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Football Fulham v West Brom

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER

Two teams who had varying fortunes last season and who will want to get better for this one. Fulham have started well and West Brom want points so this might be a game where both sides will go for a win. Still see a draw though. 1-1.

David Moyes

Aston Villa v Newcastle

So Villas star striker Benteke has stayed and signed a new deal and Villa are on the up. Darren Bent has probably left by now and Paul Lambert’s influence has started to show in the team play of the Villa team. Newcastle quite frankly are a shambles and with Joe Kinnear as Director of Football I can’t see too many great players signing up. Villa are at home here and I think they’re a stronger and better outfit than Newcastle who will be fighting relegation for most of the season. 2-0 to Villa. 90

FIXTURES & PREDICTIONS

The champions greet new boys Palace with open arms. United have a tough opening set of games which has already been winged about by Fergie...i mean Moyes. I expect a lot of similar tactics used by the new pretender, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it I guess, and I don’t expect any shocks in store here for United. Palace have nothing to lose though and will want to everyone including themselves that they can stay in the premiership. A tight game but I’ll still go for 2-0 to United.

Premiership

Man Utd v Crystal Palace

Hull v Cardiff

The new boys play each other. Cardiff were clear winners last season and I have a feeling they’ll give a good account of themselves today. I’ll go for stalemate and 0-0.

Stoke v Man City Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes has already introduced more possession to Stoke. Adding to their physical strength Stoke can now play a bit too. At times against Liverpool they threatened, especially in the last 15 minutes, but today they meet Manchester City who are a much better side. Spending 90 million so far, City’s squad is regarded as the best in the premiership and I can’t see Stoke getting anything from this game. 0-1 to City.

SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER Sunderland v Arsenal

Sunderland and Paolo di Canio have brought in a lot of new faces and they’ve already shown that they are a better side than last season. Arsenal have brought in er...nobody and while they’re squad is a good one they need to tighten up at the back to maintain their top 4 position at the end of the season. There will be goals in this game and I think i’ll go for a high scoring draw 2-2.

Tottenham v Norwich

Spurs have spent well and brought in a lot of exciting talent in their bid to get top 4 this season. Norwich can only dream of the resources that Spurs have but will still do well enough to remain in the premiership this season. I can see Spurs winning here though as they’ll have too much for Norwich. 2-0 to Spurs.

Everton v Chelsea Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez likes to play attacking football but tends to leaks a lot of goals. At Wigan this was the case and after the first few games with Everton, they’re playing exactly the same. Everton’s strength though was being tight at the back and building from there. Everton have the resources to maintain a top 10 place but whether they can challenge for Europe again remains to be seen. A potentially tricky game for Chelsea but I still see them edging it. 1-2 to Chelsea.

Southampton v West Ham

SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Norwich v Aston Villa

Two teams who will hope to build on their promising last season. Southampton gambled and brought in a new manager mid season and that gamble paid off as they steered clear of relegation. They’ve also invested over 30 million in Lovren, Wayama and Osvaldo and so will be much stronger than last season. West Ham have bought 2 more Liverpool old boys and will hope to challenge the teams that finished above them last seasons, with Swansea and West Brom in their sights. I can see Southampton sneaking this one though 2-1.

Villa are in form and with Benteke playing well, there’s no reason to see Paul Lamberts team avoiding relegation easily and ending up in mid table. Norwich have invested well in Van Wolfswinkel and this should be a pretty evenly matched game. I’ll go for 1-1.

Cardiff v Tottenham

Cardiff have had a rude awakening to the Premiership and the hard lessons will continue here today. Spurs really want to replace their bitter rivals Arsenal for a place in the top 4 and with Andre Villas Boas they can do that, with or without Gareth Bale. Spurs to win this one, but it won’t be easy. 0-1 to Spurs.

Crystal Palace v Swansea Ian Holloway

MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER Swansea v Liverpool Simon Mignolet

Two clubs who like to play appealing football meet here. Liverpool have vulnerabilities in defense and their new goalkeeper Mignolet needs to settle his nerves. If he does so that confidence then spreads to the other defenders and a whole different mindset emerges. Swansea will fancy their chances here but Liverpool will only play one way, attack. This could be a hell of a game and I expect quite a few goals. I’ll go for 2-3 to Liverpool.

Palace’s manager, Ian Holloway has been vocal as normal and certainly enjoys the limelight of the premiership, he’ll want his Palace team to fare better than his last Premiership team, Blackpool and will want a win here. Laudrup’s Swansea will to get their form back from last season and they’re more than capable of challenging for Europe. Swansea to edge this one, 0-1.

