Capital One Cup Final and Premier League preview NEWS
As well as some massive games in the Premier League this weekend there is also the Capital One League Cup final at Wembley between Swansea and League Two Bradford to look forward to.
The first silverware of the season, as well as the first place in next season's Europa League will be decided on Sunday as Swansea take on Bradford in the final of the Capital One League Cup at Wembley.
The game on Sunday is almost certainly the biggest in League Two Bradford's recent history as they look to win their first trophy since 1911 when they lifted the FA Cup. Should they win on Sunday it will perhaps represent their best ever achievement given the intensity of competition in modern football and the dominance of the elite teams.
Swansea, although a Premier league team, three divisions above Bradford, have never actually won a major trophy and so we have the unusual situation where two teams and their fans will be really excited at the prospect of a Wembley final.
Bradford's run to the final has included memorable victories over Aston Villa, Arsenal and Wigan so they won't be daunted at the prospect of facing a Premier League team.
In the Premier league the real action centres around who will claim the Champions League and Europa league places and which three teams engaged in the relegation dogfight will not be successful. Perhaps the most attractive league game of the weekend involves Chelsea's trip to the Etihad to take on Man City who sit just above them in the table. The most important in terms of consequences could be the six-pointer between fellow strugglers Reading and Wigan.
One of the big stories of the week and certainly one that has gained traction has been the form of Arsenal and the subsequent response of manager Arsene Wenger. Arsenal's defeat in the FA Cup at the hands of Blackburn was followed up with an all-so-predictable loss in the Champions League to Bayern Munich.
Wenger railed at the media before the game against Munich indicating that he's starting to feel the pressure of what will almost certainly be an eighth season without a trophy. Whilst its hard not to contest the point that such a record would not be tolerated at Old Trafford, the Etihad or Stamford Bridge its also reasonable to make a case that with the current board at the Emirates other managers would have fared much worse. The fact is that Arsenal have become a club that discovers and nurtures young talent before selling it off at great profit - a wonderful business model, but not great if you're a fan starved of success.
Some have speculated that this will be Wenger's last season at arsenal. I hope not as his loss would be keenly felt.
At the top of the table Utd have a stranglehold on the lead and at least one hand on the trophy. Another draw or loss by Man City would effectively hand the title to their great rivals so they need to beat Chelsea this week.
Chelsea are only four points behind City so a win for them puts them in a great position to challenge for the runners-up spot and guarantee a spot in the group stage of the Champions League. Spurs, a further point behind are in a good run of form and will probably hope for a draw at the Etihad.
Despite their recent travails Arsenal continue to hang on to the coat tails of the top four, hoping for one of the teams above them to slip up and allow them to return to what they consider their rightful place. Everton, just behind Arsenal have much the same thoughts although they'll probably have to settle for a Europa League place. With all of Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd still in the FA Cup there's a good chance of the team that finishes sixth in the league qualifying for next season's Europa League.
At the bottom of the league there's no less intensity but for an entirely different reason. Reading's deployment of a 'weakened' team at Man Utd in the FA Cup personifies the priority of the teams facing a relegation battle between now and the end of the season. A cup is fantastic but a place at the top table of English football and Premier League status is what really matters.
Wigan also played some fringe players in their win at Huddersfield, but then he could probably afford to with the standard of opposition. Manager Roberto Martinez will no doubt have his team back at full strength for the visit to the Madejski on Saturday.
Bottom club QPR face an uphill task if they are to take anything off Man Utd this weekend. New signing Chris Samba said he was ashamed of their performance in a 4-1 defeat at Swansea and it's true that it was probably the teams worst outing since Harry Redknapp took over. A couple of more games like that and they'll definitely be playing Championship football next season.
Just outside the bottom three but close enough to be very uncomfortable Southampton face a reinvigorated Newcastle at St. James' although the respective last results of the two teams means that it is the Saints who are just ahead of the Magpies. Newcastle are still in the Europa Cup after Thursday's victory over Metalist Kharkiv and they should be in a better position to handle their two-front challenge after the transfer window acquisitions.
