Friday 16 March 2012
Armchairstato.com: Champions League last 8 draw
Armchairstato.com: Champions League last 8 draw: The draws for the Quarter and semi finals of this seasons Champions League took place today. English side Chelsea take on Portuguese side ...
Champions League last 8 draw
The draws for the Quarter and semi finals of this seasons Champions League took place today.
English side Chelsea take on Portuguese side Benfica and the Stamford Bridge side will fancy their chances against them. I personally think Chelsea would of overcame Napoli with Andre Villas-Boas and his knowledge of the game in Portugal could be a massive loss. Over the two legs you would fancy Chelsea though.
The winners of that Quarter final take on the winners from the AC Milan vs Barcelona tie. Barcelona will be heavy favourites for this tie and with Lionel Messi in record breaking form I see no reason not to predict they will go through to meet Chelsea in a mouth watering semi final.
On the other side of the draw, Real Madrid take on minnows APOEL Nicosia. The Cyprus side have over achieved this season but will surely face Real a test to far. If Real can reproduce their La Liga form then there is only one winner for this tie.
The winners of that Quarter take on the winners of the Marseille vs Bayern Munich tie. Having tipped Bayern all season I can't back down now and they have got the draw they would have preferred. I think they should beat Marseille especially after their home leg demolition of FC basle in the last round.
So I think the semi finals will look like this.
Chelsea vs Barcelona and I think Barcelona will win this.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich is a tougher match to predict but I have to say I believe Bayern will just have enough.
English side Chelsea take on Portuguese side Benfica and the Stamford Bridge side will fancy their chances against them. I personally think Chelsea would of overcame Napoli with Andre Villas-Boas and his knowledge of the game in Portugal could be a massive loss. Over the two legs you would fancy Chelsea though.
The winners of that Quarter final take on the winners from the AC Milan vs Barcelona tie. Barcelona will be heavy favourites for this tie and with Lionel Messi in record breaking form I see no reason not to predict they will go through to meet Chelsea in a mouth watering semi final.
On the other side of the draw, Real Madrid take on minnows APOEL Nicosia. The Cyprus side have over achieved this season but will surely face Real a test to far. If Real can reproduce their La Liga form then there is only one winner for this tie.
The winners of that Quarter take on the winners of the Marseille vs Bayern Munich tie. Having tipped Bayern all season I can't back down now and they have got the draw they would have preferred. I think they should beat Marseille especially after their home leg demolition of FC basle in the last round.
So I think the semi finals will look like this.
Chelsea vs Barcelona and I think Barcelona will win this.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich is a tougher match to predict but I have to say I believe Bayern will just have enough.
Sunday 4 March 2012
Armchairstato.com: Chelsea axe AVB
Armchairstato.com: Chelsea axe AVB: I couldn't believe it today when I read that Chelsea had parted company with manager Andre Villas-Boas. A man that during the summer they pa...
Chelsea axe AVB
I couldn't believe it today when I read that Chelsea had parted company with manager Andre Villas-Boas. A man that during the summer they paid £13.3m just to secure him from his FC Porto contract, finds himself the scapegoat for Chelsea's disastrous fortunes.
Taking over from the sacked Carlo Ancelotti, Villas-Boas inherited an aging squad that needed overhauling and seemed unwilling to conform to his style of doing things. His all conquering Porto exploits suggested he should of been given more time than what he has been allowed.
In my eyes Petr Cech hasn't looked the same keeper since his injury and a more consistent keeper is needed. In a defence that has only had Ashley Cole as an automatic starter and Ivanovic played out of his best position, Chelsea need at least 3 top defenders in the midst of their 20's. Bosingwa, Terry,Ferreira and Luiz are all liabilities. The signing of Gary Cahill is looking a shrewd investment but another centre back and a right back are vital if Chelsea are to challenge for anything next season.
In midfield Lampard may score a few goals but doesn't contribute much else. Like England, Chelsea are losing something trying to accommodate "Fat Frank" in their starting line up. They look a much better outfit with Essien, Meireles, Ramires or Romeu as a three man midfield. Others that need moving on are Mikel, Malouda and Kalou.
Upfront how AVB can be blamed for the stuttering Fernando Torres is beyond me. £50m for a player out of sorts and out of form. Surely it would of been better and cheaper to cut their losses and got rib of the misfiring Spaniard instead of a top young manager. The money they would get would of financed a move for Porto's Hulk.
Roberto di Matteo takes over until the end of the season and has to transfer window to wheel and deal in and will hope to rejuvenate the squad before key FA Cup and Champions League matches.
