BRAZIL 2014 PREVIEW: SECOND-ROUND [Day Three]

Brazil 2014 has turned out the most exciting World Cup in recent history. We’ve been treated to the good, the Bad and the ugly sides of football. The good in pretty exciting goals like that of the flying header from Oranjes’ Robin Van Persie versus Spain and the beauty of a curler from The Socceroos’ Tim Cahill versus The Netherlands. The bad in Fred’s near contact-less fall that earned that cheeky penalty in the opening encounter against Croatia and Georgio Samaras’ similar situation in Group C’s 2nd place decider against Cote D’Ivoire. As for the ugly, Pepe gave us the first scene and the sight of Luis Suarez’s teeth marks on the shoulders of Giorgio Chiellini would remain burned in our memories forever. After 48 matches the boys have been separated from the men…and the fun’s just beginning.

The knockout rounds are in full swing and it is what we have been waiting for. The second round has been full of drama and intriguing matches. Brazil, Colombia, Netherlands and …. have booked their place in the last eight but we are not done yet. Four spots are still to be decided and two of them will emerge today as Germany, Algeria, France and Nigeria take centre stage.

Ladies and gentlemen, for the third day of the second round matches, here’s how our panel of writers feel today’s fixtures will end.

FRANCE VS NIGERIA

AROWOLO: France are one of the high scoring sides in the competition with nine goals, behind Netherlands that have 10 goals to their credit. The Nigerian back four will have it tough against the likes of Benzema, Giroud, Valbuena and Matuidi, but will rely on the saving gloves of their man between the sticks, Vincent Enyeama to shut out the attacking prowess of their opponent.

Stephen Keshi’s men, who currently lack focus as they keep fighting over qualification bonus, can only try hard to keep the scores respectable as they are going to make do without the services of the insurmountable Michael Babatunde and with Deshamps’ men in top condition for the game you just can’t take it away from the French side.

Verdict: France WIN

OCTOPUSSAXY: Didier Deschamps’ team as I expected have been fantastic. And if any team can ignore the odds and get to the final, don’t rule out this French team. They have a solid midfield core and that’s the basis of their world cup success so far.

The Super Eagles have improved as the tournament progressed. But I’m not part of the optimists who think they can go on and reach the semi-finals now.

Make no mistake though; France won’t have it easy in this one. The Nigerians have it in them to get a result here but I’m pitching my tent with the French team.

Verdict: France WIN

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MANCHESTER UNITED’S MIDFIELD CONUNDRUM: TONY KROOS

TONI KROOS, ANOTHER RAINMAKER AND PERHAPS THE LAST MISSING PIECE TO THE MANCHESTER UNITED JIGSAW

“He is an important player but things can move fast in football, here today, gone tomorrow…” Pep Guardiola on rumour linking Toni Kroos to Manchester United

The Rumours linking Juan Mata to Manchester United were as ridiculous as they get and helped shake an almost moribund team back to life. The club, players and fans alike perked up like they’ve had sips of the infamous elixir of immortality, and even deep-rooted doubts almost instantly gave way to belief in the club again. Signing from a rival isn’t entirely new to Manchester United; Robin Van Persie made a shocking move from the biggest one of the Premier League era, Arsenal. The Mata signing, however, was even more profound and significant because:

• The players’ psyche had taken a huge blow that visiting teams need do nothing than stare to break their resolve to guard the club’s age-old and hard-earned reputation.
• The hallowed halls at Old Trafford had turned “Theater of Nightmares” where records got broken with impunity by teams United had dominated since Genghis khan.
• David Moyes radiated less charisma and belief than a wax work at Madame Tussauds’ and seemed incapable of right judgments.
• And most importantly, out of the domestic Cup competitions (and the UCL looking as successful as making a 90-foot bungee jump with a 100-foot rope)and rooted at 7th place, the club’s hopes of Champions’ League football next season were growing slimmer than an anorexic model.

Simply put, Manchester United was an atmosphere of chaos and calamity and needed a hero…quickly.

Mata had the ‘rainmaker’ effect on a dying club like the magical touch of a clockmaker on the antiquated but forgotten Grandfather clock. The vibes have been all positive; RVP scored again after a long while, Ashley Young revived memories of the player the club paid £18m for with that bullet-of-a-goal against Cardiff City and Wayne Rooney’s looking to sign a new bumper 300k-a-week contract soon.

As good as things already are, they couldn’t get any better, right? Actually, they could.

After German International and Bayern Munich midfielder, Tony Kroos (like Mata) reacted badly to being subbed in the game against Stuttgart VFB, manager Pep Guardiola (like Mourinho) didn’t slam the door shut in the face of Manchester United’s rumoured £25m offer for the disgruntled player’s services. Imagine Toni Kroos to Manchester United in a Juan Mata-like manner…just when they blew the candles out and closed the lid on United’s coffin at the mock funeral. The Bavarian star (like Mata) has been unfortunate under Pep Guardiola, getting less playing time and doesn’t look part of the plans anymore, the clock it appears is ticking for Kroos. The only question, however, is could United pull the 2nd biggest coup of the winter window?

