Thursday, October 30, 2008

Bentley's Dream Goal

If you have not seen the video yet. Please you can see it here: www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/1713673/.
Watch it first and then come back.
Waiting, waiting patiently. Okay can't wait any longer.

What the HELL??????Are you serious with that sick, sick goal? Ace is a huge Arsenal fan and I know this goal kills him but damn its a thing of beauty (Even he can't deny that and the thing that will hurt even more is that it was scored by England's next DB, David Bentley). A couple thoughts occurred to me as i watched the video. One, what was the whole let's head it 31 times before a FOOTball player decides to actually use his FOOT. Two, why in the hell does Almunia not stop this. It was taken from about 40 yards and it was about to bring rain it hard so much arch. Third, why in the world does David Bentley even think about taking a goal from this distance. It was incredible. One of the finest goals EVER!!!!! These past two games just might prove that A)Harry "Houdini" Redknapp is actually a magician and B) Tottenham can play with the big boys. I am gonna wait until they play Liverpool on the weekend to see if this Tottenham team, under Redknapp, is going to be able to challenge the Top 6 or 7 teams in the Premier League. But man if this team can play the rest of season like these past two games Mr. Redknapp will earn every cent, or pound depending on what side of the Atlantic, he is being paid.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Ace's English Premier League Predictions

We both know that the EPL season is 10 games old but before the season started, and more importantly before this awesome blog started, Ace and Eugene, with a little help from our friend Danny, tried to predict the way the EPL season would turn out. Here is Ace's Premier League predictions. It is both sad and hilarious on how wrong he is.

Here are some updated comments for my BPL predictions. You’ll find the updated comments next to the asterisk under the original comments and note. ~~Ace

20. Hull City

Definitely one and done with this group of Championship overachievers. In the BPL they will be undermanned and undersized. I predict no road wins and only a handful of home victories… against Stoke, Bolton, and an “upset” over Newcastle. Note: I bet they are -50 goals by the end of the year.

*I suppose an apology is in order to Hull City and its supporters. This team seems like it has the real goods so far this season. I still think it’s a bit ridiculous to think they’ll finish anywhere near the top 5, but a top 10 finish is certainly awaiting them as long as key players remain injury free. I wonder if they’ll go sign more help in the January window…

19. Stoke City

The same goes for Stoke as it did with Hull. The only difference will be their slightly better offense, but mostly because their speed will allow them to compete and defend and eventually draw more matches.

* Before each match, they should stoke up a fire and light a “stokey.” At least then they could say they did something worthwhile. They aren’t very good and will probably be bottom of the table since Hull is no where in sight of it.

18. Bolton

With the loss Diouf, this team lost their most aggressive, tough, and pesky player… not to mention their best midfielder, forward, and only all-around player worth marking. Their ability to score off set pieces, like usual, will be key. However, don’t expect much out of this team early or late. They may have some success trying to kill games off and aiming for draws, but in the end, a couple of wins versus the promoted teams and Wigan won’t be enough to keep them from the drop. In other words, they suck and don’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell.

*You’re right DJ. “A cross in from Bolton” is the most used line in all of soccer. Of course, “Ronaldo goes down untouched once again” might be a close second. Anyway, Bolton is pretty soft right now, which is strange because in previous years they were bruisers. I still believe the Wanderers are relegated at season’s end.

17. West Brom

This team is predicted to be relegated again, and most likely will be. However, I feel like they won’t be as shocked at the pace and power of the BPL as compared to the other promoted teams. In fact, I think they are slightly better than Bolton simply because they will have about the same talent, but they will be much hungrier. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them finish as high as 15th.

*West Brom is weak too. This was my sleeper promotion team, but Hull obviously stole that thunder. I still feel like this is a team with something to prove. They have played decent soccer (except for a game or two… ok three) but just haven’t produced any goals. They will come around.

16. Blackburn

The loss of Mark Hughes will have a massive effect not only in the players, but also in the fans’ support and confidence in the team. Losing David Bentley doesn’t help either. Santa Cruz is the obvious star for the team, but his unexpected impact last year leaves one to wonder if he can sustain it this year. If the stars on this team have any injury problems, look out because the Rovers could fall.

