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Essential Football Drills for Young Players

 

Football, known as soccer in some countries, is more than just a game; it’s a passion that unites people across the globe. For young players, developing fundamental skills early is crucial for their growth in the sport. This article explores some of the best football drills designed to enhance the abilities of young players, focusing on technical skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness, all while ensuring the game remains fun and engaging.

 

1. Dribbling Drills

  1. Cone Dribbling: Set up a line of cones and have players dribble the ball through them. This drill improves close ball control, agility, and coordination. To add variety, change the layout of the cones to include zig-zags or circles.
  2. Pressure Dribbling: Pair up players, with one acting as the attacker and the other as the defender. The attacker must dribble the ball while the defender applies light pressure. This teaches players to maintain control under pressure.

                    

2. Passing Drills

  1. Triangle Passing: Set up groups of three players in the shape of a triangle. Players pass the ball to each other, focusing on accuracy and timing. This drill develops spatial awareness and teamwork.
  2. Wall Pass Drill: In pairs, players pass the ball to each other and then move to another position. This drill teaches the importance of movement after passing and helps improve passing accuracy and timing.

 

3. Shooting Drills

  1. Target Practice: Set up targets in the corners of the goal. Players take turns shooting at these targets from outside the penalty box, improving their accuracy and power.
  2. Penalty Shootout: Regular practice of penalty kicks can help young players handle pressure situations and refine their shooting technique.

 

4. Defensive Drills

  1. One-on-One Defending: Pair players up, with one as the attacker and the other as the defender. The defender must prevent the attacker from scoring. This drill enhances tackling skills and defensive positioning.
  2. Group Defense: Have a small group of players defend against attackers. This teaches teamwork in defense and how to communicate effectively on the field.

 

5. Physical Conditioning

  1. Sprint and Jog: Intervals of sprinting and jogging around the field build endurance and speed.
  2. Agility Ladder: Using an agility ladder, have players perform various exercises to improve footwork and agility.

 

6. Game Understanding and Positional Play

  1. Mini-Matches: Playing small-sided games helps young players understand different positions and the dynamics of the game.
  2. Position-Specific Drills: Tailor drills to specific positions (e.g., goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, strikers) to teach the roles and responsibilities of each position.

 

Implementing these drills in training sessions can significantly enhance the skill set of young football players. The key is to maintain a balance between rigorous training and ensuring the game remains enjoyable. Encouraging teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game will not only develop better football players but also individuals who appreciate the value of hard work and sportsmanship.

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Effective Stretches for Football Training

                                                           

 

Stretching is a vital component of any football training regimen. It prepares the body for the physical demands of the game and aids in recovery afterwards. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best stretches for young football players, targeting key muscle groups used during the game. 

Incorporating these stretches before and after training can enhance performance, reduce the risk of injury, and aid in post-exercise recovery. Football For Kids strongly supports safety in football whilst also having fun, so make sure you follow these tips.

 

Pre-Training Dynamic Stretches

Dynamic stretches are essential before training to warm up the muscles and increase blood flow. These stretches involve movement and should mimic the activities in the training session.

  1. Leg Swings: Stand and hold onto a steady object. Swing one leg forward and backward, then side to side. This warms up the hip flexors, glutes, and hamstrings.
  2. Walking Lunges: Step forward into a lunge and alternate legs. This engages the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, improving lower body flexibility and balance.
  3. Arm Circles: Rotate your arms in large circles to warm up the shoulders and upper body. This is particularly important for goalkeepers.
  4. High Knees: Jog in place, lifting your knees high towards your chest. This activates the leg muscles and increases heart rate.
  5. Butt Kicks: While jogging, kick your heels up towards your glutes. This stretch warms up the hamstrings and quads.

 

Post-Training Static Stretches

After training, static stretches help cool down the body, improve flexibility, and prevent muscle tightness.