If one key player could inspire that much belief, imagine what two would do. Adding a Central Attacking Midfielder of Tony Kroos’ quality and ability to the squad isn’t only putting a final answer to the creative midfield conundrum, it’s mummifying the impasse and sealing it in the proverbial tomb of the Pharaohs….done with for good.

What’s Toni Kroos likely to add to Manchester United’s resurgent midfield?

A MORE DIRECT APPROACH TO THE CAM PROBLEM

Look at the top-class teams and tell me there are too many midfielders. With Mata, the allusion was he’s a brilliant, creative player that can play in the hole behind the main striker, threading the passes but not as the archetypical Central Attacking Midfielder. Toni Kroos is well-suited to the CAM role, and at 24, he’s just getting started. 11 goals, 8 assists in 41 games last season, Kroos was part of Jupp Heynckes’ all-conquering 2012/2013 Bayern Munich squad, it’s unfortunate he’s a bit-part player in Guardiola’s. Jumping ship to United’s squad just seems the natural option. He’d inject the direct impact of a CAM in the resurgent United team, there’s no saying what other positives he’ll bring too.

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WEEK 15: EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

Luis ‘the beast’ Suarez

Luis Suarez has scored 13 goals in his last eight games since returning from suspension. One wonders how many he’d have racked up had he not sat out the first few weeks of the season. He was unplayable at Anfield on Wednesday night and even a standing ovation for his genius wouldn’t have been enough.

A return of 22 points from 14 games represents Manchester United’s worst start to a Premier League season since 2001-02, when they had 21 points at this stage.

Manchester United may have won the title from as far back as 12 points in the past, but there is little to suggest on the evidence so far that this current side has what it takes to repeat that feat.

For Arsenal, when even Bendtner is scoring, your luck really must be in.

It’s a third round of Premier League football in seven days. It’s probably not a good situation for the players (especially foreigners) but for fans who sometimes have to endure two-week breaks due to international football, they would have enjoyed this one.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

Never before in the Premier League era had Manchester United gone into December in such a lowly league position as the eighth spot they occupied prior to kick-off against Everton.

David Moyes would have found it difficult to swallow Wednesday night’s result. His team’s humbling at the hands of Everton has to be nadir for the Scot since he took over the reins at Manchester United.

It has been a case of one step forward, two steps backward, particularly with morale-boosting victories against Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen being followed by unsatisfactory draws at Cardiff and Tottenham. Consequently, after 14 rounds of Premier League football, Manchester United’s title defence seems to be as good as over. Even a top four spot seems like a very high hurdle right now for David Moyes’ team.

Manchester United face Newcastle United without Wayne Rooney who is suspended (and possibly van Persie); Keep in mind that Michael Carrick is out injured too and the team looks threadbare quality-wise.

Newcastle United must fancy their chances in this one. Old Trafford will definitely be tensed and with the home team’s talisman unavailable, this one is there for the taking.

And forget the fact that Manchester have lost to Newcastle United just once in the past decade. Same stats were rolled out before Everton – and theirs was 22 years!

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN (1-2)

CRYSTAL PALACE vs CARDIFF CITY

The Eagles have accrued four points from their last two home matches – and two clean-sheets to go with them too.

Cardiff City have played Manchester United, Arsenal and Stoke in their last three league outings and have two points to show for it. Not bad if you consider the fact that they forced the reigning champions to a draw and on a cold, freezing night at Stoke, scrapped another point.

Cardiff are a good team. I expect them to stay up and a win in London this weekend will go a long way in achieving that. Keep in mind that Cardiff City have won away this season – in London against Fulham.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: CARDIFF CITY WIN (0-1)

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MANCHESTER UNITED ARE BACK

MANCHESTER UNITED WERE NEVER AWAY……….

There has been a lot happening at Old Trafford recently. Crisis at Manchester United has being the headlines from the media week-in-week-out, points were being lost at an alarming rate, defenders were being left for dead regularly, no coordination from the midfield and it seemed the attack won’t be able to bail the team out this season as was the case in the early part of last season. The Fergie factor has fast disappeared and every Dick, Tom and Harry were waging their tails at Manchester United fans all over the world. The social media has been a beehive of activities as jokes were being thrown at the club and their fans.

However, Cesc Fabregas, an ex-Arsenal captain who knows something about this club from his eight-year sojourn in England said in October when interviewed about the form of Manchester United at that time that they cannot be trusted. He said with Manchester United, there is always talk about a dip, a dip and yet they always end up there, at the top. He went further that he has been looking out every year that they might not end up in the top but they always did. He even warned Premier League clubs not to underestimate Manchester United, despite a worrying dip in form. Whether they (Premier League clubs) underestimate Manchester United or not, I would not know but slowly and steadily Manchester United are back in the title race.

Talk of a crisis seem too soon for a club that has already won the Community Shield this season, they are in the quarter-final of the Capital One cup with a trip to Stoke City waiting in the last eight, and are a win away from qualification to the next round of the Champions League. Right now they are 5th in the table, three points from 2nd position, one point less than Chelsea and one point above Manchester City, their supposed title rivals. It seems the high standard set by arguably the greatest coach in the game of football, Sir Alex Ferguson, led to the recent talk about a crisis.

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WEEK 9: EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

they seem to have lost it…

You can’t win the Premier League title after eight matches, but Manchester United already look like they might have lost it.

