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Sunderland – In United we trust?
(EPL – Sunderland Preview)
Last season, Sunderland’s Premier League campaign fizzled out and became little more than an afterthought in the minds of most EPL watchers down the stretch, when compared to the battles for fourth place and against relegation. Nine points picked up in eight matches against the top four sides showed that Steve Bruce’s side have no problems with motivation when it comes to the big occasion. Seven points gathered in eight matches against the bottom four finishers showed a lack of discipline when supposed easier points are on offer. Many will point to the January sale of Darren Bent to Aston Villa as the most likely reason for Sunderland’s downturn; however, the Mackems scored 19 goals in 15 Premier League matches after his departure, and 19 goals in 18 games while he was still there. Indeed, it can be argued that, with Bent gone, they were less predictable offensively.
Singapore left with a wide river to cross
World Cup 2014: Singapore 0-2 Iraq
Singapore’s hopes of World Cup qualification were, for all intents and purposes, dashed on Tuesday as they lost to a superior Iraq team at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The Lions needed six points from their two home fixtures against Iraq and Jordan to have any realistic chance at qualifying for World Cup 2014; now, while they are mathematically still alive, it will take an unlikely turn of events for them to go to Brazil.
China 2-1 Singapore.
“We were definitely robbed,” said goalkeeper Lionel Lewis after the 2-1 loss against China in Kunming on Friday.
After 68 minutes and against all odds, Singapore was leading by one goal over China. 41-year-old striker Aleksander Duric and Qiu Li had combined well once again to put Singapore ahead. It was Duric’s eighteenth goal for his adopted country. China had had a penalty saved by Singapore’s substitute goalkeeper Lionel Lewis, and a measure of panic and frustration was beginning to seep into the home nation’s players. Dominating in possession, Chinese players hit the woodwork twice and forced a plethora of saves. Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud injured himself hustling back to ensure a long range effort was going over the bar.
Wigan are often criticised for the low number of fans it attracts to games and the bleak atmosphere of the DW Stadium. Things aren’t expected to improve this year. Wigan was lucky to escape from relegation last season – finishing just three points above the safety point. It was a narrow escape, and a situation they may find themselves in again this season. With the loss of Charles N’Zogbia, – and their lack of a suitable replacement – they will be back in a relegation battle once again.
OMI: Albion's players responding to Hodgson's style
Last season, West Bromwich Albion had a superb start, with both their midfield and Peter Odemwingie looking impressive. The first two months of the season saw them near the top of the league after victories against Arsenal and Everton. Roberto Di Matteo looked like the best young manager in the Prem, and his Baggies appeared to be set for European football. But the subsequent eighteen matches included thirteen defeats, and Di Matteo was out, replaced by Roy Hodgson after his face-rubbing disaster at Liverpool.
Manager Mick McCarthy’s oft-stated hatred of Twitter notwithstanding, it has been well-broadcasted from many quarters within Wolves’ HQ that what is needed to avoid another relegation battle this season is to improve results against the teams closest to them in the table. Last season, Wolves pulled off wins against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City, but their record against teams in the lower half of the table was only 4-12-2. Wolves picked up 24 points against the top half, to go along with a paltry 14 gained against the lower half.
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