  1. Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the ground, extend one leg out and tuck the other in. Reach towards your foot. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch legs.
  2. Quadriceps Stretch: Stand and pull one foot towards your buttocks, keeping your knees together. Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch.
  3. Calf Stretch: Place your hands against a wall and extend one leg back, pressing the heel to the ground. Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch legs.
  4. Groin Stretch: Sit and put the soles of your feet together. Gently press your knees down with your elbows. Hold for 20-30 seconds.
  5. Hip Flexor Stretch: In a lunge position, push your hips forward and hold. This stretches the hip flexors and the front of the thighs.

 

Tips for Effective Stretching

  • Always warm up with light cardio before stretching to increase muscle temperature.
  • Do not bounce during static stretches. Hold the stretch at the point of mild discomfort, not pain.
  • Breathe normally while stretching. Avoid holding your breath.
  • Focus on symmetry. Stretch both sides of your body equally.

Incorporating these stretching exercises into your football training routine can significantly improve flexibility, prevent injuries, and enhance overall performance on the field. Remember, consistency is key. Regular stretching can lead to long-term benefits, including better agility, strength, and endurance.

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Football Guides

Messi and Middle Eastern money

You may have seen in the news this week that Lionel Messi was pictured with his family having fun in Saudi Arabia. Nothing wrong with that you might say? Well this was just a day after a disappointing defeat in the league and Paris Saint Germain fans seemed to have turned on Messi.

 

The fans always have a right to voice their opinions but was Messi in the right? After all he is an ambassador for Saudi Arabia and promoting the country and the sport in the country and around the world. Amnesty International have come out in no uncertain terms to say that this is all just “sportswashing”. And for my money that’s what it is. Saudi Arabian and middle eastern money is corrupting not only football but the majority of sports on the planet.

 

Why do you enjoy watching football and in particular the Premier League and Champions League. To me, it’s because no matter how small a club there is still competitiveness and a dream that we can beat Real Madrid, or we can beat Manchester United. You only have to look back to September 28th, 2021 and you have Sheriff Tiraspol, a Moldovan club beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the Bernabeu. We have seen the likes of Brentford and Brighton absolutely destroy Manchester United in the league this season.

 

I’m also a huge boxing fan and was really excited to see Usyk and Fury fight for all the belts and unify the Heavyweight division for the first time since Lennox Lewis. But due to Ramadan and Saudi Arabia not wanting to put an event on over that time the fighters pulled out. As if only £10-20m each wasn’t enough for them to fight at a packed Wembley Stadium. Then you have LIV golf, you have Tennis, talks of Snooker moving the World championships to Qatar, it’s not right.

 

Qatar to their credit put on an outstanding world cup, but look into the reasons why they were awarded the tournament and it gets very messy. Definitely one for a rainy afternoon! But back to the Messi situation, I personally just think its sad that Saudi Arabia have to pay a reported £320m a year to lure Messi over there, just to gain a little bit of recognition or any sort of spotlight on their own professional football league.

 

I think money is a great divider of people and Messi doesn’t need the money. What will this do for his legacy if anything? He’s a 7 time Ballon D’or winner, he’s a world cup winner and has won the champions league multiple times, countless league trophies and cup triumphs. There is nothing more to achieve in the game, and PSG were already paying him extortionately so would it hurt for our favourite players to show some humility and retire with honour rather than looking for the last payday. It sours his legacy for me, but for some, he will always be the GOAT, a legend, talked about forever.

 

But are we all snobs when it comes to football in the West. Would it be better if he went to Inter Miami or another American club for a final payday? There is a sense of snobbery about Middle Eastern sport. But money does buy you a seat at the table, it does buy you coverage globally, and I look forward to the day when a Saudi player plays in the premier league or they are legitimate threats in the World Cup. Football is a global game, put your cheque book away and invest in the infrastructure and policies that will make men and women across your nation take part in football and be excited to make it a viable career.

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Football Guides

Who should Newcastle sign to improve next season?

There are 2 trains of thought here. There are people speculating that Newcastle will have a huge war chest of £200-300m in the Summer, others like myself believe they may have the funds but are looking to build the club up sustainably and Eddie Howe is very much a cautious manager in terms of signings. He likes players’ characters and ones he can mould and improve rather than buying ready-made stars.

