Football November
MACKLIN’S BOXING GYM Marbella
W O N N E P O Opening Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am-10pm Saturdays - 5pm - 10pm Sundays - Closed Avenida De Manolete 10 C.P, 29660 Nueva Andalucia, Marbella. Phone: 952 817 219 info@mgm.com.es www.mgm.com.es Facebook: MacklinsGymMarbella
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Come and train in a brand new boxing gym in Puerto Banus, Marbella! Matthew Macklin is a former two times European, British and Irish Middleweight Champion. Currently rated as No.3 in the world, by ‘Ring’ magazine, the Birminghamborn Irishman has been based in Marbella, Spain, since April this year. His new professional trainers’ gym has all the latest, high-quality equipment, and it will be the base for all of Matthew’s future fights see him working out and improve your motivation!
Facilities include: l Two boxing rings l Shadow boxing/practice area l Full bag area l All the latest weights and gym equipment from all over Europe and America l Running area with bleep test zone l Power strength training area - from pulling ropes to tyre tractor tyre training l Fitness rooms l Physio rooms
Start your new training regime at Macklin’s Gym, you will find a great atmosphere and excellent facilities. It is conveniently situated, with direct access from the N340.
l Ice baths l Saunas l Comfortable changing rooms l Nutrition area
Football A cracker of a game to start the day and one which should sort the men out from the boys. On form I’d go with Arsenal but as it’s at Old Trafford then that tends to balance out any potential superiority. It’s a long held joke that Manchester United get soft penalty appeals and that hardly any opposing team ever gets a penalty at Old Trafford. It’s become part of football lore and everyone just shrugs their shoulders and gets on with it. It turns out that this is an actual fact as I was reading an interesting article recently when someone looked into referee decisions that favour United. If a ref gave a decision against United (ref’s like Wiley and Clattenberg for example) they never got a game again involving Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson
The (sweet) FA decided to drop these ref’s as they had angered Ferguson which in my mind means that United have an advantage in every game they play. A very interesting statistic is that Howard Webb who ref’s for United on a regular basis, has given 18% of all his penalty decisions to united over the last decade...
FIXTURES & PREDICTIONS
Man Utd v Arsenal
Premiership
SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER
Saturday 3rd Wednesday 28th November 2012
Howard Webb
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So a prediction for this one? Despite all of the above, I think Arsenal are a stronger unit recently even without Van Persie who will want to give a good account against his former employees. So I’ll go for a score draw probably about 2-2.
Fulham v Everton
Everton who usually start slowly in the league, have sprinted from the blocks from the start and this is purely down to David Moyes who has bought cheaply and sold wisely. Fulham have also been pretty good so far this season, so as it’s at Fulham I’ll go for another draw. 1-1.
Norwich City v Stoke City
Norwich have been on the receiving end of some spankings lately but luckily Stoke aren’t exactly a goal machine so if Norwich can play to their strengths and gain some confidence from the crowd, they should win here 1-0.
Sunderland v Aston Villa
Sunderland have been draw specialists so far and Villa have hardly set the world alight. So as it’s at Sunderland I think this will be a 1-0 win for Sunderland.
Swansea City v Chelsea
Times have been a little tougher for Michael Laudrup’s Swansea but they should give a good account of themselves in this match. They might even get a draw but I still see Chelsea edging it. 1-2.
Tottenham Hotspur v Wigan Athletic
None of the media seem to like Andre Villas-Boas but his results are slowly turning people around. The impressive win against Manchester United was Spurs’ first for 23 years and they showed a lot of class and strength that night. I can’t see Wigan getting any points at White Hart Lane so I’m going for a 2-0 win to Spurs.
West Ham United v Manchester City
West Ham with Andy Andy Carroll Carroll is a hard team to beat and Manchester City might have a few problems on their travels here. Manchester City should just about have enough to beat the Hammers but only just. 0- 1 to City.
