Morecambe away and Port Vale at home, these next two games are going to be the biggest two games of the season without a doubt; six points and we will get promoted.
Quite a bold statement to make I’m aware and yes every game at the moment seems to be the biggest game of our season, however I genuinely believe what I have just said.
We travel to Morecambe away this Saturday in what promises to be a very difficult encounter (we haven’t won at Morecambe since their return to the football league) whereas Southend travel away to Bristol Rovers and Torquay host Vale.
If Bristol Rovers can do us a huge favour and take points of Paul Sturrock’s men and if an in-form Port Vale side can do the same at Plainmoor then a win for us would be massive in our quest for automatic promotion.
What makes winning at Morecambe even more important is the pending game with Vale the Tuesday after. Our original game with Port Vale was called back at the start of February and this game will could make or break our season.
Shrews fans have been living safe in the knowledge that we have a game in hand and if we win that game we will be well within our rights to start getting excited about promotion. Well on Tuesday it’s do or die time, we either take three points and move ourselves above Torquay (working under the idea we at least match their result Saturday) and move ourselves at the very least four points clear of the play off places or we bottle it all together.
This match is is made all the more special by the fact that we have just set a new club record of 27 matches unbeaten in all competitions and so Graham Turner’s men will now be hoping to maintain this incredible record to bolster our promotion chances.
If Southend lose on Saturday and we can pick up two victories, this will put seven points clear of fourth place. I’m not going to get too excited but this will be a very promising position with only seven games of the season left to play.
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“Don’t panic!” cried Ledley King as he hobbled across the pitch, desperately trying to rally his stuttering team-mates as the unfamiliar sound of boos echoed around White Hart Lane. The club had suffered yet another setback, this time with defeat at the hands of Norwich, leading many to announce that the wheels are rapidly falling off the Tottenham bandwagon. If only Harry was a wheeler-dealer.
If we cast our minds back to February 11, Spurs had just run riot against a seemingly formidable Newcastle side and sat just five points off the top of the Premier League. New signing Louis Saha had bagged a brace on his home debut as things continued to look rosy for Harry Redknapp. The Lilywhites were riding the crest of a very impressive wave but now with the wind firmly out of their sails, the club is in real danger of drifting past those desirable European shores.
The January transfer window was to an extent a missed opportunity, as hoards of journalists eagerly awaited the next inspired acquisition from Harry Redknapp. Instead they were greeted by Louis Saha and Ryan Nelsen, two players who had long since celebrated their 30th birthdays and who shared a history of troublesome injuries that would arguably see them spend more time on the treatment table than on the pitch. However, morale was high and with Harry somewhat distracted elsewhere, the decision to purchase experience over youthful exuberance was hailed as a wise move.
Saha, through no fault of his own, has unfortunately created more problems than he has solved. Redknapp appeared desperate to justify his latest purchase and set about altering the successful formula of 4-5-1 to the untested and largely old-fashioned 4-4-2. Despite his double against the Toon Army, the Frenchman has only found the net once in his following eight appearances. Nelsen on the other hand was brought in to provide cover for the team’s ailing backline. However, with Dawson out for the season and King’s knee constantly surrounded by scaffolding, the New Zealander has found himself thrust into the first-team and he too has struggled with the intensity of life at the top.
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Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but many would argue that Tottenham could have signalled their intent with a high profile signing. Lille sensation Eden Hazard has previously confirmed his interest in joining the North London club, perhaps his arrival in January would have been the perfect source of motivation to enable the club to progress. Other potential targets included Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi and Marseille’s Loic Remy who could have revitalised a strike force that was shrouded in mystery regarding the future of both Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe.
The current ‘crisis’ at Spurs is not simply down to the lack of transfer activity but rather Redknapp’s reliance or perhaps defiance over his ‘winning eleven’. His conversion to the new formation only further exposed a lack of squad depth, epitomised by the lack of competition and indeed cover for both his marauding full-backs. It’s no great mystery that Spurs rely on Van Der Vaart to implement their preferred 4-5-1 system effectively and seriously struggle for width in Lennon’s absence and when Bale inexplicably decides to go walkabout. The fact that eight players have started 27 league games or more highlights Redknapp’s much-publicised favouritism towards certain players, with the likes of Sandro and Livermore exhibiting a deficiency in match practice whenever they’ve been called upon.
