Barclays Premier League Matchweek 38 – Previews and Predictions

What a week for Wigan. FA Cup champions one day, relegated from the premiership a few days later. Tough luck, but that’s life in the NFL…..I mean BPL.

Now all that’s really left to be decided is, who will clinch the fourth and final UEFA Champions League spot? Arsenal or Tottenham? Let’s take a look at this last weekend of matches – Survival Sunday as I see it…here we go:

 

Chelsea v Everton

Stamford Bridge

 

Fresh from their  Europa League triumph on Wednesday, Chelsea, who can finish no worse than fourth,  will look to lock up third place with a win over Everton this Sunday, and make it a bitter send off for Toffees’ manager David Moyes who is heading to take over the reins at Manchester United at season’s end.  A Blues loss would give Arsenal the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into third place should the Gunners beat   Newcastle. Everton would certainly like to send Moyes off in style.  The Blues have finished the season strong, unbeaten in their last seven matches with five wins, while the Toffees will finish the season in sixth regardless of Sunday’s outcome. Chelsea won the earlier meeting this season at Goodison Park, and the Blues have won three of the last four meetings including the last matchup at Stamford Bridge back in October 2011.  Blues for the win.

Prediction:  Chelsea – 2 Everton – 1

 

Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers

Anfield

 

With Liverpool assured of a seventh placed finish and QPR already doomed to relegation, there is little motivation for this clash. Rangers are closing the season on an eight match winless streak, while Liverpool, despite closing the campaign on a seven match winning streak, saw their hopes of European qualification dissipate weeks ago after a string of drawn matches. The match will be longtime Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher’s farewell and so it should be an emotional scene at Anfield, as one of the club’s all-time greats bids adieu. The Reds won the earlier meeting this season by a 3-0 margin at Loftus Road and Rangers have just one win in the last six meetings between the sides. I see the Reds closing the season with a win as Rangers exit the premiership on a sour note.

Prediction: Liv – 2  QPR – 0

 

 

Manchester City v Norwich City

Etihad Stadium

 

After a shock defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup Final last Saturday, followed by the sacking of manager Roberto Mancini, Manchester City, who have locked up a second place finish in the league, will close their  Premier League campaign against Norwich on Sunday. All signs point to Malaga’s Manuel Pellegrini being appointed the new Citizens manager. The Canaries can finish middle of the table despite just two wins from their last ten matches and just three wins from their  last twenty. City are unbeaten in the last seven head to head meetings, winning the last meeting  at the Etihad 5-1 back in December 2011, and they have outscored  the Canaries 15-5 in the last three  meetings (of course, all wins). Citizens all the way in this one.

Prediction: Man City – 3   Norwich – 0

 

 

Newcastle United v Arsenal

St James’ Park

 

After flirting briefly with relegation, Newcastle  ensured their  safety for next season by beating QPR last week and seeing Wigan fall to yet another defeat, which sealed the Latics relegation fate. In what has been a forgettable campaign, the Magpies have had few bright spots but will look to play spoiler on Sunday against an Arsenal side who is looking to lock up a Champions League spot with a win. The Gunners would love to take care of business, although an unlikely  Spurs loss at home to Sunderland would also put the Gunners into the UCL next season. Gunners are just one point ahead of  Tottenham and therefore  even a draw would prove problematic for Wenger and company  should Spurs bag all three points. Arsenal have won the last two meetings with Newcastle by a combined 9-4 scoreline, though both meetings were at the Emirates. The Magpies have  actually drawn the last two meetings with Arsenal at St. James’ Park (0-0, 4-4).  But with so much at stake, I expect the Gunners to pull through and win on the road to seal  fourth spot.

Prediction: Newcastle – 1 Arsenal – 2

 

 

Southampton v Stoke City

The Friends Provident St Mary’s Stadium

 

Two sides which also flirted with relegation but who eventually ensured their safety, will do battle this Sunday when Southampton host Stoke City.  Both sides were fairly ordinary down the stretch of the season with Saints winless in their last five after winning three straight, and the Potters claiming just two wins from their last eleven. Stoke has just one way win in their last ten league matches and lost six straight away games between January and March of this year.  The sides played out a 3-3 draw when they met back in December , while Southampton has won the last three head to head meetings at home. I will back the Saints to win this one.

Prediction:  South –  2  Stoke – 1

 

 

Swansea City v Fulham

Liberty Stadium

 

Swansea will close out a solid campaign at home to Fulham on Sunday. The Swans will likely finish in the top ten despite just one win from their last nine outings while for their opponents Fulham, it will be a season to forget, especially the second half. The Cottagers have closed on a five match losing streak and are winless in their last seven and could finish as low as seventeenth – a really poor showing considering the positive signs they showed at the start of the season.  The Swans have won the last three head to head meetings with the Cottagers,  including the last meeting at Liberty Stadium, a 2-0 result back in December 2011. Hard for me to go against  the Swans this weekend.

Prediction: Swansea – 2 Fulham – 0

 

 

Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland

White Hart Lane

 

The equation is simple for Spurs – well, not really. Spurs must win and hope that Arsenal either loses or draws with Newcastle, for  Andre  Villas Boas and company to book a spot in next season’s Champions  League. Spurs are just a point back of  Arsenal in fifth and despite another good season, are staring another trip to the Europa League in the face. Meanwhile, Sunderland, another side that flirted with relegation  danger, ensured their spot in  the premiership for at least another season after back to back 1-1 draws and of course, Wigan losing last week.  Spurs have done well against the Black Cats, unbeaten in the last five meetings, and they won the  first meeting this season back in December. I will back Spurs for the win but at the end of the day, they will come up just short of that Champions League spot.