* The Guv’nor is an idiot and needs to wipe that fruity smile off of his face. This team is definitely relegation fodder. If they don’t finish bottom 3, they should be voted out like on “Survivor.” They all should have their flames extinguished.

15. Wigan

Another big question mark team that begs the question: When will this team’s bubble finally burst? Two years ago they should have dropped, but they were able to hang on. The same thing happened last season. I think 15 is a bit high for them, but for some reason I think Steve Bruce will keep them focused and playing good, solid, defensive football.

*I would be “wiggin” out if Wigan actually finished better than 15th. I don’t think they will get promoted, but it will come down to the wire for the bottom 6 teams, which puts them right in the thick of it.

14. Middlesbrough

If only Middlesbrough’s offensive attack was as sharp and scary as Gareth Southgate’s teeth, this team would actually have a shot at cracking the top 10. Aliadiere, as much as I liked him with Arsenal, fell off the face of the earth last year. If he can contribute goals to Alves’ expected help, this team could get there. The midfield is decent and needs to score more goals as well. If not, this team is a perfect fit right here.

*This team needs help big time. They aren’t in terrible trouble, but there is definitely something missing from this squad. Plus, I’m not sure how much the players actually “play” for Southgate. Do they respect him? Are they buying what he is selling? They should, but I just don’t think they are. A message needs to be sent with this team in the form of cutting someone or benching some of the so-called stars.

13. Newcastle

If Keegan is the savior of the Magpies or Potpies or whatever, then I’m Elvis Presley. The only reason the fans support this guy is because he’s weirder than they are, and that makes them feel better about themselves. If Martins leaves before the transfer window shuts, then put this team sub 15. However, I don’t think he will, and I think that Keegan is just crazy enough to figure out how to blend this team and make them competitive.enough to be in the mix of 13 down to 11.

*I still can’t believe they screwed up again and let Keegan go. DJ- you and I were just talking the other day that all this team needs is some stability. What’s it been? 4 coaches in less than 2 seasons? Horrendous. Hey Ashley, get a clue. Coaches know more than owners. That’s why owners own and coaches coach. It sure as hell makes sense to me, so why can’t these “professionals” figure it out? Imagine playing for a team that changes skippers 4 times in less than a couple years. Wow, that would be awesome changing schemes, practice/training regiments, schedules, expectations, roles, etc. all the stinking time. What a great situation that would be. I wonder if that’s why they’ve been the laughing stock of the league for so many years.

12. Fulham

The absence of McBride could hurt Fulham, but the style of football the Cottagers play is fairly fluid and should allow for midfielders and defenders to push up and get some shots on goal. Andy Johnson is a nice fit for this team and could score more goals for them than he did for Everton. Fulham is decent at executing set pieces also. Having Jimmy Bullard healthy all season will be a huge factor since he is their emotional leader and probably best overall player. If they can only finish the last 10 minutes of games they way they play the first 80, they should finish here easily… Note: With the possibility of Hughes getting the axe at Man City, Fulham could be a team that benefits the most as they would have a dream shot of bursting into the top ten.

*This team has talent, pure and simple. However, something is fouled up because sometimes the best players find themselves riding the pine. I honestly think this team is much more competitive when Dempsey plays, and I don’t think there is a hint of bias in that statement. He is a top 3 or 4 player on that team, yet he struggles to find a place in the starting XI. Why?

11. Sunderland

Everyone keeps saying Sunderland will shock the world and finish as high as 10, maybe even 8. The addition of all the ex-Tottenham players helps, but c’mon people… Tottenham finished in the bottom half last year. Combine that with Sunderland’s team as is and it doesn’t equal anywhere near 8… in fact placing anywhere in the top 10 is a long shot. The only reason I have them 11 is because the teams below them did nothing positive in the transfer window.

*Sunderland? I honestly don’t know what to say. Go Cisse… and your blond beard.

10. West Ham

This team has a chance to be pretty good if the owners don’t jump the gun and sack Curbishley if they misfire early. In fact, a good start could see them finish as high as 9, but 10-12 is probably where they belong. On the other hand, a bad start might not be a bad thing because Steve Bruce or even David Moyes could be looking for a job before Christmas.

