Hi, I'm Dave Pundit. The racism row shows no signs of stopping, and now they've gone and accused John Terry of it. An Englishman! It's PC gone mad. In my day racism wasn't an issue. There was loads of it, it just wasn't an issue. Now I don't condone any form of bigotry but it's clear to me there are bigger problems than racism in football. Foreigners for one.
Everton v Manchester United
Until Jonny Evans was sent off Man Utd were well in the game against City but then they got the tactics all wrong after being reduced to ten men. When I was a pro we always worked hard on playing with a man less in training. Well I say we, the other lads did, I was the one who always got sent off. Everton are never an easy team to play so this will be a real test of United's character, some people have rightly questioned Man Utd's spine but that doesn't mean they can't show a little backbone here.
Verdict: 1-2
Chelsea v Arsenal
It's been a tough ride for Chelsea over the last week. A shock loss against QPR and then the racism incident. But if anyone can prove that being a racist is no hindrance to being a professional footballer it's John Terry, I mean come on it's not that bad is it? It's not like he's mocking 9/11 victims or anything. As far as I'm concerned Terry is whiter than white. Anyway I can't see him getting another black mark to his name against Arsenal's hopelessly out of form midgets.
Verdict: 3-1
Man City v Wolves
Mick McCarthy has received a lot of unnecessary stick from the Wolves fan recently. They've criticised his tactics apparently, which is ridiculous when did tactics ever win a game. All McCarthy needs is grit and determination and he has it, by the bucketful. Whether Mancini has grittermination is yet to be seen but he has got a lot of money which is pretty much the same.
Verdict: 4-1
Norwich v Blackburn
There have been high-sixes all round in Norwich due to their good start to the season and I can see the good times continuing here. Blackburn have all the ingredients to be a dour, workmanlike, tough to beat, horrible to watch team but for some reason Kean can't get them to reach those heights. Another loss for them here I fear.
Verdict: 2-0
Sunderland v Aston Villa
It's a bit of a grudge match this due to Darren Bent's move to Villa last year. I love a grudge match. Quite frankly a match without grudge is like a tonic without a gin. And a match with a grudge is like a gin without a tonic; far better. Alan Hutton has been practising his leg breaking tackles in preperation for this match, he hasn't quite perfected it yet but this could be the game if you ask me.
Verdict: 1-1
Swansea v Bolton
Bolton face a tough trip to Wales here, but when isn't a visit to Wales tough eh? It's full of Welsh people for a start. Bolton will have to rely on the one thing the Welsh can't possibly have: British Grit. But it'll be tough.
Verdict: 0-0
Wigan v Fulham
For me this is already a six-pointer Fulham have struggled away from home and could find themselves in a bit of trouble if there form doesn't continue and Wigan are just too foreign to not be considered relegation candidates. Both these sides will be desperate to win this game but only one will.
Verdict: 0-0
West Brom v Liverpool
Now that Liverpool have a British manager rather than a string of foreigners they seem to be on the right path at last. Yes they lost to West Brom last year but with King Kenny at the helm it can't happen this year. As Winston Churchill said "lightening doesn't strike in the same place twice." There have been accusations that Suarez is a diver and I hope he cuts that out of his game, maybe now Steven Gerrard's back I'm sure he'll have a word with him about how to stay on your feet.
Verdict: 0-2
Tottenham v QPR
This is probably the easiest game of the week to predict. Tottenham are showing the sort of form that will get them into the top four and QPR just aren't good enough to ever beat a top four team.
Verdict: 3-0
Stoke v Newcastle
Everyone knows that the Britannia Stadium is the toughest place in the world for any team to go to. Except for Stoke, they seem to do alright there. But have Newcastle got what it takes to out-Stoke Stoke? They literally might do. But also maybe not. It'll probably be a draw.
Verdict: 0-0
Friday 28 October 2011
Friday 21 October 2011
Dave Pundit's Predictions 22/10/11
Hi I'm Dave Pundit. I personally think the idea of a Great Britain team for the Olympics is marvellous and I think it should become the norm for things like the World Cup and European Championships. In fact I can't believe it's taken this long to come about. Just think of some of the fantastic players that they could have put into the England team. George Best, Ryan Giggs, Robbie Keane. The list is endless.
Wolves v Swansea
After a bright start Wolves have gone off the boil a bit and are now down in the doldrums. Now I'm not the type to deal in cliches but if Mick McCarthy's boys don't pull thei fingers out they could be down a certain creek without a paddle if you know what I mean? Luckily Swansea are Welsh so Wolves should have no troubles here.
