster but Brian Stock is still out with a back or leg injury.
Leicester City v Millwall
Millwall are the form team in the Championship but Leicester have only lost twice at home this season.
Andy King isn’t going to be dropped from Leicester’s team in a hurry.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall – they’ll be hoping he’s fully recovered from the flu and has the energy to score and celebrate lots of goals.
Middlesbrough v Preston North End
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four and must be hopeful of extending this run when they face the Championship’s bottom club, who have only won twice away.
Rhys Williams expects to be back in full training in a month’s time and he hopes he’ll be playing for Middlesbrough again by March. Rhys has had a problem with his pelvis for the last year and hasn’t played since April.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Morgan could keep his place in Preston’s starting line-up with Paul Parry on the bench.
Portsmouth v Leeds United
Portsmouth will be hoping to end a run of three league defeats but they’ll be lucky to do that against fifth-placed Leeds.
Sanchez Watt should start for Leeds.
Ipswich will be hoping Doncaster are still suffering the after-effects of their FA Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers They really don’t want to lose for the ninth time in eleven matches.
Troy Brown could return from a hamstring injury for Ipswich.
John Oster should start for Doncaster but Brian Stock is still out with a back or leg injury.
Leicester City v Millwall
Millwall are the form team in the Championship but Leicester have only lost twice at home this season.
Andy King isn’t going to be dropped from Leicester’s team in a hurry.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall – they’ll be hoping he’s fully recovered from the flu and has the energy to score and celebrate lots of goals.
Middlesbrough v Preston North End
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in four and must be hopeful of extending this run when they face the Championship’s bottom club, who have only won twice away.
Rhys Williams expects to be back in full training in a month’s time and he hopes he’ll be playing for Middlesbrough again by March. Rhys has had a problem with his pelvis for the last year and hasn’t played since April.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough.
Craig Morgan could keep his place in Preston’s starting line-up with Paul Parry on the bench.
Portsmouth v Leeds United
Portsmouth will be hoping to end a run of three league defeats but they’ll be lucky to do that against fifth-placed Leeds.
Sanchez Watt should start for Leeds.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Championship Fixtures 15th January 2011 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Middlesbrough have lost nine of their thirteen away matches this season and while Bristol City aren’t exactly one of the top teams in the league, they’re still five points ahead of Middlesbrough. Boro can’t even take advantage of Bristol City’s FA Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro’s own defeat to Burton Albion is (no disrespect to Burton) a lot more embarrassing.
Lewin Nyatanga and Brett Pitman started for Bristol City against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup but Bristol City ended up losing to the lower-ranked team. So changes could be made although it was one of relatively few matches recently where Brett didn’t score.
Christian Ribeiro became a substituted substitute last week due to a hamstring injury and is a doubt for this match. Either that or a definite absentee, if you read the Bristol City official site.
Gavin Williams probably won’t be in the squad as he had a foot operation recently.
Danny Coyne played in goal for Middlesbrough’s disastrous FA Cup match against Burton Albion but Jason Steele is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from injury. Rhys Williams remains out with an injured pelvis.
Coventry City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United could end up in the bottom three again if they lose this match and with only one win in their last league games, a defeat to Coventry is a possibility. Not that Coventry are doing much better, if at all. They haven’t won any of their last six matches.
Freddy Eastwood has scored three goals in his last three matches for Coventry so they’d be a bit silly to drop him from the starting line-up.
Sheffield United’s own Welsh striker. Ched Evans, has also been prolific of late so I would expect him to start too and make his 100th league appearance. Maybe he’ll score – team-mate Jamie Ward owes him a favour.
Doncaster Rovers v Reading
Reading are two points from the play-offs and Doncaster haven’t beaten them since 1982. Doncaster scored seven goals and even then it wasn’t a big win, with Reading scoring five. Doncaster have been strong at home this season though, only losing one of their eleven home matches.
John Oster should start for Doncaster (which should make team-mate Mark Wilson happy), making his 400th career appearance against a former club. Brian Stock hasn’t recovered from an injury so he won’t play. It was a leg injury last week but now it seems to have transferred itself to his back.
Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu are likely to be on the bench for Reading.
Leeds United v Scunthorpe United
Leeds haven’t won any of their last four matches though they did only lost one of them and they’re still in the play-off places. And if a team is in need of any confidence, drawing with Arsenal can only help. This might look like a straightforward home win – Scunthorpe are struggling in 23rd place, albeit with one or two games in hand over the teams near them in the table. But all but one of their wins have come from away games.
Sanchez Watt injured his head and hamstring in the FA Cup match against Arsenal but he should be okay.
Saturday, 8 January 2011
Fa Cup Fixtures 8th January 2011 (Part 2)
Burnley v Port Vale
Port Vale are the team on the winning run although it’s only a winning run of one match and Burnley are on a win-lose win-lose run and it’s their turn to win.
Gareth Owen should play in defence for Port Vale – new manager Jim Gannon says he will be a big part of their promotion push. Lewis Haldane might be saved for games they have more chance of winning but you never know.
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
The ‘Championship favourites’ really won’t want to cause their supporters any more embarrassment this season but losing to Burton would certainly do it. Not that Middlesbrough have ever lost to Burton. This is their first ever meeting.
Tony James will probably be on the bench for Burton.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams still isn’t ready to return from a pelvis injury.
Coventry v Crystal Palace
There are only two matches in this round of the FA Cup where both teams are members of the Championship. This is one of them although Coventry are closer to some Premier League teams than they are to Palace.
Freddy Eastwood has two goals in the last two games for Coventry and should keep his place.
Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Port Vale are the team on the winning run although it’s only a winning run of one match and Burnley are on a win-lose win-lose run and it’s their turn to win.
Gareth Owen should play in defence for Port Vale – new manager Jim Gannon says he will be a big part of their promotion push. Lewis Haldane might be saved for games they have more chance of winning but you never know.
Burton Albion v Middlesbrough
The ‘Championship favourites’ really won’t want to cause their supporters any more embarrassment this season but losing to Burton would certainly do it. Not that Middlesbrough have ever lost to Burton. This is their first ever meeting.
Tony James will probably be on the bench for Burton.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams still isn’t ready to return from a pelvis injury.
Coventry v Crystal Palace
There are only two matches in this round of the FA Cup where both teams are members of the Championship. This is one of them although Coventry are closer to some Premier League teams than they are to Palace.
Freddy Eastwood has two goals in the last two games for Coventry and should keep his place.
Andy Dorman will hope to keep his place in Palace’s starting line-up. Lewis Price will probably be on the bench.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 2)
Coventry City
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Freddy Eastwood got back from injury to discover Coventry were playing pretty well without him. But when he did finally start, he made sure he scored. And when he got his second start, he did exactly the same thing.
