Ipswich Town v Doncaster Rovers
Roy Keane has done well at Ipswich, finally. Instead of getting relegated, they could finish in the top half of the table. So could Doncaster who are currently twelfth – which in some ways is even more incredible. I bet the Doncaster fans never thought they’d be finishing the season feeling disappointed they didn’t make the play-offs.
The exciting news is that Brian Stock is the latest Welsh player to recover from his back problem and might play a part – which now means there are no Welsh bad backs in the whole of the Football League. Hamstrings injuries are all the rage this week. As usual I’m a bit behind the times – I have a back injury.
Brian is unlikely to start but he could be in the squad. Gareth Roberts and John Oster will probably get into the starting line-up.
Leicester City v Watford
Leicester will still be in the play-off places at the end of the weekend whatever happens – but a win could guarantee them a place in the top six. Watford are still in trouble, just three points from the relegation places although they do still have a game in hand.
Andy King should keep his place in the starting line-up. Nicky Adams is hoping he’ll get a chance before the season comes to an end – I hope so too, Nicky. Anyone who can completely transform Leyton Orient single-footedly (no disrespect intended to Nicky’s weaker foot) would be a big help in even a Championship play-off push.
Watford’s Jonathan North is out of contract this summer and hasn’t been offered a new one yet but that doesn’t mean he won’t be.
Queen’s Park Rangers v Cardiff City
QPR could be safe from relegation after this week – but only if they win and that’s going to be a big ask. Cardiff have been on great form lately and a win will ensure they don’t get another nasty shock like Preston North End gave them last season.
Joe Ledley has had a hamstring injury (yes, I told you they were everywhere) but he is expected to be able to play. He’s looked great since his return from injury – it just shows how much he really needed those hip operations. Everton are apparently the favourites to sign Joe with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City also interested but I hope Cardiff can hang onto him.
Darcy Blake is the most likely to start of the younger Welsh players but Adam Matthews and Aaron Wildig have also done well when called upon.
Jonathan Meades has signed his first professional contract with Cardiff City. If he can do half as well as another left back from Whitchurch, he has a very bright future. Jonathan has been on the bench for Cardiff three times this season (but only if I counted right).
Aaron Morris is out of contract this summer – I don’t know if he’s likely to get a contract but he has been on the bench a few times this season and might even have played if he hadn’t been on loan during the injury crisis.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Championship Fixtures 17th April Part 1
Blackpool v Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are guaranteed a play-off place now – and their away form has been dodgy since their long unbeaten run came to an end. Blackpool are two points outside the play-offs and might fancy their chances.
David Vaughan was taken off the field worryingly early in Blackpool’s last game but whatever the reason, he seems fine now. Rob Edwards is also likely to be in the squad but he’s right out of favour where starts are concerned. Neal Eardley was expected to be out for the season with a hamstring injury but he might even play in this match if he can pass a fitness test. Daniel Nardiello has an injured hamstring too but he won’t even be getting a fitness test.
Chris Gunter has played every minute of Nottingham Forest’s Championship season so I really hope he keeps his place. Especially after that assist. Robert Earnshaw should also play after getting a goal and an assist against Ipswich Town. He says he’s really enjoyed the season and he wants to ‘go the extra mile’ and help the team into the Premier League. I would be very happy if Forest got into the Premier League but Cardiff City have got to be my first choice.
Coventry City v Preston North End
Both teams are looking safe from relegation – Coventry seven points clear and Preston eight points. But they’ll probably be disappointed. Coventry certainly had play-off aspirations while Preston managed it last year.
Freddy Eastwood is expected to get his first start since returning from a back injury last week – I think Coventry’s season could have been very different if Freddy had stayed fit for the whole season. But then, I would think that wouldn’t I?
Preston’s Paul Parry is out with a knee injury. Or with patella pains, if you want to continue the alliteration.