Verdict: 2-0
Aston Villa v West Brom
With derby games all the usual rules go out of the window, form doesn't matter, the fact that Villa have a proper English manager and West Brom have some foreign bloke called Woy doesn't matter, all that matters is the passion on the pitch. That's why these games are so hard to predict but it's a lazy pundit that just plumps for a draw in games like these.
Verdict: 1-1
Bolton v Sunderland
It saddens me to see two proper northern teams doing so poorly but the buck has to stop with the managers. And they should blame the chairmen, who should blame the players and the buck should stop there, with the players blaming the manager. This will be a tight game but home advantage can play a massive part in these tense sort of matches. Home and advantage and grit. But it's hard to say which team has more of those things.
Verdict: 1-2
Newcastle v Wigan
If someone had told me at the start of the season that Newcastle would be unbeaten after eight games I'd've told them to go back to punditing school but Newcastle have surprised everyone and I can't see any reason why they can't remain unbeaten for the rest of the season and if they don't I'll hand in my diploma of punditry.
Verdict: 2-1
Liverpool v Norwich
When I first heard the accusations that Luis Saurez was a racist I thought 'he probably is, all them foreigners are'. Then I remembered he's a Liverpool player and as such he is clearly an honest man of integrity like all Scousers. Still Liverpool will put all these allegations behind them for this game. Norwich haven't been nearly as crap as I expected but they're no Liverpool are they?
Verdict: 3-0
Arsenal v Stoke
Do you know what I like about Stoke? They understand that kicking your opponent is as much a part of the game as pulling their shirts and sneakily swinging your elbow into someones face. That's what football's all about. Plus they have defenders that are over six foot, British players in the heart of midfield and players that aren't afraid to get red carded every now and then. If Arsenal had any of those things they'd be a far better team than they are.
Verdict: 0-1
Fulham v Everton
Everton have made a reputation as being one of the most consistent teams in the league but they've always been a bit hit and miss. Fulham on the other hand are hard to predict. It really depends on what teams turn up on Sunday. I reckon it'll be Fulham and Everton.
Verdict: 2-2
Man Utd v Man City
There is much talk of a power shift in Manchester but as Winston Churchill once said "with great power comes great responsibility." And I'm not sure Man City are responsible enough yet to be Champions. Man utd on the other hand bleed responsibility, just look at the likes of Rooney, Ferdinand and Giggs, three more responsible men you couldn't hope to find.
Verdict: 2-1
Blackburn v Tottenham
When Blackburn got taken over recently there was a lot of talk about big money signings and pushing for trophies and that hasn't really materialised. Let's face it only one of these teams has ever looked like they could win the Premier League and that's Tottenham. Blackburn just aren't a big enough club to ever challenge for the title.
Verdict: 0-3
QPR v Chelsea
Put simply QPR have got as much chance of winning this game as that bottle of gin in my cupboard has got of staying unopened. Now while I pour myself a quick G&T let's all take a minute to think about Gin Terry. I mean John Tonic. I mean John Terry a true English Gin of a man.
Verdict: 0-4
Wolves v Swansea
After a bright start Wolves have gone off the boil a bit and are now down in the doldrums. Now I'm not the type to deal in cliches but if Mick McCarthy's boys don't pull thei fingers out they could be down a certain creek without a paddle if you know what I mean? Luckily Swansea are Welsh so Wolves should have no troubles here.
Verdict: 2-0
Aston Villa v West Brom
With derby games all the usual rules go out of the window, form doesn't matter, the fact that Villa have a proper English manager and West Brom have some foreign bloke called Woy doesn't matter, all that matters is the passion on the pitch. That's why these games are so hard to predict but it's a lazy pundit that just plumps for a draw in games like these.
Verdict: 1-1
Bolton v Sunderland
It saddens me to see two proper northern teams doing so poorly but the buck has to stop with the managers. And they should blame the chairmen, who should blame the players and the buck should stop there, with the players blaming the manager. This will be a tight game but home advantage can play a massive part in these tense sort of matches. Home and advantage and grit. But it's hard to say which team has more of those things.
Verdict: 1-2
Newcastle v Wigan
If someone had told me at the start of the season that Newcastle would be unbeaten after eight games I'd've told them to go back to punditing school but Newcastle have surprised everyone and I can't see any reason why they can't remain unbeaten for the rest of the season and if they don't I'll hand in my diploma of punditry.
Verdict: 2-1
Liverpool v Norwich
When I first heard the accusations that Luis Saurez was a racist I thought 'he probably is, all them foreigners are'. Then I remembered he's a Liverpool player and as such he is clearly an honest man of integrity like all Scousers. Still Liverpool will put all these allegations behind them for this game. Norwich haven't been nearly as crap as I expected but they're no Liverpool are they?
