Pakistan v England 2nd Test Review

A little under two weeks ago we had a preview of the test series between Pakistan and England. Our belief was like that of many that whilst this Pakistan side were indeed improving England the world number 1 rated side would have to much for the young, inexperienced and on paper overmatched Pakistan team how wrong we were.

England great and former captain Geoffrey Boycott summed up many an England fan thoughts when he told BBC Test Match Special: "I've seen some poor performances in 25 years of playing and 23 years of commentating and that's as bad as I've seen.

England may be the number ranked test nation in the world, but on this evidence it would seem as though they have a lot of work to do if they want to emulate the great Australian side that contain amongst others Warne and McGrath, which dominated world cricket for a decade or so. That Australian team were able to win all over the world and in all different conditions.

This England team seem to be lost playing the spin of Saeed Ajmal the combination of Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Eoin Morgan and Ian Bell have scored 162 runs at an average of 10.1 so far in this series and to put that kindly that is simply not good enough.

Since their series victory in Sri Lanka in 2001, England have beaten only Bangladesh in Asia, being held or defeated in seven other Test series. In a era when there is no real dominate force in the test arena this may be able to be overcome, however if this current England team wants to go down as one of the great teams of all time, they must improve greatly in the sub continent.

Although the series is now over the England team will want to finish the series on a high with a win in the 3rd and final test. They will want some confidence as a team and individuals as they head to Sri Lanka next for another test series. The reign of the Captain Andrew Strauss could very much depend on how England’s winter unfolds

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Abu Dhabi Championship Final Day Preview

Heading into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Championship there are 10 different players within three shots of the lead at -11. The two leaders are Robert Rock and one Tiger Woods.

Robert Rock is one of the fastest improving players on the tour, he will not have been followed by the crowd that is certain to follow him and Tiger Woods. The occasion will be a big test of his temperament and potentially an invaluable experience for him unless things go very bad.

Tiger Woods looks to be nearing his best form after winning the last tournament he played in back in December, which end a long series of tournament In which Woods looked far from the force that he once was. This week in 3 rounds of golf Woods has only dropped two shots which has lead to him being very consistent.

US Open champion Rory McIlroy is one of 4 players tied on -9, after a very up and down 2nd round on Friday he went through 18 holes -4 and is very much in the hunt for his first tournament victory in his very first tournament of the season.

There are so any players in will a chance of winning this event that it makes it very difficult to pick a winner with any real certainty, however look for the whoever if anyone finishes above Woods to come very close indeed. Look for Rock to struggle at least early on in the company of Woods and Woods to continue his good form which could well see him starting 2012 with a very nice tournament victory.


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Australian Open Final Preview

Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal leads the head to head 16-3 overall, however Djokovic has won the last six matches which have all been in finals including at Wimbledon and the US Open. Djokovic is the current number one and was favourite to win this title before the tournament started, Nadal although the number two seed was not fancied to make it to the final or have a real chance of winning it.

The reason Nadal wasn’t favoured to do well here was because of the fact that before the start of the season he openly admitted that he hadn’t fully recovered from last season and was playing to take the whole of February off in order to fully recover.

Although Djokovic has won the last six meetings between the two it is very unlikely to be a one sided match for him here. Nadal admitted after losing the US Open final to Djokovic that the world number one was in his head, Nadal will want to make a statement in the final to show Djokovic and the rest of the top players that he means business for the rest of the season.

There semi finals were somewhat different in that Nadal looked very good throughout his four set win over Federer and was never in serious trouble even at one set down. Djokovic on the other hand, had an epic battle against Murray that went all 5 sets and Djokovic was very much up and down in this match looking sublime one moment and shocking the next.

Another key factor in the match could be that Nadal has had an extra 24 hours rest in order to prepare for the match up, which will also benefit his aggressive style of play. Djokovic on the other hand had a tougher semi final and less time to recover. Look for a very high quality match between the two with Nadal winning a close hard fought win in 4 or 5 sets, although it could very easily go in favour of Djokovic.



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NHL Weekly Report

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are still doing well of late, however the big story for the Bruins at the moment is the Tim Thomas situation. Thomas showed himself to be very selfish and not much of a team player by not going with his team to the White House, look for a trade for Thomas before the deadline.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are having a fantastic season thus far, they are 7-3 in their last 10 games. They are looking certainties for the playoffs, as they are 11 points clear of the 9th placed Maple leafs having also played to games less.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings have been in great form of late going 8-2 in their last 10 games, they have a 3 point lead over the Canucks although they have played a game more. Look for the Red Wings to continue their good form and be a very high seed for the playoffs.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are in a run of games where they are losing a lot, evidenced by the fact that they have only lost 3 of their last 10 games. They currently sit two points above the Kings having played three games less. Look for it to be a battle between the Sharks and Kings to win the Pacific Division.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks are on a nice run of form of late only losing 2 of their last 10 games. Their form is based on the fact that they are a top 5 team on both offence and defence, this has lead to them having the second best goal difference in the West Conference. They are 9 points clear of their closet rivals the Wild in the Northwest division.

St. Louis Blues

The Blues have the best defensive record in the Western Conference, which considering that they are in the same division as three of the top four scoring teams in the Western Conference is a very good achievement. Look for the Blues to keep rolling.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks compete in arguably the best and hardest division in the NHL this season. They sit 4th in their own division only 3 points from the top team at the moment in the Western Conference.

Ottawa Senators

We noted last week that the Senators are a very strange teams in many ways, they are an offensive machine, that also leak goals and were on a good run of 8-1-1, they have lost their last 3 games which has lead to them having a minus goal difference.

Nashville Predators

Nashville have won their last 4 games and 9 of their last 10. They have a 10 point cushion to the 9th place Avalanche. They are doing this by being an elite team on offence and mid table on defence.


Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers are an a goal scoring machine trailing only the Bruins in Goals for, they are a decent home but it is away from home where they have excelled this season, having won 18 of 27 games which has led to the Flyers having the best away record in the whole of the NHL.

New Jersey Devils

The Devils are very much a average team having winning records at both home and away without really being great at either, they are in a tie with the Leafs and Panthers for the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings have the lowest scoring offence in the whole of the NHL and are still challenging for their division and in the playoff positions due to their excellent defence which is the 3rd best in the Western Conference. The question is can this continue to be the case.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are usually one of the best offence teams in the NHL, this season however they are mid table in both offence and defensive. They are very much in a fight to make the playoffs and a return to form by Ovechkin would greatly improve their chances of doing such.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins have been on a tear of late winning 7 straight games after losing their previous three games, this has meant they have gone from struggling at the fringes of the playoffs to now having a 5 point cushion to 9th place and 10 points to 10th place.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs are just outside of the Playoff places on head to head records at the moment, they have been in decent form of late winning 6 of their last 10 games. Unless they can go on a great run of winning games then it may be a close fight all the way for the Leafs in their playoff hunt.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are sitting just outside of the playoff places, being one point behind the Wild. They have lost their last two games. For things to change the Avalanche need up their scoring or be more solid on defence.

Best of the Rest

Eastern Conference

The Panthers are not longer winning their division but are hanging in the playoff places due to making themselves difficult to beat only losing 3 of their last 10 games. . The Jets sit 5 points outside of the playoff places after losing 6 of their last 10 games, they have to start winning soon.


Western Conference

The current 8th seed in the West the Wild are still not in a great run of form at the moment only gaining 7 points from 10 games, however they have won their last two. In order to maintain their position or move up the Wild need to contain the form of their last two games.


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NBA Weekly Report

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were a 3-1 last week. The Bulls are a defensive minded team and have the best points per game allowed in the NBA, however there is much more to their game. So far this season they are mid table in points scored per game, over the last 5 games the Bulls are averaging 98 points which is in the top third of the NBA in that time

Miami Heat

The Heat were 3-0 last week. After a poor run of form the Heat hit back by winning all three of their games last week. The heat have the best offence in the NBA in terms of points scored per game and are third in NBA in terms of differential, which means when they win they usually win big.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics were 2-2 last week. After a tough week the week before last the Celtics have improved slightly. Although they are still three games below 500 at 6-9 they are now in the playoff places, look for them to continue to get better and make the playoffs easily. However it is hard at present to see them being a real threat in the playoffs.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks were 3-1 last week. The Hawks are a good team on both defence and offence, being in the top 10 in both categories. They cannot however be considered an elite team due to there ability to chuck in very poor performances on far to often to be true elite team, for them to be taken seriously that needs to change.

Philadelphia Seventy Sixers

The 76ers were 2-1 last week. Are very much the team that some picked them to be, a young hungry team on the up. They are doing everything they are meant to do at present and it will be interesting to see what they do come playoff time.

