Following on from our semi popular Premier League predictions, we introduce our weekly EPL Fantasy preview – The Own Goal FPL Week 23.
Each week we’ll attempt to give a quick round-up of some of the points of interest in Fantasy Premier League.
We used to do a podcast through our Fantasy United team, but who’s got time for that these days.
So enjoy The Own Goal FPL Week 23 preview.
Or cut out the middle man and go straight to the official FPL website here.
Disclaimer: We are Ipswich Town fans, so have no prejudice against any side in this division. Or the next, come August 2019.
WHO’S HOT
Pogba / Rashford. The dynamic duo have scored 92 points between them in the five leagues games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and they combined nicely against Spurs to prove they are not just Lukaku type Flat Track Bullies.
Mo Salah – keeps scoring and justifying his hefty price tag.
Kane / Son – but Spurs will have to do without their double act due to injury and Asian Cup.
WHO STINKS
Leicester – can’t beat 10 man Southampton. Can beat Man City and Chelsea.
Fulham defence. As if anyone has one in their FPL side. Own goals are unfortunate, and funny, but they need two quick defenders in this transfer window to survive. PErhaps a cheeky Gary Cahill could be value if he moves a few miles down the road.
Wolves defence against Man City – own goals and red cards. Ouch.
FPL WEEK 23- THE BIG QUICK QUESTIONS
Is this Eriksen’s time to shine without Kane and Son? Or will he have to play a different role to cover both absences?
Will the Manchester United juggernaut roll on now they’ve beaten a big team?
Is David de Gea worth including now he looks back to his best and Man Utd don’t look so awful?
Any room for Jesus at the table?
FPL WEEK 23 – IN KANE OF EMERGENCY BREAK GLASS
The big news from the land of the EPL and FPL is that Harry Kane will miss a chunk of time over the next few months. Kane is worth a lot and owned by many, so what can one do in his absence? And with Marko Arnautovic looking like China will be his new home, the options are thin. We’ll have a look now.
The big question is do you go for another big money striker to replace big money Kane, or is there some value out there so you can strengthen the midfield or elsewhere. We went for the latter, but that’s not for everyone.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Cost £11.3 – Selected by 33.7% – Form 6.8 – Total Pts 134
The best of the premium strikers left. Cheaper than Kane, so easy to do a straight swap. A doubt about Arsenal after failing to score against West Ham last start.
Sergio Aguero Cost £11.2 – Selected by 22.4% – Form 3.4 – Total Pts 99
A quality striker no doubt, but with the resurrection of Jesus will he get the game time? With their stacked midfield, will Man City play both very often?
Gabriel Jesus Cost £10.1 – Selected by 2.2% – Form 3.2 – Total Pts 56
In some decent scoring form now, a few against Wolves, plenty against Burton Albion, but has looked a little Morata at times this season. Confidence looks to have returned for now, but will the injuries stay away, and can he keep Aguero out.
Marcus Rashford Cost £7.4 – Selected by 28.3% – Form 7.6 – Total Pts 86
Almost a must right now, given he has scored 63% of his total points in the last 7 fixtures, and there doesn’t seem to be an end to the Man Utd juggernaut right now.
Callum Wilson
Cost £6.6 – Selected by 25.1% – Form 2.4 – Total Pts 105
Still incredible value, but injuries and a woefully underperforming Bournemouth don’t help. However, he is one of the most sought after commodities this transfer window, so a new club might bring more goals, and for cheap. We go into that a little more below.
Aleksandr Mitrovic
Cost £6.6 – Selected by 15.6% – Form 3.0 – Total Pts 89
Fulham are terrible at the back, and they will go down because of it, but Mitrovic has been one shining light for them this season. But he has dropped off of late. One goals in nine games.
Troy Deeney Cost £5.9 – Selected by 5.5% – Form 5.2 – Total Pts 66
Unfashionable selection, but under 6M and always tries hard and rarely injured. Watford have a decent run coming up. As the fixtures pile up, he can be relied upon to play, but score?
Jamie Vardy Cost £8.9 – Selected by 4.6% – Form 5.0 – Total Pts 78
A great, hard-working striker, but his numbers are no better than players who cost 2M less. And Leicester’s form is so wildly different (beating Man City/Chelsea – losing to Cardiff/Newport County) that it would be hard to know when you think he might score.
Raul Jiminez Cost £6.4 – Selected by 22.7% – Form 3.0 – Total Pts 96
Took over from Mitrovic as the value striker in FPL, and has ridden the wave of points with Wolves of late.
FPL WEEK 23 – THE CALLUM QUANDRY
The biggest name in the current transfer window is Callum Wilson of Bournemouth. The English striker has had one of his best years, which is very convenient as a number of clubs are struggling for goals and/or a forward who can score them.
Bournemouth signed him for under 4 Million, but now 75 Million is being spoken about. Says a lot about the EPL
Where could he go? Here’s a list of the clubs which have been rumoured to be interested.
Chelsea (Very Likely) – badly need a striker and have paid over the odds for similar in the past. Would he play every week and combine with Hazard?
Wolves (Perhaps) – could do with a goal scorer, and a few more goals to push for 7th. Would play every week he is fit for Wolves.
West Ham (Maybe) – With Arnautovic heading to China, and Andy Carroll being Andy Carroll, he could be a great fit. Has scored four times at West Ham’s home in three games.
Spurs (Unlikely but intriguing) – Kane is out for a while now, and Llorente wants to go to Spain, leaving Spurs with bugger all options up front. Shot term fix awaits, and Wilson could well be willing to take a back seat to play at Spurs alongside Kane at this stage of his career.
Our pick – Spurs
STAT ATTACK
For a little more Callum Wilson, and his potential new club, we found his top five clubs that he has scored goals and provided assists against, and have a neat little table that shows which of the above teams are still to play against Wilson’s top five and where.
Club
G/A per Game
Chelsea
WestHam
Spurs
Wolves
Huddersfield
1.4
H
H
H
A
Cardiff City
1.3
H
A
x
H
West Ham
1.0
H
x
H
H
Arsenal
1.0
A
x
H
H
Brighton
0.8
H
x
H
H
FPL WEEK 23 – YOU DO WIN FRIENDS WITH SALAH
For those FPL tight-arses who didn’t want to splash the cash, perhaps now is the time to admit defeat and find a way to bring Mo Salah into their side.
13.4 is a big price, but for that you get big returns. Double figure returns from five of his last seven games. And it guarantees you one good captain to choose from every week.
Plus, at that price, if he gets injured, you have a lot of money to freshen up the side.
Liverpool’s exit from the FA Cup is a bonus, given they will get a break while all of the other top six contenders have to battle the FA Cup and Europe over the next few months.
STAT ATTACK
Mo Salah averages more than 1.5 goals/assists per game against seven EPL sides, and Liverpool have to play six of those teams still. Three of them in the next six matches.
For the record, here they are.
Club
GoalsAssists per Game
Watford
2.67
Burnley FC
2.00
Wolves
2.00
Arsenal
1.75
AFC Bournemouth
1.67
Southampton
1.67
West Ham United
1.67
FPL WEEK 23 – RISKY BUSINESS
We do like taking a risk in FPL, hence our lowly position in the overall FPL standings, but sometimes they pay off, and we’d hate not to share….
IN – SAMIR NASRI (West Ham) Price 5.5M – Before the drugs ban, and getting left out of the Man City squad in 15/16, Nasri averaged 123 points a season for the previous six. It is another risk based on a West Ham team that has quite a few blasts from the past,
IN – DECLAN RICE (West Ham) – Price 4.4M A prospect for West Ham who cashed in last week. Whilst it is usually best not to get excited too quickly after one big haul of points, he is cheap at 4.4 and could also attract the interest of other clubs in this transfer window.
IN – SHAQIRI (Liverpool) – Price 7.1M Hard to select a player not guaranteed to start every week, but he does have some impact. He is ahead of Salah and just behind Sane for points per minute. Has only started four times this season but does average six points when he does. Perhaps a luxury at the moment.
OUT – EDEN HAZARD (Chelsea) – How can you take out one of the season’s best players? Well because until Chelsea sort out their striker problem, he either has to play with someone he scores less with, or plays out of position because they have no other option. Maybe wait to see how January goes, or ditch him until they get a new striker. Which we have for Salah. The potentially incoming Higuain may not solve their problems either.
STAT ATTACK
Here are Hazard’s stats with and without Morata and Giroud for no good reason.
Morata Played?
Avg Pts
Avg Goals
Avg Assist
Avg Bonus
Not Played
10.7
1.0
0.7
1.5
Started
4.4
0.2
0.4
0.4
Sub
7.2
0.4
0.4
1.2
Giroud Played?
Avg Pts
Avg Goals
Avg Assist
Avg Bonus
Not Played
5.8
0.4
0.4
0.6
Started
9.3
0.8
0.3
1.5
Sub
5.4
0.3
0.5
0.6
FPL WEEK 23 – CAPTAIN? MY CAPTAIN?
Eden Hazard – the hardest fixture of all the potential captains – and only has 5 goals and 2 assists in 14 games v Arsenal.
Mo Salah – playing Crystal Palace at home. surprisingly, Liverpool’s record at home to Crystal Palace isn’t great. 1-0 win last season, then three losses in a row.
Paul Pogba – 54 points in five matches – and the prospect of playing Brighton who are not great away. Only one goal in three vs Brighton though.
Man City Midfield – away to Huddersfield who have forgotten how to win, but have changed manager. Problem is which one to pick. Sterling, Sane, Silva? And Man City only score half as many goals away than home.
We suggest: Mo Salah / Paul Pogba
FPL WEEK 23 – NEW MANAGER BOUNCE????
Given the bump in form that each side gets from a new manager, it’s time to have a look at whether Huddersfield offer anything at all to the Fantasy Premier League player, after the departure of David Wagner in a rare case of genuine mutual consent.
POTENTIAL HUDDERSFIELD PURCHASES
Hard to take an attacker for a team who doesn’t score often, and without their best player Aaron Mooy. But here’s a few names that might be worth a look. Or perhaps wait for the transfer window to see if they can unearth a newbie for value.
Jonas Lossl (GK) Price 4.4 – Form 5.0 – Total Pts 70
Huddersfield aren’t as terrible in defence as they are in attack, and their Goalkeeper has scored a handy 20 points in the last three games. Only behind a few players at the 4.4 value for saves that are guaranteed starters.
