In case you missed it, there was a rugby league international on the weekend between the PNG Kumuls and the Prime Minister’s XIII which featured plenty of test regulars, but one of the big questions to come out of it was where was the PNG v PMs XIII TV Coverage.
You probably did miss it, as it wasn’t shown anywhere official.
Apparently despite an Australian representative team playing, it wasn’t enough of a game to warrant any form of coverage.
With the NRL Grand Final done and dusted, perhaps the NRL forgot that rugby league exists outside of the major competition.
They did make an official statement regarding the game along technical lines, but please.
The NRL have stunk this year, being a real feel of amateur hour this year.
They seem consumed only with selling jerseys and changing rules to piss fans off all year.
The only coverage available was via Chairman Peter Beattie’s twitter account. As great as that was, and a rare occasion to applaud the man who has been lampooned for not being able to tell Newcastle and Barcelona, it was courtesy of someone holding up a phone and following the play.
Is there a conspiracy about not showing PNG games?
Interesting that a full strength Kangaroos play Samoa and New Zealand and get full TV broadcasting, yet PNG get a half strength Australian side and no coverage.
Probably not, knowing rugby league administrators, it will be all about money. But it seems that rugby league can’t be arsed spending any money or time on PNG rugby league.
Let’s not forget that somehow the PNG Hunters, one of the Intrust Super Cup’s more interesting teams and defending premiers didn’t get one single TV game in 2018. Fair enough don’t send the cameras to Port Moresby, but they played 12 away game.
There is coverage via the local subscription TV for Hunters home games, why can’t this simply be used at a cost. Put a commentary team based in Australia over the top if you are offended by the local commentators. Although we really enjoy their enthusiasm.
Yes, we are big PNG rugby league fans, with a respect for Willie Minoga that borders on a little weird, but they are a good time rugby league team to watch with plenty of variety. Or at least something different to the usual drudgery of the NRL sometimes.
One will be looking with great interest with how Fiji’s games are treated when they make their Intrust Super Premiership debut. No doubt the better run NSWRL will find a way to look after Fiji like the QRL don’t do with PNG.
Save us Fox League, pick up some PNG rugby league in the future.
Our theme week returns to celebrate the unsung in the world of football with Non League Day about to kick off in England a good enough excuse to have a weekly celebration of Non League Football.
Non League Day in England uses the second International break to highlight the many levels and teams of Non League football,
But it is very hard for those not in England to catch a game or three, so the rest of us can only celebrate Official Non League Day – Non League Football Week.
That means we can adopt a Non League Football club for the weekend, or in fact for the rest of the season. Have a bet or buy a shirt.
Anyone can support a Manchester United or Liverpool, but it takes more effort to support a Bradford Park Avenue, Stockport County, Truro City or even a FC United of Manchester.
Take a look through the divisions, there are many old Football League teams you may remember. There are no less than four ex Football League teams in the sixth tier National League North.
But it’s all about teams you know, it’s more about getting to know one.
So join us and Celebrate Official Non League Day – Non League Football Week.
How Can Someone Celebrate Official Non League Day – Non League Football Week
If you don’t live in the UK or can’t be arsed getting to a game, then here’s how you can support Non League Day and Non League Football Week.
Adopt a Team
How about choosing a side from a Non League Division for Non League Day or the rest of the season.
2013 Concord Rangers Play Off Final Home Shirt 49.99GBP
1992-93 Franborough Town Silver Jubilee Shirt 49.99GBP
1998-99 Halifax Town Home Shirt 29.99GBP
All available at the above website.
We actually own a Wrexham shirt now selling for 30GBP for $3 at an Op Shop.
Place a Non League Football Multi
Gambling on sporting events makes everything a little better, and since there’s rarely time to the form on the Non League Football, now is the perfect time and/or excuse to have a bet on Non League Football.
Most reputable betting companies will have a lot of divisions, so there’s 100’d of teams to bet with.
As ever we offer a our Celebrate Official Non League Day – Non League Football Week Multi.
LEYTON ORIENT to beat Hartlepool
BOREHAM WOOD to beat Maidenhead
DOVER ATHLETIC to beat Harrogate Town
SOLIHULL MOORS to beat Ebbsfleet
SALFORD CITY to beat Braintree Town
A question very few has now been answered as our GFI (Gurgler Fan Index) unveils the 2018 Best Supported NRL Team. The GFI Nichols Trophy
We have taken a range of hopefully relevant statistics to come up with the 2018 Best Supported NRL Team, including Average Crowds, Memberships, Social Media and Jerseys.
From those stats we have ranked each category from best to worst and given out points from 16 to 1 (based on 16 NRL Sides). The team with the highest total wins the 2018 Best Supported NRL Team.
This is the fourth year of the GFI, and you can find links to the previous version at the end.
So the answer to the question of the 2018 Best Supported NRL Team is the North Queensland Cowboys from the Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights.
They win the GFI Nichols Trophy, the latter in honour of rugby league’s greatest ever supporter – Mad Tiger Laurie Nichols.
How did we get to that point? Read on for more….
2018 Best Supported NRL Team – Average Crowds
SUMMARY
To find out the 2018 Best Supported NRL Team, you must start with the actual supporters that showed up.
This is of course not a complete level playing field with Brisbane having the luxury of a massive city to themselves, and other team being regularly given good or crap time slots.
But we have tried to find a few different measure that aren’t completely based on quantity over quality.
New this year is a measure for two terrible supporting night averages – Thursday night 7:50pm and Friday 6pm kick offs. Showing the truly dedicated fans. Corrected to population of course.