David Moyes doesn’t look like he knows his best 11 yet but it’s high time he started picking a particular set of players who can do the job, go on a winning run and reduce the mounting pressure and attention he gets every week. The rotations are not working.

No Premier League team has ever made a worse start to the season than Sunderland, who now have only one point from their first eight games. It doesn’t look good right now for the Black Cats.

Can Gus Poyet help his team avoid or prevent a morale-sapping eighth defeat in the season’s first nine league matches? It’s the TyneWear derby on Sunday and like the new Sunderland manager mentioned during the week, we’ll know where his team is headed after the match.

The Black Cats are in desperate need of a breakthrough in the North East derby, with Gus Poyet calculating this week that they need 13 wins from their 30 remaining matches to guarantee survival. Even at this early stage, that looks a tough task for a side with just one point to their name.

It doesn’t get any bigger than Chelsea vs Manchester City – a marquee clash between two of the Premier League’s top teams and I do hope it lives up to the hype.

I’m sad to see Ian Holloway exit Crystal Palace and the Premier League. He’s a lovable man to have around but it’s a difficult league and he obviously changed too much in a short space of time. Team spirit has been distorted and a section of the fans at Selhurst Park had turned on him too. He might have been able to work with one of the fans or the squad behind him, but not with both against him.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs ARSENAL

The Eagles have been promoted to the Premier League five times. They were relegated at the first time of asking in the previous four occasions, and after seven defeats in eight games they are on course for another prompt return.

Norwich was a tricky fixture for Arsenal and credit to them for successfully negotiating a match where in seasons gone by, they could have faltered.

There have been 11 wins in all competitions since Arsenal lost on the opening day to Aston Villa and it has led to talk of a sustained challenge for honours. Wenger maintains consistent performances at such a high level will hold the key to realising those ambitions. As Dortmund proved on Tuesday, the Gunners will falter once in a while but they must show they are the real deal by bouncing back straight-away.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN

ASTON VILLA vs EVERTON

Roberto Martinez has continued to enjoy an impressive start to his Everton reign. The Spaniard has impressed his style on the team and good results have followed on the pitch.

Aston Villa should have Christian Benteke fit to start in this one. And the Belgian as always could be the difference on Saturday. But Everton have shown immense potential in their eight League matches this season. I am going to be bold and stick my arm out for an away win.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: EVERTON WIN

LIVERPOOL vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION

The Reds must be feeling frustrated not to have left St James Park with all three points last Saturday despite their opponent playing with 10 men for 50 minutes.

The 3-5-2 formation often picked by Brendan Rodgers has its pros and cons. While it ensures both Suarez and Sturridge can both start in the centre where they have combined admirably well, I’m not sure it’s a tactic Liverpool defenders are comfortable with.

West Brom occupy a place in mid-table and are unbeaten in their last five games. They are a team on the up after their slow start to the season. Impressive results against Manchester United and Arsenal have certainly given them confidence.

Romelu Lukaku was the difference in the corresponding fixture last season at Anfield. Nicholas Anelka won’t strike the same fear in the Liverpool defenders. On the other hand, Steve Clarke has the ‘SAS’ to worry about.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

MANCHESTER UNITED vs STOKE CITY

Stoke City have not won a Premier League match since August, they have scored just four times this season (the worst return of any top-flight team), they last scored four weeks ago in the defeat by Arsenal and are bouncing along just above the drop zone. Is Mark Hughes really the man to deliver the enterprising football the Stoke board requires from their team?

This is Manchester United’s worst Premier League start – two points fewer than the 13 they accrued from their first eight games in 2004-05, when they finished third behind Chelsea and Arsenal. If results don’t improve quickly, they might not even get a top four place in May.

I don’t see Manchester United playing any worse (against Stoke City) than they have done this season. But good thing for them is that they face an equally poor side in Mark Hughes’ team who seem to lack ideas at this moment.

With Norwich and Fulham coming after, Manchester United must get the possible maximum nine points to stay in contention before Arsenal visit on November 10.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

NORWICH CITY vs CARDIFF CITY

Just one point separates both teams and they come into this fixture on the back of heavy defeats in London. Neither side was expected to beat Arsenal or Chelsea anyway so it’s important they don’t dwell on the results. Results in this match could be the difference between staying up and going down later in the season.

I can’t pick between both sides, Norwich haven’t exactly been flying at home this season with just one win while Cardiff have won one and drew another on two of their four travels.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

SOUTHAMPTON vs FULHAM

Southampton have overachieved this season with 15 points and sixth in the table. The Saints are unbeaten in almost two months with four wins from a possible six, including victories away at Liverpool and a draw at Manchester United.

Fulham had looked toothless all season but apparently, what they needed was a Crystal Palace team happily bearing gifts even though Christmas is still a couple of months away. The 4-1 win over Palace would have done their confidence at great deal of good. We’ll know if it was a one-off performance on Saturday.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: SOUTHAMPTON WIN

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13/14 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW: GROUP A

English Champions Manchester United, Ukrainian Champions Shahktar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen of Germany and Basque Club Real Sociedad from Spain make up Group A of the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League.

