2016/17 Premier League season preview (11-15)

15) SWANSEA
It seems every year that the Swans are a bit of an enigma. Last season Garry Monk wasn’t given long enough to solve things. In comes Francesco Guidolin and while he started with a bang, Swansea fizzled out to finish 12th.

This year the question is, can the new acquisitions replace the key pieces lost? After Wales surprised at Euro 2016, captain Ashley Williams was bound to leave, and did for Everton. The Swans pocketed a cool £20.5 million for Andre Ayew, then eagerly turned around and spent a club record £15.5 million on 23-year-old Borja Bastón.

If you’re thinking, “I’ve watched enough of Atletico Madrid over the last few years, I’ve never heard of this guy.” That’s because he spent the last five seasons on loan. But having scored 18 La Liga goals at Eibar last year, and 22 at Real Zaragoza the season before, you can see why Huw Jenkins was willing to spend the cash. Which really shows plenty of ambition, having already signed European champion and World Cup winner Fernando Llorente from Sevilla. The forgotten Spaniard scored four times in just 14 starts last season. Playing behind Kevin Gameiro, that’s not a fair reflection of what Llorente has left in the tank.

But spending money doesn’t guarantee success. This squad seems like more of a random collection of players than the cohesive units that Swansea have rolled out in years past. It’s nice to start the season v Burnley, because I feel like this will be a long one for Franky G & co.

14) WEST BROM
The Baggies were happy to take that Chinese money this summer, but their offseason takeover may have stalled Tony Pulis‘ improvement plans. What continues to stall Saido Berahino‘s exit, I do not understand. Maybe West Brom take pleasure in denying the 23-year-old a pre-season with his new club? I don’t fault them for that.

Matt Phillips came over from QPR, and should do well to support Salomón Rondón. Their attack needs to be better. West Brom won’t get away with scoring just four times over their final nine matches if the table is as tight as it was last season. The midfield is old. The backline is tired. This is a really boring team.

But that’s exactly the way Tony Pulis likes it. And what have we learned about Tony Pulis? He does just enough to get the results that will keep you up. And with the TV money that’s going around, that’s the Champions League trophy in the Midlands.

13) SOUTHAMPTON
You cannot lose your best players AND manager, year after year and continue to finish in the Top 10 in the best league in the world.

Southampton finished three points off a Champions League place last season and still couldn’t keep their best. Liverpool happily splashed £30 million for Sadio Mané. Old boss Mauricio Pochettino swooned Victor Wanyama to Tottenham for £11 million. And it really didn’t matter what Ralph Krueger was willing to do for Graziano Pellè. Ya can’t beat the Chinese.

Claude Puel seems like the perfect replacement though. Beloved in France as a “builder”, he’s willing to give young players a chance. Enjoys attractive football. Nearly got Nice, a team with considerably less resources than the giants they chase every season, in to the Champions League last season. Fits the Southampton model very well, really.

Their backline remains the same, and now boasts two European champions in captain José Fonte and right-back Cédric Soares. Ryan Bertrand made my Best XI at the end of last season. If Charlie Austin and Shane Long can combine for at least 25 goals, Southampton will manage. But the heights of last season are out of reach.

12) MIDDLESBROUGH
The Teessiders are back in the big time and Aitor Karanka wants you to know it!

After walking out on the club last season, one would assume Mourinho‘s former #2 is on a short leash. He’s surrounded himself with players he can comfortably freak out on in his native language. Five of Boro’s nine summer signings, and there could still be more, are Spanish speaking. Victor Valdés is out to prove he can still play at the top level and gives Boro a great chance to stay in every match. But Dutch central midfielder Marten de Roon has anyone that enjoys bone crunching tackles excited. His £12 million move from Atalanta was a bit of a coup.

Few strikers are worth £100,000 a week, but Álvaro Negredo convinced Boro after his time at Manchester City that he is one of them. £9 million for a player with that potential is an absolute steal. Linking up with Gaston Ramirez, Boro could steal plenty of points off opponents that become complacent late on.

11) SUNDERLAND
For the first time in years, there is one standout feeling at the Stadium of Light: stability. And that is a good thing for both Sunderland and David Moyes.

The club’s carousel of managers over the last few years has made the Serie A look normal. Moyes is the seventh in the last five seasons. And while this is his third club in the last four years, this is the first job to best suit his skill set since Everton. That alone leads me to believe he’ll be alright this time around. If he can’t get something out of Jack Rodwell, no one can.

Gone are Steven Fletcher, Wes Brown, Ola Toivonen, Adam Matthews, Santiago Vergini, Danny Graham and Will Buckley. But so too is Emmanuel Giaccherini and I don’t think you need to be a Sunderland fan to have wanted to see what he might do in the Premier League after a stellar Euro.

