Well people, the good news is I'm feeling much better than I did a few days ago, the bad news is I still don't feel that great and I have to go back to work later today..... I really do hate having the flu and I'm not talking about man-flu where I might have a sore throat and milk it to no end, this was the real deal stuck in bed, throat feels like someone is scraping it with sandpaper, nose want stop running (like  Park Ji-Sung) and you feel like the end of the world is nigh. That's what I hate!

I must say, a very underrated negative about being really ill is losing the ability to taste. I could have eaten pretty much anything over the last couple of days and as long as it was not rough on my throat it would not have mattered, it's a really shame because last night I had one of my favourite lasagna's (Football Mum's special recipe) and it tasted like I was eating sloppy cardboard....

Speaking of food, I'd like to introduce a new friend of the site to you all - It's long time Football Guy friend and soon to be powerful journalist Tracey Fitzgerald and her blog about eating out in London - I ate London. I fully recommend her judgment on all things food in the London area, so if your eating out in London but not sure of where to go, make sure you see what Tracey has to say about the place and if what she say's is good I'm sure you can't go too far wrong.

I would also like to say Happy Birthday to longtime reader and one of the few people who regularly leave comments on the site - I'm not from Leeds a.K.a Neill Parker - Who despite BEING from Leeds is a Manchester United fan for some reason. "I"won't say how old he is, but just for reference, think Micky Rourke.

Speaking of strange looking famous people, Arry Redknapp's Spurs threw away a three goal aggregate lead last night yet still managed to squeeze through the the League Cup final where the will be defending their crown against United. Don't worry Burnley fan's, you probably won't have to wait long for revenge as there's a decent chance you might be playing Spurs next season if you can just go on a bit of a run and make the Championship play-offs and get promoted, but in all fairness it's more realistic to say wait for Spurs to go down and give them a nice welcome when they arrive.

Speaking of welcome guests, Arsene Wenger has been trying his hardest to get Zenit to let Andrei Arshavin come over to play. He seems to be Arsenal's only real target of this transfer window and could become very handy for an Arsenal team who despite playing better still look like they lack creativity in midfield without Cesc. My only real question about AA is - Whats up with his eyes? Can he see out of them? Is there a professional squinting circuit as I think I've found the champ for the next 10 years..... OK, that was more than one question, but I guess when you see a man with paper cuts for eyes one question is never enough.

Speaking of questions, a lot seemed to have been asked about Liverpool this week after blowing two points late on in the Merseyside derby. That is now their sixth draw in their last nine games and certain sections of the media are starting to really question if Liverpool are good enough to win the title? Now my personal opinion about Liverpool's current form is that it's balancing itself out, by that I mean if you look at Liverpool's early season form there were quite a few games the wound up winning that they could have easily drawn and in the last 10 games or so they have drawn a number of games they could have won. I think Liverpool will end up being who we thought they were - A team not quite good enough over 38 games to win the league - But will be a lot closer then in the past few seasons.

Speaking of being close, how many teams are in the race to stay up? Will if you look at the table, only three points separate 20th-12th and will Hull going down quicker than an erection after seeing Amy Winehouse topless on a beach, I'd say we have at least 10 genuine contenders for the drop and were almost in to February! I wrote about how this was a crazy season a few months ago in my November Power Rankings, but I did think it would have sorted itself out by now. Squeaky Bum time stars early this year.

Speaking of starting early, could we just do away with early kick-offs? More often than not they are pretty dull games and as most football fans I know quite like a drink on a Friday/Saturday night it makes them a chore to get up for. I think evening games are the way forward, I loved the fact Spurs v Wigan was on a Friday night a few weeks back in the FA Cup and I seem to remember the Premiership a few year ago having the odd game on a Friday night, why did they get rid of them? Saturday and Sunday nights should be used as well and I'm sure if you asked most fan they would agree. The only time I want to watch Football pre 3pm is if the World Cup in in Asia!

OK, enough of my rambling, I've got to get ready for work and need to eat some tasteless food as I'm hungry.

I'll be back tomorrow for my weekend preview, until then

Take care

Football Guy

Argh, do I feel terrible. I have a nose that wont stop running and a throat that's as sore as Manucho's eye. Needless to say I would love to stay in bed today but I have to go to work later (hopefully they send me home).

Anyway, enough about my problems, let's focus on the positive. I would like to extend a BIG thank you to all my readers as for the first time last week I had a 1000+ visitor day! Again thanks so much, obviously I like writing, but it would be pretty pointless if no one out there read it so I'm very pleased to see the rate the visitor are growing at.

I will keep you informed on other such landmark figures as and when they come up, but until then let's get on with the football.

Craig Bellamy

So it seem the Welshman who look's a little like an Orc has finally found another club to call home. Reports this morning are saying that West Ham have agrred a fee with Manchester City thought to be around £14m.

Now despite what people may think about his attitude and personality, I've always thought him to be a top player (when fit). I'm not entirely sure how wise it is to buy a player who's approaching 30 and has a history of injury problems.

I'm also not really sure why City think they need him, because as far as I can tell scoring goals is not their biggest problem. I suppose that when you have basically unlimited funds to spend Hughes is taking full advantage and bringing in players he wants to work with, I just think they have more pressing matters to sort out rather than their attack.

Ledley King

Whilst were on the subject of injury prone players I think it's only fitting that Ledley "man-o-glass" King should pop up with another spell in the treatment room.

Now I know he's their captain and I also know that when fit he is a top player, but sooner or later Spurs he to draw the line and get rid of him. What's the point having a player who struggles to play one game every two weeks?

It's a shame for all parties involved, I guess it's a bit like a relationship where despite the fact that the boy and girl still love each other, they have come to realize after years of being together that it's just not working and both have to move on.

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

So far this weekend Lawro's had the misfortune of having more correct scores than me but scoring less points due to having no perfect scores. There's still one game left, but both me and Lawro have 1-0 Liverpool win so it wont effect things very much.

This Week

Football Guy - PS 1 CR 5 WR 4

Lawro           - PS 0 CR 6 WR 3

Players you wish you had made captain but never would

1. Robert Koren    - 16pts
2. Pablo Zabaleta -15pts
3. Chris Brunt       - 13pts
4. Jason Roberts  - 12pts (have been banging on about him for a few weeks now,yet still have not got him myself in fantasy football)
5. Carlton Cole     - 12pts

The Cristiano Ronaldo award for fantasy excellence

1. Robert Koren - 16pts

There seem to be a trend developing here where these no-mark players pop up with super weeks and win this award. Just so you know, it took Koren the previous EIGHT weeks to score the same amount of points he did this weekend.

Gareth Bale watch 

So as it turns out I was wrong twice about Football's biggest Jinx. In last weeks Monday hangover I said it was 23 league games without victory for Bale and I predicted on Friday night that it would end this weekend.

