Leeds United v Walsall
Walsall have struggled for points lately – but so have Leeds. Walsall’s Rhys Weston is still out with a hamstring injury but maybe Mark Bradley will get to come off the bench.
Yeovil Town v Colchester United
Arron Davies wasn’t able to make his debut appearance in Yeovil’a squad after all as they already had the maximum number of loanees in the squad but perhaps he’ll be able to feature this time. Shaun MacDonald and Owain Tudur Jones should keep their place in Yeovil’s midfield but I’m not sure what’s going on with defender Nathan Jones. He’s also the assistant manager so you’d think he’d pick himself if he could. Christian Ribeiro is a doubt for Colchester.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Championship Fixtures 16th February Part 2
Derby County v Preston North End
Derby have been going well lately and Robbie Savage will be doing his best to inspire his team to another victory. Preston have struggled but they have been missing Paul Parry and their defensive situation is so desperate, they’ve taken a Peterborough player on loan. But just because he comes from the Championship’s bottom side, it doesn’t mean he won’t be good. Preston manager Darren Ferguson says Paul will be a big part of his plans once he’s fit.
Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United
Forest’s promotion push has stuttered after their unbeaten run came to an end while Sheffield United have been on a bit of a run. But that’s not to say Chris Gunter and (if selected) Robert Earnshaw can’t give them plenty to worry about. Ched Evans hasn’t been starting many games for Sheffield Utd recently but he will be in the squad.
Peterborough United v Ipswich Town
Ipswich are out of the bottom three mostly because of their huge number of draws so this might be an opportunity to grab one point at least. They do have Craig Morgan in defence, which can only help.
Plymouth Argyle v Swansea City
Carl Fletcher’s equalising goal at the weekend inspired Plymouth to an away win over Barnsley. It also got Carl into the Team of the Week. Swansea are a tougher side but Plymouth do have the home advantage this time. They will however be facing a few current Welsh internationals - defender Ashley Williams and midfielders David Cotterill (Man of the Match against Newcastle) and Joe Allen have all been on good form for Swansea. But they might be dropped, they sometimes are.
Sheffield Wednesday v Doncaster Rovers
Gareth Roberts has a knee injury and could miss the whoe season. It’s a great shame for Gareth and for Doncaster as he’s been brilliant for them. Brian Stock and John Oster will be wanting to experience that winning feeling again and drag Doncaster even further from the relegation places.
Derby have been going well lately and Robbie Savage will be doing his best to inspire his team to another victory. Preston have struggled but they have been missing Paul Parry and their defensive situation is so desperate, they’ve taken a Peterborough player on loan. But just because he comes from the Championship’s bottom side, it doesn’t mean he won’t be good. Preston manager Darren Ferguson says Paul will be a big part of his plans once he’s fit.
Nottingham Forest v Sheffield United
Forest’s promotion push has stuttered after their unbeaten run came to an end while Sheffield United have been on a bit of a run. But that’s not to say Chris Gunter and (if selected) Robert Earnshaw can’t give them plenty to worry about. Ched Evans hasn’t been starting many games for Sheffield Utd recently but he will be in the squad.
Peterborough United v Ipswich Town
Ipswich are out of the bottom three mostly because of their huge number of draws so this might be an opportunity to grab one point at least. They do have Craig Morgan in defence, which can only help.
Plymouth Argyle v Swansea City
Carl Fletcher’s equalising goal at the weekend inspired Plymouth to an away win over Barnsley. It also got Carl into the Team of the Week. Swansea are a tougher side but Plymouth do have the home advantage this time. They will however be facing a few current Welsh internationals - defender Ashley Williams and midfielders David Cotterill (Man of the Match against Newcastle) and Joe Allen have all been on good form for Swansea. But they might be dropped, they sometimes are.
Sheffield Wednesday v Doncaster Rovers
Gareth Roberts has a knee injury and could miss the whoe season. It’s a great shame for Gareth and for Doncaster as he’s been brilliant for them. Brian Stock and John Oster will be wanting to experience that winning feeling again and drag Doncaster even further from the relegation places.