Liverpool v Southampton

It’s saying something when Southampton have invested more money in their team than Liverpool have. Southampton will want to show what their team can do and I think they’ll provide quite a few problems for Liverpool here at Anfield. Normally I’d go for a home win but I think Southampton are good enough to gain a point. 1-1.

Newcastle v Hull

Two teams who are potential relegation fodder and so even though this game is early on in the season, it could be considered a 6 pointer. Newcastle have a better side and brought in a few new French faces and as they’re at home, I think they’ll win over Steve Bruce’s Hull. 1-0 to Newcastle.

West Brom v Sunderland

Nicholas Anelka

Steve Clarke will want to hit the ground running and though they’ve lost Lukaku back to Chelsea they still have Anelka as backup. He has more than enough class to fill in. While Sunderland can play well at times, I think West Brom will just about win this one. 1-0.

West Ham v Everton

Allardyce vs Martinez. Veteran manager vs the young pretender. Usually I don’t have a lot of time for Allardyce’s sides which tend to be anti football and dependent on how hard you can hit your opponent. With West Ham though I have been pleasantly surprised to see him mix strength with football. Everton have been weaker at the back so far this season but better in attack. I still see West Ham winning this one. 2-0 to West Ham. 92

SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER Tottenham v Chelsea

Chelsea v Fulham

A local derby with Fulham on a hiding to nothing. Fulham’s Dimitar Berbatov has always got the class to unnerve any opposing team but I can’t see Fulham getting anything out of this game to be honest. Chelsea have a much better team and as they’re at home as well I can’t see anything beyond a comfortable Chelsea win. 2-0 to Chelsea.

SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER Arsenal v Stoke

Andre Vilas Boas

Another top game with Andre Villas Boas wanting to beat the team that sacked him so ungraciously. I can see them doing it as well as this game is held at White Hart Lane. Chelsea though are always going to be hard to beat, especially with Mourinho at the helm and so i’ll go for a draw here and a 1-1 scoreline.

Aston Villa v Man City

With injuries mounting at Arsenal and a lack of squad depth the last team you want to play is the ever physical Stoke. In the recent past seasons, there have been incidents where Arsenal have been bullied out of the game but with this game being at the Emirates I can’t see that happening. Arsenal to win 2-0.

Though Villa have been playing well and they’re at home here, I still can’t see them having enough to beat an excellent Manchester City side. Pellegrini’s influence will start to change the squad from the disaster that was Mancini last season. And I seriously cannot see City slipping up here. 1-2 to Manchester City.

Man City v Man Utd

Fulham v Cardiff

What a game this should be! The game of the season so far and with both teams wanting to show the world what they can do. City will want to show that they’re a better side than last season and quite capable of winning this league this time. United will want to show that they’re just as dangerous as they were under Fergie. I don’t think they will cancel each other out and so I think there will be a few goals. This could be a classic. I’ll go for a 2-1 win for Manchester City.

Martin Jol

Fulham have always been strong at Craven Cottage and even though they have new owners, that influence, financially won’t be seen for a few transfer windows yet. Martin Jol is no fool and will make sure that Fulham remain tight and remain in the Premiership this season. They’ll be awkward and prove hard to beat. Cardiff won’t get anything from this game and I see a 2-0 win for Fulham.

Hull v West Ham

Hull have to start to get some points and West Ham will not give them up easily. Though this game is at Hull I think West Ham will be too strong for the newcomers and see the hammers winning by a couple of goals. 0-2 to West Ham.

Man Utd v West Brom

A tricky game for United, because West Brom want to show the world that they’re just as good as last season. If United don’t concentrate then they might slip up but I still don’t see anything less than a United win. 1-0.

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER Stoke v Norwich

So has Mark Hughes made an effect by now on Stoke? Chris Hughton certainly has had a positive effect on Norwich and of the two teams I would have to say that Norwich are the ones on the up. Playing at Stoke is always difficult and I think this could head for a draw. 1-1.

Sunderland v Liverpool Paolo di Canio

Southampton v Crystal Palace

With Southampton’s side having a core of three 18 year olds, and with the addition of the 3 more experienced heads, Southampton are shaping up nicely to be a top ten side. With Ricky Lambert scoring the goals and Osvaldo as back up, I can see this game ending up 2-0 to Southampton.

Swansea v Arsenal Michu

Has the di Canio effect made Sunderland any better? Well it’s certainly made them harder to beat and so with the arrival of Liverpool, who on their day can miss a hatful of chances, despite a huge amount of possession, then this game could go either way. I think Sunderland will show a good account of themselves and get a draw here. 1-1.

MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER Arsenal can often start badly but then slowly pull themselves together, so Swansea will hope the gunners are in brittle mood. Swansea had a tough game to start with and so will want to get back to something like their form of last season. Arsenal were interested in 2 of Swansea’s best players in Michu and Richards and they well be playing for Arsenal as you read this. Both Wenger and Laudrup like their teams to play good football and so I could see this as a high scoring draw. 3-3.

Everton v Newcastle

If Everton keep hold of Baines and Felliani from the clutches of Manchester United, then they have every chance to remain in the hunt for a European place. If they lose them then they’ll be lucky to remain in the top ten. Newcastle however aren’t exactly the power that they used to be but if everyone comes back from injury they should at least make this game a contest. I think Everton will just about win through here but it will be close. 1-0 to Everton.

ENGLAND MATCHES Friday 6th September Ukraine v England

The first of two must-win games for England this week. Ukraine being the trickier of the two. With Andrei Shevchenko finally retiring Ukraine can still qualify for the World Cup if they beat England and take their place over the next 4 matches. As the game is in the Ukraine it makes it even more difficult for Roy Hodgsons men. But cometh the hour cometh the man and it’s up to Captain Gerrard and his troops to stand up and be counted. We are a better team than Ukraine and if we can sort the nerves out we can certainly win here. 1-2 to England.

Tuesday 10th September England v Moldova

If we can’t beat Moldova at home, then we don’t deserve to go to the World Cup in the first place. England to win comfortably 3-0.

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Club Profile: Arsenal

So this was going to be the summer where Arsenal would finally start spending money on big star signings rather than spending nothing on young French teens that no one has ever heard of. Higuain from Real Madrid has been mentioned who then chose Napoli, Luis Suarez and even Wayne Rooney who has also been mentioned. But so far this summer with the end of the transfer window looming, all Arsenal have done is sign...yep, you guessed it, a French teenager. So what’s gone wrong? Through Wenger’s steady and accomplished management and lack of spending over the past decade, Arsenal have now nearly paid off their new stadium and should now be able to afford to buy world stars. Old habits die hard I guess. It doesn’t help when certain players are less than keen to join the club. But offering the chance to live in London and Champions League football should be enough of an incentive to bring players in. With a few additions Arsenal could challenge for the title, but I think without them their squad is a little thin in places. Arsenal’s attacking flair is one to be envied by any club in the world with the likes of Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and Lucas Podolski. Podolski was supposed to be the poacher and score a lot of goals, and he hasn’t really done that. That Arsenal have been linked with both Suarez and Rooney says it all and Wenger obviously can see a problem there. In midfield there is Santi Cazorla, Mikel Arteta and future England Captain Jack Wilshire and in

defense they have Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs. So one player comes in and two or three are about to leave (Gervinho to Roma and Chamakh to Crystal Palace). And suddenly Arsenal have a weaker squad than last year. Sure they’re a young side and one which is building in experience but with a couple of added stars they could really be a force this season. Wenger would argue that he has a good enough squad already and that the youngsters will step up to the mark. Maybe they will and this will be their year. But it’s been 6 years now without winning anything and for fans that’s a long time for a trophy drought. Luckily the fans have kept the faith with Wenger because of his previous work at Arsenal and with the retirement of Fergie from Manchester United, Arsene Wenger is the longest running manager now with 17 years under his wing. But how long can Wenger rely on the fans patience, if again, Arsenal don’t buy anyone of note and fail yet again in their perennial Mid February blues? This might just be the last season for Wenger if they end up trophy less once more.

Rooney Wayne Player Profile Age: 27 Born: Croxteth, Liverpool Marital Status: Married Salary: 15.61 million (2012) Club: Manchester United 96

Wayne Mark Rooney (born 24 October 1985) has been a dominant force in English football for a decade now. He’s widely regarded as the best English footballer (though Steven Gerrard might argue differently). He made his name at Everton where for two seasons he kept breaking records as a youngster. As soon as Arsene Wenger saw him he said ‘Rooney is the biggest England talent I’ve seen since I arrived in England. There has certainly not been a player under 20 as good as him since I became a manager here.” When it became clear that Rooney wouldn’t sign a new contract with Everton, 2 teams came in to buy him. Newcastle started the bidding war with a 20 million bid and Manchester United won by bidding 25.6 million. Despite leaving Everton, he insists he still supports Everton. “Once a Blue, always a Blue” and all that.

