Weekend Word - 29th/30th January

In an updated format, here's the highlights of the weekend for you from the footballing world:

Match of the Weekend - Notts County 1 Manchester City 1

I've gone for this just ahead of the admirable Cup exploits of Crawley Town, Leyton Orient and Brighton as this game summed up what is so brilliant about the FA Cup. A lower league minnow up against the richest club in the world and it was so close to being the perfect FA Cup matchday; with one of the biggest upsets in recent history. City were never brilliant but Notts County were; hustling and harrying their more illustrious opponents at every opportunity with the County fans creating an epic atmosphere at Meadow Lane. And of course, the underdogs went ahead through Neal Bishop's header and the dream headlines were written; only for Edin Dzeko's well-worked equaliser to earn the Premier League side a replay that they barely deserved. But it was a passionate Cup tie; fought to the very last by a brave County side, mistakes and moments of pure luck in equal measure and the big boys had their feathers ruffled. And that's what the FA Cup's all about.

Hero Of The Weekend - Matt Tubbs

The man who has put a non-league side into the Fifth Round of the FA Cup is this week's hero, scoring the only goal to see Crawley Town triumph over Torquay United. It was a well-taken goal and saw the first non-league side through to the last 16 for the first time in 17 years. The former Bournemouth and Bolton Wanderers striker even had time to miss a penalty, but the forward now has 24 goals in 25 games this season. And the big prize for his actions; a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.

Villain Of The Weekend - Michael Dawson

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was probably eyeing up the FA Cup as a competition his side could challenge for. And a fourth-round tie at Fulham could have been tricky, but Spurs were definitely favourites. But after just fourteen minutes, they were two-nil down and thanks to Michael Dawson, a man down after a desperate challenge. The Cottagers were then three-nil up after twenty-three minutes and cruising on their way onto eventually winning the game four-nil. But if it wasn't for a slow Spurs start and a stupid moment from Dawson, Harry could still be dreaming of a return to Wembley.

Pause For Thought - Guess The FA Cup Winner?

Manchester United and Arsenal struggled through against lower league sides, Manchester City and Chelsea both have replays to contend with and the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Blackburn are now out; the FA Cup has lived up to its reputation and it's hard to pick a winner at the moment. Of course, the nous of United and Chelsea puts them as favourites, but it would be great to see an underdog bursting through; if only to see the Big Two not face each other in another Wembley bore. I'm going to go for Manchester City; Dzeko, Tevez and Balotelli are a fine strikeforce and Mancini seems to be running an almost stable club at the moment. Plus it will be good to see City break the barrier and win a trophy, because it's only a matter of time. For now anyway, I'm going to enjoy the Fifth Round. Leyton Orient versus Arsenal, Manchester United versus Crawley Town? Quality.

And here's Hero of the Weekend Matt Tubbs in action for Crawley Town in their victory over Torquay.

NWR

Predictions - 29.01.2011

In a new feature for the blog, here's my predictions for the weekend's football (just like Lawro, you see?). Well this week sees the FA Cup roll back into town and it's fourth round weekend, here's what I think is going to happen:

Everton vs Chelsea : 1-2
A potentially tricky tie for Chelsea, especially considering their recent form. Everton have a chance with this one; they're at home and have the talent to beat the cup holders. But I think the 4-0 win over Bolton this week could be the turning point for Carlo Ancelotti's side and I think they will go further in this competition. I wouldn't rule out the Blues to win the trophy.

Swansea vs Leyton Orient : 1-1
The FA Cup romantics were treated to a Leyton Orient win at Championship side Norwich in the last round, and will be cheering them on this round aswell. It's the Cup so anything can happen but Swansea's passing football will mean the Orient will have to work hard for ninety minutes and take their chances when they come. I'm going for a draw and a win for Russell Slade's side on the replay.

Aston Villa vs Blackburn : 2-1
An interesting game this; with Villa's new investments and Blackburn's new owners these are two of the more forward-thinking sides in the Premier League. Both have decent sides but I think Villa just shave it with Darren Bent's proven goalscoring tipping the scales their way. I think it will be a tight match if both teams are going for it, but the home side to progress for me.