Philip Billing (Midfield) Price 4.5 – Form 3.4 – Total Pts 55
Hard to pick a midfielder, but Billing has scored a few goals, and looks like he is guaranteed game time every week.
Jason Puncheon (Midfield) Price 4.2 – Form 0.8 – Total Pts 8
Taking him on faith of previous deeds for Crystal Palace before this season and last. He has recently moved to Huddersfield, where he came on for the first time in their recent match at Cardiff. Averaged 109 pts a season from 12/13 to 16/17 in the Premier League.
You can’t give off tips without putting your money where your mouth is, so our team details are here for your information. Feel free to pick our team apart at your leisure. We used the wildcard this week in honour of Harry Kane’s injury.
Here’s some slightly useful information about upcoming games for each team. Who has the most games against the current Top 6 and Bottom 6. Following on from that, we have designed a measure to rank each team’s next 6 games in difficulty. Using opposition ranking, points, factoring in home and away fixtures.
As ever we have the arrogance to even answer them ourselves.
Perhaps these are also the questions that probably very few people are asking. Just the way we like it.
So here are our big 2019 Sporting Questions.
CAN DONALD TRUMP ALSO SHUT DOWN AN ENTIRE SPORT?
With the US Shutdown heading into a second month, one of our 2019 Sporting Questions is whether he can apply his special magic to sport as well. He has already had run ins with certain sporting stars, and is not a big fan of anything that could potentially be more popular than him, so our question is can he somehow stop an entire sport. And which one? How could he do it? Anything is possible right now.
Answer – Anything’s possible. We reckon NFL.
WILL LEWIS HAMILTON FINALLY RELEASE HIS LONG AWAITED ALBUM THIS YEAR?
For far too long Lewis Hamilton has teased us with his promise of releasing a full album. Our question will be if 2019 is the year. With him dominating F1, and doing a decent job in celebrity racing too, there’s not much else to conquer except for the music charts. We’re hoping we don’t have to wait much longer.
Our answer: A release in the F1 Summer break makes the most sense.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SPORT STARS THAT COULD RELEASE AN ALBUM
With Lewis Hamilton getting in on the music scene, we ponder which other sporting stars could possibly bring out an album or two. How about a suggestion or two below….
Our Answer: Nick Kyrgios & Bernard Tomic sulking rap showdown, Greg Norman with some nude Country and Western covers, and Marko Arnautovic with some angry Euro-pop.
CAN THE NRL PLAYERS KEEP UP THE OFF FIELD DISGRACES DURING THE SEASON?
The NRL have had quite the off-season, starting off with the Coaching Merry-Go-Round, then the players moving, followed by a parade of off field incidents, Dylan Napa’s adventures being the latest. The question is whether the players can keep up the same standard when the game actually starts. We bet the NRL bosses can’t wait for the season to start for more than one reason. Before they can ruin the season themselves.
Our answer: No, but depends on the volume of Dylan Napa videos yet to be released.
WILL ANTHONY MUNDINE FIGHT AGAIN
After talking up a good fight as ever, Anthony Mundine lasted less than the time it apparently takes to cook two minute noodles in his big mouth clash with Jeff Horn. Of course the result came as a surprise to Mundine. Of course he did. But that leaves us wondering if, despite saying it would be his last fight, whether he could be tempted back into the ring at least one more time.
Our answer: He’s a Boxer. Of course he will. And Danny Green’s not up to much.
WHO WILL BE THE MOST DESPISED EPL FOR THE NEUTRAL
With Liverpool with a great chance to win their first EPL title since before the Premier League started in 1992, we wonder if they win it will they become the team that every non Liverpool fan hates the most. or will Man Utd or Chelsea stay on top. Man Utd have held the title for quite some time, challenged occasionally by Chelsea when Mourinho was involved, but Liverpool have quite the fan base, who could get quite excitable if they land the title. Deservedly win the title we add.
Our answer: Draw
IS THERE A WORLD CUP ON THIS YEAR?
Apparently there’s a couple of big every four year World Cups on in 2019, and we can recall the Cricket version, but the Rugby World Cup is also on in 2019. The big question is whether we should care. And we won’t.
After scoring a century in the most recent ODI, there will of course be plenty pointing out Marsh’s response to being dropped from the Test side. And no doubt actually scoring a century in any form of the game will put you at the front of the batting queue for Test selection. But it’s in between those big, big scores which defines Shaun Marsh’s mediocrity. But it probably won’t stop selectors from giving him a ninth chance if he scores another big one.
Continuing our series of 2019 related pieces we bring back our much-loved forecasting competition – Tipstradamus 500 – the 2019 Sports Tipping contest.
When we say much-loved, that is quite the exaggeration, but our Tipstradamus sports tipping competition has been going for a few years now.
As ever, we wouldn’t have a 2019 Sports Tipping Competition without first offering up our opinion. And our selections follow for Tipstradamus 500.
Why 500? Because we have 50 sporting events, and we can pretend we are spending $10 on each event. And 500 sounds way better than 50. Most of these are selected as our 50 Sporting Events not to be missed in 2019.
Ambitiously, we also give our readers the opportunity to join in the Tipstradamus fun. At least comparing ours to the compeditors is usually very easy. But those who want in on our 2019 Sports Tipping Competition can use the Tipstradamus 500 template below, and email them to contact@thegurgler.com.
There could be a prize for the winner, but we’ll discuss that if there is an entrant.
Stay with us and marvel at our Tipstradamus 500 selections, where we have picked the bleeding obvious in a number of categories, obliging us to counter that with some big upsets that won’t win. It all rolls into our 2019 Sports Tipping Competition – Tipstradamus 500.
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – AUSTRALIA
First we provide our tips for some of the biggest domestic sporting competitions in 2019 in Australia. While we couldn’t find a market on club to have the biggest off field disgrace for rugby league, we’ve covered a lot of the major fields. Our AFL tips are based on fr less knowledge than our rugby league tips, but that will no doubt prove they will end up better. There’s also a tip for the Election, but stayed tuned for a more detailed Election tipping game.
Sport
Event
Selection
Odds
Rugby League
NRL
North Queensland
$13.00
Rugby League
Qld Cup
Wynnum
NA
Rugby League
NSW Cup
Penrith
NA
Rugby League
State Of Origin
Qld
$2.75
Rugby League
Super League
St Helens
$4.50
Rugby League
Dally M
Kalyn Ponga
$7.00
Rugby League
NRLW
Brisbane
NA
AFL
AFL
Richmond
$5.00
AFL
Brownlow Medal
Angus Brayshaw
$26.00
AFL
Coleman Medal
Tom Lynch
$9.00
AFL
AFLW
Brisbane
$7.00
Politics
Australian Election Winner
ALP
$1.14
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – CRICKET
We throw in our 2019 Sports Tipping selections for Cricket which has a big year coming. Based on our predictions, it won’t be a big year for Australia.
Sport
Event
Selection
Odds
Cricket
Big Bash
Melbourne Renegades
$6.50
Cricket
IPL
Kolkata Knight Riders
$6.50
Cricket
Sheffield Shield
Victoria
$2.50
Cricket
ODI World Cup
India
$3.75
Cricket
Ashes in England
England
$1.80
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – FOOTBALL
Since too much football is barely enough, we try to select as many as possible. It is hard to bet against the winners in most of the European Leagues, given how one-sided they are, so we went for a few decent value picks where possible. Of course you have to select down to the fifth tier of UK Football. Just the way you like it. There’s even a pick for long overdue Australian International football success.
Sport
Event
Selection
Odds
Football
EPL
Liverpool
$1.57
Football
Championship
West Brom
$10.00
Football
League One
Portsmouth
$2.40
Football
League Two
Lincoln
$2.10
Football
National League
Leyton Orient
$2.00
Football
FA Cup
Manchester United
$9.50
Football
La Liga
Barcelona
$1.08
Football
Serie A
Juventus
$1.04
Football
Ligue 1
PSG
$1.00
Football
Bundesliga
Dortmund
$1.72
Football
Champions League
Juventus
$7.00
Football
Europa League
Chelsea
$5.00
Football
A League
Sydney FC
$4.00
Football
Womens World Cup
Australia
$21
Football
Asian Cup
Japan
$4.50
Football
League Cup
Manchester City
$1.40
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – MOTORSPORT
We love our F1 and most other motorsport, so of course we have our selections for the year ahead. As easy to tip Lewis Hamilton on track as it is to dislike him off it.
Indy
Indy 500 Winer
Fernando Alonso
NA
F1
Driver Champions
Lewis Hamilton
$1.83
F1
Constructor Champion
Ferrari
$3.75
Motorsport
Formula E Champion
Di Grassi
NA
Motorsport
Bathurst 1000 Winner
David Reynolds
NA
Moto GP
Moto GP Champion
Jorge Lorenzo
$4.00
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – US SPORT
US Sport is rapidly growing around the world, our knowledge of it outside of a quick glance at the betting markets for this purpose, and a general knowledge of nicknames to city isn’t quite growing at an equal rate. That doesn’t mean we can’t supply our tips for the 2019 year.
Sport
Event
Selection
Odds
NFL
Superbowl Winner
New Orleans
$3.25
NBA
NBA Winner
Golden State
$1.62
NBA
Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics
$3.30
NBA
Western Conference
Golden State
$1.33
MLB
World Series Winner
LA Dodgers
$8.00
NHL
Stanley Cup Winner
Nashville Predators
$9.00
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – OTHER SPORT
Wrapping up our 2019 Sports Tipping competition is the other events that demanded inclusion due to their prestige.
Sport
Event
Selection
Odds
Tennis
Wimbledon Winner
Milos Raonic
$17.00
Tennis
Wimbledon Winner
Serena Williams
$4.50
Golf
US Masters Winner
Marc Lieshman
$51.00
Golf
British Open
Jordan Spieth
$15.00
TIPSTRADAMUS 500 – 2019 SPORTS TIPPING – YOUR SELECTIONS
If you enjoy a challenge, and have a spare 30 minutes, why not join in the 2019 Tipstradamus challenge.
Given we’re expecting zero takers, we’ve made it as easy as possible for us for others to enter. Simply copy and past our template into excel, fill out your winners, and return it contact@thegurgler.com.
