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Wayne Rooney struck his 8th goal in all competition in just 6 matches against
Pompey in the League and took his league tally to 21 goals.
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo meant that this season, Rooney was able to
operate fully as a striker and not confined to cutting in from the wings. Sure,
he took time to get going, but nothing seems to stop him now. Should he
translate his league form to a World Cup winning performance this summer, who's
to deny him a World Player of the Year award?
Here's a tribute to one of the most devastating striker in the English game.
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| Manchester United 5 - Portsmouth 0: Rooney opens the floodgates with a 6-yard header
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| Arsenal 1 - Manchester United 3: Rooney starts and ends the counter attack from United's half
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| Manchester United 3 - Manchester City 1: Rooney silences the noisy neigbours in the Carling Cup
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| Manchester United 4 - Hull City 0: FOURmidable Rooney
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Manchester United 3 - Burnley 0: Rooney smashes in the second after Berbatov unlocked Burnley
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Posted on 8 Feb 2010
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Mister Wong • BallHype
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English Premier League 2009/10
Birmingham City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
St. Andrew's (Birmingham), 7 February 2010, Kick-off, 21:30 (GMT +8:00)
Birmingham City
City are unbeaten in their last eight home matches, drawing their last three against Chelsea, Manchester United & Tottenham Hotspur. They have also won their last two league meetings with Wolves, keeping a clean sheet in both matches. City would be encouraged to know that Wolves had an extra mid-week match away at Crystal Palace, in which they lost 3-1. In contrast, City has had the whole week to recover after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend. City have no major injury concerns and lively Chucho Benitez & Cameron Jerome are likely to spearhead the attack again.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves travelled to Crystal Palace in mid-week for their FA Cup replay and was stunned by the host. They were knocked out of the FA Cup and are currently fighting for their Premiership lives. Wolves came from behind twice last weekend to draw 2-2 with fellow strugglers Hull City and they face another tough assignment at St. Andrew's. Even after their FA Cup exit, motivation to get points in tonight's match should not be lacking against their local rivals.
Match Prediction
It woun't be pretty and both teams going at each other. Expect to see both teams
score. City are in a far superior position and they would probably not settle for anything other than a win. It would be a perfect opportunity for Alex McCleish's men to bounce back from the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea last weekend. City have not conceded against Wolves in two previous outings but
have conceded at least once prior to that in every match since 2001. However,
City look favourites to win and a 2-1 win will be a more likely outcome.
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Posted on 7 Feb 2010
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France Ligue 1 2009/10
Boulogne vs Montpellier
Stade de la Liberation (Boulogne), 7 February 2010, Kick-off, 02:00 (GMT +8:00)
Boulogne
26 points separate Boulogne with second placed Montpellier and are favourites to finish in the bottom-three. Unfortunately for them, things may just get worst tonight as they have already lost to Bordeaux, Lille & Monaco at home, three teams that are currently in the top 5. A visit from Montpellier does not augur well for them. However, Boulogne have only lost once in their last 3 matches at home so they would be encouraged by that.
Montpellier
While fellow promoted club Boulougne find themselves fighting immediate drop, Montpellier surprised even themselves at what they have achieved so far. The newly promoted club have defied all odds and find themselves just 6 points adrift of leaders Bordeaux & dreaming of Europe. Montpellier bounced back from a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Monaco with three straight wins, including a recent 2-0 win over Marseille. They have won three of four on the road and look to continue the fine run tonight. The most recent match between these two teams at Stade de la Liberation ended in a 0-3 win for Montpellier.