Prediction:  Tottenham – 2   Sunderland – 1

 

 

West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United

The Hawthorns

 

With Sir Alex Ferguson’s home farewell now taken care of, the Red Devils will close out the Ferguson era with an away trip to West Brom. United will look to crack the 90 point mark with a win, while West Brom, who have lost three in a row, will look to finish off  an impressive season on a winning note, and wrap up a top ten finish.  Man U will be looking to tie the 2004-05 and 2005-06 Chelsea teams’ EPL record for wins in a 38 match  season – of 29. Ending the season at least ten points clear of Manchester City will be somewhat of an incentive, but sending Sir Alex off into the sunset with a  win should be motivation enough.  The Red Devils are unbeaten in the last eighteen head to head meetings with the Baggies, and have won  the last four in a row. Red Devils all the way.

Prediction:  West Brom – 0  Man U – 2

 

 

West Ham United v Reading

Upton Park

 

The Hammers close out their campaign against already relegated Reading on Sunday at Upton  Park. West Ham can finish above Swansea with a win and an unlikely  Swans loss at home to Fulham, while Reading, who seemed doomed for relegation since the start of the new year, are simply bidding farewell to the top flight. Neither side has fared well down the stretch, the Hammers with just one win from their last seven, Reading with just one win from their last thirteen, chalking up ten losses during that stretch. Interestingly, Reading has won the last three head to head meetings and six of the last eight, so maybe history will repeat itself –  but I back the Hammers for the win.

Prediction: West Ham – 1 Reading – 0

 

 

Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa

DW Stadium

 

In what many hoped would have been a Survival Sunday winner-take-all matchup, already relegated Wigan will face Aston Villa at the DW. Wigan sealed their fate after Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat to Arsenal, which meant that despite Villa’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea  a few days earlier, the Villains would live to fight  another season. Wigan will likely finish the season having allowed the most goals in the campaign  – there are currently ranked  last with 71 goals conceded. Villa chalked up two crucial wins over Sunderland and Norwich to climb to safety, but will finish the season without talented striker Christian Benteke (19 goals this season), suspended for his red card in the loss to Chelsea last week. Added to that, that  could have been the last time Villa fans see Benteke in an Aston Villa jersey, with the star striker linked to off season moves to Dortmund, Arsenal and AC Milan  – though Villa seem set to offer  him a big contract. Wigan ambushed the Villains 3-0 when the sides met back in December at Villa Park, the  Latics’ first win in six head to head meetings with Aston Villa. I see a draw in this one though. So long Wigan.

Prediction:  Wigan – 1 Villa – 1

 

It’s been another great season, but all good things must come to an end.  UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday May 25, look out for my preview on this match, coming on Thursday of next week.

Leave me your comments or hit me up on facebook, or twitter: @nickantonio

 

 

Barclays Premier League Match Week 37 – Previews And Predictions

Ok, so the race for the Champions League spots is going down to the wire.

Chelsea can lock up third place this weekend while Spurs who are currently fifth, need to win out and hope that either Chelsea or fourth placed Arsenal, or both….mess up in these final two weeks if they are to book a spot in the UCL, instead of the Europa League.

As for the relegation fight – that too seems to be going down to the wire. For the record, I think Wigan is headed out (Reading and QPR already have been relegated). I just don’t see a miracle happening two seasons in a row, and as bad as Newcastle has looked, I see them managing to stay up.

As for Aston Villa, kudos to them for winning at crunch time, I expect them to avoid the drop as well.

Anyway, here’s a look at all my match previews and predictions for week 37, the penultimate week of the season. Enjoy:

Saturday May 11

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Villa Park

After crucial back to back wins in their last two matches, the equation is simple on paper for thirteenth placed Aston Villa – a win over Chelsea or a Wigan draw /loss this week and the Villains are safe for next season.  They have spent much of the last couple months in relegation danger, but after a 6-1 win over Sunderland followed by a 2-1 away victory over Norwich, Villa seem set to stay up unless there is another late dramatic twist.  Chelsea twice let the lead slip in a 2-2 result with Spurs on Wednesday, their third straight match unbeaten, a result which leaves them clinging to third spot, and which leaves Spurs still on the  outside looking in as far as Champions League qualification is concerned. It was a total annihilation when Chelsea and Villa met earlier this season, as the Blues ran rings around the Villains on the way to an 8-0 win at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea has also won the last two, and three of the last four meetings at Villa Park. I can’t see anything other than a Chelsea win this weekend as Chelsea put the seal on a Champions League spot.

Prediction:  Villa – 0 Chelsea – 2

Sunday May 12

Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur

Britannia Stadium

After a poor run of form which saw them lose six of seven matches and flirt with relegation,  Stoke City has strung together two wins and a draw from their last three to effectively  secure their place for next season. Their opponents this weekend Tottenham, came from behind twice to earn a  2-2 draw  away to Chelsea on Wednesday and grab a crucial point keeping them within striking distance (one point back) of Arsenal for the fourth and final Champions League spot.  A win will do Spurs well this week and they will hope that the Gunners slip up against either Wigan or Newcastle, so that Andre Villas Boas and company can sneak into the top four. Spurs and Stoke have drawn their last two meetings, with Stoke actually winning the previous two – Spurs having not beaten the Potters in the last four meetings in all competitions. But with so much on the line this weekend, I will back Spurs for the win.

Prediction:  Stoke – 1 Tottenham – 2

Everton v West Ham United

Goodison Park

Despite a valiant effort this season, Everton seem set to miss out on a spot in the Europa League as they now sit in sixth spot, six points back of Spurs. The news that manager David Moyes is headed to Manchester United as Sir Alex’s replacement will leave fans saddened, as Moyes did yeoman’s service for a club with a slim budget.  Despite just one win from their last  six, West Ham can still finish inside the top ten but they have struggled all campaign away from home, their eleven away  defeats  tied for second worst in the top flight (QPR). The Hammers have not beaten the Toffees in the last  ten tries, with Everton victorious when the sides last met at Upton Park back in December. Go with the Toffees this weekend.