SBS Slow TV is back, and if you haven’t caught up with the new television craze, the follow-up to the first episode aboard the Indian Pacific is on tomorrow night on SBS.
SBS Slow TV has been popular overseas, and the first event in Australia was a full journey with The Ghan. Hour after hour of nothing but different views of a train ride through the desert.
Sounds long, boring, and pointless. Well of course it is, and that’s the beauty of it. And similar to most of this website’s content. Probably why we like it.
And SBS have given up three hours of their prime time each Sunday for the visual feast that is SBS Slow TV. Their second channel SBS Viceland dedicates the following Saturday for the whole journey, not just a three hour taster.
The next episode is a Kimberly Cruise, followed by a trip across Britain’s canals, a trip from the North Island to the South Island in NZ, and an encore of The Ghan. All the details are here.
GURGLERVISION SBS SLOW TV ALTERNATIVES FOR SERIES 2
The Gurgler’s entertainment network – Gurglervision has a number of Slow TV suggestions for the next series of SBS Slow TV
BRUCE HIGHWAY
Follow the journey as a Toyota Tarago packed with people and stuff make the long trip up the Bruce Highway from Brisbane to Cairns.
All 18 hours and 43 minutes of it.
All your favourites will be there, including Tiaro, Miriam Vale, The Leap, Proserpine. The long stretch from Rockhampton to Mackay might be one that sees a few naps on the lounge, but that’s what SBS Slow TV is all about.
The journey will also start early in the morning in Brisbane for two reasons – one to allow the drive to be done over the one day – the second so we don’t waste too much broadcast time being caught up in the awful traffic to get out of Brisbane in mid morning.
Perhaps State and Federal government could tune in to see how badly a lot of it is in need of an upgrade.
SYDNEY TO HOBART ABOARD A YACHT
An extra long SBS Slow TV for fans of the genre.
After everyone has fallen off the Sydney to Hobart bandwagon on Boxing Day, Slow TV fans can sit back and enjoy three straight days of almost TV action.
With over 20 different camera angle, it is Slow TV and Yachting like you’ve never seen before.
LONDON UNDERGROUND TUBE CHALLENGE
Nothing says SBS Slow TV like a Guinness Book of World Records attempt at trying to get to all 270 Tube stations in one day.
Join the ride as a new group of people with nothing better to do for 16 straight hours. A good amount of it underground, with no scenery at all.
Mind the gap, and your sweet, sweet lounge time as Slow TV goes for a World Record.
ENGLISH CHANNEL SWIM ATTEMPT
Endurance of another kind is another of our SBS Slow TV suggestions, as the many cameras focus in on an English Channel swim attempt. There and back of course.
That means for the discerning Slow TV fan, that it should be a minimum of 16-17 hours of watching someone swimming in the English Channel.
Why not lard yourself up in honour of the brave attempt to do the English Channel and entertain you t the same time.
WATCHING AUSTRALIAN VOTERS FILL OUT AN ENTIRE SENATE VOTING FORM BELOW THE LINE
With a Federal Election looming, our cameras will be there to capture several hundred voters attempting to number every box below the line on the Senate form.
This will no doubt be the most informal of the SBS Slow TV episodes.
Following on from our semi popular Premier League predictions, we introduce our weekly EPL Fantasy preview – The Own Goal FPL Week 22.
Each week we’ll attempt to give a quick round up of some of the points of interest in Fantasy Premier League.
We used to do a podcast through our Fantasy United team, but who’s got time for that these days.
So enjoy The Own Goal FPL Week 22 preview.
Or cut out the middle man and go straight to the official FPL website here.
Disclaimer: We are Ipswich Town fans, so have no prejudice against any side in this division. Or the next, come August 2019.
FPL WEEK 21 – PEACH OF THE WEEK
Son (Spurs) – the point scoring machine keep racking them up before he heads out for a break in the UAE for the Asian Cup.
Manchester United for continuing to win and score.
Crystal Palace for continuing to surprise on the road.
Bournemouth and Watford for sharing the love and points in a 3-3 draw. As long as you don’t have their defenders that is.
FPL WEEK 21 – DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE ROUND
Chelsea failing to cash in against Southampton. Many, including this author, were expecting Chelsea to take apart Southampton, but credit to their recent revival and getting a 0-0 draw.
Wolves for being so good against good sides and much less so against the lower opposition.
FPL WEEK 22 – THE BIG QUESTIONS
With Son heading off for the Asian Cup, will that mean that already in form Eriksen, will get even more responsibility and room to score big.
Will the Manchester United (and Paul Pogba) juggernaut continue now they have to play a better side.
Can you afford to double up (or triple up) of Liverpool defence? Brighton have scored in every home match this year, and have played all the big team except Man City and Liverpool.
How many Chelsea players can you cram into your team. They have a very good recent record against Newcastle. The last 5 games has seen 5 wins at 15-2.
Any room for Jesus at the table? They may have only played Burton in the League Cup, but anytime a striker scores four goals it means he’s ready to do it anytime. That could put Aguero concrete plans in jeopardy.
FPL WEEK 22 – RISKY BUSINESS
We do like taking a risk in FPL, hence our lowly position in the overall FPL standings, but sometimes they pay off, and we’d hate not to share….
IN – NATHAN REDMOND (Southampton) – scored two in the FA Cup against a strong Derby County, and has recent FPL form of a decent 5.8. At a cost of 5.2M and a run of just Arsenal away in the next seven fixtures, he could be a great cheapie. You’d only be joining 1.0% of FPL players.
IN – KEVIN de BRUYNE (Man City) – how long do you wait to bring him in? You know he’s going to score when he returns and stays fit. 3.6% already have him. Only the timing/injury is the risk.
OUT – MARCOS ALONSO (Chelsea) – remains the most expensive defensive option, but hasn’t been scoring as much as usual. 3.4 points on average for his last 9 games. Still has the most points and 13 in his last two, but a few hard games coming up, and perhaps you could save a million plus and spend it elsewhere,
FPL WEEK 22 – CAPTAIN? MY CAPTAIN?
Harry Kane is usually a good shout, but he has a less than stellar record against Man Utd. Just 2 goals and 1 assist in 9 matches – easily the worst record against all other EPL teams.
On the other hand Eden Hazard has enjoyed some good days out against Newcastle, and is a better prospect at home. 6 goals in 5 games v Newcastle at home, and Chelsea have won the last five games by 15-2.
Mo Salah is of course in the frame, he has 2 goals and 2 assists against Brighton in 3 games, but the Seagulls have been hard to beat on the South Coast this year. Two losses only to Chelsea and Spurs (2-1).
Paul Pogba has been great lately for those enjoying the post-Jose revival, but he is a doubt according to the FPL website, and they are away to Spurs.
There’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is playing West Ham, but that’s away, and a stretch, but a differential.
We suggest: Eden Hazard
FPL – FUTURE TRANSFERS
Time to keep one eye on the current players in the EPL, and the other eye on potential transfers during the January window. We’ll go for the potential January market moves that we think are interesting and ones we are watching and/or waiting for.
Gonzalo Higuain to Chelsea – Chelsea need a striker who scores goals funnily enough. Or at least doesn’t get in the way of Hazard. Higuain is a big name, and did very well with Sarri at Napoli, and at Juve. Less so in his loan at AC Milan and has been off the boil since being sent off against Juve. He is a risk that he won’t adapt to the EPL like Morata, or he will be too slow. But at his best a brilliant forward.
Callum Wilson to Chelsea – has been smashing in the goals for Bournemouth, but has had some great service from Ryan Fraser this season. Will he be able to make the big step up to a big team? That’s a risk, but you won’t get a proven goal scorer at Chelsea for his price ever again. If it happens. Bournemouth hiring Solanke from Liverpool shows they might be preparing for it.
Toby Alderweireld to Manchester United – Has been talked about for some time, and he would suit them and fix one of their problem areas. If fit, you can’t see him being moved out of the side very regularly either.
Denis Suarez to Arsenal – fresh from Barcelona and could inject some real quality into Arsenal’s side.
Miguel Almiron to Newcastle – a star in the MLS in the USA, and could be a really good cheapie if the move happens in January. Given Newcastle’s struggles down the bottom of the table, and scoring goals he’ll get plenty of game time. 13 Goals – 11 assists in the MLS for the Champions is a good return.
Alvaro Morata out of Chelsea – one would think this will happen in January – the benefit being that Hazard doesn’t score when he plays.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek looking for a loan – a quality midfielder who would be a bargain buy if he could get to a club where he will get game time. An improving Crystal Palace would be good.
NEXT MANAGER OUT
Given the bump in form that each side gets from a new manager, it’s always good to keep an eye on who may be next.
Claude Puel is the favourite for the next chop, and given his team are still winning games (although not against fourth division sides) and full of quality, they may well be worth jumping on.
Next up are Huddersfield and Newcastle, and who knows, Benitez may well go to Leicester if he gets bored of the Old Mother Hubbard situation at Newcastle and Puel is fired.
You can’t give off tips without putting your money where your mouth is, so our team details are here for your information. Feel free to pick our team apart at your leisure.
Here’s some slightly useful information about upcoming games for each team. Who has the most games against the current Top 6 and Bottom 6. Following on from that, we have designed a measure to rank each team’s next 6 games in difficulty. Using opposition ranking, points, factoring in home and away fixtures.
So looking at the upcoming fixtures Spurs have a good run with three bottom six teams and four at home like no other team. Liverpool by contrast have a run against the midfield. The hardest run (according to our new measure is Huddersfield, who have three matches against top six opposition.
Continuing our look ahead to the new year of sport, we offer up our bold 2019 Sporting Predictions.
Following up to the Fifty 2019 Sporting Calendar Events you should watch, are the things that will happen according to us during these events and more.
As usual most will involve our favourite sporting teams and people, or air the first beefs with our usual sporting foes for 2019.
We’ll take it even further with our upcoming Tipstradamus 500 2019 Sports Tipping competition due this week.
But for now, here are our more general 2019 Sporting Predictions.
Especially because they have nabbed our favourite rugby league player in the world – Willie Minoga. His hard charging, turbo boosted runs will no doubt win over the Raiders fans, as they did in Australia.
Not only is the Mack Truck of Wapenamanda playing for Barrow this season, but they also hired two of his premiership winning Hunters comrades.