Wrong on both accounts, as it turns out it is now 21 league game without ever tasting victory and it actually equals Gilles Barnes record set last season with Derby.

Not a goo omen for Spurs and their fight for survival that their players are equaling records set by players of the worst team in Premirship history.

Winners and Losers

Winners

Fans who stay till the end

There is a very annoying trend in football these days for fan's to leave up to 10 minutes early for some games to beat the traffic..... What complete front-bottoms!

For those of you who leave early you missed seven goals this weekend and all baring Jason Roberts second were very important goals. Shame on you.

Losers

Mike Dean

Yep, the man from the Wirral. Nothing to do with the red he gave to Ashley Young, that was the right decision.

It's to do with him missing James Milner's hand touching the ball for the first goal, giving a penalty that was outside the box for the second goal and then failing to give Sunderland what looked like a stone wall pen.... Shame on you.

Final Thoughts

As I'm ill and have to get ready to go to work I'm cutting this Monday hangover a little short. I hope work send me home and I hope I feel better soon.

Take care 

Football Guy

Football Guy posting midweek?!?!? SHOCK, HORROR!

Don't worry, it's not the apocalypse or anything else untoward. It's just that I realized I failed to give a prediction for the Manchester United v Wigan match tonight and am not sure if Lawro will so I might as well just in case.

But before we get to that, I would like to send my commiserations to our resident Canaries fan and most frequent commentator on the site, Martin Race, who today I'm sure read the news Glenn Roeder has been sacked by his beloved Norwich City. I'm not sure how you feel about that Martin, but from my point of view it's good for the club.

Roeder was doing what he does with evey club he has managed.... Nothing. The team really hadn't gone anywhere and I think it was time for a change. Funnily enough this was (statistically speaking) Roeder's second best performance as a manager, which really put's in to perspective what a poor manager he is 

Cristiano Ronaldo

On Monday C-Ron was unsurprisingly named World Player of the Year. 42 goal, Premier League Champion and Champions League winner, can't really argue with that.

I will say that "I" personally think Messi is a better player, but due to what C-Ron has achieved in the last year I can;t complain with the award. I almost feel he should have won it due to the amount of Fantasy Football League's he single-handedly won last season.. If you had no C-Ron in your team last season and were not making him captain each week you were going to be at least 200+ points behind your league winner and that alone should have really won him World best player!

Manchester United v Wigan

As I already mentioned, I'm not sure if Lawro is giving a prediction for this one, but just in case I will anyway.

I'm pretty annoyed as I brought in Rio for John O'Shea thinking Rio would be back for these two games as would Evra. Turns out Evea is now out for four weeks due to the injury he sustained against Chelsea and Rio had another bout of back spasms (someone must have tipped him off that he would be drugs tested). Anyway, should have just stuck with O'Shea who I had to start with and brought in Wigan's Ryan Taylor like I wanted who picked up nine points on Sunday and anything he gets tonight would be a bonus.

United have not conceded a league goal in 720+ minutes of football (which is 8 games) two shy of Chelsea's Premier League record. It's a good thing their defense has been so tight because other than the three they scored against Chelsea, goals have be few and far between in their recent Premier league form.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Take care

Football Guy

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, slightly later than billed we finally have this weekends preview!

You what they say, "better late than never". It's been quite a hectic few weeks for me and now with the new job I've started, you might need to just bear with me over the next couple of weeks as I find my feet.

I did find out an interesting story last night, it involved leeches... You know, those little blood-sucking things (not Avram Grant) that they used to use in old medicine for "blood-letting".

Anyway the story goes that all leeches are hermaphrodites and when they want to reproduce the leech who is designated to be the guy literally grows some balls! Which the female leech proceeds to eat... err.. what? That's right, leeches reproduce by growing testicles and then having another one eat them whilst still attached... No thanks. This also got me wondering if leech rape constitutes force-feeding?

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

Here's a quick chance to recap how thing stand in my battle for prediction supremacy with Lawro.

Aston Villa v West Brom 

These are games Villa just can't afford to slip up in in their quest for a top four finish this season  and in all fairness probably won't.

 

I know this is a derby match but really, a team like West Brom, that has failed to score in seven of their 10 away league games this season, and netted once in the last five on their Premier League travels (v Wigan) hardly seem likely candidates to halt a top four wannabe in their track.

 

Look out for owners of Agbonlahor or Ashley Young in your fantasy leagues, they could be starting the weekend very nicely indeed.

 

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

 

 

 

Arsenal v Bolton

Remember the day's when Bolton were Arsenal's "bogey team"? Well I think it's safe to say those days are well behind us with the Gunners looking for their fifth consecutive victory over the Trotters (not Del Boy and Rodney).

You got to love Arsene's sense of what his team really need, by that I mean the current Arse-shaving rumors. It's funny that Arsene feel's there is nothing missing from his team yet the absence of a commanding CB or a top quality DM are so obvious the see that even Hellen Keller had noticed.

Anyway, it's always a good sign when your manager neglects defensive problems and tries to buy more attackers... Good job Arse-ne.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Everton v Hull 

Have the wheels finally come off the Hull bandwagon? It's going to get a little tougher before it get's better with the Tigers after getting back from Goodison will be wait for a visit from Arsenal.

Everton's defense has tightened up remarkably over the last month with the Toffees recording five clean sheets from their last six games.

After this game though Everton face Liverpool (a) Arsenal (h) Manchester United (a), nice and easy right?

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Fulham v Blackburn

If someone told me a year ago Fulham would go TWO whole month's without losing a Premiership game, I would think it was during the months of June and July.

Fulham also boast a rather impressive record against the top five this season with three draws and a win (although yet to play United). What does that mean for tomorrows match against Blackburn?

Blackburn are unbeaten under Fat Sam and also unbeaten in their last five meetings with Fulham.

Fantasy owners take note - If you can, bring in Jason Roberts! he seems to have found a new lease of life under Fat Sam and with home games against Newcastle and Bolton coming up, things could keep getting better for J-Rob and his owners

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Middlesbrough v Sunderland

After managing back to back games scoring four goals in each Sunderland find themselves in a two match goal drought in the league (not happy as I own Kenwyn Jones in fantasy).

Boro on the other hand have not won a league game for excatly two months and have not scored a league goal in over 330 minutes of football.

Surely that has to change right? Well it's not a good sign when you best player openly states he want to leave. Stuart Downing... You are a real big PRICK! How can you come out mid-season and tell your team who are on a horrible run of form and will be battling against the drop that you want out? Can't you wait a couple of month till the end of the season and leave then? Creep!

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Newcastle v West Ham

As you may know, I like to look at trends and patterns to help me decide when I'm not sure of a result. Well West Ham have not won at St James Park for over 10 years! What make's me think that will change tomorrow?

Newcastle surely have to put in a better performance then they did last time out against Liverpool.

