Portsmouth v Aston Villa
It seems Portsmouth might be able to play in the Europa League after all if they can persuade the FA to accept a late application for Europe – which they can only do if the FA are satisfied that Portsmouth’s finances will be in order by the end of May. So Aston Villa need to make sure they finish in sixth place, just in case. Chelsea are already guaranteed European football so Portsmouth – if their application is successful - will be given the Europa League place whether they win the FA Cup Final or not.
So it would be a good idea for Aston Villa to win this match and in theory there’s no reason to assume they won’t. But if Portsmouth can beat Tottenham Hotspur (who are pretty good now, ask Arsenal and Chelsea), they can definitely beat Aston Villa. And Aston Villa, like last season, are on a bit of an end-of-season slump.
James Collins told the Birmingham Mail that if Aston Villa win all their five remaining games they could get into the Champions’ League. But he said that before Tottenham Hotspur beat Chelsea. Who knows what he thinks now? A Europa League place however is more than possible and we know James can do the business at both ends (by which I mean he can score and defend, I wasn’t trying to be dirty).
Wigan Athletic v Arsenal
Wigan are just four points outside the relegation places and although they look pretty safe now, it will certainly not be the case if they lose this match and Hull win their game in hand. I know Hull winning is a big if (I wish it wasn’t, I would love Hull to stay up although I am pissed off with Iain Dowie for dropping Boaz Myhill) but Wigan need to start picking up points.
Unfortunately for Wigan, they’re playing Arsenal and they can’t have any points. I’m not giving up on Arsenal winning the League until it’s mathematically impossible and I definitely think they could still get second place. And even if they finish third, they can still try to get as close to the top two as they can.
Even if Wigan see sense and play Jason Koumas I still don’t want them getting any points. A hat-trick for Jason and 4+ goals for Arsenal is fine.
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Saturday, 17 April 2010
League Two Fixtures 17th April Part 2
Macclesfield Town v Chesterfield
Chesterfield need to win to keep them in the play-off places but Macclesfield only need a point to ensure sure they’re mathematically guaranteed to spend next season in League Two (although the chances are they would do even if they lose their next four games – Grimsby Town could catch them on points but Macclesfield have a much better goal difference.
Matthew Tipton would probably love another start but he scored an own goal last week and that tends not to go down well with managers.
Robert Page was back in Chesterfield’s starting line-up for the last game so I hope he’ll stay there. Mark Crossley will probably be on the bench though.
Notts County v Morecambe
Notts County moved to the top of the table after beating Lincoln City. A point today will see them promoted no matter what Rotherham United do. Morecambe are out of the play-off zone but only by a point.
Ben Davies seems to be getting a goal or an assist in every game at the moment – so watch out for Wales’ answer to Lionel Messi. Darren Moss played for Morecambe reserves as they beat Tranmere Rovers reserves 5-2 this week and Sky Sports think he could start the non-reserve match too.
Rochdale v Northampton Town
Rochdale were looking certain to win the League but they’ve recently suffered a string of poor results, including most recently a defeat to, well, Darlington. Oops! Notts County have now claimed the top spot and Bournemouth are gaining on Rochdale now. But they could seal promotion today if Rotherham United fail to win.
Northampton are one of three teams who are just two points outside the play-offs.
Peter Gilbert should play for Northampton.
Rotherham United v Cheltenham Town
Rotherham need to win to stand any chances of winning the League but I imagine they’ll be thinking more of 3rd place now. Cheltenham moved up a place this week and their small chances of relegation will disappear almost completely if they win this weekend and Grimsby Town lose.
Josh Low will be in Cheltenham’s line-up. He’s scored two goals in the last two games so I’m sure he’ll want to keep that run going.
Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City
Shrewsbury are six points outside the play-offs but that doesn’t mean they can’t get there. I don’t think they will though. A win could see Lincoln mathematically safe from relegation.
Shrewsbury’s Will Richards has been ill this week, poor baby, and might not be available for this match. David Stephens could be on Lincoln’s bench.
Chesterfield need to win to keep them in the play-off places but Macclesfield only need a point to ensure sure they’re mathematically guaranteed to spend next season in League Two (although the chances are they would do even if they lose their next four games – Grimsby Town could catch them on points but Macclesfield have a much better goal difference.