Hooker Wartovo Puara is a good number nine, but in Stargroth Amean they have a players who was in career best form before his sudden retirement for studies. He getting right up to the standard of Kumuls captain David Mead.
Whether they play every week remains to be seen, but the first of our bold 2019 sporting predictions will be that they entertain when they do get the chance.
PEOPLE WILL GET BORED OF WAYNE BENNETT
One of the big off-season news stories for the NRL was the coaching merry-go-round, and that stopped with Anthony Seibold and Wayne Bennett swapping teams for 2019, As tedious and boring as it was.
The end result was both coaches eventually swapping, which seemed inevitable throughout the whole back and forth.
But which one will be more successful? We’re not sure, but our bold 2019 sporting prediction is that Wayne Bennett will become even more grumpy in 2019, leading to Souths having a worse year than 2018, and then a cycle of Wayne crankiness where there’ll be bust ups with the press will revolve until eventually Souths fans grow weary too. Quickly.
NRL WILL ATTEMPT TO RUIN RUGBY LEAGUE WITH AN INFRINGEMENT CRACK DOWN
Every year the NRL come out with a crackdown on some small, pathetic rule at the start of the season. 2019 will be no different.
As easy as that is to predict, so will be the outrage at the nit-picking, and of course it will die down within weeks when the NRL realise fans don’t want 30 penalties a game. If they did, they’d watch rugby.
WOMEN’S NRL WILL BE THE BETTER GAME TO WATCH.
Referring to the above, while the men’s version tries its hardest to hurt its own game, the NRLW is a much more simplified game, but no less physical or interesting.
Free from most of the wrestle, grapple, time wasting, and moaning, the NRLW is a refreshing rugby league view.
NZ WARRIORS WILL HAVE FIVE JERSEYS FOR THE SEASON.
The NRL loves jerseys, the main economic unit for the organisation, and the NZ Warriors are the front-runners for quantity over quality. Just ahead of the Wests Tigers (who do have an excuse as a merged club).
The only thing the Warriors are a front runner for every year.
NO ONE WILL LIKE ORIGIN TIME ON CHANNEL NEIN
State of Origin is rugby league’s premium event, what a shame they ruin it with C Grade commentary at best.
The Fox League snobs have to lower themselves four times a year, and there will certainly be plenty of justified moaning about their dross. Especially from this Fox League snob.
Some things are worth paying for.
Enough rugby league already….
LEWIS HAMILTON WILL OFFEND AT LEAST THREE TIMES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Lewis Hamilton may well be the best F1 driver in the world, and he has quite the following on social media.
Neither of those stop him from offending people on social media every now and again, so we boldly predict another three events this year where he will offend others with a careless tweet or update.
Perhaps it’s out of boredom at the front of the F1 grid that makes him to do it.
FERNANDO ALONSO WILL IN THE INDY 500
Doesn’t Fernando Alonso deserve just a little on track success?
Sure moving to McLaren wasn’t the best idea in hindsight, but he did entertain us for that time, and surely he deserves an Indy 500 win to cap a career that could have been so much more.
THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKET TEAM WILL PROBABLY NOT ENJOY THEIR FEW MONTHS IN ENGLAND
Australian cricket stocks are pretty low at the moment, and who knows if Marsh brothers exodus, and Sandpaper tag team arrivals will save our hides in the northern hemisphere summer.
There’s a ODI World Cup and Ashes Series to be won in England.
Sadly, our recent record with even those good players is quite ordinary.
In the last ten years Australia have won just 12 games out of 39 in all formats in England. Certainly not good enough to retain the World Cup, or the Ashes.
So we say England retain the Ashes comfortably, and Australia won’t progress to the big stages in the massively stretched out World Cup.
SOCCEROOS WILL CHALLENGE THE WALLABIES FOR AUSTRALIA’S MOST POINTLESS SPORTING TEAM.
The Socceroos will continue drifting backwards into obscurity. An underwhelming World Cup looks like it is going to be followed by a slightly more underwhelming Asian Cup.
We occasionally thrash a minnow, then lose to one, and then whenever we play someone half decent look very ordinary. We never seem to be able to score goals against anyone good.
Although, given our resources and the competition around the world in football, you can excuse the Socceroos for their lack of wins. Unlike the Wallabies.
ONE POLITICAL PARTY WILL TRY AND USE THE EVILS OF SPORTS GAMBLING AS AN ELECTION BATTLEGROUND.
After destroying smoking in sport, we boldly predict that Sports Gambling will be a battlefield for the folk in Canberra to argue about during this year’s election.
You can barely watch a sport on TV these days without seeing some kind of odds being shoved in your face. And someone will want someone to think of the children.
We like a punt, and do think some of the advertising is over the top, but we are predicting mountains out of molehills coming soon.
As if last weekend’s FA Cup wasn’t enough, there’s more Premier League Football, as well as our Premier League Predictions Week 22 for the first time this calendar year.
Every week we offer up our Premier League predictions, along with a mini preview of each match, with a few best bets in an alternative Premier League preview.
We also put our tips up against a competitor, usually not human though, and based on some football stat or general life. This week our tipping opponent is based on each team’s performance in January given it can be a make or break month.
It’s a lot like the BBC’s Lawros tips, but better. Arguably.
Premier League Predictions Week 22 – Gurgler v January Form
TIPS BACKGROUND: Given how busy and important January is in English Football, it seems about right to use all club’s January form as a method of picking winners.
We have assembled the league records of all teams from the last 10 seasons, capturing lower league results too, and worked out a points per game for each side in January.
The bigger the score, the team gets the tip.
Interestingly, or not, Manchester United are the January kings of the last ten seasons.
GURGLER PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 22
Based on our opinion, research, study and ignorance. (In no particular order)
DRAW – West Ham v Arsenal (1-1)
DRAW – Leicester v Southampton (1-1)
DRAW – Brighton v Liverpool (1-1)
BURNLEY to beat Fulham (2-1)
CARDIFF to beat Huddersfield (2-0)
DRAW – Crystal Palace v Watford (1-1)
CHELSEA to beat Newcastle (3-0)
EVERTON to beat Bournemouth (2-1)
DRAW – Spurs v Man Utd (1-1)
MANCHESTER CITY to beat Wolves (2-1)
PREMIER LEAGUE Predictions Week 22 – January Form (Last 10 Seasons)
Based on each team’s January performance of the last 10 seasons. Average points per game in brackets.
ARSENAL (1.6) to beat West Ham (1.5)
LEICESTER (1.8) to beat Southampton (1.4)
LIVERPOOL (1.7) to beat Brighton (1.6)
BURNLEY (1.4) to beat Fulham (1.3)
CARDIFF (1.7) to beat Huddersfield (1.1)
WATFORD (1.1) to beat Crystal Palace (1.0)
CHELSEA (1.9) to beat Newcastle (1.3)
EVERTON (1.5) to beat Bournemouth (1.3)
MAN UTD (2.2) to beat Spurs (1.8)
MAN CITY (2.0) to beat Wolves (1.1)
Premier League Predictions Week 22 Mini Match by Match Preview
Here’s a quick run down of every game for Week 22, with a barely interesting stat and a best bet included for those inclined.
WEST HAM v ARSENAL
Two London clubs kick off the weekend, both got through the FA Cup weekend with victories, and for West Ham good news as Arnautovic and Andy Carroll both scored. That gives them plenty of options up front. Despite the gap of 13 points and five league positions, both of these sides have only kept three clean sheets so far in 21 games.
Although Arsenal have only failed to score once. For West Ham that is eight times. Could have been a Jack Wilshere derby if he was playing much, you almost forget he ended up at West Ham.
Barely Interesting Fact: West Ham haven’t beaten Arsenal at either of their home grounds since 2006. The for and against is a nasty 10-26.
“Best” Bet: Both sides to score @ $1.45
LEICESTER v SOUTHAMPTON
Who can guess how Leicester will go this weekend. Recently they have beaten Chelsea and Everton away and Man City at home, then they get knocked out of the cup by Newport and hand Cardiff their first away win of the season. The arrival of Southampton won’t make it any easier to guess after their surprise last round drawing 0-0 at Chelsea.
With four of the five bottom teams playing each other – Southampton the exception – it is a crucial weekend to grab three points and get some momentum to get out of third last.
Barely Interesting Fact: The last three games between these sides at the King Power Stadium have been 0-0 draws. And you have to go back to 2007 when the Saints last won there.
“Best” Bet: Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.76
BRIGHTON v LIVERPOOL
Brighton got a good win in the FA Cup against Bournemouth, and are facing table toppers Liverpool who have lost their past two games 2-1 on the road. What price a third? It’s not out of the question. Brighton’s only two blemishes at home this season have been competitive 2-1 losses to Spurs and Chelsea. They actually have as many points at home v Spurs.
Barely Interesting Fact: Brighton have scored in every home EPL fixture this season. They last beat Liverpool in the FA Cup in 1984.
“Best” Bet: Both teams to score – Yes @ $1.91
BURNLEY v FULHAM
Fulham look fondly back on last meeting, taking advantage of dreadful run of form from Burnley and winning 4-2. Claudio Ranieri has since been brought in to save their season, and whilst there has been improvement, Fulham are second last. Defence has been tightened as expected – they have conceded 1.8 goals a game before Ranieri and 2.6 before. Prior to their 4-1 thrashing by Arsenal, they had only conceded one goal in three games.
Burnley have won their past tow league games, and a loss here may not drop them into the bottom three, but it would allow Fulham to close the gap to one point.
Barely Interesting Fact: Fulham haven’t won at Burnley since 1951 There have been 24 losses and 7 draws since.
“Best” Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ $2.20
CARDIFF v HUDDERSFIELD
This will complete a run of playing every other team in the bottom six, which hasn’t gone well. They have lost eight in a row, and got knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Bristol City which was pretty predictable. Only Fulham have been worse on the road this year too.
Cardiff have been comparatively strong at home, but have lost their last two in Cardiff. If results go their way this weekend, Cardiff could get a magical five points clear of the drop.