*Yep, they jumped the gun. I bet everyone felt really great when they sacked Curbs and Zola came in and won his first two games. Then………………… he lost his next three. I hope it was a good move, but I have my doubts.

9. Everton

The sale of Andy Johnson really doesn’t hurt this team. He scored some nice goals for them, but he never got to double digits, which is what they need. Still, Moyes is a good manager who knows how to prepare for his opponents. If he can find an all-out striker who can slot in 10-12 goals for them, they will be in good shape. On the other hand, I have a bad feeling about this team. I think they will struggle with better teams and will handle lesser teams… leaving them right in the middle.

*Congratulations to Everton! They are now the 4-time defending champ of the “Most Unbelievably Boring” Team Award! The MLS and Everton are why people still don’t tune in to watch soccer like they should.

8. Manchester City

Bringing in Mark Hughes was their best acquisition over the summer. His presence alone made this team tougher-minded than they were under Sven. A few key pick-ups aside, this team had the talent last year as they were top of the table for some time. They will be more disciplined and better defensively. However, this is as high as they will go… Note: Recent grumblings have indicated that City is not happy with Hughes. Remember last year when they had all but escorted Sven to the door midseason? This does not bode well for their top-of-the-table aspirations.

*With a dangerously fast lineup on the pitch every night, this team could compete for top 5 honors, but I think 6-8 is more appropriate. Next year could be a totally different story.

7. Tottenham

If Berbatov in fact leaves for ManU, Spurs might not crack the top 10… Yes, he is that important to this club. Ramos can conjure up everything he has and he will still not replace Berbatov. Darren Bent will have a better season than last year, but he will not keep scoring goals like he has of late. With Berbatov… this team could finally crack the top 4. Note: Berbatov is out the door, and it doesn’t matter where he goes, it only means that Spurs will drop heavy. Losing Keane stung, but this pain will not relent. A top 7 finish is probably right just because of a possible full season under Ramos.

*Hahahahahaahahahahahhahaahahaha! Plus, Ramos is gone. Ahhhh hahahahahaha! Damn the “Houdini” came to manage. Hmmm, ok this team won’t reach top 10, but I think 12 is possible now. Their quality is still poor regardless of who is managing. Keep in mind also that you can’t sit back and defend with this team because their defense is atrocious… Michael Dawson does play for them.

6. Aston Villa

A fun team to watch, but they are still young and don’t seem to play well together at times. Ashley Young is a stud that needs to play with more passion and start scoring more goals. Depending on how they handle teams that sit back and defend, this team could finish here or at 5. Note: The Gareth Barry doubt is still there and that has to worry O’Neill. With Barry in the midfield, Villa will stay put, if he leaves before the end of August or in January, we could find out just how fragile this team is.

*Nothing has changed with this team. Barry stayed, which was extremely important to their success. However, he might still be on the move in January especially if Villa drop below 8th or 9th.

5. Portsmouth

A sleeper team. Harry “Houdini” Redknapp has put together a solid team. The addition of Crouch and some more veteran defenders, along with Defoe, Kranjkar, and Diarra, this is a scary team. The only worry Harry Portsmouth fans should have is injuries or fatigue through their inclusion in the UEFA cup this season. Note: The more I look at this pick the more I feel like it’s going to be way wrong. I had a good feeling early about this team, but the possible injury-bug and simply a clashing of players could push them down a bit.

*With Harry gone, this team will struggle to play with consistency because they now lack a true leader. Tony Adams could prove me wrong, and I actually hope he does. I think Pompey can be really fun to watch with Defoe and Crouch running around up top and James in goal. He is still one of the best.

4. Liverpool

A scary, scary team. This is a team that could score lots of goals and never stop putting on pressure. I suppose a good start is key for them as well as Rafa putting an end to his ridiculous substitution patterns. With the Reds hungry for Premiership glory, he needs to lock his ego up in a closet and let his best XI play each night. If so, the race to the finish could be a lot more fun. If not, it could be back to the same old thing for Liverpool… exciting and flashy, but too inconsistent to be the best.