Match Prediction
Montpellier finished above Boulogne in Ligue-2 last season and have beaten them in the last two meetings. It would not be a surprise if they
win this tonight, but it would be interesting to see if Boulogne are able to make them work for the win. Boulogne have not managed to score in the last two games at home but they average 1 every game this season. Hard to see Boulogne not scoring at home for long so
expect them to get one tonight. A 1-2 win for Montpellier should not be too far off. |
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Posted on 7 Feb 2010
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Germany Bundesliga 2009/10
Werder Bremen vs Hertha BSC
Weserstadion (Bremen), 6 February 2010, Kick-off, 03:00 (GMT +8:00)
Werder Bremen
A bad run of form saw Bremen drop out of contention for the title. 16 points seperate them and league leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Bremen have not won at home since October and have suffered two draws & two losses since. Against tonight's opposition, Bremen look superior given that they have won the last three encounters at Weserstadion. But injuries to several players may see Bremen struggle against Hertha.
Hertha BSC
The bottom club won their last away match against fellow strugglers Hannover, posting a convincing 0-3 win to remain unbeaten in the new year. That match was also the last time they scored a goal. Subsequent matches have ended in a nil-nil draw. Hertha are seven points adrift of safety, so they are not likely to go down without a fight against a stuttering Bremen.
Match Prediction
It will be hard not to back Bremen to win this albeit by a single goal margin. Safe to assume, however, that this match will see both teams score. The last nine meetings between these two produced no less than 3 goals per match, and though Hertha have gone two matches without scoring, those two matches were matches played at home. On the road, Hertha have not been as goal shy. Hertha average 0.9 goals per away game and their opponents, Bremen, are not a team that can manage to keep a clean sheet either. Bremen are more than capable of winning this match, but it would not be easy. Since Hertha are capable of sneaking a goal, a 2-1 or 3-1 Bremen win looks to be the best call. |
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Posted on 5 Feb 2010
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English Premier League 2009/10
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Emirates Stadium (London), 1 February 2010, Kick-off, 00:00 (GMT +8:00)
Arsenal
Like many Premier League teams, Arsenal always seem to raise their game when pitted against Man Utd. Written-off as title contenders as early as November, Arsenal rose to the challenge and now sit two points off the leaders, Chelsea (prior to Chelsea's match against Burnley), with a game in hand. A win over United would carry them above the Manchester club. Except for injuries to Thomas Vermaelen & R. van Persie, Arsenal have their strongest side available and Sol Campbell is set to make his Premier League return. The Gunners drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in mid-week but they seldom go on scoreless runs for long, especially at home, where they have scored at least two goals in every home match they have played this season. Only Chelsea managed to kept a clean sheet against them when they trounced Arsenal at the Emirates a few months back.
Manchester United
If Arsenal normally raise their game against United, expect Wayne Rooney to do the same against the Gunners. United have been impressive this year and it coincides with Rooney's scintilating goal-scoring form. The champions have been far from impressive this season despite being second in the table. But two convincing wins against Hull City & Manchester City in the league and Carling Cup respectively could signal a return of the menacing form that has always been a trademark of United in the past two decades. The defence may be a worry for the manager as they have not managed to consistently keep a cleansheet.
Match Prediction
Both sides would approach this match with caution and rely on swift counter-attacks to create goalscoring chances. Neither team can boast about having a solid defence at the moment so expect
both teams to get on the scoresheet and at the very least the game could produce
four goals. Rooney is likely to play alone upfront for United but they have midfielders who can score, especially the cunning
Antonio Valencia. The first half should produce a goal for the home team but United are a second-half team and could possibly
sneak a win, though a draw is a likely outcome.
Spain La Liga 2009/10
Villareal vs Osasuna
Camp El Madrigal (Villarreal), 1 February 2010, Kick-off, 00:00 (GMT +8:00)
Villarreal
Beaten only once at home, Villarreal face a lesser Osasuna tonight in a match that they are expected to win. They have a healthy goalscoring record at home and should have at least a couple of goals in them. Real Zaragoza were the latest team to get thumped at
Villarreal, losing 4-2, in a game which saw four different players score for the home team. Their solid home form looks to be extended tonight against a weakened Osasuna.