SUNDAY 4TH NOVEMBER QPR v Reading
A real bottom of the table clash and one game where Mark Hughes will be desperate to win. He brought in 9 players over the summer and they are firmly rooted in the relegation zone and lose this game against fellow strugglers, Reading and he might be close to heading for the exit. I think this will be a draw though 1-1.
MONDAY 5TH NOVEMBER West Brom v Southampton
Both sides have played good football this season. While Southampton have been a bit unlucky with their results, West Brom have certainly made certain of theirs. I think they’ll continue to do so here and I think West Brom will win this fairly comfortably. 2-0.
have left and will want a win here to further cement their claims to get into Europe. West Ham will make it awkward but I still think Newcastle have enough to win through today. Close though so I’ll go for 1-0 to Newcastle.
Reading v Norwich City
Both teams will be desperately looking for points as they sit in the relegation zone, but I’ve got a funny feeling that Norwich might spring a surprise here and win away against Reading. 0-1 to Norwich.
Saturday 10TH NOVEMBER Arsenal v Fulham
Arsenal should have more than enough to put Fulham to the sword at the Emirates. If Fulham don’t watch themselves they could be badly beaten but I’ll go for a 2-0 win to Arsenal.
Everton v Sunderland
Two entertaining teams with top managers at the helm. Everton are serious contenders now for a European place and Sunderland will probably end up in the top ten positions. As this is at Everton though, I see an Everton win, but it will be a close run thing. 2-1 to Everton.
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Southampton v Swansea City
Southampton have been slowly coming to terms with the premier league and if they continue to play their attractive football and gain a bit of luck at the same time, then they just might survive. I see a win for them today 1-0.
Stoke City v Queens Park Rangers
QPR have been tepid all season and must be favourites now for the drop. Stoke are Stoke and always hard to beat and I can’t see QPR getting anything here. 1-0 to Stoke.
Liverpool v Newcastle
So far this season, the youngsters of Liverpool have been playing better than the main squad and have been much more entertaining. The main squad have wasted far too many chances and though they may have dominated play they scrape draws when they should be winning. At Anfield, they’re even worse and with Newcastle arriving in okish form, this will be a major test for both teams. This has got a high scoring draw written all over it. 2-2.
Sam Allardyce
The return of the Newcastle old boys: Carroll, Nolan and Allardyce. Carroll sold against his wishes, Nolan leaving while wanting a longer contract than was offered and Allardyce sacked for being.. er....crap. All will want to do well against a team that has become stronger since all three of them
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Wigan Athletic v West Bromwich Albion
Wigan have been a bit hit and miss, but that at least is slightly better than their start of last season which was mostly miss. West Brom under Steve Clarke are a hard side to beat now and a danger to most teams. Both teams might cancel each other out though, so I’ll go for a 1-1 draw.
Arsenal v Tottenham
Two teams that hate each other always gives the game some added spice and with both teams playing well this should be a cracker. Arsenal probably have the slight edge as it’s at home, but Spurs will always want to rain on their parade. Arsenal to win 2-1.
Villa have hardly set the world alight but they’re better than last season’s dourness. I can’t see them upsetting Man United and winning here, but there might be a shock draw. I’m not going for that though as I can see the last 10 minutes or so being a typical onslaught from United. United to win 1-2.
SUNday 11TH NOVEMBER Man City v Tottenham
Spurs are beginning to adjust to the new manager, Villas-Boas and are gaining belief every day and Manchester City have played well at times but also scraped wins. They should just about scrape through here as well as it’s at home but it will be a close run thing throughout. 1-0 to City.
Chelsea v Liverpool
Liverpool tend to raise their game against the big teams (which they are no longer a part of ) and the same will be on show today. They also play with more abandon away from home and so this could go either way but Liverpool might just seek a draw. 1-1.
Liverpool at home. Fortress Anfield they used to call it and for most teams it means ‘park the bus’ Anfield. Fair play to those lesser teams because if they do defend as one they have every chance of getting a point. Wigan will try to do the same but Liverpool should just sneak it. 1-0.
Manchester City v Aston Villa
City are always strong at home and it would have to be a minor miracle for Villa to get anything from this game. With the likes of Tevez, Silva, Aguero and Balotelli Villa will have to play well even to avoid a hiding. 3-0 to City.