MANCHESTER UNITED
Home Ground (City/Capacity): Old Trafford, Manchester (76, 000)
How They Qualified: Champions of England (direct Group stage qualification)
Performance In Last Season’s Competition: Round of 16
Best UCL Record: Winners 1968, 1999, 2008

Starting with a new man in the helm following the end of the Fergie era, three-time champions Manchester United will be hoping for a fourth European triumph. Despite enduring a frustrating summer transfer window, the Old Trafford Lords still retained all of the record-breaking English league title winning squad – most especially Wayne Rooney who at one point looked like he would leave.

The Champions squad inherited by David Moyes is expected to cushion the effect of the manager’s lack of European experience and Marouane Fellaini’s strength in midfield should come handy.

Manchester United are expected to triumph in this group. Having experienced a less than fortunate exit last season, the limit the club will go this season will depend on how well they improve the strength and creativity in the midfield area in the winter transfer market as well as availability of key men at crucial moments of the competition.

PLAYER TO WATCH OUT FOR

Robin Van Persie: Fresh from leading the club to its unprecedented 20th league title, Robin Van Persie is the man to watch out in the colours of Manchester United. A crisp finisher with a good eye for goal, RVP will be looking add to his 23 European league goals and probably winning his first European crown in the process.

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WEEK 4 EPL PREVIEW AND PREDICTIONS

The biggest transfer of deadline day in the Premier League seems a fitting place to start this week’s preview. The waiting and waiting…and waiting for Arsene Wenger to fork-out the funds for a big-name and big-impact signing has finally ended.

A known successful player at club and international level has joined the Gunners in Mesut Ozil. A turning point and progressive movement from the North London side for the season ahead. The midfield options of Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky and the German wonder that is Mesut Ozil, strikes fear into Premier League opposition as the Gunner’s of old did.

If a victory over local rivals, Tottenham wasn’t enough, then this is certainly the jackpot in the change of fortune for Arsene Wenger’s beloved Arsenal. They have certainly caught the attention of the whole of England with their transfer deadline day splash.

It all looks to be coming together for Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and especially with star player Luis Suarez giving them one more year then there’s a chance they could give the better-resourced teams a run for their money this season.

Aston Villa conceded 69 goals last season – their worst defensive record since 1987 – and failed to keep a clean sheet in 22 league matches, going back to the goalless draw against Stoke in December. They’ve conceded four in three matches this season. If Paul Lambert is to avoid another relegation battle this season, he must plug the apparent holes in the Villa defence.

Hull showed more than enough organisation and enterprise against Manchester City to suggest predictions of a swift return to the Championship might be premature.

For Paolo Di Canio and his Sunderland work-in-progress, there is a lot done but a lot more to do.

While we were all watching the best of International football in every part of the world, Premier League managers were counting up the air miles their players clocked up ahead of another weekend in domestic football. Too bad they can do nothing about it.

Here’s my preview of Match day 4 in the Premier League…. My first stop is at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED vs CRYSTAL PALACE

David Moyes is still looking for his first win at Old Trafford

Crystal Palace have not looked so bad, certainly better than I and most other pundits thought they would be in the top flight. They were undone against Tottenham by a penalty and managed to open their Premier League scoring against Stoke City. Their win over Sunderland was certainly convincing and has now made most people sit up and have a change of heart about them.

Manchester United have already dropped five points in their first three games and the transfer window was a chance to address the deficiencies that have conspired to see them make such a faltering start. It was an opportunity missed and Manchester United fans can only hope the naivety of Ed Woodward and his cack-handed performance in his first real test does not hinder their chances of success this season.

The Eagles looked decent in the final third last week, but Ian Holloway’s men allowed Sunderland too much space in their own half and David Moyes’ side will take advantage of this on Saturday.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

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ROOM FOR OPTIMISM AT OLD TRAFFORD

In my Blog last week, I also purposely overlooked the advantage that the capture of Marouane Fellaini will add to the Manchester United squad. Now that the dust has settled down and the next transfer window will open in January, I am sure David Moyes would have learnt one or two things from the summer transfer window.

A lot has been made in the press about Manchester United’s transition from the Sir Alex Fergusson era to the David Moyes reign, how it is a difficult job and the shambolic transfer saga did not help in any way to allay the fears of the Manchester United faithful about the season ahead.

According to pundits, Manchester United are third-favourites for the title behind Manchester City and a Jose Mourinho-led Chelsea. But I strongly believe that there is room for optimism at Old Trafford and barring any serious injuries to the squad, I tip Manchester United to emerge Champions come May next year. Now, before you all jump at me about my prediction, below are my reasons for this optimism, please read on here http://www.osesax.com/BlogDetail.aspx?bId=70

Week 37: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

Congratulations to SIr Alex Ferguson and Manchester United

There are just two rounds of matches to go and every result has big implications. The race for a TOP-FOUR spot is turning out to be a belter. After the result on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, we’re set for a big climax next weekend.

TOP-FOUR RACE: Chelsea and Arsenal have got their destiny right on their palms. Six points from the last six available will hand them tickets to play in the UEFA Champions League next season irrespective of Tottenham’s results.

Andres Villas-Boas’ side on the other hand will require Chelsea and/or Arsenal especially to drop a couple of points in their remaining two matches but they would still have to cover their own bases by winning their own fixtures. They are a point behind Arsenal, but with hugely inferior goal difference, going into Sunday’s trip to Stoke City and a season-finale at home against a Sunderland side that could need a result to avoid relegation.