Prediction: Everton – 2  West Ham – 1

Fulham v Liverpool

Craven Cottage

Liverpool will end the season with another failed bid for European competition, while their opponents this weekend, Fulham, find themselves closing out the season with a whimper, instead of with a flourish. The Reds have gone unbeaten in their last six matches, but  four of those have been draws, an all too common theme for the Reds in the last couple of months, when full points were desperately needed if they were to have seriously threatened for a top five spot. The Cottagers have lost five of their last six matches, with last week’s 4-2 home loss to already relegated Reading, one of the real low points of what started out as a promising season. Liverpool won by a 4-0 scoreline when the sides met at Anfield back in December however Fulham did win the previous two meetings including the last matchup at Craven Cottage (1-0 back in December 2011).  I will back the Reds for the win this weekend over a poor Fulham squad.

Prediction: Fulham – 1  Liverpool – 2

Norwich City v West Bromwich Albion

Carrow Road

The Canaries find themselves in real trouble and in need of a win as they head into Sunday’s home fixture with West Brom. Norwich are currently just 3 points clear of the relegation zone and without a win in their last seven matches and so  a win this weekend is crucial to their survival hopes as they close the season against  Man City. West Brom are well safe  for next season and will be pushing for a top ten finish to what has been a solid campaign, although with just one win from their last seven, the Baggies are also closing the campaign with a whimper and not a shout. The Baggies won the reverse fixture back in December by a 2-1 score at the Hawthorns, and West Brom have also won the last three meetings between the sides  at Carrow Road. I like the Baggiesin this one.

Prediction:  Norwich – 0  West Brom – 1

Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United

Loftus Road Stadium

A fifth place finish one season and relegation the next? Could this be what it on the cards for Newcastle? The Magpies enter this Sunday’s clash with already relegated QPR, just 3 points from the drop zone and with just one win from their last seven. A win for the Magpies this weekend  along with a Wigan defeat (which is likely as the Latics are away to Arsenal) will go a long way to ensuring Newcastle’s safety as  if the Latics and Magpies do end up tied on points, goal difference should be enough to ensure Newcastle stay up. QPR’s fate is already sealed and they may just be looking to play spoiler this weekend. The Magpies won the reverse fixture back in December and Rangers have not beaten Newcastle in the last seven tries. I will back a desperate Magpies squad for the win this weekend.

Prediction:  QPR – 0   Newcastle – 1

Sunderland v Southampton

Stadium of Light

These two sides facing off this Sunday will be very keen for Wigan to lose to Arsenal on Monday as it will mean that they would have both effectively ensured their survival for next season. Sunderland are Southampton are separated just one point in the table, with very little breathing room  between them and the drop zone. Aston Villa made their survival intentions clear a couple weeks ago when they thrashed the Black Cats 6-1 at Villa Park, while the Saints are without a win in their last four, effectively undoing all their good work over the previous few weeks then they pulled themselves out of relegation contention. This match should be a good one. The Black Cats beat the Saints 1-0 when the sides met back in December at St. Mary’s Stadium,  but Sunderland  have actually failed to win at home against the Saints in the last three meetings, managing just  two draws and a loss dating back to 2002. I give  Sunderland the slight edge this weekend.

Prediction:  Sunderland – 1  Southampton – 0

Manchester United v Swansea City

Old Trafford

It should be an emotional scene this weekend in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final home match in charge of Manchester United, with the great one confirming his retirement at the end of the season. United went down 1-0 at home to Chelsea last week, a big win for the Blues in their Champions League quest, but an inconsequential result for the Red Devils, who will simply be looking to see if they can crack he 90 point mark to end the season.  Swansea has had a great season and will look to end it in the top 10, but they have been staggering towards the finish line (although last week’s 3-2 away win at Wigan did end a seven match winless streak). The Swans and Red Devils drew 1-1 when the sides met back in December at Liberty Stadium, however Man U had won the previous two meetings in the premier league era, including the last meeting at Old Trafford (2-0, May 2012). Red Devils will win this one in Sir Alex’s home farewell.

Prediction:  Man U – 3  Swansea – 0

Tuesday May 14

Arsenal v  Wigan Athletic

Emirates Stadium

Wouldn’t it be something  if Wigan were to upset the odds and lift the FA Cup title on Saturday but then still get relegated after? They look unlikely to lift the trophy, and also look unlikely to survive the drop. Should they lose this weekend and Norwich and Newcastle win or draw, Wigan’s fate will be sealed.  The Latics pulled off some late season heroics last year to avoid relegation but it looks as if the magic has run out for Roberto Martinez’s men, who have managed just one win from their last six. Results like Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Swansea are what has driven fans crazy all season,   as the Latics lead 1-0 and 2-1, before eventually losing this pivotal match. Arsenal meanwhile knows they must win to stave off the hot pursuit of Tottenham who are just a point back of the Gunners in the race for the last Champions League spot. The Gunners got the better of the Latics when the sides met at the DW back in December, but Wigan did win the last meeting between the sides at the Emirates back in April 201 (Wigan’s only win the last six meetings with Arsenal). It’s hard  for me to go against the Gunners this weekend. So long Wigan.

Prediction:  Arsenal – 1  Wigan – 0

Reading v Manchester City

Madejski Stadium

Nothing much to play for in this fixture as the  already relegated  Reading host  Manchester City who have locked up second place in the premiership, and will hope to be celebrating an FA Cup triumph by the time this match rolls around on Tuesday. Reading ended a ten match winless streak in the league last weekend with a surprising 4-2 away win at Fulham, while the Citizens, who will finish up the season at home to Norwich, may opt to rest a few players for this fixture with nothing at stake. City has won the last two head to head meetings, both at the Etihad, however Reading has actually won the last two meetings between the sides at Madejski  Stadium.  Nevertheless, I will still go with the Citizens for the win.

