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The Full English: EPL Stretch Marks
Now that the international break is finally over we can return to the domestic bliss that we are all used to just in time for the start of the stretch run, whether the teams want to or not.
Apr 3, 2009 10:11:08 AM
By Shane Evans
Was it just me or did you all out there in reader land get absolutely no satisfaction from the international matches over the last two weeks? I’m sure Bolivians are happy, but I’m not. Most of the matches were kinda drab.
Maybe they weren’t that drab, but I really missed the EPL. Nothing beats it in my eyes. Not even being in Nashville and watching the U.S. Men’s National Team live in person from the press box. It may have been cool, but I’d rather watch Stoke-Fulham any day of the week.
Thankfully the league has returned and it’s officially the stretch run. Eight games are left. We’ll have a champion, three relegated teams, and the usual amount of hate from Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini.
For a handful of teams, the break was a welcome escape from the grueling run of form they’d currently been experiencing. West Brom need a break from themselves every now and then. At the right side of the table, teams like Manchester United and Aston Villa were struggling mightily before the little holiday, and to think their first match is against each other.
Coincidentally, that is where I’ll begin. Go figure.
Manchester United v. Aston Villa (Old Trafford, April 5th, 11:00 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
Both teams need this one...bad.
If Manchester United want to make things a little easier on themselves at the top of the table and continue their push for a third successive EPL crown, this is a match they have to win.
Villa need this if they want anything to do with a Champions League spot next year, a spot that Arsenal are slowly prying away from them.
The Red Devils are going into this game without Rio Ferdinand, and that could be a problem. Villa are going into it without Emile Heskey, which basically negates Ferdinand’s absence. Jonny Evans has will step in and try to slow down John Carew who has been recovering well from his spell of mid-season injuries. Both replacements are quality players and the match shouldn’t suffer because of them. It may suffer without Nemanja Vidic however, another injured United defender.
As for the rest of the squads, the break was a welcome one. Suspended Wayne Rooney played some excellent football for his country in their matches against Slovakia and the Ukraine, and should come back to Old Trafford with some added confidence once he returns the following week. Look for Carlos Tevez to step in and make things happen, especially following his declaration that he wants to stay with the club.
Villa needed the break for a mental recovery more than anything. Two weeks to think about their horrendous form is just what they needed. They’ll also be happy that Brad Friedel’s red card was rescinded by the FA, as their other Brad, Guzan, didn’t have the best of matches against El Salvador at the weekend.
Do I need to repeat that this is a big game?
TFE Prediction: Manchester United realize what is at stake and they take down Martin O’Neill and co. 2-1.
Everton v. Wigan (Goodison Park, April 4th, 9:55 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
Could be the game of the weekend. The teams are sitting quite comfortably at the tail end of the top third of the league and are showing no signs of dropping, especially Everton who are in veritable table purgatory in 6th.
A win here could change that.
It’s been a slow process but Everton could pounce on the dying lamb that is Aston Villa if my predictions work out this weekend (that’s asking a lot, right?). If Villa lose to United and Everton scrape out a win in this match, the Toffees will be only a point out of 5th place. We’ll see what happens.
Standing in the way of Everton’s bid for top quarter inclusion is a fiesty Wigan Athletic side who have been playing above themselves all season, which has been one of the best in their history. Unfortunately for Steve Bruce, things are a bit shaky at the moment as he’s have a bit of a problem with his squabbling Egyptians, who seem to be suffering through an ugly divorce (more on them in the Toast).
It should be a close match, but Everton have the edge.
TFE Prediction: Everton can taste the blood dripping down on their heads and make the most of a unsure Wigan team in this one, winning 2-1.
Arsenal v. Manchester City (Emirates Stadium, April 4th, 10:00 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
I debated making Newcastle v. Chelsea the final game, but this one will be much more exciting, I think. The guns-blazing style of Man City against the Gunners themselves...what more could you want?
Cesc Fabregas, you say? Well, that’s just what you’re going to get! The spritely Spaniard is apparently healthy and will figure into this fixture. Joining him will be Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott. The heavens are surely shining on north London.
Not so fast.
Reports are saying Arsene Wenger will be without a great number of first teamers, highlighted by Robin Van Persie’s absence. You just can’t win can you, Arsenal fans? Well, at least until the final whistle blows that is.
Robinho will apparently miss this one also, so with one fell swoop, the Citizens main attacking option has been removed. This will please Mr. Wenger.
Arsenal have looked strong lately, and will continue that in this one. And let’s not mention the fact that I have previously sworn to never pick Man City ever again. Not ever. Sorry, Mark.