Carlos Tevez
Steve Clarke
Liverpool v Wigan Athletic
Aston Villa v Man Utd
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Saturday 17TH NOVEMBER
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Both teams play attractive football and this should be an entertaining match. Newcastle should have the edge because they have better players and they’re at home, so I’ll go for a Newcastle win 2-0.
Norwich City v Manchester United
Norwich will want to show their worth today against Manchester United, but as they have one of the leakiest defences in the league I
menslifestylespain.com november 2012
can’t see that changing today. They may get a goal but I think United will be comfortable winners in the end 1-4.
Queens Park Rangers v Southampton
A relegation 6 pointer for both teams and while it’s still early to talk about relegation, at the end of the season, goal difference and the odd point here and there can make all the difference. While Southampton might be the better team the game is at QPR and if Mark Hughes’ QPR players can’t get motivated for this one, then they may as well give up on the season now. A 1-1 draw is on the cards which won’t suit either of them in the long run.
Reading v Everton
Reading will put up a hearty fight against Everton and while the toffees are weaker on the road, they’ll still have enough to beat Reading. 1-2 to Everton.
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea Chelsea old boy, Steve Clarke welcomes Chelsea for the first time as West Brom manager. West Brom are now a much better unit and less defensive than last season under Hodgson and I expect them to cause trouble for Chelsea. I can’t see them beating the Londoners but I do expect a draw. 1-1.
SUNday 18TH NOVEMBER Fulham v Sunderland
Fulham have been playing well and Sunderland not quite as well as I expected so far this season. I think the game will go Fulham’s way today with a 3-1 win.
MONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER West Ham v Stoke
West Ham and Stoke are difficult teams to beat at the best of times and when they come to head they could cancel each other out and create a dull goalless draw. But I think West Ham have just about enough guile in their players to force a win. 1-0 to the hammers.
Peter Crouch
Everton v Norwich City
Everton should win this at a stroll. Norwich are struggling in the league and while they have a good manager in Chris Hughton they will still lose in Merseyside. I predict a 2-0 to Everton.
Manchester United v Queens Park Rangers
Oh dear, you’re in the relegation zone being beaten by just about everyone and the last thing you need is a visit to Old Trafford. I can’t see Fergie giving any respite to old boy Mark Hughes and I can see this being 4-0 at least.
Southampton v Newcastle United
SATURday 24TH NOVEMBER Swansea v Liverpool Brendan Rodgers
The return of ex Swans manager and now Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers to his old stomping grounds. Whether he’ll return next season is open to debate because if Liverpool’s form doesn’t improve soon, Rodgers will soon be out of the door. With the old Swansea players wanting to show their best to the world and the game being in Swansea, then this is a tough fixture for Liverpool and so I’m expecting a draw to be honest. 1-1.
Aston Villa v Arsenal
I can’t see Villa getting anything from this game against high flying Arsenal. Wenger’s clever buys in Podolski and Giroud have paid off and they have now finally sorted out their goalkeeping weakness. Villa meanwhile are having trouble finding the net and they’re leaking in goals which is exactly what they’ll do today. 0-3 to Arsenal.
Southampton will be looking for a draw here as Newcastle make the long journey down from the North East. If Southampton keep it tight they just might steal a draw. 0-0.
Stoke City v Fulham
Another draw is on the cards here, Stoke are hard to beat normally let alone at home and I think Fulham will struggle to find the net, despite the likes of Dimitar Berbatov in Berbatov attack. This has 0-0 written all over it.
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
This should be a good game to watch with both teams fancying their chances to win. Spurs had better keep an eye on Carroll because he will cause problems but if they play to their strengths then Spurs should win in the end. 2-0.
SUNday 25TH NOVEMBER
Carlton Cole
Sunderland v West Brom Sunderland is a difficult place to get any result but I think West Brom have enough in their tank to get at least a draw here. I’ll go for 1-1.