I love player who try to manufacture transfer rumors about themselves - Charles N'Zogbia

"My agents are talking with Tottenham and Villa and, from what they've told me, Arsenal could also be in the frame, I have a preference for the Gunners but they are three great clubs".

Joe Kinnear - 

"I have spoken to Arsene Wenger and he said he's not interested in any of my players, so I don't know where the agent is coming from,"

Enough said.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Portsmouth v Manchester City

Getting gumped 3-0 at home by a team struggling to survive in the Championship must surely count as the low point of City's season.

It's alright though City fans, you get to play the team you demolished 6-0 earlier in the season, what a timely pick-me-up.

This might also be the battle of the two manager most likely to be the next ones fired. Pompey have lost four straight in the league and two of those have been heavy home defeats (3-0 and 4-1 to Newcastle and West Ham).

I think we might have another one on the cards tomorrow.

Football Guy's verdict 1-2

Stoke v Liverpool

Remember back in September when Stoke drew 0-0 at Anfield and everyone said "that's exactly why Liverpool won't win the league". Now, fast forward a couple of months to the present day, if Liverpool beat Stoke tomorrow they will go SIX points clear at the top of the league for at least 24 hours. How many still believe Liverpool won't win the league?

Stoke look set to unleash new signing Matthew Etherington on Liverpool... I can smell the fear...

Football Guy's verdict 0-1

Wigan v Tottenham

I watched last Friday's FA Cup tie between these two and thought Wigan were a bit unlucky not to get a replay out of it.

Now, that was without Zaki, Heskey or Valencia. So with them and also being at home means they should win right?

Jermain Defoe is back at Spurs less than a year after leaving for £12m (bought back for £15m), basically Spurs paid Pompey £3m to have Defoe for a year... smart business.

Interestingly rule L19 forbids players returning to clubs within a year, but the League can wave this at its discretion... Hmmm

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Manchester United v Chelsea

And finally we reach the weekends big one. Defending Champs v last seasons runners up, 2nd v 3rd, Red Devils v The Pensioners.

Both United and Chelsea are winless in games against the other big four teams this season although all of those have been away for United where as Chlesea have all been at Stamford Bridge.

Both team do need the three points from this one as they figure Liverpool should turn over Stoke and they don't want to fall any further behind.

I'm not going to do a Lawro, who I'm sure has predicted a draw (I have not looked), I'm going to say a United win, but before I do that, here's a little warning to all you fantasy managers out there that are going to have C-Ron as captain for this weeks games -

Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to score a Premier League goal against Chelsea... Think about it.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Take care

Football Guy

Hello one and all, here's wishing you a happy new year. As you may have noticed, I've not posted anything for about nine days or so. "Lazy Bum!" I hear you cry, well not exactly... I've been entertaining four friends from Croatia who were visiting London for the first time and staying at casa del Football Guy. Now, I'm not sure if you have ever tried being a tour guide and drinking partner for seven straight day's before but let me assure you, I didn't have much time for anything else! And besides, all we've had since I last spoke to you all is some silly 3rd round FA Cup ties which, apart from Manchester City's humbling at the hands of Nottingham Forrest, didn't really spring too many surprises.

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

Time for a quick recap on how the last round of my ongoing battle with Lawro went. Lawro's predictions here and mine are here.

Last Week

Football Guy - PS 1 CR 7 WR 3

Lawro           - PS 1 CR 6 WR 4

Like I said in my predictions, I wish I had had the balls to go with a draw for the Fulham Chelsea match as I was proved right! Dam my lack of testicles...

Fantasy Football

Quick recap 

Rafa still hate's Fantasy Football, after scoring twice on Boxing Day Robbie Keane was the 3rd most transferred in player for the last round of games, so what does Rafa do? Drops him from Liverpool's 5-1 drubbing of Newcastle. I've said it before about Rafa, you have four definates who if fit Rafa is sure to play (Gerrard, Torres, Carragher and Reina) the rest are select at your own risk.

Did you know that since Fat Sam has taken over at Blackburn, Jason Roberts has scored 24 points in those three games? To put that in to context, it took Roberts the previous 17 weeks to amass 31 points. Maybe J-Rob should be on your January sales shopping list.

The Cristiano Ronaldo award for fantasy excellence

1. Steven Gerrard - 18pts 

Stevie G has been on a right tear up over the last 5 weeks where he has managed to score 55 points at an average of 11 per week. That's the kind of form we've come to expect from C-Ron over the last couple of seasons and it's by far Gerrard's best spell of the year. Is it time to sell Ronaldo and go with a Gerrard+Lampard combo? I wouldn't give it the green light just yet, but if I were over 100 points behind the leader of my league I'd be seriously considering it.

Power Rankings

In The Thick of it 20th - 12th

These teams at the moment are worrying about the top flight status and will be for the foreseeable future. Like winter follows autumn they know they are in for a long cold winter and HOPE that by the time spring come's around things will be considerably more rosey.

This section seems to be getting bigger and bigger each time we visit the Power Rankings!

PR 20th (20th) - PL 20th (20th)  WBA

You know what happens when your bottom at Christmas right? You go down, apart from that one time West Brom managed it... You'd think that anything Brian Robson can do as a manager most people can do better but yet somehow 15 other managers have tried and failed in the Premiership era where Captain Marvel has succeeded... Don't worry Baggies, if the Homer Simpson of Management could save you I'm sure Tony Mowbury must have some chance right?

I'm not sure I've disliked a team more for pure Footballing reasons than I have this Stoke side. Even the evil old Bolton teams than Fat Sam created had a bit of skill and flair. Unfortunately not this Stoke side who are basically a Championship side on steroids. They will push, shove, bruise and foul you for 90 minutes and then some. That's not how football is meant to be played and I think they are the only side at the moment who plays without any flair in the Premier League (unless you count 50 yard throws).

The last time I did the Power Rankings was the 14th of November, the last time Boro won a league game was the 9th of November. That's Eight games without a league win and that's why they have slipped from 11th to 18th in the Power Rankings. Their big problem over these eight games has been goals, they have only managed Four of them over this poor run and is definitely something Southgate needs to address and fast!

I do remember writing last time I did a Power Rankings -

"It's strange to think that the team with currently the worst defence is not bottom of the league"

Well we all know what happened after that comment and (thankfully for Blackburn) had Paul Ince still been in charge I'm sure they would be bottom of the league right now. Now despite my general dislike for Fat Sam, I do however respect that he knows what he's doing in these parts of the league (after all it's not rocket science) and I'm 99% sure he will keep Rovers up.

PR 16th (9th) - PL 16th (16th) Tottenham Hotspur

It seems I may have been a tad generous in my placement of Tottenham last time round. Not only did I have them 9th but also in the "Hunt for Europe" section... Well when your wrong you say your wrong and I was most definitely wrong and am very angry at myself for it.