Barely Interesting Fact: Tough work for Huddersfield – Cardiff are unbeaten in the last 10 games against the Terriers. (7W 3D)
“Best” Bet: Cardiff to win @ $2.10
CRYSTAL PALACE v WATFORD
Both teams took care of lower league opposition last weekend in the FA Cup, Watford more comfortable against 6th Tier Woking than Crystal Palace were against fourth tier Grimsby. Crystal Palace are the equal lowest scorers at home this season, Watford have scored nearly three times as many goals on the road than Palace have at home.
They have won the last few at home to Watford, but the Hornets have only failed to score three times on the road this season.
Barely Interesting Fact: Crystal Palace have failed to score in seven of their 10 EPL fixtures this season.
“Best” Bet: Crystal Palace to score one goal or less @ $1.50
CHELSEA v NEWCASTLE
Strange but true, Chelsea have only won two of their last five at home, yet they have conceded just one goal – which is one less than the undefeated at home Liverpool. The loss to Leicester was a surprise, as was the draw to lowly Southampton 0-0, in a game you would have expected Eden Hazard to get right among the goals. The problem is he doesn’t score when Morata plays, a problem they will have to fix in the next few weeks.
They shouldn’t worry about conceding too many to Newcastle – the second worst goal scorers in the EPL. But they have scored more goals away than home.
Barely Interesting Fact: Stamford Bridge hasn’t been a good hunting ground in the EPL for Newcastle. They have won just once there since 1992, and the for and against stands at 43-11.
“Best” Bet: Both teams to score – No @ $1.57
EVERTON v BOURNEMOUTH
Just two wins in ten matches in the league for both of these sides, which explains why they are now 10th and 11th instead of the sharper end of the midfield battle like earlier in the season. Bournemouth were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton last weekend and will probably welcome the break, Everton got past 4th tier Lincoln City who gave them quite the game.
Everton have lost their past two home games in the league, but it is far better than Bournemouth’s five straight losses on the road.
Barely Interesting Fact: Bournemouth have never won at Everton, back in 2016 the score was 6-3. Six of their seven EPL clashes have seen 3 goals or more.
“Best” Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ $1.67
SPURS v MANCHESTER UNITED
Could this be Mauricio Pochettino taking on the club he will take over next season? Would be hard to argue against the job Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is doing, but this is the first true test of his reign at Manchester United. You can’t complain about his five wins from five, and the resurgence of Paul Pogba and co, but we’ll see after the trip to Wembley.
Both of these teams are equal in the last six form with 15 points, and a win here for United really gives them a chance for the top four. Which was unthinkable a month ago.
Barely Interesting Fact: Harry Kane’s record against Man Utd isn’t great – 2 goals in nine games and a return of a goal/assist every 3 games. It is the worst strike rate for the top 25 teams he’s played against.
“Best” Bet: First half Under 1.5 Goals @ $1.50
MANCHESTER CITY v WOLVES
Wolves were one of the first clubs this season to show how Man City could be contained with an excellent performance in the draw earlier in the season. Their record is pretty good against the big six too, only one loss to Liverpool and Spurs, and they avenged both of those (although Liverpool only in the FA Cup n Monday). Talking of FA Cup Man City really did the job on the weekend with a decent side thrashing Rotherham 7-0. Wolves will still be bullish of their chances, considering a side like Crystal Palace could get the job done at the Etihad recently.
Barely Interesting Fact: Wolves have taken 1.3 points on average against the top six (P7 W2 D3 L2). The rest of the teams is only just better at 1.4.
“Best” Bet: HT / FT – Draw / Man City @ $4.00
Last week’s “Best” Bets – 2 / 10
Premier League Predictions Week 22 – MMMMMulti
Time to make some money – here’s our best five tips rolled into one money-making machine.
DRAW – Leicester v Southampton (1-1)
DRAW – Brighton v Liverpool (1-1)
CARDIFF to beat Huddersfield (2-0)
CHELSEA to beat Newcastle (3-0)
MANCHESTER CITY to beat Wolves (2-1)
$1 for $50
2018-2019 Premier League Tipping Competition Results
It’s time to start planning for the long 12 months ahead, and we provide our 50 Ultimate 2019 Sporting Calendar Events Not To Be Missed.
As ever we try and be helpful and offer up the best things in spot we are looking forward to on the 2019 Sporting Calendar.
There is hopefully a good mix of everything, with something for everyone, and no rugby.
Enjoy our 50 Ultimate 2019 Sporting Calendar Events Not To Be Missed.
JANUARY 2019
Jan 5 – Feb 1 – Asian Cup Football Jan 2019 – NFL Playoffs
We’ve already missed the first week of January, but nothing lost thus far.
Given the Australian Summer of Cricket is a write-off from the 2019 Sporting Calendar, due to the gross incompetence of the Australian Cricket team, we need to look elsewhere.
Asian Cup might be of interest, especially as it is a football tournament where Australia should be competitive, given we won it last time.
NFL Playoffs starts, but we can only be bothered with the big game.
We may have added the FA Cup here, if it were televised anywhere. Stuff the FA and Australian media. And the Big Bash, but it seems to be dragging on.
FEBRUARY 2019
Feb 3 Superbowl Feb 10 Ipswich v Norwich
The Superbowl makes sense as a February highlight, as it is one of the biggest sporting events around the world every year, and getting bigger outside the US. We’ll have our once a year look, and token batch of fifty cent bets.
Ipswich v Norwich may seem very obscure, but it is one of the good derbies in UK Football. More so, as an Ipswich fan that has already accepted the fate of relegation, and with Norwich’s likely promotion, this could be the last one of these for a while.
MARCH 2019
Mar 4 El Classico #2 Real Madrid v Barcelona
Mar 10 – Entire Moto GP Season – First @ Qatar
March 14-17 NRL Round 1
Mar 17 Australian GP
March 21-24 AFL Round 1
The second of the El Classico’s for the season is in March, but sadly it looks like it won’t be for a title battle. Neither side are at their majestic best this season, but Real Madrid have been much worse than their usual. Still good viewing even without the narrative.
Moto GP kicks off in Qatar, and the first race of any motor racing season is worth tuning in for. But stayed tuned for the whole season though, as Moto GP is still racing in its purest form, with regular battles and overtaking for the lead.
Talking of firsts, a week later the Formula 1 season starts in Melbourne. Whilst it hasn’t usually featured a great dealing of battling at the front for a while, there is some optimism this season with some young guns hired in some of the top cars. And they can race. Nothing tops the first session of the new F1 season.
More firsts in March, as the big seasons of AFL and NRL kicks off in March, and the enthusiasm is high at this point of the year before the NRL inevitably ruin their own competition with over officiating, and the AFL becomes too hard to keep up with at the same time.
APRIL 2019
April 2019 – Stanley Cup Series
Apr 11-14 – US Masters
While the football and motor racing continues in their early stages, there’s the Ice Hockey in the US that needs winner. Even entering as a Johnny Come Lately doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little rough and tumble on the ice.
As for something down the other end of the pool for speed and action, the US Masters is on in April, and is usually as good as golf gets.
MAY 2019
May 2019 – EFL Playoffs
May 2019 – Australian Federal Election
May 9-12 – NRL Magic Weekend
May 11-12 – Formula 2 Season starts
May 11 – National League Playoff Final
May 12 – EPL Final Day
May 18 – FA Cup Final
May 25-26 – Super League Magic Weekend
May 26 – Monaco GP
May 26 – Indy 500
May 29 – Europa League
30 May-14 July Cricket ODI World Cup
There’s a lot of stuff happening in May, football playoffs, major football finals, rugby league Magic Weekends, Monaco GP and Indy 500 on the same day. Too much sport is barely enough.
There’s football a plenty in May for our 2019 Sporting Calendar Events, ranging from the battle to get from Non League into the fourth division all the way to the glamour of the EPL and European football, and in between. There’s the various promotion playoffs throughout the English Football League, including the big billion dollar game for EPL promotion. The last day of the EPL is usually fun, and there might even be an EPL title to be decided and relegation. The Europa League final is usually worth the effort. The FA Cup sometimes is too.
As for rugby league, there are two Magic Weekends to be played. The one is the UK is another in a long series of Magic Weekends, and they do it right over two days at an unfamiliar location (Liverpool’s Anfield). The NRL version looks like it may underwhelm on paper – as per one of our previous gripes.
Finally two of motorsport’s great days are on in May, and on the same day but separated nicely by time zones. Despite usually being as boring as any sport can get on track, the Monaco GP is still one race to watch, if only to marvel at cars still circulating around such an absurd track. The Indy 500 has much fewer corners, but is still worth a view, and that is increased with Fernando Alonso’s return to the Brickyard in 2019.
The Cricket World Cup gets underway on May 2019, but it’ll be a long one, and given Australia’s horrible ODI form, it may be one to keep a casual eye on.
JUNE 2019
June 1- Champions League Final
June 2019 – NBA Finals Series
June 5 – State Of Origin 1
June 7-July 7 – Womens Football World Cup
June 15-16 – Le Mans 24 Hours
June 20 – State Of Origin 2
The best of European Football sneaks into June on a Sunday night, and although it probably won’t feature Real Madrid, there’ll probably still be the torso of Ronaldo on show.
The other big football for the month is the women’s World Cup. Who doesn’t love a football World Cup, especially one where Australia will not only score goals from other than a VAR penalty, but the women’s team are a very good chance of winning the while tournament.
Rugby League’s big product – State of Origin – has two of their three games of the series in June, one of them in the rugby league heartland of Perth. The only downside being the requirement of Channel Nein to watch.
For those who like their action a little more gradual, the 24 Hour of Le Mans will have you covered. Good overnight lounge sleep-watch material.
NBA Finals are in June too. The seven game finals series always seems like overkill, but is probably not going to with the Golden State Warriors.
JULY 2019
July 1-July 14 – Wimbledon
July 6-28 -Tour de France
July 10 – State Of Origin 3
July 18-21 – British Open
If we’re only to pay a tiny bit of attention to one tennis tournament in the 2019 Sporting Calendar, it may as well be Wimbledon. Normally tennis outside of a Tennis Jerk dummy spit doesn’t interest us much, but Wimbledon just has something extra that makes you want to tune in for the occasional match.
Slow TV seems to be a growing trend, so the Tour de France was well ahead of its time then. Another sporting event where we aren’t normally interested, unless they are riding like a jerk when trying to drive somewhere, but the scenery of the Tour de France makes it a great lounge nap watch throughout July.
The third State of Origin falls in July, and is hopefully a series decider.