 

So I will look at a few options and let you know who Newcastle might sign this Summer based on those budgets. It is looking increasingly likely they will qualify for the Champions League too next season, which is a wonderful achievement given where they were when Eddie Howe took over 18 months ago.

 

Before we look at summer signings though we need to review the squad and what Howe has available to him. Pope in goal is nailed on to stay, one of the best keepers in the league, sure he isn’t very good with his distribution but he is fantastic at keeping the ball out of the net and commanding his box. At 30 or close to he still has a good 5 years of peak performance in him.

 

At the back, we have Kieran Trippier, whose set pieces are amazing, as well as his all-round defensive play. He likes to get forward but is honest, works hard to get back into shape and is solid. Still at least 2 more years left in him. No issues.

 

Next to him comes our first place of improvement. While Sven Botman is young, a Rolls Royce of a player on the ball, and physically dominant, Fabian Schar next to him would be a concern. His game has definitely improved under Eddie Howe but he is prone to the odd clanger and he lacks mobility like Botman so when better-quality teams come in the Champions League they will be in trouble. Down the left we have Dan Burn, born in the North East and a Newcastle fan, you can tell he is passionate about the shirt. A weapon at set pieces but again going up a level he is far too slow and will get caught out. His back up Matt Targett, could stay as backup to a new left back.

 

In midfield, we have Bruno Guimaraes who is a nailed-on starter when fit, can play as a defensive midfielder but is better further up so a DM would be a priority. The rest of the cast like Joelinton, Willock, and Longstaff are all at a similar level but again I don’t think they are quite good enough to maintain a top 4 team. I would also be looking at more creativity so maybe a number 10 or a progressive midfielder would also be worth looking at.

 

On the wings, they have Allan Saint Maximin, who on his day is unplayable, but has been in and out of the side this season. I’d keep him around as he can do things others just can’t with the ball, and gets the St James Park crowd off their seat. On the other side, Almiron has upped his attacking numbers this season, adding goals and assists and he works so hard for the team. He stays too. But I think someone who can play either side as an option would be good.

 

Up front Isak and Wilson are a handful, and there is no need to sign anyone else with young Garang Kuol coming through, and he looks so exciting!

 

Left back: Expensive option – Kieran Tierney (Arsenal) There has been talk he is not happy at the club, Zinchenko coming in has changed the way they play but Arsenal will want a lot of money from a rival.

Cheaper option – Marcus Acuna (Sevilla) A winger converted into a left back, so we know he is great going forward. Sevilla have been poor in the League, unless they win the Europa League will have no Europe next season and they are in debt so would be available cheaply.

 

Defensive Mid: Expensive option – Declan Rice (West Ham) £80-100m to sign him but would revolutionise the team. England international and will be for the next 10 years. Top player!

Cheaper Option – James Ward-Prowse (Southampton) Best Free kick taker the premier league has ever seen? Some say Beckham but I think this man edges the great man out. Southampton going down, so would be available for around £25-30m I would think.

 

Attacking Midfielder: Both options are quite expensive here but I think achievable. Mason Mount will be cheaper but wages will be enormous. James Maddison will be more expensive but Leicester even if they stay up have financial issues, lots of players out of contract and other areas they need to strengthen.

 

Winger: Expensive option – Harvey Barnes (Leicester City) £60-70m would be enough to buy him. Electric pace, and just needs to up his output in regards to goals, but a hard worker, who can go both ways and play on either wing. Also helps the homegrown quota.

Cheaper Option – Martin Terrier (Rennes) Has been performing exceptionally for 3 seasons now. A left foot wand, but can play either side or as a 10. Tremendous output with plenty of goals and assists. Has only managed 16 league games this season but has 9 goals and 4 assists. Talks swirling that he’s available for around 30-35m euros. Bargain!

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Football Guides

Is Erling Haaland the best striker in the world?