Yes, on paper this team is worse than the one that barely stayed up last season. But with Moyes in charge, whoever the eleven men on the pitch may be, will have to give their all and bleed for this club. That’s something they haven’t had in years. So I guess I’m betting against the odds and giving Moyes the benefit of the doubt, something he deserves after all his years of overachieving with Everton.

Be sure to check back soon. Predicted finishes 6-10 coming next

5 Things To Watch In The Prem This Weekend – Feb. 13

1) Is this the match when we finally accept Leicester City as title contenders?
Unless you’re a Gooner, who doesn’t want to see Leicester win at The Emirates on Sunday? Shame for us on this side of the pond that it’s the early kickoff. But that’s why television companies invented the PVR.

Claudio Ranieri said before The Fantasy Foxes trip to the other Middle Eastern luxury airliner stadium last weekend, “they have to win. We have to play.” Same scenario this weekend. I just hope Leicester can continue to play with the carefree bravado they employed in the fall and again in their most recent two victories. He hasn’t tinkered with the side, fielding the same XI five matches in a row now.

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have scored 32 goals between them this season. Arsenal have scored 39 goals, the lowest total of any Top 4 club. Stan Collymore said this week that Arsenal are “the club most likely” to sign Mahrez in the summer. Shall we expect a shining audition Sunday morning then?

And I know it’s been said by others all week, but I’ll say it again because it’s hilarious. If Per Mertesacker starts running now, he may be able to catch Jamie Vardy.

That 5-2 win at The King Power Stadium, thanks to an Alexis Sanchez hat-trick, was five months ago. The way LCFC are playing, it might as well have been five years ago.

2) Will Sunderland finish with XI men?
They’ll need eleven men on the pitch to get anything from a side that have only lost once in their last seven league matches. And here you probably thought the only thing worth talking about ahead of Manchester United‘s trip to the northeast was Wayne Rooney‘s impressive five goal 2016. Bettered only by Jermain Defoe‘s six… and some bloke named Sergio Agüero with seven.

But for those who would raise an eyebrow every time Howard Webb would referee a United match, take at look at these stats. In the 17 Sunderland matches that Andre Marriner has officiated, he’s sent off seven players. He also worked Sunderland’s 6-2 loss at Everton and that 8-0 embarrassment against Southampton. On the other side, United have lost five of their last six matches that Marriner refereed. So don’t be surprised if AM takes a bit of the spotlight early Saturday morning.

3) How many goals will we get at The Etihad this weekend?
Nobody expected Joe Hart to pick the ball out of his net three times last weekend, in a losing cause. But he may do it even more times this Sunday when second placed Tottenham travel north. The last nine Premier League matches between these two have delivered 41 goals. Safe bet that Agüero will put his name on the scoresheet. He’s bagged 10 in his last eight league matches against Spurs.

Considering that Man City haven’t beaten any club this season currently in the top 6, Pellegrini will need his Argentine wonder-striker to be on his A-game. Otherwise, I don’t think City will be able to put the Londoners in the rearview and close the gap with Leicester.

4) Will Frencesco Guidolin ever lose a game again?
Sure, The Saints are getting all the attention because they’re unbeaten in five, having not even allowed a goal. Winning at Old Trafford and drawing at The Emirates is impressive, but this is not the same Swansea side that lost 3-1 at St. Mary’s at the end of September. One win and two draws won’t put the Italian in to ‘manager of the year’ conversations just yet. But considering Ki Sung-Yueng is back after recovering from a concussion and Gylfi Sigurdsson has scored as many goals in his last six games as he did in his previous 33, the Swans can put an end to Fraser Forster‘s run of five straight clean sheets.

5) Can Everton win with John Stones back in the squad?
I know that sounds crazy, if you continually read all the transfer rumours and see the money big clubs are prepared to pay for the promising but unproven defender. But three matches without Stones resulted in three straight 3-0 Toffees victories. I’m not saying he’s the problem, but maybe just maybe he isn’t a £40 million solution?

And when will Tony Pulis accept that Saido Berahino is likely the solution to pulling West Brom away from the drop zone? Just six points up on Norwich, there will be plenty of Baggies supporters pulling for West Ham to take all three points at Carrow Road on Saturday.

5 Things To Watch In The Prem This Weekend – Jan. 16

1) Is LVG changing his ways?
United fans were beside themselves watching Tuesday’s 3-3 draw up on Tyneside. Not because relegation threatened Newcastle fought their way back from 2-0 down, but because LVG attempted to beat the Magpies with something very popular among forward thinking managers who are not him: pace. A trip to Anfield facing a side on the brink of setting a Guinness World record for group hamstring injuries, is a great time to employ it. Playing Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingaard made United a real threat and if Wayne Rooney continues to score goals, the Red Devils will find it easier to string together performances that will yield results AND silence their critical fanbase.

