Category: Football

Back to normal again after I totally screwed the admin this weekend.

Some games look straight forward, but at this time of the season most have something to play for, so surprises will occur. Liverpool should beat Watford, and ManCity should beat Burnley and Chelsea should beat Brentford. However nerves, a slight knock from international duty, can all have an impact. Brighton Norwich should be one for the Seagulls but the Canaries are showing some spirit so I am going for a draw. The midland derby looks like a draw to me, as do Leeds-Southampton and Palace and the Gunners. With ManUtd who knows? Brilliant players but maybe not enough leaders? Suspect they will be Vardied. Which leaves Everton heading south despite a good set of players – is Lampard heading for the fall with the Toffees? Boardroom rumours cannot help, and he has not had enough time to impose his influence – but look at what Xavi has done at Barca? What would Everton do to have a 4-0 win away at Anfield?

Do the admin people give a shit about fans? Man City vs Liverpool at Wembley 16/17 April. No direct trains between 15-18 April. Obvious answer is to move to Old Trafford, or even Villa Park or St.James’ Park. Will the FA do the sensible thing? I think most arteries – so no!

Chelsea (Russian billions dripping with Ukrainian blood) versus Newcastle United (Saudi Arabian billions dripping with Yemeni blood – and the 81 executed by beheading last week).

No doubt there will be mindless chants by spectators with scarves around their necks so tight the brains supply of blood is halted rendering the organ inoperable and possibly fuelled by cocaine (according to many reports). Incidentally Chelsea FC would receive my total support if, at the start of any pro-Abramovich chants – they walk off the pitch. I wonder how the suits at the FA would cope with that?

New format for results – colourful!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Or1AvsHeWJ82lelL-y_TuTunpjYwGJqUrwN4od2_GeE/edit#gid=0

A free game with no prize! But fun. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11rZM4myR7cd_1d4FnmQY77MpApJCg2_-CTpVysfJRRM/edit#gid=0

At present it is close at the top – Adam leading Aaron by 239 to 237, mart and Andy close behind with me and Kate not far behind and John close too. Latecomers Di and Harvey are battling hard. Each week is its own game and Mark Lawrenson of TV pundit fame and football superstardom has been in bottom few for last couple of weeks!

There are new boys on the block – Mbappe and Haaland will both probably move for eyewatering fees this summer. Mbappe has already clocked up a !80 euro plus transfer in his teens. He seems to be on his way to Real Madrid (Barcelona are skint at the moment). So Barca probably cannot afford Haaland – that leaves jus a few super clubs. Newcastle would have to offer astronomic terms for him, PSG could be a possibility, but probably lack the attraction for a potential Number 1 superstar. So it is probably down to Liverpool (who have no need to expend the dosh as they have brilliant forwards), ManU who are in the doldrums of high level mediocrity, or ManC who have not replaced Aquiro – but are doing rather well without an out and out No9 – Sterling and Foden and co are doing great. I am not sure the Italian teams have the money, although Brexit is weakening the attraction of the UK.

Next weekends Prem Matches look difficult to call. Liverpool – Norwich and ManC – Spurs might be predictable? But the rest are debatable.

Want to have a go at predicting –

Add your name at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11kZGIZ7ZPBV8-EyE1ynJTi1-_YGyWvukXogKt5gesF8/edit?userstoinvite=corpy@hawkandwild.com&actionButton=1#gid=0

or send me an email. It is just fun.