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The Full English: ‘Tis The Season
With the holidays upon us, Goal.com’s Shane Evans ‘gives’ you another epic edition of your favorite EPL column.
Dec 11, 2009 12:35:57 PM
By Shane Evans
Oh joy to the world! Don’t I just love the holiday season?!
No, actually, I don’t. Besides being an excuse to eat way too much and sleep even more, this season doesn’t really do a lot for me. Being in Philadelphia, I do love the cold weather we get this time of year, but that’s about it.
Enough of me being a Grinch though as I really enjoy the holiday season for the football. It always seems like during December/January they cram as many matches as they can into the period, including my favorite footy day of the year: Boxing Day.
Every team plays on Boxing Day. It’s like the first and last day of the season, but right in the middle. Genius. We still have a few weeks to go before that however and are even blessed with some midweek EPL action.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. To the weekend’s matches we go!
The Bacon (as in Of The EPL)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal (Anfield, December 13th, 11:00 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
Big match, you say? Yes, I’d agree with that sentiment.
A match where both sides are in desperate need of the full three points, I think we’ll see some open action in this one. A bit of the end-to-end stuff. You know what I’m saying.
Arsenal are in Liverpool’s usual position at this stage in the season, while the Reds are where Arsene’s boys like to sit. Funny how that works. It shakes out like this, if you want my opinion, that is: If Arsenal don’t win, the title race becomes a two-horse battle, while if Liverpool don’t win, they can say goodnight to their no. 19 aspirations (if they haven’t already).
We could see more of Alberto Aquilani in this one which will be nice as according to his Pops, the Italian has been fit for over a month. Something smells fishy there. Outside of him, Torres should be back and Gerrard is nearing full fitness. When you look at Liverpool’s line-up, having those two in the squad at the same time makes them so much more imposing than when they are separate.
I’d be interested to know how many times they started together this season. Unfortunately, I’m not one for statistics or research for that matter so you’ll have to use your imagination. Point is, when they both play, I’d give Liverpool good odds against any opponent.
Against Arsenal, the pair will be a handful, but in the Gunners corner are two of the steadiest center backs in the league this season. I really doubted Billy Gallas at the beginning of the year. I didn’t think he had what it takes, especially upstairs, to stay with the team and be productive. Enter Thomas Vermaelen and you can see the zen-like effect the Belgian has had on usually spaztastic defender. 18 goals allowed this season isn’t too shabby.
I’m genuinely excited for this match and I think the desperation of both teams will result in some cracking action. I think it’ll be pretty high scoring as well, especially if a goal comes in late to switch up the flow of the game. It’ll really open up at that stage.
You have to look at the bosses in this one. Both are in a bit of hot water given their team’s recent form, so one could see a bit of a slugfest in the offing. Fingers crossed.
TFE Prediction: A daunting task for both sides, I think this one ends all tied up...4-4? No, not that drastic, maybe 2-2 or if we’re lucky, 3-3. It could just come down to where Emmanuel Eboue decides to plant himself. Yeah, I went there.
Chelsea vs. Everton (Stamford Bridge, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
Very rarely do I count out a team so early in the proceedings. I usually tend to talk myself to a decision on who I’ll take in my prediction. Not this time however. I am going with Chelsea. There. I said it. Next match, right? Not so fast, there is a method to my obvious madness.
Firstly, and I feel for David Moyes in saying this, but his team is beat up. The news broke that Joseph Yobo is now out for a month or something like that. Who on earth will play defense? Outside of SAF’s little defensive crisis, Everton really have the most worrying injury concerns out there.
Though, I have to say I was extremely impressed with injury-fill in Seamus Coleman against Tottenham, he’ll have some trouble against Chelsea, assuming he plays. The same can be said about whoever Moyes is forced to throw on the pitch to combat the league leaders at the Bridge on Saturday.
Throw in the fact that Chelsea haven’t allowed a league goal at home since oh, I don’t know, August, you have Everton coming into a spot of bother. More than a spot actually. Quite a large amount of bother.
I would like to see the Toffees come in and prove me wrong and actually score a goal, but I’m not sure if it’s in the cards. They may play a fiery-type first half as they are still on a high from their comeback against Spurs, but Chelsea have to be the overwhelming favorite in this one.
TFE Prediction: Everton keep it close, but Chelsea will prove too powerful in a 2-1 match.
Birmingham vs. West Ham (St. Andrews Stadium, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. ET)
Birmingham are quietly putting together a very successful year in the EPL under Alex McLeish. Currently in 9th position, they’ve taken a very respectable 21 points from their 15 matches and have played extremely stingy defense.
In those 15 matches, they’ve only let in 16 goals. That’s less than Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Sunderland and Spurs. Very impressive.
What isn’t impressive though is that they still have a negative goal differential, having only scored 15 in those matches. Averaging one goal a game usually doesn’t get the job done, but right now, it is. Grinding out three wins on the trot is evidence of this as they are putting in solid performances when it matters.
