Premier League Season Preview

It’s that time once again. The Premier League is back! From the joy to the heartbreak (and the expense) what can supporters expect from their team this season? Here is my preview of the 20 Premier League clubs;

Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is under more pressure to secure their first piece of silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2005. His reluctance to spend frustrates many supporters, especially after missing out on the signing of Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid and Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich. The Gunners do need to bolster their attacking options, as it has seemed a problematic area since the departures of Henry and Bergkamp. Many expect Arsenal to submit another offer to Liverpool, for Suarez at around £45M; this signing would be an addition that could keep them challenging in the top four and possibly the title, however I struggle to see how Wenger will deal with the baggage and the problems he could cause for the club with tradition and values. So far this summer their only signing has been Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre, which hasn't got fans pulses racing. With Arsenal’s current squad I can see them missing out on a top four finish.

Prediction – 5^th

Aston Villa

Crucially for Aston Villa, they have tied last seasons PFA Young Player of the Year Christian Benteke down to a new contract. His 19 goals in the Premier League helped push Villa away from the relegation zone and this season could be similar as the last. Alongside Benteke signing a new deal, there have been five other first team players to sign, including Brad Guzan, who was one of the best keepers in the league. Paul Lambert has continued his philosophy of young talent by signing six players, none of which are 24 or over. The most exciting signing is Nicklas Helenius, the 22 year-old has two caps for Denmark after scoring 29 in 55 games for Aalborg. However I feel they miss an experienced defender and I expect this to lead to more issues defensively. I’m hoping to see Ashley Westwood grow in stature and confidence this season because there is potential that he could be a top player for the club and for England in the future. The first few games for Villa will be difficult and they may struggle to pick up points. The supporters will have to be patient and stick by Lambert and the team during the tricky periods. Unfortunately I think this season will be similar to last.

Prediction – 15^th

Cardiff City

The Champions in the Championship last season have shown their intent to survive their first season in the Premier League by breaking their transfer record three times and spending over £20M. Steven Caulker can help their defence to be more resilient, whilst Gary Medel is expected to sit in-front and protect the back four with his combative play. The Chilean was sent off three times for Sevilla last season, but is also known for his composure on the ball. The Bluebirds have taken a gamble on paying big fees for players with little or no Premier League experience; I suppose they are able to take this gamble following the owners clearing their debt. Malky Mackay, unlike the other two promoted managers, has no experience of managing in the top flight, this alongside a fairly inexperienced squad at this level means I can see them struggling. Craig Bellamy will be crucial for the Welsh club and it may require his nous to pick up points, which may be hard to come by.

Prediction – 20^th

Chelsea
The return of Jose Mourinho puts them as favourites for this season’s title. He will be trying to avoid fall outs with senior players after the problems at Real Madrid. There looks to be a good balance of youth and experience; this will stand them in good stead for this season and future years. Chelsea have made two bids for Wayne Rooney at current title holders Manchester United, have Jose’s mind games already begun? He could be the final player to fit Mourinho’s formation and attacking style and if Rooney joined the Blues I can see him thriving playing alongside the likes of Mata, Hazard and recent signing Andre Schurrle. They have a squad to cope with injuries and suspensions, so for the rest of the window keeping hold of David Luiz may be the priority. I expect to see title celebrations at the Bridge in May.

Prediction – 1^st    

Will this be the scene in May?

Crystal Palace

Play-off winners last season and need to strengthen their squad to have a chance of survival. So far in the Transfer Window, the Eagles have added Marouane Chamakh from Arsenal, Spain Under-20 international midfielder Jose Campana and young talent Dwight Gayle from Peterborough, these three attacking signings will bolster their strike force and with Kevin Phillips signing on a free, I can see Palace causing a few defences problems. However, their defence is the concern. They have recently given new contracts to Danny Gabbidon and Peter Ramage but still need to find one or two more defenders that can strengthen and give cover when injuries and suspensions occur. Ian Holloway has managed in the Premier League, unfortunately that was when his Blackpool side got relegated in their first season, it will be interesting to see if he continues with his carpet football style when in trouble and in need to secure points. I can only see a relegation battle ending in them going down.