Birmingham vs Coventry : 1-1
Alex McLeish has done a fine job in getting the Brummies to the Carling Cup final, but I'm sure he would like to see his side continue winning games no matter what competition. Coventry will be sensing an upset here with the home side tired after midweek's extra-time antics, but I think the Premier League side will get to the Fifth Round, even if it does mean a trip to the Ricoh Arena to sort it out.

Bolton vs Wigan Athletic : 2-0
If Bolton can recreate some of their early season form, they can be considered contenders for this trophy and I believe they will get through this tie. Owen Coyle is a good manager, and has formed a good team and a great passing style, and they can score goals when confident. Roberto Martinez will be more concerned with Premier League survival and, although a win is a win to boost confidence, his side won't make it through this one I'm afraid.

Burnley vs Burton Albion : 3-1
I have been on the recieving end of Burnley's mini-rejuvination under new manager Eddie Howe; a young and ambitious manager; and that should continue at Turf Moor. Burton Albion will looking for an upset and have a chance, Middlesbrough from Round Three can vouch for that. Count on Paul Peschisolido's side going ahead or equalising, but Championship quality should come through in the end.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford : 2-0
Wednesday are a big club for League One but are slipping down the table and manager Alan Irvine is under pressure. And Hereford are in decent form at the moment despite being in 16th place in League Two. But I'm going for a fairly straight-forward home win in this one, boring for the romantics but a win to lift some of the criticism on the Owls boss.

Stevenage vs Reading : 1-0
The giantkillers of the last round now have another chance to cause an upset, but I think it will be a tougher task. Reading will have seen what happened to Newcastle in the Third Round and despite being a Championship team, they will be more prepared for the task. It will be a tight game but Stevenage will have the spirit of the FA Cup to push them forward and I'm going for them to keep progressing in this brilliant competition.

Torquay United vs Crawley Town : 0-1
Crawley are the Manchester City of the non-league arena; big spenders but probably more sensible than the Eastlands team. But they have bought the best team outside of league football and will be confident after beating Derby County in the last round. Torquay for once are the bigger side in the tie and have home advantage, but I'm going with the non-leaguers for this one.

Watford vs Brighton : 2-2
I'd love to say Brighton & Hove Albion are tumbling out of the FA Cup this round after knocking Pompey out last time, but I don't see it. Gus Poyet is a good manager and has a good thing going at the Withdean, and will take a confident side to Vicarage Road. Watford are a good side having a fine season in the Championship and that should make this an interesting tussle. Even stevens for me, then it gives the Seagulls the advantage in the replay.

Southampton vs Manchester United : 1-3
Nigel Adkins is rather regrettably doing a good job at Southampton, they should get promotion this season setting up a derby year next campaign. But thank God they won't be getting much further in this year's FA Cup. Manchester United are clicking into gear in the league and with their squad, I can see them going far in this competition, starting with a solid win at St. Mary's.

Arsenal vs Huddersfield Town : 3-0
The Gunners are another one like Man. United, they are clicking into gear at the moment and getting to the Carling Cup final could be a huge step for Wenger's growing side. This is a tie that for me, is only going to go one way. I really like Lee Clark and the job he has done at attacking Huddersfield, but they are in for a hiding if they don't start well at the Emirates.

Wolves vs Stoke City : 2-1
In the Premier League, I would go for Stoke, but Tony Pulis has already shown he isn't bothered with the FA Cup with the limp side he put out against Cardiff in the last round replay. I might not agree with him but it's his decision and Premier League survival is more important. Mick McCarthy will feel the same but he needs a win to boost his ailing side, and should get it from this tie.

Notts County vs Manchester City : 0-2
This is not as cut-and-dry as it seems. I still think City will win this one, but Notts County have the potential to make it very difficult for the ever-spending Premier League side. If Roberto Mancini is sensible, he will put out a strong side as City have a real chance of lifting the trophy which would be a big boost to his team. Paul Ince's team-talk writes itself, and they will be up for this, but the big guns should pull through this tricky little tie.

