The Final Sub

THE PREDICTION! With the final International break of the year in progress, and the new season having grown to a relatively matured state, the time has come for me to peer into my crystal ball to see what it says for this very interesting and mouthwatering season we are already experiencing. A lot has been said and have gone down in the first two months of the 2016/2017 season across Europe, which would only tell us one thing; we always would see a competitive campaign across board. I shall discuss my tips for glory in the top five European leagues. So, without further delay, let us delve into business. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE;   Often said to be the most competitive and glamorous league, it is living up to its billing once again. Last year was a stunning season all round as the top four witnessed unprecedented changes, as Leicester City, graced the podium for the first time in their 132 year history. This year however, familiar faces are in position as the keen race begins...

SUPER EAGLES TAKE COMMAND. The race for the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Russia, gathered momentum as the second round of matches in the African terrain were completed across the continent. There were some interesting results to record as the Terrenga Lions of Senegal fell to a 2-1 loss in South Africa against the Bafana Bafana, in their group D encounter, with Burkinafaso going tops after collecting a 2-0 win over Cape verde. However, it is in group B, that we have the most interest as Nigeria faced the gargantuan task of hosting the best footballing nation on the continent, Algeria. As expected, it was a keen encounter which everyone had dreadfully anticipated. The magnanimity of the match could not be any more as the contest held important scenarios for both teams. Algeria having drawn their first match at home to Cameroun, badly needed a win, while the host, Nigeria, needed to consolidate an impressive opening victory at Zambia. In the end, the Super eagles posted a spi...

MORE MISERY FOR SUNDERLAND BURNLEY FRUSTRATE DEVILS SPURS HELD BY CHAMPIONS CITY SNAP WINLESS  RUN LIVERPOOL OUTSCORE PALACE CHELSEA CONTINUE FINE FORM The title race is quite taking shape and while things are going fine for some teams, some others would wish for better luck. More interesting results were recorded as Arsenal added to Sunderland's misery with a 4-1 romp in Saturday's early kick-off while Manchester United cursed their rotten luck as they were frustrated by Tom Heaton and company with Mourinho receiving marching orders as well as Ander Herrera. However, Pep was able to watch his team end a six game winless run with a 4-0 rout of Westbrom. In other results, Tottenham were unable to defeat Leicester at White Hart Lane while Liverpool prevailed at Selhurst Park and Chelsea picked up a win at Southampton. Below are some of the headlines and points to consider from the weekend ; MORE MISERY FOR SUNDERLAND The Stadium of light was not so bright...

  ARSENAL HELD BY BORO,   LIVERPOOL CONTINUE TITLE CHARGE,   VARDY OUT, LEICESTER WIN,   PEP'S CAREER WORST RUN,   JOSE SPANKED BY BLUES. The Premier League unfolded a lot of drama and events that have now reshaped the look of the campaign. A few weeks ago, everyone was afraid that Pep Guardiola's City would sweep their way through to the title after the Citizens' fine start to the campaign, but now, five games without a win has dampened expectations a little. However, what would be really on everyone's lips is the 4-0 pulverization that was meted out on Jose Mourinho's Red devils by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It was not a beautiful home coming for the Special one in any respect. Tottenham remain the only unbeaten side in  England but were held to a frustrating barren stalemate at Bournemouth while Arsenal also could not go past Middlesborough at the Emirates. However, there were some good news for Stoke City and Westham United, as th...

SUPER EAGLES BEGIN NICELY The road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Russia has begun in earnest and Africa joined the party over the weekend as the qualifying matches were played across the continent. However, of more importance and joy was it for the Super Eagles of Nigeria to kick off their campaign with a well taken win in the heat of Ndola, Zambia on Sunday as they seek to navigate a hotly setup pool that  contains three of  Africa's representatives to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as Algeria and Cameroun also lie in wait. The draws, when they were made, was a gory sight for most Nigerians as the ranking of the nation's national team was not in a commendable place and was partly responsible for such a pool. Also, the blooming quality of the playing personnel that Algeria in particular has to offer as Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez, continue to cause ripples in England, also sent its shivers, but, with the first round of matches completed, it is the Super ea...

LIVERPOOL UNDERLINE TITLE STATUS, MANCITY TEARING AWAY AT THE TOP, LEICESTER GIVING RESPONSE, ARSENAL GET ACT TOGETHER, WESTHAM FLOUNDERING. The Premier league action returned this weekend after the commencement of the Uefa Champions League in mid week. We were treated to plenty of action as always as Liverpool travelled down to London to halt Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season, while Mancity added Bournemouth’s scalp to their growing list of casualties this term and  Leicester came back with a commanding win over Burnley at home. Arsenal were victors over 10 man Hull, while Manchester United recorded their third straight loss in the past week and second in the Premeier league as they were dispatched 3-1 at Vicarage Road. What were we exposed to this week and what can we pick? LIVERPOOL UNDERLINE TITLE STATUS   On their day, the best description is ruthless. The  reds have begun their first full campaign under the tutelage of Ju...

  United Still A Big Work In Progress,     Long Season For Leicester,    Stoke Courting Trouble,     Kane, Ighalo End Goal Drought,   Lucky Costa, Lucky Chelsea.   The excitement of the Premier League returned to our screens with a whole lot of drama as we could always wish for. The 172 nd Manchester derby was played out at Old Trafford on Saturday with the red side of Manchester biting the dust. Leicester City were soundly beaten at Anfield by rampaging Liverpool, while Arsenal got a late win at home to Southampton.  Tottenham completed another emphatic rout of Stoke Cit y  while Westham United tasted defeat for the first time in their new abode, the London Stadium.  I give my thoughts on what we saw this week; United Still A Big Work In Progress Manchester United, or more accurately, Jose Mourinho was told so acutely that there are still plenty of steps to take before  the Red devils ar...