EPL

[Macca 16,603]

Couple of big games tonight with Chelsea at home against Arsenal (just after midnight) followed by Manchester United at White Hart Lane against Spurs (3am) . Here are the current standings ... Table

Some interesting comments from 'Fergie' in the following article ... Ferguson: United can claim the treble

"And we've got the squad to do it. If you go back to the year we won the treble we got a replay against Chelsea and won there 2-0. We got a replay against Arsenal. The FA Cup's the FA Cup. You expect the unexpected, but you also want to win it because its a great competition."

[45HG 1,539]

I was at the Spurs Man U game - wow!

[Macca 16,603]

Watched a fair bit of that game at White Hart Lane. Great late equaliser. The place was rockin'

Anyway, the EPL takes a break this weekend but there is a full fixture being played next Wednesday and Thursday morning (our time)

ESPN are covering the F.A Cup this season and are broadcasting quite a few games this weekend. Leeds vs Spurs tomorrow night (just after midnight) could produce a few goals and tonight's clash (11.45pm) between Stoke and Manchester City is another match-up that is worth a look.

Here is the full weekends fixture ... F.A Cup fourth round

Edited January 26, 2013 by Macca

[45HG 1,539]

Come on the Shots!!!

Aldershot Town - a League Two team, they wear red and blue and re-formed from the Aldershot that went into adminstration. Small supporter base, financially struggling team fighting against wealthier clubs.

Sounds like another team I know!

Their biggest game being a fourth round League Cup match against Manchester United in 2011.

Fourth round at Middlesbrough, a win would be a dream (probably too much so).

[Macca 16,603]

City lose more ground on United. Losing at Southampton 3-1 ... current table before tonight's games ...

Mancini slams City performance ...

I think (the players) understand that we played really bad. I think it's the worst game in the last two or three years, maybe. They played really bad - without strength, without personality. I'm very disappointed in them.''

Asked what this defeat meant for his team's title chances, he replied: "We have ten per cent, maybe.'' The gap between the two Manchester giants at the top of the league now stands at nine points. Manchester United can widen the gap to 12 points with a victory over Everton on Sunday

Edited February 10, 2013 by Macca

[Macca 16,603]

The 5th round of the F.A Cup returns this weekend ...

Here is the fixture ... F.A Cup Fifth Round Proper

The games are being covered by ESPN. 5 of the big guns are in still in the action (Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal) but historically there are quite often some upsets. Oldham vs Everton could be an interesting game (Sunday morning 4.55am)

[45HG 1,539]

Get a hold of Rob Hulse's goal for Millwall.

[Macca 16,603]

Get a hold of Rob Hulse's goal for Millwall.

Yeah, was a fair effort.

I remember Luton back in their 1st division days (before it was renamed the Premier League). They had a couple of top 10 finishes from memory. Now they're in the Conference. They've done well to reach the 5th round (regardless of what happens tonight)

[Macca 16,603]

Man City at home to Chelsea at 12.30am. The title race might be all but over but Champions League spots are still up for grabs. United look to have one spot sewn up but City, Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal and Everton are vying for the other 3 spots (one of which is not an automatic spot)

Current table ...

[Macca 16,603]

Spurs vs the Gunners tomorrow morning at 3am. Big rivalry between these 2 teams ... Current Table

Wenger backs Wilshere to outshine Bale

"Everyone talks about Bale because he is the flavour of the moment, but when you look at Wilshere, you will see here a guy who will be very special," Wenger said.

"At the moment, Jack likes to drop deep in the midfield and he feels comfortable in that role, but he has a little dribble that allows him to get through to the final third and this is why I believe he can develop in the way Fabregas eventually did.

[45HG 1,539]

Gareth.

Bale.

[DemonDave 1,080]

Oh When the Spurs..go marching in! Great weeked, the Dees getting a win and Spurs winning the Nth London derby..

[Macca 16,603]

Gareth.

Bale.

Oh When the Spurs..go marching in! Great weeked, the Dees getting a win and Spurs winning the Nth London derby..

Yeah good win by Tottenham. Didn't get to see the whole game but from what I did see, it looked to be a well deserved victory.

I really hope Bale stays indefinitely. If your blokes can get into the Champions League this year and keep making regular appearances then you should keep him. Think I'm right in saying that Tottenham are reasonably wealthy, so Gareth's wages shouldn't be a problem.

Edited March 6, 2013 by Macca

[45HG 1,539]

He scores when he wants.

He scores when he wants.

His name is Gareth Bale.

He scores when he wants!

[Macca 16,603]

He scores when he wants.

He scores when he wants.

His name is Gareth Bale.

He scores when he wants!

In the match of the round, Spurs take on Liverpool at Anfield in the early hours of tomorrow morning (3am). Vital game for both sides although playing in the Champions League next year for 'The Reds' is all but a bit of pipe dream (the Europa League is a possibility) ... Current Table

For a matchday simulation ... Fifa 13 Predicts Liverpool v Tottenham

Edit : Manchester United are at home to Chelsea in the F.A Cup 6th round (quarter finals) at 3.30am.