Beating the Wigans and Wolverhamptons of the world is how you keep your team in the top flight and McLeish has done just that recently. Can he make it three for three against the ‘W’ teams of the league? All signs point to yes.
One of my many man crushes, Gianfranco Zola and his West Ham side come to the midlands for this match and should put up strong resistance against the up-and-coming side. Downed 4-0 at home to Manchester United last weekend, Zola will have his team up for the fight against an evenly-matched opponent. Having not won on the road since the first kick of the season, the Hammers will want to take a result here.
TFE Prediction: I think Birmingham keep their little streak going and take care of the Hammers 1-0.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
Dean Ashton, West Ham: This is a story I don’t like to tell. I don’t even like to hear about it. Just a horrible shame. Only 26 years old, Ashton who is obviously a gifted and intelligent player is being forced to retire due to injury problems. That’s like me being forced to stop writing because I always get migraines or something. There is no other way to put it but to say that it just isn’t fair. If I were West Ham I’d make him a coach or a scout immediately, assuming he still wants to be a part of the game. Good luck, Dean.
Emmanuel Eboue, Arsenal: So I was a bit tough on him in Tuesday’s “Fish & Chip Shots.” I even took a little jab at him a bit further up this column. I know you Gooners are a sensitive bunch so please, in the future, try and see the lighter side of my comments. It was obviously a cynical comment about him being a dunce and all that. He’s obviously a very skilled player and is vital to Wenger’s plans. No doubt about it.
TFE/FCS Facebook Fan Page: Listen, if you haven’t become a fan of this group yet, you are missing out on the opportunity to chat with yours truly about all things footy. Working for Goal.com allows me the unique opportunity to enjoy the little things in life while I work, one being Facebook. I promise to respond to every comment, whether they are hate-filled or nothing but praise, so stop everything and join up! Here is the link: http://bit.ly/8yNroc
Leicester Update
Well, let’s just say I’m not too pleased with my boys performance lately. Following that dismemberment at the hands of Nottingham Forest a week ago, we were then taken apart further still by Bristol City midweek. Yes, Bristol City. I understand that every team experiences a slow patch now and then, but that was just ugly. We were outplayed and outclassed. We are too good for that. Change it boys. Now.
Philadelphia Union Update
I had the pleasure of going to a certain ‘Irish’ bar in Philadelphia to meet the Union at their official introduction to the fans on Tuesday night. Was a lovely evening, I might add. All the players were very friendly and willing to speak with fans and all that, which was a nice change from some of the more well-known athletes out there who would rather duck and hide the adoring public than spend a few moments chatting. New forward Sebastien Le Toux was my favorite to chat with as he seems thoroughly excited to start playing in another expansion city. Not long now, SoBs.
And Finally...The Black Pudding of the Week
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy:
If Donovan goes to Everton as planned, well then tickle me pink. A few reasons: first, I think it’s great that Donovan is finally getting some recognition as he is truly one of the most talented players this country has produced in a long time. Also, it allows the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole and co. to see the USA’s best player close up before D-Day 2010 in June. Win-win if you ask me.
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature, "The Full English" appears every Friday morning. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns or follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/shanEvans
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
Oh joy to the world! Don’t I just love the holiday season?!
No, actually, I don’t. Besides being an excuse to eat way too much and sleep even more, this season doesn’t really do a lot for me. Being in Philadelphia, I do love the cold weather we get this time of year, but that’s about it.
Enough of me being a Grinch though as I really enjoy the holiday season for the football. It always seems like during December/January they cram as many matches as they can into the period, including my favorite footy day of the year: Boxing Day.
Every team plays on Boxing Day. It’s like the first and last day of the season, but right in the middle. Genius. We still have a few weeks to go before that however and are even blessed with some midweek EPL action.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. To the weekend’s matches we go!
The Bacon (as in Of The EPL)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal (Anfield, December 13th, 11:00 a.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel)
Big match, you say? Yes, I’d agree with that sentiment.
A match where both sides are in desperate need of the full three points, I think we’ll see some open action in this one. A bit of the end-to-end stuff. You know what I’m saying.
Arsenal are in Liverpool’s usual position at this stage in the season, while the Reds are where Arsene’s boys like to sit. Funny how that works. It shakes out like this, if you want my opinion, that is: If Arsenal don’t win, the title race becomes a two-horse battle, while if Liverpool don’t win, they can say goodnight to their no. 19 aspirations (if they haven’t already).
 Alberto Aquilani | Fit all along? This looks like a mystery for the Hardy Boys... |
I’d be interested to know how many times they started together this season. Unfortunately, I’m not one for statistics or research for that matter so you’ll have to use your imagination. Point is, when they both play, I’d give Liverpool good odds against any opponent.
Against Arsenal, the pair will be a handful, but in the Gunners corner are two of the steadiest center backs in the league this season. I really doubted Billy Gallas at the beginning of the year. I didn’t think he had what it takes, especially upstairs, to stay with the team and be productive. Enter Thomas Vermaelen and you can see the zen-like effect the Belgian has had on usually spaztastic defender. 18 goals allowed this season isn’t too shabby.
