Quick Predictions for Today

Bolton Vs Liverpool
At the time of writing it is already 1-0 to the Scousers at half time and I don't really see Bolton coming back into it.
Final Score 0-2.

Arsenal Vs Villa
I see this one as a draw. Although Arsenal will be full of confidence I think Villa will raise their game for such an important match
Final Score 1-1.

Blackburn Vs Sunderland
I think this will be another draw. Both teams are in awful form and goals seem hard to come by and this won't change today. It won't be a classic.
Final Score 0-0.

Fulham Vs Tottenham
Fulham have a good home record but Spurs are unbeatable with Harry Redknapp so I reckon they might just snatch it probably through a Darren Bent goal.
Final Score 0-1.

Man Utd Vs Stoke
Apart from Chelsea, Utd are the best team equipped to deal with the strength of Stoke. Last season they would have kept a clean sheet but I see Stoke sneaking won due to defensive frailties. Still a comfortable win for Utd though.
Final Score 4-1.

Newcastle Vs Wigan
Newcastle seem to be finding form st home whilst Wigan can't seem to get a point anywhere even though Zaki has been a revelation this season.
Final Score 2-1.

West Ham Vs Portsmouth
Two young new managers who are finding life pretty tough at the moment. The Hammers should have won but lost 3-1 last week whilst pompey won 2-1 even though they probably deserved to lose. Luck seems to with Adams at the moment then so he may sneak it.
Final Score 1-2.

West Brom Vs Chelsea
Only one outcome here. The Baggies can't score against anyone so they won't get any against Chelsea. Comfortable away win.
Final Score 0-3.

Everton Vs Middlesborough
A tough won to call as both teams got good results last week. Boro are playing well without the luck while Everton are getting results and Saha is starting to bang them in. I'll sit on the fence and say draw.
Final Score 2-2.

Hull Vs Man City
Both teams are in awful form, each losing their last three league games. City have the money and the players but Hull have been brilliant this season. Either could win it if things go their way but I'm backing Hull to heap more presure on Sparky.
Final Score 2-0.

Mark Lawrenson Predictions

Summer Headlines

Successful Season for United

As I predicted in my last blog, Manchester United ended up winning the Premier League as well as the Champions League after a dramatic penalty shoot-out (after Chelsea's shoot-out loss against Burnley, they have now lost their last 5 shoot-outs). The result meant it was the most succesful season for any English Club since 1999 when Manchester United done one better by winning the Treble.

Zenit St Petersburg bag UEFA cup

Europe's second competition was won by the Russians after a 2-0 win against Rangers.

Pompey secure F.A Cup

Portsmouth Football Club reach Europe for the first time after beating Cardiff 1-0 at Wembley through a Kanu goal. The win gave the oldest cup competition to Pompey for the first time in 69 years.

Spain finally win a tournament again.

44 years after they last won a major international tournament, Spain finally shake off their nearly man tags by winning Euro 2008. The team were brilliant throughout starting with their 4-1 thrashing of eventul semi-finalists Russia. The only game they not win outright was a their penalty success against Italy after a 0-0 draw in the quater finals. They then went on to play Germany in the final winning 1-0 after a Fernando Torres goal.

An Apology

For those of you read this blog, which isn't many to be fair (if any), I'm sorry about the wait between the last blog and this. Whilst I'd like to say I was doing work and being productive, I was just being a little lazy but I'm back now and (hopefully) better than ever. The updates will start soon with all the footballing matters that have occurred since my last correspondence.

As the Premier League season reaches its climax on Sunday there are still many issues to be sorted out. In fact the only things guaranteed are that Derby are relegated and that Liverpool and arsenal have the 3rd and 4th Champions League spots. Apart from that everything else is still to be sorted.

The league title could be on its way to either Chelsea or Man Utd, with Utd favourites because of their far superior goal difference. This season is only the 4th time in Premiership history that the title is still to be sorted out on the final day. It is also the first time in 40 years that two teams have been on level points going into the last game. According to my predictions earlier, Utd should win the league by beating Wigan at the JJB. However, any slip ups will pretty much hand the title to Chelsea who are extremely unlikely not to beat Bolton.

The final European spot is also up for grabs as is the Intertoto spot. Everton only need a point against Newcastle to secure the UEFA cup next season. The Intertoto cup, on the other hand, is still up for grabs with Aston Villa, Blackburn and Portsmouth all able to claim it. Villa will start as clear favourites because they only need to win against West Ham to secure the place. If they were to draw, Blackburn would need to beat Birmingham to climb above them into 6th. Pompey can only get there if Villa lose and they beat Fulham.