RELEGATION BATTLE: Wigan beating West Brom pulled four clubs back into the relegation equation. The Lactics are now 18th on 35 points, Sunderland 17th on 38, Newcastle 16th on 38, Norwich 15th on 38 and Villa seemingly safe in 14th on 40. Norwich in particular seems to be heading in one direction but they can breathe again after Wigan lost at home to Swansea City on Tuesday. Newcastle’s game at QPR could be their get out of jail card, while Sunderland – in Paolo Di Canio’s words – have got a ‘Champions League final’ against Southampton this weekend.

Here we go this weekend………..

ASTON VILLA vs CHELSEA

Paul Lambert’s young men took a huge step towards Premier League safety with that win at Norwich City last weekend. The win took them to 40 points. Gabriel Agbonlahor’s two goals put breathing space between them and their relegation rivals, including Norwich who face a nervous finish. Perennial escapologists Wigan are sure to have a final say in the matter, but it appears to be onwards and upwards for a revitalized Villa team.

Rafa Benitez will go into this fixture with one eye on the Europa League final in Amsterdam on May 15. Make no mistake about it, the Europa League trophy is one the Spaniard covets; probably even above a third-place finish in the Premier League. He will definitely shuffle his pack and his selections will determine how much he wants the maximum points at Villa Park.

Aston Villa have won their last two games and lost just twice in the last eight games. A win here will confirm their Premier League status for another season. Paul Lambert will impress it on his team the importance of getting a result on Saturday before next weekend’s trip to the DW stadium to face Wigan Athletic. They will ask questions of this Chelsea team who I feel will be distracted by next Wednesday’s final against Benfica.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ASTON VILLA WIN

STOKE CITY vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

A run of one win in 14 games had seen the Potters tumble into the thick of the battle for survival and panic was setting in at the Britannia Stadium. But seven points from the last nine available has hauled Tony Pulis’ men out of trouble.

The task is crystal clear for Tottenham. Get six points from the remaining two matches and see where that takes you. It might not be enough; only time will tell. Going by their performance at Chelsea on Wednesday, Stoke City shouldn’t prove too difficult to crack but it’s the Potters’ celebration of 150 years and you sense the home team will put in a performance for their supporters.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

EVERTON vs WEST HAM UNITED

With just two games remaining and a five-point gap over the Reds, the Toffees are virtually guaranteed to finish above their neighbors for the second successive season. The goalless draw with Liverpool on Sunday means David Moyes is on the verge of achieving something that no Everton boss has done since Harry Catterick.

His records at Everton are nothing but miracles

David Moyes has done a commendable job in his 11-year tenure at Everton, turning them into a strong Premier League force on a meagre budget, with an average net spend per season of £803,000, compared to Aston Villa’s average of £10.8m over the past decade, Stoke’s £7.8m and Sunderland £7.6m, all of whom find themselves in the bottom half of the table.

Everton may not have Liverpool’s resources, but they are clearly not just ‘the second team on Merseyside‘ any longer. With David Moyes does leaving this summer, (to join Manchester United) that is not a bad farewell present. Yes, a trophy would be good, a Champions League place or even a spot in the Europa League would be even better; but realistically, this is probably the best he could have managed this season with Everton punching so far above their weight.

Everton should win this easily….

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: EVERTON WIN

FULHAM vs LIVERPOOL

Nothing on the line in this one…but I’m picking the Reds to get maximum points. If Reading can score four times against Fulham at the Cottage, they should be mincemeat for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

NORWICH CITY vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION

It is just two Premier League wins from 19 games for the Canaries. And a win for Wigan against Swansea on Tuesday would have seen the Lactics leapfrog Norwich on goal difference with just two games to play, leaving Chris Hughton on the brink. This is a very huge game against West Brom on Sunday and any other result but a win could have huge ramifications.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NORWICH CITY WIN

QUEENS PARK RANGERS vs NEWCASTLE UNITED

Newcastle United, who looked safe a month ago, are suddenly back on the brink. When Alan Pardew signed most of those French players in January there was an instant lift. But the longer the season has gone on, the more fractured that has looked.

This is a MUST-WIN fixture for Alan Pardew’s team. With Arsenal waiting next weekend, the magpies wouldn’t want to go into the last round of matches still needing a result.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: NEWCASTLE UNITED WIN

SUNDERLAND vs SOUTHAMPTON

Sunderland collected a highly valuable point against Stoke City on Monday to haul themselves from fourth bottom to 15th. That puts Norwich and Newcastle under extra pressure.

The Black Cats will be without Craig Gardner, Stephane Sessegnon and injured Stephen Fletcher, for the run in, plus Danny Rose for the final game at Spurs, the club he’s on loan from. It’s money time for Di Canio; this is where he proves his mettle.

Southampton are not entirely safe yet and still need a win to get them to 42 points.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

MANCHESTER UNITED vs SWANSEA CITY

This is a dead-rubber.

I’m especially looking forward to the trophy presentation after the match and watching Sir Alex Ferguson take his last bows at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ Old Trafford. What a rare gem; his contribution to Manchester United and football at large will NEVER be replicated. How do you replicate 49 trophies?