Matthew Tipton would probably love another start but he scored an own goal last week and that tends not to go down well with managers.
Robert Page was back in Chesterfield’s starting line-up for the last game so I hope he’ll stay there. Mark Crossley will probably be on the bench though.
Notts County v Morecambe
Notts County moved to the top of the table after beating Lincoln City. A point today will see them promoted no matter what Rotherham United do. Morecambe are out of the play-off zone but only by a point.
Ben Davies seems to be getting a goal or an assist in every game at the moment – so watch out for Wales’ answer to Lionel Messi. Darren Moss played for Morecambe reserves as they beat Tranmere Rovers reserves 5-2 this week and Sky Sports think he could start the non-reserve match too.
Rochdale v Northampton Town
Rochdale were looking certain to win the League but they’ve recently suffered a string of poor results, including most recently a defeat to, well, Darlington. Oops! Notts County have now claimed the top spot and Bournemouth are gaining on Rochdale now. But they could seal promotion today if Rotherham United fail to win.
Northampton are one of three teams who are just two points outside the play-offs.
Peter Gilbert should play for Northampton.
Rotherham United v Cheltenham Town
Rotherham need to win to stand any chances of winning the League but I imagine they’ll be thinking more of 3rd place now. Cheltenham moved up a place this week and their small chances of relegation will disappear almost completely if they win this weekend and Grimsby Town lose.
Josh Low will be in Cheltenham’s line-up. He’s scored two goals in the last two games so I’m sure he’ll want to keep that run going.
Shrewsbury Town v Lincoln City
Shrewsbury are six points outside the play-offs but that doesn’t mean they can’t get there. I don’t think they will though. A win could see Lincoln mathematically safe from relegation.
Shrewsbury’s Will Richards has been ill this week, poor baby, and might not be available for this match. David Stephens could be on Lincoln’s bench.
League Two Fixtures 17th April Part 1
Accrington Stanley v Hereford United
Accrington still have a mathematical chance of getting into the play-offs but Hereford are guaranteed to be in League Two next season.
Ryan Green has either a hamstring injury or a groin injury but as hamstring injuries are so in this week I think it’s probably that. Ryan faces a late fitness test but Ryan Valentine and Darren Jones are likely to be in Hereford’s team. The Hereford Times says Darren’s central defensive partnership with Richard Rose has been key to their revival.
Bournemouth v Darlington
Bournemouth are six points clear in the automatic promotion places but I’m sure they’d prefer it if that gap didn’t get any smaller. Darlington have done well since the appointment of their new manager but despite beating league leaders Rochdale (as they were then) last week, Darlington were consigned to spend the next season in the Blue Square Premier.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth but Joe Partington is most likely to be on the bench.
Bradford City v Barnet
Bradford are safe from relegation but they same can’t be said of Barnet, who are currently the team Grimsby Town are most likely to catch if there’s a miracle.
Michael Flynn is training again after recovering from a rib injury and could be back in Bradford’s team.
Bury v Port Vale
Both these teams were looking as though they could miss out on the play-offs but with Bury currently in 5th place and Port Vale just two points outside the play-off zone, both are very much back in it. If indeed they were ever out of it.
Gareth Owen, Craig Davies and Lewis Haldane could all start for Port Vale.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Burton Albion
Dag & Red are another side who are hoping to get into the play-offs and they’re only two points away. Burton are three points away from the top half of the table although goal difference will probably prevent them from actually getting there if results do go their way.
The strikers of both sides will have a job to do today – both are up against Welshmen called Tony. Tony Roberts is Dag & Red’s goalkeeper while Tony James plays n central defence for Burton,
Accrington still have a mathematical chance of getting into the play-offs but Hereford are guaranteed to be in League Two next season.
Ryan Green has either a hamstring injury or a groin injury but as hamstring injuries are so in this week I think it’s probably that. Ryan faces a late fitness test but Ryan Valentine and Darren Jones are likely to be in Hereford’s team. The Hereford Times says Darren’s central defensive partnership with Richard Rose has been key to their revival.
Bournemouth v Darlington
Bournemouth are six points clear in the automatic promotion places but I’m sure they’d prefer it if that gap didn’t get any smaller. Darlington have done well since the appointment of their new manager but despite beating league leaders Rochdale (as they were then) last week, Darlington were consigned to spend the next season in the Blue Square Premier.