Chelsea v Man City
Top game between the two top teams. This result won’t decide anything tonight but it will give the winners extra confidence and belief. I have a funny feeling that Chelsea will just about do enough to win here by the odd goal. 2-1 to Chelsea.
TUESday 27TH NOVEMBER Aston Villa v Reading
Villa have to fancy their chances at home for this game. Reading aren’t playing that well and if Villa are to separate themselves from the relegation zone and mid table safety, they have to win games like this. If they don’t Reading will be encouraged to fight off the drop but I will still go for a Villa win 2-0.
Manchester United v West Ham United
In the past, this is usually an excellent game to watch where West Ham do well and Manchester United win. I see no difference today despite Carroll and Nolan wanting to do well against the Red Devils. Sam Allardyce is a big pal of Fergie’s and I can’t see him spoiling his and Fergie’s after match glass of wine. 2-0 to Man Utd.
Wigan Athletic v Reading
Wigan want the points here because they know that chances are, they won’t be able to repeat last seasons heroic ‘great escape’ from relegation. Reading are struggling as well and I can’t see them getting a point here. Wigan to win and sneak past Reading but only just 1-0.
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Southampton v Norwich City
2 teams that are struggling to cope with the demands of the premiership and this is another 6 pointer. Both teams have been leaking a lot of goals but at least Southampton has been finding the net. With that in mind and it being on the south coast, I’ll go for a Southampton win. 2-0.
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
This game could go either way as both teams play attacking football. A tough call to predict this one as both sides have been playing well but I still have the feeling that Swansea will edge it. 2-1 to Swansea.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
Stoke City v Newcastle United
Stoke on a cold night is a grim place to be, but at least visitors Newcastle are used to that kind of weather. Whether they can deal with the ‘honest’ treatment from the Stoke players is another matter as they were recently bullied out of the game by Manchester United. I’m predicting a 1-0 win to Stoke.
Sunderland v Queens Park Rangers
Sunderland will welcome QPR with open arms, as they are now needing the points themselves to start to make a challenge for Europe and if they lose here then mid table obscurity beckons. QPR might though sense some unease in the Sunderland fans and use that to frustrate and stifle the home team and thus gain a respectable 1-1 draw.
WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER Wigan v Man City
Wigan will be on a hiding to nothing here as everyone will expect them to lose and they will...but only just. City’s players might not fancy a night in Snowy Wigan and players like Silva certainly won’t. With their play maker not firing on all cylinders then City may struggle to create any chances. They’re still win though 0-1.
Chelsea v Fulham Both teams are famed for their attacking, attractive football and this should be quite a match. Spurs are hosts and have been playing better than their visitors who still struggle to get goals. Least said about letting Andy Carroll go out on loan without a line up striker the better; that the supposed striker Liverpool wanted, Clint Dempsey finally went to Spurs instead, further adds salt to the wound. Spurs should win this and sods law will mean Dempsey to score it. 1-0 to Spurs. Clint Dempsey
Though Fulham have been playing well under Martin Jol I can’t see them getting much from this game. Stamford bridge on a cold November night isn’t exactly inviting and Chelsea should win pretty comfortably. 2-0 to Chelsea.
Martin Jol
Everton v Arsenal
A very tricky game for Arsenal at the best of times let alone this season with Everton playing so well. Everton are tough and resilient as ever but they’ve also shown a huge amounts of skill as well. No real shocks here and I see Everton winning 1-0.
Roy Hodgson
International Match Wednesday 14th November Sweden v England
As this is a friendly and a repeat of the game in Euro 2012 where England won but only just, I think Sweden will be out to prove a point. It’s in Sweden but I still don’t see them winning. I think a draw will probably satisfy both sides. 1-1.
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Champions League Fixtures and Predictions TUESDAY 6TH NOVEMBER FC Schalke 04 v Arsenal
So the two best teams in the group of 4, fight it out for top billing. Being top means a better draw but this doesn’t really come to pass as there is often the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona who have ended coming in 2nd in the group. Arsenal have straight wins so far in the group but will certainly be wary of playing away at the Germans Schalke. I think both teams may settle for a point. 1-1.
