Matthew Hayden has many points to set straight ahead of the first Ashes Test, which starts on Thursday at Lord’s – particularly the question of his form. In his last 12 Tests he has averaged 33.10, which is much lower than his overall mark of 53.46. Nevertheless, a relaxed Hayden told a media conference that the numbers didn’t matter. When asked if he was in good form, he replied: “Yes – if there is such a word. I’m watching the ball closely, which is always a good start.”And he also rebuffed suggestions that he was looking to exploit any of England’s bowlers. “Look, there’s always lots of talk about targeting players,” he said. “It’s the greatest load of rubbish of all time. The only enemy is really the cricket ball that comes down at you. Whatever is said and whatever is analysed doesn’t matter. What we have to do is bat and everything else will look after itself.”However, he recognised that he could look to score off Steve Harmison, while noting that Andrew Flintoff could be England’s key bowler. “Anyone that comes from a great height always asks the questions,” said Hayden. “Harmison’s got a lot of natural variation as well in his bowling. It’s his greatest strength – and his weakness – that you do get scoring options. He’s not going to be a miserly sort of bowler, but he also gets wickets. Australia have seen that as a potential threat, but we haven’t become a great side by looking over our shoulders too much. Freddie Flintoff was probably the key bowler in the one-day series. He bowled good lines and lengths and at good pace as well. He’s got a lot to offer.”But Hayden said it didn’t matter how well England played because Australia were invincible on their day. “I don’t really care much for all this ‘are they closer?’. I really believe that it’s all about us – if we are executing our skills I don’t believe there’s a side that can get close to us.” Hayden is in rude mental health, and physically his shoulder is faring well, as Australia’s media manager Jonathan Rose told Cricinfo: “He is continuing to have treatment, but he is tracking well. He’s on top of the injury, put it that way.”Hayden said the three-day match against Leicestershire was solid preparation for the first Test. “It was nice to have a good knock out there the other day, even it was the flattest wicket on earth,” he said. “It was good to have that workout because the two games are entirely different. We have to adapt pretty quickly.”But Hayden’s approach is the same for any form. He doesn’t care much for sporting psychology and won’t be breaking down his technique anytime soon. “It’s a really simple game for me – I try to keep it as simple as I can. I love playing shots – there’s no question of that. You can crack your game apart to the point where you’re paralysed with it. I like playing the hook shot. It gets me out, but it gets me a lot of runs as well. I like playing down the ground. Obviously when you look to play down the ground you can nick the ball, but it’s the last thing on our minds.”However, some psychological matters concerning Hayden have interested the media recently, not least confrontation with Simon Jones. “At no stage was it ever taken off the paddock. Everyone wants to know what actually gets said but there’s often not much said – it tends to be more of a body language thing and a general banter around the group.”He still believes sledging has its place within the game, and even adds to it. “When Warney ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs’ every ball when he beats a high-position batter, it’s great for the game. It’s the spirit of the contest. I will be really surprised if there’s anything that’s over the mark.” It seems Hayden is raring to go.
Jimmy Maher has been ruled out of Queensland’s forthcoming Pura Cup game against New South Wales. According to ABC Sport, Maher has aggravated a hamstring injury, and will be replaced in the team by Aaron Nye, who will be making his first-class debut.Craig Philipson has also been ruled out of the game, having not recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered during the recent one-day final against Western Australia. Brendon Nash is his replacement. Andy Bichel and James Hopes had suffered severe cramps in that game, but both have been named in the team.Victoria is already guaranteed a place in the Pura Cup final, and Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales are all in contention for the other spot.
KINGSTON – Kenrick Dennis, a promising fast bowler who played briefly for Jamaica in the late 1980s, died in a road accident in the United States yesterday, according to Jamaica Cricket Association sources.He will be remembered for his misfortune in spilling two catches as a substitute fielder in the final over of a nailbiting one-day final against Barbados at a jam-packed Sabina Park in 1988.His fielding errors led to a Barbadian triumph. Dennis never represented Jamaica after that game and migrated shortly after.
Pakistan became the first team in one day internationals to play 500matches .Australia was playing its 487th match.