Average Crowd – straight best average crowd
Average Crowd Corrected – average crowd / greater population
Crap Night Crowd Corrected – average Thu 7:50 & Fri 6:00 / greater population
High – Low Crowd – % of lowest crowd against highest crowd
% Full – average % full of home games
RESULTS
Team
Average Crowd
Av Crowd Pts
Av Crowd Corrected
Av Crowd Corr Pts
Av Crowd Crap Night Pts
Brisbane Broncos
31271
16
1.3%
3
3
Newcastle Knights
18974
15
5.9%
15
15
South Sydney Rabbitohs
18532
14
3.3%
14
11
New Zealand Warriors
17460
13
1.1%
2
4
Melbourne Storm
17293
12
0.3%
1
2
Wests Tigers
17291
11
3.0%
13
8
St George Illawarra Dragons
16606
10
2.9%
11
9
North Queensland Cowboys
15417
9
8.9%
16
16
Penrith Panthers
14197
8
2.5%
10
12
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
14161
7
2.5%
9
7
Sydney Roosters
13274
6
2.3%
8
13
Gold Coast Titans
12807
5
2.0%
6
1
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
12683
4
2.2%
7
10
Canberra Raiders
11854
3
2.9%
12
14
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
11274
2
2.0%
5
5
Parramatta Eels
11175
1
2.0%
4
6
Team
Crowd High Lo Diff
Crowd High Lo Diff Pts
Crowd %Full
Crowd %Full Pts
St George Illawarra Dragons
16.9%
2
74.8%
16
Penrith Panthers
47.6%
11
66.1%
15
Brisbane Broncos
46.8%
10
59.6%
14
New Zealand Warriors
55.1%
14
58.2%
12.5
North Queensland Cowboys
44.1%
9
58.2%
12.5
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
68.6%
16
57.6%
11
Newcastle Knights
57.2%
15
57.5%
10
Melbourne Storm
39.0%
8
54.2%
9
Gold Coast Titans
19.2%
5
53.7%
8
Canberra Raiders
48.2%
12
47.4%
7
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
18.4%
3
45.0%
6
Wests Tigers
26.8%
7
42.0%
5
Sydney Roosters
48.9%
13
33.5%
4
South Sydney Rabbitohs
18.5%
4
26.5%
3
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
16.6%
1
20.0%
2
Parramatta Eels
24.5%
6
14.4%
1
2018 Best Supported NRL Team – Membership
SUMMARY
Not everyone can turn up to each game, so a Membership is nice way of measuring the 2018 Best Supported NRL Team.
Those fans have a year-long interest in their team, and are willing to spend the chunk of cash it needs to buy one.
It can also include those that live in another area of the country and can only get to one game a year.
New for this year is the % change from the previous year.
2018 Membership – straight best 2018 Membership figure.
Year on Year Change – change from 2018 Membership figure to 2017.
2018 Membership – Membership figure / greater population
Average Crowd Membership – average crowd figure / membership. To see how many turn up to balance big membership who don’t show.
RESULTS
Team
2018 Memb’ship
2018 Memb’ship Pts
Memb’ship YOY Change
Mem’ship YOY Change Pts
Mem’ship Pop Corrected Pts
Brisbane Broncos
35527
16
-2%
5
3
South Sydney Rabbitohs
29117
15
-4%
2
14
Parramatta Eels
25110
14
2%
9
12
Melbourne Storm
25000
13
22%
15
1
North Queensland Cowboys
22876
12
3%
10
16
St George Illawarra Dragons
20862
11
9%
13
11
Wests Tigers
20254
10
12%
14
10
Canberra Raiders
20054
9
5%
12
13
Penrith Panthers
20000
8
-1%
6
9
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
19480
7
3%
11
8
New Zealand Warriors
17782
6
-2%
4
2
Newcastle Knights
17451
5
31%
16
15
Sydney Roosters
15876
4
-1%
7
7
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
15768
3
1%
8
6
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
12420
2
-6%
1
5
Gold Coast Titans
10667
1
-2%
3
4
Team
Avg Crowd Mem’ship%
Avg Crowd Mem’ship% Pts
Gold Coast Titans
120%
16
Newcastle Knights
108%
15
New Zealand Warriors
98%
14
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
91%
13
Brisbane Broncos
88%
12
Wests Tigers
85%
11
Sydney Roosters
84%
10
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
80%
9
St George Illawarra Dragons
80%
8
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
73%
7
Penrith Panthers
71%
6
Melbourne Storm
69%
5
North Queensland Cowboys
67%
4
South Sydney Rabbitohs
64%
3
Canberra Raiders
59%
2
Parramatta Eels
44%
1
2018 Best Supported NRL Team – Social Media
SUMMARY
Sometimes it is not about bums on seat, it is now about thumbs on keys.
Social Media is important, and this is a way to reach out to all supporters all over the world.
New for this year is the addition of Instagram. Also new is the change of Likes / Followers from the 2017 GFI figure.
All social media figures taken as of the day of writing this.
Interestingly there’s a distinct rise in Twitter compared to Facebook.
The podium for the Social Media sub category is Broncos, Storm, Roosters.
Facebook Likes
Facebook Likes Change Facebook likes change from 2017
Instagram Followers
Twitter Followers
Twitter Followers Change Twitter Followers change from 2017
Social Total is for viewing purposes only. Just to come up with a Social Media winner.