Aston Villa travel to Arsenal hoping to make it three home defeats in a row for the Gunners and three games in a row without defeat for themselves. A win for Villa would keep them out of the bottom three, with their heads just above the relegation zone waters. Arsenal will look to rebound after the media storm of the last week, fixed on the fact that yes, they've been eliminated from the FA Cup and it's unlikely they'll overturn the 3-1 deficit against Bayern Munich, but actually it's only two games and a top four finish is still to play for.
Norwich, who sit just above Southampton and Newcastle face a tricky tie with the visit of Everton and Chris Hughton's men don't really want their awful run (they haven't won in the league since December 15) to continue, lest they get dragged nearer to the bottom three and the fight nobody wants.
So, an intriguing weekend ahead, one during which a cup will be lifted, and further definition will be provided in terms of who will be playing in Europe next season and who will be playing at the likes of Huddersfield and Barnsley.
Saturday 23 February
Fulham v Stoke - 12.45pm ko at Craven Cottage. A game between two mid-table teams who are, whilst not exactly comfortable, are at least not at any immediate threat of being drawn into the relegation dogfight. That said, three more points would not go amiss for either team, both of whom probably feel that they have slightly under-performed against their pre-season ambitions. Fulham will have imposing centre back Brede Hangeland back to counter the set-piece threat posed by Stoke and they will look to counter the Potters aerial threat with their own brand of neat, attractive football, exemplified by Dimitar Berbatov whose now back to full fitness. Stoke aren't the best travellers so I'm going for the Cottagers to get the win.
Arsenal v Aston Villa - 3pm ko at the Emirates. The Gunners suffered more Cup embarrassment last week with their defeat at home to Championship side Blackburn, a game in which they had the vast majority of the possession, but virtually no clear cut chances. As always seems to be the case for Arsenal lately, it was a defensive lapse that lost them the game. If they're not to avoid another trophy-less season they now need to win the Champions League and what are the odds on that after being dominated at home by Bayern Munich. Given that they are unlikely to emulate Chelsea's achievement of last season the Gunners need to maintain their league form, starting here as they face both Spurs and Everton in the near future. They'll miss Bacary Sagna but are able to bring in Nacho Monreal. Arsenal haven't lost three straight at home since 2002 so I'm picking them to return to winning ways.
Norwich v Everton - 3pm ko at Carrow Road. Form would dictate only one outcome - a win for the visitors. However, whilst Norwich have had a horrible run of form lately, it has to be remembered that they have beaten both Man Utd and Arsenal at home this season and, whilst Everton have been very good at times, they've drawn too many matches against lesser opposition than they really should have. Grant Holt should return for the Canaries and Everton will be at virtually full strength so there are no excuses for either team. Norwich managed a draw at Goodison the last time the teams met and I have a feeling we'll get another score draw as the Canaries pick up a valuable point.
QPR v Man Utd - 3pm ko at Loftus Road. Things aren't quite going to script at Loftus Road. The appointment of Harry Redknapp was supposed to galvanise the team into one capable of avoiding relegation. Whilst Harry has improved performances it's not been enough to lift them off the bottom of the table - yet. The visit of the league leaders and overwhelming favourites for the title will probably not help matters either, particularly as Utd are likely to recall the league's top scorer Robin van Persie in the absence of Wayne Rooney. Utd will also be without Phil Jones and Paul Scholes but they have plenty of strength in their squad to compensate. Not so QPR for whom Loic Remy is still injured. I can't see Utd slipping up here no matter how desperately QPR will battle. Sorry Harry.
