The Euro 2012 draw is finally here, and what a tournament it poses to be. One host will be rather happy, whilst the other drew two European football giants. The 'Group of Death' presents three recent championship winners, with the World and European champions finding themselves in a tricky predicament. 188 days to go until one of the most anticipated European championships to date.
Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia, Czech Republic
Co-hosts Poland welcome the best of eastern Europe to group A, with Greece and Russia qualifying top for automatic qualification, while Czech Republic had to hurdle Montenegro on their way to the Euro 2012 finals. The lack of football powerhouses in this group suggests the evenness across the four teams, however Russia (12) and Greece (14) will be the favourites to go through on the basis of FIFA ranking. The two favourites are the only two from the group that have won the European championships since its inception, Russia as the former USSR in its inaugural competition in 1960, and Greece, in a fairytale story as the hosts in 2004. Poland will open the tournament against Greece in the historic Polish capital of Warsaw, while Wroclaw will welcome Russia and the Czech Republic.
Group B: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Portugal
Group B will be touted as the famous 'Group of Death', with all four nations featuring in the top 15 of the FIFA world rankings. Coincidentally, the period between Euro '88 and '96 were sequentially won by three of the teams, Netherlands (1988), Denmark (1992) and Germany (1996). Portugal should not be discounted however, as they fell just short in 2004 when they played bridesmaid to hosts Greece. Germany will open their tournament campaign against Portugal, whilst Denmark will take on World Cup finalist Netherlands. The cities of Kharkiv and Lviv will provide a warm welcome to household names such as Ronaldo, Wesley Sneijder and Mesut Ozil. Fans will eagerly anticipate the mouth watering encounter between old rivals Netherlands and Germany, which will provide some pulsating football for the world to witness.
Group C: Spain, Italy, Ireland, Croatia
The reigning World and European Champions will not escape the group without a challenge, however, the Republic of Ireland will be cursing their luck, their preordained fate commonly referred to as 'the luck of the Irish' evident here, drawing the 1st, 8th and 9th best teams in the world. Croatia and Ireland both qualified comfortably, despite having to go the long route through the playoff procedure. Spain opens their campaign in Gdansk, Poland, also touted as the 'Polish riviera' against the ever-present Italy, who despite their prominence, have not won the tournament since 1968. The match up will provide contrasting styles, with Spain's 'tiki-taka' brand sternly tested against the customary defensive style the Italians have forever possessed. Poznan will provide the euphoria for the opening battle of east versus west of Europe, Croatia against the Republic of Ireland.
Group D: Ukraine, Sweden, France, England
Co-host Ukraine drew the short straw, now having wished they were placed in the group A pot after France, England and Sweden were drawn alongside them. The English have escaped facing anybody ranked above them in the group stages, however their opening game against France in Donetsk, a game which Wayne Rooney is certain to miss, will be much more than just a cross-channel rivalry. Sweden have presented a tough test to England in the past, their automatic qualification as the 'best' runner-up indicative of what they can produce on the European scene. England fans may be content with the draw, however not is all smooth for those that wear the three lions proudly; It will take 2 days to cover over 5,000 miles by car, for those that wish to drive, with one star hostel accomodation starting at over £500 pounds a night. The hosts will open their campaign against Sweden in the Ukraine capital, Kyiv.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
EPL Preview: Round 14
Newcastle v Chelsea
A full match preview will be available soon.
Blackburn v Swansea
Both teams went through the month of November without registering a win in the league, but pressure remains on Steve Kean as coaches under fire brace themselves following the sacking of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.
The Rovers remain entrenched at the foot of the table with a recent loss-draw-loss sequence that has spanned six games. Wednesday night's exit from the Carling Cup against Championship side Cardiff City, and a defeat last start to a deeply out-of-form Stoke City is a gauge of the form Blackburn possess. The one bright light is the form of Ruben Rochina, whose goal last week is one of his sides rare highlights this season.
Swansea escaped with a lucky draw at home last week to Aston Villa thanks to one of the goalkeepers of the season to date, Michel Worm. The Swans will be without defender Angel Rangel after succumbing to injury early on against Villa.
As Brendan Rodgers contemplates a new contract extension, Kean ponders his exit. Swansea's record has not been good away from home, which is one of few positives Blackburn can draw upon heading into this one, which has all the pointers towards yet another twist in the Kean story.
Blackburn 2-1 Swansea
Manchester City v Norwich
The league leaders were tested for the first time last week with the score at 1-1 and a man down with just under half hour to play, but Roberto Mancini's men do what prospective league champions do, and pull a result at Anfield. Norwich sit content in mid table having gained 8 points from their last six games.