RESULTS
Team
Facebook Likes
FB Likes Pts
FB Like Change %
FB Like Change% Pts
Instgram
Instagram Pts
North Queensland Cowboys
287000
11
0.00268
7
139000
12
Brisbane Broncos
648000
16
-0.00382
5
193000
16
Newcastle Knights
199000
7
0.316268
16
59200
3
St George Illawarra Dragons
180000
4
0.043406
14
81500
7
Wests Tigers
264000
9
0.010793
10
78300
6
Sydney Roosters
238000
8
0.079424
15
115000
11
Melbourne Storm
494000
15
0.012818
12
146000
14
New Zealand Warriors
480000
14
0.011476
11
179000
15
South Sydney Rabbitohs
427000
13
-0.00116
6
146000
13
Penrith Panthers
152000
2
0.034
13
69200
5
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
167000
3
0.005667
9
82500
8
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
283000
10
-0.0067
3
103000
10
Canberra Raiders
150000
1
0.003344
8
56400
1
Parramatta Eels
317000
12
-0.0115
1
98900
9
Gold Coast Titans
193000
6
-0.0103
2
59200
2
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
186000
5
-0.00531
4
62800
4
Team
Twitter Followers
Twitter Followers Pts
Twitter Followers Change %
Twitter Follower Change% Pts
North Queensland Cowboys
77200
10
0.053206
12
Brisbane Broncos
134900
16
0.053906
13
Newcastle Knights
55400
2
0.047259
10
St George Illawarra Dragons
61200
5
0.081272
16
Wests Tigers
82500
11
0.060411
15
Sydney Roosters
69600
9
0.056146
14
Melbourne Storm
122400
15
0.037288
7
New Zealand Warriors
100100
13
0.012133
1
South Sydney Rabbitohs
101300
14
0.029472
5
Penrith Panthers
56400
3
0.048327
11
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
65200
8
0.041534
8
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
91000
12
0.031746
6
Canberra Raiders
51700
1
0.044444
9
Parramatta Eels
60500
4
0.027165
4
Gold Coast Titans
62800
7
0.026144
3
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
61500
6
0.018212
2
Team
Social Total
Brisbane Broncos
66
Melbourne Storm
63
Sydney Roosters
57
New Zealand Warriors
54
North Queensland Cowboys
52
Wests Tigers
51
South Sydney Rabbitohs
51
St George Illawarra Dragons
46
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
41
Newcastle Knights
38
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
36
Penrith Panthers
34
Parramatta Eels
30
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
21
Canberra Raiders
20
Gold Coast Titans
20
2018 Best Supported NRL Team – Jerseys
SUMMARY
The NRL prides itself on jerseys. Allowing most teams to produce 5 or so a year, and revolving theme rounds around the sales of more jerseys.
Sadly we couldn’t find any NRL jersey sales figures to use to find the 2018 Best Supported NRL team in terms of best dressed, so we have used Ebay.
We searched the highest cost 2018 NRL jersey of every single team. Not quite quantity of sales, but a popularity measure all the same.
Gold Coast jersey is actually cheaper on Ebay.
2018 Ebay NRL Jersey Sale – highest cost of jersey the most popular and wanted. We say anyway.
Team
Jerseys
JerseyPts
Sydney Roosters
$1,999
16
Brisbane Broncos
$550
15
Melbourne Storm
$450
14
St George Illawarra Dragons
$380
13
North Queensland Cowboys
$310
12
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
$299
11
New Zealand Warriors
$280
10
Penrith Panthers
$280
9
Wests Tigers
$280
8
Parramatta Eels
$280
7
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
$250
6
Canberra Raiders
$219
5
South Sydney Rabbitohs
$180
4
Newcastle Knights
$169
3
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
$159
2
Gold Coast Titans
$90
1
2018 Best Supported NRL Team Final Result
As we said at the start, the North Queensland Cowboys are the 2018 GFI Nichols Trophy winner for 2018 Best Supported NRL Team.
Broncos are up high again, as are the Newcastle Knights.
Dragons and West Tigers are the best in Sydney, and it is probably surprising to see the Rabbitohs as low as they are, as they seem to have a fan in a Souths jersey everywhere in the world.
Manly and Gold Coast will probably surprise very few by being a fair distance away at the bottom
Australians have beaten the PNG Kumuls 34-18 in Port Moresby on Saturday, but after scoring often and early, the PNG v PMs XIII Test became a much more even contest.
The big talking point of the PNG v PMs XIII Test will be the pitch invasion, which looked scary, but reports from some players said it was light-hearted, and reportedly due to worries about a light tower falling into the crowd and one worried punter became many quickly.
After a ten minute delay the game and Australians dominance continued, but PNG eventually got into the game, and almost made the PNG v PMs XIII Test a very tight contest, drawing within 12 points.
Ultimately the Australians had the last laugh and won the game, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game, and a few things to think about.
Our lessons from the PNG v PMs XIII Test is below.
PNG NEED TO OVERCOME SLOW STARTS
Not for the first time on a big occasion, the PNG side made a slow, nervous start and were quickly punished by the Australians who opened strongly. It was 18-0 through three converted tries to the Prime Minister’s before the halfway point of the first half.
It was similar to some other big games for PNG sides over the past few years. Especially the PNG Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final and State Championship. The Hunters were able to hang on and win the ISC title, but were blown away by Penrith the following week and were 38-0 at half time.
Not sure how that could be overcome, perhaps they need more big time games, like NRL or more internationals. We make that argument next.
PNG AND RUGBY LEAGUE NEEDS MORE INTERNATIONAL GAMES
Despite the loss there were plenty of positives to take from the game. Sure it was a below strength Australian side, but there were more than enough NRL stars to make the performance worthy.
But the problem is where to from here.
Not long ago, a few years ago and pre 2017 Rugby League World Cup, the Kumuls were ranked 15th in the world and could barely win a game.
Since 2016 they have beaten the highly rated and ranked Fiji in consecutive tests in 2015 and 2017, beaten the Cook Islands in 2016, and won their three pool games in the Rugby League World Cup – two of them in rather impressive fashion.
Although they were well beaten by England in the Quarter Finals they were certainly not disgraced. Same as today’s PNG v PMs XIII Test.
But is two games a season enough to build momentum for the PNG Kumuls, especially since not many of the squad get that week in week out intensity of the NRL.
One suggestion, which has been raised many times by us and other learned rugby league fans, is to have a Tri Series every year in conjunction with stand alone State of Origin. Three round robin games and final matches would ensure four games during the season, plus you could add a few more at the end of the season.
More games against the better sides will make the Kumuls better, and in turn International rugby league better.
Getting more PNG players into the NRL would be good too, but the PNG players are finding it very hard to crack into the NRL, Look at Rhyse Martin, it took him several years of kicking arse in the Intrust Super Cup and Premiership
POST PITCH INVASION – THE KUMULS WON 18-16
After the pitch invasion, which will no doubt be the talking point of the game, the Kumuls were very much in the contest.
For large chunks of the second half the PNG had the upper hand, and they did get within 12 point there with ten minutes to go.
The effort in defence never wavered, but the attack certainly got sharper in the second half, and perhaps adding just a little more flair could possibly take them to the next level.