Norwich H 1-2 (bench, on 90)
Cardiff A 1-0 (bench, on 59)
QPR H 0-2 (bench, on 87)
Ipswich H 1-1 (starts, G1 48, off 89)
Barnsley A 2-1 (G1 35, played all)
Crystal Palace
Andy Dorman has had trouble settling in London and spent some time not being in the squad at all. But now he’s back in the squad and he even got a couple of starts over the Christmas period.
Forest A 1-0 (starts, off 46)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (played all)
Lewis Price continues to be Palace’s substitute goalkeeper, despite their recent issues with stopping goals from being scored against them.
Forest A 1-0 (bench)
Bristol C A 0-1 (bench)
Millwall A 3-0 (bench)
Preston H 1-0 (bench)
Derby County
Gareth Roberts has had a number of injury problems but when he was fit, he played the full match.
Reading H 1-2 (out, calf)
Forest A 5-2 (out, calf)
Preston A 1-2 (played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (out, calf)
Robbie Savage seems to have been around forever and one reason why it seems that way is because he hardly ever misses a match due to injury. Suspension, yes (although he’s only had about two red cards) and there was another example of this at Christmas. Injury, no. I think the Wales squad needs a few players who never get injured.
Reading H 1-2 (bench, on 46, Y 59 foul)
Forest A 5-2 (suspended)
Preston A 1-2 (A2 84, played all)
Millwall H 0-0 (starts, off 86)
Doncaster Rovers
John Oster seems to be getting less attention from the Press (perhaps partly because so many of Doncaster’s matches have been cancelled) but he’s still quietly getting on with the job and picking up assists.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (A3 45+2m, played all)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (played all)
Brian Stock managed to injure himself again but he too is getting assists and at least it wasn’t his troublesome back this time.
Scunthorpe H 3-0 (starts, A1 26, off 63)
Sheff Utd A 2-2 (out, leg)
Ipswich Town
Troy Brown has been in and out of Ipswich’s starting line-up as Roy Keane desperately tried to find a winning formula. The Ipswich board seemed to feel it was the manager who needed removing more than anything.
Leicester H 3-0 (bench)
Coventry A 1-1 (bench, on 87)
Forest H 0-1 (played all)
Leeds United
Sanchez Watt suffered an ankle injury in October and after several failed attempts to stick him straight back in the starting line-up, he was given a couple of months to rest. With Leeds on such a good run, it took Sanchez a while to get back into the matchday squad (although perhaps reports of his recovery were exaggerated) but luckily Leeds then went on a bit of a bad run and he his chance.
QPR H 2-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-2 (unselected)
Portsmouth H 3-3 (unselected)
Boro H 1-1 (bench, on 76)
Cardiff A 2-1 (bench, on 57)
Leicester City
Andy King has played every minute of Leicester’s Christmas and New Year fixtures as Leicester lost to struggling Ipswich Town and promoted team Millwall before beating two teams who were on a good run. Andy also added a goal and an assist (he won a free kick from which Leicester scored, undoubtedly one of the more painful ways of getting an assist) to his collection.
Ipswich A 3-0 (played all)
Leeds H 2-2 (G2 76, played all),
Millwall A 2-0 (played all)
Hull A 0-1 (played all)
Swansea H 2-1 (A1 won free kick 6, played all)
Middlesbrough
I don’t know if Danny Coyne got all hopeful when Middlesbrough got a new manager but I certainly did (no disrespect to the excellent and very promising Jason Steele) but Tony Mowbray has kept him on the bench.
Preston A 1-3 (bench)
Leeds A 1-1 (bench)
Norwich H 1-1 (bench)
As for poor Rhys Williams, I can only hope his pelvic nightmare is coming to an end. No doubt the Middlesbrough fans will echo my sentiments, and not just because they like the former Wales under-21 international.
Friday, 17 December 2010
Championship Fixture 17th December 2010
Doncaster Rovers v Middlesbrough
I wonder when the idea of these two clubs playing in a league match will stop sounding really strange. Doncaster haven’t got a point against Middlesbrough since before Wales were in the World Cup. And we all know what a long time ago that is. Middlesbrough have only won once away this season.
John Oster and Brian Stock should start for Doncaster.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Middlesbrough. There’s no news on whether Rhys Williams is likely to return from a pelvis injury in the near future. I think he was initially ruled out for three to four months. It’s been four months so far.
I wonder when the idea of these two clubs playing in a league match will stop sounding really strange. Doncaster haven’t got a point against Middlesbrough since before Wales were in the World Cup. And we all know what a long time ago that is. Middlesbrough have only won once away this season.
John Oster and Brian Stock should start for Doncaster.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Middlesbrough. There’s no news on whether Rhys Williams is likely to return from a pelvis injury in the near future. I think he was initially ruled out for three to four months. It’s been four months so far.
Saturday, 11 December 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th December 2010 (Part 2)
Leicester City v Doncaster Rovers
Leicester have lost two of their last three matches but the one they won was a home game and they actually haven’t lost a home league game since mid-September and even then that was only Queen’s Park Rangers and they were beating everyone then. And the last time they lost a home game to a team who wasn’t QPR was in August. Doncaster have been doing really well but they’re not QPR. And their last away win at Leicester was only a year off being Victorian.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Cardiff have another bug. The last two times I visited Cardiff, I came back with a bug. It’s ny favourite city in the world but something’s wrong there.
Cardiff seriously need a win too as Swansea City are only behind on goal difference.but Middlesbrough don’t stop many teams from beating them. Cardiff are strong away from home though, having won more away matches than any other team in the Championship.
Darcy Blake has recovered from his bug, Jason Koumas has recovered from a toe injury and I’m sure someone would have mentioned it if Craig Bellamy might not be able to play – especially as he’s a hat-trick away from his 150th career goal. I don’t know about Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig but if they’re okay, their chances of starting have probably increased.
Craig believes Cardiff can still win the league but they need one or two January signings.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Norwich City v Portsmouth
Norwich are unbeaten in five. Most of those matches were draws but they’re still fourth. Portsmouth aren’t even in the top half of the table and might not be even if they win but Portsmouth have got a pattern thing going. They lose seven… they win seven. They lose four… they win… one. So that looks like three wins to come, one of them against Portsmouth. Norwich must be so glad runs like that don’t mean anything.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones could be on the bench again after doing nothing wrong as far as I can see in his cameo appearance last week. Manager Paul Lambert says Owain still has a role to play for the club.