Derby County v Crystal Palace
Derby are just seven points from safety but I think they’ll be fine. Crystal Palace however are quite another matter. They are currently one point outside the relegation places – they’ll be glad Derby’s home form has stuttered of late.
Robbie Savage will play in midfield for Derby. He’s been talking about his fellow Welshmen in his column. He’s so lucky, I wish I had a column. Robbie says Craig Bellamy is in electric form (true), it could be Ryan Giggs’ last ever Manchester derby (really?) and that he won’t be getting his own vote in the Derby Player of the Year awards (he won’t be getting mine either but only because I haven’t paid enough attention to the other Derby players to know if he’s really the best or if I’m just being patriotic/biased so it’s not really fair for me to vote. But I do think he’s the best and he’s got the best hair too).
Nottingham Forest are guaranteed a play-off place now – and their away form has been dodgy since their long unbeaten run came to an end. Blackpool are two points outside the play-offs and might fancy their chances.
David Vaughan was taken off the field worryingly early in Blackpool’s last game but whatever the reason, he seems fine now. Rob Edwards is also likely to be in the squad but he’s right out of favour where starts are concerned. Neal Eardley was expected to be out for the season with a hamstring injury but he might even play in this match if he can pass a fitness test. Daniel Nardiello has an injured hamstring too but he won’t even be getting a fitness test.
Chris Gunter has played every minute of Nottingham Forest’s Championship season so I really hope he keeps his place. Especially after that assist. Robert Earnshaw should also play after getting a goal and an assist against Ipswich Town. He says he’s really enjoyed the season and he wants to ‘go the extra mile’ and help the team into the Premier League. I would be very happy if Forest got into the Premier League but Cardiff City have got to be my first choice.
Coventry City v Preston North End
Both teams are looking safe from relegation – Coventry seven points clear and Preston eight points. But they’ll probably be disappointed. Coventry certainly had play-off aspirations while Preston managed it last year.
Freddy Eastwood is expected to get his first start since returning from a back injury last week – I think Coventry’s season could have been very different if Freddy had stayed fit for the whole season. But then, I would think that wouldn’t I?
Preston’s Paul Parry is out with a knee injury. Or with patella pains, if you want to continue the alliteration.
Derby County v Crystal Palace
Derby are just seven points from safety but I think they’ll be fine. Crystal Palace however are quite another matter. They are currently one point outside the relegation places – they’ll be glad Derby’s home form has stuttered of late.
Robbie Savage will play in midfield for Derby. He’s been talking about his fellow Welshmen in his column. He’s so lucky, I wish I had a column. Robbie says Craig Bellamy is in electric form (true), it could be Ryan Giggs’ last ever Manchester derby (really?) and that he won’t be getting his own vote in the Derby Player of the Year awards (he won’t be getting mine either but only because I haven’t paid enough attention to the other Derby players to know if he’s really the best or if I’m just being patriotic/biased so it’s not really fair for me to vote. But I do think he’s the best and he’s got the best hair too).
Friday, 16 April 2010
Premier League Fixtures 17th April Part 2
Manchester City v Manchester United
I think I’d like this match to finish in a draw. Even if Arsenal can’t win the League, they could manage second place if Manchester United are without Wayne Rooney.
But I don’t want Manchester City to win as I don’t want them to finish in the top four. I don’t know if Craig Bellamy meant it when he said he’d retire from international football if City got into the Champions’ League but I’d really rather not find out. He’ll probably play in this match though unless he crashes his new Harley Davidson which he’s not allowed to ride.
Ryan Giggs is a big doubt with a hamstring injury. It would be a shame if he missed out as he’s played in every Manchester derby since his United debut. Owen Hargreaves is in the squad according to ITV.com but there are also rumours he won’t play this season.
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Stoke are currently in 10th place and I’m sure they’d love to be there come the end of the season – if they win this game they could go 9th if they score enough and Birmingham lose to Hull by lots of goals. So they won’t go 9th will they?