Question - What happened to high scoring, fun Tottenham from last season? They managed to score Four in One trip to the Emirates yet from Ten home games they have only manged Seven poxy goals. Last season there were a whopping 80 goals scored at White Hart Lane which was by far the most and worked out to a massive 4.2 goals per game, this season WHL is on pace for 25 goals... If your going to be crap, at least be entertaining!

Maybe Ricky Sbragia should not have taken the job permanently as his first game after taking the post full time was also his first loss. More worryingly for the Mackems is the fact Ricky seems to think Micheal Chopra is a Premiership player! And here's us thinking he knew what he was doing. 

I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and allow him the chance to show what he's made of, decent stuff so far.

PR 14th (7th) - PL 12th (9th) Portsmouth

Pompey are very lucky to be this high in the Power Rankings and now thinking about it, should be a lot lower. Thankfully for them I'm willing to give Tony Adams ONE more month to show me he knows what he's doing cos so far it seems like he does not.

One win in their last Eight games is a good way to get yourself relegated and to make matters worse, your star striker Jermain Defoe has apparently received death threats from your own fans... I bet it was this guy, he's always looked like a creep to me.

(BTW - If I wanted to leave a club and not look like the bad guy, I too would say the fan's had threatened to kill me)

So hold on a minute, is Michael Owen staying or going? He owes them another year right?

But wait just a second, is Shay Given Staying or Going? Newcastle owe him the chance to leave and play for a club with real chance to win something right?

hey, how about Mike Ashley, selling or staying? He owes the Newcastle fans a proper owner who does not take the club he want to sell off the market just because nobody is stupid enough to pay what he paid for the club right?

Newcastle - Where nothing is straight forward.

Have you ever noticed how crap Bolton's badge is, it kind of reminds me a little of this badge.

Quirky stat about Bolton - No score draws this season.

Their next two games are tough, Arsenal away, Manchester United home, but after that they have a run nine games stretching till April that I'm sure they will feel they can win and I think they should pick up enough points over that period to see themselves safe for another year.

Looking over their Shoulder 12th -10th

These are the teams that are thankful that for now there are teams that are worse than them, but need to keep looking over their shoulders in case they get sucked in.

The Tigers have now lost three straight in the league which equals their worst run this season. The problem is their next two games are Everton away and Arsenal at home, which could easily see them end up with a five game losing streak and them slip further down the table.

Having said that I still think Hull will be OK this season, but I do think they will end up closer to the drop than most people think.

I probably should have put the Hammers further down the list as they are likely to lose quite a few key players during January.

Mind you, if they can keep them they'll most like finish where they stand now, somewhere in mid-table.

Question - Is Gianfranco Zola the most universally like ex-Chelsea player ever?

Back in November when Wigan were 17th in the League I wrote -

"I don't get why Wigan are not getting more points. Thay have some very good players in Zaki, Heskey and Valencia yet can't seem to win games thay should"

I'll be honest people, it feel good to be right, especially with a team you would like to see do well. I've said before that I like Steve Bruce as a manager, I just hope he can keep a hold of his key players until the end of the season and build from there.

Forget Hull, Fulham have supprised me the most this season. I was sure they were going down, didn't see any other secnario and yet here they are 9th in the League with a by FAR better defensive record than either Arsenal or Aston Villa.

I'm not going to go as far as to say they are safe just yet, but by next months Power Rankings they could be.

Your Season Ended in August

This is for those teams who will end up in mid table mediocrity, who's fans barring a cup run will have very little to get excited about. Hence, your season ended in August.

PR 7th (8th) - PL 13th (13th) Manchester City

Slightly controversial I know given their current form a League position but seriously, who really believes City will go down?

I'm sure if I gave you the choice between backing City to go down for £1m or them finish at least 10 points clear of relegation for £10k you chose the second option right? If I'm wrong you are a bigger fool than I.

Question - How did Wayne Bridge become more expensive over the last five year despite warming Chelsea's bench for most of them?

That was a question asked of me by one of my buddies from the SportBoys, if you've never read there stuff be sure to check it out.

In the Hunt for Europe 6th 

For those who are looking at a UEFA cup spot but not quite top 4 spot.

Do I believe Aston Villa can break into the top four? Yes. Do I also believe Everton can finish above Villa? Yes.

Everton can for me most certainly catch Villa and come 5th, but to do so their going to need some more fire power up front as Cahill, Arteta and Lescott can't do it all.

Hopefully Saha will be back soon (and then injured again) which will help easy the pressure on their beleaguered strike force.

Fourth Spot Chasers  4th

I think you can guess what that means.

Had Villa taken their chance on Boxing Day, beaten Arsenal and gone six point clear of them instead of snatching a late point and being only three points ahead I would have bumped them up one place in the Power Rankings.

Alas for them they stay fifth for now, but that could all change soon enough as they have a pretty favorable run of fixtures coming up that, if they seriously think they can get 4th spot they have to win.

The Arsenal Transfer Funds Mystery -

28/11/2008 - Arsenal have money to spend

02/01/2009 - Arsenal have "no" money to spend

Question - What happened in those 34 days? Peter Hill-Wood + Gala Casino = no transfer funds

Title Chasers 3rd - 1st

The big boys, the ones who dream it will be their captain lifting the trophy in may.

PR 3rd (1st) - PL 2nd (1st) Chelsea

So for the first time this season Chelsea drop from the top spot down to 3rd.

There's only so many time's you can slip up at home and get away with it, since the last Power Rankings were published Chelsea have managed just one home league win from four matches.

Also in store for them in the second half of the season are trips to Villa Park, The Emirates, Anfield and this weekends trip to Old Trafford. That's a lot of potential dropped points right there.

PR 2nd (3rd) - PL 3rd (4th) Manchester United

I've been scratching my head wondering what the hell is up with United attack? Then I realized... Nothing! It's the same as it was last year apart from the fact C-Ron is not bailing them out each week and on pace to score 256 goals in the season.

In fact C-Ron's influence on the United attack is so great that in the six league games he has gone without scoring united have failed to score more than one in all of them and the last three times United managed to score more than one goal in a league match C-Ron scored at least two goals in each of them.

Question - How good are United without Ronaldo scoring every week? Not as good as we thought!

Hopefully now that I've finally put Liverpool atop the Power Rankings all the threats of burglary from scousers will stop.

Fair play to Liverpool who have managed to open up a three point gap at the top of the League despite having one of the worlds best strikers out for big chunks of the season so far.

Now with Torres seemingly back, Liverpool need to take full advantage and press on in their pursuit of their first title in 19 years.

Final Thought

Three of the last four teams top of the league at Christmas have gone on to win the League. The one that failed was last season Arsenal, I shall no proceed to set myself on fire...

Take care

Football Guy 

Hi everybody, hope you all enjoyed the feast of football served up for us yesterday. There was a bountiful 25 goals dished out over the ten games which was plenty to go round, however if you had the misfortune of being at either White Hart Lane or the Stadium of Light you really did end up with a Christmas Turkey!