Edited March 10, 2013 by Macca

[45HG 1,539]

Life without Gareth is scary.

[Macca 16,603]

United 15 clear as City are beaten

Leon Osman's first-half thunderbolt and a late curler from Nikica Jelavic were the difference as ten-man Everton beat Manchester City 2-0 and effectively ended whatever lingering Premier League title hopes Roberto Mancini's side retained.

At Old Trafford Wayne Rooney's 16th goal of the season was enough to propel Manchester United 15 points clear with just nine games remaining in the Premier League title race.

Rooney's deflected first-half effort saw off a dogged Reading outfit 1-0, who worked hard but lacked the class to fashion an equaliser.

Looks to be all over now in the title race, although Champions League spots are still up for grabs ... Table

Couple of London Derby's tonight with Spurs at home to Fulham (2am) and West Ham taking on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (3am)

Edited March 17, 2013 by Macca

[Macca 16,603]

It's all academic with regards to the Title race but it's a bit of a mad scramble for Champions League spots. The relegation battle is on as well. 11 teams are still in danger of the dreaded drop.

... This weekends games ... Standings ...

Interesting games this weekend include Manchester City vs Newcastle whilst Chelsea and Spurs have tough away fixtures at Southampton and Swansea. Arsenal and Everton need wins and Liverpool must win to keep their hopes alive for Europe.

Special treat for those with ESPN. Monday evening (10.30pm) features a live FA Cup 6th round replay match between Chelsea and Manchester United. (at Stamford Bridge)

[Cards13 9,117]

It's over RVP scored a hat-trick (what a hat-trick too, that volley!!) to seal it.

Ahhh my mate Suarez!! What a set of fangs on him! One of the best on the park but good lord loves a nibble on defenders.

[Macca 16,603]

It's over RVP scored a hat-trick (what a hat-trick too, that volley!!) to seal it.

Ahhh my mate Suarez!! What a set of fangs on him! One of the best on the park but good lord loves a nibble on defenders.

It's hard to see Sir Alex Ferguson stopping anytime soon. And why should he retire? He is managing as well as ever. Well done to the 'Red Devils'.... and yeah, a rather unfortunate moment for Suarez. Shame really as he is such a good player. Hard to know what Liverpool's next move with him will be.

Anyway ... the race is still on for Champions League spots. The May 8 encounter between Chelsea vs Tottenham may help decide things. Chelsea also have to visit Manchester Utd whilst Arsenal are at home to Man Utd this weekend. .... Table

The Hammers are finishing the season well. 10th spot at the moment which is a reasonable achievement, all things considered. Big Sam has done a mighty job and Andy Carroll has been vital.

Reckon Spurs might just get that 3rd spot and automatic qualification for the Champions League. However, they're probably going to have to get at least a point at Stamford Bridge to do so.

Just on the Champions League, both 1st leg semi finals are on this week. Starting with Bayern vs Barcelona in the morning then Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid on Thursday morning.

Edited April 23, 2013 by Macca

[Cards13 9,117]

Liverpool can't get rid of him he is there only player who can score, 30 goals for the season!

[Macca 16,603]

Liverpool can't get rid of him he is there only player who can score, 30 goals for the season!

The rumour is that he'll end up at Real Madrid. Depends on the transfer fee of course, but if Liverpool get the right price it will allow them to buy in some more talent. Certainly a dilemma for them.

He did come out and apologise the next day but the act itself is unexplainable. The decision to keep him or not keep him might depend on the owners of the club.

[Macca 16,603]

Chelsea keep hold of 3rd spot with a hard fought win at Aston Villa. It's looking like a battle between Arsenal and Spurs for that 4th position and a Champions League qualifying spot. Chelsea do have a tough final game vs Everton so it's not quite done yet.

FA Cup final seems to get later and later each year. 2.15am start this time. Be great for Wigan if they could win but it's gonna be tough against Man City.

[Macca 16,603]

Last round of the season. Interest lies with the Champions league spots

Currently ...

3rd Chelsea 72 points +35 (GD)

4th Arsenal 70 points +34

5th Tottenham 69 points +19

Chelsea are at home to Everton

Arsenal are away to Newcastle

Tottenham are at home to Sunderland

There is a chance that Arsenal and Chelsea will end up equal on points and goal difference. They would play off for the automatic Champions League spot if that happened.

[Macca 16,603]

... Matchweek 1: The latest manager reaction and team news

The action gets under way on Saturday lunchtime, when Stoke City, now with Mark Hughes at the helm, travel to Anfield to play Liverpool, while David Moyes takes reigning champions Manchester United to Michael Laudrup's Swansea City in the Saturday evening kick-off.

... Premier League 2013/14: Pundits make their picks

Michael Owen - BT Sport co-commentator Top four: 1) Chelsea, 2) Man Utd, 3) Man City, 4) Liverpool

Edited August 17, 2013 by Macca