Premieship Predictions

I will predict the score of the 9 remaining games in the Premiership this weekend after not getting up in time for the first match. 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result. Only 4 points were achieved last weekend.

Saturday

Aston Villa v Swansea (1-2)

Hull v Fulham (2-1)

Manchester City v Crystal Palace (4-1)

Norwich v Manchester United (1-2)

Cardiff v Sunderland (0-1)

Sunday

Everton v Southampton (1-1)

Newcastle v Arsenal (2-2)

Chelsea v Liverpool (1-1)

Spurs v Stoke (2-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

 

Preemiership Predictions

So this is Christmas, another year almost over and another two Premiership managers have become unemployed.

So Spurs were hammered 5-0 by Liverpool last Sunday and Andre Villas Boas lost his job on Monday. West Brom, who recently had their Christmas party in Dublin, where Shane Long performed a rather decent version of Wonderwall, were beaten 1-0 by Cardiff last Saturday and subsequently sacked Steve Clarke.

Speaking of Cardiff, earlier in the week their owner Vincent Tan sent manager Malky Mackay an email which gave Mackay the option of resigning or face the prospect of being sacked. At the moment it is unclear if the Cardiff manager will be in charge for his side's festive fixtures. The Welsh club will visit inform Liverpool tomorrow, for whom Luiz Suarez has signed a new contract.

Arsene Wenger, who is of course the longest serving manager in the Premiership will be hoping that his side do not lose another big game after being overwhelmed by Manchester City last weekend. The Gunners will face Chelsea on Monday. Jose Mourinho will be hoping that his strikers will start doing what they are suppose to do, score goals obviously. Otherwise their title challenge may fade away. There will be 10 games and 10 predictions for this weekend's matches. 3 points for the correct score and one for the right result.

Saturday

Liverpool v Cardiff (2-1)

Crystal Palace v Newcastle (1-1)

Fulham v Man City (1-3)

Man United v West Ham (2-0)

Stoke v Aston Villa (1-1)

Sunderland v Norwich (2-1)

West Brom v Hull (1-0)

Sunday

Southampton v Spurs (2-1)

Swansea v Everton (0-0)

Monday

Arsenal v Chelsea (1-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

 

Radio Playlist

This is the playlist from my most recent programme on Tipperary Mid-West Radio which happened on Saturday December 14th 2013.

Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade

Lightning Bolt - Jake Bugg

Angel Eyes - The Strypes

Speed To My Side - Rollerskate Skinny

Manchester Rain - Parlour Flames

Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys

Fake Tales Of San Francisco - Arctic Monkeys

Hard To Explain - The Strokes

I Fell So Lonely I Could Die - David Bowie

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths

Happy Xmas ( War Is Over) - John Lennon

I Am The Resurrection - The Stone Roses

Dancing In The Dark - Bruce Springsteen

Off At The Next Exit - Beady Eye

Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

One - U2

A Day In The Life - The Beatles

(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais - The Clash

Wonderwall - Oasis

Hurt - Johnny Cash

Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues Featuring Kirsty MacColl

A Town Called Malice - The Jam

© Seamus Egan 2013

Midweek Predictions

There will be 10 midweek games in the Premiership. Here are the predictions. 3 points for the right score and one for the right result.

Tuesday

Crystal Palace v West Ham (1-1)

Wednesday

Arsenal v Hull (3-1)

Fulham v Spurs (1-2)

Liverpool v Norwich (3-0)

Manchester United v Everton (1-1)

Southampton v Aston Villa (2-1)

Stoke v Cardiff (1-0)

Sunderland v Chelsea (1-3)

Swansea v Newcastle (2-2)

West Brom v Manchester City (1-1)


© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

Last weekend Everton and Liverpool played out the game of the season so far when they drew 3-3 in the Merseyside derby. New Crystal Palace manager Tony Pulis watched his side win 1-0 at Hull. On Saturday Palace will play Norwich at Carrow Road in a crucial fixture towards the bottom of the table.