Aside from the growing physical demands of their league and cup campaigns, Spurs have certainly struggled to overcome psychological barriers in recent weeks. The club were deemed heavy favourites for third place when their run-in revealed teams decorating the bottom half of the league. But complacency has borrowed its way into the mindset and suddenly their upcoming games against QPR, Blackburn and Bolton, three teams that are fighting relegation, look anything but a certainty.
Forgive me for dipping into the world of football clichés but it’s evident that this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final provides a much-needed ‘distraction’. In my personal view the momentum has swung back in Chelsea’s favour given their revitalisation under Roberto Di Matteo. Is that a sign of just how far Spurs have come, given that they could ever be described as favourites against a team like Chelsea, or does it show just how much far they’ve fallen from grace?
Find me on Twitter @theunusedsub where I’ll probably be having my roast dinner in front of the television given Sunday’s inconvenient kick-off time.
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MK Dons are unbeaten in seven away league games so should not be taken lightly. In previous play off campaigns we have always remained unbeaten after the first leg, yet always went on to lose the tie. Maybe this can provide us with some hope that it’s not impossible to turn over a first leg deficit.
It is a difficult situation for Huddersfield. Even though they have the 2 goal advantage if they sit back and invite pressure the Dons are sure to find a way to break them down. The same if they go out to get that 3rd goal they are likely to leave themselves open to a counter attack.
Did you know?
Huddersfield Town striker Jordan Rhodes has scored an incredible 39 goals this season, the most in all four divisions!
The next goal scored in the tie is probably going to decide the result. The Dons have to score early and, perhaps more importantly, first if they want to make the coveted trip to Wembley this year. We have no option but to go out and attack, this could be our last game of the season we must not leave anything in the dressing room.
If Huddersfield do manage to score first at the Galpharm, they have all but sealed MK Dons’ fate of playing League One football for the 5th consecutive year. If MK play at the same tempo and class as they have for most of this season, they can recover. We all know that almost anything can happen between 90 minutes and this tie is certainly not done and dusted.
MK Dons XI v HTAFC
Martin,
Doumbe, MacKenzie, Williams, Lewington
Potter, Gleeson
Bowditch, Ibehre, O’Shea
MacDonald
The MK Army have been treated to a few cracking away games this season, we beat a premier league team 4-0 at their own ground, outclassing them in every single way. We beat Colchester 5-1 and have had convincing 3-0 victories at Scunthorpe and Leyton Orient. We are most definitely capable of producing the performances but more importantly the results away from Stadium:MK. In fact we would be second in the table for away games only!
This year has seen an increase in professionalism all round MK Dons. After the disappointing result on Saturday, the team have been taken away for private training, refining the errors made in the first leg. Robinson will have them fired up for this decisive 2nd leg, one thing is for sure, we will not go down without a fight. The squad, although at it’s smallest, is more united and stronger than ever!
One thing they must all remember:
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“Keep on going and the chances are you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I have never heard of anyone stumbling on something sitting down.” – Charles F. Kettering
In defeat or in victory, I will forever be proud of my club and the lads that pull on our shirt every single week.
You can follow me on Twitter and read even more of my writing on my personal blog
It is not often I get riled, but if I hear the comment once more that Rio ‘was left out for footballing reasons’ I think I’m going to throw the laptop out of the window. I have never heard such drivel in my life and the recent call-ups has simply underlined what rubbish the reasons for Ferdinand’s omission actually were. Hodgson should man-up and tell us the truth, instead of continuing to insult our intelligence.
