Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks tasted Premier League football last season with the Tangerines and now the shotstopper is looking for his side to make a swift return to the top flight.
The Seasiders sit just one point off the play-off places in the Championship table in seventh spot, in what has once again been a very competitive league this term with any side capable of getting a result in any game.
There are only three points between sixth place and 12th in the table and Blackpool find themselves as one of the sides competing for a place in the Premier League. Anyone looking at the Championship betting odds online will be wondering if they can push on.
The North West outfit are unbeaten in their last three league games and with teams dropping points in unlikely fashion, Blackpool have looked in decent form of late.
Gilks has been a key player at Bloomfield Road and has recovered well after suffering injury set-backs in recent seasons.
Now the Blackpool No.1 is looking forward to helping his club secure more points as they hope to face the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on a regular basis next season.
GIlks said: "Hopefully, a few more wins and with the run of games that we have got we can cement a place in the play-offs.
"I think we are eyeing automatic. We want to go up without the stress and worrying about the play-offs, but I think we are going to be up there at the end of the season anyway."
Friday, January 27, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Chelsea set to face QPR
So far the 2011-12 season's FA Cup campaign has been a high quality tournament. Just 32 teams remain in the competition and are all fighting the claim their spot in the Fifth Round of the cup. In this article I shall be talking about the up-and-coming matchup between Premiership side Queens Park Rangers and their league compatriots Chelsea.
The last time Chelsea were able to reach success in the FA Cup was as recent as 2 seasons ago. The Blues managed to fend off Portsmouth in the final at a score of 1-0 with a goal from Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba. Current manager and Portuguese national – Andres Villas-Boas – will look to repeat the success of the 2009-10 season and claim that all-important addition to the trophy cabinet. Villas-Boas has come under much scrutiny this season with his team underperforming in the league. I am quite sure that his priorities lie within the top-tier of English football with his secondary target being the UEFA Champions League. But who knows, he may well want to win as much silverware as possible this season so that he remains the Chelsea boss in the forthcoming season. People with FA Cup free bets need to bear this in mind.
The closest QPR ever came close to an FA Cup was in the 1981-82 season where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur; drawing 1-1 at Wembley before losing the replay 1-0. Recently employed manager Mark Hughes' will be looking to guide the Hoops to safety ensuring Premiership football next season. Hughes may well decide to rest key players in order to have them all fit for the remaining fixtures in the Premier League. Those placing FA Cup bets should remember this.
My match prediction for this matchup has to be a 2-0 win for the formidable Blues. Even though some of their performances would suggest otherwise, I still feel they have enough to see off the threat of QPR.
The last time Chelsea were able to reach success in the FA Cup was as recent as 2 seasons ago. The Blues managed to fend off Portsmouth in the final at a score of 1-0 with a goal from Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba. Current manager and Portuguese national – Andres Villas-Boas – will look to repeat the success of the 2009-10 season and claim that all-important addition to the trophy cabinet. Villas-Boas has come under much scrutiny this season with his team underperforming in the league. I am quite sure that his priorities lie within the top-tier of English football with his secondary target being the UEFA Champions League. But who knows, he may well want to win as much silverware as possible this season so that he remains the Chelsea boss in the forthcoming season. People with FA Cup free bets need to bear this in mind.
The closest QPR ever came close to an FA Cup was in the 1981-82 season where they lost to Tottenham Hotspur; drawing 1-1 at Wembley before losing the replay 1-0. Recently employed manager Mark Hughes' will be looking to guide the Hoops to safety ensuring Premiership football next season. Hughes may well decide to rest key players in order to have them all fit for the remaining fixtures in the Premier League. Those placing FA Cup bets should remember this.
My match prediction for this matchup has to be a 2-0 win for the formidable Blues. Even though some of their performances would suggest otherwise, I still feel they have enough to see off the threat of QPR.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
QPR keen for Ferdinand and Terry to shake hands
Queens Park Rangers are reportedly keen for defender Anton Ferdinand to shake hands with Chelsea's John Terry in a bid to ease tensions between the pair before Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie.
All eyes will be on the duo in the clash at Loftus Road this weekend, as they come face-to-face for the first time since England skipper Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand in the Premier League meeting between the two sides in October. Those placing FA Cup bets online will be hoping the game passes off without incident.
Both clubs are expected to issue a joint statement this week to appeal for calm ahead of the potentially-explosive Cup tie, while Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has already tried to play down the significance of the match in the light of the allegations currently standing over Terry.
Normally before top-level matches in England, the two sets of players all shake hands before kickoff but, such is furore surrounding the Terry-Ferdinand row, it is unclear whether the two players will come together before kickoff.