TFE Prediction: The Gunners continue to put pressure on Aston Villa taking a 3-1 win against Man City.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Alan Shearer, Newcastle: After all the speculation and the dramatic fall of his old club, Shearer is back at St. James’ park to guide his Magpies to Premier League safety. I don’t buy it. They’re treating him like some white (or black and white) knight who will charge in and save their skin. Could someone remind me of Shearer’s managerial resume and how long and flowing it is? That’s right, he doesn’t have one. The Newcie-native is putting himself in a very precarious position taking the reigns of a seemingly hopeless club with eight matches left, given that he has absolutely no experience. I’m just not that optimistic. I would like to be, because I love Shearer and all that he has done for the English game, but I can’t help but feel like he’s setting himself up for a fall.
Carlos Tevez, Manchester United: The spark plug striker recently said he wants to stay at Old Trafford. Phew, I was wondering when he’d come out and say it. His contract situation is one of the most confusing in years, but it’s obvious that he wants to be there. He may be third choice right now, but that doesn’t mean the situation will be better at say Madrid or Milan. Probably would be worse. He’s in a good situation, in a place he loves and gets to play in front of some of the world’s best fans, fans he says he has a special bond with. It’s a good fit, and I’m glad he finally came out and said it.
Amir Zaki and Mido, Wigan: The Egyptian duo have been at each other’s throats over the international break, with Mido blaming Zaki for saying bad things about him and Zaki blaming Mido for stealing his lunch money, etc. Then Zaki, a player who I used to gush praise on returned late from international duty for the FOURTH time this season. Pretty impressive how a player can do that four times and have four different excuses. I had such high hopes for this union when Mido joined on loan, and now it appears it’s all going down the proverbial toilet. Who suffers? Steve Bruce. Who suffers more? Wigan fans who could see their team take a dive...something both players happen to be good at.
Leicester Update:
Unlike their EPL brethren, League 1 didn’t have a week off and my Foxes played second place Peterborough. Unfortunately it didn’t end well and Leicester left London Road 2-0 losers. What it means? A ‘race’ to the finish in England’s third division. Leicester are still in first place, but only by four points. The lead was a lot higher than that a month ago. I’m not worried. Nope. Not at all.
And Finally...The Black Pudding of the Week:
Sven-Goran Eriksson, Unemployed (again): The poor Swede is once again out of a job following his firing by the Mexican Football Federation on Thursday. I’m not sure if I care or not. He seems to get canned wherever he goes. I am interested to see where he goes next. My guess is he’ll take the rest of the season off and wait to see who gets their marching orders in the summer. A return to Italy would work, with Roma being a sneaky option for the former England boss. In my final tangent of the day, could you imagine the Three Lions if Don Fabio took over in 2001 instead of ‘ol Svenny? I shudder at the thought.
Shane Evans is an associate editor of Goal.com. His feature, "The Full English" appears every Friday. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions or comments.
Was it just me or did you all out there in reader land get absolutely no satisfaction from the international matches over the last two weeks? I’m sure Bolivians are happy, but I’m not. Most of the matches were kinda drab.
Maybe they weren’t that drab, but I really missed the EPL. Nothing beats it in my eyes. Not even being in Nashville and watching the U.S. Men’s National Team live in person from the press box. It may have been cool, but I’d rather watch Stoke-Fulham any day of the week.
Thankfully the league has returned and it’s officially the stretch run. Eight games are left. We’ll have a champion, three relegated teams, and the usual amount of hate from Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini.
For a handful of teams, the break was a welcome escape from the grueling run of form they’d currently been experiencing. West Brom need a break from themselves every now and then. At the right side of the table, teams like Manchester United and Aston Villa were struggling mightily before the little holiday, and to think their first match is against each other.
Coincidentally, that is where I’ll begin. Go figure.
Manchester United v. Aston Villa (Old Trafford, April 5th, 11:00 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
Both teams need this one...bad.
If Manchester United want to make things a little easier on themselves at the top of the table and continue their push for a third successive EPL crown, this is a match they have to win.
Villa need this if they want anything to do with a Champions League spot next year, a spot that Arsenal are slowly prying away from them.
The Red Devils are going into this game without Rio Ferdinand, and that could be a problem. Villa are going into it without Emile Heskey, which basically negates Ferdinand’s absence. Jonny Evans has will step in and try to slow down John Carew who has been recovering well from his spell of mid-season injuries. Both replacements are quality players and the match shouldn’t suffer because of them. It may suffer without Nemanja Vidic however, another injured United defender.
As for the rest of the squads, the break was a welcome one. Suspended Wayne Rooney played some excellent football for his country in their matches against Slovakia and the Ukraine, and should come back to Old Trafford with some added confidence once he returns the following week. Look for Carlos Tevez to step in and make things happen, especially following his declaration that he wants to stay with the club.
Villa needed the break for a mental recovery more than anything. Two weeks to think about their horrendous form is just what they needed. They’ll also be happy that Brad Friedel’s red card was rescinded by the FA, as their other Brad, Guzan, didn’t have the best of matches against El Salvador at the weekend.
Do I need to repeat that this is a big game?
TFE Prediction: Manchester United realize what is at stake and they take down Martin O’Neill and co. 2-1.