If they didn’t let the Australian get out to as big an early lead as they did, with their second half performance and a roaring local support behind (yes, could here it through the twitter video) that long-awaited upset could really have been a big chance.
WHERE’S THE COVERAGE NRL?
Not often we’d thank Peter Beattie for anything, but through his Twitter account we were sort of able to watch the PNG v PMs XIII Match.
There was the official tweet from the NRL saying something along the lines of “Sorry, blah blah blah, some pissweak technical excuse, blah blah blah”.
We get it, you couldn’t do it. But you should have.
As Peter Beattie’s twitter video proved, people don’t necessarily want full HD streaming, most of the time they’ll settle for being able to watch it all. Like us.
But it showed a real lack of respect for PNG rugby league that it couldn’t be done, as no doubt the Kiwi and Tonga will be rolled out in the best broadcast medium possible.
The NRL sucks.
SEE YOU IN 2019
It’s fun attempting to keep some PNG rugby league fans up to date about the Hunters in the Intrust Super Cup and the Kumuls in Internationals.
Drop by next year for some more coverage, and hopefully more success.
We can only hope our main man Willie Minoga is back for more too.
A big weekend of football below the Premier League waits and here are our thoughts with the Who Care EFL Football League Predictions Matchday 12 + Preview.
Each matchday we will try to bundle up the EFL Football League into a tight package for those who sort of care, but not too much. It’s our mission statement to convert as many people to the EFL Football League as possible. At this stage we must admit to being a loyal Ipswich Town fan.
As much as we love the Premier League with our weekly predictions, our first true love is the 72 teams below the big money, hence the return of our Who Cares EFL Football League Predictions Matchday 12 + Preview.
Why do we say a Who Cares preview? Mainly because it is a league often ignored by the sport masses, and our previous weekly previews were literally read by no one, they may not care until promotion season, but we certainly do all season. And we’ve got to be different to the big websites previews.
Of course you could get a better preview elsewhere with more in-depth stats like from Who Scored, but we’re trying to give just enough information to stay in touch with a minimum of effort.
Onwards then to Who Care EFL Football League Predictions Matchday 12 + Preview. For most of the information you will need to care just a little.
Who Cares EFL Football League Matchday 12 Preview
To kick off our EFL Football League preview we’ll go through the good, bad and ugly of each division, with the barest minimum of stats to help you find a winner or impress a friend.
CHAMPIONSHIP
A trio of big name teams sit atop of the Championship – Leeds Utd, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United – all on 22 points. We’re happy to brag that Middlesbrough were our pre season pick to win the competition, at this stage. A other previous Premier League sides are also making their move.
Sadly the team that has spent more time in this division on this current run than any other team is still winless after 11 games, but strangely not last.
Sheffield United were the only team to do the Saturday-Midweek double of wins, and they sit pretty in equal first because of it. Also going well are Norwich who like their East Anglian rival Ipswich have escaped mid table mediocrity for the thrills of the top six. Sadly Ipswich in the other direction. West Brom remain best of the relegated EPL sides sitting nicely in fourth, just one point behind the leaders.
No one else is making a charge from the midfield yet, but the managerial sackings have only just started…
Best Last 6 Form – West Brom / Norwich 14pts
Biggest Current Unbeaten Streak – Birmingham 7 Games
Biggest Current Winning Streak – Sheffield Utd 3 wins
Best Home Form (Last 6) – Brentford / Wigan 14pts
Best Away Form (Last 6) – Leeds Utd / Sheffield Utd 12pts
BAD
Bad for Steve Bruce who has eventually been given the arse at Aston Villa. Not before he had a cabbage thrown at him in his last game. Aston Villa are still 13th but had won one of their last nine, in their third season in the second tier. Progress has been slow. Worse still for their fans is Sam Allardyce is amongst the favorites to replace Bruce.
Worst Last 6 Form – Millwall / Preston 2pts
Biggest Current Winless Streak – Ipswich 11 Games
Biggest Current Loss Streak – 5 x Teams on 1 loss
Worst Home Form (Last 6) – Reading 3pts
Worst Away Form (Last 6) – Rotherham 0pts
UGLY
Ipswich remain winless, and after seeing them in the TV game against Middlesbrough midweek, they look like a team going to the third tier. Happily their new manager has filled the side with lower league talent.
Most draws last 6 – Birmingham 5 Draws
Most draws for season – Birmingham 8 Draws
Fewest Goals scored (Last 6) – Rotherham 3 Goals
Most Goals Conceded (Last 6) – Preston 17 Goals
LEAGUE ONE
Portsmouth remain the only unbeaten team in the EFL Football League heading into Matchday 12 with a W8 D3 record. Not bad on their way back from the fourth tier. Peterborough are second three points behind and three points ahead of a bunch of teams from 3rd to 8th within 3 points.
It’s pretty tight at the bottom too, with the final relegation spot 21st up to Coventry in 14th within a win of each other.
[soccer-info id=’21’ type=’table’ style=’blue_light’ columns=’#,Team,MP,W,D,L,G,P’ highlight=’4593||AFC Wimbledon’ title=’CURRENT LEAGUE ONE TABLE’ /]
GOOD
Portsmouth of course headline the good, but not to forget Accrington Stanley, who after winning League Two last season are doing a superb job in League One. One of the EFL Football League’s smallest clubs, they sit 5th right now, and have only lost their opening day fixture. Southend are also making a move in the midfield, up to 11th on the back of a hat trick of wins.
Best Last 6 Form – Portsmouth 14pts
Biggest Current Unbeaten Streak – Portsmouth 11 Games
Biggest Current Winning Streak – Accrington / Southend 3 Games
Best Home Form (Current) – Sunderland 12pts
Best Away Form (Current) – Peterborough / Potsmouth 16pts
BAD
Plymouth remain winless and last. A good midweek draw against top six side Barnsley broke a run of three straight losses. Gillingham’s draw midweek stopped a run of four straight losses.