There had been reports that both QPR boss Mark Hughes and his counterpart, Villas-Boas, were debating whether to include the two players in their sides for the match but the signs are at the moment that both will play.
Terry denies the allegations against him and is due to attend a hearing at West London magistrates court on February 1 and has vowed to clear his name.
Saturday's fourth-round game will kick off at noon, partly on the advice of police.
All eyes will be on the duo in the clash at Loftus Road this weekend, as they come face-to-face for the first time since England skipper Terry was charged with racially abusing Ferdinand in the Premier League meeting between the two sides in October. Those placing FA Cup bets online will be hoping the game passes off without incident.
Both clubs are expected to issue a joint statement this week to appeal for calm ahead of the potentially-explosive Cup tie, while Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has already tried to play down the significance of the match in the light of the allegations currently standing over Terry.
Normally before top-level matches in England, the two sets of players all shake hands before kickoff but, such is furore surrounding the Terry-Ferdinand row, it is unclear whether the two players will come together before kickoff.
There had been reports that both QPR boss Mark Hughes and his counterpart, Villas-Boas, were debating whether to include the two players in their sides for the match but the signs are at the moment that both will play.
Terry denies the allegations against him and is due to attend a hearing at West London magistrates court on February 1 and has vowed to clear his name.
Saturday's fourth-round game will kick off at noon, partly on the advice of police.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Beckham to finish at Galaxy
David Beckham will finish his playing career in America after signing a new two-year deal with LA Galaxy.
The soccer betting in the US had linked the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan star with a move to Paris St Germain after his Galaxy contract expired at the end of December.
However, he decided against a move back to Europe and is determined to win more silverware in the MLS.
"I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here,'' Beckham said.
"My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here.''
The 36-year-old helped Galaxy lift the MLS Cup last season, his first trophy since he joined the club from Real Madrid in 2007. Beckham will be hoping his decision doesn’t impact his chances of competing for Great Britain in the London Olympics.
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was delighted with Beckham’s decision. He said: "I felt that he was one of the best players in all of MLS last season and we could not have achieved the success that we did without him.
"We look forward to trying to replicate that success this season with David once again in a Galaxy uniform.''
The former England skipper has previously stated he would like to be involved in the running of an American club when his career comes to an end.
Beckham has come a long way since coming through the ranks at Manchester United in the mid-1990s. You get the sense he isn’t done yet. He has his sights firmly set on a place in the Great Britain squad for the summer games and the chance to play live football at Wembley once more.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Dalglish joy at Gerrard commitment
Kenny Dalglish says news that Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has committed the rest of his career to the club is "fantastic" and believes the inspirational midfielder will be key to his side's chances of silverware and a top-four Premier League finish this season.
The Reds finally have Gerrard back in their side following an injury-plagued 12 months and he looked close to his best when scoring the vital goal from the penalty spot in the 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final, first leg win at Manchester City on Wednesday.
That was the second game in a row that the England man has started a game after a spell out with an ankle injury that came hot on the heels of a troublesome groin problem which affected him at the start of the season. Those looking at the best football betting markets will be hoping he is over the problem now.
His return is a major boost for Dalglish, who is hoping Gerrard can lead his side to glory in the Carling Cup and also spearhead their pursuit of Chelsea and Arsenal as they aim for a return to the top four in the second half of the campaign.
"He picked up a couple of infections which were completely unrelated. He's come back fantastically well and is starting to get himself back to full fitness," said Dalglish.
"For us, for Steven and for everybody connected with football club it's fantastic news. We're delighted for him and are looking forward to him getting back to full fitness and working hard for us and with us."
Gerrard has also agreed a new contract which will see him ending his playing days at the club he came through the ranks at and, beyond his career, he will then take up an ambassadorial role at Anfield.
Dalglish knows how important a figure the 31-year-old is - both on and off the pitch - and he is delighted with the skipper committing himself to the club for the rest of his life.
"It's fantastic for everybody," the Reds boss added.
Dalglish, who is preparing his side for the visit of Stoke on Saturday, even believes that Gerrard could eventually be crowned the club's greatest-ever player - an accolade usually afforded to the Scot himself.
"He's certainly made a huge contribution to the football club. Other people have different opinions, but he wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the greatest player for Liverpool Football Club," Dalglish admitted.
The Reds finally have Gerrard back in their side following an injury-plagued 12 months and he looked close to his best when scoring the vital goal from the penalty spot in the 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final, first leg win at Manchester City on Wednesday.
