Midweek sports review

 

Apologies everyone I got my fixtures mixed up with the Rugby it wasn't France vs. Ireland but more about the rugby in another post. I remember when the premiership season was just freshly upon us and Liverpool had Tottenham away I was a little nervous it was Balotelli’s debut in fact I remember in the first half of that game  he could of scored with his first touch of the game (Let’s not bring up his season stats for goals or attempts at goal, cue hide face emoji). Back then Liverpool where still trying to shrug of the SUAREZ question (Can Liverpool cope without the goals of Suarez?) and yes we have struggled but at the time sterling was playing at the top of the diamond 4-1-2-1-2 now he has been converted to a striker and that has helped. I remember that game Gerrard scored his 43^rd penalty setting a new club record, there where goals and Liverpool kept a clean sheet. Fast forward a little and the first part of this season has been dreadful but Rodgers has adapted, changed the formation and is seeming to cope without Suarez. Liverpool are in a fierce battle for the top 4.

The battle for the top 4 is what makes this game so interesting Tottenham are four points ahead of Liverpool and really hitting there stride. There derby win against Arsenal was fantastic and just like I said in my previous blog post having a striker in form like Kane is essential for there push towards a champions league spot. I’m even wandering where Liverpool would have been if they had some of his calibre to rely on while Sturridge has been out injured. I’m not knocking Lambert or borini or Balotelli but none of them have been as prolific as Kane this season.

I’m hoping and predicting that Liverpool win this 2-1 however Tottenham are on a good run of form so it could be 2-2.

In the other midweek fixtures I’m predicting wins for Arsenal, Chelsea, Man utd, Man city, Sunderland however the rest of the fixtures will be draws.

Weekend sports review

Here are four sporting matches that I've picked which will  keep you entertained this weekend!!

Rugby

England’s game against Wales was a fantastic six nations opener with England the triumphant team but today’s games will be just as juicy. Ireland vs. France is definitely my game to watch if you’re a rugby fan. Two nations with plenty of talent, I predict Ireland to win this seeing as they had a fantastic autumn in 2014 however you never know with the French and that’s why I’m tipping this to be a great game.

Football

I always wonder how the fixture generator seems to work but 2 derbies on a Saturday is delicious. Tottenham v Arsenal is the early kick off and Everton vs. Liverpool the last one of the Saturday evening. In the North London derby both teams go into the match in decent form, Arsenal just like Tottenham have lost only 2 of there last 10 games but everyone knows form goes out the window in a derby game. The game can be won in a moment and its great to see a local lad like Harry Kane in such exquisite form. He has scored 20 goals in 33 appearances (10 in the league) I’m tipping him to be on the score sheet. For me the defensive partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker always gives Arsenal that assured look and they are a formidable partnership, arsenal have an array of attacking weapons so this game is in the balance for me. My thought is that the game will end a draw 2-2.

It’s an interesting game for Liverpool they've got Sturridge back from injury, coutinho on fire and sterling playing very well. I’m so happy as a Liverpool fan that they managed to turn things around, although Everton have lost 5 of their last 10 games they are still a formidable force. This game is going to turn out to be a draw or a narrow Liverpool win. It’s a shame that this will be Gerrard’s 33 and probably last derby. Only Ian Rush has scored more goals (25) in the Merseyside derby than Gerrard who has 10 but if this is to be a fairy tale ending for captain Marvel I reckon he will have the final say today!

Last but not least we have the African cup nations final on Sunday. I just can’t wait, being a proud Ghana supporter I was happy with the way we progressed to the final thanks to goals from Jordan Ayew, Wakaso and André Ayew however the ending of the game was really poor due to the crowd trouble and security issues. Ghana vs Ivory Coast starts at 6:30p.m definitely a watch on a Sunday evening, Ghana are aiming to win it for the 5^th time where surprisingly Ivory Coast have only won it once despite boasting a large amount of star players that play in Europe the golden generation has gone but they still have good players such as bony, gervinho and for me there key man is Yaya toure. He can do everything tackle, take on men, score, he is the whole package. I love the new look of the Ghana side players like muntari, kevin prince boateng and others have been replaced with new capped players like Atsu, Acquah and Kewsi Appiah and they don’t look out of place at all.

My heart says Ghana but my head says Ivory Coast. This game could go into extra time

Ghana vs Equatorial Guinea

The 2nd semi final of the African cup of nations is proving to be exciting with each side trying to impose themselves upon the game. I'm hoping Ghana wins the game. Sidenote happy belated new year lool!! The 2nd half has been quite disjointed, no team creating clear chances, the referee not allowing the game to flow. Atsu and ayew looking lively. Ghana scored great through ball, appiah was brought down Jordan Ayew converts the penalty. Ghana scored a fantasic second, super slick counter attack finish Goooooal by Wakuso. Ghana playing well full of confidence however the game is losing its authenticity due to Equatorial Guinea complaining. Half time score 2-0