Rhoys Wiggins will start for Bournemouth but Joe Partington is most likely to be on the bench.
Bradford City v Barnet
Bradford are safe from relegation but they same can’t be said of Barnet, who are currently the team Grimsby Town are most likely to catch if there’s a miracle.
Michael Flynn is training again after recovering from a rib injury and could be back in Bradford’s team.
Bury v Port Vale
Both these teams were looking as though they could miss out on the play-offs but with Bury currently in 5th place and Port Vale just two points outside the play-off zone, both are very much back in it. If indeed they were ever out of it.
Gareth Owen, Craig Davies and Lewis Haldane could all start for Port Vale.
Dagenham & Redbridge v Burton Albion
Dag & Red are another side who are hoping to get into the play-offs and they’re only two points away. Burton are three points away from the top half of the table although goal difference will probably prevent them from actually getting there if results do go their way.
The strikers of both sides will have a job to do today – both are up against Welshmen called Tony. Tony Roberts is Dag & Red’s goalkeeper while Tony James plays n central defence for Burton,
League One Fixtures 17th April Part 3
Tranmere Rovers v Exeter City
Tranmere won’t get out of the relegation places if they win but they will be level on points with Gillingham if they lose to Leeds United. Which is certainly possible. Exeter are five points ahead of the relegation zone. It sounds okay in theory but Tranmere are team most likely to catch Exeter. A Tranmere win would cut Exeter’s safety margin to two points.
Ash Taylor will play for Tranmere. Richard Duffy is likely to start for Exeter, possibly with Stuart Fleetwood who has started the last couple of games. Rob Edwards could return from a hamstring injury. Andy Marriott will probably be on the bench.
Yeovil Town v Southampton
Yeovil are eight points clear of danger while Southampton still have a very faint mathematical chance of reaching the play-offs.
Gavin Williams will almost certainly keep his place in Yeovil’s team along with Shaun MacDonald. Shaun hasn’t been scoring lately but he hasn’t had much chance when Gavin keeps scoring. Arron Davies is likely to be left out due to the loanee number regulations.
Arron and assistant manager Nathan Jones recently played for Yeovil in the Somerset Premier Cup. They won 2-0 away at Bishop Sutton.
Lloyd James will probably be on the bench for Southampton.
League One Fixtures 17th April Part 2
Milton Keynes Dons v Wycombe Wanderers
Milton Keynes Dons are mathematically out of the play-offs but Wycombe could still survive. But if they lose and Gillingham, Leyton Orient and Exeter City win, Wycombe will be all but down due to their goal difference.
Jermaine Easter has a tight thigh so might not play for MK Dons.
Southend United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Southend can’t get out of the relegation zone if they win this match but three points would give them a fighting chance, especially if results go their way. Brighton are eight points clear of trouble.
Andrew Crofts will play in midfield for Brighton.
Swindon Town v Walsall
A win for Swindon could put them back in the automatic promotion places if results go their way. Walsall are looking solid in mid-table.
Walsall’s Rhys Weston could return from his hamstring injury but Mark Bradley will be on the bench.
Milton Keynes Dons are mathematically out of the play-offs but Wycombe could still survive. But if they lose and Gillingham, Leyton Orient and Exeter City win, Wycombe will be all but down due to their goal difference.
Jermaine Easter has a tight thigh so might not play for MK Dons.
Southend United v Brighton & Hove Albion
Southend can’t get out of the relegation zone if they win this match but three points would give them a fighting chance, especially if results go their way. Brighton are eight points clear of trouble.
Andrew Crofts will play in midfield for Brighton.
Swindon Town v Walsall
A win for Swindon could put them back in the automatic promotion places if results go their way. Walsall are looking solid in mid-table.
Walsall’s Rhys Weston could return from his hamstring injury but Mark Bradley will be on the bench.
League One Fixtures 17th April Part 1
Bristol Rovers v Brentford
They’re out of the play-offs, they’re out of the relegation battle but they can still try to finish as high up the table as they can.
Rovers’ Byron Anthony has a sore hip flexor and is 50/50. Ben Swallow should be fit though.
Lewis Price might have thought his days on the bench were over when Brentford’s first-choice goalkeeper returned to full fitness but as Wojciech Szczesny is injured, he should be in the squad after all as long as it’s not breaking the loanee rules. And the way things are going, the kit man might have to get him an outfield player’s jersey (that’s Brentford manager Andy Scott’s joke, not mine unfortunately).