That was the second game in a row that the England man has started a game after a spell out with an ankle injury that came hot on the heels of a troublesome groin problem which affected him at the start of the season. Those looking at the best football betting markets will be hoping he is over the problem now.
His return is a major boost for Dalglish, who is hoping Gerrard can lead his side to glory in the Carling Cup and also spearhead their pursuit of Chelsea and Arsenal as they aim for a return to the top four in the second half of the campaign.
"He picked up a couple of infections which were completely unrelated. He's come back fantastically well and is starting to get himself back to full fitness," said Dalglish.
"For us, for Steven and for everybody connected with football club it's fantastic news. We're delighted for him and are looking forward to him getting back to full fitness and working hard for us and with us."
Gerrard has also agreed a new contract which will see him ending his playing days at the club he came through the ranks at and, beyond his career, he will then take up an ambassadorial role at Anfield.
Dalglish knows how important a figure the 31-year-old is - both on and off the pitch - and he is delighted with the skipper committing himself to the club for the rest of his life.
"It's fantastic for everybody," the Reds boss added.
Dalglish, who is preparing his side for the visit of Stoke on Saturday, even believes that Gerrard could eventually be crowned the club's greatest-ever player - an accolade usually afforded to the Scot himself.
"He's certainly made a huge contribution to the football club. Other people have different opinions, but he wouldn't be far away from being mentioned as the greatest player for Liverpool Football Club," Dalglish admitted.
Friday, January 13, 2012
The Championship title race hots up
Two points separate the top four sides in the Championship going into this weekend’s action, with leaders Southampton in danger of falling out of the automatic promotion spots for the first time this season.
Nigel Adkins’ men wasted no time in acclimatising to life back in the second tier, surprising those who bet on the Championship to quickly build up a healthy lead over the rest. Southampton were faultless at home during the opening months of the season and picked up regular points on the road.
However, since defeat against Bristol City at the end of November, they have won just two of seven Championship games, losing their last two. Defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday could see Southampton slip three places to fourth – an unthinkable prospect not so long ago.
West Ham United are the side best placed to dislodge Saints – only goal difference separates the two sides at the top. West Ham visit Portsmouth on Saturday, a week on from their disappointing cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The FA Cup exit could prove to be a blessing for West Ham in the promotion race with those who watch football live at Upton Park much preferring a promotion charge to a cup run.
Cardiff City sit in third just two points behind Southampton, after just one Championship defeat in 13 games. They may not have the stars of previous years but have a great team spirit under Malky Mackay and are serious contenders for promotion. Cardiff take on relegation-threatened Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend.
Level on points with Cardiff are Middlesbrough, who entertain Burnley on Saturday. They have lost just once at the Riverside Stadium and have one of the best away records in the league. There is a six-point gap between Boro and Reading behind them in fifth.
The top four sides are pulling away – it is up to the rest to catch them.
Nigel Adkins’ men wasted no time in acclimatising to life back in the second tier, surprising those who bet on the Championship to quickly build up a healthy lead over the rest. Southampton were faultless at home during the opening months of the season and picked up regular points on the road.
However, since defeat against Bristol City at the end of November, they have won just two of seven Championship games, losing their last two. Defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday could see Southampton slip three places to fourth – an unthinkable prospect not so long ago.
West Ham United are the side best placed to dislodge Saints – only goal difference separates the two sides at the top. West Ham visit Portsmouth on Saturday, a week on from their disappointing cup defeat against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. The FA Cup exit could prove to be a blessing for West Ham in the promotion race with those who watch football live at Upton Park much preferring a promotion charge to a cup run.
Cardiff City sit in third just two points behind Southampton, after just one Championship defeat in 13 games. They may not have the stars of previous years but have a great team spirit under Malky Mackay and are serious contenders for promotion. Cardiff take on relegation-threatened Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium this weekend.
Level on points with Cardiff are Middlesbrough, who entertain Burnley on Saturday. They have lost just once at the Riverside Stadium and have one of the best away records in the league. There is a six-point gap between Boro and Reading behind them in fifth.
The top four sides are pulling away – it is up to the rest to catch them.
West Brom enter vital run that could dictate season
West Bromwich Albion have been struggling near to the wrong end of the table and know the next few weeks could define whether they are safe in mid-table or battling Premier League relegation in the closing stages of the season.
Roy Hodgson's men are three places above the dreaded bottom three but do have the safety of a six-point cushion between them in 15th and Bolton in 18th. People who bet on Premier League weekend games should remember this.
But everything could change in the second half of the season as recent years have shown anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League and any side is only a few wins, or a few defeats, from transforming their fortunes.