2) Do Tottenham want to win the league as much as Sunderland want to stay in it?
Completely valid question. Would never have expected Sunderland to win at Swansea, and I know they were the beneficiary of some questionable officiating. Not to mention Jermain Defoe performing like he’s 25. And losing 1-0 to a fellow title rival is usually nothing to hang your head about. But if Spurs are legit title contenders, it’s not Leicester they can be excused for dropping points against. I don’t believe they are in a title race. But Mauricio Pochettino has all the pieces to make a Top 4 run this spring, and given the failures of bigger teams around them have little excuse for not doing so.

3) Can Everton finally win at Stamford Bridge?
They may never be in a better position to do something they haven’t been able to in 21 trips to West London. Everton‘s draw away to Man City midweek was not just a valuable point taken off a title contender, but in fact the first scoreless draw at The Etihad since 2010. That’s no small feat. Considering Chelsea have wanted to buy Everton’s entire backline in recent years, it will be a real challenge for Diego Costa and Co. to find the back of the net. Despite their six match unbeaten run since Jose Mourinho‘s departure, the Blues are just six points up on Sunderland and Guus Hiddink seems well aware of the disastrous possibility of being pulled into a relegation battle with a trip to The Emirates next on the calendar.

4) Will Leicester regain their scoring touch?
A trip to Villa on Saturday will reveal Leicester‘s true identity. I know that sounds crazy, but so does the fact that The Foxes have scored just one goal in their last four matches. Leicester look increasingly aware of their position. They’re playing tighter and taking less risk than they were to start the season. Leicester won’t outscore their opposition by three or four anymore. But they’re fully capable of doing so against Villa. If they want to.

5) Will West Ham fans ever tire of Jonjo Shelvey’s resemblance to Voldemort?
I know it isn’t nice to tease someone about their lack of attractiveness. But there is something continually hilarious about West Ham fans chanting “Harry Potter is coming for you!” every time Jonjo Shelvey takes the pitch against their beloved Hammers. The travelling few will certainly make the most of their opportunity when Shelvey makes his Newcastle debut. Expected to fit right in to Steve McLaren‘s side, Shelvey provides a huge boost to The Magpies survival hopes. Exactly what went wrong at Swansea will likely never come out, and despite the suggestions that Shelvey thinks rather highly of himself, he is a talented footballer that has a lot to contribute. Particularly when the fighting gets rough.

5 Things To Watch For In The Prem On Boxing Day

1) Which Liverpool side will show up for Leicester?
Remember when Jürgen Klopp’s side beat Man City 4-1, at The Etihad last month? Liverpool have won just once in the league since and only thanks to a James Milner penalty against Swansea, the week after. Not exactly the model of consistency.

While LFC have played more inspired football since Rodgers was sacked, they’re still a mess defensively. Which should have Jamie Vardy and Riyadh Mahrez licking their chops as they go to bed Friday night.

2) Can Arsenal avoid a repeat of last year’s New Years Day nightmare?
Last year Arsene Wenger‘s men travelled down to the South Coast with title aspirations, an easy task ahead in the last 16 of the Champions League and an injury crisis threatening to derail it all.

This year, only the Champions League task is different. But Arsenal‘s chance of lifting the Premier League trophy come May has never been better. They can’t afford another 2-0 loss.

3) What’s good for the Guus is good for the gander
It’s a cliche my grandfather often used, and one I haven’t heard in years. It means “justice has been served” or “one got what they deserved.” Roman thought leading his champions to the club’s worst ever league start was enough for Mourinho to lose his job. Chelsea supporters clearly didn’t feel that way.

Saturday Guus Hiddink will step in that Chelsea manager’s box for the first time in six years. But unlike last week when his lot of underachievers played to their potential, The Blues have a competent opponent to deal with. Watford come in with one of the hottest strikers in football at the moment, looking to win five in a row.

You can argue that despite their diabolical start, Mourinho didn’t deserve to be sacked. But is Hiddink the one that can serve justice? If he can’t on Saturday, he may never win the support of the Chelsea faithful.

4) You know what they say about a rainy Boxing Day at Stoke
Winless in six, losers of three in a row, with a fan base quickly beginning to believe a manager they once despised is the only one to lead them back to the promise land. Desperate times Louis. Remember what Mark Hughes’ did to their last visitors from Manchester?

It’s the early kickoff Saturday morning, but there’s enough reason for both United fans and the neutral to wake up for it.