Everton v. Wigan (Goodison Park, April 4th, 9:55 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
Could be the game of the weekend. The teams are sitting quite comfortably at the tail end of the top third of the league and are showing no signs of dropping, especially Everton who are in veritable table purgatory in 6th.
A win here could change that.
It’s been a slow process but Everton could pounce on the dying lamb that is Aston Villa if my predictions work out this weekend (that’s asking a lot, right?). If Villa lose to United and Everton scrape out a win in this match, the Toffees will be only a point out of 5th place. We’ll see what happens.
Standing in the way of Everton’s bid for top quarter inclusion is a fiesty Wigan Athletic side who have been playing above themselves all season, which has been one of the best in their history. Unfortunately for Steve Bruce, things are a bit shaky at the moment as he’s have a bit of a problem with his squabbling Egyptians, who seem to be suffering through an ugly divorce (more on them in the Toast).
It should be a close match, but Everton have the edge.
TFE Prediction: Everton can taste the blood dripping down on their heads and make the most of a unsure Wigan team in this one, winning 2-1.
Arsenal v. Manchester City (Emirates Stadium, April 4th, 10:00 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
I debated making Newcastle v. Chelsea the final game, but this one will be much more exciting, I think. The guns-blazing style of Man City against the Gunners themselves...what more could you want?
Cesc Fabregas, you say? Well, that’s just what you’re going to get! The spritely Spaniard is apparently healthy and will figure into this fixture. Joining him will be Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott. The heavens are surely shining on north London.
Not so fast.
Reports are saying Arsene Wenger will be without a great number of first teamers, highlighted by Robin Van Persie’s absence. You just can’t win can you, Arsenal fans? Well, at least until the final whistle blows that is.
Robinho will apparently miss this one also, so with one fell swoop, the Citizens main attacking option has been removed. This will please Mr. Wenger.
Arsenal have looked strong lately, and will continue that in this one. And let’s not mention the fact that I have previously sworn to never pick Man City ever again. Not ever. Sorry, Mark.
TFE Prediction: The Gunners continue to put pressure on Aston Villa taking a 3-1 win against Man City.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Alan Shearer, Newcastle: After all the speculation and the dramatic fall of his old club, Shearer is back at St. James’ park to guide his Magpies to Premier League safety. I don’t buy it. They’re treating him like some white (or black and white) knight who will charge in and save their skin. Could someone remind me of Shearer’s managerial resume and how long and flowing it is? That’s right, he doesn’t have one. The Newcie-native is putting himself in a very precarious position taking the reigns of a seemingly hopeless club with eight matches left, given that he has absolutely no experience. I’m just not that optimistic. I would like to be, because I love Shearer and all that he has done for the English game, but I can’t help but feel like he’s setting himself up for a fall.
Carlos Tevez, Manchester United: The spark plug striker recently said he wants to stay at Old Trafford. Phew, I was wondering when he’d come out and say it. His contract situation is one of the most confusing in years, but it’s obvious that he wants to be there. He may be third choice right now, but that doesn’t mean the situation will be better at say Madrid or Milan. Probably would be worse. He’s in a good situation, in a place he loves and gets to play in front of some of the world’s best fans, fans he says he has a special bond with. It’s a good fit, and I’m glad he finally came out and said it.
Amir Zaki and Mido, Wigan: The Egyptian duo have been at each other’s throats over the international break, with Mido blaming Zaki for saying bad things about him and Zaki blaming Mido for stealing his lunch money, etc. Then Zaki, a player who I used to gush praise on returned late from international duty for the FOURTH time this season. Pretty impressive how a player can do that four times and have four different excuses. I had such high hopes for this union when Mido joined on loan, and now it appears it’s all going down the proverbial toilet. Who suffers? Steve Bruce. Who suffers more? Wigan fans who could see their team take a dive...something both players happen to be good at.
Leicester Update:
Unlike their EPL brethren, League 1 didn’t have a week off and my Foxes played second place Peterborough. Unfortunately it didn’t end well and Leicester left London Road 2-0 losers. What it means? A ‘race’ to the finish in England’s third division. Leicester are still in first place, but only by four points. The lead was a lot higher than that a month ago. I’m not worried. Nope. Not at all.
And Finally...The Black Pudding of the Week:
Sven-Goran Eriksson, Unemployed (again): The poor Swede is once again out of a job following his firing by the Mexican Football Federation on Thursday. I’m not sure if I care or not. He seems to get canned wherever he goes. I am interested to see where he goes next. My guess is he’ll take the rest of the season off and wait to see who gets their marching orders in the summer. A return to Italy would work, with Roma being a sneaky option for the former England boss. In my final tangent of the day, could you imagine the Three Lions if Don Fabio took over in 2001 instead of ‘ol Svenny? I shudder at the thought.
Shane Evans is an associate editor of Goal.com. His feature, "The Full English" appears every Friday. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions or comments.
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