Bolton are looking shaky again after a less than great run of form (although their last four games were against Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Everton).
Ryan Shawcross is still having problems with his ankle and he’s not expected to play. Tony Pulis says he’s more interested in protecting Ryan than getting him into the England squad which is a nice thing to hear from the Welsh manager. Danny Collins has done well in defence in Ryan’s absence.
Sam Ricketts will probably play for Bolton but who knows where?
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
Tottenham could still get the fourth Champions’ League place at the expense of Manchester City but they don’t have the easiest run-in. First up: Chelsea. Well they’ve beaten better teams than Chelsea. They did it just two days ago.
Gareth Bale could help to make it up to me by scoring against Chelsea. He was seen with an ice pack on his thigh after training yesterday but there’s no news to suggest he’s in danger of missing the match.
I think I’d like this match to finish in a draw. Even if Arsenal can’t win the League, they could manage second place if Manchester United are without Wayne Rooney.
But I don’t want Manchester City to win as I don’t want them to finish in the top four. I don’t know if Craig Bellamy meant it when he said he’d retire from international football if City got into the Champions’ League but I’d really rather not find out. He’ll probably play in this match though unless he crashes his new Harley Davidson which he’s not allowed to ride.
Ryan Giggs is a big doubt with a hamstring injury. It would be a shame if he missed out as he’s played in every Manchester derby since his United debut. Owen Hargreaves is in the squad according to ITV.com but there are also rumours he won’t play this season.
Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers
Stoke are currently in 10th place and I’m sure they’d love to be there come the end of the season – if they win this game they could go 9th if they score enough and Birmingham lose to Hull by lots of goals. So they won’t go 9th will they?
Bolton are looking shaky again after a less than great run of form (although their last four games were against Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Everton).
Ryan Shawcross is still having problems with his ankle and he’s not expected to play. Tony Pulis says he’s more interested in protecting Ryan than getting him into the England squad which is a nice thing to hear from the Welsh manager. Danny Collins has done well in defence in Ryan’s absence.
Sam Ricketts will probably play for Bolton but who knows where?
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
Tottenham could still get the fourth Champions’ League place at the expense of Manchester City but they don’t have the easiest run-in. First up: Chelsea. Well they’ve beaten better teams than Chelsea. They did it just two days ago.
Gareth Bale could help to make it up to me by scoring against Chelsea. He was seen with an ice pack on his thigh after training yesterday but there’s no news to suggest he’s in danger of missing the match.
Premier League Fixtures 17th April Part 1
Birmingham City v Hull City
Birmingham are pretty strong at home and Hull aren’t really strong anywhere. So you could say they’ve got as much chance as taking points here as they have anywhere. They’ll be hoping the financial crisis at Birmingham has messed with the players’ heads a bit. Not to mention that their new owner is a Manchester United supporter. His favourite player is Ryan Giggs – mine too!
Boaz Myhill will be in goal for Hull, probably.
Blackburn Rovers v Everton
Everton have a chance of pipping Aston Villa to the third Europa League place (Portsmouth can’t play in Europe, Chelsea are there already) – but only if they can beat Blackburn who have been doing quite well. Both teams are on long unbeaten runs so I’m expecting a draw.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Blackburn and I think I know why. Sam Allardyce is English so he wants one his players in the England squad – and to be fair I’d pick him if I was the England manager (which I wouldn’t be).
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It’s been a very busy season for Fulham but I’m sure they’d still love another top ten finish, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of their Europa League challenge. They’ve beaten Manchester United and Juventus – I think that counts as a very good season. Wolves are looking safe but another three points would go a long way.
Simon Davies missed Fulham’s last match with a rib injury but there’s nothing to suggest he’ll miss this match too. Simon’s contract expires at the end of the season so there isn’t much time to offer him a new one – but surely Roy Hodgson wouldn’t let him go?
