Latest news is the sacking of Steve McClaren from the English FA. Hence a new search for a new boss is on. I believe that it is the first time in around more than 20 years than not one home island side is represent in a major football tournment. Already the cost of not qualifying is being calculated, a figure of around 3 billion is stated as of now.
At least defending champions, Greece, are in along with World Cup Winners Italy. Although nothing can make up for the absence of England and their die hard supporters from the tournment.
Enough of my muttering on the exit of England. Let's us get down to work for some predictions.
English Premiership
Newcastle 1-2 Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Wigan
Birmingham 1-2 Portsmouth
Bolton 0-2 Manchester United
Everton 2-1 Sunderland
Man City 1-0 Reading
Middlesbrough 1-2 Aston Villa
Derby 0-3 Chelsea
West Ham 1-1 Tottenham
Fulham 1-2 Blackburn
Comments:
Liverpool would travel to St James Park, hoping to maintain a title challenge. It should be a cracking match as Newcastle still does not know how to defend while Liverpool seen to perform better away from the pressure of Anfield. Furthermore, with Torres fully fit, Newcastle would have their hands full. Only word of caution is Benetiz's rotation policy as Liverpool would entertain Porto in mid week Champions League action.
As for league leaders, a easy game vs Wigan awaits Arsenal. Even with the suspension of Fabregas, Arsenal may welcome back Van Perise to their ranks and would mostly likely win. In case of fellow leaders, Man Utd would visit Bolton to inflict more misery on them. However, with the introduction of Meagson as manager, the morale boasting draw with Bayern Munich and the injury to Rooney, Man Utd might just win Bolton by a odd goal. However I would not be surprised if Man Utd is held.
Rest of week's actions include visit of Chelsea to whipping boys Derby where a win should be just formality. High flyers Man City are at home to Reading; Portsmouth travel to Birmingham and Blackburn away to Fulham. Based on form, all three high flying teams should nick wins. As for Sunderland, they travel to Everton hoping to win in 8 games. However it may not be easy with Everton welcoming back Arteta to their ranks. Lastly a london derby of West Ham and Spurs and Boro vs Villa. A draw is likely for the london derby while Villa should win vs Boro.
Best Bet: Chelsea and Arsenal to win by 2 goals.
German Bundesliga
Karlsruhe 1-1 Hertha Berlin
Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 MSV Duisburg
Bayern Munich 3-1 VfL Wolfsburg
Eintracht Frankfurt 1-2 VfB Stuttgart
Energie Cottbus 0-2 Werder Bremen
Hannover 1-2 Schalke
VfL Bochum 2-2 Arminia Bielefeld
Hamburg SV 2-1 Hansa Rostock
Nurnberg 1-1 Borussia Dortmund
Comments: What is wrong with the invicbles Bayern Munich? 3 draws and 1 loss in its last 4 games is not championship form. A minor crisis awaits Munich though. A win at home vs Wolfsburg is needed to rekindle their championship drive.
While Bremen is looking over the shoulder of Munich, waiting to capitalise on anymore falterings of Munich. As for Stuttgart, the 3-1 win over Munich should restore morale to the team and rekindle their season.
Spanish La Liga
Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Deportivo
Atletico Madird 3-1 Valladolid
Barcelona 3-0 Recreativo Huelva
Sevilla 3-1 Mallorca
Levante 1-1 Real Betis
Murcia 1-3 Real Madrid
Osasuna 1-2 Espanyol
Racing Santander 1-2 Valencia
Real Zaragoza 2-1 Getafe
Villarreal 3-1 Almeria
Comments: Barcelona would be looking to bounce from their defeat away to Getafe with a home win vs Recreativo. As Real Madrid, a win is necessary away to Murcia with Villarreal breathing down their necks.
As for Valencia, Koeman would be looking to continue his good work. In case of Sevilla, rebuilding is also continuing in midst of the post Ramos era.
Best Bet: Real Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal to pick up wins.
Italy Serie A
Genoa 0-1 Roma
Inter Milan 3-1 Atalanta
Cagliari 1-2 AC Milan
Empoli 1-1 Torino
Lazio 2-1 Parma
Livorno 1-1 Sampdoria
Napoli 2-1 Catania
Reggina 1-2 Fiorentina
Udinese 2-1 Siena
Juventus 2-1 Palermo
Comments: Be careful this weekend as matches could still be cancel due to fans violence over the death of a Lazio fan two weeks ago.
League Leader Inter Milan are at home to Atalanta where they should pick up a comfortable win. As for their neighbours, the inconsistent AC Milan, they would be hoping to start a good run of form away to Cagliari. As for Roma, they travel to Genoa where they would be able to win.
In case of chasers, Juventus, a difficult home game vs Palermo awaits. Fiorentina may just nick an away win vs Reggina. The highlight of the week would be Lazio home game vs Parma. Lazio on grief of the fan's death would be going all out to ensure a victory to remember their fan.
Best Bet: Roma and Inter to win by 1 goal at least.
Some news around the world.
1.First up is sacking of McClaren and the new search of a sucessor to English Job
"Beckham would have to depend on McClaren's sucessor for 100th Cap Chance"
Would the new English Boss give Beckham a chance for 100 caps? Beckham would have to wait and see
"Russia celebrate their qualification at expense of England"
A 1-0 win for Russia over Andorra is enough to see them through at the expense of England. What a thrilling group as a draw was enough for England to get through, but did they bomb big time when it needed.
"Worthington unsure of future"
Another national manager, Nigel Worthington, is also unsure of his future with Northern Ireland as they failed to make Euro 2008. Would he be given time for the World Cup 2010 or shown the way of McClaren?
"Allarydace not interested in English Job"
Sam Allarydace sought to distance himself from the England Job as he assure Newcastle fans that he is committed to the Newcastle Job. While Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp would be happy to give it a shoot if offered the job, but would only
now concentrate on the weekend game with Birmingham City.
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