City had the chance to go 7 points clear at the top of the league after Manchester United stumbled at home to Newcastle on Saturday, but the Citizens were happy to play out a draw and keep their nemesis at distance. A Carling Cup semi-final berth secured midweek after defeating Arsenal 1-0 away will add to the squads confidence, but Mario Balotelli came crashing back to earth after his two cautions warranted a dismissal in his brief substitute appearance.
Norwich can thank substitute Grant Holt for last week's triumph over Queens Park Rangers, his late strike putting him equal top scorer at the club with Steve Morison and Anthony Pilkington. The Canaries face a tough ask travelling to Etihad, however, they have more than held their own against some of the top clubs this season.
The last time these two teams meet was in 2004 in a 1-1 draw, and in all four meetings at the now Etihad Stadium, Norwich have not recorded a victory.
Manchester City 2-0 Norwich
QPR v West Brom
QPR have taken 7 points from their last six games, whilst West Brom have taken 9. Both teams will be looking to improve on their current season record of four wins, with only 1 point separating the two.
Loftus Road is craving for their side to return home after two successive games on the road, their last two visitors being Manchester City in a narrow 3-2 loss, and a memorable victory against Chelsea. Rangers feared the worst when midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips left Carrow Road on crutches, but scans have confirmed no break for the speedy winger, much to the relief of manager Neil Warnock. Jay Bothroyd should take his place in the starting eleven after finding himself on the bench last week.
West Brom gave the in-form Tottenham a run for their money at home last start, but two late goals to the visitors saw the end result blow out to 3-1. The return of Shane Long, along with Peter Odemwingie and Youssuf Mulumbu gives manager Roy Hodgson a range of attacking options, but a gaping hole will be left by midfielder Zoltan Gera, who suffered a nasty looking knee injury early on in the Spurs clash.
Rangers will be looking to consolidate a mid table position, with both teams possessing match winners in the final third to make this game one of the more interesting fixtures for the round.
QPR 2-2 West Brom
Tottenham v Bolton
Tottenham have been invincible since their indifferent start having won 5 of their last six, whilst Bolton still face what seems an unenviable task of staying alive in the Premier League for another season.
The Spurs received a minor hiccup during the week when they suffered a 1-2 Europa League defeat to PAOK Salonika at home. Despite being dominant, Harry Redknapp's men could not capitalise on a man-advantage for the best part of the second half. Key players Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart did not feature, whilst Gareth Bale came on as a substitute.
Bolton have only recorded one away win this season, and they face an uphill battle when they travel to White Hart Lane, which has recently become a fortress for visiting sides. Ivan Klasnic has been Bolton's best so far with 6 goals, with notable support from midfielder Chris Eagles.
The Yid Army has been in full voice this season, and there is no reason why the Spurs will not march on and put further pressure on the top two.
Tottenham 3-0 Bolton
Wigan v Arsenal
Wigan have enjoyed a successful fortnight by their standards having secured four points from a possible six, but they face an Arsenal team that having taken 16 points from a possible 18.
Franco di Santo ensured the Latics took home all three points from Sunderland last week when he capitalised on a defensive error in the dying stages. Despite sitting second last, Roberto Martinez continues to gain the backing of chairman Dave Whelan, who believes something positive is being built at the DW Stadium.
Arsenal bowed out of the Carling Cup mid week, losing 0-1 to Manchester City at the Emirates. Robin van Persie did not feature, as he continues to be managed by his boss Arsene Wenger and medical staff. In replacement, Marouane Chamakh was next to non-existent, which puts the pressure on the Dutchman to keep up his form if Arsenal were to feature come the business end of the season. Midfielder Jack Wilshere continues to make progress in his rehabilitation, and Aaron Ramsey will look to return from the ill-effects of the saddened passing of his international manager, Gary Speed.
The corresponding fixture last year resulted in a 2-2 draw, but Arsenal in their current form should easily account for a Wigan side who have enjoyed their recent results.
Wigan 0-2 Arsenal
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Aston Villa have only managed to win one from their last six, whilst Manchester United have gone about their business in the league in an ugly, but effective manner, recording four 1-0 victories in a row.
The Villains were denied by Swansea last week, talisman Gabriel Agbonlahor with the best of the chances, the striker one of his side's most consistent performers this season. Captain Stiliyan Petrov remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, which should give Barry Bannan a chance to rectify his off-field mishap earlier this season.
United suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter final, but their league form has been typical of Sir Alex Ferguson's men at such a point in the season. Winger Ashley Young will face his old side for the first time since his summer move, the ex-Villain looking to regain the early season form which was a contributing factor in United's flying start. Chris Smalling returned midweek, which will comfort Ferguson who looks to find stability in the right back position.