I’m genuinely excited for this match and I think the desperation of both teams will result in some cracking action. I think it’ll be pretty high scoring as well, especially if a goal comes in late to switch up the flow of the game. It’ll really open up at that stage.
You have to look at the bosses in this one. Both are in a bit of hot water given their team’s recent form, so one could see a bit of a slugfest in the offing. Fingers crossed.
TFE Prediction: A daunting task for both sides, I think this one ends all tied up...4-4? No, not that drastic, maybe 2-2 or if we’re lucky, 3-3. It could just come down to where Emmanuel Eboue decides to plant himself. Yeah, I went there.
Chelsea vs. Everton (Stamford Bridge, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. ET, Setanta Sports)
Very rarely do I count out a team so early in the proceedings. I usually tend to talk myself to a decision on who I’ll take in my prediction. Not this time however. I am going with Chelsea. There. I said it. Next match, right? Not so fast, there is a method to my obvious madness.
 Joseph Yobo & He Who Shall Not Be Named | Better days? Well, half and half. |
Though, I have to say I was extremely impressed with injury-fill in Seamus Coleman against Tottenham, he’ll have some trouble against Chelsea, assuming he plays. The same can be said about whoever Moyes is forced to throw on the pitch to combat the league leaders at the Bridge on Saturday.
Throw in the fact that Chelsea haven’t allowed a league goal at home since oh, I don’t know, August, you have Everton coming into a spot of bother. More than a spot actually. Quite a large amount of bother.
I would like to see the Toffees come in and prove me wrong and actually score a goal, but I’m not sure if it’s in the cards. They may play a fiery-type first half as they are still on a high from their comeback against Spurs, but Chelsea have to be the overwhelming favorite in this one.
TFE Prediction: Everton keep it close, but Chelsea will prove too powerful in a 2-1 match.
Birmingham vs. West Ham (St. Andrews Stadium, December 12th, 10:00 a.m. ET)
Birmingham are quietly putting together a very successful year in the EPL under Alex McLeish. Currently in 9th position, they’ve taken a very respectable 21 points from their 15 matches and have played extremely stingy defense.
 Birmingham | The Midlands rise again! Huzzah! |
What isn’t impressive though is that they still have a negative goal differential, having only scored 15 in those matches. Averaging one goal a game usually doesn’t get the job done, but right now, it is. Grinding out three wins on the trot is evidence of this as they are putting in solid performances when it matters.
Beating the Wigans and Wolverhamptons of the world is how you keep your team in the top flight and McLeish has done just that recently. Can he make it three for three against the ‘W’ teams of the league? All signs point to yes.
One of my many man crushes, Gianfranco Zola and his West Ham side come to the midlands for this match and should put up strong resistance against the up-and-coming side. Downed 4-0 at home to Manchester United last weekend, Zola will have his team up for the fight against an evenly-matched opponent. Having not won on the road since the first kick of the season, the Hammers will want to take a result here.
TFE Prediction: I think Birmingham keep their little streak going and take care of the Hammers 1-0.
The Toast (as in Of The EPL)
 Dean Ashton | TFE wishes you well. |
Emmanuel Eboue, Arsenal: So I was a bit tough on him in Tuesday’s “Fish & Chip Shots.” I even took a little jab at him a bit further up this column. I know you Gooners are a sensitive bunch so please, in the future, try and see the lighter side of my comments. It was obviously a cynical comment about him being a dunce and all that. He’s obviously a very skilled player and is vital to Wenger’s plans. No doubt about it.
TFE/FCS Facebook Fan Page: Listen, if you haven’t become a fan of this group yet, you are missing out on the opportunity to chat with yours truly about all things footy. Working for Goal.com allows me the unique opportunity to enjoy the little things in life while I work, one being Facebook. I promise to respond to every comment, whether they are hate-filled or nothing but praise, so stop everything and join up! Here is the link: http://bit.ly/8yNroc
Leicester Update
Well, let’s just say I’m not too pleased with my boys performance lately. Following that dismemberment at the hands of Nottingham Forest a week ago, we were then taken apart further still by Bristol City midweek. Yes, Bristol City. I understand that every team experiences a slow patch now and then, but that was just ugly. We were outplayed and outclassed. We are too good for that. Change it boys. Now.
Philadelphia Union Update
I had the pleasure of going to a certain ‘Irish’ bar in Philadelphia to meet the Union at their official introduction to the fans on Tuesday night. Was a lovely evening, I might add. All the players were very friendly and willing to speak with fans and all that, which was a nice change from some of the more well-known athletes out there who would rather duck and hide the adoring public than spend a few moments chatting. New forward Sebastien Le Toux was my favorite to chat with as he seems thoroughly excited to start playing in another expansion city. Not long now, SoBs.
And Finally...The Black Pudding of the Week
Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy:
 The Americans are coming! The Americans are coming! |
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature, "The Full English" appears every Friday morning. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns or follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/shanEvans
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
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