At the time there was a falling out with David Moyes the then Everton manager and now Manchester United manager. Moyes took Wayne Rooney to court 3 years ago for ‘making false claims’ in an extract from his book published in part in the Daily Mail. Wayne ended up paying him half a million in settlement. To be fair, Moyes did give the money to charity. At Manchester United, he became the youngest player in the Champions League to score a hat trick and was the youngest player to play for England. In the last decade he has dominated the back and front pages of the tabloids, from love with his wife Colleen, hair transplants and liaisons with hookers before and during his marriage. The first liaison back in 2004, he did admit that at that time “I was young and stupid. It was at a time

when I was very young and immature and before I had settled down with Coleen.” I’m not sure if he made any comment on the more recent 3some allegations but he certainly tried to get the courts to ban the reports. It didn’t work and the press had a field day. His form dropped as a result.

Back in 2010, Rooney wanted to leave because he felt undervalued. One of the only times I ever saw Fergie look weak was when he was discussing Rooney’s decision to go with absolute bewilderment. Fergie finally convinced Rooney to stay and kept being encouraging all season, with such quotes as ‘the best goal ever scored at Old Trafford’ and the like. But now with Fergie gone and Moyes saying Robin Van Persie is his number one striker, there’s talk once more of Rooney wanting to leave. You’d think United would have learned after the first incident but new managers do it their way.

Rooney remains popular with Manchester United fans and his name sells shirts with over 200,000 sold in one season. They love him because he is passionate and consistently scores. He can be a hot head and so knowing this he still boxes to take away the extra anger. When his anger has boiled over, it results in him being the most red-carded England player and usually in trouble with the English FA. During the 2010 World Cup, his anger boiled off to insult the England supporters after a weak draw with Algeria made them boo them off the park. “Nice to see your home fans boo you, that’s loyal supporters”. He quickly apologised. He tries to play the game fairly which is probably why he reacts so badly when a decision goes against him. “Everyone who watches me play knows I am an honest player, I play the game as honestly as I can. If the referee gives a penalty there is nothing you can do.” But anger often gives a player that edge you want on the football field, Ferguson knew that and he also knew how important it is to make Rooney feel appreciated. When Rooney doesn’t then he can start to look at pastures new.

Chelsea and Jose Mourinho hope to take advantage of Rooney’s disquiet. Chelsea have already bid 20 million for Rooney which surely must be a wind up, as he must be worth at least double that. On the 5th of August a bid of 30 million was rejected. I have a feeling that 40 million might get their man, especially if David Luiz leaves Chelsea for Barca for 40 mil as well. Mourinho has also said he will guarantee to play Rooney in his favoured position.

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Golf

La Sala Charity Pro-Am Golf Tournament at The Marbella Golf Resort Thursday August 22nd saw the holding of a Pro Am with the La Sala Group and the weekly Pro’s pool at Marbella Golf Resort in aid of Aspanden Children’s Charity. The winning team with a score of 94 points was that of Professional Gabriel Canazares and the Lifestyle Magazine team; David Farrell, Paul Solari and Sean Meally All 20 teams had a great day, with Patrick Simard taking the title of best pro score of the day with a 6 under par 66. Steve Godfre had a good day winning the special nearest the pin charity Special on the 2nd hole, taking home a voucher for green fee’s at Valderama! Not content with that, he then won the Blacktower Sponsored 9th hole nearest the pin, taking a Titliest Standbag as well. After the golf everybody retired to La Sala Beach Club where all enjoyed some fantastic Thai tapas and a free bar, courtesy of the La Sala Group. A prize auction for Charity was held, with the main item being a framed flag from Medinah, which was signed by all the Victorious Ryder Cup team, donated by Miguel Angel Jimenez.

A truly great day which raised 5222.80€ for Aspandem Children’s Charity!

t s n e m a n r u o TSeptember TBC Boston

l Deutsche Bank Championship 26th August - 2nd September

Crans-sur Sierre

TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts

l Omega European Masters 5th - 8th September

Conway Farms Golf Club

Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland

l BMW Championship 9th - 15th September

Conway Farms Golf Club, Lake Forest, Illinois Kennemer G&CC

l KLM Open 12th - 15th September

Kennemer G&CC, Zandvoort, Holland

l Tour Championship by Coca-Cola 16th - 22nd September

East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

l Italian Open 19th - 22nd September Golf Club Torino

Golf Club Torino

l Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 26th - 29th September

St Andrews/Kingbarns/Carnoustie, Scotland St Andrews

the Costa

Golf

Guide

your guide to golf on the Costa del Sol

www.costagolfguide.com 99

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