Prediction – 19^th

Everton

This season is the beginning of a new era for the club following David Moyes’ departure to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. FA Cup winning manager Roberto Martinez will look to add his stamp onto the club with his football philosophy evident at relegated Wigan Athletic. Some of the Latics players of last season have followed Martinez to the Toffees, but their main aim will to keep hold of key players, in the likes of Leighton Baines, Marouane Felliani and Kevin Mirallas. They have rejected a £12M bid for Baines from Man United, but if they fail to get other targets expect them to make another bid for the England international; the same rumours are circling around Felliani, as Man United have failed to lure Cesc Fabregas away from Barcelona. The interesting acquisition of Gerard Deulofeu on a season-long loan from Barcelona highlights Martinez’s intentions to play an attacking style of football, as Deulofeu scored 18 goals in 33 appearances for Barcelona B last season. I still have questions over Martinez’s ability as a manager and I can see a below-par season for the blue half of Merseyside.

Prediction – 9^th

Shahid Khan (right) new Fulham owner. (Image from Mirror)

Fulham

The club has had changes off the pitch with Mohamed Al-Fayed selling the club to American billionaire Shahid Khan, who also owns NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cottagers have finalised a deal for one of last season most consistent performers, Sascha Riether, who impressed many whilst on-loan from German side FC Cologne. Martin Jol has made useful additions to strengthen a small squad by adding players of quality with Derek Boateng, Fernando Amorebieta and Maarten Stekelenburg. Fulham tend to be mid-table and I can see another season of mid-table mediocrity, but for Fulham this could be below par as clubs around them have also bought wisely making the middle of the table highly competitive as clubs hunt for a top ten finish.

Prediction – 14^th

Hull City

Out of the promoted sides, Hull have the best chance of survival. Steve Bruce knows the Premier League inside-out as a player and as a manager and this has shown with the signings he has made so far. The club have signed seven players and have spent under £10M. The signing of two experienced goalkeepers in Steve Harper and Allan McGregor and defenders Curtis Davies, Ahmed Elmohamady and Maynor Figueroa shows that Bruce had identified the defence as a potential issue and with these shrewd signings suggest that it has been strengthened. They have also bought attacking options, despite missing out on Gary Hooper and Charlie Austin. However if they are up to Premier League standard we will wait and see; George Boyd and Yannick Sagbo have added extra potency to the front line. This week they signed Tom Huddlestone (permanent) and Jake Livermore (loan) from Tottenham, the pair should add extra quality into a midfield that will be responsible for creating chances. The Tigers face a tricky opening with trips to Chelsea and Manchester City; home games will be crucial to collect valuable points.

Prediction – 18^th

Liverpool

The Suarez sage took another twist on Wednesday, when he told a Uruguayan journalist that he was staying at Liverpool. With or without Suarez, Brendan Rodgers will have one of the best collective groups of attacking players. Towards the end of last season we saw Sturridge and Coutinho show some of their potential, but this season expect them to flourish, whilst new signing Iago Aspas has a big future ahead of him. Aspas signed from Celta Vigo scored 12 goals in 35 games for the Spanish club. The Reds signed Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to replace Pepe Reina who has joined Napoli on loan. Kolo Toure has been another addition to Liverpool’s squad, but with Skrtel and Agger, a usually solid partnership, will Toure get the game time he is after, following his departure from Manchester City’s bench? This will be dependent on transfer moves with Barcelona rumoured to be after vice captain Daniel Agger. I can see Liverpool doing a little better than last season and this is where Liverpool need to push on to challenge for a top four place.

Prediction – 6^th

Manchester City

A more relaxed character compared to Mancini. (Image from Football365)

Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of his first season at the club, he has been followed from Spain by Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo as City look to strengthen their attack following the departure of Carlos Tevez to Juventus. City have further added attacking options by bringing Fernandinho and Stefan Jovetic to the club. All of whom pose threat and danger to all opponents; this is a clear signal of intent to win the title back from their Manchester rivals after failing to retain the trophy last season. The only concern around these new additions is how they will cope around Christmas time when games are played thick and fast. No defensive options have yet been added to the squad, which may be a concern to fans because Matija Nastasic is likely to miss the first month of the season through an ankle injury whilst taking part in the Asia Trophy. This Man City team looks as strong, if not stronger, than the squad that won the Premier League trophy; however I feel they will pose the greatest threat to Chelsea, who are a little stronger.