Leicester have lost two of their last three matches but the one they won was a home game and they actually haven’t lost a home league game since mid-September and even then that was only Queen’s Park Rangers and they were beating everyone then. And the last time they lost a home game to a team who wasn’t QPR was in August. Doncaster have been doing really well but they’re not QPR. And their last away win at Leicester was only a year off being Victorian.
Andy King should start for Leicester.
Middlesbrough v Cardiff City
Cardiff have another bug. The last two times I visited Cardiff, I came back with a bug. It’s ny favourite city in the world but something’s wrong there.
Cardiff seriously need a win too as Swansea City are only behind on goal difference.but Middlesbrough don’t stop many teams from beating them. Cardiff are strong away from home though, having won more away matches than any other team in the Championship.
Darcy Blake has recovered from his bug, Jason Koumas has recovered from a toe injury and I’m sure someone would have mentioned it if Craig Bellamy might not be able to play – especially as he’s a hat-trick away from his 150th career goal. I don’t know about Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig but if they’re okay, their chances of starting have probably increased.
Craig believes Cardiff can still win the league but they need one or two January signings.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Norwich City v Portsmouth
Norwich are unbeaten in five. Most of those matches were draws but they’re still fourth. Portsmouth aren’t even in the top half of the table and might not be even if they win but Portsmouth have got a pattern thing going. They lose seven… they win seven. They lose four… they win… one. So that looks like three wins to come, one of them against Portsmouth. Norwich must be so glad runs like that don’t mean anything.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones could be on the bench again after doing nothing wrong as far as I can see in his cameo appearance last week. Manager Paul Lambert says Owain still has a role to play for the club.
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Championship Fixtures (and Postponements) 4th December 2010 (Part 1)
Cardiff City v Preston North End
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Cardiff will need to draw at least to ensure they remain ahead of rivals Swansea City but supporters will expect more from the promotion contenders when they face the Championship’s bottom side.
Darcy Blake and Craig Bellamy should start with Adam Matthews and Jason Koumas also in the squad. A hat-trick for Craig will bring him up to 150 club career goals.
Paul Parry faces his former club, Cardiff City, but he – along with team-mate Craig Morgan - is not guaranteed a starting place.
Darcy and Adam will show their superhero side next week to raise money for hospice Ty Hafan.
Coventry City v Middlesbrough
Coventry could be in third place if they win this match. Not the kind of team Middlesbrough want to be facing as they attempt to climb out of the bottom two. Boro only have one away win this season.
Freddy Eastwood will be hoping to get back into Coventry’s starting line-up.
Danny Coyne should have recovered from injury by now but new manager Tony Mowbray might not fancy him for the #1 spot. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Derby County v Norwich City
Derby are above Norwich only on goal difference but the loser of this match is likely to drop out of the top six. Derby have won six of their nine home games.
Robbie Savage has a good chance of starting for Derby but Gareth Roberts is still suspended.
Andrew Crofts should start for Norwich. Owain Tudur Jones has returned from his loan spell at Yeovil Town but I’d be surprised to see him in the squad. It would be a very nice surprise though.
Doncaster Rovers P-P Barnsley
No run-out this week for Doncaster’s Welsh midfielders John Oster – who would have been facing a former club - and Brian Stock as their pitch is frozen.
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 27th November 2010 (Part 1)
Bristol City v Sheffield United
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Sheffield United did the double over Bristol City last season – who were better than than they are now. But Bristol City need points even more than Sheffield United.
Brett Pitman scored his first Bristol City goal last weekend after an appearance as a half-time substitute – and it looks like he might start this match.
Christian Ribeiro is expected to keep his place in Bristol City’s starting line-up. Sam Vokes probably isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Burnley v Derby County
Burnley have only won one of their last seven matches although it’s difficult to feel too much sympathy for a team who have won six of their nine games at home. Derby are up in fourth place but that’s mostly due to their home form – and this is an away game.
Robbie Savage hopes to play for Derby and get a nice little run going. He also has some words of praise for Derby’s two loan strikers.
Gareth Roberts is suspended after being sent off for two booksable offences against Scunthorpe United.
Robbie has almost achieved the impossible. He has almost made me want Tottenham to win the league! Hopefully he’ll get some of the good-looking younger Welshmen to join him.
Crystal Palace v Doncaster Rovers
Palace are down in 23rd place but they have won their last two home games. Doncaster however are unbeaten in four and have not lost to a team in the bottom half of the Championship.
Lewis Price should be on the bench for Palace but Andy Dorman shows no signs of fighting his way back into the matchday squad.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster. John is hoping to beat his former club. He’s also not totally against playing for Wales.
Middlesbrough v Hull City
Middlesbrough are yet to show signs of improvement under Tony Mowbray, having lost three of their five games since he took over, and they’re currently languishing in the bottom three. Hull are doing better and are currently able to win both home and away.
Danny Coyne has recovered from a torn calf muscle but the goalkeeper is not first-choice at Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis injury.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Championship Fixtures/News 20th November 2010 (Part 2)
Derby County v Scunthorpe United
Derby will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester but while Scunthorpe are quite low down in the table, it isn’t their away form that’s the problem.
Robbie Savage was left on the bench for Derby’s last game and Derby suffered for it. It sounds like his manager suffered for it a bit too. Let’s hope Robbie’s back playing this time – not least because it will be his 100th career appearance. Gareth Roberts has recovered from a back injury and should return to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers v Swansea City
The good news is Swansea need a defensive re-shuffle which will make it harder for Swansea to stay close to Cardiff. The bad news? Well bringing Neil Taylor into your starting line-up probably doesn’t count as weakening the team.
Even if Doncaster are thrashed 6-1 it won’t be all bad news although I doubt anyone would be very happy about it. They’d become the first team this season in the Championship to score in ten consecutive matches.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster/
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea and wear the captain’s armband – as a number of Welsh players have done recently. Manager Brendan Rogers says he is close to signing a new contract but he expects him to play in the Premier League one day – whether Swansea get promoted or not.
After some impressive performances, it seems like Joe Allen will join him in the starting line-up, with Neil Taylor also expected to start to cover for injury. Whether David Cotterill has done enough to start remains to be seen. He’d be starting if it was up to me. Or maybe not. If I was managing Swansea I’d probably sell the best ones to Cardiff and play the eleven worst players. And I bet I’d keep the job longer than I’ve kept any other job too. That should be easy considering I’ve never had one.
Hull City v Ipswich Town
It’s early days but so far, Hull seem to be doing a pretty good job of this away victory business. It took them a while but now they’ve got it.
Unfortunately, they’ve now forgotten how to do the home victories. Maybe Ipswich can help remind them.