5) How many can Man City put passed Sunderland?
Big Sam knew this job would be one of if not the most difficult he’s had. The schedule makers haven’t made it any easier. After inspiring Chelsea, Sunderland will hope to avoid boosting Man City‘s confidence ahead of their title deciding trip to Leicester on Tuesday. Younes Kaboul‘s hamstring injury has made life even more difficult for the Black Cats. Sergio Agüero has scored just seven times in 11 appearances. Not very good numbers compared to this season’s leaders from swashbuckling super powers Leicester and Watford.

This is exactly the type of match where Citeh prove how dangerous they can be. I don’t like to make predictions, but if you’re the betting type it would seem pretty safe to take the over.

Sunday Morning Thoughts – Oct. 25

NHL
Seven one goal games. Four went to overtime. The Flyers topped the Rangers in a shootout. What a Saturday night! The only one hockey will have all to itself all year. Sorry NCAA football fans. #Truth

The Leafs threw everything including a couple of kitchen sinks at Carey Price last night. Still wasn’t good enough. I love that Michel Therrien and Max Pacioretty vocalized their disappointment with their play despite the dominant win. Classy. Not cocky. Shows just how hungry they are this year. They been good in the past but haven’t delivered. Mindset in that room is more focused than ever. Don’t be surprised if they win 60 games. And they won’t give up 52 shots again this season.

I’m worried for Mike Babcock if he’s already tired of the Toronto media. “We made some mistakes. All you people do is remember the mistakes. That’s just the way life is.” With the Jays season over, ALL eyes will now be on his hockey team. Same way they always are at this time of year. He’s completely right, about everything he said in his post-game scrum. I just hope it doesn’t weigh on him, like it would on most guys in his position.

What is it about home that the Canucks don’t like? Not to take anything away from the Red Wings, but there’s no way they should have come back to win that game in overtime. Gus Nyquist is the most underrated fantasy player out there. If you got him, good on ya.

What did I say? Take Phil Kessel away from Crosby, and Phil will score. They should turn that in to a song at Consol Energy Center. They won’t. But they would if this was England.

Well, would ya look at that. Two games in and John Tortorella already has the Blue Jackets winning hockey games.

Shout out to friend of the show Joel Ward for his big hat-trick in San Jose‘s 5-2 win last night. Guy’s got mitts.

And Don Cherry‘s Blue Jays rant on Coach’s Corner last night was amazing. Not just because he was typically Grapes about it, but because Ron MacLean makes those great segments, epic. Also, loved the Cary Grant reference and look. Be proud of it Ron! You got the suits, I’ll keep the hair.

PREMIER LEAGUE
It would be so typical of Wayne Rooney to score a breathtaking goal in this morning’s derby. I wouldn’t be comfortable placing a bet on it. I think Anthony Martial and Raheem Sterling put their names on the scoresheet. But if the boy Wayne is able to, he’ll have all the headlines. All I want to see is both managers really go for it. These two are capable of playing the best match of the year. Here’s to hoping that’s what we get at Old Trafford.

As soon as Sam Allardyce was linked with the Sunderland job, I circled today on my calendar. I’m not going to wake up for it, but my goodness the Wear-Tyne derby is always worth PVR-ing. No matter how lifeless one side has looked in previous matches. My first Premier League game in the flesh was the derby at St. James’ Park. Indescribable experience. Not to mention, the best weekend of my life.

How the hell is Jose Mourinho supposed to fix this? It was comical to watch him struggle with what his team has devolved in to this season. But now it’s almost awkward to watch him toil and one of the best teams on paper embarrass themselves against inferior opposition week after week.

I don’t know how many more Aston Villa heartbreakers I’m going to survive. Let alone Tim Sherwood. I don’t know what changes can be made to get this team to win matches. A new boss won’t do the trick. Another keeper won’t either. Doesn’t Sheikh Mansour have an enemy that would love to stick it to him? If you are reading this kind Sir: Buy Villa. Please.

NFL
If the Bills don’t beat the Jags at Wembley this morning, they should have to play home games in Fort Mac for parts of next season. Exclusively in December.

Loved the way Jets safety Marcus Gilchrist described this week’s preparations for today’s trip to Foxboro. “You prepare [for Tom Brady] the same way you prepare for Kirk Cousins.” Watch Brady throw for 400+ yards. The Patriots have won 7 of 8 against the Jets. Chalk up 8 of 9 at 4:15pm.

Matt Cassel hopes to become the first Cowboys QB, not named Tony Romo, to win a game since Stephen McGee in the last game of the 2010 season. Wow. No way Eli lets him have it.