Prediction – 2^nd

Manchester United

David Moyes takes charge of his first season in charge following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement. Moyes has massive shoes to fill and the pressure on the manager may already be evident after criticising the fixture list for early in the season. There are high expectations that surround the job which involve winning trophies and making sure players perform to the necessary standards. All this, alongside the Wayne Rooney transfer saga, will test his skill as a manager. The only signing so far this summer is defender Guillermo Varela, but the bigger news from the club this August will surround Wayne Rooney. The player is believed to want to leave the club, but is yet to put in a transfer request meaning he could waiver his loyalty bonus; Chelsea are believed to have bid for the striker. Potential targets for the Red Devils include Gareth Bale and a return for Cristiano Ronaldo, even though it is highly unlikely. Despite the team knowing how to win trophies, I don’t believe that they will win the title, although they will make a challenge to retain it.

Prediction – 3^rd

Newcastle United

Many people are talking about the appointment of Joe Kinnear as director of football, he has stated that team matters will be left to manager Alan Pardew, but he will have the final say on signings. This has been very controversial, as the relationship between the supporters and Kinnear was soured at the end of his spell as manager in February 2009. On the pitch the club are still short of a few squad players to cover in case of injuries and suspensions, I can see this being a problem for the Toon. The acquisition of Loic Remy from QPR on a season-long loan will help to resolve one of their issues last season, goal-scoring; his record last season for relegated QPR was impressive scoring 6 goals in 13 games. Overall I think it will be a solid season with a mid-table finish.

Prediction – 13^th

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel on his unveiling. (Image from football365)

Norwich City

Chris Hughton has made some excellent signings ahead of the new season. Known for his cautious style of play with few goals, it looks like he is to rectify that this season through signing Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper, two strikers who have featured in Europe for their previous clubs; the departure of Grant Holt could also be an indicator of change for the Canaries. These additions alongside the transfer of promising young talent Nathaniel Redmond suggest that Hughton will be more offensive than in previous seasons. Keeping hold of key players is also vital and Norwich have done this by tying Russell Martin to a new three-year contract (well that is if contracts mean the paper they are written on). Norwich will hope to be safe prior to their final four games as they will face four of the top six sides in the country, but I don’t think the fans will need to worry at all, I think they will have a comfortable season and finish just below mid-point in the league.

Prediction – 11^th

Southampton

Manuel Pochettino takes charge of his first full season in charge after replacing Nigel Adkins in January and proved it to be the right decision keeping the club well away from safety by winning important games, the biggest scalp being Manchester City at St Mary’s. This summer Pochettino has brought in two players, Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren. The Saints have forked out around £21M for these two showing that the owners are willing to spend and reduce the fear of “second season syndrome”. Wanyama joins from Celtic, where last season he played Champions League football and featured in both games against Barcelona, scoring at Celtic Park, whilst Lovren joins from Lyon with 17 international caps for Croatia to his name. All in all both signings suggest improvements have been made to the playing and I can see the Saints improving on last season’s 14^th place finish.

Prediction – 12^th

Stoke City

Pre-season has been a transition period for the club after Mark Hughes replaced Tony Pulis. The Potters have made useful acquisitions in Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa. Despite Hughes admission to play more attacking football, the Potters still lack a proven goal scorer and a winger. A lack of goals seems like it could yet again frustrate the fans, so Hughes will need to use the rest of the transfer window wisely to solve the problem; names linked with Stoke have included former Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf however it seems as though the deal could have fallen through. Keeping hold of key players, especially at the spine, has been crucial for Stoke’s progression under Pulis and so far none of them seem to be on their way through the exit. If the side gets off to a poor start Hughes will know he will have the support of chairman Peter Coates, who is very loyal to managers and is a man who doesn’t believe in the ‘hire and fire’ mentality. I think this season will see Stoke struggle but have more than enough to survive.

Prediction – 16^th

Sunderland

Expect more of this. (Image from BBC)

The livewire eccentric Paulo Di Canio insists that this will be the fittest Sunderland team of recent years, as they are following a strict regime. The Italian has already signed ten players and is looking to sign more as well as move players on who are surplus to requirements. The problem with the number of signings is that only one (Vito Mannone) has Premier League experience plus it can take time for players to settle down and gel into the team and their new surroundings. The Black Cats lacked goals last season, especially following the injury to Steven Fletcher, so far they have added Jozy Altidore, who hit a hat-trick for USA against Bosnia in midweek, and Emanuele Giaccherini to their squad to rectify this issue. The manager’s attitude and temperament could fall into question during the season and it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure and media attention; this will be more testing when they go through a rough patch and when the place is low. I believe that Sunderland are going to be involved in a relegation scrap this season, but feel they should be able to survive.