The closest battle is to stay up. Only 1 point seperates Fulham, Reading and Birmingham. Fulham have the advantage because of their superior goal difference and they only need a win to secure survival. They should also be boosted by the fact that Pompey will be focused on their F.A. Cup preparations. Things aren't as simple for Reading who could go down even if they do win. They would need Fulham drop points. Birmingham have the hardest task, even though they are at home. They will be up against a Blackburn side who will need a win to have any chance of Europe. Even if they do win, they would require both Fulham and Birmingham to drop points.

With all the different permutations an exciting final day is guaranteed.

According to my predictions it will end up like this:
Champions: Man Utd
Uefa Cup: Everton
Intertoto Cup: Blackburn
Relegated: Birmingham and Reading

Final Day Predictions

Birmingham Vs Blackburn
A tough one to call as both teams need a win. Birmingham to stay up and Blackburn to have a chance of the Intertoto cup.
Final Score 1-2.

Chelsea Vs Bolton
Unfortunately I just can't see Bolton getting anything out of this, especially as they are now safe.
Final Score 2-0.

Derby Vs Reading
Derby won't want to lose their last game and Reading can't score for love nor money. A bore draw.
Final Score 0-0.

Everton Vs Newcastle
Both teams will want to finish on a high and I fell they will cancel each other out.
Final Score 1-1.

Middlesborough Vs Man City
As there is so much much turmoil at City right now I really can't see them winning. Boro on the other hand appear to be on the up.
Final Score 2-1.

Portsmouth Vs Fulham
This one all depends on how much Pompey will be thinking about the cup final. I can see Fulham just about sneaking it .
Final Score 0-1.

Sunderland Vs Arsenal
Sunderland will want to end their season well but I think Arsenal will overpower them in the end.
Final Score 1-4.

Tottenham Vs Liverpool
An end of season game with neither club having anything to play for? Has to be a draw, hopefully with a few goals.
Final Score 2-2.

West Ham Vs Aston Villa
If Villa can concentrate amid the Barry speculation then they should win it. I don't know if they'll be able to do that though, so I'll go for a draw.
Final Score 1-1.

Wigan Vs Manchester United
They surely can't let the title slip from their grasp now, can they? I hope and think not. Utd to win.
Final Score 1-3.

Now compare me to Lawro and his predictions.

Rijkaard Off

Barcelona manager Frank Rikjarrd will leave his position at the end of the season, with former Barca captain Josep Guardiola replacing him. This comes after two trophyless seasons at the Nov Camp. In addition, the Spanish giants will have to qualify for next years Champions League after their 4-1 hammering against fierce rivals Real Madrid, leaves them unable to finish above 3rd place. (Real had already been crowned champions after winning against Osasuna on Sunday.)

The Dutchman was appointed in 2003 and went on the La Liga in 2005. In 2006, his Barca team claimed the league and Champions League double after his team beat Arsenal in the final.

In other news it looks as though Arsene Wenger will not be able to stop the mass exodus from Arsenal. After it was confirmed that Mathieu Flamini, it looks like other midfield star Alexander Hleb will join him. The news will come as a real blow to Wenger who claimed his main priority of the summer was to keep his young squad together. It looks like he may have failed to this and who knows will the Gonners will finish up next season.

Also, it appears that Rafa Benitez has put a £15m price tag on Peter Crouch. This seems a little silly considering he will only bid £10m for Gareth Barry. Both are about the same age but surely Barry is a lot more influential. I think Benitez is starting to lose it if he feels Crouch is worth more than Barry, but then I suppose the power goes to your head when working for one of the big four.

Erikkson to Benfica?

It didn't Sven to long get a new job, did it? After last week being told he will be sacked at the end of the season, the former England manager looks like he is going to Benfica after reports suggest he has opened talks with the club. The saga around Man City is getting absolutely ridiculous and I'm not entirely sure what is going on. The fans want him to stay, he wants to stay but it looks like he is definitely going to be leaving. It is an absolute farce but what do expect from such a crazy owner? Big Phil Scolari looks likely to replace him and again I think it is the wrong solution (if he wants to go there of course). Will he be the right man? Only time will tell but I think not.