Jamie Moralee was roundly criticised by many within the game for his attack on the FA, Hodgson and alike; however his sentiments would have been felt by many. It is kind of baffling that an inexperienced Liverpool reserve would get the nod, and be deemed a better option than the most decorated defender currently in England. It is a joke in every sense of the word and only serves to prove why so many doubted his suitability for the job in the first place. Hodgson has decided to go with the putting of square pegs in round holes option with his squad and destroying England’s chances at the Euro’s with it.
The reasoning the likes of Sven have given in defence of Hodgson is that Rio has had injury problems this season and unlikely to play regularly, despite the fact he has played 38 games this year (a damn sight more than Kelly I might add). It is another pointless justification, given that Hodgson included Wayne Rooney who is ineligible for two games. The argument is that on a one-off game Rooney could make a huge difference is the right one; in much the same way that being able to call upon someone with the experience of Ferdinand would have been a useful weapon to have. Fabio Capello called up Ledley King for the last World Cup with such thinking in mind, but then again as managers go we are dealing with chalk and cheese here. Apparently Ferdinand has been told by Hodgson he still has an international future with the World Cup qualifiers in mind – an even more baffling comment, given how much this squad is battling with injuries at this moment in time.
Hodgson’s inconsistencies are frightening and judging by the performances of his team over the last two outings, a painful tournament awaits us.
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Manchester City are thought to want to sign Bologna’s star playmaker Gaston Ramirez this summer, and the star’s agent has confirmed that the Premier League champions have been in touch.
The Uruguay international has impressed for the Serie A side over the last number of seasons, with a move to a bigger club seemingly on the cards for some time now.
However, City will not be the only club interested in purchasing Ramirez, as confirmed by the South American midfielder’s agent Pablo Betancourt.
“Juventus and Manchester City have contacted me but there is especially an interesting offer from Wolfsburg and also another one from an important Spanish club,” The Guardian report the representative as saying.
“I think considering all the offers, the possibility that he could leave this summer could happen.”
It is believed that a fee in the region of £15 million will be needed to pry the 21-year-old away from the Italian team, and Roberto Mancini has recently admitted that he admires Ramirez.
“He is a good, young player with great potential. In attack, though, we are OK,” he told reporters.
Ramirez looks certain for a move to a bigger club this summer, and his versatility could bolster City’s options in attacking midfield and on the flanks.
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As France haplessly limp out of this summer’s European Championships, scarcely putting up a fight against the Spanish, Les Blues are yet again deemed a failure by their compatriots. The man at the helm, Laurent Blanc had seemingly turned the fortunes of his nation before the ill-fated journey to Ukraine. An unbeaten run stretching way back to last year; Blanc seemed to have catapulted the side he once played for, back to its world beating proficiencies. However, after a performance against their neighbours from the south in the last 8, that seemed both lethargic and reluctant, Les Tricolores have reverted back to square un.
With Blanc now facing the unenviable wrath of the French media, Daniel Levy has his eyes set on the former Inter defender to take the hot seat at White Hart Lane, if reports are to be believed. A three horse race is ensuing between Andre Villas-Boas, Ralf Rangnick and the aforementioned Blanc. If ‘Larry White’ (as Blanc was affectionately known as by supporters of Man United) gallops over the finish line first questions will surely need to be answered by Levy and co. in regards to the appointment. To put a coach who has had only 3 years in domestic management, in charge of one of the most pre-eminent teams in Europe is certainly a risk. Spurs fans will remember the last time a Frenchman had the reigns in North London; Jacques Santini and his 13 games in charge of the club was an unmitigated disaster. Unfortunately for Tottenham fans, the notable comparisons between Santini and Blanc are verging on the uncanny; the two Frenchmen were former players who both spent time at Saint-Etienne and Montpellier. Both coached their respective French sides to Ligue 1 titles, both winning manager of the year for their achievements. Santini and Blanc both managed the French national team and took them to quarter finals of European Championships. Spurs will certainly be hoping that the comparisons firmly halt there, as Santini’s reign at White Hart Lane was almost laughable. He could not speak a word of English, fell out with Sporting Director at the time Frank Arneson and quit after 13 games. The concerning similarities for Blanc is that he too will be working under a sporting director and his English is fairly basic. Surely Levy is not blind enough to overlook the obvious connections, between one of the worst managers the club have ever had and the man that is second favourite for the current vacancy.