Game of the day I guess had to be the last one. It was actually one of the best games of the season with both teams netting twice, the woodwork was also hit four times and Martin O'Neill set a new record for most distance covered on the touchline by a manager during a match.

There was also a rather funny/awkward hand shake between the two managers after a heated discussion minutes into the second half. It's funny that Wenger is often described as a professor or a great thinker yet he seems to love to get into near punch up's on the touchline more than any other manager in the Premiership. Funniest one has to be when him and Martin Jol butted heads in some sort of antelope mating ritual (Sorry as i can't find the video).

Elsewhere, the "Big Three" all one and in pleasantly symmetrical order, 1-0 2-0 3-0.

Stephen Ireland answered my fantasy football teams call with a first half hat trick of assist and a second half goal with absolutely destroyed Hull who have shipped NINE goals in their last two games.

Then there was Pompy, who instead of winning their game comfortably they get spanked 4-1, sorry Tony, as much as I love you, things just seem to go wrong for you. I hope people don't start remembering you as a $*1T manager rather than the great captain you were.

Arsenal v Portsmouth 

So, Tony Adams get's to finally take on Arsenal in a managerial capacity. I don;t think it's going to be a happy return. Portsmouth have developed that dangerous trait of playing well yet losing. Funnily enough it started right after Big Tone took over.

Arsenal Will Have Adebayor back for this one and I'd look for him to be in amongst the goals, if you've got the cash I recommend bringing him into your fantasy team for this one

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Blackburn v Manchester City

results despite using the exact same tools. Under Paul Ince Blackburn 

Bolton v Wigan

Both teams are sitting pretty going into the last games of the year.

Although both know that it could all change very quickly if you take your eyes of the ball.

I think both team's play some decent football and I wish them all the best for the new year.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

 

 

Everton v Sunderland

Everton need to get that home form into gear and I think it starts here.

Ricky Sbragia has today been confirmed as the permanent replacement for Roy Keane and he really did earn it. Goes to show that when the opportunity arrives, make sure you make the most of it and Ricky sure has.

Everton have still got striker problems but as long as Tim Cahill can keep finding the net they should be alright for the next few games.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

 

 

Fulham v Chelsea

Now, it's time for the best Home v the best Away in this Battle for West London supremacy.

I've never understood why Chelsea play in Fulham (That's were Stamford Bridge is, not Chelsea but Fulham).

I really want to say a draw... I just don't have the testicular fortitude to do it, grrrr.

Football Guy's verdict 0-1 (but really think 1-1 but am too pussy to do it)

 

 

Newcastle v Liverpool

Do you remember way back when, in the good old day's were Liverpool and Newcastle would annually play out 4-3 thrillers?

I miss those days, and as much as I would love for another one I just can;t see it happening at 12:00pm as I don;t think there has ever been an exciting game played at that kickoff time.

Liverpool may or may not have Fernando Torres back on the bench for this one, I'm going to stick my neck out and say he wont play.

Football Guy's verdict 1-2

 

 

West Brom v Tottenham

It's good to see that Harry Redknapp is a fan of the Football guy, I know this because he must have read my comments the other month about Tottenham's inability to win a match Gareth Bale starts.

So since then Gareth Bale seems to have vanished off the face of the planet, look out for him to be sold in January.

West Brom on the other hand are just poo, they play some decent stuff but without any real end product. Lookout for them to sign a Nigel Quashie type player who has been relegated five times with five different teams, always a smart move.

Football Guy's verdict 0-1

 

 

West Ham v Stoke

I think West Ham were on the right end of a very flattering scoreline Boxing day.

They could have easily been 3-4 down themselves yet go on to win the match handsomely, quite a contrast to their recent form which has been quite the opposite.

Stoke almost held the Champions to a 0-0 draw, although I almost once won a tap dancing contest... Dam that "almost".

Stoke along with Fulham are the only teams to have yet to win a game on their travels and I don;t expect that to change here.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

 

 

Manchester United v Middlesbrough

I what to know whats happened to United's attack? They have only managed three goals in their last five games. In the five previous to that they managed 13. Now considering I have both C-Ron and Berbatov in my fantasy team, I expect some answers!

 

I'd also like to know what's happened to Boro's form? no win's in nine games spells trouble.

 

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

 

 

 

Hull v Aston Villa

Have Hull finally turned in to the team we thought they would be at the start of the season? Well with 11 goals conceded in their last three games you could see why I'd ask that.

Villa will feel they should have one their game against Arsenal in the first half yet funnily enough should thank their lucky stars they came away with a point.

I'm going to say Hull are on their way down the table, expect another half time team talk from the center circle.

 

Football Guy's verdict 1-3

 

 

Take Care

 

Football Guy 

 

 

                                                                                                             

                                                                                                           

Merry Christmas to you all, I hope Santa brought you all you deserved this year. I went for a hour and a half long walk this morning around Islington and managed to see 10 people (three of which were jogging and two were homeless). It really is a ghost town on Christmas day.

For a football fan though, this really is a glorious time of the year. Games come think and fast and there is loads of food and booze to enjoy them with. I can't understate how much I love the festive period and the sporting action it brings!

I know most people love Christmas for the presents (greedy so and so's), so I thought I would take so time before the previews to mention some of the "presents" I think a few of the Premiership teams hope they will receive.

Arsenal

When your locked in what looks to be a real battle to come at least forth, the last thing you need is your captain and best player to get crocked ofr four months which basically rules him out for the rest of the season.

We already knew Arsene would probably need to buy a midfielder in January, but now with Cesc injury it seem the wise old Frenchman will need to add to his Xmas wish list. It's also never a good position to be in when teams know you are desperate for a player, they really can hold you to ransom.

Wenger's big problem will be that the restless Arsenal fan's out there will probably be look for a relatively big name signing to appease the sense of lack star power in the team, those kind of player don;t come cheep at the best of times and with teams knowing Arsenal's predicament it could make finding another one of Arsene's "bargains" very tough indeed.

Chelsea

A home win please! Chelsea are without a win at fortress Stamford Bridge since demolishing Sunderland 5-0 on November 1st.

I think they will get there wish as they face West Brom at home on Boxing Day and if they are unable to beat them then maybe uncle Roman will have to get out his big fat cheque book and delve in to the January sales.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres fit! There is only so much Stevie G and co can do without there best front man. A fully fit and in form Torres could be the difference for whether or not Liverpool can end there 19 year title drought.

The good news is that he seems to be about to make his comeback, the bad news is judging by  Fernondo's injury history since joining Liverpool, he's probably about a month away from another spell on the sidelines.

West Brom

Can lightning strike twice? We all know that if your bottom on Christmas Day it mean almost certain relegation come May.

Having said that the Baggies are the only team to have avoided that fate, surviving after a truly miraculous run that saw them still at the foot of the table come the last day of the season.