AC Milan v Málaga CF
Wow, Malaga go from strength to strength despite financial problems off the field. Having to sell 3 of your best players in the off season never helps a club, but with the wiles of Pellegrini, it does not matter. Malaga are playing good football and winning in both the league and Champions league. Now they face the biggest game of their lives, when the face AC Milan in Italy and if they do well here then people really will start to take notice. 1-1.
Manuel Pellegrini
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6th - 21st November
Manchester City FC v AFC Ajax
The group of Death. A must win game for City after their poor start to the Champions league. Unlucky against Real Madrid in the first game when they lost somehow when they were 2-1 with 5 minutes to go. Against Dortmund though they were outclassed. So a full three points is needed for City to have any chance of qualifying about either Dortmund or Real Madrid. I’ll go for City to win 3-1.
WEDNESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER
Chelsea FC v FC Shakhtar Donetsk
Both teams are fighting for the top two places with Juventus, so this game could go some way to deciding that. Chelsea must be favourites to win this game as they’re at home and on paper they have a stronger side. Donetsk are no mugs though so both sides will be keeping an eye on how Juventus fare and whether a win is needed or both sides settle for a point. A dangerous game to play considering it isn’t the last game to play but I’ve seen it done. I still back Chelsea to win though 2-0.
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Celtic FC v FC Barcelona
Fair play to Celtic and their manager, Neil Lennon for their show so far in the Champions League as they’ve gained a good amount of points that no one expected them to get. Now comes this big game against Barca but at least this game is at home and with the noise and baying of the Celtic crowd there is at least a chance of unsettling the Spanish team. I don’t think they will however and I’ll go for a Barca win 0-1.
Neil Lennon
SC Braga v Manchester United FC
This game all depends on who Ferguson puts onto the field, in the past few years he has experimented with younger players which has tended to go pear shaped and meant they were eliminated or scrape through in the end. Braga themselves will fancy the second place at least in the group and as this game is at Braga they will go for a win. I think what’s more likely is that both teams will draw 1-1.
TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER Juventus - Chelsea FC
If Chelsea can get some points from this game then they can certainly fancy their chances to go through but as Juventus are at the top of the Italian league and the game is at their place they will want the win. Chelsea may come unstuck here and lose 1-0. es
Fernando Torr
SL Benfica v Celtic FC
Benfica will be battling for their lives in this game as they face certain elimination if they lose tonight. Celtic have been a marvel so far and would be aiming for a point to get them closer to the finish line behind Barcelona. I’ll go for a 1-1 draw.
Galatasaray A.S. v Manchester United FC
Unless they stage some miracle come back, Galatasary are as good as out. But with this game being at their place they’ll want the scalp of Manchester United and just might get it if United are sitting pretty in the league and sure to go through. If Galatasary are still mathematically in the group, then this is a tough game for United and they’ll have to put out a good team to prevent embarrassment. I’ll go for a United win 0-1.
WEDNESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER Arsenal FC v Montpellier Hérault SC
I can’t see Montpellier getting much joy on their journey to London to be honest. Arsenal already look like they’ll qualify and Wenger desperately wants to do well in the Champions League after their recent failings. A 3-0 win to Arsenal. Arsene Wenger
LIKE TO
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FOOTY?
FC Zenit St. Petersburg v Málaga CF It might be a bit nippy up in Russia for the lads from Malaga and this will prove a stern test for the Spanish team. They have the class to win this game but it all depends on how they adapt to the weather. They might have to settle for a draw here though so I’ll go for 0-0.
Manchester City FC v Real Madrid CF
Due to the group having 3 incredibly strong teams, City once more find themselves needing a win at home. That it’s against the Spanish champions makes it more difficult, but they can take heart from the 85 minutes where they were winning at Madrid and as long as they don’t lose concentration again they have a good chance of a win. If they keep Ronaldo quiet then they can scrape a 1-0 win. Cristiano Ronaldo <pic of Ronaldo>
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