New York Knicks

The Knicks were 0-4, last week. The Knicks are currently in free fall losing then last 6 games in a row to drop to 6-10. The same problems that plagued them last season and at the beginning of this season do not seem to want to disappear, they simply cannot/do not play defence. At present their offence is not firing enough to bail them out. Something needs to change for the Knicks to move forward.

Orlando Magic

The Magic were 3-1 last week. The Magic have a nice balance between offence and defence, sitting in the top 10 for both areas of the game. Considering all the talk surrounding the future it is a bit of surprise that the Magic are still doing well to his credit the want away Howard is still playing to a very high level.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers were 1-1 last week. The Pacers had a very quite week playing just 2 games which they split, through 5 home games they are still unbeaten. The future looks bright in Indiana and the rest of the season should by interesting.


Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks were 2-2 last week. After a sluggish start to the season, the Mavericks have won 7 of their last 10 to move to 10-7 and now sit in the 8th place in the Western Conference. Look for the Mavericks to continue their recent good form and continue to grow as a group.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder were 2-1 last week. The biggest news out of the Thunder this pass week is the resigning of Westbrook to a new long term deal, which means that Westbrook and Durant will be thrilling fans in Oklahoma for a while yet. A title looks a possibility.

L.A. Lakers

The Lakers were 1-2 last week. The Lakers are doing ok at the moment nothing more nothing less, Bryant is playing the most minutes per game that he has done for a fair few years. One of the main reasons for this is as Lakers coach and Bryant put it the offence is a work in progress, in order for the Lakers to make playoff progress and win a championship a trade could well be needed.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were 2-3 last week. The Spurs are great at home and awful away having lost 1 game at home whilst just winning one away, at this point the veteran Spurs will not be overly concerned. The Spurs do however have to look at address their imbalance in form..

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies were 4-0 last week. The Grizzles had gone two weeks in which they had gone .500, we said if they are make the playoffs in the Western conference they are going to need to be better then 33-33 team. Going 4-0 last week is certainly a good start.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers were 2-2 last week. The Blazers had a average last week, it means that over the last two weeks the Trail Blazers have played below 500 basketball. After getting off to a great start the Trail Blazers are now 9-7 and just outside of the playoff positions

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets were 4-1 last week. The Nuggets had another good week and currently have the 2nd best record in the Western Conference, if the Nuggets continue playing with their current confidence there is no reason why they cannot cause damage in the Western Conference playoffs.

Utah Jazz

The Jazz were 3-1 last week. They are now among four teams in the Western Conference who sit on 10 wins. So far the Jazz have had a very heavy sided home schedule winning out of their 10 home games and just playing 5 away. It will be interesting to see how the Jazz cope when they have to go on the road more.

L.A. Clippers

The Clippers were 3-2 last week. The Clippers where the talk off the off season with their additions, they didn’t get off to the best of starts. However the Clippers have been on a good run of late winning 7 of their last 10 including wins of the Lakers and the Heat. It will be interesting to see if they can keep playing well.



The Rest

The East

The Cleveland Cavaliers although below a .500 record are still hanging onto the final playoff spot at present, due to the Knicks bombing of late. Toronto Raptors meanwhile have lost their last 7 games straight.

The West

The Houston Rockets have won 6 games in a row to move to 9-7 and just outside of the playoff positions. At the opposite side of the form table is the New Orleans Hornets who have lost 7 straight games and 9 out of their last 10.

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Australian Open First Week Review Second Week Preview

The Favourites

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic has not been tested thus far in the Australian Open having won all of his matches in straight sets, conceding a mere 10 games in total.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal has won all four of his matches n straight sets, with his best performance coming against Lopez in his 4th round match. This fact is likely to please Nadal and his team greatly as he usually saves his best form for when it matters in slams. Next up he faces Berdych in the quarter finals.

Roger Federer

Federer has Only played three matches due to a 2nd round walk over, he has played the minimum number of sets in these matches and looks fresh and strong. In the sapping heat of Melbourne playing one full match less then everyone else could help Federer title challenge greatly. Next up is Del Potro in the quarter finals.

Andy Murray

Since losing his very first set of the tournament Murray has not dropped another one. He had looked comfortable in every much thus far and looks to be enjoying his tennis which has not always been the case. His new coach Ivan Lendl will be very happy with Murray first weeks work in Melbourne. Next up is Kukushkin.

The outsiders

David Ferrer

Ferrer has been his usual self so far in Melbourne, winning matches in his usual manner. Ferrer had a tough five set match in the 2nd round against Ryan Sweeting, which in many ways could be a good thing for Ferrer it puts miles on his legs which he likes and he does not mind winning ugly. Next up for Ferrer is Frenchman Gasquet.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Tsonga is was one of the form players coming into the Australian Open and has thus far looked good making the 4th round, dropping only one set in his opening round match. He has a lot going for him and will be a danger as this tournament gets into the business end.

Tomas Berdych

Berdych has so far never looked in any trouble in any of his 1st 4 matches and therefore has not been overly stretched, which as he faces Nadal next could be very good as he will need looks of stamina there. The head to head does not favour Berdych at all and it will be interesting if he can turn around the situation which has seen him lose 10 matches in a row in the head to head.


Juan Martin Del Potro

Del Potro has looked good thus far in the Australian Open and looks to be nearing his best which saw him win the US Open before suffering a career threatening injury. Next up is a meeting with Federer who he beat to win his maiden grand slam, while his overall head to head record is not great against federer, he has won 2 of the last 3 matches between the pair.
Look Ahead to the remaining 4th round matches

[1] N Djokovic vs L Hewitt

Novak Djokovic leads the head to head 5-1 with Hewitt only win coming in their 1st ever meeting. Djokovic is the worlds best player at present, Hewitt is a faded force. Two or three years ago this might have been a tough match for Djokovic, that is not the case at present. Look for Djokovic to win fairly easily and unless the home crowd can lift Hewitt greatly he will not win a set.

[4] Murray vs M Kukushkin

Murray has what looks like a fairly easy 4th round match up as he faces Gael Monfils conquer Kukushkin. Kukushkin was 2-0 against Monfils before winning against a badly limited Monfils in terms of movement, however after letting slip a 2-0 lead he should bottle to get through. Given all of the above look for Murray to win in 3 sets.

[17] R Gasquet [5] D Ferrer

David Ferrer leads the head to head 5-1 with Gasquet sole win coming in the Masters event in Toronto. Gasquet is very much a top talent and in terms of pure natural ability has the advantage over Ferrer, however Gasquet often does not use his talent correctly and has under achieved thus far in his career. Gasquet often struggles in longer matches and Ferrer Loves them, this should to a Ferrer win possibly in 5 sets.

[24] K Nishikori vs [6] J Tsonga

Nishikori has been steadily climbing the rankings and is now a top 30 player, however this match is all about Tsonga if he plays anywhere near his top level he wins and if he plays at his best he could win easily. Tsonga to win in 3 or 4 sets.

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NFL Conference Championship Playoff Weekend Preview

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots

This game pits Tom Brady and the Patriots against Joe Flacco and the Ravens This game is very much a Offence v Defence game. The Patriots lead by the all time great Brady appear able to score at will have won their last 8 games. The Ravens on the other hand are a defensive beast and really mainly on this side of the game in order to win, in Flacco they have a good serviceable QB rather then a game changer.

The problem in this game for the Ravens is that as good as they are defensively, they will still give up points to the Brady lead offence and the question is can the Ravens offence score enough points on the Patriots much maligned defence. Although the Patriots gave up the 2nd most yards per game in the regular season, when it came to points allowed they were mid table. Taking everything into account look for the Patriots to point enough points on the board and the Patriots defence not allowing Flacco to match Brady and his offence numbers. Patriots to win.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

A lot of analysts in the media are suggesting that the Giants are the hot team going into this game, however that is simply not true. Both teams have won their last 4 games in a row, yes the Giants are on a hot streak simply because before this run they have been very up and down this season. The 49ers on the other hand have been hot all season only losing three games.

The Giants are led by Eli Manning who is having his best season consistent season since joining the NFL, he even broke the record for most 4th quarter touchdowns in a season. For much of the season Manning was carrying the Giants until the rest of the team woke up in the playoff run towards the end of the season. They reached the championship game by beating the Packers and as good as the Giants were the Packers played a large part in their own downfall with to many turnovers and weak defence.

The 49ers in the regular season relied greatly on defence, with Alex Smith and the offence not being great in the red zone put putting up enough beats for their superb defence. Last week for arguable the first team all season defence and offence worked in tandem against the Saints. The defence held the Saints to 32 points, which a lot of analysts did not think would happen. However maybe a greater surprise was the fact that the 49ers offence put up 36 points and Alex Smith won the game with a late drive, which many have doubted he was not able to do.

Look for another close game here, which is really a 50/50 type of game. The 49ers due to their elite defence and being at home are slight favourites and look for them to sneak the win.