Troy Brown is most likely to be on the bench for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough v Millwall
Millwall have not won at Middlesbrough since new Middesbrough manager was three or four. No offence but that does seem like quite a long time ago. Boro do have a couple of problems in defence but maybe that doesn’t matter. Millwall’s strikers are either injured or just signed on loan so they won’t know everyone yet. To win, Millwall need to score two goals. It’s worked so far.
Danny Coyne has an ankle injury but even if he’s fit he’ll probably only be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis problem.
Steve Morison will probably start up front for Millwall. He’s maybe a bit off form at the moment but at least he’s fit.
Derby will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester but while Scunthorpe are quite low down in the table, it isn’t their away form that’s the problem.
Robbie Savage was left on the bench for Derby’s last game and Derby suffered for it. It sounds like his manager suffered for it a bit too. Let’s hope Robbie’s back playing this time – not least because it will be his 100th career appearance. Gareth Roberts has recovered from a back injury and should return to the squad.
Doncaster Rovers v Swansea City
The good news is Swansea need a defensive re-shuffle which will make it harder for Swansea to stay close to Cardiff. The bad news? Well bringing Neil Taylor into your starting line-up probably doesn’t count as weakening the team.
Even if Doncaster are thrashed 6-1 it won’t be all bad news although I doubt anyone would be very happy about it. They’d become the first team this season in the Championship to score in ten consecutive matches.
John Oster and Brian Stock should both start for Doncaster/
Ashley Williams will start for Swansea and wear the captain’s armband – as a number of Welsh players have done recently. Manager Brendan Rogers says he is close to signing a new contract but he expects him to play in the Premier League one day – whether Swansea get promoted or not.
After some impressive performances, it seems like Joe Allen will join him in the starting line-up, with Neil Taylor also expected to start to cover for injury. Whether David Cotterill has done enough to start remains to be seen. He’d be starting if it was up to me. Or maybe not. If I was managing Swansea I’d probably sell the best ones to Cardiff and play the eleven worst players. And I bet I’d keep the job longer than I’ve kept any other job too. That should be easy considering I’ve never had one.
Hull City v Ipswich Town
It’s early days but so far, Hull seem to be doing a pretty good job of this away victory business. It took them a while but now they’ve got it.
Unfortunately, they’ve now forgotten how to do the home victories. Maybe Ipswich can help remind them.
Troy Brown is most likely to be on the bench for Ipswich.
Middlesbrough v Millwall
Millwall have not won at Middlesbrough since new Middesbrough manager was three or four. No offence but that does seem like quite a long time ago. Boro do have a couple of problems in defence but maybe that doesn’t matter. Millwall’s strikers are either injured or just signed on loan so they won’t know everyone yet. To win, Millwall need to score two goals. It’s worked so far.
Danny Coyne has an ankle injury but even if he’s fit he’ll probably only be on the bench for Boro. Rhys Williams is still out with a pelvis problem.
Steve Morison will probably start up front for Millwall. He’s maybe a bit off form at the moment but at least he’s fit.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Championship Fixtures 9th November 2010 (Part 2)
Millwall v Norwich City
Millwall have lost their last two and are five points from both the play-offs and the relegation places.
Steve Morison will miss out for Millwall after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Millwall also have a number of striker injuries. Norwich have only won once at Millwall in the last 21 years
Norwich will also be without their Welsh international – Andrew Crofts famously got an goal and an assist to earn Norwich a draw at the weekend before earning himself two yellow cards.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
Forest aim to extend their unbeaten home record when they meet fifth-placed Coventry.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start since returning from a hamstring injury on Saturday and it’s thought this game comes too soon for him to play again. Chris Gunter should play at right back.
Freddy Eastwood was said to be in Coventry’s squad at the weekend but he wasn’t selected for the matchday squad.
Preston North End v Barnsley
Preston are only out of the relegation places on goal difference after winning only one of their last six matches but the good news for them is that Barnsley, just two points above them, are yet to win away.
Craig Morgan should keep his place in Preston’s defence. Paul Parry is more likely to be on the bench.
Scunthorpe United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finally got a win last weekend but as it was only against Crystal Palace, they still have a lot to prove. Scunthorpe are hardly a top side and have a poor home record, having only won once at home. But Middlesbrough haven’t even won once away.
Danny Coyne could return from a calf injury for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Millwall have lost their last two and are five points from both the play-offs and the relegation places.
Steve Morison will miss out for Millwall after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last week. Millwall also have a number of striker injuries. Norwich have only won once at Millwall in the last 21 years
Norwich will also be without their Welsh international – Andrew Crofts famously got an goal and an assist to earn Norwich a draw at the weekend before earning himself two yellow cards.
Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
Forest aim to extend their unbeaten home record when they meet fifth-placed Coventry.
Robert Earnshaw made his first start since returning from a hamstring injury on Saturday and it’s thought this game comes too soon for him to play again. Chris Gunter should play at right back.
Freddy Eastwood was said to be in Coventry’s squad at the weekend but he wasn’t selected for the matchday squad.
Preston North End v Barnsley
Preston are only out of the relegation places on goal difference after winning only one of their last six matches but the good news for them is that Barnsley, just two points above them, are yet to win away.
Craig Morgan should keep his place in Preston’s defence. Paul Parry is more likely to be on the bench.
Scunthorpe United v Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough finally got a win last weekend but as it was only against Crystal Palace, they still have a lot to prove. Scunthorpe are hardly a top side and have a poor home record, having only won once at home. But Middlesbrough haven’t even won once away.
Danny Coyne could return from a calf injury for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is still out with pelvis problems.
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 30th October 2010 (Part 3)
Middlesbrough v Bristol City
Tony Mowbray is Middlesbrough’s new manager. His recent achievements include finishing bottom of the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and ensuring that Rangers didn’t have much competition to win the Scottish Premier League title. Which would have been great if he’d been managing Rangers but unfortunately he was managing Celtic. But that’s not to say he’s not a good manager and maybe he’s the person to show Middlesbrough that they’re actually a pretty good team. Boro are hoping for a second win in seven games.
Bristol City will be hoping their very creditable draw against Queen’s Park Rangers is a sign of good things to come.
Danny Coyne could start for Middbesbrough but I’m not sure he will. Despite the poor results, goalkeeping hasn’t really been Middlesbrough’s problem. Rhys Williams is still out with an injured pelvis.
Brett Pitman scored two goals for Bristol City’s reserves in a 3-2 win against Reading Manager Keith Millen was there to see him in action so maybe he did enough to get into the starting eleven against Middlesbrough.