The other big news of the day is that Sunderland manager Roy Keane has started his summer clear-out as he releases four players. Striker Andy Cole and defenders Stephen Wright, Ian Harte and Stan Varga are the unlucky quartet. Other players could feel quite lucky they haven't joined them after Keane's furious out burst after Saturdays 2-0 loss to Bolton.

Harry Redknapp has claimed that if Portsmouth win the F.A. Cup later this month it will be his proudest moment as a manger. I would have to disagree with him however- surely his greatest managerial triumph was keeping Pompey in the Premier League when he returned as their manager after his ill-fated spell at arch rivals Southampton. At the time the team were bereft of confidence and looked like certainties to go down, having only won 1 game when he was re-appointed. from there they staged a miraculous recovery winning 4 of their last 5 games to remain in the league- they lost their final game against Liverpool who went to win the champions League that season.

Will winning the Cup be as much of an achievement as that season. Not really when you look at the teams they have had to play:

Round 3: Ipswich (1-0)

Round 4: Plymouth (2-1)

Round 5: Preston (1-0)

Q/F: Man United (1-0)

S/F: West Brom (1-0)

Final: Cardiff

Thus, they pretty much scraped through against teams in the Championship by the odd goal. The only impressive result was the win against Utd in a game in which they were absolutely dominated from start to finish and got their only goal through a soft(ish) penalty decision. What is there to be proud off? If they had been knocked out by any of the other clubs it would have been seen as a major shock. It is for these reasons why I cannot agree with Redknapp when he says leading Pompey out in the final should be proudest achievement. In my opinion he has done far greater things in his impressive career.

Scolari offered City job

Reports are emerging that the Brazilian former world cup winning manager, "Big" Phil Scolari has been offered Sven's position at City. According to the stories the man who knocked Erikkson out of three international competitions will be offered an annual salary of £3.2 million, £700,000 more than Sven is being paid at the moment. The news comes after it emerged last week that City would sack their boss at the end of the season after a disappointing finish following a good start. Is Big Phil the right man for the City job or should Sven be allowed to keep his job. I'd suggest the latter as I feel he has done a good job under the circumstances and the majority of his signings have worked out. Yet this once again shows the unpredictability of football with now over half the premier league managers being sacked in one season. Is it too much, should chairmen be more patient: I'd like to think so. Below is the goal that knocked England out of the 2002 World Cup- Scolari's only win against Erikkson which wasn't by penalty shoot out.

Stoke to stay up?

There were scenes of absolute euphoria at the Britannia Stadium on sunday when Stoke claimed promotion back into the top flight for the first time since 1985 (before I was even born). How long will this euphoria last however. They are already the bookmakers favourites to go down and it appears likely they will have to change their team around if they are to survive next season. Will the open bus parade prove to be a celebration too far for the Potters or will they hang on to their Premier League status for more than one season. Their chairman, Peter Coates, is confident claiming it is harder to get promoted than to stay up. Well, if that were case why doesn't every promoted team stay up? I personally think they will get relegated next season, not because I don't like them, just because of the realities of football and I'm not the only one. In do however expect, and hope, they will make a real fist of it, unlike Derby this season- 11 points is just embarassing.

Chelsea Keep Title Hopes Alive

The destiny of the F.A Premier League title is still unknown after Chelsea beat Newcastle at St. James Park earlier on. Goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda were enough to secure a 2-0 win for the London club. The result means that the race for the title will go right down to the wire as Chelsea and Man United are still on equal points. Utd are on top due to a far superior goal difference over their rivals (56 to 39). The reigning champions visit Wigan on the final day of the season next Sunday whilst Chelsea host Bolton.

The other major story of the day is the news that Mathieu Flamini will join A.C Milan when his contract runs out at the end of the season. The news is a major blow for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger who was anxious to keep hold of his midfield star. His job will now be to make such there isn't a mass exodus from the Emirates after Flamini's departure.

League One and Two Ups and Downs

League One

Champions: Swansea City

Promoted: Nottingham Forest

Play-offs: Doncaster, Carlise, Leeds, Southend

Relegated: Bournemoth, Gillingham, Port Vale, Luton

League Two

Champions: M.K Dons

Promoted: Peterborough, Hereford

Play-offs: Stockport, Rochdale, Darlington, Wycombe

Relegated: Mansfield, Wrexham

Football Round Up

The big news of the week is Sven's likely sacking from City at the end of the season. Does he deserve to go, probably not but this is always the danger when dodgy people take over football clubs. Look at the state of Liverpool for example. In some instances a foreign owner can work but only if they stay out of the football side e.g. the Glaziers at Utd and Lerner at Villa.

