PREVIEW: EPL Week 11

NewySports Match of the Round

Chelsea's start to the season has hit an all-time low in my opinion. More than a quarter of the way through the season and Mourinho's men sit in 16th with 11 points, Manchester City are top with 22 points. Along with goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon and Silvino Louro, Mourinho was sent to the stands after his sides 2-1 loss to West Ham over the weekend. Mourinho was sent to the stands for reportedly trying to enter the referees room at Half Time, Mourinho may also face a ban. If that wasn't bad enough for Chelsea, midfielder Nemanja Matic was sent off late in the first half which consequently lost them the match in my eyes after Andy Carroll's late header cancelled out Gary Cahill's equaliser. 

For me, I don't think Mourinho will get sacked. Not for the time being anyway. Don't get me wrong he will cop it from the press for the next couple of weeks but for now, I think his job is safe, permitting this situation does not go from Terrible to a crisis. 

Steady. That's my outcome on Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool so far. Klopp has managed Liverpool for 3 games now and drawn all 3. Everybody at Liverpool Football Club and not forgetting the fans will be very disappointed after not managing to hold onto all 3 points on Sunday after Sadio Mane's late goal ruled out Benteke's supposed winner. Liverpool dominated possession and shots but still could not manage to get Jurgen Klopp his first win. 

However I will give credit to Klopp. With star players like Christian Benteke, Daniel Sturridge, Roberto Firmino still not 100% fit and forcing to play the likes of Adam Lallana at Striker and Emre Can at centre attacking midfield (after he had played a left wing back under Rodgers) he has done a very good job. Maybe not this season, but next season I can easily see Liverpool pushing for that top 4 spot.

This game will be a good one, however I can't tip Chelsea at the moment. Something's not right at the club and it needs to be resolved before things get out of hand. Liverpool are getting better every week and I think they might pip this one.

Alex's Tip: 2-1 Liverpool

Keegan's Tip: 2-1 Liverpool

Ty's Tip: 2-1 Liverpool

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Swansea got back to winning ways after a 2-1 away win over bottom place Aston Villa. Goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Andrè Ayew saw the Swans lift up to a respectable 12th of the ladder. 

I think it's safe to say that Swansea will not be a team that will make the top 6 this year. Too many silly losses at home have cost them in my eyes. 

Arsenal continued to impress in the league form after a 2-1 win against Everton. The Gunners secured the win thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscienly. Arsenal are now level on points with top place City and certainly title favourites. 

Arsenal didn't have it all their way this week though. The Gunners were played off the park by Championship Side Sheffield Wednesday beaten 3-0. After watching the game, half of Arsenals squad were reserve players meaning 2 things in my eyes. First thing, Arsenal needs to invest into some quality youth or reserve players and secondly the Championship is a very strong league.

Still can't go past the men in red this week.

Alex's Tip: 3-1 Arsenal

Keegan's Tip: 2-0 Arsenal

Ty's Tip: 3-0 Arsenal

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I'm really enjoying watching West Brom play, over the past few weeks they have shown me that they are definitely not a club that will be going down. The Baggies managed a 1-0 away win at Norwich. It may not seem like a massive result but trust me when saying this, those 3 points will most certainly have an impact on Norwich or West Brom’s fight for relegation if they are there come the end of the season. 

Leicester, a club who many predicted to go down this season. Haven't they proved the critics wrong? Leicester started the second season of their stint in the Premier League and nobody expected them to achieve what they have done so far. A 1-0 home win against Crystal Palace thanks to a 59th minute goal from Jamie Vardy has pushed the Foxes up to 5th on the ladder only 3 points behind 1st place City. 

Is this the year where the likes of West Ham or Leicester could make the top 4?

This will be a good game to watch in my eyes so with both teams in flying form I can't predict a winner, maybe Leicester but I'll stick with the draw.

Alex's Tip: 1-1 Draw

Keegan's Tip: 1-0 Leicester

Ty's Tip: 2-1 Leicester

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Palace couldn't get anything from last week’s game against flying Leicester and will be looking to redeem themselves at home against United. Palace will be looking to get at least 1 win from their next two games, this week they face United and next week Liverpool away from home.

For me it just seems like Palace are only really focusing on the league at the moment as they were battered 5-1 against Man City last night in the League Cup which left fans wondering if their short stint of fantastic football ended?

After watching probably the worst ever Manchester Derby in my entire life, United will be looking to get back on top spot.

United failed to create any real good chances in the derby last week which was why it finished 0-0. The best chance of the game fell to Jesse Lingard where his late shot was denied by the crossbar, but to be fair, he should have scored.

It really was the week of upsets in the League Cup as Arsenal, Chelsea and United were all knocked out of the cup. United were knocked out of the League Cup last night by Championship side Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough are a fantastic side in the Championship and in my eyes will get promoted this season, this once again shows me that the Championship is a very good league and can test Premier League clubs.

United were beaten on penalties 3-1 after Ashley Young, Michael Carrick and captain Wayne Rooney all missed meaning the league cup is now a very open one with 3 championship clubs and 5 Premier League clubs.

Back to this match and I'm going to predict an upset. I can't tip United when they are in this form at the moment.

Alex's Tip: 2-1 Palace

Keegan's Tip: 3-0 United

Ty's Tip: 2-1 United

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City made up from their disappointing draw last week against their noisy neighbours by thrashing Crystal Palace 5-1 in the League Cup. 

However, where does this leave centre back Vincent Kompany. Once again, Kompany did not play making it his club record for most amount of misses for the club and we haven't even hit November. 

Although playing in the derby last week, the Belgian captain has only played 6/10 games in the league this season, not to mention the league cup.