Lewin Nyatanga could make his 150th career start but I’m not sure he will. He has apparently recovered from his knee injury but he so far hasn’t been ready to play in the first team and there has been talk of sending him out on loan.
Christian Ribeiro is still suffering from groin and hip problems and won’t play. Sam Vokes isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Portsmouth v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but their away form isn’t the best and Portsmouth have been doing quite well lately – they’ve won their previous three league games. Forest have won their previous two.
Chris Gunter should start for Forest, perhaps at left back again. Robert Earnshaw was back in Forest’s squad for the victory over Ipswich but he is still struggling with his niggle.
Tony Mowbray is Middlesbrough’s new manager. His recent achievements include finishing bottom of the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and ensuring that Rangers didn’t have much competition to win the Scottish Premier League title. Which would have been great if he’d been managing Rangers but unfortunately he was managing Celtic. But that’s not to say he’s not a good manager and maybe he’s the person to show Middlesbrough that they’re actually a pretty good team. Boro are hoping for a second win in seven games.
Bristol City will be hoping their very creditable draw against Queen’s Park Rangers is a sign of good things to come.
Danny Coyne could start for Middbesbrough but I’m not sure he will. Despite the poor results, goalkeeping hasn’t really been Middlesbrough’s problem. Rhys Williams is still out with an injured pelvis.
Brett Pitman scored two goals for Bristol City’s reserves in a 3-2 win against Reading Manager Keith Millen was there to see him in action so maybe he did enough to get into the starting eleven against Middlesbrough.
Lewin Nyatanga could make his 150th career start but I’m not sure he will. He has apparently recovered from his knee injury but he so far hasn’t been ready to play in the first team and there has been talk of sending him out on loan.
Christian Ribeiro is still suffering from groin and hip problems and won’t play. Sam Vokes isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury.
Portsmouth v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are still unbeaten at home but their away form isn’t the best and Portsmouth have been doing quite well lately – they’ve won their previous three league games. Forest have won their previous two.
Chris Gunter should start for Forest, perhaps at left back again. Robert Earnshaw was back in Forest’s squad for the victory over Ipswich but he is still struggling with his niggle.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 19th October 2010 (Part 3)
Nottingham Forest v Middlesbrough
Both these teams were supposed to be challenging for promotion. The only good news is that it’s probably still possible. Nottingham Forest, amazingly, have an unbeaten home record to defend while Middlesbrough are desperate to add to their solitary away point.
Forest’s Robert Earnshaw still isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury but Chris Gunter should play.
It’s hard to know who will start for managerless Middlesbrough but I’d like to think Danny Coyne is in with a chance although Jason Steele undoubtedly has a great future in goal. Rhys Williams is out with a pelvic injury.
Preston North End v Scunthorpe United
Preston fans were probably all hopeful after their dramatic 6-4 victory over Leeds and a not half bad draw against Reading. Then Derby came along and spoiled the party. But can Preston get things going again against Scunthorpe?
Craig Morgan will hope to keep his place in central defence for Preston after returning to the starting line-up for the defeat to Derby. Paul Parry might be in with a chance of starting due to the suspension of winger Keith Treacy.
Swansea City v Queen’s Park Rangers
Swansea are storming up the league, unbeaten at home, the gap between them and Cardiff City becoming scarily smaller by the day. But if any team is going to stop them in their tracks, that team is unbeaten QPR, who are unbeaten everywhere.
Joe Allen has recovered from the groin injury that ruled him out of Swansea’s weekend match. Ashley Williams should also start with Neil Taylor and David Cotterill on the bench at the very least.
Watford v Ipswich Town
Play-off contenders Watford and Ipswich (if there is such a thing at this stage of the season) are both hoping to bounce back from weekend defeats.
Young goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is away with Wales so presumably he won’t be on the bench for Watford.
Ipswich manager Roy Keane said the young players, including Troy Brown, would get their chances this season. I think it’s time to give Troy another chance, don’t you, Roy? He could be the answer to all the defensive problems Ipswich have had recently.
Both these teams were supposed to be challenging for promotion. The only good news is that it’s probably still possible. Nottingham Forest, amazingly, have an unbeaten home record to defend while Middlesbrough are desperate to add to their solitary away point.
Forest’s Robert Earnshaw still isn’t ready to return from a hamstring injury but Chris Gunter should play.
It’s hard to know who will start for managerless Middlesbrough but I’d like to think Danny Coyne is in with a chance although Jason Steele undoubtedly has a great future in goal. Rhys Williams is out with a pelvic injury.
Preston North End v Scunthorpe United
Preston fans were probably all hopeful after their dramatic 6-4 victory over Leeds and a not half bad draw against Reading. Then Derby came along and spoiled the party. But can Preston get things going again against Scunthorpe?
Craig Morgan will hope to keep his place in central defence for Preston after returning to the starting line-up for the defeat to Derby. Paul Parry might be in with a chance of starting due to the suspension of winger Keith Treacy.
Swansea City v Queen’s Park Rangers
Swansea are storming up the league, unbeaten at home, the gap between them and Cardiff City becoming scarily smaller by the day. But if any team is going to stop them in their tracks, that team is unbeaten QPR, who are unbeaten everywhere.
Joe Allen has recovered from the groin injury that ruled him out of Swansea’s weekend match. Ashley Williams should also start with Neil Taylor and David Cotterill on the bench at the very least.
Watford v Ipswich Town
Play-off contenders Watford and Ipswich (if there is such a thing at this stage of the season) are both hoping to bounce back from weekend defeats.
Young goalkeeper Jonathan Bond is away with Wales so presumably he won’t be on the bench for Watford.
Ipswich manager Roy Keane said the young players, including Troy Brown, would get their chances this season. I think it’s time to give Troy another chance, don’t you, Roy? He could be the answer to all the defensive problems Ipswich have had recently.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Welsh Player News 15th October 2010 (Championship Part 2)
Jason Brown says he is resigned to leaving Blackburn Rovers when his contract expires this summer. He has enjoyed being at Blackburn but he wants first-team football. He is interested in making his loan move to Leeds United permanent.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/8047815/Brown-keen-on-Leeds-stay.html
Is Andy King Wales’ answer to Steven Gerrard?
Rhys Williams is determined to bounce back from the heartache of not playing for Australia in the World Cup.
Nottingham Forest are hoping they’ll soon solve the mystery of why Robert Earnshaw has gone all injury-prone. For now, he’s in extra training sessions.
Sheffield United manager Gary Speed is hoping to give some more of Sheffield United’s younger players a chance.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/blackburn-rovers/8047815/Brown-keen-on-Leeds-stay.html
Is Andy King Wales’ answer to Steven Gerrard?