The last time these two met at Villa Park, United clawed their way back from a two-goal deficit in the last ten minutes to level 2-2. Ashley Young featured on the scorers sheet on this occasion for his old side, and he awaits a hostile reception when he makes his return to Birmingham in the famous red shirt.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
Everton v Stoke
Everton have won their last two, while Stoke were able to end a run of four successive defeats last week.
The Toffees possess the form of a typical mid table side, having won games against teams below them, whilst succumbing to defeats against Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea in the past two months. Marouane Fellaini made a return last week and instantly made an impact by opening the scoring, but manager David Moyes continues to cry out for a top-class striker, his top scorer this season Apostolos Vellios being nothing more than an impact player off the bench.
The Britannia Stadium breathed a sigh of relief last week after the Potters found themselves on the back foot in the early stages against league minnows Blackburn, before cruising to a 3-1 victory, their first since mid-October. Thursday night's clash against Dynamo Kiev may soften the squad, but manager Tony Pulis ensured rotations were in full swing by resting a number of players including Ryan Shawcross, Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters.
Everton were able to shrug off Stoke in the corresponding fixture last season thanks to an Ayegbeni Yakubu strike, a striker that manager Moyes currently craves in his squad make up. However, the Merseysiders should have enough support from the midfield to register their third win on the trot.
Everton 2-0 Stoke
Wolves v Sunderland
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will have had his plans heading into this week thrown out a little when Sunderland announced they had parted ways with manager Steve Bruce. Both teams head into the clash having only registered one victory in their last six outings.
McCarthy faced a Chelsea side on the rebound last week and paid the price with a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Hovering just above the drop zone, Wolverhampton will be looking to secure all three points against a side in a similar position, and with Manchester United at Old Trafford next week, this fixture becomes all the more important psychologically.
The Black Cats have had a rough week, and there has been a history of cases where teams come out firing in the wake of a managerial change. The heartbreaking 2-1 home defeat to Wigan last week will add to the burn currently experienced by the manager-less side. Sebastian Larsson was dearly missed in the 0-0 draw to Fulham, but the Swedish dead-ball specialist announced his return last week when he gave his side an early lead, before the anti-climax.
The corresponding fixture last season proved to be one of the games of the season, when Wolves recovered from a 2-1 deficit to snatch a 3-2 victory courtesy of late strikes to Stephen Hunt and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake.
Wolves 1-1 Sunderland
Fulham v Liverpool
Monday night's fixture in west London features a Fulham side that has taken 5 points from their last six fixtures, whilst visitors Liverpool have been undefeated since mid-September.
The Cottagers have struggled to score goals in recent times, despite their potency on paper. A 1-0 away defeat on Thursday night to Dutch side Twente will add manager Martin Jol's headaches, despite sitting clear in second in their Europa League group with one match remaining. Jol put out a near full strength side, which included striker's Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, the latter seeing red after two bookable offences. Damien Duff was forced off early after receiving a knock and remains in doubt.
Liverpool had the chance to close the gap on league leaders Manchester City when the two met in last week's match of the round. Despite having the numerical advantage, Liverpool could not penetrate a stubborn City defence to draw 1-1. In more bitter news, the Reds will be without last year's player of the year Lucas Leiva for the rest of the season, after the midfielder suffered a cruciate injury in his left knee. Better news came during the week when the Merseysiders completed the Stamford Bridge double over Chelsea, firstly in the league two weeks back, and on Tuesday evening to reach the Carling Cup semi-final, where they will face City yet again.
Last year's meeting at Craven Cottage resulted in a goal bonanza, Maxi Rodriguez, who has bobbed up at crucial stages this season, scored a hat trick in a 5-2 rout. With mid-week travel and a lack of recent scoring power, it will be difficult to see Fulham conjure a result.
Fulham 0-2 Liverpool
You can now follow Steven Babo on twitter @steven_babo
A full match preview will be available soon.
Blackburn v Swansea
Both teams went through the month of November without registering a win in the league, but pressure remains on Steve Kean as coaches under fire brace themselves following the sacking of Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.
The Rovers remain entrenched at the foot of the table with a recent loss-draw-loss sequence that has spanned six games. Wednesday night's exit from the Carling Cup against Championship side Cardiff City, and a defeat last start to a deeply out-of-form Stoke City is a gauge of the form Blackburn possess. The one bright light is the form of Ruben Rochina, whose goal last week is one of his sides rare highlights this season.
Swansea escaped with a lucky draw at home last week to Aston Villa thanks to one of the goalkeepers of the season to date, Michel Worm. The Swans will be without defender Angel Rangel after succumbing to injury early on against Villa.