Prediction:  Reading – 0  Man City –  1

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What do you think of my picks? How do you think the top four will shape out? Who do you think will be heading back to the English Championship?

Leave me your comments or hit me up on twitter: @nickantonio

It’s gotta be the shoes…..My Top 10 Favourite Sneakers of All Time

So today, NBAStore.com released…or should I say, re-released, the Air Jordan 5 Retro “Grapes” – http://on.nba.com/165tGkj  and the Air Jordan 1 Retro ’93 – http://on.nba.com/Ys3u0B

Now I have been, and always will be, a sneaker head. I may not wear as many of them lately because the styles (especially for hoops sneakers) have simply gotten too ridiculous….case in point, the OKC Thunder Russel Westbrook’s shocking green Air Jordans that he brandished on court this past NBA season, pictured below….

I mean seriously. Seriously? 😐

These days I stick to my trusty Converse all-stars, Vans, or something  a bit less bulky and a lot less loud. But what the release of the  retro Air Jordans did get me thinking about, was where some of the most popular sneakers ever released, rank on my all-time list. That is to say…which sneakers would make the list of my Top 10 Favourite Sneakers of all-time.

Well, with that being said, let the countdown begin:

10. The LA Techs. I mean….come on  guys….it had LIGHTS !!!!!  LIGHTS !!!!!

9. This shoe really made the rounds back at my high school. What a favourite this was, the Nike Air Hurache. It wasn’t loud, but neat and stylish. I have seen a few of these making a comeback in recent years and whenever I spot a pair, I get instantly nostalgic.

8. The first Air Jordans to make my list, is a release that really divided opinion among sneaker lovers. Many were not in love with the patent leather design, however I thought it was a stroke of creative genius. A great twist on a great sneaker.

7. Another grossly under-appreciated, yet terrific sneaker, the Nike Tn Max. I could never understand why this sneaker didn’t get the appreciation it deserved. The design of this shoe was sublime, and it’s comfort level and style (and price), surpassed most.

6. An all-world classic. The ageless wonder, the Converse all-star is in a class of it’s own. This sneaker was first produced in 1917 and has been  a sneaker-head favourite ever since. If you can conceive of a colour combination or style, you can make it work on a pair of “Chucks”.

5. Another of the Air Jordans to make this  list, the Air Jordan 6. One of my favourite Jordans (the black and red version in particular), this sneaker was just a cool blend of style, flair and substance. Do y’all remember when you could ACTUALLY rock a pair of basketball sneakers at a party as well as on the court…and it would actually work?

4.  A sneaker you could pump up before you hit the court, or the streets. Pointless? Maybe. Awesome? Undoubtedly. The Reebok Pumps. Aah….the 90’s.

3. This sneaker was huge, not just because Patrick Ewing was a “Yaadie”, but because it was one of the few sneakers not branded Nike, Adidas or Reebok, to really make a big statement during the 90’s.

2. Need I say more? It was the sneaker  that changed the game, and pretty fitting, since it was worn by the player who  changed the game. The Air Jordan 1.

1. My number one choice may surprise a lot of folks, but here it is: The Adidas Superstar.  The “Shelltoe” was born in 1969, and is still going strong. I have owned about six different pairs in my life, and still own a couple pairs (one black, one white) today. Sleek, neat, stylish, versatile, just an all-word winner. Will forever be a classic.

What do you think of my picks?

Leave me your comments or hit me up on twitter: @nickantonio

Barclays Premier League Matchweek 36 – Previews and Predictions

Sigh. Can’t believe the EPL season is almost over.  How am I going to manage this summer without the BEST LEAGUE IN THE WORLD? (YES La Liga and Serie A fans, I said it.)

We still have a really intriguing race on for the spots in next season’s Champions League, and of course, the ever popular relegation fight. QPR and Reading are already history and Aston Villa, Wigan or Newcastle may join them.

It’s gonna be an interesting final three weeks. With that being said, here are this weekend’s predictions:

Saturday May 4

Fulham v Reading

Craven Cottage

With just three matches remaining  Reading are assured of relegation and will just look  to finish out their remaining fixtures beginning with an away trip to Fulham on Saturday.  Relegation became a certainty for both the Royals and  fellow strugglers QPR, after both teams drew 0-0 last week – Reading’s tenth consecutive league match without a win.  Fulham, although well safe for next season have been poor down the stretch, dropping three straight and  four of their last five and have been shutout in their last three outings. The sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in their first meeting this season back in October, a match in which three goals were scored in the last five minutes. The Cottagers won the previous two meetings. Fulham all the way this weekend.

Prediction: Ful –  2  Reading – 0

Norwich City v Aston Villa

Carrow Road

With just three points separating the teams  ranked eleven through seventeen in the premiership table, it will be a nervous last few weeks for a few of these sides with less than a handful of  fixtures remaining. Two of these sides are Norwich and Villa who meet on Saturday, separated by just a point. These are two sides which should avoid the drop as they both sit five points clear of Wigan, the team currently occupying eighteenth. But the Canaries and Villains certainly cannot be complacent at this point.  Norwich have just one win  from their last eight, while the Villains gave an emphatic indication that they are  not ready to see their long run in the top flight end just yet, thumping the unsuspecting  Black Cats of Sunderland 6-1 on Monday.  Norwich and Aston Villa met in the League cup quarter-finals in December, where Villa thumped the Canaries 4-1 at Carrow Road, and their first league meeting this season ended 1-1. I think Villa has a few more surprises left in them.