It was the 60th match between these two sides. The record now reads :Australia 33,Pakistan 24,tied one and abandoned 2.
Umpires David Shepherd and Peter Willey were officiating in their 97thand 23rd match respectively.
Australia and Pakistan were facing each other in the final of atournament for the eighth time. Australia has won on seven occasionswhile Pakistan emerged victorious only once.
The wicket of Abdur Razzaq was 50th for Brett Lee in his 29th match.He became 22nd Australian and 125th bowler in all to reach thislandmark. Lee also became the fourth fastest for Australia to do soafter Dennis Lillee (24), Shane Warne (25),Len Pascoe (26) andalongwith Carl Rackemann (29)
Lee needed only one year and 165 days since his debut (v Pakistan atBrisbane on January 9,2000) to complete his 50 wickets which is thesecond shortest period for Australia after Shane Warne who reached hismilestone in one year and 35 days. The ODI record, however, is held byIndia’s Ajit Agarkar who needed only 182 days for his 50 wickets.
Inzamam-ul-Haq on 12 became third batsman after Mark Waugh (5132 runsin 128 innings) and Sachin Tendulkar (5078 runs in 133 innings) tocomplete 5000 runs in a career in matches batting first.
Australia’s win by nine wickets was the fourth largest in the final ofa tournament by a team batting second. India had beaten Zimbabwe byten wickets in the final of the Champions Trophy in November 1998which remains the largest win by a side in the final of a tournament.The details :
Margin
Winner
Total
Loser
Total
Venue
Date
Competition
10 wickets
Ind
197-0
Zim
196-9
Sharjah
13-11-1998
Champions Trophy
9 wickets
SA
115-1
Pak
114
Cape Town
23-04-1998
Standard Bank Int.Series
9 wickets
Ind
197-1
Ken
196
Calcutta
31-05-1998
Coca Cola Series
9 wickets
Aus
156-1
Pak
152
Lord’s
23-06-2001
NatWest Series
8 wickets
Ind
177-2
Pak
176-9
Melbourne
10-03-1985
B&H World Series
8 wickets
Aus
164-2
NZ
162
Auckland
11-03-1990
Rothman’s Cup
8 wickets
Ind
233-2
SL
230-7
Sharjah
14-04-1995
Asia Cup
8 wickets
SL
240-2
Ind
239-7
Colombo RPS
26-07-1997
Asia Cup
8 wickets
Pak
129-2
Ind
125
Sharjah
16-04-1999
Coca Cola Cup
8 wickets
Aus
133-2
Pak
132
Lord’s
20-06-1999
World Cup
8 wickets
SL
208-2
Aus
202
Colombo RPS
31-08-1999
Aiwa Cup
By winning the match with 141 balls to spare Australia recorded thesecond largest victory by any team batting second in the final of atournament. Interestingly the all time ODI record was also made inthe match between these two sides and at this same venue when Australiabeat Pakistan in the final of ICC World Cup with 179 balls to sparein June 1999.The following table has the complete detail of all suchinstances :
Balls
Winner
Total
Loser
Total
Venue
Date
Competition
179
Aus
133-2
Pak
132
Lord’s
20-06-1999
World Cup
141
Aus
156-1
Pak
152
Lord’s
23-06-2001
NatWest Series
134
SA
115-1
Pak
114
Cape Town
23-04-1998
Standard Bank Int.Series
132
Pak
129-2
Ind
125
Sharjah
16-04-1999
Coca Cola Cup
120
Ind
197-0
Zim
196-9
Sharjah
13-11-1999
Champions Trophy
113
Aus
138-4
NZ
137-9
Auckland
26-02-1995
New Zealand Centenary
90
Ind
197-1
Ken
196
Calcutta
31-05-1998
Coca Cola Series
79
SL
240-2
Ind
239-7
Colombo RPS
26-07-1997
Asia Cup
65
Aus
164-4
NZ
162
Auckland
11-03-1990
Rothman’s Cup
64
Ind
140-7
Aus
139
Sharjah
29-03-1985
Rothman’s Trophy
64
SA
204-3
Pak
203
Nairobi Gym
06-10-1996
Kenya Centenary
63
SL
208-2
Aus
202
Colombo RPS
31-08-1999
Aiwa Cup
62
WI
190-5
Pak
187
Johannesburg
27-02-1993
Total International Series
59
Eng
167-5
Pak
166-9
Perth
07-01-1987
B&H Challenge
56
SA
210-6
SL
209-7
Lahore
08-11-1997
Wills Trophy
The win was Australia’s 21st in a competition comprising of at leastthree teams.