The weekend's standout fixture will take place at White Hart Lane on Sunday where Spurs will be hoping to bounce back from last week's 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City against Manchester United. United themselves conceded a late equalizer against Cardiff. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Aston Villa v Sunderland (1-1)

Cardiff v Arsenal (1-1)

Everton v Stoke (2-1)

Norwich v Crystal Palace (2-1)

West Ham v Fulham (0-0)

Newcastle v West Brom (1-1)

Sunday

Spurs v Manchester United (2-2)

Hull v Liverpool (1-2)

Chelsea v Southampton (2-0)

Manchester City v Swansea (3-0)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

The Premiership returns this weekend after the international break. It was a decent and unbeaten start to Martin O'Neill's managerial career with the Republic of Ireland. O'Neill and Roy Keane will probably attend a lot of Premier League games between now and March, when Ireland will play their next friendly against Serbia.
Everton v Liverpool, Arsenal v Southampton and Manchester City v Spurs are the most eye catching fixtures over the coming days. It is 3 points for the right score and 1 point for the correct result.

Saturday

Everton v Liverpool (1-1)

Arsenal v Southampton (2-1)

Fulham v Swansea (2-1)

Hull v Crystal Palace (0-0)

Newcastle v Norwich (2-1)

Stoke v Sunderland (1-1)

West Ham v Chelsea (1-2)

Sunday

Manchester City v Spurs (3-2)

Cardiff v Manchester United (1-2)

Monday

West Brom v Aston Villa  (2-0)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Radio Playlist 16-11-2013

This is the playlist from my most recent radio programme which took place on Saturday November 16th 2013.

Don't You Forget About Me - Simple Minds

Rockin' Chair - Oasis

Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash

Yellow - Coldplay

Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

Connection - Elastica

Creep - Radiohead

Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys

In The Now - Edwyn Collins

I Wanna Be Adored - The Stone Roses

Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones

Blue Collar Jane - The Strypes

Kamikaze - PJ Harvey

Papa Don't Preach - Madonna

Country Yard - The Vines

Instant Karma - John Lennon

Band On The Run - Wings - Paul McCartney And Wings

I'm Waiting For The Man - The Velvet Underground

Soul Love - Beady Eye

Walkaway - Cast

Daysleeper - R.E.M

Ever Fallen In Love - The Buzzcocks

No One Knows Nothing Anymore - Billy Bragg

All Apologies - Kathryn Williams

I Don't Like Mondays - Boomtown Rats

Son Of A Preacher Man - Dusty Springfield

Alive And Kicking - Simple Minds

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

Martin O' Neill will have his first press conference as Republic of Ireland manager at 1.p.m today. I believe the fact that he is the new boss of the national team and that Roy Keane is his assistant is exciting for Irish football. I am cautiously optimistic about the news.

O'Neill and Keane's involvement should help to generate more interest in the Irish soccer team from the general public which is important. All of a sudden next Friday's friendly against Latvia is a lot more appealing that it would have been.

However there are 10 more Premiership games to be played this weekend. The standout fixture is Manchester United v Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal outclassed Liverpool last Saturday, particularly in midfield, while United beat Fulham comfortably. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result. 10 points were achieved last week.

Saturday

Aston Villa v Cardiff (1-1)

Chelsea v West Brom (2-0)

Crystal Palace v Everton (1-2)

Liverpool v Fulham (3-0)

Southampton v Hull (2-1)

Norwich v West Ham (0-0)

Sunday

Spurs v Newcastle (1-0)

Sunderland v Manchester City (1-3)

Manchester United v Arsenal (1-1)

Swansea City v Stoke City (1-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

Martin O' Neill is seemingly on the verge of becoming the new Republic of Ireland manager. It also appears that former Irish captain Roy Keane is going to be his assistant. We will follow that story with great interest over the coming days.

However  it is time to make some predictions for this weekend's Premiership matches. The standout fixture is the meeting of Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates. Arsenal have started their league season very well but they have mainly been beating teams that they are expected to beat. Liverpool have been doing the same thing recently mainly because Luiz Suarez or Daniel Sturridge or both have been finding the net. This week Sturridge described his strike partnership with Suarez as "almost telepathic". If both players click again today then the Gunners will be in trouble. It is three points for a correct score and one point for the right result.