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So Now We Know The Truth

The fight that the whole world has been waiting for over the last two years or more is between pound for pound king pins Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Now we know why up until this point it has yet to happen one word Arum.

Bob Arum the top man at Top Rank Boxing has been marking comments over the week or so that seem to contradict his fighter Pacquiao wishes. Early last week after Mayweather had called out Pacquiao via Twitter, the pacman told his home paper that he was due to meet Arum and discuss his next opponent. Pacquiao stated that he wanted Mayweather and was willing to submit to drug testing as well as take less then a 50/50 split.

Arum has other ideas he has a short list of four fighters for Pacquiao’s next fight none of which are named Mayweather, none of which would come close to generating the money that would be generated by a Mayweather Pacquiao showdown. That statement does not tell the whole story.

You see Pacquiao is the biggest attraction in boxing apart from Mayweather and therefore Arum could not ‘run the show’ Arum would not either get paid ‘twice‘, as he often does because he promotes both Pacquiao and his opponent or if not the opponent is exactly that he is not a name and therefore Arum would still get paid wonderfully well.

It is arguable weather or not it would be more then he would be paid for a Mayweather v Pacquiao fight or not, but the key is Pacquiao is much more likely to beat one of Arum short list of possible opponents rather then beat Mayweather and therefore Arum would be able to repeat the trick and use his cash cow once more. The excuses that Arum and Top Rank are making are laughable, first it was Pacquiao’s eye will not heel in time to fight May 5th, there is not enough time to promote the fight (its been promoted for the last 2 years or more) and that the outdoor 40,000 seat stadium in Las Vegas we not be complete in time. It is Las Vegas if it needs to be build by May 5th it would be. Bob Arum learned fully in Pacquiao ’s last fight against Marquez that Mayweather has Pacquiao’s number and Arum does not want to kill his cash cow just yet.

Freddie Roach has always joined Arum in saying November is the best time for the fight, due to the same excuses as stated by Arum. If you think about it November is the worst time for Mayweather and the Best for Pacquiao, the reason is simple whilst Mayweather is in prison Pacquiao can stay busy and then when Mayweather gets released be the sharper of the two for a November showdown as Mayweather would be rusty and have no time for a warm up fight. Mayweather may only fight once a year but his always in the gym staying in shape and getting a certain about or sharpness. Prison would not allow that.

All hope is not quite lost as Dan Rafael reported earlier today that Mayweather spoke to Pacquiao via telephone and hopefully they can force Arum to make the fight.



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Weekly European Football Report

Spain: LA Liga

The big two both won their games at the weekend Real beating Mallorca 2-1 away from home and Barcelona beating Real Betis 4-2 at home. Villarreal are still struggling being outclassed away to Atlético Madrid 3-0.

Real Zaragoza look to be fighting a losing cause to stay up as they are now 8 points from safety, as mentioned above Villarreal continue to struggle and they currently sit 19th in the table. Athletic Bilbao beat Levante 3-0 to close the gap from 5th to 4th down to 4 points. Look for the 4th place race and relation fight to go late into the season.

Italy: Serie A

The stand out game of the weekend was the Milan derby, which was won by Inter and help them close the gap to the top places. Inter Milan are now only 6 points behind the current leaders Juventus.

The bottom two are beginning to get cut off from the rest, as they are both 6 points from the 17th placed team Sienna. It looks as though the bottom two will struggle to stay up

France: Ligue 1

The French league Montpellier beat Lyon at home to stay within three points of league leaders PSG who beat Toulouse 3-1 at home. The league is still very tight with only 4 points separating 12th place Evian Thonon Gaillar and bottom of the table AC Ajaccio.

The Champions League places are still very much up for grabs, with only 5 points separating Lille in 3rd place to St Etienne in 7th place.

England: Premier League

Manchester United won to keep up the Pressure on Manchester City, in the title race. Tottenham meanwhile dropped their first points at home in while drawing with Wolves, Chelsea closed the gap with a win over Sunderland and Arsenal lost further ground losing to Swansea in one of the two Sunday Games.

Blackburn beat Fulham at home to move out of the relegation zone for the first time in a long time and give manger some breathing space.

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NHL Weekly Report

Boston Bruins

The Bruins are going along very nicely at the moment going 7-3 over their last three games. With 40 games left to play for the Bruins, they are 10 points clear of the 9th placed Maple Leafs.

New York Rangers

The Rangers are having a fantastic season thus far, they are scoring well and not conceding huge amounts. Even at this early stage they are looking certainties for the playoffs.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings have been motoring off late and are comfortably in the playoffs positions, they are scoring a load and their goal differential is huge.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks were sitting outside the playoff position not that long ago, but a good run of form has seen then shot up the Western Conference and they now sit in a good playoff position for now.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks are on a nice run of form at present, in large part due to the fact that they are an offensive goal scoring machine, they are exciting to watch to say the least.


St. Louis Blues

The Blues have the best defensive record in the Western Conference, and that means that on any given night they can win by scoring a very low amount of goals if needed.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks are a scoring machine, even though they have been missing Patrick Kane for some games lately it does not look like it has upset their offensive prowless in the slightest.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators are a very strange teams in many ways, they are an offensive machine, that also leak goals. However of late they are on a very good run of 8-1-1, which means they are in the middle of the playoff pack.

Nashville Predators

Nashville have won 5 straight games, which has given them a nice little cushion in the playoffs spots. Can they keep up their great form is the big question.



Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers are neither in good or bad form at the moment. They earlier form has meant that they are still in a solid position in the eastern conference, but the Flyers would like to be winning more games, then they have of late.

New Jersey Devils

At present the Devils are on a nice run of form losing only 3 of their last 10, they have also when their last two games. They both score and concede plenty and their playoff hopes are likely to be decide very late in the season

Los Angeles Kings

Under their new coach the Kings are on a good run of form, where they have only lost one of their last 10 in regulation. Their great defence enables them to stay in tight games, when they below par offence fails to fire.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are having a very up and down season at present they are just inside the playoffs position. Ovechkin their star player is struggling and long term they will need him to fire if they are to cause damage, if they make it to the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins have been sluggish of late losing 6 of their last 10. There has also been some reports of certain members of the team question weather star player Crosby is really suffering from concussion symptoms. In order for them to get going again things need to be sorted out

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Leafs are just outside of the Playoff places are have a nice run of form end, with two back to back losses. In order for the Leafs to make easier work of making the playoffs, they need to be more solid defensively as they are leaking goals, given that they are in the top four in scoring in the Eastern conference that should be enough to get them really moving.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche are having a decent run of form lately, nothing more nothing less. They sit a single point out of the playoff positions at present. They are yet another team that leaks goals and if it is not sorted they may find themselves struggling to make the playoffs

Best of the Rest

Eastern Conference

The Panthers although still topping their division are having a bad run of form, which they will hope will not last much longer or it could become a real issue for them. The Jets sit a few points outside of the last playoff position, with a little gap between them and the teams below.

Western Conference

The current 8th seed in the West the Wild are in a terrible run of form losing 6 of their last 10 which has left them with 4 teams within 4 points of them. In order to maintain their position or move up the Wild need to start winning soon.


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Pakistan v England 1st Test Preview

This is the first test of the winter for England and their first since becoming the worlds number one test side after beating India 3-0 in England last summer. India are playing a test series in Australia at the moment and if anything the Australians are beating them even worse then this England team did. That is bound to drive the England team to continue to improve and show they are undoubtedly number one, they have not got a great record on the sub continent and this would be a great time to change things. In the rest of this article we will be comparing the various different parts of each team.

Batting

On paper England’s batting line up is far superior to that of the Pakistani’s, England top 5 are all top class players and average 45 or better and Morgan at number Six is a talent. When you look at the Pakistan batting line up the one stand out performer is that of Younis Khan, who has been a top batsmen for many a year now. The rest of the Pakistan batsmen have yet to really establish themselves on the world test stage and England without a doubt are the better batting team.

Bowling

Whoever England decide to go with in terms of bowlers in their bowling line up it will be filled with experienced wicket taking bowlers, any one of which on their day can turn a test match on its head and they always have currently the world‘s best spinner in Swann. On the other side Pakistan only have to real bowlers of statues in Gul who is a very good quality bowler and will cause many problems for the English Batsmen and Saeed Ajmal who under the right conditions can cause problems with his spin, the rest of Pakistani‘s bowling line up looks to have promise but is inexperienced and unproven. Once again England win in the Bowling department.


Wicket Keeper

In Matt Prior England Probably have the finest wicket keeper batsman in the world today, his keeping on first entering the test arena was a big weakness however it has come on so much that it is no longer even mentioned. Prior Averages over 40 in tests and weather England need quick runs to help set up victory or someone to launch a counter Attack Prior is rarely found wanting. Akmal on the other had it at the start of what Pakistan is a long and Successful Test Career but at this stage bares no comparison to Prior.