They already find themselves four points adrift from safety and with a trip to Chelsea on Boxing day it looks unlikely they will be any nearer to safety come the weekend.

Lawro's predictions

Stoke v Manchester United

Fresh from their exploits in Japan, United return to Premiership action looking to make up some ground in the title race. Waiting for them is a vist to Stoke who they crushed last month at Old Trafford 5-0.

That game was also the last time C-Ron scored in the Premiership and United will need the World Footballer of the Year back in goalscoring form if they are to get their title chase back on track.

Stoke have been remarkable good this year at home with a record of W-5 D-2 L-2. I don;t expect them to be adding to the first two columns tomorrow.

Football Guy's verdict  0-3

Chelsea v West Brom

Chelsea have to start winning at home sometime soon and this fixture presents them with the perfect opportunity to get their once legendary home form back on track.

I hope Lampard has not gorged himself to much with Christmas Turkey and is fighting fit for this one as he could do with a goal (as could my fantasy team). If your looking for a little festive bet on Boxing day go with Lampard First Goalscorer @ 5/1. It might help you make up for that lousy present you bought your girlfriend.

West Brom have no hope here and I think Chelsea crush them

Football Guy's verdict 3-0

Portsmouth v West Ham

Tony Adams really really really needs a a run of league wins! Since the beginning of November Pompy have managed just two league wins out of eight games and yet despite their form are still 10th.

West ham I think have been pretty unlucky to only have one point from their last three games (that coming at Stamford Bridge). It's never a good sign to play well and lose. They seem to be having all sorts of problems putting the ball in the back of the net and could really do with a top striker in January. Unfortunately it seems they are more likely to sell due to their precocious financial standing.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Tottenham v Fulham

Last season White Hart Lane was the place to go to see goals, this season it is not. WHL has seen the least amount of net bulging action in the Premiership with only 14 goals in 9 games, the next best (or worst) is at either the JJB or Reebok which have both seen only 18 goals each.

Fulham sport the Premier League's best home record picking up 20 points at Craven Cottage (although United have played 2 games less at Old Trafford). The problem they have is that they also have the league second worst away record (Stoke having the worst) with only 4 points from 8 games on their travels. I don't expect that to change.

Football Guy's verdict 1-0

Liverpool v Bolton

The Merseysiders celebrate Christmas at the top of the tree for the first time in 12 years and a record equaling 16th time all told. Good news for Liverpool as they have gone on to win the title on 10 of the 15 occasions they previously were on pole position on 25 December, but the most recent of these was the 1987-88 season.

They will also have gone a whole calender year unbeaten at home should they avoid defeat.

All you need to know about Bolton's chances in this one is that the last time they one at Anfield Albert Einstein was still alive, maybe they could use his big fat brain to devise a way to win tomorrow.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Manchester City v Hull

I bet I know what Mark Hughes want for Christmas, a much needed 3 points. Who would have thought come Boxing day City would have the same amount of league points as their position in the league (both 18).

This one should be an entertaining affair as there have been a total of 116 goals in their 36 games combined this season, which if I've done my maths corectly works out to 3.2 goals per game.

I really enjoyed the 2-2 draw they served up last month as I was fortunate enough to have both Giovanni and Stephen Ireland in my fantasy team who score 3 between them. I'm hoping for more of the same!

Football Guy's verdict 2-2

Middlesbrough v Everton

Things are looking considerably less rosy for Boro then they did a few weeks ago. Their last league win was back in October and have managed just 4 points from their last 8 games.

Everton on the other hand have been surprisingly good away from Goodison, picking up 19 points on their travels compared to just 7 at home.

There still lacking in the fire power department but one goal might be all that's needed.

Football Guy's verdict 0-0

Sunderland v Blackburn

About two weeks ago this game might have been sorting out who was the worst in the Premiership, but know with both teams having new men in charge there seems to be a sense of optimism for what the new year will hold.

I'm sure both will fancy their chances and both need the win. I think they might well cancel each other out.

Football Guy's verdict 2-2

Wigan v Newcastle

So it looks as though Mickey Owen will be staying at St James's for at least another year as he feel's he "owe's them one more". That awfully nice of him, it's good to see he's will to turn up each week for ONLY £100,000 a week. Let that be a lesson to you all and try to be more charitable in the new year!

Wigan on the other hand have two striker's who's future's are a little less certain. What will happen with Zaki and Heskey? If they were to lose both of them I would be straight down the bookie's with some some cash back them at 7/1 for the drop.

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Finally we have what's arguably the best game on Boxing Day. 3rd vs 5th in what could be a massive momentum swinger it the "race for fourth".

Arsenal really will be up against it traveling without their two best players (Cesc and Adebayor). Will they have enough to overcome a Villa side who have lost just once at home?

Arsenal haven't actually lost to Villa at Villa Park this millennium and will be hoping that run continues.

I don't want to knock Villa in what they have achieved so far this season but I will say they have been very fortunate with injuries. I read a stat somewhere which has them as the team that has used the fewest different players in the league so far this season and if you think about it, other than John Carew, they haven't had anyone missing from the first team for any considerably length of time.

If they are to push for a Champions League spot their run of injury free luck will have to continue but if the worst happens they will be doing themselves a big favor if they can open up a 6 point lead over Arsenal.

The Gunners this season have managed their best performances when their backs have been against the wall, I hope that continues!

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Final Thoughts

I would like to take this moment to wish you all a very merry Christmas, may it be as good to you as it has so far been to me. I will be back on Saturday with the preview for Sunday's games (It will also be my first weekend post). I've also got planned for nest week the "Football Guy end of year awards" which should be fun, but until then

Take care

Football Guy 

Hey ho everyone, it's time for a Tuesday Monday Hangover. It had nothing to do with me being lazy or forgetting. I had a electronic problem, namely my computer was messing me around in a very VERY annoying way. Basically what happened was that about two minutes after I would turn the sucker on it decided to switch itself off, which in turn made it virtually impossible for me to do anything about it, so I had to wipe everything and start again!

Needless to say, once I was done with that I was in no mood to write and had a lot of other stuff on so hence, I come to you today.

Weekend Winners

Aston Villa

Another good weekend for the Villans which saw them move to within five point of leader Liverpool and three points ahead of Arsenal who's game on Boxing day at Villa park should prove to be an intriguing match to say the least. In fact it's a bit like a delayed Xmas present and as I don;t think I shall be getting much this year I'm looking at it as my "Thing" to look forward to (despite being very worried about the possibility Arsenal might end up six point behind them).

Manchester United

United not only won the World Club Championship over the weekend, they also won ground in the title race as their main rivals (other than Villa who I don;t think their to concerned about) all slipped up. United now have two games in hand, both at home, which if they win will see them go level on points with Chelsea and one point behind Liverpool with both having to visit Old Trafford in the New Year. SPOILER ALERT - With this month power rankings coming up next week you might see United on top... Maybe.