Adam Gilchrist was winning his ninth Man of the Match award in his119th match.
At the end of the series :
Australia’s overall ODI record : played 487, won 279,lost 190,tied 6and abandoned 12.
Pakistan’s overall ODI record : played 500,won 261,lost 223,tied 6 andabandoned 10.
England’s overall ODI record : played 331,won 162,lost 158,tied 2 andabandoned 9.
Steve Waugh’s captaining record : played 98,won 63,lost 31,tied oneand abandoned 3.
Waqar Younis’ captaincy record : played 15,won 10,lost 5.
Alec Stewart’s captaincy record : played 40,won 14,lost 25 andabandoned one.
Manchester City are now the “leading contenders” to sign a Premier League star who Pep Guardiola loves, according to recent reports.
Man City leading the race to sign Premier League star
Just as the Premier League title race begins to heat up, Man City are seemingly ready to turn towards the transfer market. As things stand, the Citizens sit just two points behind Arsenal, who needed a last-gasp winner to defeat bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been here before up against Arsenal and will simply be waiting for their moment to strike once again. They’re certainly in the form to challenge for the title too, having eased past Crystal Palace last time out courtesy of more goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, City have picked the perfect time to get back to their best. Unlike this time last year, there will be no panic buys from those at the Etihad. Anyone that does arrive will be due to a strategic move towards potential Premier League glory rather than a desperate need for reinforcements.
As such, several rumours have already emerged ahead of 2026 which surround the likes of Daniel Munoz and Antoine Semenyo. Recent reports have claimed that City are now in the race to sign Munoz in a move that would finally welcome a natural right-back to Guardiola’s side.
Meanwhile, according to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Man City are now the “leading contenders” to sign Semenyo in the January transfer window, jumping ahead of both Manchester United and Liverpool. Only two players have scored more Premier League goals than the Bournemouth star this season and there’s no doubt he’d only increase City’s title chances.
Why Man City are so keen on "extraordinary" Semenyo
When Man City last won the Premier League title in the 2023/24 campaign, Semenyo would not have been the type of winger on their shortlist. Guardiola aimed for intricate players who kept things ticking rather than dominant goalscorers out wide. That’s why City splashed out to sign Jack Grealish many moons ago.
Man City preparing move for £28m English star after direct request from Pep
Pep Guardiola has set his sights on an “incredible” Premier League player.
ByDominic Lund
The Premier League has since changed, however. Goalscoring wingers and more physical players are now back in fashion, hence why Semenyo has emerged straight onto City’s radar. Guardiola will be well aware that it’s either adapt or get left behind in England’s top flight and he is not willing to let Arsenal race away that easily.
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Signing Semenyo won’t come cheap after Bournemouth slapped a £65m release clause in his most recent contract, but praise from Guardiola himself suggests that he’s not one that the Spaniard will want to miss out on.
With a goal at Old Trafford in Bournemouth’s frantic 4-4 draw against Man United on Monday night, Semenyo is doing everything right if he wants to earn the approval of those at the Etihad.
Pep has unearthed his new De Bruyne in "generational" Man City star
It may not have been the highest quality, but it was certainly one of the most entertaining seasons in living memory, with the most amazing climax. In the end, Manchester City claimed their first top-level title in 44 years, beating Manchester United on goal difference, whilst Arsenal claimed third place, neighbours Spurs finishing in fourth, pipping a gallant Newcastle to a Top 4 Spot. No Premier League title has ever been decided on goal difference before, and it is only the 6th time the top division has been decided this way.
At the other end of the table, Wolves went down with a whimper after the sacking of Mick McCarthy, and were eventually joined by Steve Kean’s Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers, who ended an 11 year run in the top division. In between, and the three promoted teams stayed up, only the second time this has ever happened.