Fielding

England’s Fielding and general attitude in the field helps set them apart, they are a well drilled outfit that drop very few catches and they do not give away many runs through poor fielding. Pakistani Fielding seems to have gotten better of late but it is still no consistent, to improve they need to be able to concentrate over longer periods. Once more England have the edge in this area.

Experience

The Gulf in experience between the two teams is huge depending on the exact teams England will have roughly twice the number of tests caps as Pakistan and if things get tight in the test, this could prove a major difference.


Conclusion

In conclusion look for Pakistan in a home series (although its being played in nearby countries) to attempt to push England hard but come up short and lose the Test. England’s overall class and experience should be to make for this inexperienced test playing Pakistan side.


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NBA Weekly Report

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were a 5-0 last week. Perhaps the biggest win of the week for the Bulls came against the Wizards, yes those Wizards that have won one game all season so far. I say this because that win was a very easy one without their star player in Rose and their off season signing Hamilton.

Miami Heat

The Heat were 0-3 last week. The Heat have lost three straight, some will call it a crisis. Others will be more reasonable and call it what it is a bad patch. After the way the Heat started you would not expect them to loss three straight, however in a long season like the NBA these things happen. The Heat will be thinking better now then in the playoffs.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics were 0-3 last week. Unlike the Heat, there could be some serious problems ahead for the Celtic. Their famed big three are old and Ray Allen last week on an ESPN game all but admitted they are not as they once were, saying this is now Rondo’s team and we are here to help. The Eastern conference is not super strong and they should still be able to make the playoffs, at this point it is hard to see them being a major threat.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks were 3-1 last week. The Hawks are in many ways the most interesting team in the NBA, they look capable of losing to anyone one night and then the very next night look like they could beat anyone. The Hawks will need to sort out their up and down form to be first taken seriously by fans and experts and secondly to become a force.

Philadelphia Seventy Sixers

The 76ers were 4-1 last week. At the moment they are looking very comfy as the leaders in the Atlantic division. With The Celtics Struggling early and the Knicks not looking like having approved, the Sixers could well be the winners of this seasons Atlantic division.

New York Knicks

The Knicks were 2-2, last week. The Knicks do not seem to be making any real advance’s in their game, if they have a good scoring night they are always in with a shout. If their offence is having a slow night then their defence is not good enough to help sneak a win.

Orlando Magic

The Magic were 3-0 last week. The Magic had a nice road win at Portland last week, at this point in time the Magic are pretty much what most people expected, a team improved greatly by one star player in Howard. They struggle when Howard struggles or does not play, the short term future is linked to his trade or lack thereof.


Indiana Pacers

The Pacers were 3-1 last week. They had to good wins against the Hawks and a struggling Celtic team. They have still only given up 100 points or more once this season, defence like that could hold them in good standing come playoff time where they are certain to be involved.

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks were 4-0 last week. After a sluggish start to the season, the Mavericks appear to have found their stride and there is no reason for this not to continue. They should continue to gel better and better, it will be interesting to see how far this Mavericks team can go.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder were 4-0 last week. The Thunder are a joy to watch with Durant and Westbrook in tandem, they are a young team that could play hard all season, without having to worry about saying energy for the playoffs. Look for them to be a very high seed if not the highest in the Western Conference.

L.A. Lakers

The Lakers were 4-1 last week. The Lakers are performing a lot better then many so called experts believed they would as the season open, with Kobe leading them they will get a high seed in the west, even without any trades. If they were to make a trade it could Make things a lot harder for their title rivals.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were 2-2 last week. The Spurs currently have the second best record in the West this season, so far unlike last season it looks like they are pacing themselves better. For the Spurs it is not what happens in the regular season, but what happens in the playoffs that is important.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies were 2-2 last week. The Grizzles have had 2 weeks in which they have gone .500, if they are to make the playoffs in the Western conference they are going to need to be better then 33-33 team. It is still early days and so far, there is no real cause for concern.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers were 2-3 last week. The Blazers had a very average last week, it was by no means a disaster. In a long season like the NBA weeks like the Blazers have had will happen, what will be important is how the Blazers come back from it. I am expecting a strong comeback.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets were 2-1 last week. The Nuggets had a good week being the third straight team to beat the Heat, if the Nuggets continue playing with their current confidence there is no reason why they cannot be a top four seed in the Western Conference.

New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets were 1-3 last week. The Hornets had another bad week, last week and things do not look they will be improving anytime soon. There has been talk of contraction in the NBA and the Hornets would be one of the prime Candidates.

L.A. Clippers

The clippers were 2-1 last week. They had a very good week, they started with a loss in Portland but back that up with to massive victories against the Heat and their city rivals the Lakers. In a long season for two seasoned teams, their losses vs. the Clippers will not mean much. However for the Clippers they were huge wins, that should give them confidence to know they can be the NBA’s top team. Look for them to continue to grow.

The Rest

The East

The Cleveland Cavaliers although below a .500 record are hanging onto the final playoff spot at present. Look for this to change if the Celtics find any sort of good form.

The West

The Utah Jazz are having a very nice start to the season and look like they will be in and around the playoff picture all the way.

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NFL Divisional Playoff Weekend Preview

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

This game is the ultimate Offence v Defence of this season playoff run, thus far. The Saints were the second highest scores in the NFL in the regular season scoring just over 34 points per game, there were mid table in terms of points conceded with just over 21 points per game. The 49ers on the other were second best in points allowed with just over 14 allowed per game, the 49ers for all of the talk of Alex Smith struggles in the red zone were 11 in scoring with just under 24 a game.

Look for this game to be won by the team that gets to play their type of football, if the 49ers defence can contain the Saints and Drew Brees offence, The 49ers offence would score enough points to win the game. Look for a tight fairly low scoring game (by this seasons standards) and a win for the 49ers.

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

This game pits Tom Brady and the Patriots against Tim Tebow and the Broncos. If you look purely at stats it is hard to figure out how the Broncos made it here their points differential is minus 5, which is never a good thing. There offence is average at most stages of a game and their defence gives up a fair few points, so far they have managed to come up with key plays on both sides of the ball and a weak division also help.

On the other hand the Patriots lead by Tom Brady are an offence machine and appear able to score at will, whilst their defence with has received a lot of negative press this season is a respectable mid table in points allowed. Look for a big scoring game with the Patriots winning by a fairly big margin.

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

This game pits 2 of the NFL top 5 defences against each other, conceded an average of 17 points per game between. Both offence are functional rather then very good, they both rank in the upper mid table in this area of the game. The Texans won their first ever playoff game last week in their first attempt and confidence should be high. The Ravens are a seasoned playoff team and no what is needed to win at this stage of the playoffs.

With the game being played in Baltimore, look for the Ravens to take the win in a fairly low scoring and tight game.


New York Giants at Green Bay Packers

If you like big scoring football then this could be the game for you. The meeting between the two in early December produced over 70 points and there was only 3 points in it. Aaron Rodgers has had an amazing season and really just carried on from last years super bowl win.

Eli Manning started before the start of the season that he was an elite QB, many experts disagreed. However Manning has had a great season he broke the 4th quarter touch down record and has in many ways carried this team. They have been hot of late and confidence will be high

Both the Giants and Packers rank below mid table in points allowed per game. Look for a high scoring game where both sides score lots, it could well be similar to the regular season game. If it is a shoot out look for Rodgers and the Packers to have the edge and move forward in the playoffs.



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Australian Open Preview

The Favourites

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic only action so far this year has been in exhibitions, there were questions going into the exhibition held just before the new year started regarding Djokovic and the health of his shoulder. In Abu Dhabi he easily defeated by Roger Federer and David Ferrer. The results in these matches like that mean very little if anything at all. The encouraging thing for Djokovic was how his shoulder held up, Djokovic will very likely get to the Semi final of the Australian Open and has to be the favourite going in.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal is a very interesting case coming into the first grand slam of the season, he like Djokovic started off just before new years playing in an exhibition tournament, going 1-1 in Abu Dhabi. He then moved on to the Qatar Open where he lost open to Monfils, where in all honesty he never really looked like winning. Nadal announced before the season started that he would be taking February off, this caused a few eyebrows to be raised. This was for two main reasons the first was that it signal to the rest of the tour, that Nadal was not ready for the start off the season, and then following on from that theory the question is weather or not Nadal is fit enough to go all the way in the Australian Open. In my view even if Nadal is not at his best his willpower will enable Nadal to get to at least the semi finals if not further.

Roger Federer

Federer like the world’s top two started his season at the Abu Dhabi, where he lost both of the matches that he played. Federer has admitted that he was using the opening weeks of the season before the Australian Open, as more a training period rather then worrying about winning matches of tournaments. After going the first year of his career without winning a grand slam, since he won his first one in 2003. Federer with be more hungry then he has been for a while, in an attempt to silence those that say he will never win another grand slam. Do not be surprised if we say a Djokovic Federer final with Federer coming out on top.