Rhys Williams is determined to bounce back from the heartache of not playing for Australia in the World Cup.
Nottingham Forest are hoping they’ll soon solve the mystery of why Robert Earnshaw has gone all injury-prone. For now, he’s in extra training sessions.
Sheffield United manager Gary Speed is hoping to give some more of Sheffield United’s younger players a chance.
Friday, 1 October 2010
Championship Fixtures 2nd October 2010 Part 2
Doncaster Rovers v Nottingham Forest
Both these teams are unbeaten at home and as Doncaster are the team at home, Forest could be in trouble. Or at least in for yet another draw.
I’d assumed Brian Stock was being kept on Doncaster’s bench because he’s not quite recovered from a back injury – but he’s also having trouble with agreeing a new contract and maybe that’s the reason.
If he does come back into the team, it’s unlikely to be in place of John Oster, who’s been excellent.
Robert Earnshaw will almost certainly miss out again due to his thigh injury but Chris Gunter should be fine.
Hull City v Coventry City
It sounds a bit obvious (although that doesn’t stop many commentators from pointing it out) but Coventry can’t win if they don’t. And Hull’s defence is as stingy as a Scotsman – they haven’t conceded a single goal this season, and they’re unbeaten at home. On the other hand, Coventry haven’t failed to score in a single game this season.
Freddy Eastwood has had a knee operation so I wouldn’t expect him to be ready to come back yet.
Ipswich Town v Leeds United
Ipswich and Leeds are two of many teams jostling for a place in the top six come Saturday night. Ipswich have only lost twice this season but as they’ve both happened in the last four games, I imagine Roy Keane isn’t overly happy. If he ever is overly happy. As for Leeds, they will be feeling really glad they don’t have to play Preston North End again after the midweek 4-6 humiliation. Or maybe Preston are exactly the team Leeds want to play.
Troy Brown had a knock in midweek but he’s expected to be fit for this game.
Jason Brown has been spending far too much time on the bench lately but it’s thought he could starts this match for loan club Leeds. Sanchez Watt could also start.
Leicester City v Scunthorpe United
Managerless Leicester are desperate for points and hosting Scunthorpe does sound like a reasonable way of getting some. But Scunthorpe have sprung a few surprises this season so tomorrow could be another one. If it’s still surprising when Leicester wins a match.
Andy King will hope to keep his place in Leicester’s midfield. When something goes right for Leicester, he usually has something to do with it.
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Middlesbrough are probably quite looking forward to this match. This was a match they could actually win. Portsmouth have started winning games but none of them have been away. They haven’t even got one point away. So maybe Boro will start winning and shoot up the table. Or maybe Portsmouth will.
I would love to see Danny Coyne back in goal for Boro but I’m just not sure it’ll happen. Rhys Williams is probably back in Middlesbrough now but he won’t be nearly ready to play.
Millwall v Burnley
The last time Millwall won a match, it was August. So it must be their turn again now. And it’s not as though it’s been all bad results – they’ve got some draws against some very good sides. And Burnley are yet to win away this season.
Steve Morison should start up front for Millwall.
Both these teams are unbeaten at home and as Doncaster are the team at home, Forest could be in trouble. Or at least in for yet another draw.
I’d assumed Brian Stock was being kept on Doncaster’s bench because he’s not quite recovered from a back injury – but he’s also having trouble with agreeing a new contract and maybe that’s the reason.
If he does come back into the team, it’s unlikely to be in place of John Oster, who’s been excellent.
Robert Earnshaw will almost certainly miss out again due to his thigh injury but Chris Gunter should be fine.
Hull City v Coventry City
It sounds a bit obvious (although that doesn’t stop many commentators from pointing it out) but Coventry can’t win if they don’t. And Hull’s defence is as stingy as a Scotsman – they haven’t conceded a single goal this season, and they’re unbeaten at home. On the other hand, Coventry haven’t failed to score in a single game this season.
Freddy Eastwood has had a knee operation so I wouldn’t expect him to be ready to come back yet.
Ipswich Town v Leeds United
Ipswich and Leeds are two of many teams jostling for a place in the top six come Saturday night. Ipswich have only lost twice this season but as they’ve both happened in the last four games, I imagine Roy Keane isn’t overly happy. If he ever is overly happy. As for Leeds, they will be feeling really glad they don’t have to play Preston North End again after the midweek 4-6 humiliation. Or maybe Preston are exactly the team Leeds want to play.
Troy Brown had a knock in midweek but he’s expected to be fit for this game.
Jason Brown has been spending far too much time on the bench lately but it’s thought he could starts this match for loan club Leeds. Sanchez Watt could also start.
Leicester City v Scunthorpe United
Managerless Leicester are desperate for points and hosting Scunthorpe does sound like a reasonable way of getting some. But Scunthorpe have sprung a few surprises this season so tomorrow could be another one. If it’s still surprising when Leicester wins a match.
Andy King will hope to keep his place in Leicester’s midfield. When something goes right for Leicester, he usually has something to do with it.
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth
Middlesbrough are probably quite looking forward to this match. This was a match they could actually win. Portsmouth have started winning games but none of them have been away. They haven’t even got one point away. So maybe Boro will start winning and shoot up the table. Or maybe Portsmouth will.
I would love to see Danny Coyne back in goal for Boro but I’m just not sure it’ll happen. Rhys Williams is probably back in Middlesbrough now but he won’t be nearly ready to play.
Millwall v Burnley
The last time Millwall won a match, it was August. So it must be their turn again now. And it’s not as though it’s been all bad results – they’ve got some draws against some very good sides. And Burnley are yet to win away this season.
Steve Morison should start up front for Millwall.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Welsh Player News 27th September 2010 (Championship) Part 2
John Oster has done well since returning from a knee injury. Doncaster haven’t lost a single match this season when John’s been playing.
John thinks Queen’s Park Rangers will be promoted this season. Somehow I don’t think he’s alone in that.
Formwe Wales under-21 international Rhys Williams will return to Middlesbrough in the next fortnight as he continues to recover from a pelvic injury. He has spent the first part of his rehabilitation in his home country Australia.
Simon Church hopes his goal for the reserves will remind manager Brian McDermott of his existence. Hal Robson-Kanu also scored.
Simon hopes to be a big part of the Reading and Wales teams this season.
The Daily Mail interviews new Sheffield United boss Gary Speed.
Gary wants to bolster his squad and what better way than to raid Manchester United? Gary doesn’t blame the Sheffield United strikers for their lack of goals but if some of the players could share the goalscoring burden with Ched Evans, that would be great.