Some people are saying that Sven is a victim of his own success because of the brilliant start to the season. Yet anyone who knows anything about football knew they wouldn't have stayed up there and his brief at the start of the season was to finish top 10. He has done this but still faces the boot. Has anyone told Mr Shinawatra that patience can be a virtue. Who would be a football manager- that is now 11 who have been sacked from the Premiership this term.

In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo has won two awards this week, having been named P.F.A. player of the year on Sunday and the F.W.A award last night. This follows an incredible season for the youngster who has scored 38 goals this season and led Utd to the top of the league and into the Champions League final.

It appears that Everton's most important player, Mikel Arteta, is out for the rest of the season after battling stomach and groin injuries. This could seriously hamper the clubs European hopes this season. Their rivals for the final UEFA spot, Aston Villa, look set to lose their captain Gareth Barry after it has been revealed that Liverpool have now made an official offer for him.

The craziest gossip of the day is that Utd after West Ham striker Dean Ashton. Although he's a good player he is not a Champions League player and therefore is not good enough for Utd. We already have one injury prone striker-we don't need another one. For other gossip click here.

After a dramatic week in Europe we now know both the Champions League and UEFA Cup Finalists and there will be three British clubs going for glory. In the Champions League, there will be an all English final for the first time with Manchester United playing Chelsea while Rangers will be in their first European final since 1972. Their opponents will be Zenit St Petersburg, who surprisingly beat Bayern Munich 4-0 last night.

Utd's win against Barcelona on Tuesday was a fantastic occasion and the game lived up to the atmosphere with the drama lasting straight to the final whistle. The 6 minutes of stoppage time just added to the excitement. Although the Reds were hanging on a little towards the end they probably just about deserved the win. Perhaps if Barca didn't play so much like Arsenal and try to pass the ball into the net, they may have actually scored a goal. For all their possession, it was still Utd who had the most clear cut chances with Nani, Tevez and Park all going agonisingly close. The Spanish club on the other hand had a few pot shots with Messi and Deco going close. Having said that the English sides defence was absolutely immense with all four playing with great distinction. For me, Patrice Evra was man of the match, playing really well in defense and going forward brilliantly whenever he had the opportunity. To get carried off at the end was not the way his night deserved to end. The only goal that was scored deserves to win any game and proves why Fergie still rates Paul Scholes so highly....

The second semi-final was just as dramatic with three goals in extra time. Ironically Chelsea's two best players, Drogba and Lampard, were so called 'Mourinho' players yet they could never produce it for the 'Special One' when it really mattered. Surely this finally proves that he wasn't such a great manager because the much criticised Avram Grant has done something Jose never could. Does this make Grant a better manager than Mourinho or has he just had more luck? It is hard to say but the facts are that Grant has taken Chelsea to the European Cup Final for the first time. Surely he deserves a second season and reports are suggesting that he is confident of getting one.

Whereas most people could have predicted Chelsea playing against United in the Champions League final, I doubt few would have guessed that Rangers would be playing Zenit in the UEFA cup final (if anyone actually cared after the English teams got knocked out). The Glasgow club are having a terrific season and are still up for a possible quadruple after last nights penalty win against Fiorentina. They will fancy their chances in Manchester later this month against their Russian opponents and former manager Dick Advocaat, although any team that beats Bayern 4-0 cannot be discounted. It is also nice to see a British club win a penalty shoot-out against an Italian team for once.

Chelsea Vs Liverpool Part 6

Will a Benitez team finally score at Stamford Bridge?

Will Chelsea ever get to a Champions League Final?

Who will United be playing in the Final?


All of these questions will be answered after the final whistle at The Bridge tonight. Both teams go in the game with few injury worries. Frank Lampard looks set to come back after missing the win against Utd. Liverpool's only concern is Fabio Aurelio who got injured in the first leg. Riise could come into replace him. I expert the game to be like most other games between the pair- tight, scrappy with not much in it. A draw seems the mostly likely result and I think it will finish scoreless, sending Chelsea through.

A review of both Champions League games and a round up of the news to follow.

Manchester United Vs Barcelona Part 2

With the Manchester United/ Barcalona match only hours away here is a quick update on the team news.