Saturday

Newcastle v Chelsea (1-2)

Fulham v Manchester United (1-3)

Hull v Sunderland (1-1)

Manchester City v Norwich (4-2)

Stoke v Southampton (0-0)

West Brom v Crystal Palace (2-0)

West Ham v Aston Villa (1-2)

Arsenal v Liverpool (1-2)

Sunday

Everton v Spurs (1-1)

Cardiff v Swansea (2-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Radio Playlist

This is the playlist from my radio programme on October 5th 2013.

Hey Now - Oasis

Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? - Arctic Monkeys

Post Break Up Sex - The Vaccines

The Middle - Jimmy Eat World

Living On A Prayer - Bon Jovi

Tatotted Lady - Rory Gallagher

Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana

I Feel So Lonely I Could Die - David Bowie

West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys

No.1 Party Anthem - Arctic Monkeys

The Only One I Know - The Charlatans

Vertigo - U2

You Really Got Me Going - The Kinks

Blue Collar Jane - The Strypes

Angel Eyes - The Strypes

R U Mine? - Arctic Monkeys

Light My Fire - The Doors

The River - Bruce Springsteen

Soon Come Tomorrow - Beady Eye

The KKK Took My Baby Away - The Ramones

Don't Let Me Down - The Stereophonics

I'm So Tired - The Beatles

Man On The Moon - R.E.M

Do I Wanna Know? - Arctic Monkeys

I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance floor - Arctic Monkeys

Song 2 - Blur

© Seamus Egan 2013

Bohemians 0-1 Bray Wanderers

Shelbourne were relegated from the Airtricity Premier League after Bray Wanderers beat Bohemians 1-0 at Dalymount Park on Friday night thanks to a second half goal from Kieran Marty Waters.

In a match that was played in a constant drizzle Bohemians created the first opening of the game in the 12th minute. Karl Moore’s low ball to the edge of the area found Ryan McEvoy whose goalbound shot was blocked by Jason Byrne.

The slippery conditions underfoot did not make it any easier for the players in a high pressure match. Both of these factors contributed to the poor standard and lack of quality which was evident in the first half.

There was a nervous tension around the ground and chances were few and far between. Byrne was denied by a fine defensive header from Bohemians centre back Roberto Lopes midway through the opening period.

In the 37^th minute the home team did briefly threaten. Derek Pender made a fine run down the right hand side and after Keith Buckley’s return pass the Bohemians captain made his way into the area. Dinny Corcoran was free in space but Darren Quigley in the Bray goal cut out the cross.

Just a minute later John Mulroy had the visitors first shot of the night but his effort was deflected straight into the arms of Dean Delaney.

The home side created the best chance of the opening 45 minutes on the stroke of half time. Darragh Reynor played it to Karl Moore on the left hand side. Moore's cross found Buckley in the area who laid it off to Dinny Corcoran about 6 yards out. However it was a poor finish from the Bohs striker who put it over the top.

After the restart the game was much more eventful and it was the Wicklow club who created the first opening of the second period. Ismahil Akinade found Kevin O’Connor who was free in space outside the area. The Bray midfielder decided to try his luck but couldn’t keep his effort down.

Ryan McEvoy had the gypsie’s first chance of the second half in the 59th minute. He received the ball about 25 yards out and typical of the Bohemians midfielder, he didn’t hesitate to shoot. It was on target but Darren Quigley dived to his left and made a spectacular save to keep it scoreless.

Bohs came even closer to scoring in the 66th minute. Stephen Traynor made his way into the Bray area and after getting the better of a couple of defenders eventually tried a shot which was parried by Quigley. The rebound fell to Corcoran whose first time effort came back off the crossbar.

Owen Heary’s team were the dominant side now and 17 minutes from the end of normal time they came close again. Darragh Reynor played a one two with Dinny Corcoran. Reynor made his way into the area and looked certain to score when through on goal but Bray substitute Daire Doyle made a sensational and crucial last ditch tackle. Doyle celebrated as if he had just scored the winning goal.

Pat Devlin’s team took the lead against the run of play in the 76th minute. Kevin O’Connor played it forward to Kieran Marty Waters who advanced on goal and shrugged off the challenge of two home defenders. He then chipped the ball over Delaney and it found its way into the net via the post.