Worst Last 6 Form – PlymouthOxford/Gillingham 2pts
Biggest Current Winless Streak – Plymouth 11 Games
Biggest Current Loss Streak – Oxford 3 Games
Worst Home Form (Last 6) – Plymouth 2pts
Worst Away Form (Last 6) – Burton 1pt
UGLY
As an AFC Wimbledon fan by stint of a working holiday stint, we are worried about the Dons regular losses and proximity to the bottom four. Especially given Milton Keynes position in League Two.
Most draws last 6 -5 x Teams – 4 draws
Most draws for season – Blackpool 6 draws
Fewest Goals scored (Last 6) – Walsall/Plymouth/Bristol R – 4 goals
Most Goals Conceded (Last 6) – Gillingham 13 goals
LEAGUE TWO
Our pick for League Two winners Lincoln are doing the job for us at the top of the fourth tier, and they along with Exeter and Newport already have a gap to the play off places of more than a game at the moments.
At the bottom Macclesfield are still without a win, and second last to 17th are covered by a mere 3 points.
[soccer-info id=’22’ type=’table’ style=’blue_light’ columns=’#,Team,MP,W,D,L,G,P’ title=’CURRENT LEAGUE TWO TABLE’ /]
GOOD
Aside from the top three, great to see Colchester heading in the right direction in fourth, also the division’s leading scorers this season, four goals clear of the top two sides. Harry Kewell might be starting to work his magic at Notts COunty with two wins in a row. That still only drags them up to 9 points and 20th position. Forest Green Rovers are still the only unbeaten side of League Two.
Best Last 6 Form – Bury/Exeter/Newport – 13pts
Biggest Current Unbeaten Streak – Forest Green 11 Games
Biggest Current Winning Streak – Notts County 2 wins
Best Home Form (Last 6) – Exeter/Newport 13pts
Best Away Form (Last 6) – Lincoln 13 pts
BAD
Doesn’t get any worse than being winless and last team of the Football League for poor old Macclesfield. That 8-0 League Cup loss to West Ham doesn’t help either.
Worst Last 6 Form – Macclesfield 2pts
Biggest Current Winless Streak – Macclesfield 11 Games
Biggest Current Loss Streak – Carlisle/Yeovil/Macclesfield 2 Games
Worst Home Form (Last 6) – Grimsby 1pt
Worst Away Form (Last 6) – Crewe/Notts Co/Macclesfield 1pt
UGLY
Cambridge have lost four of their last five games, and now sit in second last.
Most draws last 6 -Milton Keynes 4 draws
Most draws for season – MK / Masnfield 6 draws
Fewest Goals scored (Last 6) – Northampron / Grimsby 2 Goals
Most Goals Conceded (Last 6) – Cambridge/ Notts Co 13 Goals
Who Cares EFL Football League Predictions Matchday 12
Here we put our money where our mouth is and include the top six EFL Football League Predictions Matchday 12 to include into Multis/Accumulators.
DERBY to beat QPR
SHEFFIELD UTD to beat Hull
LUTON TOWN to beat Scunthorpe
PORTSMOUTH to beat Gillingham
LINCOLN to beat Scunthorpe
NOTTS COUNTY to beat Macclesfield
$1 “pays” $28
Who Cares EFL Football League TV Games & Key Fixtures
Here’s the list of TV Games for those who love their EFL Football League in Australia. This week sees a good top 6 battle and a great local rivalry from the north.
TV GAMES IN AUSTRALIA ON BEIN SPORTS
SAT 23:55 AEST – BEIN SPORTS 2 – PRESTON v WIGAN
SUN 09:20 AEST – BEIN SPORTS 2 – LEEDS v BRENTFORD (Delayed)
SUN 11:10 AEST – BEIN SPOTS 2 – BOLTON v BLACKBURN (Delayed)
OTHER GAMES THEY SHOULD
L1 – Peterborough v Barnsley – Top 6 Battle
L1 – Bradford v Sunderland – a League One game should see 20K
Who Cares EFL Football League Manager-Go-Round
It wouldn’t be the EFL Football League without a pile of sacked managers, and we’ll try and keep up below.
LATEST SACKINGS
Steve Bruce from Aston Villa
IN REAL DANGER
Anyone still in the relegation zone as October warms up.
The weekend is here, and that means way too much European Football on Bein Sports Australia. So to try and save you time and remind ourselves of what to watch we offer the Bein Sports European Football Highlights for another weekend.
Some might call it hipster football, we don’t, it’s pure sports nerd goodness.
And too much football is barely enough we like to say. Enjoy it this weekend, as another international break looms.
But if you have a life and can’t watch everything, we offer up our Best Of Bein Sports European Football Highlights, to help you follow the best of it live, without the need to stay up for absolutely everything.
Bein Sports European Football Highlights
This weekend sees some top games at top of the table clashes in Italy and France, plus we will see whether the big teams can get back to winning ways.
Times are for Australian on the East Coast. Other time zones are lucky enough to watch some stuff before midnight.
SAT 20:55 AEST
BEIN SPORTS 1 – CH513 LA LIGA – GIRONA v EIBAR
Biased we know, but it is a nice early start and featuring our favourite Spanish team Eibar. Like most of our favourite teams (Ipswich Town, AFC Wimbledon) Eibar are struggling in 17th just two points from relegation. Girona are 11th but just two points better off.
Prediction Draw 1-1
SUN 02:20 AEST
BEIN SPORTS 3 – CH515 BUNDESLIGA – BAYERN MUNICH v BORUSSIA M’GLADBACH
Bayern Munich are in the unfamiliar territory of second place in the Bundesliga after a shock loss to Hertha Berlin last weekend. They also only drew at home to Ajax in the Champions League midweek. This weekend they take on Borussia Monchengladbach who are jut two points and two positions further behind.
Prediction Bayern Munich 2-0
SUN 02:25 AEST
BEIN SPORTS 2 – CH514 LA LIGA – ALAVES v REAL MADRID
Real Madrid have suffered a loss and a draw in their last two league matches, and proved the drop in form was real by falling to defeat against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League. Alaves won’t be easy either, unbeaten at home, conceding just two goals. They lie sixth and are very capable of inflicting another upset on Real Madrid. Gareth Bale should play if that makes any difference.