Prediction: Norwich – 0  Villa – 1

Swansea City v Manchester City

Liberty Stadium

Man City will look to take one more step toward locking up second place when they travel to Liberty Stadium to take on the ninth placed Swans on Saturday. City rebounded from a dismal showing away to Spurs a couple weeks ago by beating West Ham in their last outing, and a win this weekend, coupled with a Chelsea defeat to Manchester United, should lock up  a runner-up finish for the Citizens.  Swansea are still a stop ten side but they have seen their form desert them lately and are without a win in their last six after last weekend’s 2-0 blanking by Chelsea. City won their earlier meeting with the Swans this season, a 1-0 result back in December, but the Swans were victorious by the same margin the last time the Citizens came calling to Liberty Stadium. Swansea are however winless in their last three at home, so I will back Man City this weekend.

Prediction: Swans – 0  Man City – 1

Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton

White Hart Lane

Spurs  dropped out of Champions League qualification at least for the moment following last week’s 2-2  result away to Wigan, which left them two points back of fourth placed Arsenal  – though Tottenham still have a game in hand over the Gunners. Their opponents this weekend, Southampton are still mathematically in relegation danger, and although dropping out of the top flight is highly unlikely for the Saints, they would want to end a three match winless streak to alleviate any lingering relegation fears.  Spurs won the  reverse fixture  back in October by a 2-1 scoreline and won by a 5-1 margin the last time the sides met at White Hart Line (2004). I see things  remaining interesting at the bottom of the table, with Spurs getting full points.

Prediction: Spurs – 2  South – 0

West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic

The Hawthorns

It is well and truly crunch time for Wigan in their fight to avoid relegation, and things won’t get any easier with a trip to the Hawthorns this weekend. After a 2-2 draw at home to Spurs last weekend, the Latics are now five points back of Aston Villa and Newcastle with a crucial game in hand over their fellow relegation threatened sides – the big problem is that Wigan still has to face Manchester City and Arsenal before their campaign is over.  West Brom, currently eighth, look set to finish the season in the top ten after  beating Southampton 3-0 last weekend to end a four match winless streak. They do however have to face both Manchester sides in the finish to their season so maximum points this weekend would be handy. The Baggies won by a 2-1 margin when the sides met at DW Stadium  back in November, while the Latics have actually managed a win and a draw on their last two league trips to Hawthorns.  I see a desperate Wigan side managed a share of the points this weekend.

Prediction: WBA – 1  Wigan – 1

West Ham United v Newcastle United

Boleyn Ground

A  late season relegation fight would have been the furthest thing from the minds of Magpies  players and fans heading  into the 2012-13  campaign. That is the reality however and after last weekend’s 6-0 humiliation at home to Liverpool (their fourth loss in their last six) – and with just three matches remaining, Alan Pardew’s side are just five points clear of Wigan, who have a game in hand. Fortunately for the Magpies, the Latics have a much tougher schedule the rest of the way. The Magpies have been one of the poorest away teams in the premiership all season having registered just one victory in seventeen away matches this campaign (1-6-10 away record).  They have also allowed the most goals this season (66). The Hammers  won the reverse fixture  by a 1-0 scoreline back in November, a far cry from the  5-0 and 2-1 defeats they suffered at the hands of the Magpies last season. I will go with the Hammers this weekend.

Prediction: West Ham – 2  Newcastle – 0

Queens Park Rangers v Arsenal

Loftus Road Stadium

With relegation already a certainty,  Harry Redknapp and company will look to finish out their season and in the process make life difficult for Arsenal, who are hunting a Champions League berth. A string of six matches without a win has sealed the Rangers’  relegation fate, while their  London Derby opponents this weekend Arsenal, would be satisfied with the point they secured in last week’s clash with Manchester United which put them two points clear of fifth placed Spurs, but with a game less to play than their London rivals. A soft schedule the rest  of the way (Wigan and Newcastle to follow) should see the Gunners winning out, but if Spurs do the same, Arsene Wenger and company could see themselves out of the Champions League next season.  Gunners won the reverse fixture by a 1-0 scoreline back in October, while Gunners actually have not won at Loftus Road in their last six trips dating back to 1992. That streak will end this weekend, with a Gunners win.

Prediction: QPR – 1 Arsenal – 2

Sunday May 5

Liverpool v Everton

Anfield

One of the two sides facing off in this weekend’s Merseyside derby is still in with a real chance of a spot in Europe this season, and it isn’t Liverpool. The  Reds sit five points back of the Toffees in the table and even after last weekend’s 6-0 hammering of Newcastle, a string of three draws prior to that effectively ended any real chances that Liverpool had of finishing fifth. Everton are just three points back of fifth placed but have played a game more than Tottenham, who certainly old the upper hand heading down the stretch. Added to that, the Toffees have scored just once in their last three, and still have Chelsea to deal with in their final fixture. The Reds will again be without Luis Suarez, suspended for the rest of the season and six matches into next season and they are now just looking to finish the campaign strong. The sides played out a controversial 2-2 draw in their first meeting back in October while the Reds won the previous three in a row. Everton have beaten Liverpool just once in the previous eight meetings in all competitions. I will back the up and down Reds this weekend.