Osasuna
Osasuna suffered a home loss to Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey in midweek and looks likely to face another defeat tonight. The extra mid-week match should be a disadvantage to the visitors as their hosts tonight were not involved in any matches after last weekend's match. They come into this match with 5 key players absent but Osasuna could still pose a goal threat as
Villarreal are not tight at the back.
Match Prediction
Another avalanche of goals is expected at El Madrigal, with Villarreal coming out as victors. Do not bet against Osasuna scoring as the visitors are more than capable of
getting a goal. The hosts should be expected to continues last weekend's performance and
win both halves comfortably.
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Posted on 31 Jan 2010
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German Bundesliga 2009/10
Hannover 96 vs FC Nurnberg
AWD Arena (Hannover), 30 January 2010, Kick-off, 22:30 (GMT +8:00)
Hannover 96
Hannover are four points ahead of second from bottom Nurnberg and should be seen as favourites to improve their position in the Bundesliga. Compared to Nurnberg, who have lost 7 games on the road, Hannover have lost only 4 games at home, including a 5-2 victory over Freiburg, the team sitting on top of them in the league. In addition, a victory over Nurnberg tonight could put them above Freiburg, if they lose at Leverkusen on Monday, so a win is a must for the home team. Hannover would be encouraged that they hold a stronger head-to-head record over Nurnberg.
FC Nurnberg
Nurnberg drew 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt at home last week but their form on the road is a cause for concern. Three losses in their last three away matches, eight goals conceded and none scored. On top of that, they have not beaten Hannover since May 2007. They lost at home to Hannover earlier this season have conceded 2 goals to the same opposition in the last 3 meetings.
Match Prediction
The head-to-head suggest that Hannover should be able to overcome Nurnberg in this bottom of the table encounter. Hannover have scored two goals in each of their last three encounters and kept a clean sheet in their first encounter this season. They have, however, found goals hard to come by recently so a 1-0 win tonight should not be too far off from the actual score.
France Ligue 1 2009/10
Montpellier vs Olympique Marseille
Stade de la Masson (Montpellier), 31 January 2010, Kick-off, 04:00 (GMT +8:00)
Montpellier
Montpellier surprised even themselves this season, finding themselves sitting second behind league leaders Bordeaux and three points ahead of their rivals tonight. They have however, ended the year on a low, losing two consecutive games at home before finally picking up a narrow win against Nice in their first match back from the winter break. Montpellier have not beaten Marseille since 1999 and may find it tough to milk a win from this one tonight.
Marseille
A win tonight would see Marseille leapfrog above Montpellier in the table. They are still searching for ther first win on the road since 17 December 2009 and a match against an opponent they have beaten six times in seven encounters should provide the perfect opportunity to get a first win for the new year. But they should be cautious seeing that this season, there have been a lot of surprises, more so since Montpellier have been on form for the whole of last year, despite suffering a drop of form at the turn of the year.
Match Prediction
Marseille should fancy themselves to win this encounter but Montpellier may have other ideas. A draw looks likely but do not be surprised if the home team post a win in front of their home crowd. It would definitely be a tight game considering that both teams hold a good goals per game ratio, there should be goals for both sides tonight,
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Posted on 30 Jan 2010
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German Bundesliga 2009/10
Hamburger SV vs VfL Wolfsburg
HSH Nordbank Arena (Hamburg), 30 January 2010, Kick-off, 03:30 (GMT +8:00)
Hamburger SV
Hamburg are seven points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who will only entertain relegation candicates Freiburg early Monday morning, and would look to take the opportunity to close the gap with a win tonight. Hamburg are a tough team to beat at home and a visit by struggling Wolfsburg would actually be a welcomed encounter, given the fact that the visitors had lost 2-4 when the two sides met earlier this season and the current champions are far from their league winning form of last season. The home team, however,do not score a lot in front of their own crowd, though it helps that they usually keep a tight back line. A certain Ruud van Nistelrooy may feature who most definitely would boost their goals per game ratio. Hamburg would have additional motivation as they look to reverse a 1-3 drubbing they received at the hands of Wolfsburg in front of their home crowd last season. A win tonight would complete a double over the champions.