Waters nearly added a second after another O’Connor pass played him in down the left hand side two minutes from the end of normal time. The winger’s shot looked destined for the bottom corner but Delaney dived low to his left to push it away.

In injury time the Bohemians fans beside me in the stand wanted a penalty after Dinny Corcoran went down in the area after a challenge from Shane O’Connor but referee Paul McLaughlin didn’t give anything.

It was just Bray’s third win in 38 matches against Bohemains at Dalymount Park but could yet prove to be a very crucial victory. The result means that any one of Bohemians, Bray Wanderers or UCD will finish second from bottom and thus have to face the prospect of a promotion/ relegation play off.  All that will be decided next Friday night in the final round of league fixtures for the season.

Bohemians: Dean Delaney: Derek Pender (c), Roberto Lopes, Neil Yadohali, Luke Byrne: Keith Buckley, Darragh Reynor (Dave Scully 88), Ryan McEvoy, Karl Moore (Andy Mulligan 85): Stephen Traynor (Kevin Devaney 79): Dinny Corcoran.

Subs not used: Owen Heary, Michael Barker, Daniel Byrne, Greg Murray.

Booked:  Darragh Reynor (57), Derek Pender (90).

Bray Wanderers: Darren Quigley: David Webster, Shane O'Connor, Danny O'Connor (c) (Daire Doyle 63), Dean Zambra: Ismahil Ainade, Kevin Maher, John Mulroy, Kevin O'Connor, Kieran Marty Waters: Jason Byrne (Gary Dempsy 75).

Subs not used: Kevin Knight, Eoin Hyland, Ryan Coombes, Niall Cooney, Shane Redmond.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

Attendance: 1,376

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

This week Luiz Suarez returned to the Liverpool side after his ten match ban and played well against Manchester United in the League Cup. Suarez will probably start his first Premier League game since April against Sunderland on Sunday. Sunderland of course are still on the search for a new manager after sacking Paolo Di Canio last Sunday. Andre Villas Boas and Jose Mourinho will compete against each other for the first time as managers after working for 7 years together at different clubs. Spurs will play Chelsea at White Hart Lane.
There will be 10 games over 3 days to predict the score of. It is 3 points for the correct score and  1 point for the correct result.


Saturday

Spurs v Chelsea (1-1)

Aston Villa v Manchester City (0-2)

Fulham v Cardiff City (2-1)

Hull v West Ham United (1-1)

Manchester United v West Brom (3-1)

Southampton v Crystal Palace (2-1)

Swansea v Arsenal (2-2)

Sunday

Stoke City v Norwich City (1-0)

Sunderland v Liverpool (1-1)

Monday

Everton v Newcastle United  (2-0)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

Liam Gallagher celebrates his birthday today. Liam and Noel's beloved Manchester City will play Manchester United in the biggest game of the weekend in what will be the first Manchester derby of the season. Chelsea will be trying to get back to winning ways at home to Fulham in another derby match, after two successive defeats in different competitions. Daniel Sturridge will be aiming to score for the 5th league game in a row. League leaders Liverpool will be at home to Sothampton. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Norwich City v Aston Villa (1-1)

Liverpool v Southampton (2-1)

Newcastle v Hull (1-0)

West Brom v Sunderland (3-3)

West Ham v Everton (1-2)

Chelsea v Fulham (2-0)

Sunday

Arsenal v Stoke City (3-2)

Crystal Palace v Swansea (0-0)

Cardiff v Spurs (1-1)

Manchester City v Manchester United (2-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

This week The Strypes from Cavan released their debut album Snapshot. The Arctic Monkeys released their latest album AM, which features at least one amazing song called Do I Wanna Know.
Giovanni Trapattoni lost his job as Republic of Ireland manager. I went to the  Ireland v Sweeden game last Friday week in Dublin. I found it mentally draining to watch, particularly in the second half. The long ball tactics which were used are outdated and predictable. The substitutions did not improve the team's chances of getting a result. I did not have any belief that Ireland would score a second goal.

Ireland have no chance of qualifying for the World Cup next year with two games still left to play in the group. I expected better than that. Some people believe that we expect too much from this team. I believe we should have high expectations and at the very least we should be in contention for a play off place.