Here’s a look at the hi and lowlights of the season:
Pre-Season Predictions:
No review can be complete without crying tears of laughter at how the “experts” saw the season panning out. Predictions are a dangerous game, and we have all made some terrible ones, but some of what follows was drivel right from the start.
BBC: Only six teams featured in the predictions, and their survey found that Manchester United were the overwhelming favourites to retain their title, with only three votes going to Manchester City and one to Liverpool.
Mark Lawrenson: 1 Man Utd 2 Man City 3 Chelsea 4 Liverpool.
“Sir Alex Ferguson always gets the pre-season training right to gear United up for their traditional strong finish at the end of season. They have got a squad to cope with all the cup competitions, and the Champions League, and real competition for players and a winning mentality too. They have got the best team, the best squad and the best manager. Basically, they have got the lot.”
Mark Bright: 1 Liverpool 2 Man Utd 3 Man City 4 Arsenal.
“Liverpool finished 22 points behind United last season but only Sir Alex Ferguson amassed more points than Kenny Dalglish since the ‘king’ took over from Roy Hodgson. Why will they win it? The Reds have four players who could grace any team in the Premier League: Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll, then add to the mix promising youngsters like John Flanagan, new faces like Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing plus team spirit, desire and 21 years of hurt.”
Nigel Adderley: 1 Man Utd 2 Liverpool 3 Chelsea 4 Arsenal.
“I can’t see beyond United winning the title again. There will be no World Cup hangover for players like Wayne Rooney this season which should help their youngsters integrate into the team. Liverpool have so much attacking flair now so Steven Gerrard should benefit from not being overburdened. Chelsea need Fernando Torres to start scoring quickly and also develop an understanding with whoever plays alongside him. Arsenal should scrape into the top four providing the Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri money is spent on the right areas of the team. Despite the millions lavished on their squad, I think City may miss out on the top four – rather like Tottenham last season – a decent run in the Champions League could have a negative impact on their domestic results.”
Oliver Holt (Daily Mirror) – “Charlie Adam could be the buy of the season.” (a view backed up by Phil Thompson).
Paul Merson
Champions: Man Utd
Second: Chelsea
Third: Man City (but lower if Tevez goes)
Bottom three: QPR, Swansea, Norwich
Top scorer: Fernando Torres
Best buy: Charles N’Zogbia
Charlie Nicholas
Top scorer: Javier Hernandez
Best buy: David de Gea
Worst buy: Sergio Aguero isn’t value for money
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
The Season Itself…..
Early Season Madness:
Manchester United 8 Arsenal 2, Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester City 5, Manchester United 1 Manchester City 6. Were defenders taking the season off? Well no, nothing had changed really, It was a momentary lapse in the space-time continuum, and soon we returned to normal. Well except for Arsenal 5 Tottenham 2, Manchester United 4 Everton 4, Chelsea 3 Arsenal 5, or…..
Racism & Off The Field Controversy
This was the season when much of the talking points revolved around events away from the kicking of a football. Whilst Carlos Tevez was busy reducing his golf handicap, this was also the year of racism scandals. The biggest domestically came at the end of the year as Luis Suarez was banned for eight games for racist comments made towards Patrice Evra. The row rumbled on as Liverpool refused to accept their lot, but with John Terry due in court after the Euros, the topic is going to remain in the news. If only everyone had taken Sepp Blatter’s advice and shaken hands at the end of the match – problem solved. Needless to say, Anton Ferdinand and Patrice Evra were portrayed as the guilty parties in all of this by some of the cretins that reside in our green and pleasant land, and death threats inevitably followed.
Tragedy
The end of 2011 also plunged the world of football into deep shock, as Gary Speed took his own life. It was a story that people struggled to comprehend, a man who seemingly had it all, but it turned out didn’t. A reminder, along with the tragic death of Gary Ablett in the New Year, that it is only a game. It will never be more important than life or death. Never had a disputed penalty or a last minute equalizer seemed less important. Football had lost one of the great servants of the Premier League era. At least for Patrice Muamba, there was a happier ending, but the occurrences of natural athletes suffering with heart problems seems to be more problematic than ever before. Italy has some of the most stringent tests in this area. Let’s hope the English game follows suit as soon as possible.