The debate has been raging ever since the Norwegian star burst onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund and hasn’t stopped since his move to Manchester City. With an impressive tally of Premier League goals this season, Haaland is definitely among the top strikers in Europe, but how does he compare to some of the other world-class players out there?

 

There is no doubt that Haaland is attracting all the attention particularly as he has just broken the Premier League record for most goals in a season (35 and counting). Some negative voices are saying, well he takes penalties as well and with those 7 taken out he would be on 28 for the season. Andy Cole, the iconic Man Utd striker of yesteryear actually scored 30 in one season without penalties.

 

I think he will still get the 3 he needs to get to 31 and beat that record anyway but even so, 35 in 31 is a monstrous record for any striker. Only Ronaldo, Messi and Lewandowski in recent memory have that sort of record. The man is an animal!

 

Erling Haaland also has 7 assists, and his all-round game, holding the ball up, dropping deep to join in then bursting in behind to scare defenders has improved in recent weeks. This is no doubt been instilled and worked on by the genius manager Pep Guardiola, who continues to innovate and evolve his teams to be ruthless and a winning machine.

 

Having a player like Kevin De Bruyne feeding him the ball definitely helps though, although he has taken a rest for the treble run-in and Haaland’s goals are still free-flowing. This is a testament to both Haaland’s quality and hunger for goals as well as City’s laughable riches and seemingly endless squad depth.

 

I think the measure of a great player and great striker is how they do it over multiple seasons and the trophies they end up winning and the effect they have on winning them. This season Manchester City is on for a treble, the same treble that their bitter city rivals Manchester United achieved in 1999.

 

I’m old enough to remember that too, with one of the greatest comebacks of all time in the final against a fantastic Bayern Munich side. If Haaland and his Man City teammates lift all 3 I think we are already in the realm of saying that Haaland is the best striker in the league and I think the world.

 

There is a saying in sport, overused and somewhat cliche though that “form is temporary, but class is permanent”. Haaland for such a young man has already been putting up these sorts of numbers for 4-5 years in top domestic leagues, he is annihilating international teams now too with Norway.

 

At the time of writing he has 21 goals in 23 games for them which is madness. This is without De Bruyne, Foden, Grealish, Mahrez, Bernardo Silva etc however Norway do have Martin Odegaard, who has been tremendous for Arsenal and is crucial to Norway.

 

On the scene at the moment we can only really point to a couple of competitors to the tag “best striker in the world” and that is Harry Kane and Karim Benzema. Benzema is underrated in my opinion or rather was until last years deserved Balon D’or win.

 

The man has scored over 27 goals in each of the last 5 seasons. He has won 5 Champions Leagues, 8 league titles, a hatful of cups and FIFA world club cups, the only thing he’s missing is a World cup winner’s medal. He should have been there in 2018 but he had an ongoing case with the French Federation in 2018.

 

Then there is Harry Kane, trophies ZERO, however, if he stays at Tottenham or in the Premier League he will break Alan Shearer’s all-time record of 260 goals in 2 seasons time. He guarantees you 20 goals a season, his all-round play and passing range is unreal but perhaps he just doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he plays for Spurs.

 

Let’s not forget he is already England’s all-time top scorer, and that will stay for many years, no one is coming through the ranks to challenge that. I just feel Kane doesn’t have the same dynamism or electricity Haaland has, he doesn’t send the fear of god down defenders backs.

 

For me, Benzema is currently the best striker in the world, but if Haaland wins the treble, or even the league and Champions League, and maintains this same rate of goals for 2 seasons he will prove to me that he can do it in the hardest league in the world, can affect big games and provide the city with the Ultimate trophy they have been chasing ever since the middle eastern money flooded into the club.

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Football Guides

Who wins Manager of the Season?