Positives are untraceable when perhaps unjustly comparing Blanc to Santini. The former played in the English league for two years so is aware of the style and pace of the Premier League, despite his comedic lack of it when protecting the net at Old Trafford. Blanc is also renowned for his leadership qualities, having been nicknamed Le President by Marseille fans in 1999. His professional career has helped him gain plaudits in his homeland and fits of praise on the continent. However, the echoes of previous managerial disasters at Spurs are just too much to look past. After all, Santini was no also-ran in his days across the channel. He almost single-handedly elevated Lyon to the stature of greatest team in their country over a period of three years. Maybe Levy feels a risk is necessary to shake things up at Tottenham. Blanc may be the only current candidate prepared to work with a sporting director. However, whilst soliciting a move for the current French national coach on his form prior to the European Championships is certainly justified, a more experienced coach with anglicised tendencies may be more efficient long term.
Spurs fans what do you think? Would you be happy with Blanc at WHL? Go Tête à Tête with me on Twitter. @mattpegg1
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Juventus are ready to turn their attention to Liverpool forward Luis Suarez after seeing their attempts to sign Robin van Persie thwarted, Mirror Football report.
The Italian champions are in the market for a new world-class striker this summer, and have already failed in an attempt to sign Napoli’s Edinson Cavani.
The Bianconeri have been one of a number of sides tracking Arsenal attacker Van Persie after the Netherlands international spurned a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, but are being priced out of a move for the current PFA Player of the Year.
Juve are thought to be ready to take a step back in their approaches for Van Persie and will instead contact Liverpool to gauge the availability of Suarez.
The Uruguay international has had a controversial period in England since his January 2011 move from Ajax, with the South American spending eight matches on the sidelines due to a racism scandal last season.
Liverpool are keen to hold onto their talented forward, but their resolve will be tested by the wealthy Serie holders.
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Joey Barton has revealed that he only wants to play for Marseille, as The Daily Mail state that the midfielder has offered to tear up his contract at Loftus Road.
The controversial battler is serving a 12-match ban after being dismissed for violent conduct in the R’s final game of last season against his former club Manchester City, and as such Mark Hughes is thought to want to sell him.
After training with Fleetwood Town, Barton has expressed his desire to move to the Ligue 1 side, who have been accredited with an interest in a loan move for the midfielder.
Barton has told his Twitter followers that he wants a switch to the Stade Velodrome side to be wrapped-up before the close of the transfer window.
“Marseille won again as well. Allez les Marseillais. Maybe I’ll see you all this week?” he stated on the social networking site.
“I am hopeful that things will be sorted out soon. Other clubs are in but I only want to play in Marseille. This is the place for me.
“Hopefully QPR and Marseille can finalise the deal in the next few days. My heart is already in the Velodrome,” he expressed.
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Liverpool are potentially interested in German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and will make a move for him in January according to Mirror Football.
Reds no.1 Pepe Reina has made a number of high-profile errors in the first three games of the new Premier League season, and as such Brendan Rodgers is thought to be considering bolstering his options in goal.
The young stopper has impressed for Borussia Monchengladbach, and was unlucky not to be included in Germany’s Euro 2012 squad after making his international debut earlier in the year.
Tottenham and Manchester United have also been linked with a move for the youngster in the past, and Liverpool are said to be considering selling Reina and investing in the Monchengladbach prospect.
Rodgers is believed to have also considered a move for Birmingham’s Jack Butland, but views the England international as too expensive given his lack of first-team experience at the highest level.
By Gareth McKnight
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Derbies – they are part of what makes not just the Bundesliga but football in general great. It’s there where all of the passion is poured out onto the pitch by both fans and players. This weekend the Bundesliga had no less than four of them on show. Not all of them were necessarily local – Bayern Munich and Stuttgart for instance are 136 miles apart.