Ricky Sbragia

Yes folks, the man with the name I can't pronounce has turn Sunderland's fortunes around it seem and has put himself surly in pole position for the job on a permanent basis. After almost stealing a point at United they have go on to crush both West Brom and Hull, team's which Manchester City can;t seem to figure out. Speaking of which...

Weekend Losers

Manchester City

If you can;t beat West Brom then who can you beat? I'm still not going to go as far as to say it's a crisis at Eastlands but there are certainly some big problems that I'm sure £50-60m will sort out. The only question is if Sparky will be given the chance to sort them out.

Football Guy

Yep, I had my first losing week in my battle with the BBC's Mark Lawrenson. Let's take a look at what went down.

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

As was quite correctly pointed out to me by my mate Amer, I had made a mistake in calculating the points last week. I had given perfect score three points but also gave them one point for being a correct result which basically meant I was give four points for a perfect score which it way too much.

Anyway that has been rectified this week. I managed only Three correct results, all coming on Saturday, where as Lawro had Four correct results with One perfect score. For a full check on how Lawro did click here.

This Week

Football Guy - PS 0 CS 3 WR 7

Lawro           - PS 1 CS 4 WR 6

Season

                         PS - CS - WR - Pts

Football Guy     3     14     16     20

Lawro               3     12     18     18

Well at least I'm still in the lead, although I not happy at all with the gap I have. Will have to make sure I have a good festive period.

Fantasy Football

The only player you realistically would have made captain that done anything

1. Robin Van Persie - 10pts

Players you wish you had made captain but never would

1. Steed Malbranque - 16pts
2. Danny Murphy       - 14pts
3. Matty Taylor          - 13pts

1. Benni  McCarthy - 12pts - more than past 8 weeks combined
2. Jason Roberts    - 10pts - more than past 6 weeks combined
3. Roman Bednar   - 8pts   - more than past 6 weeks combined

Super-Duper goalkeepers

1. Brad Friedel - 11pts
2. Petr Cech    - 10pts

The Cristiano Ronaldo award for Fantasy Football Excelence

1. Steed Malbranque - 16pts

Steed has now scored 39 points in the last 6 gameweek's which works out to 6.5 a week, despite that his value has dropped by .1m, figure that one out?

Final Thoughts

As you may have noticed, there is no Youtube or pictures this week due to some lingering problems I'm still experiencing with my computer. I'm sure I shall have those fixed in the coming days and things will be back on track in no time, until then.

Take Care

Football Guy

So I'm back with my 4th, that's right 4TH column of the week! How lucky you all are...

Were back with the regular Weekend Preview were I take on the BBC's Mark Lawrenson in his Lawro's Predictions column on the net.

But before we get to that I had a thought this week that was more a question and it turned into one that I had no answer for. What is that question I hear you ask?

If C-Ron is the best player in the Premiership, then who is the second?

hmm, I really could not say. I guess most people would go with Gerrard, Lampard or Cesc, but for me Torres, Drogba, Rooney and Berbatov have to figure in the discussion as well as Ashley Young and Robinho.

It's defiantly an interesting question and one that I might have to attempt to answer in the new year.

I think the problem with the question is that for me there is no definitive answer, it all depends on from what perspective your looking from and how you value one players impact over another.

Anyway, I'll get back to this in a couple of weeks time.

On to this weeks picks, as always, I'm picking these without looking at what Lawro has picked and for what it's worth, you have my word I didn't peek.

Blackburn v Stoke

Unfortunately for me there is no early Saturday kick-off where I have a 100% record in guessing the score, BOO.

Instead we have another one of those bunch of 3pm games which look horrible. This one see's the return of the walrus who, despite me disliking very much, is going to be a good thing for a Blackburn team in crisis after having Paul Ince try to convince them that players who were good enough for AFC Wimbledon were also good enough for Blackburn (well I guess considering the direction he was taking them maybe they would be in six months time).

I think the walrus will have an immediate effect and I'm tempted to say their going to keep a clean sheet as well (then I realize he's not a miracle worker).

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Bolton v Portsmouth

I've had a few email's in recent weeks accusing me of being a tad harsh on Tony Adams, so in response to that I will say that they were in no way deserving of the 3-0 beat down they received at home to Newcastle and had Jermaine Defoe not turned into Dave Nugent it might well have been 3-0 to the home side.

Bolton's good run of form ended last week away to top four challengers Aston Villa. Bolton have actual picked up more points away from home this season then they have at the Reebok, with goal scoring being their biggest problem (only six in eight games).

I say low scoring draw.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Fulham v Middlesbrough

Fulham, the best home team in London. Does not sound right does it? But regardless of how it sound's, it's true and I think it will continue (which mean's knowing Boro they will win).

I do think this is the best of the 3pm games and I shall be watching over the internet expecting some good footballing action.

Boro are a dangerous team to back against if you feel confident they will lose as I have documented before.

So with that said I'm quite ready to eat my words when they beat Fulham on Saturday.

Football Guy's verdict 2-0

Hull v Sunderland

Sunderland bounced back in terrific style last week with a 4-0 pounding of West Brom and the week before were about 90 seconds away from getting a point at Old Trafford.

Hull keep proving the doubters wrong and I feel they should keep there unbeaten run going (5 games).

It would be a nice boost to my fantasy team if Giovanni could score this week. Please Gio, all I ask is one goal, come one, that's not too much to ask is it?

Football Guy's verdict 3-1

West Ham v Aston Villa

You know that Villa will most likely be either 3-4 points ahead of Arsenal or 4-5 points behind Liverpool come Sunday night. I think until proven otherwise Villa must be taken as serious challengers for a top 4 finish (Just don;t let Ashley Young do anything in this game, thanks)

The hammers put in a good performance at Stamford Bridge last week, but considering Chelsea's home form this year it's not really that big of a deal.

Is there anyone on West Ham's team you like for fantasy purposes? Because I can't think of one player from there team I would consider bringing in to mine.

Football Guy's verdict 0-2

West Brom v Manchester City

It's good that we finally have a team we can say are definitely the worst in the Premiership this season. had Blackburn not sacked Paul Ince and brought in the Walrus we might still be undecided but now we have a clear favorite, that's the status you get when Sunderland whoop you 4-0.

Did you know that in all competitions City have failed to win their last five games? If sparky does not address that soon he might well be the next manager in the dole Que. I'm sure if he can make it to January and strengthen the area's they need work on he should be just fine. It's also good for him he has a VERY winnable game this week.

Football Guy's verdict 0-3

Newcastle v Tottenham

What's going on with Tottenham's defense? It's been a shambles now for the last 18 months or so, yet they have managed 3 clean sheets in their last 4 league games. Might be time to start looking at Spurs defenders as viable options for your fantasy team.