As Brendan Rodgers contemplates a new contract extension, Kean ponders his exit. Swansea's record has not been good away from home, which is one of few positives Blackburn can draw upon heading into this one, which has all the pointers towards yet another twist in the Kean story.
Blackburn 2-1 Swansea
Manchester City v Norwich
The league leaders were tested for the first time last week with the score at 1-1 and a man down with just under half hour to play, but Roberto Mancini's men do what prospective league champions do, and pull a result at Anfield. Norwich sit content in mid table having gained 8 points from their last six games.
City had the chance to go 7 points clear at the top of the league after Manchester United stumbled at home to Newcastle on Saturday, but the Citizens were happy to play out a draw and keep their nemesis at distance. A Carling Cup semi-final berth secured midweek after defeating Arsenal 1-0 away will add to the squads confidence, but Mario Balotelli came crashing back to earth after his two cautions warranted a dismissal in his brief substitute appearance.
Norwich can thank substitute Grant Holt for last week's triumph over Queens Park Rangers, his late strike putting him equal top scorer at the club with Steve Morison and Anthony Pilkington. The Canaries face a tough ask travelling to Etihad, however, they have more than held their own against some of the top clubs this season.
The last time these two teams meet was in 2004 in a 1-1 draw, and in all four meetings at the now Etihad Stadium, Norwich have not recorded a victory.
Manchester City 2-0 Norwich
QPR v West Brom
QPR have taken 7 points from their last six games, whilst West Brom have taken 9. Both teams will be looking to improve on their current season record of four wins, with only 1 point separating the two.
Loftus Road is craving for their side to return home after two successive games on the road, their last two visitors being Manchester City in a narrow 3-2 loss, and a memorable victory against Chelsea. Rangers feared the worst when midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips left Carrow Road on crutches, but scans have confirmed no break for the speedy winger, much to the relief of manager Neil Warnock. Jay Bothroyd should take his place in the starting eleven after finding himself on the bench last week.
West Brom gave the in-form Tottenham a run for their money at home last start, but two late goals to the visitors saw the end result blow out to 3-1. The return of Shane Long, along with Peter Odemwingie and Youssuf Mulumbu gives manager Roy Hodgson a range of attacking options, but a gaping hole will be left by midfielder Zoltan Gera, who suffered a nasty looking knee injury early on in the Spurs clash.
Rangers will be looking to consolidate a mid table position, with both teams possessing match winners in the final third to make this game one of the more interesting fixtures for the round.
QPR 2-2 West Brom
Tottenham v Bolton
Tottenham have been invincible since their indifferent start having won 5 of their last six, whilst Bolton still face what seems an unenviable task of staying alive in the Premier League for another season.
The Spurs received a minor hiccup during the week when they suffered a 1-2 Europa League defeat to PAOK Salonika at home. Despite being dominant, Harry Redknapp's men could not capitalise on a man-advantage for the best part of the second half. Key players Scott Parker, Emmanuel Adebayor and Rafael van der Vaart did not feature, whilst Gareth Bale came on as a substitute.
Bolton have only recorded one away win this season, and they face an uphill battle when they travel to White Hart Lane, which has recently become a fortress for visiting sides. Ivan Klasnic has been Bolton's best so far with 6 goals, with notable support from midfielder Chris Eagles.
The Yid Army has been in full voice this season, and there is no reason why the Spurs will not march on and put further pressure on the top two.
Tottenham 3-0 Bolton
Wigan v Arsenal
Wigan have enjoyed a successful fortnight by their standards having secured four points from a possible six, but they face an Arsenal team that having taken 16 points from a possible 18.
Franco di Santo ensured the Latics took home all three points from Sunderland last week when he capitalised on a defensive error in the dying stages. Despite sitting second last, Roberto Martinez continues to gain the backing of chairman Dave Whelan, who believes something positive is being built at the DW Stadium.
Arsenal bowed out of the Carling Cup mid week, losing 0-1 to Manchester City at the Emirates. Robin van Persie did not feature, as he continues to be managed by his boss Arsene Wenger and medical staff. In replacement, Marouane Chamakh was next to non-existent, which puts the pressure on the Dutchman to keep up his form if Arsenal were to feature come the business end of the season. Midfielder Jack Wilshere continues to make progress in his rehabilitation, and Aaron Ramsey will look to return from the ill-effects of the saddened passing of his international manager, Gary Speed.
The corresponding fixture last year resulted in a 2-2 draw, but Arsenal in their current form should easily account for a Wigan side who have enjoyed their recent results.