The pair nevertheless make up the Southern derby (not to be confused with Nuremberg v Fürth which is the South derby). With Borussia Dortmund drawing with Nuremberg on Saturday, it was a great opportunity for Bayern to take an early lead over the Champions. They did just that, but not before Stuttgart were made to realise that Bayern are like the Incredible Hulk – you wouldn’t like them when they’re angry.
The Swabians hit the bar early on and then took the lead through Martin Harnik’s superb volley on 25 minutes. By half time, Stuttgart were trailing by two after Müller, Kroos and most spectacularly Luiz Gustavo, gave the Bavarians the lead their fans expected. In the second half, it continued with Müller (again), Mandzukic and Schweinsteiger ensuring last year’s runners up were 6-1 up just six minutes after half time. That’s how it stayed but there was still time for Vedad Ibisevic to be sent off, completing a bad start in the Bundesliga for the Bosnian after last week’s horrible miss.
Perhaps not for the last time this season though, Bayern went to the top of the Bundesliga. Still, they weren’t the only side to enjoy a Sunday roast. For the Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) derby was more like the demolition derby as Hannover thumped Wolfsburg at the VW Arena.
This in itself was a surprise. After all, Hannover hadn’t won in Wolfsburg since 2006 and they weren’t great on the road last year, picking up just two away wins all season. The Wolves have also been tipped to do well this season and were expected to build on last weekend’s win at Stuttgart.
Still, Hannover are not a side to be underestimated, as they showed. Their star was Szabolcs Huszti. The Hungarian, who returned to the club after three years at Zenit St. Petersburg, set up all four goals for “The 96.” Karim Haggui and Artur Sobiech made it 2-0 before the break. In the second half, Leon Andreasen and Sobiech completed a fantastic day for Mirko Slomka’s men. Wolfsburg also had substitute Robin Knoche sent off in the second half and it was unsurprising when coach Felix Magath apologized to the fans after his side’s tame performance. After all, the Lower Saxony bragging rights were firmly with Hannover.
It wasn’t as clear cut in the Niederrhein (Lower Rhine) derby as Fortuna Düsseldorf and Borussia Mönchengladbach renewed rivalries in the Bundesliga for the first time in over 15 years. Yet neither was able to find a winner in a tight affair on Saturday evening. The match belied the ever entertaining nature of Fortuna Düsseldorf whilst for Gladbach, you can’t help but feel it was the sort of game they might have won, if they still had a certain Marco Reus. Still, the Foals look well set for the season, something which cannot be said of Hamburg.
HSV travelled to Werder Bremen in the Nordderby (North derby) but were outclassed for a second week running. With new signing Rafael van der Vaart watching on having returned from Spurs, Werder picked up from their encouraging performance at the Champions on the opening night of the season. Aaron Hunt had one penalty saved by René Adler, a definite positive for Hamburg in the new season. However, Adler was beaten by a second Hunt penalty in the second half and then by a Nils Petersen strike, ensuring that Werder and Hamburg were looking in different directions going into the international break. BILD even questioned after the result whether van der Vaart’s contract extends into the 2.Bundesliga – a cheeky and slightly premature jibe. Time is on their side but HSV’s start has been far from inspiring. Patience is thin on the ground with fans, as it is with many supporters these days. Passion runs high which is what makes derby matches and indeed what made this weekend’s Bundesliga matches special.
However, we must be careful, especially after what happened to Kevin Pezzoni this week. Pezzoni was a player at another big club who have been going through hard times, that being Cologne who were relegated from the Bundesliga just a few months ago. He cancelled his contract this week after being threatened outside his home by a group of angry Cologne fans – an appalling development. So while fans displeasure at results is understandable, the Pezzoni incident certainly helped to put into context where football’s boundaries for passion lie.
For more on the Bundesliga, follow @archiert1 on Twitter
Matchday 2 Results:
Mainz 0-1 Fürth
Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 Freiburg
Hoffenheim 0-4 Eintracht Frankfurt
Nuremberg 1-1 Borussia Dortmund
Schalke 3-1 Augsburg
Werder Bremen 2-0 Hamburg
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