Trapattoni deserves credit for getting us to the Euros and for bringing structure and organization back to the team. However since the poor performances and results in Poland things have disimproved and following the loss in Vienna it was time for a change. There is no guarentee that a new manager, whether that be Martin O'Neill or not, will do any better or worse than Tarapattoni. I would hope though that whoever takes over will look to try and change the way the team plays and make better use of substitutions, particularly in close games. Ciao.

The Premiership will return this weekend after the international break which means that it is time for predictions again. 3 points for a correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Manchester United v Crystal Palace (2-0)

Aston Villa v Newcastle (2-1)

Fulham v West Brom (1-1)

Hull  v Cardiff City (1-0)

Stoke City v Manchester City (1-1)

Sunderland v Arsenal (1-2)

Spurs v Norwich City (1-0)

Everton v Chelsea (1-2)

Sunday

Southampton v West Ham United (2-1)

Monday

Swansea City v Liverpool (0-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

 

Premiership Predictions

There will be nine games in the Premier League this weekend because of Chelsea's involvement in the Super Cup last night. Liverpool v Manchester United and Arsenal v Spurs appear to be the standout fixtures. Last week's guest contributor Seamus Walsh scored 4 points. It is 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result.

Saturday

Manchester City v Hull (2-1)

Cardiff v Everton (1-1)

Newcastle United v Fulham (0-0)

Norwich v Southampton (1-2)

West Ham United v Stoke City (1-0)

Crystal Palace v Sunderland (2-1)

Sunday

Liverpool v Manchester United (1-1)

West Brom v Swansea (2-2)

Arsenal v Spurs (1-3)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

Once again there is a full programme of Premiership fixtures this weekend, although the weekend does extend to Monday night, when there is a live game on television. On Monday David Moyes will take charge of his first home game for Manchester United in the headline fixture of the weekend against Chelsea. At the moment it looks like Wayne Rooney will not be a Chelsea player by the time of this fixture.
After an impressive performance in Istanbul on Wednesday, Arsenal will be hoping to gain their first league win of the season against Fulham. Cardiff City will play their first top flight home game for 51 years against Manchester City.
Seamus Walsh, who is a Liverpool fan from Tipperary, will also be giving his predictions for the 10 games this week. Seamus's scores are on the left and mine are on the right.



Fulham v Arsenal Seamus Walsh  (1-2) Seamus Egan (1-1)

Everton v West Brom Seamus Walsh  (2-0) Seamus Egan (2-1)

Hull v Norwich Seamus Walsh (1-1) Seamus Egan (0-1)

Newcastle v West Ham Seamus Walsh (1-0) Seamus Egan (1-1)

Southampton v Sunderland Seamus Walsh (2-0)  Seamus Egan (2-1)

Stoke City v Crystal Palace Seamus Walsh (2-0) Seamus Egan (1-0)

Aston Villa v Liverpool Seamus Walsh (1-3)    Seamus Egan (1-2)

Sunday

Cardiff City v Manchester City Seamus Walsh (0-4)  Seamus Egan (1-2)

Spurs v Swansea Seamus Walsh (2-2) Seamus Egan (2-1)

Monday

Manchester United v Chelsea Seamus Walsh (1-1) Seamus Egan (1-1)

© Seamus Egan 2013

Saint Patricks Athletic 1-0 Shelbourne

Saint Patricks Athletic retained their one point lead at the top of the Airtricity League Premier Division table thanks to Stephen Maher's first half winner against Shelbourne at Inchicore on Friday night.

In a first half that was played in bright sunshine, the home side had claims for a penalty in the 11^th minute. Killian Brennan went down in the area after a challenge from Stephen Hurley. However referee Paul McLaughlin didn't give anything.

Shelbourne looked comfortable for most of the first half and they had a couple of chances of their own. In the 22^nd minute Sean Brennan took a corner from the left. Brendan Clarke punched clear. It reached Glenn Cronin outside the area. The Shels captain took a shot which wasn't far wide.

On the half hour mark the visitors will feel that they should have taken the lead. After fine build up play involving Lee Murtagh, Stephen Hurley crossed from the left. He found Dean Kelly free in the 6 yard box. Kelly looked certain to score but somehow Brendan Clarke blocked his shot with his body.