Whoever is in charge in the summer needs to replace Hilario, Turnball and Cech in goal. Ferreira, Bosingwa, Luiz and an aging Terry in defence. In midfield Lampard, Mikel, Malouda and Kalou can all be relocated. Upfront Torres has to go and a decent replacement for Drogba is required. In my eyes AVB has been unlucky and whoever takes over long term faces exactly the same problems.
Taking over from the sacked Carlo Ancelotti, Villas-Boas inherited an aging squad that needed overhauling and seemed unwilling to conform to his style of doing things. His all conquering Porto exploits suggested he should of been given more time than what he has been allowed.
In my eyes Petr Cech hasn't looked the same keeper since his injury and a more consistent keeper is needed. In a defence that has only had Ashley Cole as an automatic starter and Ivanovic played out of his best position, Chelsea need at least 3 top defenders in the midst of their 20's. Bosingwa, Terry,Ferreira and Luiz are all liabilities. The signing of Gary Cahill is looking a shrewd investment but another centre back and a right back are vital if Chelsea are to challenge for anything next season.
In midfield Lampard may score a few goals but doesn't contribute much else. Like England, Chelsea are losing something trying to accommodate "Fat Frank" in their starting line up. They look a much better outfit with Essien, Meireles, Ramires or Romeu as a three man midfield. Others that need moving on are Mikel, Malouda and Kalou.
Upfront how AVB can be blamed for the stuttering Fernando Torres is beyond me. £50m for a player out of sorts and out of form. Surely it would of been better and cheaper to cut their losses and got rib of the misfiring Spaniard instead of a top young manager. The money they would get would of financed a move for Porto's Hulk.
Roberto di Matteo takes over until the end of the season and has to transfer window to wheel and deal in and will hope to rejuvenate the squad before key FA Cup and Champions League matches.
Whoever is in charge in the summer needs to replace Hilario, Turnball and Cech in goal. Ferreira, Bosingwa, Luiz and an aging Terry in defence. In midfield Lampard, Mikel, Malouda and Kalou can all be relocated. Upfront Torres has to go and a decent replacement for Drogba is required. In my eyes AVB has been unlucky and whoever takes over long term faces exactly the same problems.
Friday 2 March 2012
Armchairstato.com: World Championship Qualifying Rounds
Armchairstato.com: World Championship Qualifying Rounds: Nothing is guaranteed in coming through the tough qualifying rounds to get to the annual event at Sheffield. Legend John Parrott has enter...
World Championship Qualifying Rounds
Nothing is guaranteed in coming through the tough qualifying rounds to get to the annual event at Sheffield.
Legend John Parrott has entered but faces a potential 4 or 5 matches just to reach the crucible. In his own words, "tough school".
Other players that will be vying for World Championship places are Joe Swail, Steve Davis and Dominic Dale.
Anthony Hamilton and Ken Doherty could meet in the deciding round.
Ricky Waldon faces a qualifying match to make it to Sheffield.
James Wattana and Ryan Day could face a match off.
Stephen Hendry faces the indignity of playing a qualifying match.
Nigel Bond and Tom Ford could meet to decide a place.
Marco Fu is another surprise name in the qualifying round.
Liang Wenbo faces at least two matches to reach Sheffield.
Jimmy White and Jamie Cope could meet in a decider.
Peter Ebdon is another who has to forgo a qualifying match.
Jamie Burnett and Joe Perry could meet in a deciding match.
With the seeded players already drawn a full list of the first round will be here once "Q" school has sorted the wheat from the chaff.
Legend John Parrott has entered but faces a potential 4 or 5 matches just to reach the crucible. In his own words, "tough school".
Other players that will be vying for World Championship places are Joe Swail, Steve Davis and Dominic Dale.
Anthony Hamilton and Ken Doherty could meet in the deciding round.
Ricky Waldon faces a qualifying match to make it to Sheffield.
James Wattana and Ryan Day could face a match off.
Stephen Hendry faces the indignity of playing a qualifying match.
Nigel Bond and Tom Ford could meet to decide a place.
Marco Fu is another surprise name in the qualifying round.
Liang Wenbo faces at least two matches to reach Sheffield.
Jimmy White and Jamie Cope could meet in a decider.
Peter Ebdon is another who has to forgo a qualifying match.
Jamie Burnett and Joe Perry could meet in a deciding match.
With the seeded players already drawn a full list of the first round will be here once "Q" school has sorted the wheat from the chaff.
Armchairstato.com: US Masters - Contenders
Armchairstato.com: US Masters - Contenders: The side show this year will be the ongoing European World Number 1 spot. There is every chance it may change hands a few times before we ge...
US Masters - Contenders
The side show this year will be the ongoing European World Number 1 spot. There is every chance it may change hands a few times before we get to the Masters in April. Who are the contenders for this years green jacket?