Prediction – 17^th

Swansea City

Who knew what a fantastic job Michael Laudrup would do for the club last season? Finishing ninth in the League and winning the Capital One Cup proves that clubs can get anywhere with support and loyalty, after they nearly fell out of the Football League 10 years ago. Laudrup has continued being astute in the transfer market, by drafting in nine players including one of last season’s most consistent midfielders in Jonathan De Guzman. Alongside his addition the Swans have signed Jonjo Shelvey, who can pick a pass as well as make a strong challenge, and they splashed the cash for Wilfried Bony, whose goal-scoring record was impressive (31 goals in 30 games in Eredivisie). Laudrup has bought from clubs in La Liga yet again, hoping to find a gem like he did last season with the revelation of Michu. Despite their Europa League commitments I consider Swansea could be this season surprise package.

Prediction – 7^th

AVB trying to hold onto Bale. (Image from the Telegraph)

Tottenham Hotspur

As the Bale saga rumbles on, Andre Villas-Boas will be hoping that it isn't a distraction on the pitch. After failing in their attempts to finish in the top four last season, Spurs must be optimistic about this one. Keeping Bale would be massive for the club as they aim to repeat the feat of the 2009/10 season by finishing fourth. A player I have admired for a while is Roberto Soldado who has joined this summer to bolster their attacking options, as they were reliant on Bale throughout last season. Soldado scored 80 times throughout his Valencia career, including four goals in last seasons Champions League. His inclusion into the squad with Paulinho, Nacer Chadli and Etienne Capoue shows that Spurs must be considered for a top four finish. This new signings should integrate well into an attacking Spurs squad. The supporters will hope that Bale stays, as well as Moussa Dembele staying injury free because he could be another thorn in the side of opposition defences. I think Spurs will break into the top four once again this season and fancy them for a run in the Europa League.

Prediction – 4^th

West Bromwich Albion

Steve Clarke was a contender for ‘Manager of the Season’ last year after guiding West Brom to 8^th place last season. This summer the Baggies are yet to spend a penny but their squad looks to have improved. Clarke has signed Nicolas Anelka on a free transfer; the pair will have worked together when Clarke was Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Chelsea. Last years Championship ‘Player of the Season’, Matej Vydra, has joined on-loan from Udinese, Clarke will be hoping that Vydra’s goals replace those of Romelu Lukaku, who will stay at Chelsea for the season. The Midlands club have also offered new contracts to a number of players including Youssouf Mulumbu and Zoltan Gera, which will give them a mix of craft and creativity in their midfield. This season will be similar to last, but supporters will be hoping they keep to a consistent level and not fizzle out in the second half of the season.

Prediction – 8^th

West Ham United

The Hammers made a successful return to the top flight last season and finished 10^th. Despite making some useful signings this season will be similar to last. Sam Allardyce has signed Liverpool duo Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing to improve the squad. Carroll had a useful impact last season and fits well into the formation and style of play used by Allardyce. Downing joins after an unsuccessful move to Liverpool, who have made a loss on this duo, but will face competition from Joe Cole and Matt Jarvis (who West Ham paid £8M for). West Ham are another mid-table club that needs to keep hold of their best players to continually progress and so far they have managed this; Mohamed Diame looks set to stay put and Winston Reid continued to impress at the back end of the season. The main question hanging over the club is off the pitch with the financial aspect of football clubs being businesses. How they manage to fund moves for players at top clubs on high wages, I don’t know, so you'd expect a higher than average monthly wage bill for a mid-table club. A second solid season for the Hammers.

Prediction – 10th

Who will be lifting this in May?

After seven years in charge of Stoke City, during his second spell, Tony Pulis' reign came to an end on Tuesday following an official club statement reading: "Stoke City and Tony Pulis confirm that they have mutually agreed that Tony will leave the Club with immediate effect."

Pulis' second spell came to an end on Tuesday amid speculation.
(image from Thisisstaffordshire)

Yesterday Pulis made a statement through the League Managers Association (LMA) which said he was "disappointed" but "accepted" the decision by Chairman Peter Coates. A change in the direction has been stated for Pulis's exit; which will involve a better youth policy and changes to the transfer policies at the club.

 

Discontent

At the turn of the year the Potters were well positioned in 9th with many fans hopeful of pushing on and finishing in the top half of the table, but a poor 2013 left them languishing in 13th place with their lowest points haul under Pulis in the Premier League.