Returning Heroes
Paul Scholes and Thierry Henry decided they couldn’t stay away, and did their bit in pushing on their respective teams. Even Robbie Keane showed his face again for a short while. What it showed more than anything was that two of the big teams were short on depth of quality to resort to such moves, and whilst talk of Scholes returning to the England team is ludicrous, it also hints at the paucity of talent available to England manager Roy Hodgson.
Tottenham Hotspur and the FA’s Role In Their Decline
On the day Harry Redknapp left court a free man, Fabio Capello and the FA called it a day. Fabio got the TV, the house and a few million pounds, but for Redknapp, presumed by the world’s media to be Capello’s successor, it all went downhill thereafter. Many blamed it on the speculation about the England job distracting Spurs, but it’s a weak argument. They thrashed Newcastle before their form fell away, the more likely reason being Redknapp’s reliance on key players, who understandably became jaded. In the end, they were relying on a Chelsea Champions League defeat to gain access to next year’s competition.
Promotion and Consolidation
Quite an achievement, as all three promoted sides stayed up, and stayed up playing good football. There was no compromise in style, though QPR had the resources to expect a stay in the top league. Either way, they were, and will be, worthy additions to the premier league. Brendan Rogers has turned down an approach from Liverpool, but Grant Holt’s transfer request (declined) shows that with success comes a whole new set of problems and challenges.
Another Varied Season For Arsenal
Same old, same old. Some brilliant play, some suspect defending, low points and calls for the manager’s head before a resurgence which ultimately left them where they began. This could go on forever, or else at some point Wenger has to compromise on his principles and bring in some established big names, and go for the title. If they don’t, we will all be subjected to playground bully Piers Morgan’s expert opinions for the next 20 years. And no one deserves that.
Chelsea’s Season Of Two Halves
Another big name manager under pressure, who eventually fell on his sword. With hindsight, Villas Boas and his methods seemed doomed from the start, and by the time he left, Chelsea’s season resembled a train-wreck. It just goes to show the fine lines in football, as under Roberto Di Matteo, the club have picked up the FA Cup, and tonight will aim to become the first London side to win the Champions League. If they don’t, it’s the Europa League for them next season. No pressure then.
Never Go Back
Liverpool might go back to Rafa Benitez this summer, but going back to King Kenny ultimately didn’t work out. Were they close to usccess or a million miles away? Well Dalglish brought a trophy back to the club, and almost a second, but the league form was far from acceptable, his big money purchases utterly underwhelming, and they finished the season below neighbours Everton. It was a bridge too far for Liverpool’s American owners.
He Came From Italy, To Manage Man City
Hard to imagine, but only a month ago, Mancini’s job was on the line. Obituaries had been written on him and City’s season. Now, he has delivered the first title to the blue half of Manchester in 44 years. A week is a long time in football, and judging by the QPR match, so is 15 seconds.
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Awards:
Manager of The Year
How do you choose the best manager? Many think the winner should be the manager of the Champions. Fair enough. All three promoted teams stayed up, so there are merits to choosing Brendan Rogers or Paul Lambert, but for me Alan Pardew is a worthy winner – fighting for Champions League football until the last day of the season, they were a team I expected to struggle for survival after losing key players in the summer.
Player of The Year
Robin Van Persie would be a perfectly acceptable winner, but in the end he was probably pipped by the inspirational Vincent Kompany, who led his team to the title by example, scoring the crucial winner in the Manchester Derby on April 30th.
Biggest Flop
Stewart Downing – it’s quite some achievement to have no goals or assists over a whole league campaign (when regularly picked). This led to a million tweets about the sacking of Kenny Dalglish being his first assist of the season. Still, I have vague memories of him scoring against Oldham, as did Roy Hodgson clearly, who amazingly thinks he’s good enough for the England squad.
André Villas-Boas wasn’t far behind, but he’ll be back, and stronger for it.