David Jones and Dave Edwards both started Wolves’ last match and with the captain suspended, they could start together again. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench and possibly Sam Vokes. Wayne and Sam both played and Sam scored as Wolves Reserves beat West Ham Reserves 4-1.
Birmingham are pretty strong at home and Hull aren’t really strong anywhere. So you could say they’ve got as much chance as taking points here as they have anywhere. They’ll be hoping the financial crisis at Birmingham has messed with the players’ heads a bit. Not to mention that their new owner is a Manchester United supporter. His favourite player is Ryan Giggs – mine too!
Boaz Myhill will be in goal for Hull, probably.
Blackburn Rovers v Everton
Everton have a chance of pipping Aston Villa to the third Europa League place (Portsmouth can’t play in Europe, Chelsea are there already) – but only if they can beat Blackburn who have been doing quite well. Both teams are on long unbeaten runs so I’m expecting a draw.
Jason Brown will be on the bench for Blackburn and I think I know why. Sam Allardyce is English so he wants one his players in the England squad – and to be fair I’d pick him if I was the England manager (which I wouldn’t be).
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers
It’s been a very busy season for Fulham but I’m sure they’d still love another top ten finish, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of their Europa League challenge. They’ve beaten Manchester United and Juventus – I think that counts as a very good season. Wolves are looking safe but another three points would go a long way.
Simon Davies missed Fulham’s last match with a rib injury but there’s nothing to suggest he’ll miss this match too. Simon’s contract expires at the end of the season so there isn’t much time to offer him a new one – but surely Roy Hodgson wouldn’t let him go?
David Jones and Dave Edwards both started Wolves’ last match and with the captain suspended, they could start together again. Wayne Hennessey will be on the bench and possibly Sam Vokes. Wayne and Sam both played and Sam scored as Wolves Reserves beat West Ham Reserves 4-1.
Premier League Results 14th April
Aston Villa 2-2 Everton
Everton took the lead twice but Aston Villa kept on equalising. The first time they equalised all by themselves, the second time they got Everton’s Phil Jagielka to do it for them. Villa are 7 points behind the Champions’ League places with five games to play but if they’re not careful Everton could overtake them again like last season. And unlike last season, an overtaking Everton will mean that Villa aren’t playing European football next season.
James Collins played in defence for Aston Villa.
Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
It always hurts when you lose to your local rivals but it’s worse when it pretty much puts you out of the title chase. And when the winning goal comes from one of your favourite players in your national team, that’s just agonising… although it probably happens to England fans quite often.
I’m so happy Gareth Bale is scoring goals again and I would absolutely love him to continue his scoring run against Chelsea and Manchester United. It’s amazing how he’s gone from not winning at all to scoring winning goals against a title-chasing club. I just kind of wish he’d done it in a different game.
So Arsenal are now very unlikely to win the title for Aaron Ramsey like they wanted.
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Portsmouth
Wigan could have beaten the relegated FA Cup finalists, who had four substitutes on the bench, not including a goalkeeper.
Jason Koumas wasn’t in Wigan’s squad. Told you.
Everton took the lead twice but Aston Villa kept on equalising. The first time they equalised all by themselves, the second time they got Everton’s Phil Jagielka to do it for them. Villa are 7 points behind the Champions’ League places with five games to play but if they’re not careful Everton could overtake them again like last season. And unlike last season, an overtaking Everton will mean that Villa aren’t playing European football next season.
James Collins played in defence for Aston Villa.
Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal
It always hurts when you lose to your local rivals but it’s worse when it pretty much puts you out of the title chase. And when the winning goal comes from one of your favourite players in your national team, that’s just agonising… although it probably happens to England fans quite often.
I’m so happy Gareth Bale is scoring goals again and I would absolutely love him to continue his scoring run against Chelsea and Manchester United. It’s amazing how he’s gone from not winning at all to scoring winning goals against a title-chasing club. I just kind of wish he’d done it in a different game.