Manchester United

Both Vidic and Rooney are doubts after they picked up injuries against Chelsea on Saturday. Neither player trained yesterday but Sir Alex is to give them as much time as possible to prove their fitness. Hargreaves would probably play at right back with Brown in the centre if Vidic doesn't play whilst Tevez is the man most likely to claim Rooney's place. Other than that, Fergie has a full squad to choose from.

Ronaldo, Evra and Scholes are likely to reclaim their places after they were rested at the weekend. Nani, Giggs and Silvestre are the players likely to give way.

Barcelona

Captain Carles Puyol will come in for the suspended Marquez. Meanwhile Yaya Toure is a slight doubt ahead of the game and would be replaced by Edmilson. These are the only likely changes from last Wednesday's game meaning that Henry will keep his place on the bench for his match in England since leaving Arsenal. Former world player of the year Ronaldinhio is out for the rest of the season and has now probably played his last game for the club.

My prediction is for a more entertaining game than last week and as both teams are evenly matched it is too close to call. I don't think it will be settled by more than the odd goal- hopefully in Uniteds favour.

Prediction Update

Chelsea Vs Utd
Prediction:1-1
Final Score: 2-1
Verdict:Being a Utd fan I'm not happy, but at least for the neutrals it keeps the title race very much open.

Birmingham Vs Liverpool
Prediction:0-2
Final Score: 2-2
Verdict:After going 2 up, the Blues must be annoyed they didn't go on to win this game. They now need to beat Fulham next week.

City Vs Fulham
Prediction:3-1
Final Score:2-3
Verdict:My prediction looked good at half time but fair play to Fulham for coming back like they did. Now they have a real chance of staying up.

Sunderland Vs Boro
Prediction:1-1
Final Score:3-2
Verdict:A great game which secures Sunderland's place in the premiership, although Boro aren't quite safe yet.

Spurs Vs Bolton
Prediction:2-2
Final Score:1-1
Verdict:My first correct result, even if I did predict more goals. Bolton will clearly be the happier of the two and still have a good chance of staying up.

West Ham Vs Newcastle
Prediction:1-3
Final Score:2-2
Verdict:A result that doesn't really mean a lot with both teams safely in midtable. West Ham will however be disappointed at letting a two goal lead slip. Newcastle now 7 games unbeaten.

Wigan Vs Reading
Prediction:2-1
Final Score:0-0
Verdict:Not the greatest of games ever and the point doesn't really help either team. Both could still be relegated.

Pompey Vs Blackburn
Prediction:1-2
Final Score:0-1
Verdict:Another correct result predicted! Pompey seem to be in free fall after getting to the Cup Final whereas the result keeps Blackburn's slim hopes of Europe alive.

Everton Vs Villa
Prediction:1-1
Final Score:2-2
Verdict:I was expecting a draw and that is what we got. The game means the UEFA Cup will go right down to the wire and adds another twist to an already fascinating season.

Derby Vs Arsenal
Prediction:0-4
Final Score:2-6
Verdict:The biggest suprises of this match were the fact that Derby actually managed to score and that an Englishman (Walcott) scored for Arsenal.

Football League Up's and Down's

Premier League:
Derby have already been relegated. Any two of Fulham, Birmingham, Reading and Bolton will join them. Wigan and Middlesborough aren't yet mathematically safe but should have enough points.

Championship:
Stoke need just a point from their fianl game to secure promotion, whilst West Brom have 2 games to gain a point. If either team slip up, Hull City would have the chance to gain automatic promotion. If not, they will be joined in the play-offs by Bristol City. Watford also looked to have secured a play-off place. The final place will go to one of Crystal Palace, Wolves, Ipswich or Sheffield Utd.
Scunthorpe and Colchester have both already been relegated. Southampton, Leicester, Sheffiield Wednesday, Coventry or Blackpool are the teams that could join them.

League One
Swansea City have already won the league. They will be automatically promoted alongside either Doncaster, Nottingham Forest or Carlilse. Leeds and Southend have secured the final play-off births.*
Luton and Port Vale are already relegated. Two of Gillingham, Bournemouth and Cheltenham will join them.

League Two
M.K. Dons promoted as champions, with Peterborough and Hereford Utd also playing in League One next season. The play-offs will feature Rochdale, Stockport, Darlington and Wycombe.
Wrexham have already been relegated and will be joined by Mansfield.

*If Leeds Utd are succesful in their appeal against the 15 points they were deducted at the start of the season, they will be promoted automatically.