Andy Murray

Murray unlike the other members of the top four started his season in Australia winning the Brisbane International, in his first tournament under the wing of his new coach Ivan Lendl. His one goal this year is to win a grand slam for the first time in his career. There is no reason why Murray cannot win this seasons Australian Open, if he does he will have to do it the hard way. His possible run from the fourth round to the championship could be Monfils, Tsonga, Djokovic and Nadal if things go to seedlings.

The outsiders

David Ferrer

Ferrer overall game is very solid and consistent without being spectacular. For Ferrer to win a grand slam tournament especially on a hard court, he would need many things to go in his favour. His game alone is not enough to stand up to many of the worlds top players and he gets by at the very top level on his fitness and willpower. The problem is that to win this tournament Ferrer is likely to need to beat Murray, Djokovic and Nadal or Federer in a row, unless there are some upsets along the way this Ferrer is unlikely to win this or any other grand slam.



Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Tsonga is a bit of an enigma, 2011 was undoubtedly his most consistent year on the tour so far. He has gotten off to a good start this season by beating his great friend Gael Monfils in the final of the Qatar Open. Tsonga has one of the biggest games today in tennis today, if he gets on a run and keeps his confidence up and does not mentally drop, he has a very good chance of going far in the Australian Open.

Tomas Berdych

Is in many ways Similar to Tsonga, he has a very big serve and his all round game is very strong. Unlike Tsonga Berdych movement is not great and therefore he can be moved around the court out of position by the best players easier then he should. If everything goes in his favour then Berdych may do fairly well in the Australian Open, but is unlikely to win it.


Juan Martin Del Potro

Del Potro had a very good and consistent 2011, and looked to be nearing his best towards the end of the year. Del Potro has the game to win a grand slam and having already one win there is no doubt he has the mental ability needed in big matches. Look for Del Potro to go fairly deep and cause many problems along the way, but Del Potro will probably full short of winning it all.


Gael Monfils

Monfils made a very good start to the season by beating Nadal and making it to the final of the Qatar Open, where he lost out to Tsonga. In his match against Nadal, Monfils looked like a very focused player instead of the player who often appears more interested in entertaining the crowd then winning. He was hitting lots of winners against Nadal, they were very few loose shots and in key movements under pressure he looked solid. If which is a big word when talking about Monfils, he can keep his focus then he could go along way and cause lots of problems over the next two weeks.

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Weekly European Football Report

Spain: LA Liga

The Spanish top flight return after their winter break this pass weekend. With both of the big two in action, Real Madrid had a very convincing 5-1 over Granada, whilst Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw at local rivals Espanyol. These results left Barcelona 2nd 5 points behind their great rivals, Barcelona appear to be the better team but Real Madrid appear more focused. In a league where both drop very few points it could be that focus that wins Real Madrid the League this season.

The race for the fourth and final champions league place seems wide open as only 8 points separate Levante in 4th to Real Betis in 10th position, with 21 games still to play, so this race seems like it will have many twists and turns before the season is over.

The bottom half of the table is very congested and there is only 6 points between Atletico Madrid in 11th and Villarreal in 18th . The only team that it could be argued are in a impossible position is Real Zaragoza who are some 7 points from safety and for a team battling relegation this is a big gap even at just before the half stage.

Italy: Serie A

After a shocking start to the season Inter Milan continue to climb up the table and now sit 5th in the league only a point of Lazio in 4th and only 8 off arch rivals Ac Milan which after Inters shocking start is quiet some achievement.

Lower down the table there is a gap begging to open between the bottom three and the right of the lower half of the table with some six points between Novara in 18th and Bologna In 17th. Of course there is still a very long way to go but that is some gap already and the bottom three need to have a change in results fairly soon in order to survive relegation.

France: Ligue 1

The French league is very much a two tier league this season, with only 10 points from PSG in 1st place down to St Etienne in 8th place, the four top teams are within 5 points of each other. At PSG Carlo Ancelotti has taken as coach, in a fairly strange position with PSG having a 3 point advantage at the top of the league over the winter break.

Then in the 2nd tier of the league you have only 6 points from Lorient in 9th place down to Sochaux in 19th place. Both ends of the French championship look as though they have a long way to go before anything is really decided, it should be an interesting ride.

Germany: Bundesliga

The winter champions in this seasons Bundesliga were Bayern Munich who hold a 3 point advantage of last seasons champions Borussia Dortmund, there is only 5 points separating the top 4th and at this time it looks as though the winner of the title will come from one of these clubs.

From 7th placed Hannover 96 down to 15th placed Nuremberg there is only 5 points in it, then is then a further gap of 2 points between Nuremberg and FC Kaiserslautern in 16th place the first relegation spot. In the shortest season in terms of games placed in among Europe’s top league, it all looks set for an interesting second half of the season.

Holland: Eredivisie

AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven hold 5 and 4 point leads respectability over FC Twente and Ajax in 3rd and 4th place, look for these four along with possibly Feyenoord joining the party to pull away from the rest of the league and fight it out for the title. It could be a well before any real predictions can be made with certain about who will win the Eredivisie this season.

Further down the league there is a 5 point gap between 15th placed NEC and the bottom three. If anything is to change for the bottom three, then now would be a good time to start for the bottom three to start picking up some points. Otherwise they run the risk of being cut adrift at the bottom of the table.

England: Premier League

Since our mid season report a week ago, due the FA cup 3rd round taking place, only one match has been played in the Premier League. In the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, Tottenham were 2-0 winners to further strength there position in 3rd place level on points with Manchester United in 2nd. Tottenham have been great this season in beating the so called teams that a top four side are meant to beat dropping very few points against such teams. Against their rivals in the top six they have done even to more then merit their current position.

It will be interesting to see what the rest of the season holds and weather or not Tottenham can keep up anywhere near their current fill and if they do drop will Arsenal, Chelsea or both of them be able to take advantage of any drop in form.

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Is Andy Murray Already The Greatest Player Never To Win A Grand Slam?

Last week we kicked off the Tennis season with a look at the 2011 end of year top 10, as well as some to look out for in the year ahead. This week we take an in-depth look at world Number four Andy Murray.

Murray’s first full year on the circuit was 2006, his first ATP title come the same year , the SAP Open hosted in San Jose California. Murray’s end of year ranking at the end of 2006 was world number 17. In 2008 he again made good strides as he won another two titles including retaining the SAP Open that he won in 2006 and finishing just out of the top 10 finishing number 11.

Murray’s breakthrough year came in 2008 when he not only won his first two masters titles in Madrid and Cincinnati respectively, but he also made it to his first ever grand slam final at the US open where he lost to Roger Federer. Murray also ended the year in the top 4 for the first time a ranking he has never been lower that at year end since.

2009 was Murray’s best year to date in terms of titles won, he won six tour titles including a further two Masters titles this time in Canada and Miami. It was always a year in which Murray reached his career high ranking of world number 2 on the 17th August. It was another solid year, in which Murray further established himself as one of the worlds very best.

In 2010 Murray had more heartache at a grand slam final this time losing to Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open final, it was another nearly moment although like against Federer in the US Open he didn’t really threaten in the match when it really mattered.

In many ways 2011 was Murray’s best ever season on tour not only was he just one title short in terms of his best ever year tally, he always made it to every one of the four grand slam semi final’s going one better at the Australian, losing in the final to Novak Djokovic who as everyone knows had a year for the ages winning three out off the four grand slams.

In his career Murray has won eight masters series titles beating all three of his great rivals at some pint along the way, add that to the three grand slam finals as well as two semi final appearances at the end of year world tour finals and you have a very impressive career thus far.

Many will point to his three grand slam final losses and say that they show that he is not a true top class world beater, when in though it really says how unlucky he has been so far in his career. He has only lost to the three very best players of his era and two in Federer and Nadal that are already secure as two of the best ever, Djokovic could well join them. The point is that if Murray had played in any other era he would of won at least a couple of grand slam titles by now and may even have been the dominant player of many previous era’s.

Murray finally has a full time coach in former world number one and serial major winner Ivan Lendl, the effect that Lendl can have on Murray can only be positive. Lendl is in many ways the ideal coach for Murray at this time in his career he like Murray suffered great heartache in his first few grand slam finals before going on to win eight. Look for Murray to reach another grand slam final this year and possibly win it, if that happens this article will no longer be about the greatest player never to win a grand slam but rather one of the greatest to only have won one, Murray story is far from over.