Well obviously you have the British trio of Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood. Then you have the highly consistent Martin Kaymer.
There is a host of American golfers amongst the top 20 in the world including Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan, Bill Haas, Matt Kuchar and Nick Watney.
Other contenders will include Adam Scott, Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia.
Now we get into more fantasy realms. Could Tiger Woods win another major at Augusta? Could a Korean in the shape of K.J.Choi or Y.E.Yang win the green jacket? Can Paul Casey, Justin Rose or Rickie Fowler string 4 good rounds together? Could Retief Goosen, Robert Karlsson or Ian Poulter find a level of consistency?
Can a surprise package in the shape of Darren Clarke, Ernie Els or Vijay Singh rediscover their best form? Could Anthony Kim finally come of age and stun win from outside the worlds top 100?
For more updates follow the US Masters coverage here and the build up over the next month.
Well obviously you have the British trio of Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood. Then you have the highly consistent Martin Kaymer.
There is a host of American golfers amongst the top 20 in the world including Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Webb Simpson, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan, Bill Haas, Matt Kuchar and Nick Watney.
Other contenders will include Adam Scott, Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia.
Now we get into more fantasy realms. Could Tiger Woods win another major at Augusta? Could a Korean in the shape of K.J.Choi or Y.E.Yang win the green jacket? Can Paul Casey, Justin Rose or Rickie Fowler string 4 good rounds together? Could Retief Goosen, Robert Karlsson or Ian Poulter find a level of consistency?
Can a surprise package in the shape of Darren Clarke, Ernie Els or Vijay Singh rediscover their best form? Could Anthony Kim finally come of age and stun win from outside the worlds top 100?
For more updates follow the US Masters coverage here and the build up over the next month.
Thursday 1 March 2012
Armchairstato.com: England vs Holland review
Armchairstato.com: England vs Holland review: Ok so the result wasn't what we quite wanted but there were plenty of positives from Stuart Pearce's first game in charge of the England sid...
England vs Holland review
Ok so the result wasn't what we quite wanted but there were plenty of positives from Stuart Pearce's first game in charge of the England side.
First the way the team came back from 2-0 down against a very tough Dutch team was a positive and also giving international minutes to a few squad players also benefited the team. Apart from a 3 minute spell in the second half which yielded the two Dutch goals, England were by far the more dangerous team.
Going through Pearce's selection and Joe Hart didn't have a chance with either goal and them aside didn't really have to much to deal with. A rating of 6 is about fair.
Micah Richards showed just why Fabio Capello was unsure of him. Great going forward but lumbering in getting back into position. He is definitely behind a fully fit Kyle Walker now and maybe Glenn Johnson as well. A rating of 5 is based on his overall play, both going forward and defending.
Chris Smalling looked reliable as ever even though he was caught out on the first Dutch goal. An ugly clash of heads during the second finished his night early but this boy looks comfortable at every level. A 6 is a fair rating.
Gary Cahill played ok and tried to show his credentials. I was a little surprised to see him start ahead of Joleon Lescott. However he drove England on and showed he can be a regular for England especially as a replacement for John Terry. A rating of 7 was quite deserving.
Leighton Baines was lucky to start for me. There would of been no criticism had Pearce started with Ashley Cole. Whatever you say about Cole, he is still one of the worlds best left backs. Baines didn't do enough to warrant a start ahead of Cole in the next match but did what you would expect a fringe squad player to do. A generous rating of 6.
Again I was surprised with Adam Johnson starting ahead of Daniel Sturridge or Theo Walcott. Another who didn't do enough to make the English public take notice and you wonder just which way his career will go. A 5 is all I can warrant giving him.
On the other side Ashley Young had a strange night. Starting wide right, then being moved to the second striker role and at times even found himself coming deep to get the ball from the defence. Deserved his goal even if his final ball wasn't up to his usual standards. A average 6 became a 7 on the basis of his "equalising goal".
Scott Parker led by example throughout and flung himself into vital blocks on numerous occasions. He is a good choice of captain in my eyes. He's like a firefighter always there distinguishing danger when needed. A player who leads by example, keeps it simple and lets others do there job. A good all round 7.
Why oh why Gareth Barry started is a mystery. Almost deadwood for Manchester City and somehow he started ahead of his club teammate James Milner. replaced at half time and no real loss. A generous 5.
Steven Gerrard didn't do to much during his 30 minutes. However I think he will go and start the first two games in the Euro's provided he is fit of course. He did link up with Danny Welbeck which was a plus for the England management. A very generous 6.
Danny Welbeck would of surprised many. With his slim build he finds it easy to hold the ball up and link his midfield into play. And for a tall lad his speed is quite amazing. Only a goal lacked from his play but he did enough to warrant perseverance. More service is needed for him but he did himself proud. A 6 could easily of been a 7.