 

There had been discontent around the Britannia Stadium this season, with many fans fed up with the lack of entertainment on offer; highlighted with a 12% drop in season ticket sales during the clubs 'Early Bid offer', with many perturbed with Pulis at the helm.

 
More signs were evident following the 1-0 home defeat to West Ham with a 'Pulis Out' banner unveiled in the home section of the South Stand. At the final whistle of the same match 'boos' rang around the Britannia Stadium with many fans worried about their Premier League status.

However Stoke were safe following back-to-back wins against QPR and Norwich, but many wanted to see the back of Pulis.

Hotseat

There are many names surrounding the vacant managerial position to take over from Pulis with Rafael Benitez and Roberto Di Matteo being favourites amongst the fans. Roberto Martinez, who will announce his Wigan future today, is also a possibility for the Potters alongside suspended Brighton Manager Gus Poyet.
 

 

An Amazing Journey

Under Pulis we have been transformed from an average Championship side to a mid-table Premier League side. The unbelievable and equally unthinkable journey the club has been on under his leadership is quite remarkable.
 
He took over from Steve Cotterill in November 2002 and then saved the club from relegation on the last day of the season following an Ade Akinbiyi goal to beat Reading 1-0. The following season he managed to guide the Potters to 11th, but tensions grew between him and Icelandic owner Gunnar Gislason. Pulis parted company with the club in June 2005.
 
Peter Coates bought the club from the Icelandic owners in 2006 and this lead to the re-appointment of his good friend Pulis in 2006 (below), despite George Burley being lined-up over Pulis to replace Johan Boskamp. An 8th place finish in his first season back showed signs of promise; the season that followed didn't fail to deliver.

 
At the end of the 2007/08 season a 0-0 home draw to Leicester was enough to see the Potters return to the top flight of English football for the first time in 23 years. The jubilation of the promotion was shown by a premature pitch invasion and the one below with fans celebrating with Carl Dickinson.
 

 

 
The journey since has been remarkable: staying up in our first season, beating Bolton 5-0 in the FA Cup Semi-Final, the FA Cup Final (despite the defeat) and the European Tour, facing high quality opposition like Valencia.

Pulis's article in the Staffordshire Sentinel read "our journey together has taken us far and wide in cup competitions as well." He continued "the journey stops here, but what a journey." Pulis finished by saying "thank you so much."
 
No Tony - Thank You - for all these treasured memories and all you have done for our football club.



Thank You TP

PDC World Championship

In nine days time the sixty-four best players will begin their battle for the PDC World Championship trophy. This year will mark the inaugural Sid Waddell Trophy presented to the winner, in commemoration of the late legendary commentator Sid Waddell. Adrian Lewis is looking to make it three successive World Titles on the bounce, but faces strong competition from a talented and respected field. If Lewis wins it would cap a fantastic couple of months for the Stokie, after he became a father for the second time.

Adrian Lewis (left), Phil Taylor (right) and Sid Waddell's son Dan at the unveiling of the new trophy.

The First Round was drawn yesterday and threw up some interesting ties. Defending champion Adrian Lewis faces Dutch debutant Gino Vos; who qualified by finishing sixth on the European Order of Merit. One of Adrian's main rivals, Phil Taylor will be vying for his 16th World Title and he opens up against Northern Ireland's Michael Mansell. 'The Power' is a man back in form following his victory during the Players Championships last weekend held in Minehead. Both Lewis and Taylor are from the Potteries and another Stoke thrower Andy Hamilton could spring a surprise, just like last year, and reach the final, he opens up against James Richardson. The form player going into the tournament has to be 'Mighty' Michael Van Gerwen, the Dutch ace will face a Preliminary Round winner in his first round, but is one of the main contenders for the prestigious title. 

The usual suspects are also in with a shout. Raymond Van Barneveld, who won the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton last month, looks rejuvenated and back to his best. He faces Michael Smith in the First Round. Gary Anderson & Simon Whitlock will both face Preliminary Round winners in their First Round encounters and both have a chance to win the title, however they are both in the same half of the draw as Phil Taylor. Scotsman Robert Thornton, who beat Phil Taylor in the UK Open Final, faces Magnus Caris in the First Round, with the knowledge that he could face Taylor in the Third Round.

There could be a few early shocks and this is could be down to the short format of the First Round; which is the best of five sets, first to three sets. If a player doesn't find a good early rhythm then they could be struggling to respond and will be able to enjoy a Christmas with their family instead of preparing for the 'after Christmas' rounds.