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Manny Pacquiao

Last week Freddie Roach stated, that Pacquiao would not be waiting for Mayweather to be released from prison, this was of course before the last minute decision of a Las Vegas Judge to allow Floyd Mayweather to stay out of prison until June 1st and thus allowed Mayweather to fight on May 5th at the MGM Grand Garden. The question now is does this change anything in terms of a proposed fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

It appears to be well know within the boxing industry that Pacquiao is scheduled to meet Arum in Sarangani today, discuss his next opponent, scheduled for June. At present it appears that Bob Arum will give Manny Pacquiao a short list of four opponents to choose from Juan Manuel Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Timothy Bradley and Lamont Paterson.

From previous remarks by Arum before Mayweather struck a Plea bargain to be sentence for 90 days, Arum seemed to be more interested in a fourth make up between Pacquiao and Marquez rather then a showdown between Pacquiao and Mayweather. So at this point in time it would appear that Mayweather’s availability to fight in May will not be enough to make the match up that has been in the ‘works’ for the last two years or more.

For now it is wise to proceed on the assume that Pacquiao next fight will be one of the four fights on the short listed noted above. Lets now take a look at the merits of each proposed fight.

Juan Manuel Marquez

A four fight with Marquez would be an extremely easy sell to the boxing world and general fans alike, all three of their previous meetings could have gone either way according to many. The third fight especially caused lots of controversy, with a long majority believing that Marquez did easily more then enough to win. The only real issue with making the fourth fight would be a possible Marquez reluctance due to in his eyes having the three previous fights go wrongly against him. However a big bump in purse money may just do the trick.

Miguel Cotto

Cotto is a three weight world champion and has a very good resume of wins on his record. There are however two problems to a fight between the two, the first is that Cotto now fights at Light middleweight and would probably be best advised not to drop down in weight, even to a catch weight. The second problem with this fight is would it be marketable as the two fought in 2009 and Pacquiao was seen as the easy winner. However Pacquiao can largely sell a fight on his own and Cotto still has a large following, that along with them both being Top Rank fighters could well see the fight get made.

Timothy Bradley

Bradley is a new addition to the Top Rank stable and they are well known to like to keep their fights ‘in house’ so to speak so this would be a very easy fight to sell. Add into the mix that Bradley is a undefeated former unified Light Welterweight champion. The only real draw back to this fight is that Bradley is not a ‘name’ fighter, he is a very good and slick but his not got a following to speak of. As noted above Pacquiao can sell a fight on his own so this doesn’t necessary have to be a big issue.

Lamont Peterson

Of all four of the fighters on the short list the new WBA and IBF Light Welterweight Champion, is the least likely to be Pacquiao’s next opponent. The reason is simple the WBA have ordered an immediate rematch between him and Amir Khan due to the alleged controversy of their December title fight. Therefore don’t look for a Pacquiao Peterson match up next.


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NHL Weekly Report

Eastern Conference

There is only seven points separating Sabres in 11th place in the Eastern conference up to 6th place Devils. Over the last week the Rangers and Maple Leafs have been on a great run of form winning four and three in a row respectively.

The Penguins Have fallen to 8th in the standings losing their last four, they need to stop the bad run of form quickly as they are only one point clear of the 9th place Jets, as we said last week the race to the Stanley Cup Playoffs is likely to go right down to the last few if not the last game of the season.

The Canadiens as we noted last week needed to make some sort of move before they were really out of realistic contention, they have won their last two which has at least for now meant they are still very much alive. The Lightening, Hurricanes and Islanders have continued the poor season form and this season appears an uphill struggle from here


Western Conference

As we mentioned last week the Sharks were on the outskirts of the playoffs, but still very much in the picture. Since then they have won there last four in a row to go to the top of their division and third in the Western conference standings.

The Wild are on a run of three straight losses, which has left them sitting 7th in the Western Conference, they are only 1 point clear of teams 8-10 in the conference. At this stage it looks like the Wild will have to pick up their form at some point, in order to make a push for the playoffs.

We mentioned last week that the Oilers were having major issues on the defensive side of the puck in order to stand any chance of the playoffs, they have lost their last three in a row and currently sit some 12 points outside of the playoffs. In a league where going on a long winning run of anything more then three or four is the exception rather then the rule, the Oilers will now struggle to make much of a run at the playoffs



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NBA First Weekly Report

Eastern Conference

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were a 4-1 last week. So far, as expected its more of the same on defence by Bulls allowing only 84 points this week, look for this sort of defence to continue. Their big summer signing Richard Hamilton has not been playing as the Bulls have decided to rest him because a minor injury. Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng are both having solid early seasons. With Hamilton in the Line up look for the bulls to get easy better as the season progresses.

Miami Heat

The Heat were 4-1 last week. The Heat got a lot of coverage after losing to the Hawks in Miami on Monday. After that they rebounded with two impressive winners in different ways one v the Pacers. Where not only where the heat very easy winners, they were the first team to score 100 or more against the up and coming Pacers scoring 118 points. Then in the return game against the Hawks, where the heat won with either James or Wade. Look for teams to approach the Heat being able to make adjustments more often then not.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics were3-1 last week, to get to .500 . It would appear that after a slow start to the season the Celtics are heading in the right direction. Look for the veteran team that are the Celtic to be a fairly high seed in the playoffs and with some favourable match ups and if they stay healthy the Celtic may make some noise.
Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks were 3-2 last week. They scored two very impressive wins against the Heat and bulls and losing to both teams in last week also. The Hawks are a very talented and athletic team who could cause problems for any team in the league, when they are on their game. The problem in the past with the Hawks is that they are very up and down, which in turn has led to them not so far establishing themselves as a top contender in the east.

Philadelphia Seventy Sixers

The 76ers were3-0 last week. They are a very young team on the rise, the Sixers are rebuilding with a young core after a few barren years. They look like they will easy make the playoffs and continue to grow, they are a fun team to watch and could be a force once more in a few years.

New York Knicks

The Knicks were 2-2, last week. The Knicks seem to be what we thought going into the season very good on offence, but when a game is not so high scoring they struggle. In order to improve further their defence needs to be improved greatly, otherwise they will be an entertaining rather then a very good team.

Orlando Magic

The Magic were 2-2 last week. The Magic’s problem is that they are a very good ‘team’, when Howard is on his game they are a very though team to handle, however against a top team not over reliant on one star as Orlando clearly are, can the magic win a best of Seven match up. At this point in time the evidence would suggest not.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers were 3-1 last week. They are a very good defensive team who are only have only conceded 100 or more points once so far this season. They are a very good young team, that will improve greatly over the next few years. It will be interesting to see how far the Pacers can go this season.

Western Conference

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks were 3-2 last week. They appear as though they are still getting to no each other as a group and look to see the best of the Mavericks towards the end of the season rather then right now. They will easily make the playoffs, then if they gel well they could cause some damage in the playoffs. Like they did last season winning it all.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder were 2-2 last week. They are now 7-2 after a 5-0 start to the season. Even at 66 games the season is still very long and there will be more then one little slump in form for even the N.B.A’s best teams. The Thunder are very much among the favourites from the west, to at the very least go to the N.B.A finals.

L.A. Lakers

The Lakers were 2-2 last week. They have Andrew Bynum back from suspension and healthy for now, weather or not he can stay healthy could determine the Lakers season unless they make a big trade. With Bynum, Gasol and of course Bryant the Lakers still an excellent season. This season should be an entertaining one this year.

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs were 3-1 last week. The Spurs are an old team in this league and have now last their best player in Manu Ginobili. They will be easily good enough to be a playoff team this year, however Ginobili fitness or otherwise as well as their other veteran players will define the Spurs Season.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies were 2-2 last week. The Grizzlies yet another youngish up and coming team in the west
They have make a slow start to the season. It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies progress this year, as they look to be a very goof team in the making.

Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers were 2-2 last week. The Blazers have made a very solid start to this season and look to have a very good group of players, rather then one superstar player. If they manage to get any games and thus production from Greg Oden, then the Blazers could well prove to be a serious threat come playoff time. Even without him they will be a fairly though much up for anyone.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets were 4-1 last week. The Nuggets appear to be a team that all small market teams should look to when a big star wants out, Anthony wanted out and they got the best trade possible for him. Look for them to continue to a solid team in the West this season at the very least and they may ever make some noise along the way.

New Orleans Hornets

The Hornets were 0-4 last week. The question I asked last week was, how would the Hornets cope without Chris Paul, they got off to a 2-0 start and have lost 6 straight since. Are we seeing the Hornets of the next few years, for Hornets fans it appears that at least in the short term the Hornets will be one of the worse teams in the West.

L.A. Clippers

The clippers were 3-1 last week. Chris Paul as well as Billups are still yet to fully click with Blake Griffin, which is to be expected, however it looks as though they are doing well enough in the early season so far. Look for them to improve over the season and for the Clippers to be entertaining throughout.

The Rest

The East

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a solid start to the season, how long it continues is the real interesting issue. I doubt they will go on with this solid form for the whole season, if they do they will be in with a chance of the players. The Wizards are rock bottom of the standings with an 0-8 record, look for them to continue to struggle.