Reading v Wigan - 3pm ko at the Madejski Stadium. This is the first real six-pointer of the campaign but they'll come thick and fast from here on in. Reading fielded a weakened team in the FA Cup at Man Utd such is their thinking in putting Premier League survival first. Wigan enjoyed a comfortable win at Huddersfield but things will be a lot tougher at the Madejski. Wigan won the first meeting between the teams at the DW Stadium 3-2 and looking at the results of their recent games you have to feel that there are goals in this game. I fancy a reversal of that with Reading running out a one goal winner, and a late goal at that.
West Brom v Sunderland - 3pm ko at the Hawthorns. With a miserable January behind them West Brom look in far better nick after beating Liverpool 2-0 at Anfield a couple of weeks ago. Sunderland also enjoyed a break last week, although they were beaten by Arsenal at home in their last league outing. Peter Odemwingie's indiscretions appear to have been forgiven for now, although the chances are he'll be elsewhere come September. Having said that he may be glad that his desired move to Loftus Road fell through as, whilst Albion are safe, Rangers appear doomed. Sunderland are not quite out of danger but it's difficult to see them not accruing sufficient points to stay up. West Brom will be aiming for a top-half finish and a win here will help secure that.
Sunday 24 February
Man City v Chelsea - 1.30pm ko at the Etihad. The 'best manager in England' sees his team, the reigning Premier League champions, take on the current European champions, and what a cracker this promises to be. If City fail to win here and, as expected, Utd have already taken three points at QPR the championship race will definitely be over. Whilst Man City boss Roberto Mancini is exasperated with the continuing media questions surrounding his future, Chelsea interim manager Rafa Benitez is convinced that a good finish to the season could see him rewarded with a permanent appointment at the Bridge. The fact is both may be looking for new employment come May and Sunday's result will probably have little to do with their long-term prospects. Comparing the teams City probably just have the edge thanks to their triumvirate of strikers, whereas Chelsea have Fernando Torres, who has only found the net once in the last 14 games. That makes me feel City will get the win.
Newcastle v Southampton - 4pm ko at St. James' Park. These teams are level on points but the Saints are above their hosts courtesy of a superior goal difference. A 2-0 win would see them swap places but that presumes a continuation of the Newcastle recovery and that Southampton will not be able to improve on their away form, which has not been the best. The Magpies will be buoyed by their advancement into the last 16 of the Europa league although they may have to do without goalkeeper Tim Krul who picked up a knock in Thursday's game. Southampton welcome back Gaston Ramirez and Luke Shaw to strengthen their squad, but I fancy Newcastle to build on their recent performances and net all three points.
Capital One League Cup Final
Swansea v Bradford - 4pm ko at Wembley. Is Bradford's name on the cup? You'd be forgiven for thinking so after they beat Wigan, Arsenal and then Aston Villa to make their first major Wembley final in over 100 years. Forget the reward of a place in next season's Europa League, for Bradford this will be all about lifting that trophy. Some silverware for Swansea would also be massively important to the development of the club and would be a huge endorsement of the appointment of Michael Laudrup, whose arrival at the Liberty Stadium was questioned by some. The Swans have played some lovely football this season and the League Cup would be a just reward for that. Who will win it? Who knows? Everything screams out for a Swansea win but this is a cup final, the ultimate two-horse race, when anything can happen. If I'm pushed into a prediction I'll go for Swansea, but only after extra time.
Monday 25 February
West Ham v Spurs - 8pm ko at Upton Park. Tucked away on Monday night this tie is still a vital one, particularly for Spurs who, whilst trying to secure a top four finish and a Champions League place, are still in the latter stages of the Europa League. It took a 90th minute Dembele strike at Lyon to get Spurs through to the last 16 and, on balance, they probably deserved to go through. They'll certainly need to improve against Inter Milan in the next round. Gareth Bale was more subdued than of late against Lyon and Spurs will need him back on song against West Ham who have proved themselves awkward opponents this season. Last time out the hammers lost to struggling Aston Villa so Big Sam will be demanding a better performance against Spurs. With Arsenal and Inter Milan on the horizon I can see Spurs being a little distracted and West Ham snatching a draw.
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