In the next six games, the Baggies take on a host of their rivals down the bottom half of the table in the shape of Norwich, Stoke, Fulham, Swansea, Wolves and Sunderland.
After recent back-to-back defeats West Brom need to pick up vital points in the coming weeks and their star striker Peter Odemwingie reckons they are all "big games" and going to be integral as they look to avoid Premier League relegation.
"It's going to get tough now and every point will be very important so there will be pressure on all the clubs," he added.
"It will be exciting and I only hope we can get all the points necessary so that we don't have a very nervous end to the season."
Hodgson has been affected by a crippling injury list in recent weeks and that has hampered their aspirations for the season, but the boss has admitted he will not be making panic buys during January to plug gaps. Those looking at football predictions should bear this in mind.
He admits the team would like some "fresh faces" but knows making rash decisions and disrupting the harmony of his squad will do more harm than good as they look to avoid Premier League relegation.
Roy Hodgson's men are three places above the dreaded bottom three but do have the safety of a six-point cushion between them in 15th and Bolton in 18th. People who bet on Premier League weekend games should remember this.
But everything could change in the second half of the season as recent years have shown anyone can beat anyone in the Premier League and any side is only a few wins, or a few defeats, from transforming their fortunes.
In the next six games, the Baggies take on a host of their rivals down the bottom half of the table in the shape of Norwich, Stoke, Fulham, Swansea, Wolves and Sunderland.
After recent back-to-back defeats West Brom need to pick up vital points in the coming weeks and their star striker Peter Odemwingie reckons they are all "big games" and going to be integral as they look to avoid Premier League relegation.
"It's going to get tough now and every point will be very important so there will be pressure on all the clubs," he added.
"It will be exciting and I only hope we can get all the points necessary so that we don't have a very nervous end to the season."
Hodgson has been affected by a crippling injury list in recent weeks and that has hampered their aspirations for the season, but the boss has admitted he will not be making panic buys during January to plug gaps. Those looking at football predictions should bear this in mind.
He admits the team would like some "fresh faces" but knows making rash decisions and disrupting the harmony of his squad will do more harm than good as they look to avoid Premier League relegation.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Hughes looks to add spark to QPR
Mark Hughes made his return to management this week, albeit not with the sort of club many expected would tempt the former Wales manager – a struggling QPR. The 48-year old had been unemployed since leaving Fulham last year, claiming at the time that he needed to be at a club that was challenging for trophies – something that has made this decision a bit strange.
The former Manchester United striker takes over the reins at Loftus Road only days after Neil Warnock, the man who led the club to promotion into the Premier League, was relieved of his position, with the Londoners 17th in the table. Fans of Betfair football will know they're not looking good.
Hughes has insisted he is delighted to be back in management and well aware of the challenges that he will come up against in this crucial second half of the season.
"It's a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR," he said.
"I'm fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners."
"Now the immediate priority is to consolidate our place in the Barclays Premier League, but beyond that, the future is very bright and fills me with great enthusiasm."
The decision, made by new owner Tony Fernandes, has been made with the transfer window only a week or so old, allowing the new manager plenty of chance to bring in some new players – with funds that will have surely been promised to Hughes on condition that he took the job. The pressure will be on the former Manchester City manager to then get this struggling team to start climbing the table. Those looking at the betting should bear this in mind.
The sacking of Warnock hasn't gone down well with a lot of QPR fans and Fernandes will know how important it is that his decision bears fruit.
The former Manchester United striker takes over the reins at Loftus Road only days after Neil Warnock, the man who led the club to promotion into the Premier League, was relieved of his position, with the Londoners 17th in the table. Fans of Betfair football will know they're not looking good.
Hughes has insisted he is delighted to be back in management and well aware of the challenges that he will come up against in this crucial second half of the season.
"It's a great feeling to be back in football and to be the manager of QPR," he said.
"I'm fully aware of the challenge in the short and long term and I am genuinely excited about the ambition of the owners."
"Now the immediate priority is to consolidate our place in the Barclays Premier League, but beyond that, the future is very bright and fills me with great enthusiasm."
The decision, made by new owner Tony Fernandes, has been made with the transfer window only a week or so old, allowing the new manager plenty of chance to bring in some new players – with funds that will have surely been promised to Hughes on condition that he took the job. The pressure will be on the former Manchester City manager to then get this struggling team to start climbing the table. Those looking at the betting should bear this in mind.
The sacking of Warnock hasn't gone down well with a lot of QPR fans and Fernandes will know how important it is that his decision bears fruit.
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