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER UNITED WIN

ARSENAL vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

For Wigan Athletic, it’s two do-or-die Premier League games against Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Wigan once again showed they are masters of the Great Escape after the win away at West Brom last weekend but the Lactics completely blew their chance of full redemption when they somehow contrived to lose at home to Swansea City at the weekend. With two games to go, Wigan seemed to have sucked the life out of their bid to stay in the ­Premier League for a ninth successive season. Two years ago, a win at Stoke on the final day of the season kept them up. Last season, they won seven of their last nine games – including victories against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool – to survive. This season though, they will need a miracle to stay up as they will require a host of other results to go their way in the next two rounds of matches to stand any chance of playing top-flight football next season.

Arsenal don’t play until next Tuesday and by then, they could be in fifth position which would mean that only a win will do. Most especially if Chelsea and Tottenham win their fixtures this weekend, it will be interesting to see how Arsenal handle the pressure.

Arsenal were the big winners on Wednesday following the result at Stamford Bridge but one slip, and it could mean Europe’s second tier.

Wigan have the FA Cup final to take care of before this trip to the Emirates. They would give their all at Wembley and I doubt there would be anything left in the tank to beat Arsenal at home for the second successive season.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ARSENAL WIN

READING vs MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City last season scored 93 goals in 38 matches. With two games to go in this Premier League campaign, the runners-up elect have found the net 62 times. The average of 1.74 goals per game is below champions Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal – and the same as Tottenham. With Mario Balotelli gone, the combination of Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez and Dzeko, who cost a combined £90million, have scored only 35 between them. Michu, Christian Benteke and Rickie Lambert have all scored more as has last summer’s target Robin van Persie – whose goals arguably won Manchester United the Premier League title.

The Royals are down and out, but after their surprising 4-2 win at Fulham last weekend, they certainly want to leave a better impression on the Premier League than their previous performances this season.

The ‘former champions’ have the second spot signed, sealed and delivered; Chelsea won’t catch them again so this fixture is inconsequential to both teams but Roberto Mancini’s men have far greater quality and they should win.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

He bows out on a high……………

And Sir Alex Ferguson retires…….. Football; Bloody Hell!

He dominated English football in the Premier League era, winning the title 13 times and also lifting the Champions League in 1999 and 2008. In addition, he won the FA Cup five times, the League Cup four times, plus the FIFA Club World Cup, Intercontinental Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

It’s difficult to imagine Manchester United without Sir Alex Ferguson. The old Scot has always preached the “no one is bigger than the club” mantra. And it’s great credit to him that he has packed it in while the ovation is loudest; leaving his successor with a young team and a lot of time in the summer to make his mark. The timing no matter how you look at it couldn’t have been better.

Sir Alex won an unprecented 49 trophies in total and his final match will be against West Bromwich Albion on May 19, his 1500th game in charge of Manchester United.

Legend is an understatement; words can’t describe Sir Alex Ferguson enough… I’m going with PHENOMENON.

Here’s wishing the old Scot a happy and successful retirement.

And that’s a wrap for the penultimate weekend of the 2012/2013 Premier League season. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Do let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Tuesday night to see how I fared with my predictions.

You can use this easy copy and paste summary to write your own predictions and share it with the readers in the comments section. Some day someone will guess all ten correctly, I hope.

1. Aston Villa v Chelsea

2. Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur

3. Everton v West Ham United

4. Fulham v Liverpool

5. Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion

6. Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United

7. Sunderland v Southampton

8. Manchester United v Swansea City

9. Arsenal v Wigan Athletic

10. Reading v Manchester City

Best Weeks: 8/10 (Week 20 and Week 35)

Last Week: 7/10

Season Total: 193/370 (52%)

Follow me on twitter – @Osesax

Week 35: English Premier League Preview and Predictions

Manchester United are back on their perch and it’s going to take something special to knock them off. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have sewn up the title with four games remaining and are now aiming to win the final four games to establish a new Premier League record of 96 points. Do that and Ferguson believes nobody can argue that this team deserves to stand among his best – I agree, but it won’t happen.

Winning the Premier League with four games to spare is no mean feat; especially coming from a team that ”isn’t really a great side”. They have been the best team over the course of the season and although, arguments about other teams being poor would never go away, this Manchester United side are worthy champions nonetheless.

His goals have no doubt won the Premier League

The man with the No. 20 on his shirt was signed to win Manchester United a 20th Premier League title and wrest the trophy back from the noisy neighbors on the other side of the City. Boy, how he has done that. Robin Van Persie’s decision to join Manchester United rather than Manchester City has proved to be the defining transfer of last summer and his goals have effectively ended the argument about the wisdom of investing £24million in a player of his age. It is why Van Persie gets my vote for the Footballer of the Year award, ahead of Gareth Bale and Luis Suarez – especially if the argument is that the player that wins a trophy should win the award.

Now the former Arsenal striker travels to the Emirates on Sunday where his former team-mates will form a guard of honor to applaud him and his Manchester United team-mates out onto the pitch. That should be nice.

Talking about the ‘Guard of Honor‘ – it should be noted that the gesture is purely down to the clubs rather than a requirement. Gunners fans seem to have short memories as Manchester United graciously gave Arsenal a guard of honor at Highbury in 1991, while Sir Alex Ferguson’s men also did it for Chelsea in 2005. I honestly see no big deal; let’s just get it done and get on with the game.