Prediction: Liverpool – 2  Everton -1

Manchester United v Chelsea

Old Trafford

Chelsea, looking to lock up a Champions League berth,  will have three points on their mind when they head into Old Trafford to face the newly crowned Champions. Chelsea are six  points back of second placed Man City and  a point clear of Arsenal, with  a slim chance of finishing second, should they win out and Man City slips up down the stretch. The Blues however would probably be content with third, especially if it came with a Europa League title this season. With Real Madrid’s exit from the Champions League, rumours have already begun to swirl that Jose Mourinho is set for a return to Stamford Bridge next season. The Red Devils played out  an exciting 1-1 draw with Arsenal last week, and even with nothing left to play for, you can bet that they will not ease up too much, especially in such a big rivalry match. The sides last met in the FA Cup 6th round, where Chelsea emerged victorious after a replay.  Their earlier league meeting this season saw the Red Devils winning 3-2 at Stamford Bridge back in October; the Blues haven’t  beaten the Red Devils in the past four league meetings. I see this one ending  in a draw

Prediction: Man U –  2 Chelsea – 2

Monday May 6

Sunderland v Stoke City

Stadium of Light

Sunderland are still smarting from their 6-1 humiliation suffered at the hands of Aston Villa last Monday, a result which leaves the Black Cats right in the thick of the relegation scrap heap heading into Monday’s home clash with Stoke. The Black Cats are now tied on points with Aston Villa and Newcastle, but are ahead of both those clubs on goal difference. The Potters are  slightly more comfortable in twelfth, coming off back to back wins over QPR and Norwich, which eased  any relegation fears. These sides played out a 0-0 draw when they met at the Britannia in October, but the Potters have just one win to show from the last six matches versus the Black Cats. Stoke are also winless in their last ten trips to the Stadium of Light.

Prediction: Sunderland – 1  Stoke – 1

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What do you think of my picks?

Holla at me on twitter @nickantonio

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Once Upon A Time…..My Top 5 Most Memorable Sitcom Episodes

So remember when  told you I was a sucker for Top-anything countdowns?

Well my fascination with all-time lists is not limited to just sports. I love  assigning these to TV, film, music, women, you name, I’ll create a top-5, top-10 list for ranking them.

So with that mind, I decided to drop this one on you guys:

My Top 5 most memorable TV sitcom episodes.

Ok maybe not my TOP 5 but I’m feeling nostalgic and these just popped into my head…

I know that by posting this I will SERIOUSLY age myself, but I don’t mind 🙂  Anyway, here goes:

5. That episode of The Hogan Family when David Hogan’s (played by Jason Bateman) best friend is diagnosed with HIV. By the way does anyone remember that sitcom, the Hogan Family? (**Crickets***) I can’t even find a youtube link of this episode so tell you a lot…

4. The issue of the Cosby Show when Theo’s family gets tired of his sponging and pulls off….you know what…just watch.  Hilarious.

3. The bike shop repairman who turned out to be a child molester, on that two-part episode of Different Strokes. Some very uncomfortable viewing. Yeah, this was before most of the younger  cast of this show either ended in rehab, jail, or doing porn (yes, porn)…or all three.

2. The episode of The Jeffersons when George’s mom died. Another tear-jerker of a moment. CANNOT believe I can’t find a link for this…

1. The sudden  death of James, the father in Good Times (played by John Amos). An unbelievably sad time for what was one of the TV’s strongest families.

How many of these do you remember??

Leave me your comments or hit me up on twiddeerrr:  @nickantonio

Barclays Premier League Matchweek 35 – Previews and Predictions

Ok, the fat lady has sung.

Manchester United are champions, 20 titles, most league titles ever, blah blah blah (yes, I’m a bitter Reds fan, sue me).

In all seriousness – Man U are deserved champions, and should be allowed to bask in the glory of another memorable season.

But with so much still up for grabs in the last four weeks of the season (Champions League spots, safety from relegation), I’ll be giving my match previews and predictions each week for what’s left in the BPL season. With that being said, here goes:

Saturday April 27

Manchester City v West Ham United – Etihad Stadium

With their title hopes extinguished, Manchester City can only hope to sew up second spot in the Premier League when  they host West Ham on Saturday. With City losing emphatically 3-1 to Spurs last weekend, the Citizens’ failed defense of their maiden Premier League title was confirmed when rivals Manchester United beat Aston Villa 3-0 on Monday. But City could all but ensure that they finish runners-up with three points this weekend at home to the Hammers, as with a game in hand, we could see them go eight points clear of third-placed Arsenal with four matches remaining. The Hammers meanwhile will be content with a mid-table finish after last week’s 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic, their fifth match in a row unbeaten. City and West Ham drew 0-0 when they met back in November at West Ham, however Man City have won the last three meetings between the sides at the Etihad and are unbeaten in the last five meetings overall. Man City for the win.

Prediction: Man City –  2 West Ham – 0

Everton v Fulham – Goodison Park

Everton will be aiming to keep their European dream alive when they host Fulham on Saturday. David Moyes’ side have failed to win their past two in the league and three out of their last four – hence falling out of contention for the UEFA Champions League, and are five points behind fourth placed Tottenham with four games remaining. Last week’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland was the Toffees’ first defeat in seven league outings. Eleventh placed Fulham, winless in their last four have only scored once in those four matches and Martin Jol’s men have little left to play for but pride. Their midfielder Steve Sidwell, who was sent off in their loss to Arsenal last time out – incurred a three-match ban for the offense. The sides played out a 2-2 draw when they met back in November at Craven Cottage however Everton have had the better of things, unbeaten in the last seven meetings between the teams. The Toffees have actually won 20 straight home meetings against the Cottagers dating back to the 1960’s – quite a streak. My money is on Everton this weekend.

Prediction: Everton – 2   Fulham – 1

Southampton v West Bromwich Albion – The Friends Provident St Mary’s Stadium

A Southampton  side that has completely turned things around in the last month and a half, will look to keep their solid form going when they take on the Baggies this Saturday at home. The Saints moved eight points clear of the relegation zone after last week’s away draw to Swansea, their sixth match in a row unbeaten, which put them one  point shy of the magical ’40’ point mark, usually a sign of relegation safety. West Brom will likely  finish in the top ten although they have gone winless in their last four and would like to finish the season strong and clear the 50 point mark as an emotional benchmark for they and their fans. But the Baggies have lost nine away games this season, which puts them among the league’s worst in that regard. The Baggies won the reverse fixture back in November 2-0 at home, while interestingly five  of the last seven competitive fixtures between the sides have been drawn. I see this one ending in a draw as well.