VfL Wolfsburg
Fresh from being humbled at home by Cologne, a tough assignment at fifth placed Hamburg could provide yet another disappointment for reigning German champions, Wolfsburg. Their form has been less than impressive and a visit to Hamburg is the last thing that they could want. The problem is not upfront, however, but rather a weak defence who have not been able to keep a clean sheet. In their last 3 matches on the road, they have let in 7 goals in a run of two draws and one loss. It is hard to see them overcome a strong Hamburg side who have not lost at home since November.
Match Prediction
Encounters between these two sides are never short of goals. Hamburg won 2-4 in the reverse fixture in August and last season were soundly beaten at home 1-3 by Wolfsburg. Both side are definitely capable of scoring but expect Wolfsburg to let in more than they score. A scoreline in the region of 3-1 to Hamburg should be fairly accurate, on top of a confident pick of Total Goals
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Posted on 29 Jan 2010
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| The season of twists & unexpected turns continued last night in England. Manchester United struggled against Burnley, but has continued to show us again this season and for most of last, that they are a second half team. Sunderland made Chelsea look good with some horrendous marking, totally the opposite of their performance at Old Trafford and against Arsenal at home. They have now gotten the undesirable reputation of being Chelsea's punching bag. Last season they were whipped at the same venue by a similar margin, the only difference being they manged to get on the scoresheet last night.
Steven Pienaar put in a magnificent
display to bury Mancini's men.
Liverpool again faltered at Stoke City, as they did last season but I am unconvinced that Rafa Benitez will get the sack now, not if Liverpool had to pay an estimated £20mil compensation to the Spaniard. Wonder if the fans will still sing his praises and still opt to blame the boardroom instead. Manchester City flattered to deceive, and looked mediocre against a potent Everton. This was Roberto Mancini's real test against opponents that are not consideted relegation candidates and failed. The hype around Carlos Tevez being a reborn player seems to have died together with the team's performance last night.
Elsewhere, Tottenham can count themselves unlucky not to beat Hull City at home after Boaz Myhill put on a brilliant individual performance between the sticks for the visitors. Harry Redknapp had no complaints over the performance of his boys and summed it up by saying it was just one of those days. Luckily for them, the point earned pushed them a further ahead of fellow pretenders, Man City.
The second coming of David Beckham to Milan may just signify a return of glory for one Milan club and put pressure on another as league leaders Inter Milan stuttered against Bari and this has opened up a chance for Beckham's Milan to close the gap on them. However, the man that has followed Beckham's footsteps at Manchester and now at Madrid suffered a backward turn of fortunes after Real Madrid lost to a gritty Atletico Bilbao. No such problems for Barelona who thumped Sevilla 4 - 0 at the Nou Camp, just days after being ousted by the same club ib the King's Cup. |
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Posted on 17 Jan 2010
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| For those who have visited my site religiously & anticipating my predictions, I apologize for not being able to post my predictions for the past few months.
It's been a busy period for me and I am taking a short break from this. I will be back sometime next year, so do come back!
So here's to a very Happy New Year 2010 & Merry Christmas everyone! |
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Posted on 23 Dec 2009
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| Ireland drew France in the play-offs for a place in the 2010 World Cup. The last-minute Italian leveler in their group encounter would be rued if they fail to overcome the French. But, they way the Irish are playing now, I would not bet against them.
A hint of conspiracy though as Portugal get Bosnia-Herzegovina and it's impossible to see Cristiano Ronaldo miss the plane to South Africa.
Russia should go through after getting drawn with Slovenia, while Greece can upset the Ukraine if they can avoid defeat away. |
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Posted on 19 Oct 2009
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