Champions Manchester United will play a key role in deciding who gets a TOP-FOUR place with their matches against Arsenal on Sunday at The Emirates and against Chelsea at Old Trafford seven days later. If Manchester United wins both matches, Tottenham would be the big winners.

TOP-FOUR BATTLE: For Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, The margin of error is non-existent. All three teams practically need to win all their remaining matches to be assured of a Champions League spot. The three teams are separated by just two points but Chelsea and Tottenham have got a game-in-hand. Good thing though for Gunners is that the outstanding game pairs their fellow contenders together and surely, one or both of them will drop points. Either way, the Gunners will be the big winners in this case.

GOAL DIFFERENCE: If the TOP-FOUR race comes down to goal difference, then the loser from the three chasing the two available spots will be Tottenham. Arsenal currently have a +30, Chelsea have got a +31 while Tottenham might just pay the price for their lack of conviction in front of goal as they currently have a +17 goal difference.

RELEGATION FIGHT: Until the final whistles blow on May 19 nobody will know exactly how many points will be enough for survival. After last weekend’s results, it is evolving as a head-to-head between 18th-placed Wigan and 17th-placed Villa for the final relegation place. Only mathematics can keep Queens Park Rangers and Reading among the elite after their respective defeats last weekend. It will be enthralling for the neutral, but nerve-wracking for managers Roberto Martinez of Wigan and Paul Lambert at Villa.

Strap in Week 35 and let’s enjoy another weekend of Premier League football.

MANCHESTER CITY vs WEST HAM UNITED

It’s job done for manager Sam Allardyce. The Hammers have now got 42 points to their name after a run of five games without a loss and nine points from a possible 15.

The Champions can just about seal that second position with a win in this one. The Hammers have frustrated Liverpool and Southampton in their last two away games, City would have to be at their very best to win this one.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: MANCHESTER CITY WIN

EVERTON vs FULHAM

The Toffees won’t be playing Champions League football next season – that’s decided now. They have got a five-point lead over their Merseyside rivals though and for the second successive season, they could finish ahead of Liverpool on the table. Everton fans will appreciate that.

Fulham are pretty safe at this point. They are currently placed in 11th position but could still get themselves a TOP-10 spot. The 9th and 10th spots seem undecided.

Everton are strong at home, they should win this one.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: EVERTON WIN

SOUTHAMPTON vs WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are now eight points clear of the drop zone, and are well-placed to secure survival having been written off in some quarters at the start of the season. With 39 points already in the bag, surely they won’t get relegated.

The Baggies are only going through the motions. The season is already over for them.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: SOUTHAMPTON WIN

STOKE CITY vs NORWICH CITY

Huge win for the Canaries last weekend at home to Reading. The three points gained increased their points tally to 38 and unless they lose their remaining four games, they would be playing Premier League football next season and that would be a remarkable achievement for a side thought to be certainties for relegation back in August, most especially after Paul Lambert jumped ship.

The Potters ended their seven-game winless run, easing the relegation fears and pressure on manager Tony Pulis. Stoke City fans would have celebrated last weekend’s win at Loftus road as the Potters very rarely win away matches but they can’t afford to be smug as they have games against Sunderland, Southampton, Norwich and Spurs to finish up with.

Stoke City currently have 37 points, two more wins and Stoke fans can sleep with their two eyes both closed. I think they can get one of those wins in this one. The earlier they confirm their top-flight status, the better.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: STOKE CITY WIN

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs LIVERPOOL

Newcastle are just six points clear of the drop zone with four games to play. They are still three points short of the 40-point mark.

Liverpool have the ‘Merseyside League’ to aim for. With all the resources they have got, Everton shouldn’t be finishing above them. They have five points to make up on their City rivals at this stage and with a Merseyside Derby looming, they will fancy their chances of leapfrogging Everton before May 19.

Even without Luis Suarez, Liverpool are still a dangerous side and I think they will win this one.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: LIVERPOOL WIN

READING vs QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Npower Championship match of the week…..

Harry Redknapp takes his team to Reading in a match that could end with both relegated.

It’s over..

QPR’s survival hopes all but ended last weekend. The Stoke City loss left them second bottom of the Premier League — 10 points from safety with only four games to play. Boss Harry Redknapp said after last weekend’s home reverse against Stoke City: “That’s curtains. It looks impossible now for sure.” They will certainly need a footballing miracle to survive relegation as this is beyond even the legendary powers of Houdini Harry Redknapp. And the statistics are damning. A complete summer clear-out is the only option, because life in the ­Championship is harsh and their over-paid players won’t fancy it.

Reading’s 2-0 loss to Norwich last weekend nudged Nigel Adkin’s men ever closer to the Premier League trapdoor and an immediate return to the Championship. They sit 10 points adrift with 12 to play for and their one-season sojourn in the top flight appears to be coming to an end.

Both teams know they are destined for the Championship and with nothing but pride to motivate them, this could turn out to be a boring draw.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

ARSENAL vs MANCHESTER UNITED

The title is safely back under lock and key at Old Trafford.

Would Sir Alex Ferguson hand his old foes any favor?