Best Goal
Papiss Cissé’s second v Chelsea. An astonishing feat to beat a goalkeeper of Petr Cech’s quality from that angle, that distance and with a half-volley with the outside of the right foot, though the little voice in my head still insists he just swung his foot and got lucky.
Runner up prizes for Hatem Ben Arfa for Newcastle in a 2-0 win v Bolton in April, and Peter Crouch’s volley against Manchester City.
Best Match
Manchester City 3-2 QPR. What more could you ask for? Great goals, defensive howlers, red card madness, the risk of relegation, then being saved from relegation, the lead changing hands three times, an injury-time comeback and a title won with the last kick of the season. Not bad, when all said and done. Other contenders can be found in the high-scoring madness mentioned earlier.
And In The End…
And on the 7thday, god created a Manchester City title – a true miracle. Steve Kean is still in a job, but many more fell at the hurdles. A crazy season full of talking points delivered right to the end. It wasn’t always pretty, it wasn’t always pleasant, but it was never boring. Long may it continue…..
Fulham have set up a tie against Northern Irish side Crusaders in the Europa League qualifiers after progressing past Faroe Island part-timers NSI Runavik on Thursday night. The London club here held 0-0 in the away leg of the tie, but move to the next round after winning the first leg 3-0 at Craven Cottage.
Whilst most clubs are just getting back to pre-season training this week, Martin Jol’s side have had to start early in the pursuit of European football next season after qualifying through The Fair Play league.
The Cottagers sent a strong team to the Faroe Islands, however Aaron Hughes and Chris Baird did not travel and were replaced by Stephen Kelly and Philippe Senderos. Jonathan Greening deputised for Simon Davies on the left of midfield, whilst Steve Sidwell replaced Danny Murphy.
The second leg against the Faroese minnows was not one for the purist, but Damien Duff came the closest to breaking the deadlock by hitting the bar after five minutes. Strikers Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson had chances to give the English side victory, but were also both denied by home goalkeeper Andras Gango.
Fulham will now travel to Belfast in the first leg of the second round of qualifying next Thursday; Crusaders finished second in their domestic league last season.
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‘Tasty’ is the only way to describe the Premiership fixtures we can look forward to this weekend. Aston Villa’s new signing Robert Pires will face his former club Arsenal at Villa Park on Saturday, when Manchester United and City will both be looking to strengthen their title credentials at home to Blackburn and away to Stoke respectively. Fantasy football players would be well advised to fill their team with players from both sides of Manchester, especially Wayne Rooney! Sunday sees Chelsea attempt to end their poor run of form at Newcastle, while entertainment should be on the cards as Tottenham host Liverpool. Throw in a East Anglia derby from the Championship as Ipswich travel to Norwich and your weekend of football is complete! But who will come out on top? You can see this week’s Premiership predictions in full here.
Patrick Barclay:
[youtube t5TlpS9Wcx4]
Andy Dunn:
[youtube STdulLhqo1o]
Steve Bates:
[youtube aJ1mJ7CN09o]
Do you agree with the Premier League predictions made this week?
Football Writers’ Association Predictions – Week 16
Overall standings
1. Steve Bates – 69
2. Andy Dunn – 69
3. Martin Lipton – 68
4. Shaun Custis – 67
5. Des Kelly – 67
6. Danny Fullbrook – 64
7. Glenn Moore – 61
8. Patrick Barclay – 57
–
November standings:
1. Andy Dunn – 15 (6)
2. Shaun Custis – 13 (4)
3. Steve Bates – 12 (5)
4. Martin Lipton – 12 (3)
5. Patrick Barclay – 10 (6)
6. Danny Fullbrook – 10 (1)
7. Des Kelly – 9 (4)
8. Glenn Moore – 9 (4)
–
Patrick Barclay (The Times)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
D
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
D
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
A
West Ham
V
Wigan
A
Wolves
V
Sunderland
D
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
D
Norwich
V
Ipswich
D
Everton v West Brom: Baggies’ bad run will end – but not at Goodison.
Des Kelly (Daily Mail)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
D
West Ham
V
Wigan
A
Wolves
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
H
Norwich
V
Ipswich
A
West Ham v Wigan: The game that West Ham must win, if their stricken manager is to survive. But I fully expect Avram Grant to be out the door after a Wigan triumph in this relegation six pointer.