Shels were made to pay for that miss 10 minutes later. Greg Bolger played a fantastic crossfield ball from left to right to Conan Byrne who got inside Derek Doyle. Niall Burdon came off his line before Doyle made the tackle. The ball broke to Stephen Maher who put it into the empty net from about 20 yards out to give Pats the lead.

They nearly added a second just before half time. Anthony Flood advanced towards the edge of the area and chipped it over Burdon but the ball just went over the crossbar.

In the 57^th minute Pats had another chance. Chris Forrester showed terrific skill on the right edge of the area before playing it back to Stephen Maher. Maher scuffed his first shot but got a second bite of the cherry. He eventually shot wide from 8 yards out.

Around the midway point of the second half the home side had a couple of chances in the space of a minute. First off Chris Forrester hit the ball across the face of goal and moments later substitute Christy Fagan fired wide from the edge of the area. 

However the visitors continued to be a threat from set pieces. In the 70^th minute the home side failed to properly clear a corner. Graham Gartland headed the ball back into the danger area and Derek Doyle was in space. He tried to turn and volley it towards goal but missed his kick.

Then in the 75h minute left back Ian Bermingham played a nice little ball in from the edge of the area. Conan Byrne, playing against his former club, dived in low to get his head to it but the ball just ended up on the wrong side of the net.

Shels came close again from a corner 7 minutes from time. Sean Brennan picked outR obert Cornwall who was free in the area and the defender tried his luck with a volley but it was too high.

Right back Ger O'Brien then found himself in space and got his shot away but Niall Burdon came out to block his shot. Just a minute later Burdon dived low to his right to deny Killian Brennan from a free kick.

Both sides were guilty of giving the ball away in a frantic final few minutes. Shelbourne threw Gartland forward but couldn't create a chance. Liam Buckley's side held on for the win which keeps them a point clear of Dundalk at the top of the table. Shelbourne look like they are going to be involved in a relegation battle the end of the season.

Saint Patricks Athletic: Brendan Clarke: Ger O'Brien, Kenny Browne, Conor Kenna (c), Ian Bermingham: Conan Byrne, Greg Bolger, Stephen Maher (Sean Gannon 85), Killian Brennan, Chris Forrester (Jake Kelly 82): Anthony Flood (Christy Fagan 61).

Subs not used: Rene Gilmartin, Aidan Price,  Lorcan Fitzgerald, Daryl Kavanagh.

Booked: Greg Bolger (8)

Shelbourne: Niall Burdon: Robert Cornwall, Graham Gartland, Ian Ryan, Derek Doyle: Adam Hanlon Glenn Cronin (c),  Stephen Hurley (Gareth O'Connor 72), Sean Brennan: Lee Murtagh (Jamie NcGlynn 58), Dean Kelly (Darren Tinnelly 79)

Subs not used: Charlie Treacy, Brian Gannon, Paul Andrews, Carl Walsh.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

Attendance: 1,846

© Seamus Egan 2013

Premiership Predictions

I am writing this while listening to side one of The White Album by The Beatles. Life returns to normal this weekend because The Barclays Premier League returns. Three players have dominated the transfer talk this summer. However as I write this Luiz Suarez, Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney are still at the clubs that they played for last season.

There have been some notable managerial changes. Alex Ferguson has been replaced by David Moyes at Man.United. Mourinho is back at Chelsea. Manuel Pellegrini, who like David Moyes does not have a history of winning trophies recently, will take over from Mancini, a man who did deliver trophies at Manchester City.
I will start off by predicting the scores of this this weeknd's opening fixtures. It will be 3 points for the correct score and 1 point for the right result. Fixtures are on the left and prediction scores are on the right.

Saturday

Liverpool v Stoke City - (1-0)

Arsenal v Aston Villa - (2-1)

Norwich v Everton - (1-1)

Sunderland v Fulham - (1-1)

West Brom v Southampton - (2-1)

West Ham v Cardiff - (1-0)

Swansea v Man.United - (1-2)

Sunday

Crystal Palace v Spurs - (0-1)

Chelsea v Hull - (3-1)

Monday

Manchester City v Newcastle -  (2-0)

© Seamus Egan 2013



 

Liverpool 0-1 Celtic

Celtic beat Liverpool 1-0 in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Amido Balde's first half goal proved to be the difference between the sides in a game which was played on a pleasant evening amid a friendly atmosphere.