Ched is very happy with the appointment of Gary as manager of Sheffield United. He believes the club could finish in the top six.
John thinks Queen’s Park Rangers will be promoted this season. Somehow I don’t think he’s alone in that.
Formwe Wales under-21 international Rhys Williams will return to Middlesbrough in the next fortnight as he continues to recover from a pelvic injury. He has spent the first part of his rehabilitation in his home country Australia.
Simon Church hopes his goal for the reserves will remind manager Brian McDermott of his existence. Hal Robson-Kanu also scored.
Simon hopes to be a big part of the Reading and Wales teams this season.
The Daily Mail interviews new Sheffield United boss Gary Speed.
Gary wants to bolster his squad and what better way than to raid Manchester United? Gary doesn’t blame the Sheffield United strikers for their lack of goals but if some of the players could share the goalscoring burden with Ched Evans, that would be great.
Ched is very happy with the appointment of Gary as manager of Sheffield United. He believes the club could finish in the top six.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Championship Fixtures 25th September 2010 Part 4
Reading v Barnsley
Reading haven’t lost to Barnsley since 1997, which was probably the season in which the Tykes were promoted so they were probably especially good that year. And speaking of being especially good, Reading aren’t. Although they have improved a lot recently. Barnsley are doing slightly better than Reading but they haven’t won away yet.
BBC Sport says Hal Robson-Kanu, Jake Taylor and some non-Welsh guy (Michail Antonio) are fighting it out to start for Reading so I don’t know what that says about Simon Church. But let’s assume they didn’t mention him because they were sure a striker as good as him would be starting.
Scunthorpe United v Ipswich Town
Scunthorpe have been surprisingly good this season but facing Ipswich – whose only defeat was by Qureeen’s Park Rangers, who are so good they don’t really count – won’t be easy.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Middlesbrough
Watford are doing so well, I couldn’t find them in the table because I wasn’t looking high enough. Middlesbrough I found far more easily. If Watford are hoping to improve on their last result, they are sure to be disappointed and Boro actually have a bit of an unbeaten run going.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams has a long-term pelvis injury.
Reading haven’t lost to Barnsley since 1997, which was probably the season in which the Tykes were promoted so they were probably especially good that year. And speaking of being especially good, Reading aren’t. Although they have improved a lot recently. Barnsley are doing slightly better than Reading but they haven’t won away yet.
BBC Sport says Hal Robson-Kanu, Jake Taylor and some non-Welsh guy (Michail Antonio) are fighting it out to start for Reading so I don’t know what that says about Simon Church. But let’s assume they didn’t mention him because they were sure a striker as good as him would be starting.
Scunthorpe United v Ipswich Town
Scunthorpe have been surprisingly good this season but facing Ipswich – whose only defeat was by Qureeen’s Park Rangers, who are so good they don’t really count – won’t be easy.
Troy Brown will probably be on the bench for Ipswich.
Watford v Middlesbrough
Watford are doing so well, I couldn’t find them in the table because I wasn’t looking high enough. Middlesbrough I found far more easily. If Watford are hoping to improve on their last result, they are sure to be disappointed and Boro actually have a bit of an unbeaten run going.
Danny Coyne will be on the bench for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams has a long-term pelvis injury.
Friday, 17 September 2010
Championship Fixtures 18th September 2010 Part 2
Ipswich Town v Cardiff City
Both these teams were unbeaten only a few days ago but matches against high-flying Queen’s Park Rangers and desperate Leicester City respectively put an end to all that.
Troy Brown has a chance of starting for Ipswich but if he doesn’t, he should be on the bench.
Jason Koumas will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up. If he doesn’t, Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews could be in line to replace him after being on the bench for Cardiff’s midweek defeat. Aaron Wildig is also likely to be in the squad.
Star striker Craig Bellamy could return to the side but must first pass a late fitness test on his knee.
Leicester City v Queen’s Park Rangers
Leicester ended Cardiff City’s unbeaten run midweek and QPR are the next team in their sights as they hope to build on their first win and climb the table.
Andy King certainly deserves to start for Leicester after scoring three in his last two matches. He scored both goals in Leicester’s 2-1 win over Cardiff.
Middlesbrough v Reading
It probably isn’t correct to refer to Middlesbrough as the favourites for promotion although they do still have eight months to prove me wrong. Reading will tell them it’s perfectly possible to have a bad start to the season and finish not far from the play-offs. Not that the play-offs will really be good enough for Boro.
But Reading are no pushover – they have only conceded three goals in away matches this season.
Jason Steele played well for Boro in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley but Middlesbrough still have the option of calling on the far more experienced Danny Coyne. Rhys Williams, however, is likely to be out for at least another two months.
Reading haven’t given their Welsh strikers much of a chance this season and a 3-0 victory in their previous game might not encourage the manager to make any changes. But let’s not forget Simon Church scored against Liverpool last season while Hal Robson-Kanu scored two penalties in the Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town.
Both these teams were unbeaten only a few days ago but matches against high-flying Queen’s Park Rangers and desperate Leicester City respectively put an end to all that.
Troy Brown has a chance of starting for Ipswich but if he doesn’t, he should be on the bench.
Jason Koumas will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up. If he doesn’t, Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews could be in line to replace him after being on the bench for Cardiff’s midweek defeat. Aaron Wildig is also likely to be in the squad.
Star striker Craig Bellamy could return to the side but must first pass a late fitness test on his knee.
Leicester City v Queen’s Park Rangers
Leicester ended Cardiff City’s unbeaten run midweek and QPR are the next team in their sights as they hope to build on their first win and climb the table.
Andy King certainly deserves to start for Leicester after scoring three in his last two matches. He scored both goals in Leicester’s 2-1 win over Cardiff.
Middlesbrough v Reading
It probably isn’t correct to refer to Middlesbrough as the favourites for promotion although they do still have eight months to prove me wrong. Reading will tell them it’s perfectly possible to have a bad start to the season and finish not far from the play-offs. Not that the play-offs will really be good enough for Boro.
But Reading are no pushover – they have only conceded three goals in away matches this season.
Jason Steele played well for Boro in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley but Middlesbrough still have the option of calling on the far more experienced Danny Coyne. Rhys Williams, however, is likely to be out for at least another two months.
Reading haven’t given their Welsh strikers much of a chance this season and a 3-0 victory in their previous game might not encourage the manager to make any changes. But let’s not forget Simon Church scored against Liverpool last season while Hal Robson-Kanu scored two penalties in the Carling Cup defeat to Northampton Town.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Championship Results 11th September 2010 Part 3
Queen’s Park Rangers 3-0 Middlesbrough
Top of the table QPR comprehensively beat the team who were expected to be top of the table, but who had won only one game in the league this season.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams was out with a pelvic injury.