So Arsenal are now very unlikely to win the title for Aaron Ramsey like they wanted.
Wigan Athletic 0-0 Portsmouth
Wigan could have beaten the relegated FA Cup finalists, who had four substitutes on the bench, not including a goalkeeper.
Jason Koumas wasn’t in Wigan’s squad. Told you.
League Two Results 13th April Part 2
Grimsby Town 2-2 Chesterfield
Grimsby were 2-0 up at one stage but there’s a reason why Chesterfield are in the play-off places and Grimsby’s best chance of the play-offs is getting into the Conference ones next season.
Robert Page was back in Chesterfield’s starting line-up while in Mark Crossley they have a very experienced substitute goalkeeper.
Macclesfield Town 1-1 Burton Albion
Macclesfield took the lead early on but an own goal from my favourite Macclesfield player gave Burton an equaliser. Both clubs look set to finish in mid-table which is really good considering where they expected them to finish – I thought about 10th for Burton and 23rd for Macclesfield.
Matthew Tipton finally got a start and he even scored a goal but he kind of got it in the wrong net. I think Macclesfield are very lucky to have a striker (BBC Sport rightly called him a ‘star striker’ even though he’s mostly been bench-warming lately) who is prepared to track back and defend. They should definitely offer him a new contract.
Tony James was in defence for Burton and came very close to getting them a late winner.
Notts County 3-1 Lincoln City
Notts County moved to the top of the table with a win over Lincoln. They could have been promoted too but unfortunately Rotherham United remembered how to win. But never mind lads, it won’t be long now. Lincoln are safely in 20th place.
Ben Davies didn’t score this time but he got the assist for the first goal. I think I might marry him, if he carries on scoring and setting up goals every week he’s going to make me very happy.
David Stephens wasn’t on the bench for Lincoln. But I still love him… which might be a problem if I’m going to marry Ben.
Rotherham United 1-0 Northampton Town
Ten-man Rotherham spoiled Notts County’s promotion party when they beat Northampton Town. But as Northampton had only nine men perhaps it wasn’t really surprising. Northampton are two points outside the play-offs.
Peter Gilbert played in defence for Northampton.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Shrewsbury still entertain hopes of the play-offs while Cheltenham might not be as safe as they look. But they did move ahead of Barnet on goal difference.
Will Richards wasn’t in Shrewsbury’s side. Josh Low nearly scored again which would have made it three in two games.
Grimsby were 2-0 up at one stage but there’s a reason why Chesterfield are in the play-off places and Grimsby’s best chance of the play-offs is getting into the Conference ones next season.
Robert Page was back in Chesterfield’s starting line-up while in Mark Crossley they have a very experienced substitute goalkeeper.
Macclesfield Town 1-1 Burton Albion
Macclesfield took the lead early on but an own goal from my favourite Macclesfield player gave Burton an equaliser. Both clubs look set to finish in mid-table which is really good considering where they expected them to finish – I thought about 10th for Burton and 23rd for Macclesfield.
Matthew Tipton finally got a start and he even scored a goal but he kind of got it in the wrong net. I think Macclesfield are very lucky to have a striker (BBC Sport rightly called him a ‘star striker’ even though he’s mostly been bench-warming lately) who is prepared to track back and defend. They should definitely offer him a new contract.
Tony James was in defence for Burton and came very close to getting them a late winner.
Notts County 3-1 Lincoln City
Notts County moved to the top of the table with a win over Lincoln. They could have been promoted too but unfortunately Rotherham United remembered how to win. But never mind lads, it won’t be long now. Lincoln are safely in 20th place.
Ben Davies didn’t score this time but he got the assist for the first goal. I think I might marry him, if he carries on scoring and setting up goals every week he’s going to make me very happy.
David Stephens wasn’t on the bench for Lincoln. But I still love him… which might be a problem if I’m going to marry Ben.