Celtic had a couple of set pieces early on but didn't really threaten with them and it was Liverpool who created the first half chance in the 8^th minute. Joe Allen, who has been playing in a more advanced role in preseason, and new signing Iago Aspas played a nice one two in the box before Allen crossed from the left. The ball went over Celtic goalkeeper Luakasz Zaluska but there was nobody there to take advantage.

Celtic took the lead in the 12^th minute. Stuart Downing, who has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham, played the ball into the path of Amido Balde. Balde then got around Andre Wisdom. His shot took a slight deflection off Simon Mignolet before the ball eventually found its' way into the net.

Liverpool nearly got back on level terms in the 15^th minute. Glen Johnson played it into the area and found Philip Couthino. Couthino got his shot away but the busy Zaluska came out quickly, spread himself very well and made the save.

The game was billed as the ‘Dublin Decider’, although what it was supposed to decide, I don’t know. However, most if not all Liverpool fans have decided that Philip Couthino has been a very good signing for the club, and the Brazilian was involved again in the 18^th minute. He cut inside Adam Matthews on the left hand side. His effort on goal was just wide though.

Liverpool had their best chance of the half in the 21^st minute. Stuart Downing played a fine ball in behind the Celtic defence. Johnson found himself one on one with Zaluska but once again the Celtic goalkeeper made the safe.

Celtic came close to getting a second in the 38^th minute. Liverpool, who struggled to defend setpieces throughout, failed to properly clear a freekick. Balde played it back to Adam Matthews whose goalbound shot was blocked by Kolo Toure.

In injury time at the end of the first half Neil Lennon’s team had another chance. Emilio Izaguire crossed from the left. Anthony Stokes got his head to it about 8 yards out. It was on target but Mignolet dived to his right to make the save.

The game, which was precedded by an emotional rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, demonstrated the remarkable support which both of these teams have in Ireland. The prematch buzz was evident in Dublin City and around the Landsdowne Road area long before kickoff.

Back on the pitch,  Stuart Downing, who was inconsistent throughout, broke down the right and pulled it back for Couthino who was free in space 8 yards out, but Liverpool’s number 10 somehow managed to miskick.

Just three minutes later Couthino was involved again. He played it to his left to half time substitute Daniel Sturridge who tried his luck from a narrow angle but Fraser Forster made a smart save.

Brendan Rodger’s side continued to dominate the second half against an inexperienced Celtic team. Jose Enrique's flick set up Jordan Henderson. Henderson made his way into the area but shot tamely at Forster.

Couthino played the pass of the match five minutes from the end of normal time.  From inside his own half, he played the ball in behind the Celtic defence. Sturridge, who impressed during his first 45 minutes of action since he got injured, playing against Ireland in May, got onto it and chipped it over Forster but the ball just ended up on the wrong side of the post.

Liverpool had a number of corners late on but Celtic held on with half time substitute Darnell Fisher making a number of important clearances. Celtic will resume their league campaign next Saturday against Aberdeen. Liverpool will begin their Premier League season at home to Stoke City next Saturday.

Liverpool: Simon Mignolet: Glen Johnson, Andre Wisdom, Kolo Toure, Jose Enrique: Stuart Downing (Jordan Ibe 72), Lucas, Steven Gerrard, Joe Allen (Jordan Henderson 58), Philip Couthino: Iago Aspas (Daniel Sturridge 46).

Subs not used: Brad Jones, Luis Alberto, Oussama Assaidi, Sebastian Coates, Fabio Boirini, Raheem Sterling, Martin Kelly, Jon Flanagan.

Celtic: Luakasz Zaluska (Fraser Forster 46) : Adam Matthews, Mikael Lustig (Darnell Fisher 46), Steven Mouyokolo, Emilio Izaguire (Stuart Findley 65):  Beram Kayal (Paul George 85), Jackson Irvine, Dylan McGeouch, Tony Watt (Liam Henderson 84): Amido Balde (Bahurdin Atajic 70), Anthony Stokes. 