It has been hard to watch Drew Brees get old. Andrew Luck‘s body is starting to resemble a 36 year-old guy’s, because the Colts O-line has been horrific for him.

Sam Bradford has thrown nine interceptions this season. Might reach 12 tonight against the Panthers. Sorry Eagles fans.

Wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Falcons lose their second straight on the road. Shame Marcus Mariota won’t be the one to take all the credit. (Out with an MCL sprain).

Call me crazy, but Derek Carr beats the Chargers for the first time.

The Bucs have never won three in a row in DC. You really gonna let that happen today Kirk?

MLB
Not surprised at all that the Blue Jays opted not to speak to the media upon their return yesterday. It’s going to be a complicated and heartbreaking winter for that clubhouse, and the fan-base. Three starting pitchers are out of contract and I expect Marco Estrada to be the only one they re-sign. I genuinely believe Alex Anthopoulos wants to stay in Toronto. He’s put in so much work over the last six years and finally got to see some reward. Can’t see why he would leave after taking this team so far. Great article by Shi Davidi about where the Blue Jays go from here with Mark Shapiro running the ship.

I love that Matt Harvey is starting Game 1 for the Mets. All the talk and all the furor about his innings limit, and look where they are! Nobody would stop themself from playing in the Series. I just wonder if he leaves it all out there like it’s April 27th.

RACING
There’s something poetic about Jeff Gordon starting from pole at Talladega today. NASCAR will not be the same without #24.

I couldn’t be any less excited for this afternoon’s USGP. And I love(d) Formula 1. The early 2000s became a forgettable time for me as a fan. “Schumacher wins again!” got old real quick. Replace one German man with one German manufacturer and that is the last two years of F1.

NCAA FOOTBALL
What unthinkable way will some school find a way to win next Saturday? The way Georgia State won that football game was something out of a movie.

As was the tragic scene before Oklahoma State‘s homecoming game. Thoughts and prayers with all the people affected there. I hope two things come of this. a) the driver is punished to the full extent of the law. And b) that this tragedy will make others stop before getting behind the wheel after having too many.

5 Things We Learned From The Prem This Weekend – Aug. 16

1) Jose Mourinho is a sore loser. But you already knew that
I don’t think Jose realises how bad he makes himself look when he says things like yesterday’s 3-0 result was “completely fake.” Yes he has reason to complain that Fernandinho should’ve been sent off. And I did actually find his post-match comments “it has no relation with the result but it has a relation with the rules and the rules say [that in] minute one or minute 90, it was a red card,” to be quite clever. But blaming his team’s lack of effort on referee Martin Atkinson is pathetic. Even for Jose.

Chelsea were lifeless going forward. They offered so little, the Manchester papers are lauding Vincent Kompany and Eli Mangala as the Prem’s new “elite defensive duo.” (And Citeh may flip Mangala for Nicolás Otamendi? Ridiculous.) That might have been the worst match I have ever seen from Diego Costa. I sure hope Jose addresses that at Cobham this morning. God knows the media won’t ignore his substitution of John Terry, for the first time ever in fact, when quite blatantly Gary Cahill was the the one whom Sergio Agüero was running circles around.

The scapegoat for this loss? How about Jose himself. He gave the Blues an entire month off and played just three matches before the Community Shield. And we know it’s nothing but a holiday when Premier Leaguers enjoy a pre-season tour in the U.S.A. Man City have set the pace. And Chelsea are well off it.

2) United love winning with the most minimum effort required
Full credit to Sergio Romero for recording back-to-back clean sheets in a shirt nobody believes he deserves to be wearing. But Villa deserved something on Friday. And that’s not my bias talking. Yes the elite scale back their play on the road, but a championship team could shred Tim Sherwood‘s side apart. United didn’t seem capable of doing that. I don’t know what to make of Wayne Rooney up front. Was really surprised to see Adnan Januzaj in United’s starting XI for the first time since February. Juan Mata was brilliant. His vision has always been a strong point and Memphis Depay will regret not having bagged his first Premier League goal after the best pass he may have ever received.

3) Alexis Sánchez doesn’t need vacations
Rushed back into the starting XI thanks to Arsenal‘s pathetic performance at home to West Ham last week, Sánchez barely had a holiday after helping Chile to win their first Copa América. He wasn’t even supposed to feature in the squad this month. Bit short of options are ya Arsene? Wenger called him a “fighter”. We know he’s just their best player, making probably £100k a week so those performances are expected.