Carlisle United v Oldham Athletic
Carlisle will be hoping for a top table finish as Oldham attempt to inch further from the relegation zone. They are currently six points clear.
Jason Price missed Carlisle’s last match with a hamstring injury but he could return. Carlisle manager Greg Abbott has hinted he wants to keep Jason.
Joe Jacobson has had surgery on his pelvis and Oldham don’t want to rush him back so he could miss the rest of the season.
Charlton Athletic v Norwich City
Charlton are still in the automatic promotion race but if it doesn’t work out, they’d need a major collapse – and a great run from Colchester United – to miss out on the play-offs.
Norwich’s only win in April was against Stockport County and they lose to everyone.
Charlton are without the injured Grant Basey (ankle).
Norwich might want to bring in some fresh pairs of legs – Owain Tudur Jones and Josh Dawkin come instantly to (my) mind. Josh scored as the Norwich under-18s beat Charlton’s under-18s 3-2.
Gillingham v Leeds United
Leeds remain second after Millwall lost to Huddersfield Town on Friday. But their form of late has been patchy and Gillingham are relying on their home form to keep them up.
Sanchez Watt could finally get his first start for Leeds since joining on loan from Arsenal. But he probably won’t.
Hartlepool United v Colchester United
Hartlepool are seven points clear of the relegation zone and might consider themselves safe. Colchester meanwhile really need to win if they want to get back into the play-offs.
Thomas Bender could be on the bench for Colchester but I’ve got no idea what’s going on with Lee Beevers’ knee. Apparently Colchester manager Aidy Boothroyd has been trying to sell Lee.
Leyton Orient v Stockport County
If Leyton Orient can beat the top team – and they did just that a few days ago – they ought to be able to beat the bottom team. At the moment they’re only four points outside the relegation zone. Stockport are not only down, they can no longer catch 23rd-placed Wycombe Wanderers.
Owain fon Williams will be in goal for Stockport.
They’re out of the play-offs, they’re out of the relegation battle but they can still try to finish as high up the table as they can.
Rovers’ Byron Anthony has a sore hip flexor and is 50/50. Ben Swallow should be fit though.
Lewis Price might have thought his days on the bench were over when Brentford’s first-choice goalkeeper returned to full fitness but as Wojciech Szczesny is injured, he should be in the squad after all as long as it’s not breaking the loanee rules. And the way things are going, the kit man might have to get him an outfield player’s jersey (that’s Brentford manager Andy Scott’s joke, not mine unfortunately).
Carlisle United v Oldham Athletic
Carlisle will be hoping for a top table finish as Oldham attempt to inch further from the relegation zone. They are currently six points clear.
Jason Price missed Carlisle’s last match with a hamstring injury but he could return. Carlisle manager Greg Abbott has hinted he wants to keep Jason.
Joe Jacobson has had surgery on his pelvis and Oldham don’t want to rush him back so he could miss the rest of the season.
Charlton Athletic v Norwich City
Charlton are still in the automatic promotion race but if it doesn’t work out, they’d need a major collapse – and a great run from Colchester United – to miss out on the play-offs.
Norwich’s only win in April was against Stockport County and they lose to everyone.
Charlton are without the injured Grant Basey (ankle).
Norwich might want to bring in some fresh pairs of legs – Owain Tudur Jones and Josh Dawkin come instantly to (my) mind. Josh scored as the Norwich under-18s beat Charlton’s under-18s 3-2.
Gillingham v Leeds United
Leeds remain second after Millwall lost to Huddersfield Town on Friday. But their form of late has been patchy and Gillingham are relying on their home form to keep them up.
Sanchez Watt could finally get his first start for Leeds since joining on loan from Arsenal. But he probably won’t.
Hartlepool United v Colchester United
Hartlepool are seven points clear of the relegation zone and might consider themselves safe. Colchester meanwhile really need to win if they want to get back into the play-offs.
Thomas Bender could be on the bench for Colchester but I’ve got no idea what’s going on with Lee Beevers’ knee. Apparently Colchester manager Aidy Boothroyd has been trying to sell Lee.