The British Open is just as good as the US Masters, so it has been included as well. It used to feature a lot of Miguel Angel Jimenez, which was a reason alone to watch.
The Cricket World Cup final is on sometime in July, but is likely not to feature Australia, so one for the proper cricket fans.
AUGUST 2019
Aug 1-Sep 17 – Ashes Series
Aug 10 – Week 1 of EPL
Aug 28 – La Tomatina
Ashes series are always a premium sporting event of the sporting calendar, especially the one in England where Australia have forgotten how to win. That has become contagious in Australia as well. Perhaps a potential return of the sandpaper trio could win a series in the UK.
All the football in the UK and Europe kicks off again in August, and there’s nothing like a first day of term for the Premier League. And every other league around the world.
For no good reason, and with very little to do with sport, we chose La Tomatina the event where people throw tomatoes at each other in Spain. Truss the Spaniards to know how to have a good time.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Sept 1 – Belgian GP
Sep 5-9 – AFL Finals Series
Sep 13-15 – NRL Finals Series
Sept 28 – AFL Grand Final
Sept 29 – Intrust Super Cup Qld GF
Sept 29 – Intrust Super Prem NSW GF
We start off June with Formula 1’s best track in Belgium. Similar to Monaco, it’s almost more about the track than the race. Although with the changeable weather does bring the occasional great race too.
Then there’s the traditional September traditions of footy finals for both the AFL and NRL, The AFL of course kicks off earlier so they can have their Grand Final on the traditional last weekend in September.
Rugby League’s Grand Final is in the next month, but there’s always the second tier Intrust Super competitions Grand Finals which are usually a good day out. Emphasis on the day.
OCTOBER 2019
Oct 6 – NRL Grand Final
Oct 13 – Bathurst 1000
Oct 2019 – Oceania Cup
Oct 22 – World Series
Oct 22 – Super League Grand Final
Oct 27 – Australian Moto GP
The NRL Grand Final starts an eclectic month on the 2019 Sporting Calendar, just a pity it remains a night time Grand Final. The UK version of the rugby league Grand Final is on two weeks later.
There’s more rugby league late with the promising proposed series between Australia, New Zealand, and all the Pacific nations, including our favourite – PNG. If it does happen, it’ll be the best thing in rugby league for 2019.
One of the great sloth days in – Bathurst 1000 – is on after the NRL Grand Final, and is always worth a solid day on the couch.
More motor racing to top off the month is the Moto GP at Philip Island, if you haven’t been following it each week that is. One of the great sports at one of the great tracks.
NOVEMBER 2019
Nov 5 – Melbourne Cup
The football in the UK and Europe are in full swing to be you busy by this stage of the year, but there’s still room for a premium event.
Not that the Melbourne Cup is great betting race, but it is a great event on the 2019 Sporting Calendar. If only for the relaxed work day if you can’t get to the track.
DECEMBER 2019
Dec 1 – Abu Dhabi GP Finale – F1, F2, F3
Dec 2019 – World Darts Championship
Dec 26 – Boxing Day Test
Our calendar has been pretty Formula 1 heavy so far, so as if we wouldn’t tune in for the final race of the season, with the faint hopes that the tortuous Abu Dhabi will at least have a title showdown to make up for the manufactured boredom of the circuit. Although it usually doesn’t stop F2, F3 having a decent go at it. It’s their final races too.
Nothing says the Christmas period like the World Darts Championships. The most fun sporting event on the face of the earth.
Finally, we round off the 2019 Sporting Calendar with the Boxing Day Test. Who knows what side will be, or how many Marsh brothers will disappoint, but it is still a top-notch event.
Our 50 2019 Sporting Calendar Events Not To Be Missed
We love FA Cup third and provide our 2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round preview as we do every year. usually to no one.
Some teams don’t take it as seriously as we do sadly, seeing it as a blast from the past which has no great relevance.
As do the broadcasters in Australia with no details on any of the games. Arseholes.
This year the FA Cup 3rd Round fixtures has seen a more equal grouping of matches over the Saturday – Sunday. Where before most of the games were a 3pm kick off on the Saturday, nd then all the good upset chances on the Sunday, they are now split into four groups of kick off times 12:30pm, 3pm, 5:30pm Saturday and 12pm Sunday. There’s still the token Friday night game of course.
Even if you only love the FA Cup 3rd Round half as much as us, then you might be barely interested in our 2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round Preview.
We have the full 2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round Preview with fixtures, barely interesting stats, and a bold prediction for all of the games. Not just those involving Premier League sides like other inferior efforts.
So enjoy our 2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round Preview.
2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round Preview – Barely Interesting Draw Facts
Thee are just two Non League teams in the third round – former League Two escape artists Barnet in National League Premier, and Woking who are second in the NAtional League South (6th tier).
There are 14 matches that don’t feature an EPL side, meaning at least 14 teams from the lower leagues will get a chance in the fourth round.
At least one League One side will progress out of AFC Wimbledon and Fleetwood.
No surprise that the clashes with the highest combined league position (taking 1 – 100+ across the levels) feature the two Non League sides – Sheffield Utd v Barnet (129 Places combined) – Woking v Watford (127). Next best is the all League One clash of Fleetwood v AFC Wimbledon at 123.
The biggest difference in overall leagues position are the matches featuring:
Crystal Palace v Grimsby Town
Everton v Lincoln
Fulham v Oldham
Tranmere v Spurs
Newport v Leicester
The matches with the smallest difference in overall league position are:
Bournemouth v Brighton
Aston Villa v Swansea (2)
Millwall v Hull (6)
QPR v Leeds (8)
Liverpool v Wolves
Using the teams current league position, the match with the lowest average of league position are:
Norwich v Portsmouth (1.5)
QPR v Leeds (5)
Everton v Lincoln
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Tranmere v Spurs
Woking v Watford
Six of these clashes have only been played previously in their respective league within the last month.
2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round Preview – Upset Selection
Here’s our favourite potential upsets for the FA Cup 3rd Round preview. Read more in the match by match preview below.
Shrewsbury Town 1 Stoke City 0
Derby 2 Southampton 1
Accrington 2 Ipswich 1
Middlesbrough 1 Peterborough 2
Bristol City 2 Huddersfield 0
Newcastle 1 Blackburn 2
Barnsley 1 Burnley 0
Everton 1 Lincoln 1
Gillingham 0 Cardiff 0
2018-19 FA Cup 3rd Round Preview – Match by Match
FRIDAY- Kick Off 7:45pm UK
TRANMERE ROVERS (9th L2) v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
H2H All: Tranmere 0 Spurs 6 Draw 2
H2H FA Cup: Tranmere 0 Spurs 2 Draw 1
Last Meeting: 2002 – FA Cup – Spurs 4 Tranmere 0
Preview: Spurs are flying high in the Premier League, trying to talk themselves into a title challenge, so it is hard to know how serious they will take this match, a good chance for the squad however to get a chance to shine. What usually happens in these games is the plucky home side holds out until the big side eventually brings on all the big guns to score two late goals.
Still could be tough for Spurs as only Liverpool have conceded fewer goals at home than Tranmere this season. But Spurs are the best away side in the top four tiers.
Barely Interesting Fact: The last time these teams met was in 2001/02 when Tranmere met Spurs in both League and FA Cup, and were beaten 4-0 both times.
Preview: This looks like another home win for Bournemouth given their decent home record and recent win, and Brighton’s reasonably bad away form. Bournemouth have lost a lot of games in the Premier League lately, and a win here and a cup run, might turn things around. Brighton however have only not cleared the third round once in the last 9 seasons.
Barely Interesting Fact: Brighton have not beaten Bournemouth since they were in League One together in 2008.
Prediction: Bournemouth 2 Brighton 1
WEST HAM v BIRMINGHAM CITY (8th Champ)
H2H All: West Ham 32 Birmingham 40 Draw 22
H2H FA Cup: West Ham 2 Birmingham 1
Last Meeting: 2012 – Champ – Draw 3-3
Preview: The FA Cup is something that the Hammers should really go for. It looks likely that they will finish in the tight midfield bunch, so why not win something for a change. Birmingham are in the mix for the promotion places in the Championship, and a chance at a return to the Premier League will surely mean that they will not take this game too seriously. Each team’s home and away record respectively is about even.
Barely Interesting Fact: The away side has scored in all of the last six matches.
Prediction: West Ham 1 Birmingham 1
WEST BROMWICH ALBION (4th Champ) v WIGAN ATHLETIC (20th Champ)
H2H All: West Brom 7 Wigan 8 Draw 3
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: 2018 (Dec 26) – West Brom 2 Wigan 0
Preview: Former Premier League teams meet, one a very recent demotion, the other a little while ago, but are a recent FA Cup winner. Taking that trophy to the second division with them. West Brom are currently the best of the relegated sides, and only one in the top six. Wigan are struggling but should avoid another dip back into the third tier. Probably one of those ties where neither team really cares. They should know each other, they only played on Boxing Day.
Barely Interesting Fact: Only Liverpool and Manchester City have scored more goals per game this season in the four tiers of UK football than West Brom.
Prediction: West Brom 3 Wigan 1
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (16th Champ) v Luton Town (3rd L1)
H2H All: Sheff Wed 21 Luton 16 Draw 20
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: 2007 – L1 – Luton 3 Sheff Wed 2
Preview: Before Sheffield Wednesday sacked their manager recently, this looked a real good chance of an upset. They’ve had 2 wins and a draw since, and now Steve Bruce has been named as their new incoming manager, so they will all be out to impress. Luton Town are going strong in League One, their first in the third division after promotion from League Two. They have one of the best home records in UK football, and not too bad way either.
Barely Interesting Fact: In 2013 Luton Town beat then Premier League side Norwich whilst playing from Non League. Away from home.
Prediction: Sheffield Wednesday 2 Luton Town 1
MANCHESTER UNITED v READING (23rd Champ)
H2H All: Man Utd 12 Reading 1 Draw 7
H2H FA Cup: Man Utd 8 Reading 1 Draw 5
Last Meeting: 2017 – FA Cup – Man Utd 4 Reading 0
Preview: Another easy third round draw for Manchester United, as Reading are not going well in the Championship. Coincidentally, both of these team got new managers within days of each other, and whilst it has worked wonders for the Premier League side, Reading have a draw from four games to show.