*They “walk alone” at the top of the standings right now. Torres is out, but never fear… Dirk Kuyt (pronounced Keech… just kidding) is here!!! Anyway, first place is still ambitious for them in my mind. Injuries will take over like they do with all top teams and they will struggle to find their way. They definitely won’t stay on top long if Torres is out much and Keane is in a funk. Of course, they can always rely on Dirk Kuyt to win the golden boot! Just kidding.

3. Manchester United

OK… I know this looks crazy, but ManU is only in this spot because of their lack of attack at the top as of right now. With Ronaldo not back for at least 5-6 weeks, Rooney out injured (and who knows who else), Tevez will be the lone striker. Several other players could hold this position (like Giggs or Nani maybe) and ManU might not miss a beat. However, I just think with Ronaldo not coming back full strength (it could happen) and not to mention the Real cloud thundering over his head, a lot of distractions could affect this team. Let’s face it… they are getting older and not getting any healthier. Even though I have stated all of the above, I said it here first that if a certain Spur joins on, this team is back in the 1-2 slot. Note: I’m pretty sure Berbatov will join the squad in the next two weeks. Plus, Rooney is back early from his injury, which gives United the scoring from up top it would have lacked without them (obviously). Anyway, they are probably good enough with Ronaldo healthy to be champions again, but I just want to believe so badly that I’ve let it affect my judgment.

*I still think this is about right for ManU. They haven’t looked really that great so far this season. However, they are too talented and experienced to just fade. They will apply pressure all year but will finish right here in 3rd.

2. Arsenal

What can you say about this team? The Young Gunners as they are called. If the sting of the loss of Hleb and Flamini have worn off, which I believe they have, this team should start at the top of the table again and lead for a good part of the season. You can’t underestimate the confidence that Wenger has instilled in his players. They are fast, tenacious, and hungry to prove that they are top-class. That challenge is a great motivator, and with the right leadership from Gallas and a healthy midfield, this team could remain in that top spot and possibly win a cup (c’mon Gunners!). Without it, they will finish 3-4 again with no trophies. Note: I still believe this team could be hoisting the cup (or a couple) by season’s end. If they can avoid a massive string of injuries to key and role players, who knows? Plus, Denilson and Djourou all look to be much better than last season and will contribute… AND Wenger will sign at least one more player to help out. Oh and this Ramsey kid looks like a real player.

*A loss to Fulham and another to Hull? What the f*%&????? The Gunners did not come out of the gates like they usually do, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Sometimes losing early in a season can help you grind out big wins later in the year. It’s a shame that Rosicky is still injured and will be out for some time. Nasri has looked good at times at LM, but is just not as good as the Maestro. Almunia is a stud, and Silvestre, in my opinion, looks to be up for the challenge. A top place finish could happen if Chelsea’s bridge blunder opens the door for other teams to take points from there.

1. Chelsea

This team has more depth and firepower than any other team in all of the BPL. They have a “special” (blasphemous!) coach too. The one thing that could hurt this team is their level of expectation and incompatibility. If Scolari can figure it out, they should be dominant. They are a team that does not stumble to lesser teams. If any of the other big 4 desires a chance to best the Blues, they need to beat them head-to-head and must not stumble to the Middlesbroughs and Sunderlands along the way. Note: I hate Chelsea.

*I still hate Chelsea.


Ace's Welcome

What's up sports fans? What up Eugene? I can smell the richness of money in the air already! Oh wait, that's not money I'm smelling. That's the chili dog I had for lunch. Just kidding. Not really. Anyway, I hope that our wide viewing base (7) is as excited about this blog as I am. It's an opportunity for Eug and I (Ace) to blab on and on about important issues and random sweet nothings and take those discussions way beyond the norm and pound them into submission. Sound fun? Hell yeah it does.

Welcome to the Jungle!!!

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all of our readers (I believe the count is up to 7) to the Ace and Eugene Sports Blog. We are committed to doing whatever we want with this space and only thinking about ourselves and how rich we can get from this thing. But seriously welcome we hope you like what we have to write about. Please leave your comments and suggestions for future posts.