West Ham vs Nottingham Forest : 2-1
Avram Grant has a good record in English Cups; finals with Chelsea and Portsmouth aswell as getting the Hammers to the Carling Cup semis this season. His side will still be hurting from losing to Birmingham and that should be channeled into another supposedly morale-boosting victory for his ailing side. Billy Davies will see his young side give them a run for their money and will grab a goal at some point, but a lack of experience may just count against them in the end.

Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur : 0-1
Spurs are another one who can look at this competition and think about winning it, but this tie could be tricky for them. Mark Hughes' side will give them a good game; they will battle and create chances, but a lack of firepower will go against them. Andy Johnson is out of form, Zamora is still injured and Gael Kakuta is untried, and that's where Tottenham will get their advantage. They will poke on through.

There we go, there's my predictions and let's see tomorrow if they come through.

NWR

Talk of the Terrace: Football's Top Stories

It's been a while since I've written about the goings-on in the football world, and it's not because there's not a lot happening. So here's a start in me making amends, just a little bit about the stories dominating the back pages this week.

Naughty Boys: Sexism in the Commentary Box

Well the main story after the weekend and into the week was of course Sky Sports presenters Richard Keys and Andy Gray and their comments about the female lineswoman at the Wolves/Liverpool game. If you've purposely not looked at the newspaper or watched the TV, then basically the two were talking about how woman do not know the offside rule and Keys was convinced that there would be a mistake from her. Since then, Gray has been sacked after being caught on camera in a separate incident, and Keys has left since then. My observation? Silly boys, they may have only been joking around as mates, but that isn't really acceptable and they got what was coming to them.

Keys was a decent presenter, but Gray has forged his career as one of the most recognisable voices ever to come from the commentary box. Catchphrases like 'You just don't save those', 'Take a bow' and 'What a hit, son, what a hit' have been spawned from him, and he has become synonymous with Sky Sports in the 19 years he was there. Unlike many commentators, he had character and part of the fun was being sat in front of the tele thinking 'what the hell is Gray going on about?'. His commentaries were interesting.

Having said that, I was never a massive Gray fan. He bugged me to the point of muting the television a couple of times and he was never that insightful or intelligent when it came to interpreting the game. And the lad's club at Sky Sports seems to have been split up, meaning new blood at the station. Just please don't give us bland old Jamie Redknapp in the commentary box. And can someone spare a thought for lonely old Martin Tyler?

Carling Cup Final: Coming-Of-Age Gooners vs Underdogs

I don't actually mind who wins the Carling Cup this season. Firstly, I'm thankful neither Manchester United or Chelsea got to Wembley, because finals with one of those teams are dull and finals with both teams are eye-gougingly dire. Many would have had Manchester City down to get here, but I'm thankful Arsenal have. For a few years now, Arsene Wenger's side have been vying for silverware but have always fallen at one of the last hurdles, with people citing the same old 'young' and 'soft' labels always thrown at the Gunners. But this year, Wenger has treated the Carling Cup with a bit more respect this year and he has been awarded with a trip to Wembley with their best chance of winning a trophy since 2005. And I would love them to win it just for the fact it would mean the first one's out of the way, and hopefully then they could join City in battling boring United and dull Chelsea for the league title. But only if they can convince Cesc Fabregas to stay on.

Birmingham have done especially well to reach this stage. Beating Rochdale, Milton Keynes Dons and Brentford (on penalties) before defeating arch rivals Aston Villa and West Ham United to get to the final is a fine achievement for Alex McLeish. He has a very good side at St. Andrews, they should stay up if they keep their focus and I wouldn't rule them out at Wembley. You only had to see the reaction of the Brummies to see their joy at reaching the first Cup final of the year, and if they can repeat their performances over the last couple of years against the top teams, they have a chance to cause a big upset.