The West

The biggest record story of the season thus far is that of Minnesota Timberwolves Ricky Rubio, who has been outstanding of the bench in the playmaker role, how long it will take him to be a starter is the question on everyone’s mind at the moment.

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NFL Wild Card Weekend Preview

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans

Both of these teams go into this Wild Card game 2-3 in their last five games, however the Texans are on a three game losing streak. The Bengals have conceded an average of 27 points over the last five games, scoring an average of 17 points in this same stretch. The Texans have conceded average of 20 over their last five games scoring 18 points a game in those games. This game pits the rebuilding Bengals and there rookie QB Andy Dalton who has had a stellar first season against the Texans in their first ever playoff appearance with their very own rookie QB In TJ Yates. The key to this game appears to be Aaron Foster and how his young and even compared to Dalton inexperienced QB can lean on Foster and manage the game against Dalton who has played a full regular season. Look for a tight game with the Texans sneaking it at home.

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints

Detroit go into this game 3-2 in their last five games, the Saints are 5-0 during the same period. The Lions have conceded an average of 29 points in their last five games, scoring an average of 30 points in this same period. The Saints have conceded an average of 19 points a game in their last five, scoring an average of 36 points in this period. At the beginning of the season this game would have been built as the Saints offensive Machine vs. the Defence might of the Lions, now it looks like offence v offence which is not ideal for the Lions. Matt Stafford is having a fine year as Lions QB going from strength to strength passing the 5000 yard mark in the regular season as did Drew Brees. The problem for Stafford and the Lions is Drew Brees, his having a season for the ages and has broken a number of offensive records this season. Look for a very high scoring game with the Saints winning this shoot out.

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants

The Falcons are 3-2 in their last five games, the Giants are also 3-2 in the same period. The Falcons have conceded an average of 25 points a game in their last five, scoring an average of 29 points in this time. The Giants have conceded an average of 25 points in there last five games, scoring an average of 28 points in the same time. As is very much the case in the new NFL which is all about offence both of these teams QB have had very good seasons, however both teams have failed to show up in many games on defence and their offensives have been unable to pull out the win for the team on a few occasions. Look for a good entertaining game with Eli Manning’s deeper playoff experiences helping him to pull of the win for his Giants.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

The Steelers are 4-1 in their last five games, the Broncos 2-3 over the same period. The Steelers have conceded an average of 10 points in their last five games, scoring an average of 18 points In these games. The Broncos have lost their last three and over their last five have consider 26 points and scored an average of 18 points in these games. In many ways this game is some what of a throw back game, both of these teams rely on defence far more then offence to win games and in the Steelers case it has lead to two super bowls in recent years. Big Ben is not at full health for the Steelers, but he should still start as he is the toughest QB in the NFL. Tebow on the other had is a much different type of QB to Roethlisberger and appears to be either loved as a player for his style or hated for it. Tebow got off to a 7-1 start upon taking over as the Bronces QB earlier in the season and found ways to win when it appeared impossible. In the last three games though the manager seems to have disappeared, in fairness Tebow was getting too much praise for the wins and to much blame for the Broncos losses. Look for the Steelers seasoned playoff defence to have to much for the Tebow Broncos led offence with big Ben making enough key plays to see the Steelers advance in the playoffs

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Floyd Mayweather

With today being the day that Floyd Mayweather reports to jail for 90 days, as part of a plea bargain that he made, I thought I would be a great time to discuss his past achievements and options in the ring moving forward.

Floyd for me gets a lot of unfair criticism regarding his level of opposition and who he has and hasn’t fought over the years. Lots of anyalysts and fans say that he has fought big names at the tail end of their careers and fought guys in their prime above there normal weight class. Prime examples of this include the Oscar Dela Hoya fight and the Juan Manuel Marquez Fight.

In relation to the Dela Hoya fight, there is few that would suggest that Oscar was at the peak of his powers when he faced off against Mayweather, but if you look back over the history of that fight being made it is clear Mayweather was not at fault for this. Mayweather had been chasing Dela Hoya for years, from the time when there was a few weight classes between them in Dela Hoya’s favour , the same is very much the case for the Shane Mosley fight.

In regards to the fight with Marquez, a few things should be taken into consideration, it was Mayweather’s first fight back after ‘retirement’ as well as a chance to get one up on Manny Pacquiao. It was a fight the Mayweather won nearly every second of and if he wanted to appeared as though he could end it at any time. In Marquez last fight against Pacquiao, Stevie Wonder could see that they was only one winner on the night and that was Marquez, what fight the judges where watching I have no idea.

The third big criticism that has been labelled at Mayweather is that he has avoided fights to classic examples of this are Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito. However those in the know as this link shows http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/12/mayweather-didnt-duck-margarito-or-cotto/ Mayweather duck neither. At the time Cotto was easily the biggest draw that Top Rank had and Mayweather wanted a guaranteed 10 million to fight Cotto and Arum only guaranteed him 7 million. Arum was willing to give May weather a guaranteed 7 million to fight Antonio Margarito. Arum was doing what all good promoters do protect their cash cow, but therefore along with his fighters take full blame for neither of those fights happening.

Now lets look forward to what’s next for mayweather he will be released around the 5th April 2012. He usually likes roughly an 8 week training camp, this means that his proposed fight date of May 5th is likely to be moved back, so how are the contenders to be in the opposing corner come fight night.

Andre Berto/Victor Ortiz

I put these two together because they are due to face off in a rematch early next month and the winner may way be the favourite to fight Mayweather next. From a pay per view sense both fights make sense people will tune into an Ortiz rematch with Mayweather because of what happened last time and Berto could be sold as an up and coming star.

Amir Khan

King Khan as the Bolton fighter calls himself was thought to be in pole position for a fight with Mayweather as he was planning on moving up in weight, but appears to have fallen away in the short term at least, following his lost to Lamont Peterson last month. Khan is still Crying over the decision and being deducted points unfairly. In my view it was a very close fight where Khan used the wrong tactics and made it a hard fight for himself, as for the points deduction they were never harsh or unfair. Khan was warned on numerous occasions to stop pushing etc and he refused, it does not matter if you agree with the ref or not you must obey his commands at all times.

Manny Pacquiao

The only other fight that makes sense at this time for Mayweather Is Pacquiao, however as Freddie Roach has already stated, Pacquiao will not be waiting for Mayweather to be released. Look for Pacquiao to face either Lamont Peterson or have a fourth fight with Marquez next.

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Premier League Mid Season Report

Manchester City

City had a wonderful start to the season, not tasting defeat until they visited Chelsea. They have had a little wobble of late only winning 3 of their last six games. City have been lucky with second placed United also dropping points of late. Look for City to move on from their little wobble and without the worry of Champions League football take control of the league, wrapping up the title with a few games to go.

Manchester United

United the current champions of England are having a funny old season. They have been embarrassed at old Trafford by their cross town rivals City and not playing anything like the fluid football they we are used to seeing. They have lost their last two league games, however are far from out of the title race. Although it appears clear that United are not as good as they where last season missing some key players and suffering some long term injures, expect them to be City’s closet challenges for the title. If although it appears unlikely at this time they go out and buy a creative midfielder, then who knows they may win even win the title.


Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are having their best season for many a year. They are six points clear of fifth placed Arsenal and only three points off second placed Arsenal. They play an exciting attacking brand of football and in Bale, Modric and Van Der Vaart have players capable of winning a game with a piece of magic. Spurs squad is not as strong as some analysts will have you believe and if Bale and Modric in particular are out for any real length of time it will be interesting to see how they cope. There is always the up coming trial of Harry Redknapp as well as return fixtures against other members of the top six to come.


Chelsea

Chelsea have had a up and down start under Andre Villas-Boas losing to teams that they should comfortably beat, but then always being the first to beat Manchester City. In Daniel Sturridge that look to have a player of real ability, who could be a top player for years to come. None of the 2011 signings made by Chelsea save for Mata have been unqualified successes. It is likely Chelsea will do some serious spending in the current transfer window, the success of any signings could make or break their bid for champions league football come next season.

Arsenal

Arsenal had a shockingly bad start to this season and where struggling just out side of the relegation zone early on. Robin Van Persie has been a revelation, without anyone else being able to finish off moves Arsenal would likely be mid table. Gervinho is having an excellent first season although his end product at times and his finishing need more work. Theo Walcott continues to disappoint and does not like a top 4 talent. Many off Arsenal weakness such as goalkeeper and defence are now greatly improved. The real concern for Arsenal at the moment is up the pitch where they lack a creative midfielder on the wing and a back up to Robin Van Persie who is prone to a yearly injury. The Return of Wilshere may help to solve some of this problems, where it will be enough to see Arsenal In the top four at the end of the season only time will tell.