Prediction: South – 1  West Brom – 1

 

Stoke City v Norwich City – Britannia Stadium

Two sides looking to create some more breathing room between themselves and the relegation zone will do battle when the Canaries travel to the Britannia to face the Potters on Saturday. Both teams are coming off crucial wins last week,  Stoke earning their first win in eight games by beating QPR 2-0 away, and Norwich securing victory for the first time in seven attempts, stopping Reading 2-1 at home. The loser of this fixture will have a nervous last three weeks  especially since another of the relegation threatened sides, Wigan in eighteenth, has a game in hand over these two. The Canaries won the reverse fixture at Carrow Road back in November, however the  Potters have won the last four head to head meetings at home and have not lost to the Canaries at the Britannia in the last seven meetings.  I see the teams adding to the late season relegation drama and  each earning a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Stoke – 1  Norwich – 1

 

Wigan Athletic v Tottenham Hotspur – DW Stadium

It’s do or die time for Wigan this week as they head into their home clash with Tottenham, three points back of  seventeenth placed Aston Villa, but with a crucial game in hand over the other sides entangled in the relegation mess.  Back to back defeats have come at a terrible time for the Latics who still have the likes of Swansea and Arsenal to play as they close out their campaign. Meanwhile Spurs are in the midst of a scintillating battle for the last remaining Champions League spots, with just two points separating the Gunners, Blues and Spurs.  Spurs’  3-1 win over the Citizens last week, certainly did their  Champions League chances no harm and was a real class performance. It was the Latics who sprung the 1-0 upset at White Hart Lane when these sides met back in November, but Andre Villas-Boas’ side are in fact unbeaten on their last three trips to Wigan. I don’t see Spurs slowing down this week, and I see more misery being heaped on the Latics as they battle to avoid relegation.

Prediction: Wigan – 0  Tottenham – 2

Newcastle United v Liverpool – St James’ Park

The Magpies are a far cry from their fifth placed finish from last season, as they head into this week’s crucial home fixture against Liverpool. At this point last season Newcastle was on 62 points and  had a firm hold on a spot in Europe. However this season has been a disaster and with just one win from their last five, they now sit on just 37 points, only six points out of relegation and still have to take a trip to Arsenal to finish off their season.  Liverpool have seen any hopes of challenging for fifth placed dashed after a string of three straight draws, and now they will be without the biter  – Luis Suarez for the remainder of the season – as well as six matches into next season, for his chomp on Chelsea’s Ivanovic during the sides’ 2-2 draw last weekend. Oh well.  These sides played out a 1-1 draw a Anfield back in November,  however the Magpies have won the last two meetings with the Reds at home by a combined 5-1 scoreline. Can adesperate Magpies take advantage of a Reds team minus the biter Suarez? I see them earning a draw in this one to keep things interesting.

Prediction: Newcastle – 1  Liverpool – 1

 

Sunday April 28

Reading v Queens Park Rangers – Madejski Stadium

Surely these two sides are doomed for the drop? Can either do anything to stay in the top flight for another year? Mathematically they are still in it but realistically, it would take a serious gambler to bet on anything but these two sides making their way back to the Championship. Both are tied on 24 points, Reading having not tasted victory in their last nine attempts, QPR winless in their last five. Naturally,  Reading manager  Nigel  Adkins thinks his team will stay up, but I feel more comfortable putting my eggs in Harry Redknapp’s basket at least for the moment.  These  sides drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture back in November while  QPR were victorious on their last trip to  Madejski.  I will go with the Rangers win this weekend. Happy trails Reading, it was good while it lasted.

Prediction:  Reading – 0  QPR – 1

Chelsea v Swansea City –  Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will feel a bit hard done after last week’s 2-2 draw away to Liverpool last weekend. The  officials failed to pick up Luis Suarez’ bite on Ivanovic during the run of play, which would probably have lead to a sending off – and subsequently Suarez scored the equalizer to earn the Reds a share of the points. The Blues are still firmly in charge of their Champions League destiny however, with just one defeat from their last six games, and a point back of third placed Arsenal, with a game in hand to boot.  They must take note however, as Spurs, just a point back of the Blues in fifth, also have a game in hand which will certainly make things interesting down the stretch. The Blues needed a late winner from David Luiz to beat FC Basel  in their Europa League 1st leg semi-final on Thursday and could claim some silverware this season after all.  Swansea, currently in ninth  are well safe for next season but five straight matches without a win has put a damper on what has otherwise been a solid campaign. These sides last met in the semi-finals of the League Cup in January, where Swansea upset the Blues winning 2-0 on aggregate over two legs. The last two league meetings between the sides ended in 1-1 draws (both at Liberty Stadium) but on the Swans’ last trip to Stamford Bridge (September 2011), they were dealt a 4-1 beating by the Blues. I will back Chelsea this weekend for the win.

Prediction: Chelsea – 2  Swansea – 0

 

Arsenal v Manchester United – Emirates Stadium

The Gunners will hope that the Red Devils are a bit complacent having  already locked up their twentieth league title, when Sir Alex’s men travel to  the Emirates on Sunday. The Gunners, unbeaten in their last seven league matches, have much more to play as they are currently third, just a point ahead of Chelsea (who have a game in hand), in the race for the Champions League spots. United’s 84 points with 4 games to go are a true testament to their superiority. The Red Devils are expected to be given a guard of honour from the home side in a show of respect following their capture of a 20th league title – courtesy of a hat-trick from RVP against Villa last Monday. It will be a triumphant return to the Emirates for the former Gunner RVP, who returns to his old stomping ground on top of the world having also secured the Golden Boot this season.  The Red Devils won the reverse fixture 2-1, at Old Trafford back in November with RVP scoring the opener, and United have won the last three meetings overall with  the Gunners having just one win from the last eleven meetings in all competitions.  I see the Gunners earning a draw in this one.