Prediction Draw 1-1
SUN 14:00 AEST (Delayed)
BEIN SPORTS 2 – CH514 LIGUE 1 – LILLE v SAINT-ETIENNE
A decent top four clash in France on delay, so a decent hour for a change. Lille are second, albeit a whopping eight points behind PSG currently. Just one point behind is Saint-Etienne in fourth. Both teams have not scored a combined total of goals more than PSG, which sums up the league at the moment. Lille have conceded the same amount though (6 goals in 8).
Prediction Lille 2-1
SUN 22:50 AEST
BEIN SPORTS 1 – CH513 SERIE A – LAZIO v FIORENTINA
Lazio are looking to bounce back from losing the Rome derby, breaking a run of four straight wins. These sides currently lie 5th and 6th in the group of teams from 2nd to 7th who are covered by three points.
Prediction Lazio 2-1
MON 01:50 AEST
BEIN SPORTS 1 – CH513 SERIE A – NAPOLI v SASSUOLO
This match features 2nd v 3rd placed teams in Serie A. Napoli aren’t much of a surprise despite losing against Juventus last weekend, but pulling off a great upset against Liverpool in the midweek Champions League. Sassuolo are a surprise in third place. Getting better every year, our favourite Italian club is flying high. Perhaps some Champions League awaits….
Prediction Napoli 3-2
MON 04:45 AEST
BEIN SPORTS 1 – CH513 SERIE A – VALENCIA v BARCELONA
This would have been a big top four clash in previous seasons, but Valencia are struggling down in 14th with one win and five draws from their first seven matches. Barcelona’s last three league games are Draw, Loss, Draw, strange form for Barca after last year. At least they got on track with a Champions League win at Wembley over Spurs.
Will PSG join Real Madrid, Barca, and Bayern in a slip in the league. They are playing Lyon, one of their most consistent rivals, and a team which lie 5th. PSG have eight from eight and are already 8 points behind. Hopefully a mastrerclass of Neymar and Mbappe skills to start the working work.
Missed most of the above action or couldn’t be bothered in the first place?
Follow the below Highlights shows to see the best of each competition, and impress your friends and family, with your newly acquired football knowledge.
The greatest day of sporting sloth is here this weekend with the Bathurst 1000, and having a sneaky little wager on the Great Race makes the day even better, so here is our Bathurst 1000 Betting Guide – we call Bet-thurst $1000 as a poor attempt at cleverness.
When done responsibly, nothing enhances a sport more than the odds little wager. Since the main event take many, many hours to complete, having a side interest just makes sense, to keep you interested for a long time.
But just putting money on the winner or a top three finish is boring, which is why we produced our Bathurst 1000 Betting Guide.
There’s plenty more to a slothful Sunday afternoon of the Bathurst 1000 than just who crosses the line first or third. So much can happen in between, and wagered on.
Our Bet-Thurst 1000 rundown highlights the best of the alternative betting options available.
Bathurst 1000 Betting Guide
A BUNCH OF FIRSTS
Here’s the best of the alternative bets for first to……
1ST RETIREMENT NUMBER (Sportsbet)
TOP SELECTIONS
Odd $1,80 Even $1.83
OUR PICK – Always Odd @ $1.80
1ST DRIVER RETIREMENT (BetEasy)
TOP SELECTIONS
Favourite: Hazelwood/Fullwood $13
Least Fav: Percat/Jones $21
No Retirement: $41
OUR PICK – Holdsworth/Bright @ $15
1ST SAFETY CAR (Sportsbet)
TOP SELECTIONS
0 – 10 Laps $1.83
11 – 20 Laps $3.60
51 – Race End $6.50
21 – 30 Laps $8.50
31 – 40 Laps $8.50
OUR PICK – 0 to 10 Laps @ $1.83
CAUSE OF FIRST SAFETY CAR (Sportsbet)
TOP SELECTIONS
Single Car Crash $2.00
Multi Car Crash $2.25
Car Breakdown $6.50
Debris $8
Weather $26
OUR PICK – Multi Car Crash @ $2.25
LOCATION OF INCIDENT FOR FIRST SAFETY CAR (UBet)
TOP SELECTIONS
The Cutting $5.50
The Chase $5.50
McPhillamy Park $7
Quarry Corner/Reid Park $9
Murrays Corner $11
Any Other Location $26
+ Others
OUR PICK – Hell Corner $9
1ST DRIVE THROUGH PENALTY (Driver) (Sportsbet)
TOP SELECTIONS
All drivers $18
OUR PICK – Mostert / Tander @ $18
THE FINISH LINE
Here’s the best of the alternative bets for finishing the race.
Our Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia is here on the weekend featuring the greatest sports slothing event in Australia – Bathurst 1000.
But it’s not all about the Great Race.
With so much sport, and so many other jobs and people needing your attention on the weekend it is important to balance that out, to give you as much sloth time as possible.
Which is why we offer up the Ultimate Sloth Weekend TV Sports Guide for Australia, a suggestion of the best of the Australian TV Sport this weekend.
You will of course need a subscription sports package, but any mad Australian sports fan couldn’t survive on a diet of Gus Gould, Stats McAvaney and the poor excuse Channel Ten have for their F1 coverage these days.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia Highlights
Here’s a quick overview of what’s ahead, with the full Ultimate Sloth Weekend TV Sports Guide for Australia with times and channels following
BATHURST 1000
Nothing better for slothing than the Bathurst 1000.
Fox Sports have already got the sport slothing under way by turning Channel 506 into a 24 Hours Bathurst Classics channel. Great lounge time.
There is wall to wall motor racing around Mount Panorama this weekend for the Weekend Sports TV Guide, way too much to catch it all, so here are the key times below.
TOP 10 SHOOTOUT – Saturday 5:10pm
RACE – Sunday 10:10am
FORMULA 1
This weekend is almost as good as it gets – the best track in a timeslot that suits Australians. The Japanese Grand Prix is one circled on the sports watching calendar at the start of the year. Of course there will be bugger all overtaking, but it doesn’t matter.