Shaun Custis (The Sun)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
D
Fulham
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
A
West Ham
V
Wigan
H
Wolves
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
D
Norwich
V
Ipswich
H
Newcastle v Chelsea: Both teams are in the doldrums at the moment but Chelsea surely cannot suffer three Premier League defeats in a row.
Head to the next page for more football predictions…
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Andy Dunn (News of the World)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
D
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
A
West Ham
V
Wigan
H
Wolves
V
Sunderland
D
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
H
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
D
Norwich
V
Ipswich
D
Tottenham v Liverpool: Spurs are becoming notoriously unpredictable on the post-Champions League weekends. Liverpool – even without Steven Gerrard – should have enough to leave with a point.
Martin Lipton (The Mirror)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
D
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
D
West Ham
V
Wigan
D
Wolves
V
Sunderland
H
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
D
Norwich
V
Ipswich
H
Fulham v Birmingham: Mark Hughes’ side need points quickly but Birmingham are resourceful and solid and will be good enough to get at least a draw at the Cottage
Steve Bates (The People)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
A
West Ham
V
Wigan
H
Wolves
V
Sunderland
A
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
H
Norwich
V
Ipswich
H
Man United v Blackburn: United stretched their unbeaten run to 27 games after last weekend’s victory over Wigan and although Blackburn have poicked up good points recently with Wayne Rooney back in harness it’s got to be a home win..
Danny Fulbrook (Daily Star)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
H
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
A
West Ham
V
Wigan
D
Wolves
V
Sunderland
D
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
H
Norwich
V
Ipswich
D
Bolton v Blackpool: Whatever game Blackpool are involved with is exciting, but for me Bolton are too strong at home
Glenn Moore (The Independent)
Home Team
Away Team
Bolton
V
Blackpool
H
Everton
V
West Brom
H
Fulham
V
Birmingham
D
Man United
V
Blackburn
H
Stoke
V
Man City
D
West Ham
V
Wigan
H
Wolves
V
Sunderland
D
Newcastle
V
Chelsea
A
Tottenham
V
Liverpool
D
Norwich
V
Ipswich
H
Stoke v Man City: City will be confident after last week’s unexpectedly comprehensive victory at Fulham but Stoke are a difficult side to combat at the Britannia
Dirk Kuyt’s agent has admitted that the Dutch striker may well leave Liverpool this summer, with a switch to Roma a possibility.
The Netherlands international has been a bit-part figure this season at Anfield, and reports in the British press yesterday indicated that he could be on his way out of the Merseyside club when the transfer window reopens.
With speculation continuing, Rob Jansen confessed that Kuyt was keeping his options open.
“Kuyt is considering his future,” Jansen told pagineromaniste.com, translated to English by Sky Sports.
“He still has a contract with Liverpool which expires in 2014.
“AS Roma could be an option for Dirk. They are a prestigious club that is fighting for important objectives. With (Roma’s sporting director, Walter) Sabatini there is an excellent relationship.
“I can say that Roma is part of the list of clubs that Kuyt would take seriously into account,” the representative concluded.
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Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt insists that the club have still not accepted Bayern Munich’s bid for goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.The 25-year-old shot-stopper caught the eye as Schalke reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, eventually losing out to English Premier League heavyweights Manchester United.
The Gelsenkirchen outfit also won the German Cup, but only managed a 14th-placed finish in the Bundesliga.
The form of Germany number one Neuer prompted interest from Schalke’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern, who are rumoured to lead the chase for his services.
But it appears Neuer’s move to Bavaria is still some way off being completed.
“There is nothing new. We had a meeting scheduled today in which we presented the offer Bayern Munich made for Neuer. We have talked about that but we haven’t made any decisions yet,” Heldt said on Tuesday.
“First of all, Manuel said in his press conference – in which I sat beside him – that he has a contract with us until 2012. It is my belief that one should honour such words. He never said that he wanted to leave the club right now, even while admitting that he has thought about it, and despite the fact that Bayern wants him.”