This season has been a crazy one in the Premier League. But with just 4 games to go there are still outcomes to be decided up and down the table, but there are clear managers who have stood out and deserve to be named manager of the year. We are going to review them below:

 

Pep Guardiola – The man is a genius. He has revolutionised football in this country and across the world. This season he has developed an inverted wing back system, then changed to 3 at the back and moved John Stones into a roaming midfield role. They are in the Fa cup final against bitter rivals Manchester United. They are now top of the league and favourites to win the premier league title for the 5th time in 6 seasons. They are also favourites for the Champions League with their Champions League final coming against Real Madrid over two legs in the Semis. But does he deserve to win the award? Or is this all expected from a juggernaut of a team?

 

Mikel Arteta – So close! There has been a massive change in performance this season, recruitment has been amazing and they haven’t made a mistake in the market. They are on track to get 90 points which would win the majority of league titles, just ask Sir Alex Ferguson, he’d usually win with between 78-86 points. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have gone off the boil and Peps former apprentice Arteta has taken his place to give us an exciting race. The youngest team in the league and great credit, but ultimately won nothing and were poor in Europe and cup competitions.

 

Eddie Howe – Newcastle look nailed on for a top 4 place and Champions League football next season. They have one of the best defences in the league, St James Park is a fortress and there is a feel good factor around the place. The transformation started last season, but this season has been remarkable. With the riches the Saudi owners have, there is potential for some massive star names coming through the doors, but I think they will continue to steadily build and Howe has arguably a tougher job sustaining it, but exceptional from Eddie and he always carries himself well.

 

Roberto De Zerbi – Brighton as a club are quite remarkable, they play some of the best football in the league, and they use an advanced statistical base to sign players, rarely does that not pay off. They get the most out of every single player at the club and they seem to sell at the right time for the highest transfer fee and it doesn’t seem to affect the quality of play. How much is is down to the role Graham Potter played the seasons before or Tony Bloom and Paul Barber at the top of the house? That’s difficult to say but De Zerbi has taken them on to a new level. An outside chance of a top 4 place but I think the top 6 is looking solid for them and what a season.

 

Unai Emery – The man is so underrated it’s unreal! He’s taken Villa from relegation candidates to European candidates. Steven Gerrard should be credited for some of the recruitment, I actually think that was decent. Coutinho made an impact but quite predictably tailed off when he got settled at the club and knew what he could get away with. The improvement though can be tracked in the same way Ollie Watkins’ form has changed. He looks like scoring every single game now, and Emery made the bold decision of getting rid of Ings in January. He only brought in Alex Moreno but he’s been a shrewd signing, Villa have become more solid defensively, and very effective in transition and if Villa get Europe they are guaranteed a trophy, Emery and the Europa League are wedded it seems, he’s won it a remarkable 4 times!

 

Gary O’Neill – I mean what a job this man has done. Scott Parker threw his toys out of the pram and a 9-0 result earlier in the season didn’t help. It looked like Bournemouth were going to have a long hard season. Lowest attendance in the league and limited budget but my god what a turnaround. Gary O’Neill has got Bournemouth defensively solid while maintaining a big threat on the break. Ouattara, the January signing has given them pace and invention going forward, Billing just off Solanke has been a master stroke and they look hard to deal with, pace and power always is! In recent weeks they have been winning games and are comfortably safe and may finish as high as 12th. What a season.

 

Honourable mentions would be Marco Silva, Fulham were going so well and might have made Europe but injuries and Mitrovic’s ban have derailed that. Brentford are always solid and will finish top half again, but the winner for me would be Howe, followed extremely closely by De Zerbi but I think Pep will win it especially if he lifts the Premier League trophy, Fa Cup and the much-desired Champions League, the holy grail for Man Citys owners.

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Chelsea

What’s going wrong at Chelsea FC?

Where to start with this one? Well, I suppose you could blame Vladimir Putin, as without his callous, ruthless and heinous acts in Ukraine, Chelsea may still have their revered owner Roman Abramovic. This site is not about politics so to keep it brief his exit destabilised the club and was forced to sell up.

 

Todd Boehly was the lucky man to take the reigns at a bargain price of just £2.5bn! There was an initial buzz and positivity in the air. Billions more promised to invest in players, the women’s team and the stadium and surrounding areas.