Leyton Orient v Stockport County
If Leyton Orient can beat the top team – and they did just that a few days ago – they ought to be able to beat the bottom team. At the moment they’re only four points outside the relegation zone. Stockport are not only down, they can no longer catch 23rd-placed Wycombe Wanderers.
Owain fon Williams will be in goal for Stockport.
Championship Fixtures 17th April Part 3
Reading v Peterborough United
Reading’s play-off hopes are pretty thin – they’ll realistically have to win all four remaining matches to have any chance of sneaking in there. But a home win against relegated Peterborough looks like a distinct possibility.
Simon Church could get a recall into Reading’s starting line-up but probably only if there’s a last-minute injury. If so, Simon will be up against Peterborough centre back Craig Morgan – unless Craig plays up front again of course.
Scunthorpe United v Bristol City
Scunthorpe remain in relegation trouble but Bristol City’s form has picked up considerably of late and a win at Scunthorpe would extend their unbeaten run to seven matches. They’re also not mathematically out of the play-offs yet. Realistically they are out but it’s great for them to be up there considering they were in a bit of trouble not that long ago.
Lewin Nyatanga is likely to keep his place in defence with Christian Ribeiro on the bench. Christian has played very well for Bristol City but he’s not expecting to be called up for Wales anytime soon. He might be surprised. I hope he is!
Swansea City v Barnsley
Swansea need to win to be sure if remaining in the play-off places – with their goal difference of just +3, a draw won’t be enough to stop Blackpool forging ahead. Barnsley are probably safe on 53 points. Millwall were relegated with 52 points not that long ago but that’s really unusual.
Ashley Williams is likely to play in defence for Barnsley. Joe Allen and David Cotterill could also be in the starting line-up but David Cornell will be on the bench. I'm still not sure about Jazz Richards.
West Bromwich Albion v Middlesbrough
West Brom are already promoted, along with Newcastle United – leaving Middlesbrough as the only relegated side from last season who might not be bouncing straight back up again. But it could happen – they’re only four points behind Swansea City and they’re on a very good run.
Rhys Williams hasn’t trained this week due to his pelvis problems but he will still play for Middlesbrough with Danny Coyne on the bench.
Rhys and Danny are both on a short-list to win the Official Garmin Boro Player of the Year award. There are only six players on it so it’s pretty good a third of the list is Welsh. Even though Rhys does play for Australia now.
Reading’s play-off hopes are pretty thin – they’ll realistically have to win all four remaining matches to have any chance of sneaking in there. But a home win against relegated Peterborough looks like a distinct possibility.
Simon Church could get a recall into Reading’s starting line-up but probably only if there’s a last-minute injury. If so, Simon will be up against Peterborough centre back Craig Morgan – unless Craig plays up front again of course.
Scunthorpe United v Bristol City
Scunthorpe remain in relegation trouble but Bristol City’s form has picked up considerably of late and a win at Scunthorpe would extend their unbeaten run to seven matches. They’re also not mathematically out of the play-offs yet. Realistically they are out but it’s great for them to be up there considering they were in a bit of trouble not that long ago.
Lewin Nyatanga is likely to keep his place in defence with Christian Ribeiro on the bench. Christian has played very well for Bristol City but he’s not expecting to be called up for Wales anytime soon. He might be surprised. I hope he is!
Swansea City v Barnsley
Swansea need to win to be sure if remaining in the play-off places – with their goal difference of just +3, a draw won’t be enough to stop Blackpool forging ahead. Barnsley are probably safe on 53 points. Millwall were relegated with 52 points not that long ago but that’s really unusual.
Ashley Williams is likely to play in defence for Barnsley. Joe Allen and David Cotterill could also be in the starting line-up but David Cornell will be on the bench. I'm still not sure about Jazz Richards.
West Bromwich Albion v Middlesbrough
West Brom are already promoted, along with Newcastle United – leaving Middlesbrough as the only relegated side from last season who might not be bouncing straight back up again. But it could happen – they’re only four points behind Swansea City and they’re on a very good run.
Rhys Williams hasn’t trained this week due to his pelvis problems but he will still play for Middlesbrough with Danny Coyne on the bench.
Rhys and Danny are both on a short-list to win the Official Garmin Boro Player of the Year award. There are only six players on it so it’s pretty good a third of the list is Welsh. Even though Rhys does play for Australia now.
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