Sadly it is on the same time as Bathurst, but by the 3pm kick off for F1, Bathurst just requires a quick check for a safety car and change back.
MOTO GP
Completes the triple treat of motor sport with daytime Moto GP in Thailand.
FOOTBALL
A half decent game on Free To Air on SBS on Saturday night between Leicester and Everton.
There’s some good European stuff on Bein Spots, but it is more for the sports nerd than the casual sports sloth.
Those with Optus Sport can treat themselves with Liverpool v Manchester City.
RUGBY LEAGUE
The NRL may be over, but UK Super League have their semi finals for those getting up early on Friday or Saturday.
Sadly, the big game of the weekend – PNG v Prime Minister’s Team is not broadcast anywhere. It could be a sensational match, and we think PNG can cause a mighty upset. But we won’t get to see it. F***ers.
CRICKET
We get to see the Australian test side in action in the UAE this weekend, and closer to home Australia’s Women side can take another win over the New Zealanders in the T20.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia – October 5 to October 7
Here is the best of what’s on offer according to us. OF course there’s more, but you only have two eyes and 24 hours in a day. Unless you have more of either, in which case we salute you.
Day
Time
Sport
Channel
TV
Description
Friday
4:30
Rugby League
FoxLeague
502
UK Super League Semi Final 1
Friday
18:50
Cricket
FoxCricket
501
Australia v NZ Womens T20
Monday
1:00
Football
Optus
Optus
EPL – Liverpool v Manchester City
Saturday
4:30
Rugby League
FoxLeague
502
UK Super League Semi Final 2
Saturday
17:00
F1
FS5
505
Japanese GP – Qualifying
Saturday
17:10
V8’s
FS6
506
Bathurst 1000 – Top 10 Shootout
Saturday
23:30
Football
SBS
SBS
EPL – Leicester v Everton
Sunday
10:10
V8’s
FS6
506
Bathurst 1000 – Race
Sunday
15:00
F1
FS5
505
Japanese GP – Race
Sunday
16:00
Cricket
FoxCricket
501
Australia v Pakistan 1st Test
Sunday
17:00
Moto GP
FS More
507
Thailand Moto GP Race
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia
DRINK OF THE WEEK
It’s hard to imagine a weekend of sport on the lounge without a refreshing beverage, and each week we’ll recommend one for you as an accompaniment to all that sport.
THIS MONTH – SP LAGER
Nothing says refreshment like PNG’s finest beer, and a big game between a full strength Kumuls and Prime Minister’s XIII needs a full strength beer. Why not have one while reading our preview of the game.
Ultimate Sloth Weekend Sports TV Guide Australia
OBSCURE SPORTING SHIRT OF THE WEEK
To get into the mood for a good weekend of slothing and sport, it’s always good to wear a sporting shirt of some sort to attempt to justify to yourself and others about all the slothing ahead. And of course, the more obscure the shirt, the more respect you’ll get.
THIS WEEK – 1991-92 Stockport County Away Shirt
How about a shirt of a team from UK Non League football?
It is pretty with bright yellow and blue thrown at a shirt.
We’re not even sure what division they are in these days. Doesn’t matter, this shirt will hold up to any division at any time.
News of the demise of Channel Nein’s Logies boastwagon Footy Show has now been circulated, with Erin Molan being blamed for a chunk of it, but is it really her fault for the Footy Show Axe. Not really, it’s been rubbish for a while.
First up, we must admit we don’t watch the Channel Nein Footy Show much these days for a couple of reasons. One, who would watch the dreadful Channel Nein rugby league coverage when there’s Fox League to be had, plus by 10pm on a Thursday you reach a saturation point of rugby league. Neither post game program excites.
We were regular watchers of the show until one new season they unveiled Michael Slater as Co-host. Manly supporter of course, making him just that little more hateable. But for Channel Nein to crowbar one of the most disliked broadcasters in the history of Australian sport showed they were struggling for ideas then. Not much improved since.
You could blame the axing of Paul Vautin, and in reality when they did, they should have canned the show and started again under a new name. No matter how little you liked the show, Vautin was likeable and synonymous with it. Him going was certainly a contributing factor.
It may have been getting stale, but removing Fatty was never going to be the answer.
You could blame the format, and you should.
Tired old shit, by people who loved themselves just a little too much.
Beau Ryan was funny for a while, but found it hard to switch to decent analysis as the clown, unlike Matty Johns. Maybe it was because he was a winger.
Then they tried to talk seriously, it was usually about just their favourite players or something Channel Nein sanctioned.
Much like the pants man in your group who brings a new girlfriend to a function with a temporary shift in life focus, we too saw through Channel Nein’s Footy Show when they attempt to talk serious rugby league. As soon as the required couple of minutes of anything useful has expired it was back to self-serving rubbish.
The worst example that highlights the level of Channel Nein rubbish featured Dave Taylor.
Although not the Thursday version, the Sunday Footy Show’s disgraceful coverage of Dave Taylor for the Central Capras during the season showed just how pathetic they really are.
This was a major downside for Erin Molan to declare how outraged she was on social media afterwards (after the public and Capras outcry) was just as bad. If she was that horrified then she should show some integrity and refuse to be a part of it in the beginning.
It showed a side of Erin Molan that was as unlikable as the distasteful segment. But that’s not a reason for the Footy Show axe.
You could blame the timeslot, and that is probably the main reason for the declining viewership and eventual Footy Show axe.
Thursday night football is here to stay, whether people like it or not.
However if Channel Nein weren’t so insistent on showing the worst television on Australian TV – A Current Affair – they could kick off by 7:15pm at the latest and the Footy Show could have started around 9pm. Not far off their prime timeslot.
So in the end, Channel Nein only have themselves to blame for the demise of their own show. And they got what they deserved.
After another high quality midweek European interruption, the Premier League is back to liven up the weekends and once again we have our Premier League Predictions Week 8 ready.
Each game week we bring our unique look at the EPL, starting with this week’s Premier League Predictions Week 8 and then all the other things like games, fantasy, and betting that make up our mini preview.