 

Thomas Tuchel started the season, looking to build on an unlikely looking, but deserved Champions League final win just months prior. The money started to flow, and Chelsea spent nearly £300m in the summer window on the following players:

  1. Wesley Fofana: £72m – from Leicester
  2. Marc Cucurella: £58m – from Brighton
  3. Raheem Sterling: £50m – from Manchester City
  4. Kalidou Koulibaly: £34m – from Napoli
  5. Carney Chukwuemeka: £16m – from Aston Villa
  6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: £11m – from Barcelona
  7. Gabriel Slonina: £8m – from Chicago Fire
  8. Denis Zakaria: loan – from Juventus

 

On the face it many felt that it was solid, good business. Raheem Sterling in particular being in the prime of his career, with a very fruitful few seasons at Manchester City in the rear view window. Marc Cucurella was being courted by Manchester City after having a superb season at Brighton, Wesley Fofane widely touted as one of the best young defenders in the world. Kalidou Koulibaly was a log term targets for all the super clubs across Europe and was seen as a solid addition. Even Denis Zakaria seemed a sensible, prudent signing, good international experience and added competition in midfield.

 

So things were looking up? Not entirely, There were murmurings behind the scenes that Todd Boehly and manager Thomas Tuchel had fallen out, the rumour being that Boehly had taken a couple of his friends into the dressing room after a game. Tuchel was sacked after a few poor results to the season much to the fans shock.

 

Todd picked out Graham Potter to lead the next chapter and it seemed a slight risk but a very forward thinking, exciting long term project. He brought in a few of his staff from Brighton and built a setup behind the scenes which seemed professional and polished. Graham Potter struggled to work his magic in the early games but did a few good results and qualified for the Champions League Knockout phase.

 

The January window was afoot and yet more money was splashed out. this time the transfer methodology seemed wildly different from the summer. Instead of thoughtful, sensible signings it seemed that they were just buying any young winger showing promise and giving them 8 year deals. This was unheard of, the norm is usually 5 years with a 1 year extension at most. A huge gamble and especially with a net spend of over £600m before you pay the wages.

 

Results did not pick up, there was no cohesion and Stamford Bridge had started to turn on Potter. They beat Dortmund over 2 legs to by him a little bit more time but the premier league table was a sorry sight to behold. They were dropping like a stone and sitting in mid table. They werent playing terrible football but there was a lack of idea in the final third and NO goals to speak of. Finally patience wore thin and Potter was sacked bringing to an end an ill fated experiment.

 

The man Boehly turned to to save Chelseas season? Frank Lampard of course! He had not long been sacked by Everton for a terrible run of results, but it seemed just like a handout, keep one of the old legends on the payroll and in the limelight as a favour. A very strange decision and coming up was Real Madrid, the kings of Europe. Boehly stated before the game that Chelsea were going to win 3-0, an outlandish comment from anyone let alone the chairman of a football club on the eve of their biggest game of their season. This was there cup final, could Lampard do it?

 

I think we all know the answer, after showing some early promise and missing a couple of gilt edged chances aswell as heroics from ex Chelea player Thibaut Courtois, Vinicius Jr. Karim Benzema and co put Chelsea to the sword and with that their season was over. Since then they havent won a game and havent really come close to looking like it.

 

They have clearly missed the likes of Timo Werner who was sold for a measly £20m, someone who wasnt clinical but was a constant threat and wanted to run in behind. They have also missed Antonio Rudiger who now plays for Real Madrid and was a huge part of that solid Chelsea defence. And Romelu Lukaku although divisive could definitely have provided some goals and some threat instead of the lacklustre display from chelseas forwards this season.

 

Despite all this next season they could be a real threat, they need the right manager, the rumour is that Pochettino is the man to take over. I think that would be a shrewd signing. Although never a huge winner of trophies, he clearly has a friendly positive outlook, that resonates with younger players and players do listen to his message and imporve under his coaching. Either way I’m looking forward to what happens next!