It will be interesting to see how Sir Alex Ferguson sets his side up since the title is already decided. But with the chance to beat Chelsea’s record of 95 points still on the table, I won’t be surprised if the old Scot rolls out his top guns for this fixture.

Arsenal knows they will have to be much improved against Manchester United, but it is points and not performances that are vital at this stage of the season. The Gunners looked jaded against Fulham; could it be that the pressure of the top-four battle is taken its toll on them? Arsenal fans will hope not.

Arsenal will hope the Manchester United players are still in celebration mood this weekend. A win for the Gunners (especially with Chelsea and Tottenham both having very winnable games) will massively improve their odds of playing Champions League football next season. A draw would be no bad result but somehow they have to avoid losing.

Manchester United knows how to play Arsenal at the Emirates. I can’t remember how many times they have lost there and I don’t think they would lose on Sunday.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: DRAW

CHELSEA vs SWANSEA CITY

Michael Laudrup will be concerned that their campaign is tailing off as they equaled their previous longest winless run in the Premier League of five games last weekend.

The Blues have the toughest running of the three teams fighting for a TOP-FOUR spot. They will face Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton in their final five matches but first it’s Swansea this weekend.

The Swansea players apparently have their minds on their summer beach holidays already with just five points from the last 18 available. Chelsea will hope they come bearing gifts as they have done in their recent fixtures.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: CHELSEA WIN

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Has Roberto Martinez got one last miracle in him?

Can Wigan pull off another a late-season run of wins?

No jokes – Wigan are now seriously staring relegation in the face. The Lactics’ stay in the Premier League has never been more threatened. With Tottenham up next and Arsenal still to come, Roberto Martinez has his hands full in keeping his team safe for another season.

Tottenham knew a win against Manchester City would keep the pressure on nearest rivals Chelsea and Arsenal in the race for Champions League qualification and they went about it in style. They have laid down the marker to the other London teams and last weekend’s result has proved that they mean business – they won’t filter away this time around.

The day Wigan Athletic make history may yet be eclipsed by a match which could decide their Premier League fate. On May 11, they play in their first FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. Glory beckons. But on the following Sunday, the harsh reality of the new cash dynamic in football will be apparent when they play Aston Villa at the DW Stadium. The Latics have previously come through such do-or-die games against Sheffield United in 2007 and Stoke City in 2011. If both Wigan and Villa go into that last match still needing a result; that would be one occasion.

Andres Villas-Boas’ men have a spring under their legs again; most especially with Gareth Bale back in the side. The win over Manchester City would mean nothing if they fail to gain maximum points here, most especially if Arsenal and Chelsea win their respective matches.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR WIN

And on Monday……

ASTON VILLA vs SUNDERLAND

Three Premier League games – two wins and one loss – that’s more than a decent scorecard for any manager and Paolo Di Canio‘s appointment now seems a masterstroke. In just three weeks, Sunderland’s maverick Italian manager has totally rejuvenated a club that looked Championship-bound under Martin O’Neill. The players have responded to their new Coach and everyone seem to be on the same page.

Aside from the already-doomed Reading and QPR, Villa’s goal-difference of -27 is the worst ratio of all the teams in the scrap for survival. The Villans’ goal difference means they will be sucked back into the relegation zone if they lose this weekend and Wigan win their match against Tottenham.

The Latics in 18th place, whose goal difference is -23, will host 17th-placed Villa on the final day in what is increasingly looking as if it will be a straight shoot-out for survival between both teams.

This is Aston Villa’s biggest game of the season. They have had no joy against the Black Cats in their last three games at Villa Park but that would have to change this weekend. They just have to win; anything but and their chances of beating the drop would decrease greatly.

OctopusSaxy’s Verdict: ASTON VILLA WIN

That’s it for another weekend of Premier League matches. What do you think of my Analysis and Predictions? Do let me know by making use of the comments box below and if you enjoyed the piece, could you kindly make use of the share buttons below? Thanks. You could also check back on Monday night to see how I fared with my predictions.

Last weekend, HOCH (@Just_Hoch on twitter) had SEVEN of the 10 matches’ outcomes correctly predicted; and that’s his second time coming out tops! Well done bro… Who will be tops this weekend? Well…. Here’s your chance. You can use this easy copy and paste summary to write your own predictions and share it with the readers in the comments section. Some day someone will guess all ten correctly, I hope.

1. Manchester City v West Ham United

2. Everton v Fulham

3. Southampton v West Bromwich Albion

4. Stoke City v Norwich City

5. Wigan Athletic v Tottenham Hotspur

6. Newcastle United v Liverpool

7. Reading v Queens Park Rangers

8. Chelsea v Swansea City

9. Arsenal v Manchester United

10. Aston Villa v Sunderland

Best Week: 8/10 (Week 20)

Last Week: 5/10

Season Total: 154/326 (47%)

NAMASTE…………….

I had never felt so much love before Tuesday – the post I published in commemoration of my One Year Blogging Anniversary (read it here – http://wp.me/p2kRta-bX ) attracted the most number of comments I have ever received on any post. I feel really blessed and your reaction to the website – http://www.osesax.com – coming out soon has only increased my motivation. Thanks and God bless!!

I wish you all a delightful weekend.

Follow me on twitter – — @Osesax