4) Dick Advocaat has already lost the room
It’s like a race up there on Wearside to see who can do it first! If ever a team deserved to be relegated after two matches, it’s Sunderland. After Sunderland‘s pathetic effort at home to Norwich, a forlorn Advocaat admitted his side “are not a team” and openly questioned why “they can not bring it”. My what a difference a few months makes. Swansea visit the Stadium of Depression this weekend. Forget the boos. If the Black Cats play like that again, they might have to worry about being hit with bags of piss.

5) Carl Jenkinson is a better keeper than Petr Cech
Well, if clean sheets are the only measurement, then yes that statement is true. Chelsea fans were quick to troll Gooners after the former Gunner put the gloves on for the final few minutes of West Ham‘s 2-1 loss at home to Leicester. Adrián‘s boot through Jamie Vardy not quite as impressive as Nigel De Jong‘s kung fu kick on Xabi Alonso in the World Cup final, but thrilling nonetheless.

NOTABLE MENTION
Harry Kane is this year’s Raheem Sterling. Mauricio Pochettino explained that Kane was tired & could not play 90 minutes. Oh boy. Here we go again. He’ll look good in City blue next year though. They haven’t had a frontman with as likeable a haircut since Craig Bellamy. Is he still on their books? Most likely.

It’s going to get worse before it gets better for Newcastle. They lost at the Liberty Stadium in nine minutes. And now The Magpies will finish the month against Man United and Arsenal. Good luck with that Stevey.

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Thursday Morning Thoughts – July 23

I had no idea the men’s Pan Am 100 metre final was yesterday. Thrilled to see Andre De Grasse win gold for Canada. This country has been looking for the next Donovan Bailey for too long.

MLB
Well, the Jays let that slip away last night. Big chance to win it in the ninth after loading the bases with nobody out. But they managed just one run off Tyler Clippard, on a one-out walk to Jose Bautista. The list of games the Jays “should’ve” won this season is long enough.

Are the Yankees ever going to stop winning ballgames? Honestly, this is getting ridiculous now. How is Alex Rodriguez delivering like it’s 2009 all over again? New York are 11 games over .500! That might be the most shocking thing I’ve seen all year.

SOCCER
So last night I learned that Sunderland are better than TFC II. Of course Jermain Defoe scored a brace. I was stunned to see him play the full 90 minutes. Good on him, and Sunderland for fielding a predominantly Premier League calibre squad. But if I were one of the few sitting near the halfway line that paid $85 a ticket, I would’ve been hella disappointed.

If only Canadians could score goals…
What Canada‘s Pan Am semifinal loss to Colombia proved was that our women just can’t anticipate as quickly, or as well, as their South American competition. Fully capable of improving on that though, and quickly. Great chance at winning bronze on Friday. Mexico have shown their vulnerablilities and if Canada can capitalize on the chances they’re more than capable of creating, a medal is a real possibility. They just need to do something very “un-Canadian” – find the back of the net.

The Gold Cup just isn’t the Gold Cup if it isn’t a Mexico v USA final!!! They’re going to have to change the name of the tournament. How about “The forgotten championship of the northern Americas and a shitload of islands”? Good on Jamaica though. After competing in Copa America last month, I’m stunned to see them succeed the way they have in their own tournament.

Panama: always the bridesmaid. Never the bride. With the USA already out, there was no way a Panama v Jamaica final would be good for the growth of the sport on this side of the Atlantic. So, take the game away from an already undermanned Central American side that nobody really cares about. Roman Torres was fouled and fell on to the ball with no intention. That was not a penalty. The second penalty call was legit, and Mexico will always get those calls in this tournament. If only Canada had such an advantage…

Was happy to read that Rafa Benitez is 100% convinced that Sergio Ramos is staying at Real Madrid. That means he will be sold to Manchester United on transfer deadline day. If only he could bring Ronaldo back with him.

BASKETBALL
I really don’t think I’m ready for the LeBron James Space Jam sequel. #DontMessWithaClassic

The Timberwolves may want to think twice about shipping Anthony Bennett out of town. He certainly looked like a confident big man in Canada‘s nail biting Pan Am win over Argentina. That’s what has been missing from Bennett’s NBA game so far. If two games are any measurement, head coach Jay Triano will have some tough decisions to make when picking Canada’s Olympic qualifying team next month. The improvement Canada Basketball has enjoyed over the last decade is remarkable. If only soccer in this country could match it.

New Lakers Lou Williams, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Bass haven’t spoken to Kobe Bryant yet? Sorry Byron Scott, but y’all in for a looooong season. Again.

NFL
How are there not more Olympians in the NFL? Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin won the silver medal in long jump at the Pan Am Games yesterday. He hadn’t competed in track and field since London 2012! Goodwin may have his work cut out for him at camp next month. He did play just 10 games last season and will compete for a spot on the Bills roster, and Rex Ryan‘s admiration. I’d give him one simply based on how hard he works. Multi-tooled men like Goodwin don’t come around that often .