Barely Interesting Fact: The only time Reading have beaten Man Utd was in a replay in the FA Cup in 1927.
Prediction: Man Utd 5 Reading 1
SHREWSBURY TOWN (16th L1) v STOKE CITY (14th Champ)
H2H All: Stoke 6 Shrewsbury 6 Draw 5
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: 2010 – League Cup – Stoke 2 Shrewsbury 1
Preview: These are two teams they are surely having seasons that are well below expectations. Stoke were expected to be strong Championship promotion candidates given their strong squad and the fact they weren’t to awful in the EPL the previous season. 14th is hardly setting the world on fire and neither is the eight point gap to the top six. Shrewsbury were the unexpected success story of last season, finishing third but failing in the playoff final. They would probably take 16th a few seasons ago when they were battling relegation. There’s a little cheer here waiting for one side.
Barely Interesting Fact: These teams last met in the League in 1992 way down in the third tier.
Preview: A game featuring two sides who we wager would have got muddled about before Burnley’s prolonged stay in the Premier League. Burnley heroics of last season are in contrast to this season’s struggle. Barnsley are quite the opposite, making a good fist of it in League One after relegation the previous year from the Championship.
Barely Interesting Fact: No side has scored more than one goal in the last five meetings.
Prediction: Barnsley 1 Burnley 0
SATURDAY – Kick Off 3pm UK
CHELSEA v NOTTINGHAM FOREST (7th Champ)
H2H All: Chelsea 38 Forest 25 Draw 28
H2H FA Cup: Chelsea 3 Draw 1
Last Meeting: 2017 – League Cup – Chelsea 5 Forest 1
Preview: Two former European Champions, one requiring a load of Russian money, the other just Brian Clough. Chelsea are having a reasonable first season with their new manager, and are in the League Cup semis, but will no doubt take the FA Cup as seriously as ever. Nottingham Forest are seventh and four points from the promotion places, but they broke a 5 game winless run last time out with a come from behind 4-2 win over leaders Leeds Utd who had a man sent off. They have the most draws away in the Championship, but that probably won’t help them.
Barely Interesting Fact: Last Forest win over Chelsea was back in their Premier League days in 1997.
Preview: Derby County are doing what they always seem to do in the Championship, get their fans excited at another possible tilt at promotion, mixed in with a lot of mixed results. They are currently sixth, and they have only lost twice at home this season, although currently on a run of three straight draws. But maybe this is the year. Southampton looked busted arse under Mark Hughes, but their new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has breathed new life and competitiveness into them. Whether they want to waste that on a FA Cup run is unknown. Please note: that Derby County usually go by the name Frank Lampard’s Derby County in other mainstream reporting.
Barely Interesting Fact: Derby not beaten Southampton since the Championship promotion playoffs in 2007. The following season saw Derby have the worst Premier League season ever.
Prediction: Derby 2 Southampton 1
ACCRINGTON STANLEY (12th L1) v IPSWICH TOWN (24th Champ)
H2H All: NA
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: NA
Preview: Accrington were flying high earlier in the season, defying everything to be in the top six in League One despite being one of the smallest clubs in the four divisions. 12th is still a very commendable effort for such a small club. Ipswich are the worst team in the four divisions, and have an appalling recent FA Cup record. They also haven’t won an FA Cup third round match since 2010. If only that was their biggest problem.
Barely Interesting Fact: These sides have never met.
Prediction: Accrington 2 Ipswich 1
EVERTON v LINCOLN (1st L2)
H2H All: Everton 3 Lincoln 1 Draw 2
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: 1993 – League Cup Everton 4 Lincoln 2
Preview: Lincoln provided the entertainment two FA Cups ago with their huge run to the Quarter Finals as a Non League team, a rarity for them as they only made the third round of the FA Cup four times in the past 40 years. They have since been promoted from Non League, won the Checkatrade Trophy, and are currently 1st in League One. And developed a corner set play borrowed by England at the World Cup. Can they beat Everton? Probably not, if Everton are at full strength. If not, Lincoln are a great chance of an upset here. Everton have lost two games either side of a big 5-1 win over Burnley in their last five games, so even the first team is not in sparkling form.
Barely Interesting Fact: Everton have only got past Round 3 once in the last four seasons.
Preview: A match of strugglers in each of their divisions, Gillingham are just four points clear of the drop, Cardiff now just two after their recent loss at home to Spurs. Gillingham don’t have a great home record, but it is better than Cardiff’s one win away from home this season. Gillingham last beat Cardiff in the third division in 1999/2000. The game has the potential to be a stinker, although Cardiff will probably give a run to a bunch of plyers who don’t usually get a look in and they set the game alight.
Barely Interesting Fact: Gillingham’s last Round 3 appearance was back in 2013, Cardiff made the final as a Championship side in 2008.
Prediction: Draw 0-0
BRENTFORD (18th Champ) v OXFORD UNITED (23rd L1)
H2H All: Brentford 17 Oxford 10 Draw 8
H2H FA Cup: Brentford 1 Oxford 1 Draw 1
Last Meeting: 2015 – League Cup – Brentford 0 Oxford 4
Preview: Brentford have slumped since losing their manager to Aston Villa, they have won two games from their last 14 in the Championship. A shame as they were looked upon as a club to follow with no Premier League background or heavily backed owners. Oxford are struggling even worse in second last in League One, in the same period since Brentford got a new manager they have won just three times. This should be a game to cheer one set of fans up and provide some relief from a fading League season.
Barely Interesting Fact: Brentford have never beaten Oxford in the League Cup for no good reason.
Prediction: Brentford 2 Oxford 0
ASTON VILLA (10th Champ) v SWANSEA CITY (12th Champ)
H2H All: Villa 17 Swansea 9 Draw 3
H2H FA Cup: Villa 2 Swansea/Draw 0
Last Meeting: 2018 (Dec 26) – Champ – Swansea 0 Villa 1
Preview: Another match featuring sides who have just played, the previous version of this game coming just on Boxing Day. Former Premier League mainstays Aston Villa have spent more time in the Championship than they probably imagined when first relegated. This is their third season in the second division, but a far better result than Sunderland’s we guess. Aston Villa have not got past the third round of the FA Cup since being relegated. Swansea know about relegation too, having dropped into the Championship for this season. Swansea’s form has been patchy throughout the season, which justifies their 12th position. They have been one of just two teams to lose to Ipswich Town this season. Their recent away form reads – LWLWLW – so you could guess what the next result will be, and we have.
Barely Interesting Fact: This match features the teams separated by the smallest margin in relation to overall league position.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2 Swansea 0
FLEETWOOD TOWN (11th L1) v AFC WIMBLEDON (24th L1)
H2H All: Fleetwood 2 Wimbledon 6 Draw 5
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: 2018 – L1 – Fleetwood 0 Wimbledon 1
Preview: A rare all League One clash, ensuring at least one third tier team will see the fourth round. This game could provide some joy for Wimbledon fans, whose team sits bottom of League One. New manager Wally Downes has stopped the worst of the form, they had lost eight games in a row earlier in the season, but there still haven’t been enough wins to get them out of the bottom four. Yet. A cup run to find some form might be just what they need. Fleetwood are currently managed by former Premier League firebrand Joey Barton, who has done a good job so far in his first big gig. There is some history between these sides, Wimbledon did beat Fleetwood over two legs of the Conference playoffs in their promotion winning season in 2011.
Barely Interesting Fact: The old Wimbledon, which is linked to AFC Wimbledon, won the FA Cup in 1988, just 11 seasons after they entered the Football League via the fourth tier.
Prediction: Fleetwood 0 Wimbledon 1
BOLTON WANDERERS (22nd Champ) v WALSALL (15th L1)
H2H All: Bolton 11 Walsall 8 Draws 4
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: 2017 – L1 – Bolton 4 Walsall 1
Preview: Bolton are really struggling on and off the pitch. Third last in the Championship, and loads of financial issues off it. Not a good mix if they want to avoid another drop to League One, something they narrowly avoided last year. Talking of League One, Walsall are the most League One side currently having been in the division since 2007 and their midfield obscurity means very few will know much about Walsall at this time of the year. They have finished between 9th and 14th seven times out of their 11 seasons, and look a good chance to strengthen that stat by the end of the season.
Barely Interesting Fact: Walsall have only beaten Bolton once away from home.
Preview: Middlesbrough are doing exactly what you would expect any Tony Pulis side to do, be competitive (currently 5th) and provide very little excitement in the process. Which is in stark contrast to Peterborough, who yo-yo between League One and the Championship, but always seem to entertain. Peterborough’s games this season has seen an average of 3.4 per game (combining for and against), where Middlesbrough’s goals average is just 1.7. Although they are conceding 0.7 goals per game. Peterborough have a decent away record for 8 wins and 3 draws from 13 matches. Middlesbrough’s home record is comparable, but not the goals scored – they have the second lowest goals scored at home in the Championship.
Barely Interesting Fact: Used it all above.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1 Peterborough 2
SATURDAY – Kick Off 5:30pm UK
BLACKPOOL (9th L1) v ARSENAL
H2H All: Blackpool 15 Arsenal 45 Draw 24
H2H FA Cup: Blackpool 2 Arsenal 1 Draw 1
Last Meeting: 2018 – League Cup – Arsenal 2 Blackpool 1
Preview: Blackpool have already met Arsenal in a cup this season, where they did an admirable job but fell short 2-1. This time they get to take on the Premier Club at their own ground in the north-west, not a great region for recent Arsenal away trips. Arsenal are doing just about what they did last year with Wenger, minus the protesting, and it will be interesting to see how serious they take the clash. Blackpool keep things reasonably tight, but haven’t faced an arsenal of attack that their visitors possess in League One.
Barely Interesting Fact: Blackpool last beat Arsenal in a 3rd Round FA Cup replay in 1970,
Preview: The weekend best match up based on current league positions, and both looking good for promotion at the end of the season. For Portsmouth it will be a long way back from almost going bust and the fourth division. For Norwich life doesn’t get any better, with them set for promotion and local rivals Ipswich looking certainties for the drop. Both teams have great away form, with one loss on the road this season, only bettered by Liverpool, and Mansfield Town. This could be an upset if it were not for Norwich’s ability to score late goals and steal games.