Speaking of defenses, Newcastle too have had a remarkable improvement in that department of last also picking up clean sheets in 3 of their last 4 games. The world seems the little bit more strange.

Football Guy's verdict 1-1

Arsenal v Liverpool

Undoubtedly the weekends biggest game. Arsenal definitely need the win more than Liverpool who, if they look at this reasonably, would be happy with a point from this one.

Apparently Arsenal will have Samir Nasri back for this one which is very good news for the Gunners as he seems to be incapable of scoring anywhere apart from the Emirates and also has a knack for scoring important goals (Winner against West Brom, Both in win over United and equalizer v Everton).

It also mean that Arsene wont have to play the 4 central midfielder midfield, which give Arsenal less width than a hooker's back alley.

The big question with Liverpool will be who they start up front? With out doing any research and only using my memory I seem to remember Robbie Keane having quite a decent record against Arsenal, though I might be wrong.

Will Rafa put his faith in his £20 front man? Or will it be sloth spearheading the attack once more?

I say since Arsenal have already beaten 2 of the 3 Big Four by a 2-1 score line that they will do so again (finger's crossed).

Football Guy's verdict 2-1

Everton v Chelsea

Lastly we have Monday nights game which see's Chelsea looking for a 9th straight win away from home this season where they have also only conceded 1 goal.

As long as Chelsea make sure they keep an eye on Cahill and Lescott they should be alright as I can't see Everton scoring more than 1 in this game. Chelsea have managed 21 goals so far away from home in 8 games which is a top return in anyone's book's.

Note to Lampard - F%@KING SCORE YOU FAT C@&T, MY FANTASY TEAM NEEDS IT.

Football Guy's verdict 0-2

Final thoughts

With C-Ron of in the land of the rising sun, who will you have as your fantasy teams captain this week?

Take care

Football Guy

So having recovered from my birthday weekend, I'm glad things are back to normal in the world of the Football Guy.

Friday was cool and I would like to thank everyone who came down to see me, for those who didn't you can look on enviously at the great time you missed by checking out the photo's on Facebook (I am not sure who that bearded hobo was who seemed to pop up in a few pics).

The best present I received (ONLY) was a framed picture of Maradona at the 86 World Cup final. It's seems to be quite a unique photo as I was unable to find it via google images, the closest I could find to a copy was this one, hopefully that gives you have a rough idea of what my picture looks like.

Anyway, enough about me. Let's get on to some football talk. 

Before we get onto the Premiership, there was the little matter of a certain game in Spain. El Clasico I think it's fair to say did not disappoint. I watched it at home as I was feeling quite tried and it was raining outside which it seemed to do all weekend. The game although not being a "Classic", was good and certainly entertaining, Barcelona were worthy winners even though they left it late. So well done to them and well done to Lionel Messi who finally had a hair cut and looks SO much better with shorter hair (Also funny to see Cannavaro run into the post like that).

Weekend in Pictures

• £35m hate
• Loneliness
• The mincy wince
• Beenie Man
• £20m benchwarmer
• (INSERT JOKE)
• Hmmmm
• P45
• Man in the middle?
• Merry Xmas Rovers
• Hmmmm part 2

Football Guy v Mark Lawrenson

I've been asked by a few people to clarify what ranks better in my battle with Lawro, correct results or perfect scores?

So after a suggestion from the Sportboy I'm going to say that Perfect Scores count as THREE points and correct results count as ONE point.

So I had another good week over Lawro and have extended my lead over him by a couple of points.

This Week

Football Guy - PS 1 CS 5 WR 5

Lawro          -  PS 1 CS 3 WR 7

Season

                        PS - CS - WR - Pts

Football Guy    3     11      9      20

Lawro              2      8      12     14

So a nice six point lead for me over Lawro after two weeks. At this rate I'll be 66 points ahead come the end of the season!

Stat of the Weekend

Jamie Carragher has put to ball in the net 11 times in his Liverpool carer. 7 have been own goals, 4 for Liverpool, 3 for Spurs and 2 for Manchester United. It's amazing to think he has almost scored as many goals for Tottenham as he has for Liverpool.

Fantasy Football

Players you wish you had not made captain

1. Berbatov   - 2pts
2. Robinho     - 2pts
3. Van Persie - 2pts 

Players you should have made captain

1. Agbonlahor    - 15pts
2. Gerrard          - 14pts
3. Ashley Young - 13pts

Players you wish you had made captain but never would

1. Valencia           - 17pts
2. Reid                 - 16pts
3. Cattermole      - 10pts 
4. Kenwyn Jones - 10pts

Players you wish you had not left on your bench

1. Guthrie         - 10pts
2. Jose Enrique - 9pts
3. Gomes          - 8pts

The Cristiano Ronaldo award for Fantasy Football Excelence

1. Valencia - 17pts

Well done to him, Valencia does have occasional big fantasy weeks and kudos to you if you have him in your team. It's been a few weeks now that C-Ron has failed to even come close to winning his own award and with United off in Japan next weekend it's going to be a little while longer before he regains his crown.

Things we found out this weekend

1. Aston Villa are title contenders? Well if Arsenal fan's still think they are then why should Villa not be counted as well? Boxing Day should be a treat as the 5.15pm game is Villa v Arsenal, Battle for 4th? Could be.

2. This is one of the most strangest season in recent history. Only one of the top 8 this weekend won and everyone from 6th down I think is pretty much as good as each other. You could jumble all those other teams up in a hat and pull them out one by one and say that was the oder in the Premiership and I would believe it.

3. The Legend that was Chelsea's home form is officially dead. In the last four season's the most points Chelsea have dropped at home was 14, they have already this season dropped 10! Back in the 05/06 season when Chelsea last won the league they dropped only TWO points at home winning 18 of 19. Those days seem a long time ago.

You Tube

Now this handsome fellow in the picture above is a Friend of mine called Murat. Now, after being told by another friend of mine Peter (who bought me the Maradona picture) that he looked like a certain someone Murat seemed to be very happy with that. I'm saying that the person who Peter said you look like Murat is nothing to be pleased about.

Who is that person I hear you ask? It's a bloke called Michele Salvemini who, sings a song called "Abiura di me" which, so I'm told was a massive hit in Italy about computer game.

I must say I love this song and it currently sitting at the No1 spot in the"Football Guy's top 3 tunes to get ready to go out". The other two being the "Faber Collage theme" from the movie Animal House and Otis day and the Knights singing "Shama lama ding dong" from the same film.

Next up we have this guy who teaches us how to do a Christopher Walken impression which is pretty good. I know it's long but the Walken part is within the first 5 minutes, watch of for those greesy little gooks.

Lastly check out "The Special One's" thoughts about how Arsene threw the Proto game so Arsenal would come second in their champions league group and avoid playing his Inter side. Good stuff.

Final Thoughts

If you were six points ahead of Mark Lawreson would you see that as success or failure?

Take care

Football Guy