Verdict: 3-0
Arsenal v Stoke
Do you know what I like about Stoke? They understand that kicking your opponent is as much a part of the game as pulling their shirts and sneakily swinging your elbow into someones face. That's what football's all about. Plus they have defenders that are over six foot, British players in the heart of midfield and players that aren't afraid to get red carded every now and then. If Arsenal had any of those things they'd be a far better team than they are.
Verdict: 0-1
Fulham v Everton
Everton have made a reputation as being one of the most consistent teams in the league but they've always been a bit hit and miss. Fulham on the other hand are hard to predict. It really depends on what teams turn up on Sunday. I reckon it'll be Fulham and Everton.
Verdict: 2-2
Man Utd v Man City
There is much talk of a power shift in Manchester but as Winston Churchill once said "with great power comes great responsibility." And I'm not sure Man City are responsible enough yet to be Champions. Man utd on the other hand bleed responsibility, just look at the likes of Rooney, Ferdinand and Giggs, three more responsible men you couldn't hope to find.
Verdict: 2-1
Blackburn v Tottenham
When Blackburn got taken over recently there was a lot of talk about big money signings and pushing for trophies and that hasn't really materialised. Let's face it only one of these teams has ever looked like they could win the Premier League and that's Tottenham. Blackburn just aren't a big enough club to ever challenge for the title.
Verdict: 0-3
QPR v Chelsea
Put simply QPR have got as much chance of winning this game as that bottle of gin in my cupboard has got of staying unopened. Now while I pour myself a quick G&T let's all take a minute to think about Gin Terry. I mean John Tonic. I mean John Terry a true English Gin of a man.
Verdict: 0-4
Friday 14 October 2011
Dave Pundit's Predictions 15/10/11
Hi, I'm Dave Pundit. The subject of gambling in sport has reared it's ugly head again. In fact the only subject that rears it's ugly head more at the moment is Carlos Tevez. I personally can't see the problem with sportsmen gambling. I remember when I was at Liverpool an up and coming young defender bet me he'd play more first team games than me, but I showed him. I shattered his fibula in training and he was out for a year and played no games. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than at the end of the season when I could rub it in his teenage, Captain Scarlet looking face that it was a draw.
Liverpool v Man Utd
I find it ridiculous that Wayne Rooney has been banned for the first three games of Euro 2012, he's the white Pele for God's sake. Still England's loss is Man Utd's gain and the partnership he's struck up with Ashley Young - the black Pele - is something England will never have. However, they're coming up against an in form Liverpool side who'll be boosted by the return of Steven "The other white Pele" Gerrard. Let's just hope none of these Peles end up firing blanks.
Verdict: 1-1
Man City v Aston Villa
Turbulent times at Man City and I personally blame Mancini for signing an Argentinian in the first place. Does he not remember the Falklands? You wouldn't catch the likes of Alex Ferguson doing that. In many ways Alex McLeish is the new Alex Ferguson. He's Scottish and he's a manager. It's uncanny. I think this will be a close run thing.
Verdict: 2-2
Norwich v Swansea
Last year I wouldn't have had to have pretended to have an opinion on what is clearly a substandard fixture. But this year I can't wait to see this titanic struggle between two teams in the greatest league in the world. Even if one of the teams is Welsh.
Verdict: 0-0
QPR v Blackburn
QPR have been pretty hit and miss this year as have Blackburn. So this is game is a pundit's nightmare. It's literally unpredictable.
Verdict: 2-0
Stoke v Fulham
Stoke are the last great old-fashioned football team. From top to bottom they exude the sort of values that seem to have been lost from the beautiful game. Not for them the fancy passing, clean tackling or entertaining football. No, they've stuck to their guns and you have to respect them for that. In many ways they're the footballing equivalent of that most enduring of haircuts; the mullet. Fulham on the other hand are possibly a short back and sides, a bit boring but perfectly acceptable. Until they stop hiring foreign managers they'll never have the class of the business on top, party at the back look.
Verdict: 2-1
Wigan v Bolton
A few years ago this would've been a fixture I would've gone out of my way to see. Two northern teams full of northern journeymen kicking lumps out of each other. But now they've gone and tried to play football and it's all gone to pot. It's no wonder they're both relegation fodder this year.
Verdict: 0-1
Chelsea v Everton
I can't believe Rodwell's red card has been overturned. It was a terrible challenge, one-footed and his follow through didn't even look vaguely like it would injure someone. He should be ashamed. Still even with Rodwell Everton won't be able to beat Chelsea. Not with the mighty John Terry. Villas-Boas may be trying to get Chelsea to play fast, flowing football but not even that can stop John Terry. He's a machine, a proper British one, like a Rover or an Amstrad. Built to last.