Prediction: Arsenal –  2 Man U  – 2

 

Monday April 29

Aston Villa v Sunderland – Villa Park

Aston Villa face the fight of their lives down the stretch of the season as they battle to stay in the top flight. Their opponents this weekend, Sunderland also don’t have much margin for error, both teams separated by just three points with four matches to go in the season.  Sadly, Villa were on the  the receiving end last Monday as Man U whipped them 3-0 to clinch the title, but the Villains still sit three points clear of the relegation zone, and eclipsing that all important 40 point mark would certainly allow fans and players to exhale a bit. Sunderland have looked good the last two weeks, beating Newcastle and then Everton to lift themselves to fourteenth, but their away form has been very spotty this season – their road win over the Magpies a couple weeks ago finally halting a streak of four straight defeats away from home. The Villains defeated the Black Cats 1-0 in the reverse fixture back in November, while the two prior meetings ended in draws. Interestingly the Villains have not beaten Sunderland at home in the Black Cats’ last three trips to Villa Park.  I see this one ending in another draw.

Prediction: Villa –  1  Sunderland – 1

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Enjoy the matches guys. It’s gonna be a very interesting  final four weeks.

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Follow me on twitter @nickantonio

MY Top 5 NBA Playoff Moments

So it’s NBA Playoff season and as I sit up in my bed watching some of the current crop of NBA stars  battle it out for the Larry O’Brien trophy, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic. I’ve been a fan of basketball for more than 2o years, I LOVE playoff season, I LOVE the fire and competitiveness that comes with it, and also, I’m a sucker for top-anything countdowns in basketball.

So with that in mind, here are my Top 5  NBA Playoff moments.

Oh, if you’re expecting to see that Michael Jordan “flu-game” vs. the Jazz in the 1997 Finals, sorry. I think that performance was a bit overrated.

Anyway, here we go:

No. 5 –  This is just one of my personal favourites. Reggie Miller scoring 8 points in less than 19 seconds against the Knicks in game 1 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals in 1995

No. 4 – Reggie Miller again makes my list with his 24 points in the 4th quarter vs. the Knicks in game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference finals….AND his jawing with Spike Lee who was sitting courtside. This is what playoff basketball was all about. I should have been studying for my CXC’s that day but I could. not. pull. away.

No. 3 – Did anyone know whether  someone could get off a catch and shoot in 0.4 seconds? Well, we know now. Thanks to Derrick Fisher in game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference semi-finals.

No. 2 – MJ’s 63 points against the Celtics in game 2 of the 1986 Eastern Conference first round playoffs. Yes, MJ and the Bulls lost that game. Yes, MJ and the Bulls got swept 3-0 in that series by Bird and the C’s. But c’mon man, it was MJ…and it was SIXTY-THREE. STILL an NBA single game playoff record.

And at No. 1….the 1998 Eastern Conference semi-finals game 5, Miami Heat vs NY Knicks, the brawl. Larry Johnson going fist to fist with Alonzo Mourning….and who can forget Knicks’ coach Stan Van Gundy grabbing ‘Zo’s leg? Classic. Simply classic.

What do you think? Hit me up and let me know!

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Follow me on twitter @nickantonio

Vampire Diaries: The Suarez Saga

Count Suarez

To bite or not to bite….that is the question.

Ok, no, it’s not really the question.

The real question over the last few days, since Liverpool’s Luis Suarez took a burger king chomp out of Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic during the the sides’ EPL clash on Sunday, has been ‘what the hell was Suarez thinking?’

Lots of things happen during the heat of (sports) battle. Players will punch, poke, kick, slide, grab, curse, or worse – but the consensus is that these transgressions do happen within the flow of the game and when they do, they are normally followed by something like a yellow or red card, a technical foul, a penalty flag, or an ejection, depending on the sport and the severity of the infraction.

But who the hell bites a guy during a match?

Luis Suarez has had an eventful time of it in the Barclays Premier  League since he joined the Reds in 2011. He’s been accused of diving time after time to try to win fouls, more so than the average player, and in 2012, he was banned for 10 games for using a racist slur towards a black player (Manchester United’s Patrice Evra) during a match.

This week, Suarez received a 10 match ban from the English Football Association (FA) for the chomp, which as a Liverpool fan myself, I thought was a bit harsh (shocking, yes, I know). I figured that they would just ban him for the remainder of the season (4 games left), or at worst, give him 7 games (which would  of course carry over into the first 3 games of next season).

Oh…did I mention that this isn’t the first time he’s bitten a guy during a match?

Back when he was playing for the Ajax in the Dutch League, Suarez also went Mike Tyson on a guy during a match. (00:05 second mark)

I guess in my mind, we need to reach the point where we expect pretty much  ANYTHING from a guy like Suarez, and not act so shocked when he does something like going Walking Dead on an opponent’s bicep.

Even with all his questionable behaviour, my thing is, Suarez is just too talented for any of this to really matter that much. Until he starts getting pulled over for DUI, starts hitting his girlfriend or get’s caught  sniffing some white powder, I can honestly forgive a little nibble here and there.

Especially if the goals like THESE keep coming.

Yeah I know I’m RIDICULOUSLY biased because I’m a Liverpool fan, but c’mon, how long have we as sports fans been forgiving such bizarre infractions, so long as the player who got caught doing something silly, keeps performing on the field, the court, or the pitch?

And just in case you’re still in two minds as to whether we should put this whole biting incident behind us and move on with our lives, might I remind you that there have been far, FAR worse bite related atrocities in the history of  our existence –  one in particular, which emanated from Hollywood, that set humanity back several decades:

Peace out folks and remember – bite responsibly.

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Follow me on twitter @nickantonio