But anyone can offer up predictions. So each week we will put our Premier League predictions up against a guest tipster, but not necessarily a person, but based on a statistic or ridiculous idea which has varying links to football.
It’s very much like BBC’s Lawro vs Somebody preview, but better. Arguably. And our tips are available for everyone to enjoy, not just those in the UK who know who the usual array of comedians and musicians are.
Like this week, for our Premier League Predictions Week 8 we put our selections up against tips based on each team’s record against Jose Mourinho, given his plight and front running in the sack race..
We’ll also offer up a few other bits and pieces for the huge weekend of Premier League.
Premier League Predictions Week 8 – Gurgler v Jose Mourinho
Opponent Tips Background: The big news, as it always seems to be, is Jose Mourinho in trouble at Manchester Utd. Will another form slump, and the usual bitterness towards media, it’s only a matter of time before he’s gone.
So before he goes, we need to use him for opponent tips.
How do we get tips out of that you ask?
Easy. We have got every team’s record against Jose Mourinho in the Premier League since his first stint at Chelsea, and whichever team has a better record (most average points per game) gets the pick.
Keep reading on for the full record of teams against Jose Mourinho in the Premier League.
Premier League Predictions Week 8 – Our Tips
DRAW – Brighton v West Ham (1-1)
BURNLEY to beat Huddersfield (2-0)
DRAW – Crystal Palace v Wolves (0-0)
LEICESTER to beat Everton (2-1)
SPURS to beat Cardiff (5-0)
WATFORD to beat Bournemouth (2-1)
MANCHESTER UTD to beat Newcastle (1-0)
DRAW – Fulham v Arsenal (1-1)
CHELSEA to beat Southampton (2-0)
LIVERPOOL to beat Manchester City (3-2)
Premier League Predictions Week 8 – v Jose Mourinho Record
Points per Game against Mourinho in brackets.
Brighton (1.5) to beat West Ham (0.69)
Huddersfield (1.5) to beat Burnley (0.5)
Crystal Palace (0.55) to beat Wolves (NA)
Everton to beat Leicester (0.57)
Spurs (1.0) to beat Cardiff (0)
Bournemouth (0.8) to beat Watford (0.5)
Newcastle (1.1) to beat Man Utd (0.7)
Arsenal (0.67) to beat Fulham (0.5)
Chelsea (1.5) to beat Southampton (0.64)
Man City (1.07) to beat Liverpool (0.69)
Premier League Predictions Week 8 Quick Mini Preview
GAME BY GAME PREVIEW IN 25 WORDS OR LESS
BRIGHTON v WEST HAM
Brighton won this fixture last year by an aggregate 6-1 with two wins. Both sides have beaten Man Utd this year at home. These sides are 1st and 2nd in Yellow Cards. The Hammers 5 ahead.
BURNLEY v HUDDERSFIELD
No goals in either of these games last season, no surprise a repeat from Huddersfield with the lowest shots on target this year, but Burnley looking back in form now.
CRYSTAL PALACE v WOLVES
Crystal Palace haven’t scored at home this season, although Zaha did miss a game. Wolves have scored just two away in three games. Looks a 0-0 special.
LEICESTER v EVERTON
Looks entertaining enough, and always good to keep an eye on James Maddison. Leicester need to keep an eye on the air as Everton have the most headed goals this season with five.
SPURS v CARDIFF
Spurs got themselves into form last weekend with a good win at Huddersfield. Cardiff at home should provide as much opposition.
WATFORD v BOURNEMOUTH
The second most entertaining game on paper this weekend with a clash between surprise 6th and 7th sides.
MANCHESTER UTD v NEWCASTLE
Will the rot stop this weekend at Old Trafford? Newcastle have only conceded three goals away this years and played Manchester City.
FULHAM v ARSENAL
Everyone keeps saying that Fulham will be all right, but they aren’t winning much. Mitrovic has 5 of their 8 goals, and he has been major reason they have hit the woodwork more than any other team. Arsenal are plodding along nicely in their new life.
SOUTHAMPTON v CHELSEA
A team without a win at home against a team that has conceded just once away from home. Looks a low scoring win for Chelsea.
LIVERPOOL v MANCHESTER CITY
Premium fixture and likely 1st v 2nd but EPL can shove the 1:20am Monday timeslot up their arse. This match saw 12 goals last season in two games, but Liverpool are yet to concede at home in the league. Barely interesting fact is that Salah has had more shots on target than Aguero this season.
THE AUSTRALIAN TV FTA GAME
No Optus? Don’t blame you, it’s no longer free. But if you’re a tightarse like us, here is the TV game for the week. $15 a month is not bad on Optus if you throw in the Champions and Europa League.
SATURDAY 9PM – LEICESTER v EVERTON
A nice chance see either side without one of the big 6.
THE 0-0 SPECIAL
CRYSTAL PALACE v WOLVES
Season Progress – 2 correct from 7 weeks. Who’d think there’d be goals at Cardiff?
EPL BETTING – SUPER PREMIER LEAGUE Week 8 MULTI
Time to make some money – here’s our best five tips rolled into one money making machine.
BURNLEY to beat Huddersfield
DRAW – Crystal Palace v Wolves
SPURS to beat Cardiff
DRAW – Fulham v Arsenal
CHELSEA to beat Southampton
$1 Multi pays $51 A 4/5 last week – we are getting closer to pay day.
FANTASY FOOTBALL THOUGHTS
We weren’t very good last season, but that won’t stop us providing a few Fantasy Football EPL tips.
Wolves defenders look a must – cheap and clean sheets and points a plenty
Are Fulham becoming the season’s biggest FPL disappointment?
After saying Kane is rubbish last week, how long before we change our mind. Not long. Before this weekend’s game v Cardiff.
Captain is a hard one this week with Man City v Liverpool. So those lucky enough to have Kane will have last laugh. We take Hazard but he is nowhere near as good away. Maddison a rough shout.
Do you hold Zaha and wait for his next injury or dump him now. Palace 0 goals at home this season.