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Football Guides

Premier League Relegation – Who’s going?

Goalkeeper in Yellow Saving The Ball

At time of writing we have 4 teams in my opinion that could go down, along with Southampton who are definitely gone. Which is a shame as I quite like Ruben Selles and his approach to football, and they have a lot of vibrant, talented young players. This relegation fight is the best i remember and the tightest at the bottom of the table with lots of teams still involved.

 

Those teams are Leicester City 30pts, Leeds United 30pts, Nottingham Forest 30pts and Everton 29pts. These are some of the biggest and most historic teams in England. Everton haven’t been releagted for 72 years, Nottingham Forest have won the Europen cup (now Champions League), Leicester City won the league less than 7 years ago and Leeds United are massive in both history and support.

 

It would then, be sad to see any of them go, the Championship is a brutal league and there is no guarantee they will bounce straight back, even with parachute payments. But which of the 4 will go, lets find out!

 

 

Leicester City – Best Goal difference of the 3 stuck on 30 points, tough fixtures to come but the key game is the next one for them, Fulham Away. I think Fulham are on the beach and with no Pereira and Mitrovic, their 2 most talented players, Leicester will win this one and i think that could be enough. It will go to the last day no matter what and if thats the case i think West Ham at home will be at least a point. West Ham will rest players to get ready for a UEFA Conference League final and they will secure their safety then. Players like James Maddison, Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes will give them enough going forward and they will be safe.

 

Leeds United – 17th on Goal difference right now and the same as Leicester have 2 games where they can get points. They will get no change out of Newcastle or Manchester City but with Sam Allardyce, just appointed to take over from Javi Gracia, they have someone with experience in releagtion scraps. He got my own team Sunderland out before as well as Palace and Everton, who ironically could do with his services right now too! I just can’t see how they can get a point in the next 2 games, but i think they will beat West Ham with everything on the line for them and Elland Road will be a factor if it is required last day of the season. 3 or 4 points for me. What they do have in their favour is a squad of hard workers, a side effect from the Bielsa and Jesse Marsch era who thrived on the pressing game with physicality across the picth. Allardyce will focus their minds, simplify the play to be more effective, and keep the goals conceded to a minimum and with goal difference in play that could be worth an extra point.

 

Nottingham Forest – In the drop zone on goal difference currently and Steve Coopers side have it all to do. It always looked a tough season with such a crazy influx of players in this season. Around 25 players have come in, which is baffling, you can only have 11 and 9 subs and most squads are 25 all in. Signings take time to gel and Forests home form as given them a chance and they have Southampton next at the City Gorundm which is must win. In my opinion if they don’t win that game they are going down. If they win they will have momentum and i could see them beating Chelsea who have been atrocious or get something from Palace last day of the season. They do have a passionate, albeit crazy owner in Marinakis who clearly loves the club and wants the best for it but he should leave Steve Cooper to it. Key player will be top scorer Brennan Johnson who i can see being poached by a top 6 club if they go through the trap door in 4 games time. He is pacy, works extremely hard pressing from the front and has an eye for goal.

 

Everton – 29pts and the early Sean Dyche bounce seems to have worn off. Only Chelsea are a more chaotic club right now. Their off field troubles are well documented with Farhat Moshiri ploughing over £500m in transfers over the last 6-7 years with nothing to show for it. They are still building a stadium, which is not fully funded, they have lost over £300m in the last 3 years and are facing strict FFP penalties. If they were to go down, I don’t think I am being too apocalyptic here, but if they go down this could be disastrous for the club, it could be the beginning of a downward spiral towards extinction

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Best Sellers

Best Kids Football Base Layer 2022

A kids football base layer is essential as it helps keep them warmer during the cold and wet football matches on Sunday. As a parent, holding the umbrella, you understand how cold it gets and that is wearing coats and gloves. Just imagine your child, playing football and I know you are probably thinking “well they are running around”. But just think, they don’t start off running and with 11-a-side football, you may find at times that they are not always running.

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