Verdict: 3-0
West Brom v Wolves
This is a derby that is close to my heart. Not that I ever played for either of these teams, nor have I ever been to the Black Country, nor do I care about the result it's just that a Brummie friend of mine once tattooed West Brom v Wolves on my chest while I was drunk.
Verdict: 1-1
Arsenal v Sunderland
Arsenal are in a run of awful form and long may it continue. They aren't, and have never been, a top four quality side and I think the fans are right to call for Wenger's head. Steve Bruce is another manager who is under pressure but I think they need to give him time, he's done a lot of great things in his career and to want any manager sacked at this stage of the season is just a joke.
Verdict: 0-1
Newcastle v Tottenham
The Toon Army are still unbeaten this season but I think they'll struggle against a Tottenham team fresh off the back of a North London derby win. Tottenham have proved time and time again that they are one of the four best teams in the country and Newcastle will have their work cut out here.
Verdict: 1-2
Liverpool v Man Utd
I find it ridiculous that Wayne Rooney has been banned for the first three games of Euro 2012, he's the white Pele for God's sake. Still England's loss is Man Utd's gain and the partnership he's struck up with Ashley Young - the black Pele - is something England will never have. However, they're coming up against an in form Liverpool side who'll be boosted by the return of Steven "The other white Pele" Gerrard. Let's just hope none of these Peles end up firing blanks.
Verdict: 1-1
Man City v Aston Villa
Turbulent times at Man City and I personally blame Mancini for signing an Argentinian in the first place. Does he not remember the Falklands? You wouldn't catch the likes of Alex Ferguson doing that. In many ways Alex McLeish is the new Alex Ferguson. He's Scottish and he's a manager. It's uncanny. I think this will be a close run thing.
Verdict: 2-2
Norwich v Swansea
Last year I wouldn't have had to have pretended to have an opinion on what is clearly a substandard fixture. But this year I can't wait to see this titanic struggle between two teams in the greatest league in the world. Even if one of the teams is Welsh.
Verdict: 0-0
QPR v Blackburn
QPR have been pretty hit and miss this year as have Blackburn. So this is game is a pundit's nightmare. It's literally unpredictable.
Verdict: 2-0
Stoke v Fulham
Stoke are the last great old-fashioned football team. From top to bottom they exude the sort of values that seem to have been lost from the beautiful game. Not for them the fancy passing, clean tackling or entertaining football. No, they've stuck to their guns and you have to respect them for that. In many ways they're the footballing equivalent of that most enduring of haircuts; the mullet. Fulham on the other hand are possibly a short back and sides, a bit boring but perfectly acceptable. Until they stop hiring foreign managers they'll never have the class of the business on top, party at the back look.
Verdict: 2-1
Wigan v Bolton
A few years ago this would've been a fixture I would've gone out of my way to see. Two northern teams full of northern journeymen kicking lumps out of each other. But now they've gone and tried to play football and it's all gone to pot. It's no wonder they're both relegation fodder this year.
Verdict: 0-1
Chelsea v Everton
I can't believe Rodwell's red card has been overturned. It was a terrible challenge, one-footed and his follow through didn't even look vaguely like it would injure someone. He should be ashamed. Still even with Rodwell Everton won't be able to beat Chelsea. Not with the mighty John Terry. Villas-Boas may be trying to get Chelsea to play fast, flowing football but not even that can stop John Terry. He's a machine, a proper British one, like a Rover or an Amstrad. Built to last.
Verdict: 3-0
West Brom v Wolves
This is a derby that is close to my heart. Not that I ever played for either of these teams, nor have I ever been to the Black Country, nor do I care about the result it's just that a Brummie friend of mine once tattooed West Brom v Wolves on my chest while I was drunk.
Verdict: 1-1
Arsenal v Sunderland
Arsenal are in a run of awful form and long may it continue. They aren't, and have never been, a top four quality side and I think the fans are right to call for Wenger's head. Steve Bruce is another manager who is under pressure but I think they need to give him time, he's done a lot of great things in his career and to want any manager sacked at this stage of the season is just a joke.
Verdict: 0-1
Newcastle v Tottenham
The Toon Army are still unbeaten this season but I think they'll struggle against a Tottenham team fresh off the back of a North London derby win. Tottenham have proved time and time again that they are one of the four best teams in the country and Newcastle will have their work cut out here.
Verdict: 1-2
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