Reading 3-0 Crystal Palace
Reading beat Palace 3-0 but they needed two penalties in order to do it. Palace continue to struggle but they’ll have been comforted by the news that their next match was against Portsmouth.
Simon Church came off the bench after 89 minutes which was a bit late for him to show off his goalscoring prowess really. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench but Jake Taylor wasn’t.
Palace’s Andy Dorman was substituted at half-time. Lewis Price was an unusued substitute… but perhaps he won’t be unused for very much longer.
Scunthorpe United 0-2 Bristol City
Stop the press. Bristol City win a match! True, it’s only against Scunthorpe but you get just the same number of points as you do when you beat Queen’s Park Rangers. Not that QPR have lost a match this season so they might have changed it for all we know but I would guess they haven’t.
Bristol City’s Brett Pitman was, to my knowledge, the only even vaguely Welsh player to feature in this match. Christian Ribeiro did get into the matchday squad but he stayed on the bench. And as all Bristol City’s other Welsh players are either injured or on loan to Yeovil Town, getting two in the squad was actually pretty good.
Watford 2-2 Doncaster Rovers
A stoppage-time winner for Doncaster denied Watford their first home win of the season. Both Watford’s goals came from the same substitute – I bet Doncaster were glad he hadn’t played from the start.
John Oster and captain Brian Stock are probably both slightly short of fitness. John made only his second appearance since a knee operation while Brian missed out on Wales’ defeat to Montenegro with a back injury. Both were substituted after 79 minutes but (obviously!) not before John had provided the assist for Doncaster’s first goal.
Top of the table QPR comprehensively beat the team who were expected to be top of the table, but who had won only one game in the league this season.
Danny Coyne was on the bench for Middlesbrough but Rhys Williams was out with a pelvic injury.
Reading 3-0 Crystal Palace
Reading beat Palace 3-0 but they needed two penalties in order to do it. Palace continue to struggle but they’ll have been comforted by the news that their next match was against Portsmouth.
Simon Church came off the bench after 89 minutes which was a bit late for him to show off his goalscoring prowess really. Hal Robson-Kanu was on the bench but Jake Taylor wasn’t.
Palace’s Andy Dorman was substituted at half-time. Lewis Price was an unusued substitute… but perhaps he won’t be unused for very much longer.
Scunthorpe United 0-2 Bristol City
Stop the press. Bristol City win a match! True, it’s only against Scunthorpe but you get just the same number of points as you do when you beat Queen’s Park Rangers. Not that QPR have lost a match this season so they might have changed it for all we know but I would guess they haven’t.
Bristol City’s Brett Pitman was, to my knowledge, the only even vaguely Welsh player to feature in this match. Christian Ribeiro did get into the matchday squad but he stayed on the bench. And as all Bristol City’s other Welsh players are either injured or on loan to Yeovil Town, getting two in the squad was actually pretty good.
Watford 2-2 Doncaster Rovers
A stoppage-time winner for Doncaster denied Watford their first home win of the season. Both Watford’s goals came from the same substitute – I bet Doncaster were glad he hadn’t played from the start.
John Oster and captain Brian Stock are probably both slightly short of fitness. John made only his second appearance since a knee operation while Brian missed out on Wales’ defeat to Montenegro with a back injury. Both were substituted after 79 minutes but (obviously!) not before John had provided the assist for Doncaster’s first goal.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Championship Fixtures 11th September 2010 Part 2
Leeds United v Swansea City
Leeds didn’t have the best start to the season but they’re soaring up the table now. Swansea have started a bit slower but they often do so there’s probably no need to worry just yet. If Swansea score, it will be their first away goal of the season. You can probably work out for yourself how many away games they’ve won – there haven’t been any 0-0 draws.
Sanchez Watt should keep his place in Leeds’ starting line-up but he is yet to score in the league this season.
Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor look certain to start but David Cotterill has started every league game this season while Joe Allen is an option to replace an injured midfielder. David Cornell will be on the bench.
Norwich City v Barnsley
The last time Barnsley won away at Norwich, the second world war was still two years away. So they’re due a win, don’t you think?
Norwich’s Andrew Crofts has recovered from the ankle injury which prevented him from playing for Wales last week.
Nottingham Forest v Millwall
Forest are still yet to win this season although they are unbeaten at home. Millwall’s 100% start was spoiled by old adversaries Leeds United but they’re still in fourth place.
Chris Gunter is still suspended so he won’t play for Forest. Robert Earnshaw will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up despite scoring only once this season.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Portsmouth v Ipswich Town
Portsmouth are bottom of the Championship so the last team they want visiting them is Ipswich Town – who are unbeaten and have a 100% record in their away games this season.
Troy Brown has a chance of playing due to a team-mate’s injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Middlesbrough
QPR are another of those unbeaten teams. Boro are yet to win or even score away. So they must be thrilled they’ve got QPR this week.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is out with a pelvis injury.
Leeds didn’t have the best start to the season but they’re soaring up the table now. Swansea have started a bit slower but they often do so there’s probably no need to worry just yet. If Swansea score, it will be their first away goal of the season. You can probably work out for yourself how many away games they’ve won – there haven’t been any 0-0 draws.
Sanchez Watt should keep his place in Leeds’ starting line-up but he is yet to score in the league this season.
Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor look certain to start but David Cotterill has started every league game this season while Joe Allen is an option to replace an injured midfielder. David Cornell will be on the bench.
Norwich City v Barnsley
The last time Barnsley won away at Norwich, the second world war was still two years away. So they’re due a win, don’t you think?
Norwich’s Andrew Crofts has recovered from the ankle injury which prevented him from playing for Wales last week.
Nottingham Forest v Millwall
Forest are still yet to win this season although they are unbeaten at home. Millwall’s 100% start was spoiled by old adversaries Leeds United but they’re still in fourth place.
Chris Gunter is still suspended so he won’t play for Forest. Robert Earnshaw will hope to keep his place in the starting line-up despite scoring only once this season.
Steve Morison should start for Millwall.
Portsmouth v Ipswich Town
Portsmouth are bottom of the Championship so the last team they want visiting them is Ipswich Town – who are unbeaten and have a 100% record in their away games this season.
Troy Brown has a chance of playing due to a team-mate’s injury.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Middlesbrough
QPR are another of those unbeaten teams. Boro are yet to win or even score away. So they must be thrilled they’ve got QPR this week.
Danny Coyne will probably be on the bench for Middlesbrough. Rhys Williams is out with a pelvis injury.
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