The title race has been blown wide open after Chelsea's win against Man Utd yesterday lunchtime. Was it a penalty? I don't think so and Sir Alex clearly doesn't......



So it wasn't a good day for Utd fans (including me), but they are still favourites for the league and as Fergie says, if we win our last two games we are champions.

Another race that looks set to right down to the last day of the season is the race for the final UEFA spot, after todays 2-2 between Everton and Villa. Both teams should be happy with a point: Everton because it keeps them 3 points clear; Villa because they twice came back from a goal behind.

It is vert difficult to predict who will finish 5th. Everton are in poor form and appear to have the harder run in with games against Arsenal (away) and in form Newcastle (home). The one advantage of playing these teams is that neither have much to play except pride. Villa, on the other hand, have to play Wigan (home) and West Ham (away). The West Ham game looks a formality but Wigan still aren't safe yet and will put put their all in at Villa Park, especially as they have to play Utd on the final day. Villa's major advantage is their superior goal difference and that is why I think they will just about shade it, with both teams finishing on equal points.

Barclay's Premiership Table

My Predictions

My predictions for this weekends football are:

Chelsea Vs Utd
A tough one to call so I'll sent on the fence and predict a draw.
Final Score 1-1.

Birmingham Vs Liverpool
Even though Benetiez will probably rest a few players his team should still be good enough.
Final Score 0-2.

City Vs Fulham
I'd like to see Fulham stay up but it's not going to happen. this game will probably confirm their plight.
Final Score 3-1.

Sunderland Vs Boro
A local derby between too evenly matched teams. Got to be a draw.
Final Score 1-1.

Spurs Vs Bolton
If Spurs play well they will win but they probably won't, so I see another draw- hopefully entertaining.
Final Score 2-2.

West Ham Vs Newcastle
Geordies on a roll, Keegan a legend, only one result surely?
Final Score 1-3.

Wigan Vs Reading
Reading can't win away.
Fianl Score 2-1.

Pompey Vs Blackburn
Pompey have gone a bit off the boil recently whereas Blackburn will be encouraged by last weeks draw with Utd.
Final Score 1-2.

Everton Vs Villa
Although Everton havn'e been playing well, Moyes should be able to lift them for this one.
Final Score 1-1.

Derby Vs Arsenal
I'd love to see a Derby win but it's not ging to happen. A question of how many for the Gonners.
Final Score 0-4.

Now compare my predictions to those of the living legend that is Lawro.

RonalD'OH

First things first, my prediction for Wednesdays football match could probably not have been more wrong (see prevoius blog). I was expecting goals and excitement, instead there was barely a chance created. When a game is past its best after the first minute, you know it hasn’t been a classic. However, it was still job done by Utd, having kept a clean sheet and they should be full of confidence going into the second leg at Old Trafford. The important thing is not to go to Gung-Ho, as Barca could hit us on the counter attack if we're not careful. The penalty by Ronaldo was abosultely absymal but apart from that he played alright, if he was a little isolated playing up front by himself.




Better news for the Red devils is the fact that Frank Lampard will not be playing for Chelsea on Saturday, following the untimely death of his mother, Pat, from pneumonia. The two were very close and Lamps has been given as much time of he needs by Avram Grant and Chelsea. Although I'm not a Chelsea, or Lampard, fan, all my sympathies go out to him and his family. Lets hope he recovers from his personal tradegy soon and gets back to his best for next season, although it probably won't be for Chelsea, giving that he looks certain to follow Jose Mourinho wherever he ends up next season.

On a lighter note, it looks like we know who Paul Jewell's successor at Derby will be. This comes after the news that Chris Hutching has been appointed as his assistant manager for the third time after doing the same job at both Bradford and Wigan. On each of those occasions he has gone on to take the job after Jewell resigned. He lasted 12 Premiership games at both clubs, winning a total of 3 league games. Will Derby make the same mistake if Jewell resigns after a hectic season. Would it be 3rd time lucky for Hutchings? My answers are yes then no. Afterall, it must have finally be proved that Assistants don't make good First Team managers.

In more of today's football news, Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy has signed a new 3-year contract. Although having seen Jason Roberts take his place in recent weeks, the South African is still considered a key part of the Rovers team. He will hope to be back to his best next season after a largely disappointing season, where he has been outdone by strike partner Roque Santa Cruz. It also continues to show the ambition of Mark Hughes and Rovers, who are looking to keep their best players as they seek to improve.