Transfer Window: The Movers and Shakers

The biggest stories so far of the transfer window seem to surround Liverpool and their pursuits of Luis Suarez and Charlie Adam, discounting Bent's controversial move that is. King Kenny has done very well at the Reds already; they seem a more confident and solid outfit, but he will need to improve the squad if they are to be challenging for a European spot come May. If you discount Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, add in midfielder Raul Meireles and promising youngster Martin Kelly, they have a superbly average team and too many deadweights in there. Paul Konchesky, Lucas, Christian Poulsen, Martin Skrtel, the list goes on. Both Suarez and Adam would be fine additions, especially in-form Adam who has shown for Blackpool how influential he can be. But I really hope Adams stays at Bloomfield Road until the end of the season, making sure the Tangerines stay in the Premier League. They're my team of the season so far.

Elsewhere are some decent moves; Sunderland will be immensely improved by the rumoured arrivals of Inter Milan and former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari, and the even-more reported move for Roman Pavlyuchenko. I'm not sure how much Ricardo Fuller would add to the team but he is a decent player on his day, the Black Cats just need numbers in the ranks. Chelsea need new blood aswell, David Luiz isn't the kind of player to come in and spark a charge for the title but would be a welcome addition to the aging and lagging Stamford outfit and they could do with a couple more.

I'm surprised with West Ham. I know funds are tight at the moment and the Hammers should be doing better with the players they have already, but they are staring down the barrel. Bottom of the Premier League and severely lacking in confidence, they really need reinforcements. He may have scored a great goal but Carlton Cole just seems devoid of any faith in himself right now, and he is supposed to lead their fightback? Scott Parker aside, they have far too many poor players and need more. The laughable Wayne Bridge and hard-working but limited Gary O'Neil aren't going to keep them up. David Gold and David Sullivan, you've supported Avram Grant by letting him keep his job. Now it's time to support him in the transfer market.

Finally, will someone take Robbie Keane and Jamie O'Hara on loan from Spurs? When Harry's mind is made up, it's made up, and neither are going to get much playing time unless there's a dramatic injury crisis at White Hart Lane. But we're talking about a proven goalscorer who has hit double figures wherever he has played and a young, energetic and keen English midfielder who galvanised Pompey last season. Both would walk into twelve out of twenty Premier League clubs and we need to see them back in action. Are you listening, Bolton, Sunderland, Everton et al?

And to remind you all, here's some highlights from Robbie Keane's illustrious career (ignore the tune though).

NWR

Top Transfer Targets: Best Eleven

The month of January is a manic one in the football calender: packed with fixtures, managers under more pressure than in previous ones and of course, the transfer window. It's when players heads are turned, squads turnover at a ridiculous pace and deals are often done at ridiculous rates. We've already seen Edin Dzeko join the Premier League in a £27million deal, while the story of the window so far has to be Darren Bent's controversial move from Sunderland to Aston Villa. But who else will be on the move this month? Here's my top eleven who are either seeking transfers or who are openly available:

GOALKEEPER: Manuel Almunia

Makes mistakes? Yes. Questionnable handling? Yes. But Arsene Wenger has stuck with Almunia for the past few seasons and Wenger rarely misjudges a player. With Lukas Fabianski and even young Wojciech Szczesny now in front of him in the pecking order, the former Celta Vigo stopper could look elsewhere for first-team football. A decent shot-stopper and experienced, he would make a good goalkeeper when he's not under the limelight so much. And don't mention him playing for England.

POSSIBLE DESTINATION: Abroad back to Spain

RIGHT-BACK: Glen Johnson

Still England's first choice right-back, but by virtue of little competition, Glen has endured a tough season up at troubled Liverpool. Whereas most players underperformed under Roy Hodgson, Johnson's form and confidence plummeted at Anfield with the former Portsmouth and West Ham defender's game returned to the mistake-littered performances of his later Chelsea days. The return of King Kenny may have put a smile back on his face for now, but Glen may still be tempted with a move away from Merseyside.