Fifteen time champion Phil Taylor is the favourite for the title, which will be awarded on New Years Day to the Champion, however I think Michael Van Gerwen will be his main challenger, for now and the foreseeable future. The future of darts is looking very bright with Van Gerwen and Lewis leading the way for players such as Arron Monk and Joe Cullen in the future.

Football's Financial Crisis

Finance in football has been scrutinised before in the past, but following shock revelations this week; SPL side Hearts of Midlothian could face liquidation after Saturday's SPL match against St Mirren.

The Tynecastle club owe a tax bill of £450,000 and many believe this is down to the lack of income in the SPL, alongside fact that Rangers demotion to the Third Division has left clubs struggling to create much needed revenue from matchdays. It could create a domino effect, where many clubs also fall foul to financial insecurity.

Today it has been revealed that the Supporters have been asked to raise £2 million to safeguard the future of the Edinburgh club, this action is being taken to reduce the club's deficit at the end of every season and try to stop the deduction of 17 points by the SPL. If the money is raised, the Hearts supporters would earn a 10% stake in the club. Manager John McGylnn said he is welcome to the idea of delaying the payment of his wages to secure the clubs future.

But as we all well know, many English football clubs teeter on the brink of administration and potential liquidation. We all know the struggles at south coast club Portsmouth and they have to go on the manager hunt yet again, after, on Tuesday Michael Appleton was appointed boss at Championship club Blackpool. In League Two, second placed Port Vale are still in administration, but signs for them are encouraging as businessman Paul Wildes was named the preferred bidder and looks set to take full ownership of the Potteries based club.

One Pompey fan showing support to the club, that has had financial difficulties since Febraury this year.

Outside the football league, there is Kettering Town and Truro City, who are facing financial difficulties, whereas other teams like Rushden and Diamonds have been liquidated, following their financial struggles. Truro City are facing the threat of liquidation after it was announced that they are in debt of just under £4 million.  Darlington 1883, the Northern League Division One side, formerly known as Darlington, were dissolved earlier this year, after their finances took a heavy blow following the construction of their new 25,000 seater stadium back in 2003.

More needs to be done to protect football clubs, for now and the future especially those outside the football league, where it is harder for teams to make profits to keep them afloat. This season's FA Cup prize money will help support and secure some of the futures for clubs that have reached the First or Second round proper. The FA could set aside a support fund to teams struggling outside the football league to help those in desperate need for funds, so that our beautiful game can be saved at all levels.

Frankel's Farewell

The world's top-rated racehorse Frankel will run in his 14th and final race at Ascot on Saturday, in the Champions Stakes; one of the most valuable mile-and-a-quarter races in Europe.

Frankel striding home to victory, as he is expected to on Saturday.

The unbeaten four year old will face only five rivals, which includes last year's winner Cirrus Des Agiles. Frankel will also compete against stable mate Bullet Train, Nathaniel, Pastorius and Master of Hounds for the £1.3M prize.

Tomorrow the attendance at Ascot is set to break last year's record and reach around 32,000, most of these to see Frankel's swansong. The going is currently soft, but with rain forecast, the going come the start of the meeting could be heavy. His main challenger Cirrus Des Agiles, won last time out at Longchamps on heavy ground, so the ground could play a huge part into the outcome of this race. However, Frankel is set to start as a odds-on favourite.

In other races at Ascot, the Queen's horse Carlton House, races in the Queen Elizabeth II stakes, with the Queen in support at the course. Colour Vision faces up against Fame And Glory in the Long Distance Cup, whilst in the Sprint Stakes, Whizz Kid and Society Rock are the main contenders. Dancing Rain looks set to retain her Fillies' and Mares' Stakes title.

The Queen's horse, Carlton House, goes for glory in the Queen Elizabeth II stakes.

In other horse racing news, Champion Jockey elect Richard Hughes, rode a "Magnificent Seven" at Windsor on Monday, followed by a treble at Leicester on Tuesday. Hughes is 49 winners clear of Silvestre De Sousa in second.

Next month will see the retirement of Michael Hills; he has ridden more than 2,000 winners in his career and most memorably the Epsom Derby, in 1996.

Finally, the BBC will end their horse racing coverage on Saturday following the QIPCO Champions Day at Ascot. The coverage has been shown on the BBC for over 50 years. Channel 4 takes the reins from next season. BBC presenter Clare Balding will also make the switch to Channel 4, after successfully hosting evening sessions from the Paralympic games.