Championship Fixtures 16th February Part 1
Blackpool v Middlesbrough
Blackpool and Middlesbrough both have play-off aspirations but as they have played more games than a lot of the teams around them, they need luck as well as wins although Boro have a three-point advantage over Blackpool. So both will be up for this match. No word on whether Neal Eardley is likely to return after being dropped following a night out (although Sporting Life says Neal does have a toe injury – yet another reason not to go clubbing). Daniel Nardiello has also been missing recently, Sporting Life is again a great help – he has a groin injury. David Vaughan and Rob Edwards however have done well for Blackpool and should keep their places – at least in my opinion. Danny Coyne remains Boro’s No. 1 but Rhys Williams probably won’t be ready to return from a pelvic injury.
Bristol City v Leicester City
Not so long ago Bristol City were competing for the play-offs and Leicester were in with a shout of automatic promotion. Now Leicester will probably have to be content with a place in the play-offs while Bristol City are just five points clear of the relegation places. Gavin Williams finally returned to Bristol City’s starting line-up last week, playing alongside Lewin Nyatanga but not so long ago there was talk of sending Gavin out on loan so let’s wait and see what happens. Andy King will hopefully keep his place for Leicester and there might also be a place in the squad for Nicky Adams, who has returned following an impressive loan spell at Leyton Orient.
Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion
WBA might be one of the best teams in the Championship but they’re not as good as Chelsea – a team Cardiff did match for a while before finally going down 4-1. Joe Ledley of course will be absent but Aaron Wildig has established himself as a regular in midfield – a mature performance against Chelsea will only have helped - and Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews have also impressed when given the opportunity.
Blackpool and Middlesbrough both have play-off aspirations but as they have played more games than a lot of the teams around them, they need luck as well as wins although Boro have a three-point advantage over Blackpool. So both will be up for this match. No word on whether Neal Eardley is likely to return after being dropped following a night out (although Sporting Life says Neal does have a toe injury – yet another reason not to go clubbing). Daniel Nardiello has also been missing recently, Sporting Life is again a great help – he has a groin injury. David Vaughan and Rob Edwards however have done well for Blackpool and should keep their places – at least in my opinion. Danny Coyne remains Boro’s No. 1 but Rhys Williams probably won’t be ready to return from a pelvic injury.
Bristol City v Leicester City
Not so long ago Bristol City were competing for the play-offs and Leicester were in with a shout of automatic promotion. Now Leicester will probably have to be content with a place in the play-offs while Bristol City are just five points clear of the relegation places. Gavin Williams finally returned to Bristol City’s starting line-up last week, playing alongside Lewin Nyatanga but not so long ago there was talk of sending Gavin out on loan so let’s wait and see what happens. Andy King will hopefully keep his place for Leicester and there might also be a place in the squad for Nicky Adams, who has returned following an impressive loan spell at Leyton Orient.
Cardiff City v West Bromwich Albion
WBA might be one of the best teams in the Championship but they’re not as good as Chelsea – a team Cardiff did match for a while before finally going down 4-1. Joe Ledley of course will be absent but Aaron Wildig has established himself as a regular in midfield – a mature performance against Chelsea will only have helped - and Darcy Blake and Adam Matthews have also impressed when given the opportunity.
Premier League Fixture 16th February
Stoke City v Manchester City
It ended as a draw in the FA Cup but now Stoke will show Manchester city exactly how difficult life can be for teams visiting the Britannia Stadium. Ryan Shawcross will probably be in central defence and Danny Collins – who is being credited with James Collins’ FA Cup goal in many online publications - could start too, depending on whether the player he replaced at the weekend can recover from injury. At least they’ll be spared facing Craig Bellamy – the Manchester City striker still has a knee injury.
It ended as a draw in the FA Cup but now Stoke will show Manchester city exactly how difficult life can be for teams visiting the Britannia Stadium. Ryan Shawcross will probably be in central defence and Danny Collins – who is being credited with James Collins’ FA Cup goal in many online publications - could start too, depending on whether the player he replaced at the weekend can recover from injury. At least they’ll be spared facing Craig Bellamy – the Manchester City striker still has a knee injury.
FA Cup Fifth Round Results 14th February
Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
After a poor first half, Tottenham fought back to earn a replay against Bolton. Gareth Bale was again their best player although certainly in the first half he didn’t have a lot of competition. He provided the assist for Tottenham’s equaliser, as well as running up and down the left wing all afternoon, beating players, putting in crosses, then running back to defend.
Sam Ricketts had a mixed performance for Bolton. He mostly looked very solid, more than comfortable now as a centre back but he did have a few bad moments, notably when he rather harshly conceded a penalty. His arm was in a strange position but I think it was up there before he knew the ball was coming his way and he did seem to be trying to move his arm away. But as Tottenham aren’t the greatest at spot kicks, it didn’t matter very much, at least not to Bolton.
Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa
Villa came from behind twice in order to book a home replay against Crystal Palace. James Colllins scored their first goal and he could have got a second but his shot was blocked on the line.
Fulham 4-0 Notts County
Simon Davies scored the first of Fulham’s goals as his club went on to show Notts County that they’re not in the Premier League yet. It was a very comfortable win but although I’m glad Simon was able to complete 90 minutes, I can’t help worrying about another relapse.
After a poor first half, Tottenham fought back to earn a replay against Bolton. Gareth Bale was again their best player although certainly in the first half he didn’t have a lot of competition. He provided the assist for Tottenham’s equaliser, as well as running up and down the left wing all afternoon, beating players, putting in crosses, then running back to defend.
Sam Ricketts had a mixed performance for Bolton. He mostly looked very solid, more than comfortable now as a centre back but he did have a few bad moments, notably when he rather harshly conceded a penalty. His arm was in a strange position but I think it was up there before he knew the ball was coming his way and he did seem to be trying to move his arm away. But as Tottenham aren’t the greatest at spot kicks, it didn’t matter very much, at least not to Bolton.
Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa
Villa came from behind twice in order to book a home replay against Crystal Palace. James Colllins scored their first goal and he could have got a second but his shot was blocked on the line.
Fulham 4-0 Notts County
Simon Davies scored the first of Fulham’s goals as his club went on to show Notts County that they’re not in the Premier League yet. It was a very comfortable win but although I’m glad Simon was able to complete 90 minutes, I can’t help worrying about another relapse.
League One Fixture 15th February
Bristol Rovers v Charlton Athletic
Byron Anthony will hope to keep his place as Bristol Rovers, having lost sight of the play-offs, no have to worry about staying up. Grant Basey has a similar task with Charlton although for them it’s more about staying in the play-off places. Ben Swallow is probably most likely to be on the bench for Bristol Rovers but he does get the odd start sometimes and Rovers do have a lot of injury problems.
Byron Anthony will hope to keep his place as Bristol Rovers, having lost sight of the play-offs, no have to worry about staying up. Grant Basey has a similar task with Charlton although for them it’s more about staying in the play-off places. Ben Swallow is probably most likely to be on the bench for Bristol Rovers but he does get the odd start sometimes and Rovers do have a lot of injury problems.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
League Two Results 13th February Part 2
Morecambe 2-0 Darlington
You might except this to be an easy game but Darlington really aren’t going down without a fight – although they lost the fight on this occasion. Darren Moss was on the bench for Morecambe after being on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Accrington Reserves.
Shrewsbury Town 3-1 Hereford United
Hereford opened the scoring in the fifth minute but Shrewsbury deservedly took the three points, despite leaving Will Richards on the bench. Ryan Valentine was back from suspension but he stayed on Hereford’s bench, leaving Darren Jones to contend with Shrewsbury alone. Without his good tackle, Shrewsbury could have won 4-1. And qhile 3-1 isn’t great, 4-1 somehow seems a lot less respectable.
Torquay United 1-2 Port Vale
Torquay equalised the first time Port Vale took the lead but Vale were determined and came away with the three points. Craig Davies and Lewis Haldane both played for Vale, with Lewis scoring his first league goal for Port Vale Gareth Owen missed the match with a hamstring injury. There’s a lot of that about at the moment.
You might except this to be an easy game but Darlington really aren’t going down without a fight – although they lost the fight on this occasion. Darren Moss was on the bench for Morecambe after being on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline against Accrington Reserves.
Shrewsbury Town 3-1 Hereford United
Hereford opened the scoring in the fifth minute but Shrewsbury deservedly took the three points, despite leaving Will Richards on the bench. Ryan Valentine was back from suspension but he stayed on Hereford’s bench, leaving Darren Jones to contend with Shrewsbury alone. Without his good tackle, Shrewsbury could have won 4-1. And qhile 3-1 isn’t great, 4-1 somehow seems a lot less respectable.
Torquay United 1-2 Port Vale
Torquay equalised the first time Port Vale took the lead but Vale were determined and came away with the three points. Craig Davies and Lewis Haldane both played for Vale, with Lewis scoring his first league goal for Port Vale Gareth Owen missed the match with a hamstring injury. There’s a lot of that about at the moment.
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