Rotherham United 1-0 Northampton Town
Ten-man Rotherham spoiled Notts County’s promotion party when they beat Northampton Town. But as Northampton had only nine men perhaps it wasn’t really surprising. Northampton are two points outside the play-offs.
Peter Gilbert played in defence for Northampton.
Shrewsbury Town 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Shrewsbury still entertain hopes of the play-offs while Cheltenham might not be as safe as they look. But they did move ahead of Barnet on goal difference.
Will Richards wasn’t in Shrewsbury’s side. Josh Low nearly scored again which would have made it three in two games.
League Two Results 13th April Part 1
Accrington Stanley v Port Vale
You know, maybe I should have listened to Port Vale manager micky Adams. I thought there was no way Port Vale would make the play-offs yet here they are, two points behind the play-offs with more games to play. Anyone would think these managers know more about football than me. ;)
Craig Davies opened the scoring for Vale after 35 minutes. He was withdrawn in the 84th minute but barely 60 seconds had passed before Vale had another Welsh striker on the field in the shape of Lewis Haldane (when I say ‘in the shape of’ that’s just a figure of speech, I’m not trying to imply he played like a cardboard cut-out. I would never do that, not even if he did). Gareth Owen played the full match in defence.
Bournemouth 2-1 Hereford United
Bournemouth consolidated their place in the top three and put a bit of pressure on Rochdale at the same time. But they were probably quite relieved Hereford waited until the 94th minute before scoring.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth. Joe Partington was on the bench.
Ryan Green, Ryan Valentine and Darren Jones were in Hereford’s team. Ryan conceded the penalty but it was probably an accident.
Bradford City 2-0 Morecambe
Bradford’s win dumped Morecambe out of the play-offs but they’re definitely still in the race, unlike Bradford.
Bradford were without Michael Flynn, whose rib injury kept him out for the third consecutive week.
Darren Moss was on the bench for Morecambe.
Dagenham & Redbridge 4-1 Barnet
Dagenham got a very useful win over Barnet, who dropped down to 22nd place, below Cheltenham Town on goal difference. It’s a good thing Grimsby Town are so bad or Barnet would be terrified. Dagenham are four places below the play-offs – but there are only two points in it.
Tony Roberts played in goal for Dagenham.
You know, maybe I should have listened to Port Vale manager micky Adams. I thought there was no way Port Vale would make the play-offs yet here they are, two points behind the play-offs with more games to play. Anyone would think these managers know more about football than me. ;)
Craig Davies opened the scoring for Vale after 35 minutes. He was withdrawn in the 84th minute but barely 60 seconds had passed before Vale had another Welsh striker on the field in the shape of Lewis Haldane (when I say ‘in the shape of’ that’s just a figure of speech, I’m not trying to imply he played like a cardboard cut-out. I would never do that, not even if he did). Gareth Owen played the full match in defence.
Bournemouth 2-1 Hereford United
Bournemouth consolidated their place in the top three and put a bit of pressure on Rochdale at the same time. But they were probably quite relieved Hereford waited until the 94th minute before scoring.
Rhoys Wiggins played the full match for Bournemouth. Joe Partington was on the bench.
Ryan Green, Ryan Valentine and Darren Jones were in Hereford’s team. Ryan conceded the penalty but it was probably an accident.
Bradford City 2-0 Morecambe
Bradford’s win dumped Morecambe out of the play-offs but they’re definitely still in the race, unlike Bradford.
Bradford were without Michael Flynn, whose rib injury kept him out for the third consecutive week.
Darren Moss was on the bench for Morecambe.
Dagenham & Redbridge 4-1 Barnet
Dagenham got a very useful win over Barnet, who dropped down to 22nd place, below Cheltenham Town on goal difference. It’s a good thing Grimsby Town are so bad or Barnet would be terrified. Dagenham are four places below the play-offs – but there are only two points in it.
Tony Roberts played in goal for Dagenham.
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