Daniel Sturridge came on after 33 minutes for the ailing Gerrard. What a player he looks. A danger at every opportunity and you have to wonder why he didn't start. A 7 and England's most dangerous player.
James Milner came on for Gareth Barry at half time. Yes he should of started instead of his club mate but didn't influence the game to much. A 6 is all I could give him.
Stewart Downing replaced Johnson for the last half hour. The real surprise is how Downing is even in any England squad. Especially considering the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this year. A 5 and a message to whoever is in charge for the next match not to pick him again.
Phil Jones came on for the unlucky Chris Smalling. Again he wasn't played at centre back but his first time ball set up Ashley Young's goal. A player who maybe should of started. A rating of 6.
Frazier Campbell came on for the last 10 minutes and didn't really do a lot. A goal would of done his cause justice but a rating of 5 is all he had time for.
Theo Walcott came off the bench for the last 2 or 3 minutes. Why didn't he start? again only had time for a rating of 5.
First the way the team came back from 2-0 down against a very tough Dutch team was a positive and also giving international minutes to a few squad players also benefited the team. Apart from a 3 minute spell in the second half which yielded the two Dutch goals, England were by far the more dangerous team.
Going through Pearce's selection and Joe Hart didn't have a chance with either goal and them aside didn't really have to much to deal with. A rating of 6 is about fair.
Micah Richards showed just why Fabio Capello was unsure of him. Great going forward but lumbering in getting back into position. He is definitely behind a fully fit Kyle Walker now and maybe Glenn Johnson as well. A rating of 5 is based on his overall play, both going forward and defending.
Chris Smalling looked reliable as ever even though he was caught out on the first Dutch goal. An ugly clash of heads during the second finished his night early but this boy looks comfortable at every level. A 6 is a fair rating.
Gary Cahill played ok and tried to show his credentials. I was a little surprised to see him start ahead of Joleon Lescott. However he drove England on and showed he can be a regular for England especially as a replacement for John Terry. A rating of 7 was quite deserving.
Leighton Baines was lucky to start for me. There would of been no criticism had Pearce started with Ashley Cole. Whatever you say about Cole, he is still one of the worlds best left backs. Baines didn't do enough to warrant a start ahead of Cole in the next match but did what you would expect a fringe squad player to do. A generous rating of 6.
Again I was surprised with Adam Johnson starting ahead of Daniel Sturridge or Theo Walcott. Another who didn't do enough to make the English public take notice and you wonder just which way his career will go. A 5 is all I can warrant giving him.
On the other side Ashley Young had a strange night. Starting wide right, then being moved to the second striker role and at times even found himself coming deep to get the ball from the defence. Deserved his goal even if his final ball wasn't up to his usual standards. A average 6 became a 7 on the basis of his "equalising goal".
Scott Parker led by example throughout and flung himself into vital blocks on numerous occasions. He is a good choice of captain in my eyes. He's like a firefighter always there distinguishing danger when needed. A player who leads by example, keeps it simple and lets others do there job. A good all round 7.
Why oh why Gareth Barry started is a mystery. Almost deadwood for Manchester City and somehow he started ahead of his club teammate James Milner. replaced at half time and no real loss. A generous 5.
Steven Gerrard didn't do to much during his 30 minutes. However I think he will go and start the first two games in the Euro's provided he is fit of course. He did link up with Danny Welbeck which was a plus for the England management. A very generous 6.
Danny Welbeck would of surprised many. With his slim build he finds it easy to hold the ball up and link his midfield into play. And for a tall lad his speed is quite amazing. Only a goal lacked from his play but he did enough to warrant perseverance. More service is needed for him but he did himself proud. A 6 could easily of been a 7.
Daniel Sturridge came on after 33 minutes for the ailing Gerrard. What a player he looks. A danger at every opportunity and you have to wonder why he didn't start. A 7 and England's most dangerous player.
James Milner came on for Gareth Barry at half time. Yes he should of started instead of his club mate but didn't influence the game to much. A 6 is all I could give him.
Stewart Downing replaced Johnson for the last half hour. The real surprise is how Downing is even in any England squad. Especially considering the form of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this year. A 5 and a message to whoever is in charge for the next match not to pick him again.
Phil Jones came on for the unlucky Chris Smalling. Again he wasn't played at centre back but his first time ball set up Ashley Young's goal. A player who maybe should of started. A rating of 6.
Frazier Campbell came on for the last 10 minutes and didn't really do a lot. A goal would of done his cause justice but a rating of 5 is all he had time for.
Theo Walcott came off the bench for the last 2 or 3 minutes. Why didn't he start? again only had time for a rating of 5.
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