5 Things We Learned From The Prem This Weekend – May 3

1) Jose Mourinho has to pay royalties for winning ‘The Floyd Mayweather Way’
I know there’s a few articles out there in the last 36 hours saying that The Special One has devolved into the football equivalent of the most hate-able rich man on the planet. But it’s true. And he’s been that way the entire time.

It is impossible to win eight league titles in 12 years, across three countries, without taking as little risk as possible. Sure it isn’t very pretty, but it is very effective. Jose Mourinho is the first manager in English league history to return to a former champion club, and win the league again. Slow clap.

Having said that, and as a paying fan, I hate that he’s successful that way. For as long as Jose continues to manage at clubs with the financial capabilities to continually buy only the very best talent on the planet, we all have the right to complain about it.

2) Newcastle think the table works like golf: the lowest total is the best
How else can you explain the tailspin they’ve been in since Alan Pardew left? Their ability to lose has been staggering. They’ve won two of their last 16. But that’s not John Carver‘s fault. Sure accusing his centreback of deliberately getting sent off might condemn him to being nothing more than a #2 ever again. But he might have been right! And he never had a chance of keeping this gig anyway.

Steve McQueen couldn’t turn this Newcastle team around right now, let alone Steve McLaren.

3) Robin van Persie is done
Don’t get me wrong, he’ll be great at Juventus next season. He might milk another six years out of his career playing in Serie A. But how is it that a Top 4 Premier League club could even manufacture a 50% failure rate from the penalty spot? That would be unacceptable from a newly promoted side let alone Manchester effin United!

4) Aston Villa have a chance at lifting the FA Cup
My bias aside here, Aston Villa have a real shot at beating Arsenal at Wembley on May 30th. With my bias included here, Aston Villa have a real shot at beating Arsenal at Wembley on May 30th.

The 3-2 scoreline flattered Everton. And yes, it was a nervy final few minutes. But that’s no different than every Villa match played since Martin O’Neill quit in 2010. Tim Sherwood has this team playing with a belief and ability that pleasure deprived Villa supporters haven’t witnessed in years. Brad Guzan has been a tremendous soldier for a team that at times really didn’t deserve to have him between the sticks. But there’s nothing wrong with turning to experience, when the back-up (still collecting a fare wage) is a man that was in a ‘world class’ class of his own, for years. Shay Given has still got it.

5) Dick Advocaat is the right man for Sunderland 
They just waited to long to get him.

He’s been able to milk just a little bit extra out of his players, so that they can provide their home fans with enough reason to return to the Stadium of Light the following Saturday. But they’re still in the bottom three. Up next, a trip to Everton, a grudge match with Leicester, and two terrifying London trips to Arsenal and Chelsea.

NOTABLE MENTION
Incredibly classy displays across the Premier League this weekend to honour Rio Ferdinand‘s wife who tragically passed away from breast cancer at the age of 34.

3 Things We Learned From The Prem This Weekend – Mar. 22

Juan Mata is the right winger your club wish they had
It’s funny really, because Manchester United only figured that out last week. Coincidence that United’s two best matches came with Mata thriving in his most lethal position? Absolutely not.

That spectacular goal is even more spectacular because he scored it in THAT match, against United’s original “biggest rival”. No one can criticise his £37m price-tag again! Well, for at least 18 months.

How on earth Mata ever went from being Chelsea’s best player to an unwanted flop is beyond me. That partnership with Ander Herrera has reinvigorated the Spaniard and in turn, United.

The Red Devils beat the Reds with creativity. I haven’t been able to write that about any United win in three years!

Fourth place is United’s, if they want it. They just have to continue to put their best players in the best possible situations to succeed. They did on Sunday.

Steven Gerrard will be great in MLS
I would’ve predicted 99 things that could’ve happened in Liverpool’s visit from United before thinking that Stevie G might channel his inner Gennaro Gattuso and get sent off in less than thirty seconds.

The Telegraph ran the headline today “The time is right for Steven Gerrard to say goodbye.”

Six months ago we would’ve dismissed it as an opinion piece, likely written by a Toffees sympathizer. After seeing his decline this season and the shock that even Gerrard can lose his head in a big match, it’s hard to argue that claim.

In Liverpool’s biggest game of the season, Gerrard started on the bench. With his team lacking structure and discipline, he starts the second half. Only to show that his frustration and anxiety is a lethal cocktail that delivers a complete lack of discipline and composure.