Barely Interesting Fact: Both teams lead their division for best away record.
Preview: An interesting clash between two of Alan Shearer’s big clubs. Blackburn are doing well on their way back from the third tier, a fate brought on by owners who had not done their best for the club. May sound familiar to Newcastle fans, but at least they only dropped to the Championship a couple of times recently. Despite looking reasonably safe in 15th, Blackburn haven’t won in seven away games. That’s OK though, as Newcastle are the second worst home team in the Premier League, and have scored just seven goals at home this season. Watch out for Bradley Dack for Blackburn, who should be on some mid to lower EPL team’s shopping lists.
Barely Interesting Fact: 2011-12 saw these two sides meet four times in a year – 2 in the League and once in each cup. Newcastle won three of them.
Preview: Few can probably remember now, but Bristol City had a great cup run in last year’s League Cup, making it to the semi finals and pushing the then unstoppable Manchester City all the way before going down 5-3 on aggregate. It did however ruin their promotion chasing season in the league. Huddersfield may have the worst home record in the EPL, but Bristol City’s home form is the fourth worst in the Championship. Bristol are unbeaten in their last eight, with a number of draws in there. Neither club wants a draw this time.
Barely Interesting Fact: Huddersfield have the lowest goals scored per game average in all four divisions.
Preview: People may recall Grimsby more for a recent movie than their struggles in Non League, and eventual promotion back into the Football League and current 13th position in the fourth tier. They are one of the handful of League Two sides that have made it this far, and have been rewarded with a Premier League opponent that are beatable. Crystal Palace have only scored five goals at home this season, not that Grimsby are that prolific away, but it may end up a tight, scrappy affair. Unless Zaha works his magic against lower league defences, if he plays. Crystal Palace will want to be near full strength otherwise an embarrassing exit at home to League Two side awaits.
Barely Interesting Fact: Grimsby have won the only FA Cup clash between these sides – in 1908.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1 Grimsby 0
SUNDAY – Kick Off 2:00pm UK
MANCHESTER CITY v ROTHERHAM UNITED (21st Champ)
H2H All: Man City 7 Draw 3
H2H FA Cup: Man City 1 Draw 1
Last Meeting: 2002 – Champ – Rotherham 1 Man City 1
Preview: Not a big turnaround for Manchester City who only played on Thursday night in the big top of the table clash with Liverpool. Their recent form in the league has been less majestic than the previous season, and despite the squad rotation for this game they should power past the Millers. Rotherham have been hovering just above relegation in the Championship all season, their last start win gives them a three point buffer on the bottom three. They are yet to win way against second division opposition, so beating Man City away looks very unlikely.
Barely Interesting Fact: Rotherham have never beaten Manchester City.
Preview: Oldham finally dropped out of League One, after what seemed to be a decade of avoiding the drop into the fourth tier. That’s after 21 straight seasons in the third division, with an average finishing position of 17th this decade. So 10th is not a bad place to be at this stage of the season, and they are only five points from fourth place. Considering they sacked their manager after a 6-0 loss three games ago, and have seen two wins since. Fulham have their shiny new manager who is starting to turn things around. and Premier League survival will be their main focus. They still should beat Oldham with their squad.
Barely Interesting Fact: Oldham have the most recently sacked manager in all four divisions.
Preview: This could be a decent battle of Championship sides, with both sides in some decent form. Hull have won five games straight now to climb up to a 13th position that looked very unlikely a few months ago. They thrashed Bolton 6-0 in the previous match. Milwall too had a decent result last start getting their first away win of the season, albeit against Ipswich Town. That puts them on a three game winning run now, which has seen them edge clear of trouble for now. Millwall have a good recent history of cup runs. Hull are not too bad either, making it past the third round six of the last seven seasons, and made the final in 2014.
Barely Interesting Fact: Millwall have made a semi final and a quarter final this decade. And famously a final in the prior decade with Tim Cahill.
Prediction: Millwall 2 Hull 1
PRESTON NORTH END (17th Champ) v DONCASTER ROVERS (6th L1)
Preview: This could be one of the mini upsets of the third round, with League One Doncaster every chance to beat Preston, their last six form being the second best in the league. The game should feature a few goals, Preston are big scorers at home, and Doncaster have scored the second most goals on the road this season in League One at just under two a game.
Barely Interesting Fact: Despite being 17th in home form in the Championship, Preston have scored the third most goals.
Prediction: Preston 1 Doncaster 2
QUEENS PARK RANGERS (9th Champ) v LEEDS UNITED (1st Champ)
Preview: With Leeds on top and striving for automatic promotion and QPR amongst the group trying to break into the top six for the playoffs, it is hard to know how serious either team will take this game. Leeds have the advantage from their recent meeting, which was QPR’s only loss in their last six. Both clubs are in the top six for last six game form, QPR’s last six form at home is in the top two. FA Cup third round pedigree goes against QPR though.
Barely Interesting Fact: QPR have only made it past the third round three times since 2000.
Prediction: QPR 1 Leeds 2
SHEFFIELD UNITED (3rd Champ) v BARNET (14th National League Premier)
H2H All: NA
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: NA
Preview: Sheffield United are going very well in the Championship, sitting third and primed to take advantage of a Leeds/Norwich slip up. They have quite a good record in the FA Cup recently too, despite spending a number of years in League One. The Blades have only failed to make it past the third round six times since 2000. Their opponents Barnet have only made it to the third round seven times in their history. Although they did have a nice run of three consecutive fourth round appearances in 06-07-08. Barnet seemed to experts of just avoiding relegation from League Two, but they have eventually ended up in Non League, where they are currently midfield. They were in the bottom four early.
Barely Interesting Fact: Sheffield United made the semi finals in 2013-14 when still playing in the third tier.
Prediction: Sheffield Utd 4 Barnet 1
WOKING (2nd National League South) v WATFORD
H2H All: NA
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: NA
Preview: Woking have done well to make it this far from the sixth tier, they have already played five FA Cup games already, having to come through the qualifying rounds. They won four of the games to nil, and the last two were on the road. They’ve only lost three times at home this season,helping them to second in the table. Watford are having a decent season themselves sitting in the tight midfield bunch battling for best of the rest. Watford are inconsistent on the road with three of each before their midweek clash at Bournemouth, and never two of the same results in a row.
Barely Interesting Fact: This game features the longest gap in overall league positions, unsurprisingly with a six tier team involved.
Prediction: Woking 1 Watford 4
SUNDAY – Kick Off 4:30pm UK
NEWPORT COUNTY (12th L2) v LEICESTER CITY
H2H All: NA
H2H FA Cup: NA
Last Meeting: NA
Preview: Leicester have recently beaten both Chelsea and Manchester City in the League, but then followed that up by handing Cardiff a first win on the road. so hard to know what to expect from the Foxes. Like many of the midfield teams, where relegation would be quite unlikely, they should take the FA Cup seriously and have a go, and facing League Two opposition gives them an advantage. Newport County were going nicely in League Two, but run of four losses and a draw in five games has seen them slip into the midfield.
Barely Interesting Fact: Newport have only lost twice at home this season in League Two, but have conceded the third most goals.
Prediction: Newport 1 Leicester 3
MONDAY – Kick Off 7:45pm UK
WOLVES v LIVERPOOL
H2H All: Wolves 35 Liverpool 50 Draw 17
H2H FA Cup: Wolves 4 Liverpool 2
Last Meeting: 2018 (Dec 21) – Wolves 0 Liverpool 2
Preview: The FA Cup third round ends off with a clash of two of the Premier League’s overachieving sides. Liverpool are starting to gain real title momentum, and Wolves continue to impress as the best promoted side in decades. You know Liverpool will rest players given they have the title and Champions League to worry about, so perhaps Wolves could have a real go at them. An upset of Liverpool and a decent cup run will complement their eventual seventh place finish. As good as the two sides are, a pity one of the TV clashes always has to be an all EPL affair. FA Cup is time to show something different.
Barely Interesting Fact: Wolves beat Liverpool in the FA Cup away just two season ago 2-1.
Hot on the heels of our big 2018 Jerk of the Year winners announcement, we present the happier alternative of our 2018 Hero of the Year, and it has been won by Greg Norman, and the SBS World Cup coverage.
It was a bumper field of heroes, most of them unsung or completely forgotten, but all deserving of a status of hero in our eyes.
But the readers chose wisely and rewarded SBS for putting everything into their broadcasting of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and they rewarded Greg Norman for taking everything off.
SBS WORLD CUP WINNERS
For SBS and their dynamic duo of Lucy Zelic and Craig Foster they went over and above for a sports broadcast. initially sharing the coverage with Optus, meaning they would show around half of the games, but due to Optus Sport’s incapability to handle the popularity (stupidly and ignorantly underestimating how many people were interested in the World Cup.
Lucy Zelic even had to put up with people being critical of her pronouncing players names as they would be in their home country, what absurdity. All should have been thankful that the World Cup was right where it belonged, SBS, not some lightweight Johnny-Come-Lately that was clearly not up to the job.’
GREG NORMAN WELL UNDER PAR
The other winner – Greg Norman – was nominated for not his performances on the golf course, as we aren’t actually sure if he plays goal anymore, but for a daring photo shoot for the ESPN Body Issue.
Many were impressed with the 63 year olds work, making many people around the world envious. Sure he’s got millions and can spend the time in the gym as much as he like, but it was time week spent giving the publicity.
The best of those pictures has been in constant circulation around The Gurgler office, and people just love it. As they should.
BEST OF THE REST
If SBS and Greg Norman weren’t unsung or obscure enough for you, two of the next best were the guy who played the piano on Play School and the ever reliable Stubby Cooler. Both deserving of a high ranking, we’re sure you’ll agree.
Behind them in the 2018 Hero of the Year voting was a group of five individuals, featuring a lot of our favourites of course. Like obscure Spanish football team Eibar, lower UK league legend Adebayo Akinfenwa, Israeli Eurovision song winner Netta, cheeky jockey Noel Callow, and the young motor racing legend that is Billy Monger.
Further down the ladder comes quality, but not necessarily good enough for the top prize. This Year.
If you want to look at the full range of why people were up for potential Hero of the Year – then follow this link.
As for the rest of the people, thanks for voting.
2018 HERO OF THE YEAR FINAL VOTING
Here are the full results from the month long search for a Hero.