Subs not used: John Herron.

Booked: Anthony Stokes (44)

Referee: Alan Kelly.

 © Seamus Egan 2013

Shamrock Rovers 0-4 Saint Patricks Athletic

Four goals from Conan Byrne gave Saint Patricks Athletic an emphatic 4-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium on Friday night. In a dramatic game both Derek Foran and Sean O'Connor were sent off for the home team.

The visitors started much better than their opponents and they took their first chance in the 5^th minute. Derek Foran let the ball bounce and Conan Byrne took advantage. He gathered possession, raced towards goal and shot low into the corner of the net from about 12 yards out.

Shamrock Rovers did have a couple of opportunities in the space of 60 seconds soon after.  First of all Ronan Finn volleyed over from about 10 yards out and shortly after Karl Sheppard hit a decent effort from outside the area which was just too high.

Rovers should have equalized in the 21^st minute. New signing Richie Ryan played it to his left to Danny Ledwith. Ledwith put in a fine cross to the back post. Sean Connor rose highest but headed over.

It was a very eventful first half. Two minutes later at the other end Anthony Flood played it in behind the Rovers defence. Man of the match Conan Byrne was one on one with Richard Brush but the former Shelbourne player hit it wide.

The Hoops had another chance in the 32^nd minute. Danny Ledwith played it to his left to Gary McCabe. McCabe's right foot cross was met byS heppard but the Rovers striker’s headed effort ended up on the wrong side of the post.

That miss was to prove very costly just a minute later. Anthony Flood got the ball off Derek Foran and raced towards goal. Foran appeared to push Flood who still managed to get his shot away. Richard Brush made the save but referee Anthony Buttimer gave a penalty to Saint Pats and then sent off Foran. Conan Byrne sent Brush the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-0.

Things went from bad to worse for Trevor Crolly's team in the 53^rd minute. Chris Forrester raced towards goal. Sean O'Connor tracked him back. Forrester, who was still outside the area, went down under a challenge from his former teammate and referee Buttimer gave a freekick and sent off O'Connor as there was no covering defender.

The Saints took advantage against the nine men and went 3-0 up soon after. Conan Byrne took a quick free kick to Chris Forrester.  Forrester found himself in space in the area. Ronan Finn fouled him and Byrne stepped up to put the penalty into the corner of the net past substitute goalkeeper Barry Murphy for his hatrick.

In the 63^rd minute the visitors got their fourth and final goal of the match. Stephen Maher crossed from the right. Anto Flood headed goalwards. Barry Murphy made the save low to his left but Byrne followed up to put it into the empty net.

Both Flood and Ian Bermingham were denied by fine saves from Murphy in the final quarter as Pats cruised to victory to maintain their one point lead over Dundalk at the top of the table.

Saint Patricks Athletic manager Liam Buckley looked particularly pleased at the end of the 90 minutes as he raised his hand triumphantly to the Pats supporters. Will he be pleased at the end of the season as his side continue their title challenge?

Shamrock Rovers: Richard Brush (Barry Murphy 46): Conor McCormack, Derek Foran, Pat Sullivan, Conor McCormack: Sean O'Connor, Ronan Finn, Richie Ryan, Shane Robinson, Gary McCabe (David Elebert 36): Karl Sheppard (Billy Dennehy 77).

Booked: Shane Robinson (29), Pat Sullivan (35), Ronan Finn (55).

Sent-off: Derek Foran (34), Sean O’Connor (53).

Subs not used:  Conor Powell, Eamon Zayed, Nathan Browne,  Mark Sandford.

Saint Patricks Athletic: Brendan Clarke: Ger O'Brien, Conor Kenna (c), Kenny Browne, Ian Bermingham: Conan Byrne, Greg Bolger, Stephen Maher (Sean Gannon 67), John Russell, Chris Forrester (Daryl Kavanagh 78): Anthony Flood (Christy Fagan 67).

Subs not used: Rene Gilmartin, Aidan Price, Lorcan Fitzgerald,  Jake Kelly.

Booked: Conor Kenna (30), Kenny Browne (93).

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

Man of the match: Conan Byrne (Saint Patricks Athletic).

© Seamus Egan 2013