Liverpool

Since the return of King Kenny to Anfield as manager a lot of investment has been made. Big money has been spent following the sale of Torres on the like of Andy Carroll, Luis Suárez, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam. Aside from Suarez who is currently banned for the next 7 games, none of the aforementioned names have been huge hits, with Carroll thus for being a huge disappointment. With their current squad they have a solid back line but do not score enough goals . Look for them to finish this season no higher then 5th at best.

Newcastle United

Newcastle have been one of the surprises of the season, selling Andy Carroll last January and replacing him with a free transfer in Demba Ba, who has had injury problems in the best. There form of late until last nights wonderful win over Manchester United has not been stellar, however look for them to settle into their current place and finish 7th or 8th this season.

Stoke City

Stoke are having an outstanding season and have grown as a club year on year since joining the Premier league. They are into the knock out stages of the Europa League and are doing well in the Premier league, look for them to carry on their solid form in the second have of the season.

Norwich City

Norwich are have a wonderful first season back in the Premier League after a long absent, on the back of two promotions in two years. They are currently 9 points above the relegation places and sit 9th in the table. Unlike Blackpool last season who had a wonderful approach to the league last season and where a joy to watch, Norwich look much more solid defensively. Look for them to survive fairly easily.


Sunderland

Sunderland where struggle badly until the arrive of Martin O’Neil. They were not conceding to many but where struggling to score any since the sale of Darren Bent in January 2011. O’Neil seems to have given the club a huge lift and are now looking at a mid table finish.

Everton

Under David Moyes Everton continue to exceed all realistic expectations. Moyes was unable to make any permanent signings in the summer and had to much do with loans. Everton have a very small squad, but under the steward ship of Moyes look for yet another top half finish.

Swansea City

Swansea are attacking the Premier League in much the same way as Blackpool did last season attempting to play passing football. They have an amazing home record and a solid back line. They lack that goal scorer that would all but make certain of them staying up, having they are in with a great chance as they currently sit some 7 points above the relegation zone.

Aston Villa

Villa have been playing better of late pushing Arsenal very close at Villa Park, before getting a massive victory at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. They are to good to gone down as an overall team and especially if they manage to keep hold of Darren Bent, who although not the most involved player has a very good goal to game ratio.

Fulham

Fulham are one of the Enigma’s of the Premier League, they have a solid back line lead by Hangeland and some very good attacking players in the likes of Murphy and Dembele. They play some good attacking football, but appear to go to sleep at times. Look for Fulham to survive fairly easily enough.


West Bromwich Albion

West Bromwich although sitting 15th in the table have a 5 point gap between them and 16th as well as a better goal difference. Under Roy Hodgson, for a bottom end of the table team they are fairly solid at the back and look as though they will score enough goals to survive once more.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves are a team that started very well gaining 7 out of 9 points from their first three games, since then they have only gained 10 points from 17 games, relegation force. It looks likely that Wolves will be in a relegation battle until very late in the season.

QPR

After a fairly solid start on their return to the Premier League, QPR have been struggling of late. It would appear that they have more money to spend then their relegation threatened rivals and this could be the difference between them being relegated or staying up, only time will tell.


Bolton Wanderers

After turning down fees in the range or £10m-£14m, depending on which report you read, it looks as though Gary Cahill could be finally on his way out of Bolton. If they sell Cahill and either fail to replace him or replace him with a player that doesn’t settle straight away they could well find themselves playing championship football next season. It may be to late but surely having turned down bigger money in the summer for Cahill, Bolton sold keep him until the end of the season to give themselves the best chance of survival

Wigan Athletic

Wigan are used to a relegation fight and after escaping the drop on the last day of the season, this season appears no different. There form of late has been a massive improvement on their earlier season form and this will need to continue in order for them to stay up. Martinez sticks to his princples of playing football the ‘right’ way but it may end up costing them, will there relegation battles of the past hold them in good steed.

Blackburn Rovers

Rovers some to be a team in Crisis, very some after taking over Blackburn, the Venky’s decided to sack Sam Allardyce, who was well versed in keeping teams up and staying around mid table. Worse still after appointing Steve Kean as manager, they have made false promise after false promise and have failed to back their manager. The players are undoubtedly playing for their manager and they score a lot of goals, however defensively they are weak due in part to many injures. Unless the owners go against the grain and spend some money only a miracle can get Rovers up.

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The World Top Players Start of Season Report

Novak Djokovic

The question is can the World number one continue or even improve on his form last year. His form in 2011 meant that he had a year for the ages, winning three grand slams reaching a French Open Semi and winning a number of other titles. Look for Djokovic to win a grand slam or to, but a repeat or improvement on last year would appear unlikely.

Rafael Nadal

2011 was a poor year for Nadal by his very high standards. , he did after all win the French Open as well as reaching the final at both Wimbledon and the US Open. Nadal title tally was the lowest since 2004. Rafa did have a good end to the year helping Spain regain the Davis Cup, which he says he does not intend to play this year. Look for a return to top form for Nadal this season and if not more then one grand slam title at least more title’s overall.

Roger Federer

2011 was the worst year of Federer’s career, since he became a force in the game. It was his first year without a grand slam title since 2002, he ended the year well winning both the Paris Masters and the World Tour Finals. There are some that say Federer is finished as a force at the top level and will never win another grand slam, whilst he may not be as consistent as he once was I still believe he has one more grand slam title in him

Andy Murray

Outside of Djokovic, Murray had easily the most consistent year on the tour, he won five titles in the year. Murray always reached the Semi Finals or better of all four of the grand slams (including the final of the Australian Open). Murray finally has a full time coach in former world number one and serial major winner Ivan Lendl, the effect that Lendl can have on Murray can only be positive. Look for Murray to reach another grand slam final this year and possibly win it.

David Ferrer

Ferrer continued to surprise many with his presence in the top 10 and especially top 5. His overall game is very solid and consistent without being spectacular. Ferrer has the ability to cover the court like few ours and beats a lot of arguable more naturally talent players on this alone. Look for Ferrer to play and continue as he always does and keep getting great results. His ability will very likely not allow him to win a grand slam unless the draw really opens up for him.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Tsonga is a bit of an enigma, 2011 was undoubtedly his most consistent year on the tour so far. There is no doubt that not having many major injury concerns played a huge part in this. He has already been in a grand slam final losing to Djokovic in the 2008 Australian Open. His game has everything you would want from a player who has the chance to win a grand slam title. The two major questions in regard to Tsonga are his mentally ability and injury concern, if he can stay on top of these a grand slam title is well within his reach.


Thomas Berdych

Berdych is another Like Tsonga who has many if not all of the physical tools that you would expect from a grand slam contender. 2011 was a very consistent year for Berdych, where he reach many semi finals, however he does not win nearly as many titles as he should. In key games against the other top players in the world, he is often found wanting in one way or another.

Mardy Fish

2011 was a huge year for Mardy Fish, his best ever on tour by a big margin. He one only one title but was very consistent throughout the year, this enable Fish to make it to the year end world tour finals for the first time in his career. It is a big ask for Fish to keep up his consistent level and look for him to be somewhere between 11-20 in the rankings come year end.

Janko Tipsarevic

Tipsarevic was probably the surprise of the year, in which he won his third and four titles of his career respectively. He always ended the year as world number 9 his highest ever ranking, which due to the injury suffered by Andy Murray meant a first ever appearance at the end of year world tour finals. Look for him to remain consistent this year but fall back outside of the top 10.

Nicolas Almagro

2011 was a very fine year for the clay court specialist that is Almagro. He made it as high as 9 before ending at number 10. He is a player that very much has a schedule to suit his game, playing on clay whenever he can. Due to his over reliance on clay to hold up his ranking look for him to fall down the rankings a little.

Juan Martin Del Potro

Del Potro had a very good and consistent 2011, considering it was his first full year back on the tour after serious injury. He has a fantastic serve and a missile of a forehand, he always has a grand slam to his name having won the US Open. Look for Del Potro to continue his climb up the rankings and being a threat at the grand slams once more.

Robin Soderling

2011 was a very frustrating year for the Swede, after making great strides in the previous few season. This strides included to successive French open finals. In 2011 he suffered a major injury and shut himself down towards the end of the season, to try and fully recover from this. Only time will tell if he can come back from injury well and make a further push to win that elusive grand slam.

Gael Monfils

Monfils is arguable the most entertaining and most frustrating player at any level of the tour. His natural athletic ability along with his shot making at times are both a sight to behold. However his to biggest strengths are always his to biggest weakness. His shot section at times is bewildering to say the least and he seems to rely on his athletic ability much more then he should. Monfils insistence on entertaining over results is his downfall. If Monfils can knuckle down and harness his ability they he has the game to win a major, however at this time it looks unlikely that Monfils will make the necessary adjustments needed.

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