POSSIBLE DESTINATION: Tottenham, Aston Villa, abroad

CENTRE-BACKS: Curtis Davies + Chris Samba

Two centre-backs with differing stories. Curtis Davies joined Aston Villa in 2007 with a massive reputation, but poor performances and injuries have limited him to just 37 appearances at Villa Park and he recently joined Leicester on loan. Gerard Houllier doesn't appear to have much faith in him either, but with games and confidence is a very decent defender and would be available relatively cheaply. On the other hand, Chris Samba has been one of Blackburn's stand-out performers in his 131 appearances for Rovers. A rock in the centre of defence, his strength and power have won him many admirers over the years; admirers who were alerted when Samba handed in a transfer request soon after Sam Allardyce was sacked. He appears to be more commited now Steve Kean is in permanent charge, but his head would be turned in mooted moves to Arsenal, Tottenham or Liverpool materialised.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Wolves, Bolton, Leicester + Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool

LEFT-BACK: Stephen Warnock

A loan move to Liverpool is in the pipeline for Warnock, who has fallen out of favour with Gerard Houllier. The former Blackburn man made England's World Cup squad and appeared to be Villa's first-choice left-back at the start of the season, but has fallen behind Ciaran Clark in the team and doesn't appear to have the best of relationships with Gerard Houllier. And now he is set to re-join the team he began his career with in a fine move for him and for Liverpool, but until that deal is sealed, he is a player that will turn people's heads.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Liverpool, Sunderland, Blackburn

RIGHT MIDFIELD: Shaun Wright-Phillips

One of many who can claim to have been pushed out of the first-team at Manchester City, but Wright-Phillips is an exciting player on his day. It seems years ago now that he was terrorising the wing with City in his early days, and the move to Chelsea in hindsight only to stunt his growth as England's pacy wing outlet. But even now he has shown in glimpses at Eastlands that he can still do a great job, and at a mid-table Premier League club he can inspire a move up in the table.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Fulham, West Ham, Sunderland

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Jamie O'Hara + Michael Johnson

A young English midfield partnership and one which is struggling to get a game behind more established stars. Jamie O'Hara has the likes of Tom Huddlestone, Luka Modric and Wilson Palacios ahead of him in the Tottenham pecking order, and added to the back injury he is recovering from, his first-team prospects are not looking great. But, as a Pompey fan, I can vouch for his commitment, quality and class on the football field and he can do a job in the Premier League without a doubt. Michael Johnson is much the same; two long-lasting injuries have seen him drop behind Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure, Nigel De Jong and the rest at Manchester City. He drew comparisons to Colin Bell in his early City days with his skill in midfield and his goalscoring prowess, and re-finding that form will almost definitely not happen at City.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS (for both): West Ham, Wolves, Bolton

LEFT MIDFIELD: Niko Kranjcar

Another who has felt the force of Tottenham's improvement, Niko Kranjcar has been the victim of Gareth Bale's rise to prominence. Niko made a fine start to his Spurs career and made 32 appearances last season, but has started just three games this term. Meanwhile, Welsh starlet Bale has hit the headlines with starring roles, in particular in the games against Inter Milan, and has made the left midfield position his own. Niko has spoken to Harry Redknapp about leaving and would have no shortage of suitors if he did demand a move.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: Everton, Aston Villa, Roma

STRIKERS: Robbie Keane + Jay Bothroyd

Again, another case of differing instances. Robbie Keane is one of the Premier League's great strikers, but has struggled at Tottenham since he returned from the ill-fated spell at Liverpool. Almost 200 games and 80 goals in his previous stint at White Hart Lane, but this time around he has 10 in 40, and not much prospect of a starting role with Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko ahead of him. He has already asked to leave and if he can lower his wage demands, he can get back in the goals for a team lower in the Premier League. In contrast, Jay Bothroyd is starring for Cardiff ahead of Craig Bellamy and Michael Chopra and made his England debut last year - not bad for a Championship player. His contract runs out at the end of the season and so far, Cardiff have resisted selling the striker - but the right offer could tempt the Welsh club to let their top scorer leave.

POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS: West Ham, Everton, Wolves + Newcastle, West Ham, Wolves

So if your club is looking for a player, here's a selection of the best available. Although it is quite disheartening that there are seven English players on here, but at least you know it's all value for money! Let the bidding commence.

NWR