Gerrard is not the player he once was. And that’s ok. But for as much of a legend as he is at Anfield, his time is up as a player. He can return one day projected as a Messiah Manager. But after a few successful years in MLS, where he plays in front of sold out stadiums, and mentors the very best young talent the LA Galaxy recruit from Central American countries.

Dick Advocaat is the new Steve Bruce
Because watching him vigorously flail his arms about, with blood vessels popping out of his neck and forehead, makes you fear for his health.

I know Aaliyah said it years ago, “age ain’t nothing but a number.” But at 67, wouldn’t ‘Dickie The Dutchie’ want to be doing something else with his time? I guess not. And really, I applaud him for that.

Advocaat wanted to have a Premier League club on his resume before the curtain falls on his career. It’s just unfortunate that a club a mere 9 games from relegation is the only one to give him that opportunity.

Anyone expecting him to turn Sunderland into a free flowing, entertaining side to watch – like his UEFA Cup winning Zenit side – is ridiculous. Sunderland are more likely to kick and smash their way down to the Championship, similarly to the way some Rangers supporters destroyed the city of Manchester the night Advocaat’s Zenit won their only European trophy. But at least they’ll be worth talking about now.

Good luck Dick. God knows you need it.

Premier League Tuesday – 4 Things to Watch

Premier League goin’ on… on a Tuesday!

I find myself using Drake lyrics more and more in my daily life. It scares me a little.

But hey, today’s trip to the office has meaning! Because, you’ll spend the entire day plotting how you can either never return from lunch, or stream matches without your boss noticing. The schedule makers have given us a couple gems.

1) How Arsenal bounce back from their North London derby defeat
Tuesday’s visit from Leicester is a big match for the Gunners. Having fallen to sixth in the table and with Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United still on the fixture list, this “should win” game has become a “must win”.

Arsenal managed better than I expected on Saturday without the services of Alexis Sanchez. If he’s fit to go against The Foxes the only thing Gooners should have to worry about is the possibility of Leicester boss Nigel Pearson mounting and choking Sanchez, out of frustration.

How the FA didn’t charge him for doing that to James McArthur, I’ll never understand.

I can’t wait for some clerical worker at Leicester to sell the story to The Sun that Pearson was brought in to the office on Sunday and fired. But after wrapping his hands around the chairman’s neck, was immediately rehired. It’s the only logical explanation for why he’s still in the job.

I expect David Ospina to start on the bench after a less than compelling day at White Hart Lane. He’s dubbed his battle with Wojciech Szczęsny as a healthy one. I don’t think the Poland number one feels that way.

Back when goals came a bit easier, late August to be exact, Leicester managed to split the points on Arsenal’s visit to the King Power Stadium. Leonardo Ulloa has scored only two goals since the turn of the year, a span of seven matches. But as proven on August 31, Per Mertesacker & Co. would be fools to take the Argentine lightly.

2) Which side wants it more at Anfield
It wasn’t that long ago that neither Liverpool nor Tottenham looked like they had a chance at finishing in the Top 4. Oh, how quickly the Premier League can change…

Liverpool are unbeaten in eight. Spurs have lost just once in their last 12 outings. We should get one hell of a match then. Although, for some perspective, as far as Tottenham are concerned: in 71 league trips to Anfield, Spurs have managed only 6 victories. They’ve also dropped four in a row to the Reds.

But after Saturday’s NLD win, I think Mauricio Pochettino would be quite satisfied with a draw. Brendan Rodgers on the other hand needs a win, and could use one that’s as “incredible” as he’s described Raheem Sterling‘s contract offer.

Liverpool were the better side in Saturday’s Merseyside derby. But they didn’t create enough chances to do anything. Sterling and Philippe Coutinho should be fit for kickoff to help in that department.

3) If there’s a goal scored at Hull
I sure wouldn’t bet my money on it.

Both Hull and Villa played exceptionally well for good stretches on Saturday. The Tigers managed to snag a point, and were unlucky not to have taken all three off the champions.

Villa played some of the best football I have seen them play in years versus Chelsea. Problem was, it was only for about 15 minutes. Branislav Ivanovic sucked the life out of Villa with his go-ahead goal and that was it.

The fact that Villa seem to play worse against lesser teams will be concerning for Paul Lambert. But after the short but impressive display against Chelsea, Villa should be able to get a positive result off Steve Bruce‘s men. Hull have only managed two wins at home all season.

4) That happy little Jermain Defoe
All of a sudden, it’s a surprise when Sunderland are held off the scoresheet. A win over QPR would put the Black Cats eight points up on the London side, giving them a massive cushion in the fight for survival.

I can’t believe the “Real Madrid in for Charlie Austin” rumours haven’t started yet! He’s scored 13 of QPR’s 24 Premier League goals this season. I expect at least one of these two to score today.