In the newspapers today the craziest story has to be Thierry Henry apparantly going to Newcastle. Now why the hell would he want to go there. I know he hasn't won anythng for a while and it looks like he'll go another season empty handed but Newcastle? Be serious. That would be such a step down for him and why would anyone want to move from one of the most cultural places in Europe to a place which considers The Angel of the North as a work of art? The only reason I could imagine him going there is to be centre of attention again. For a look at other stories click here.

Finally, it looks that David Beckham may be in line for more caps after Fabio Cappello claimed he could still play in the 2010 World Cup- if he can prove his fitness.

Riise Own Goal gives advantage to Chelsea

After John Arne Riise’s last gasp own goal last night, Chelsea have gained a vital away goal, giving them a slender advantage against Liverpool in their Champions League Semi-Final. Having previously been knocked out at the same stage in both 2005 and 2007, the London club will be hoping to finally reach their first final of the competition. Due to the away goal they should now be seen as clear favourites, not necessarily because they are the better team, more due to Liverpool’s recent record at Stamford Bridge. Not only have failed to score there in their last 2 European encounters, they have failed to score there since Beneiez took over in the summer of 2004. So although Liverpool were by far the better side last night, the Avram Grant luck should prevail in two weeks time. Thus, by prediction is for an incredibly boring 0-0 at the Bridge and for Chelski to get throught. This may also finally prove that “the special one,” Jose wasn’t all that as a manager.

The other semi-final kicks off tonight with Man Utd wanting to get a good result to take a good result back to Old Trafford. Unfortunately, reports are suggesting that central defender Vidic is a doublt after going to hospital late last night, with a stomach problem. If the Serbian were not to be ready, ex-Barca player Pique is likely to take his place alongside Ferdinand. Apart from that, Fergie has a full squad to choose from and will be hopeful of getting at least one away goal from the scene of his greatest managerial triumph, The Nov Camp. If Ronaldo and Rooney play to the best it could even end up being a comfortable prediction, especially with Henry struggling for fitness and Messi having just come back from injury. My prediction is for a very entertaining match with plenty of goals- I’d say 2-2.

In other news it has been confirmed that Alexander Hleb is out for the season after been found guilty of violent against Reading. The Arsenal midfielder will now serve a 3 match ban meaning if rumours are to believed, he has played game for the club. Finally it appears that Wigan manager Steve Bruce has lost patience with Aghahowa and Olembe. The pair are set to leave the club in the summer, with their most likely destination being Kayserispor, in Turkey.

To see what today’s newspapers are saying click here.

Lamps and Stevie G back!

Both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are available for tomorrows Champions League Semi-Final. According to the Chelsea website, Lamp’s has declared himself ready to play after his mothers condition stabilised. The playmaker has met up with the rest of the squad as they travel to Liverpool. Once up there he is set to face Scouse Captain Stevie G, who has recovered from his neck injury. It is a well held belief that the two can not play with each other, but both are crucially important to their respective teams. The Chelsea man has had a below-par season by his own standards, but has still managed to chip in with 19 goals. Stevie G has managed to out-do his rival by 3 goals but has played in more games. What has been impressive, though, is his almost telepathic understanding with Fernando Torres this season. The two have developed a deadly partnership.

According to some rather dubious reports yesterday Gerrard will soon replace Lampard at the heart of Chelsea, who is apparently going to be signed by Mourinhio (as will Drogba), probably at Inter Milan. I don’t see Gerrard going somehow. He loves it up there, being treated as a god. Still if Rafa Benetiz’s team don’t win the league soon, they might just lose him. For other newspaper gossip click here.

In other news, the Newcastle chairman Chris Mort, is looking to tie up Michael Owen up with a new contract. The striker has been in excellent form recently with 6 goals in his last 6 games, including both in yesterdays 2-0 derby win. It looks like he is finally justifying his £17million price tag. Now the Geordies want to agree to an extension, as his current deal runs out at the end of the next season. A striker, who is on the move however, is Leroy Lita who has been recalled by Reading. The player was on loan at Charlton Athletic but the Royals feel they need to boost their firepower having gone four games without scoring. With the Addicks having missed out on the play-offs, both clubs felt it was right to end the loan early. Finally, it looks like Alexander Hleb could be in trouble with the F.A. after an off the ball incident during Arsenals 2-0 win over Reading. Reports are suggesting that the Belarus international slapped Graham Murty. If found guilty, Hleb’s season would be over.