Wigan 0-2 Arsenal
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Aston Villa have only managed to win one from their last six, whilst Manchester United have gone about their business in the league in an ugly, but effective manner, recording four 1-0 victories in a row.
The Villains were denied by Swansea last week, talisman Gabriel Agbonlahor with the best of the chances, the striker one of his side's most consistent performers this season. Captain Stiliyan Petrov remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, which should give Barry Bannan a chance to rectify his off-field mishap earlier this season.
United suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter final, but their league form has been typical of Sir Alex Ferguson's men at such a point in the season. Winger Ashley Young will face his old side for the first time since his summer move, the ex-Villain looking to regain the early season form which was a contributing factor in United's flying start. Chris Smalling returned midweek, which will comfort Ferguson who looks to find stability in the right back position.
The last time these two met at Villa Park, United clawed their way back from a two-goal deficit in the last ten minutes to level 2-2. Ashley Young featured on the scorers sheet on this occasion for his old side, and he awaits a hostile reception when he makes his return to Birmingham in the famous red shirt.
Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United
Everton v Stoke
Everton have won their last two, while Stoke were able to end a run of four successive defeats last week.
The Toffees possess the form of a typical mid table side, having won games against teams below them, whilst succumbing to defeats against Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea in the past two months. Marouane Fellaini made a return last week and instantly made an impact by opening the scoring, but manager David Moyes continues to cry out for a top-class striker, his top scorer this season Apostolos Vellios being nothing more than an impact player off the bench.
The Britannia Stadium breathed a sigh of relief last week after the Potters found themselves on the back foot in the early stages against league minnows Blackburn, before cruising to a 3-1 victory, their first since mid-October. Thursday night's clash against Dynamo Kiev may soften the squad, but manager Tony Pulis ensured rotations were in full swing by resting a number of players including Ryan Shawcross, Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters.
Everton were able to shrug off Stoke in the corresponding fixture last season thanks to an Ayegbeni Yakubu strike, a striker that manager Moyes currently craves in his squad make up. However, the Merseysiders should have enough support from the midfield to register their third win on the trot.
Everton 2-0 Stoke
Wolves v Sunderland
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy will have had his plans heading into this week thrown out a little when Sunderland announced they had parted ways with manager Steve Bruce. Both teams head into the clash having only registered one victory in their last six outings.
McCarthy faced a Chelsea side on the rebound last week and paid the price with a 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Hovering just above the drop zone, Wolverhampton will be looking to secure all three points against a side in a similar position, and with Manchester United at Old Trafford next week, this fixture becomes all the more important psychologically.
The Black Cats have had a rough week, and there has been a history of cases where teams come out firing in the wake of a managerial change. The heartbreaking 2-1 home defeat to Wigan last week will add to the burn currently experienced by the manager-less side. Sebastian Larsson was dearly missed in the 0-0 draw to Fulham, but the Swedish dead-ball specialist announced his return last week when he gave his side an early lead, before the anti-climax.
The corresponding fixture last season proved to be one of the games of the season, when Wolves recovered from a 2-1 deficit to snatch a 3-2 victory courtesy of late strikes to Stephen Hunt and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake.
Wolves 1-1 Sunderland
Fulham v Liverpool
Monday night's fixture in west London features a Fulham side that has taken 5 points from their last six fixtures, whilst visitors Liverpool have been undefeated since mid-September.
The Cottagers have struggled to score goals in recent times, despite their potency on paper. A 1-0 away defeat on Thursday night to Dutch side Twente will add manager Martin Jol's headaches, despite sitting clear in second in their Europa League group with one match remaining. Jol put out a near full strength side, which included striker's Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, the latter seeing red after two bookable offences. Damien Duff was forced off early after receiving a knock and remains in doubt.
Liverpool had the chance to close the gap on league leaders Manchester City when the two met in last week's match of the round. Despite having the numerical advantage, Liverpool could not penetrate a stubborn City defence to draw 1-1. In more bitter news, the Reds will be without last year's player of the year Lucas Leiva for the rest of the season, after the midfielder suffered a cruciate injury in his left knee. Better news came during the week when the Merseysiders completed the Stamford Bridge double over Chelsea, firstly in the league two weeks back, and on Tuesday evening to reach the Carling Cup semi-final, where they will face City yet again.
Last year's meeting at Craven Cottage resulted in a goal bonanza, Maxi Rodriguez, who has bobbed up at crucial stages this season, scored a hat trick in a 5-2 rout. With mid-week travel and a lack of recent scoring power, it will be difficult to see Fulham conjure a result.
Fulham 0-2 Liverpool
You can now follow Steven Babo on twitter @steven_babo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)