England's Crucial Point

England earned a vital point in their rearranged Group H fixture away in Warsaw. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on the half hour mark for the visitors, with a header from a Steven Gerrard corner. However, Poland equalised with 20 minutes left through Kamil Glik's header, after beating Lescott and keeper Joe Hart to the ball.

The point was all England deserved after a sloppy performance. The main positive to take from the game was that the Three Lions remain unbeaten and top the group. When England travel to Podgorica in March, they will expect to be in second place behind Montenegro, who have a game in hand on England, when they host San Marino.



Another unsuccessful pitch inspection from referee Gianluca Rocchi 

After the farcicial scenes of Tuesday night, the Group H qualifier eventually kicked off later than scheduled, on a less than suitable playing surface.




The pitch at Poland's National Stadium on Tuesday night

Poland were the dominant force throughout with lots of attacking intent and the aid of a mistake strewn England team. No excuses can be made for England's dismal performance, as the pitch and the previous day's event were the same for both sides. Hart had to be alert from early on as Piszczek broke the England defence and the Manchester City stopper dived at the Polish players feet to block the shot. Soon after the hosts momentum grew as Kamil Grosicki and then Robert Lewandowski both shot wide. Despite this pressure, it was England who took the lead when Steven Gerrard's corner was glanced in by Wayne Rooney, taking him to 32 England goals.

After the break, Glen Johnson made a superb last ditch tackle after Phil Jagielka miskicked his clearance. Jermain Defoe, who was anonyomous for most, had the chance to put England two up and surely seal the victory, but he managed to put Gerrard's free-kick back across the face of goal, from only a few yards out. It was then Rooney's turn to be wasteful as Welbeck reached a James Milner through ball and then pulled back to his Manchester United team-mate, whose effort didn't test the Polish keeper Tyton. These missed opportunities proved costly for England 20 minutes from time, when Karim Glik headed into a free net, after Joe Hart came to punch but missed completely. After the match Hart claimed it was his "fault". Late on Milner surged down the right and his tempting cross, across the six-yard box was claimed by Tyton.

Polish fans came equipped after the previous nights events. 

 

Both teams looked satisfied with a point, England more so than the hosts Poland. England's next qualifier is away to minnows San Marino in March whilst Poland hosts Ukraine, in the battle of EURO 2012 host nations.

Rugby League Grand Final

Challenge Cup Champions Warrington Wolves head into their first Grand Final appearance on Saturday against a Leeds Rhino's side who are used to the Grand Final experience at Old Trafford; this will be the Rhino's fifth Grand Final in six years. It is set to be an intriguing night with lots of high quality rugby talent on display.

The Wolves finished second in the normal season, however their opponents the Rhino's finished fifth, yet again. The Rhino's finished in the same position last season and went on to beat St Helens at Old Trafford. In this season's play-off's Warrington lost one to St Helens, however Leeds won all three matches. If Warrington are triumphant on Saturday night, Tony Smith will become the first manager to win the Super League trophy with two teams. Back in 2007, Smith's Leeds Rhino's beat St Helens to win the trophy and this was the spark of Leeds' dominance over recent years.

Leeds welcome back Danny McGuire to the squad following a one game suspension, in the only change from the semi-final victory over the Wigan Warriors; this will add to the experience but quality of the Rhino's side. Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow have been named in Brian McDermott's squad. All three have been exceptional for the Rhino's in recent seasons. Their opponents Warrington have named an unchanged 19 man squad after being victorious at Langtree Park last Saturday against St Helens.




Captains Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves, left) and Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhino's, right), with their hands on the trophy, but can Leeds retain it?

This final looks set to be the most open and entertaining final in recent years, but it is a possibility that Warrington's nerves may get the better of them. They have played at a quick tempo throughout the season, creating try scoring opportunities for themselves, but at times leaving themselves open in defence. The Wolves may try to keep it tight, to limit the potential damage the Leeds players can cause through the likes of Burrow, Sinfield and Peacock. Leeds have their potential weaknesses at the back with Kallum Watkins, who at times isn't positionally the greatest and this could leave space for Warrington players to receive the ball through kicks after the fifth tackle.

Referee - Richard Silverwood.

Prediction -  a hard fought final with Leeds prevailing in a close scoring match. Rob Burrow could be the key player for Leeds.