With new centre back signing Nicolas Otamendi, are these signs that Kompany may be pipped out of his spot or could their be a potential transfer of him?

Norwich are slipping down the ladder fast and are in real trouble. 

Why? If you read my article are few weeks ago, I mentioned who Norwich had coming up towards the months on November. I said it was crucial that the Canaries managed to get points especially at home as their next few games are incredibly tough. In November and December, the green and yellow face the likes of Manchester City Away, Chelsea Away, Arsenal at Home, Everton at Home, Manchester United Away and Tottenham away.

Norwich currently sit 16th in the ladder, 3 points above the relegation zone and with those fixtures I've just mentioned above, I can easily see them slipping into the drop zone come new year after disappointing results this month.

An easy tip in this one, it may even be a battering.

Alex's Tip: 5-0 City

Keegan's Tip: 5-0 City

Ty's Tip: 4-0 City

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Win 6-2 one week and lose 3-0 the next to a lower ranked side. That's the life of a current Newcastle fan at the moment.

Newcastle were well and truly beaten last week but however I think the ref cost them the match. Right on half time conceded a penalty. Yes I thought it was a penalty but no way do I feel Collocini should of been sent off and in my eyes, that cost them the match.

A loss this weekend and I'm also certain Steve McClaren will get the sack especially with Brendan Rodgers currently looking for a managerial role.

Stoke played fantastic last week. I mean fantastic. They defended a 1-0 lead for basically the whole game after Bojan scored in the 4th minute.

Butland was once again strong. In my opinion, Jack Butland is one of the best keepers in the league. When your team plays Stoke and you're watching the match, you will know or have know it takes a lot to beat the English capped player.

Newcastle have not been the same team for a while now and I think it's time for a change. I'm going to go for Stoke in this one, Newcastle will miss suspended Collocini.

Alex's Tip: 2-1 Stoke City

Keegan's Tip: 1-1 Draw

Ty's Tip: 2-1 Stoke City

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Watford put themselves 6 points above the drop zone after they beat Stoke 2-0 last week thanks to goals from Troy Deeney and Almen Abdi.

Watford are in impressive form however can their consistency continue?

Well my favourite team in the BPL have done it again. 

West Ham added Chelsea to their collection of wins after a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Zarate and Andy Carroll.

West Ham are my team of the year so far after rising to 3rd on the Barclays Premier Ladder and have no signs of slowing down.

I would not be surprised in the slightest if someone from the future told me West Ham would make the top 4 come the end of the season because some of the football they have played has been extraordinary and you only have to go and look at the teams they have beaten.

West Ham for me in this one.

Alex's Tip: 2-0 West Ham

Keegan's Tip: 3-1 West Ham

Ty's Tip: 3-1 West Ham

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Everton were unsuccessful in picking up points at the Emirates last week as they were defeated 2-1 by a well organised Arsenal side. The Toffees were also reduced to 10 men in the last minute as a clumsy challenge from Gareth Barry earnt him a second yellow which obviously resulted in a red.

Everton did however have something to cheer about mid-week as they defeated Norwich 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the League Cup. Everton now face Middlesbrough in the quarter finals.

After 10 games, Sunderland finally got their first win of the season and didn't it come in style? The Black Cats beat their rivals Newcastle in an impressive 3-0 win at the Stadium Light thanks to goals from Adam Johnson, Billy Jones and Darren Fletcher.

Sunderland produced the goods for new boss Sam Allardyce and it's safe to say, his respect from the fans has been approved. The main things for Sunderland now is to get out of the drop zone, and to do that they need to be consistent.

After an impressive win for them last week I'm going to tip an upset and go for the away side.

Alex's Tip: 2-1 Sunderland

Keegan's Tip: 3-2 Everton
Ty's Tip: 2-1 Everton

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Southampton picked up a point last week at Anfield after a very late Sadio Mane goal. Mane went from hero to zero after he got himself 2 yellow cards amazingly after his goal to get himself sent off.

Southampton have been playing some smart football lately which has affected their position on the ladder (8th).

Don't get me wrong by saying this. Southampton are doing really well this season however they are nowhere near as good as they were last year. Towards the half way point of the season last year, Southampton were in the top 4 and having the time of their lives but this season it's a bit more realistic for them.

Bournemouth need to start getting points and fast. The Cherries sit in 17th position, 1 place above the drop zone and are in danger of slipping into it. 

Bournemouth have the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea coming up in the next couple of months making it adamant that results against middle positioned teams are shown.

With striker Callum Wilson basically ruled out for the season other forwards such as as Matt Richie, Glenn Murray and Joshua King need to be inform by either assists or scoring goals.

This is a tricky one to predict, I really want to say a draw for Bournemouth's sake but I just have to go with Southampton.

Alex's Tip: 3-1 Southampton

Keegan's Tip: 2-2 Draw

Ty's Tip: 2-0 Southampton

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Playing Bournemouth of the park last week, Tottenham came from 1-0 down to thrash the Cherries 5-1. Harry Kane was back to his scoring ways as he netted a hattrick, whilst Moussa Dembele and Erik Lamela also got on the score sheet.

Now undefeated in 9 games, Tottenham are showing a real stance this year in the league and are showing they are a team who also want to make that top 4.

Tottenham have got the potential to be playing Champions League football next season but the question is? Are they strong enough to do so?

After I correctly predicted Aston Villa to lose 2-1 and also have Tim Sherwood sacked after the game, it was a disappointing week for Villa. The Villains have hit an all new low as they sit rock bottom of the ladder with only 4 points from a potential 30.

Caretaker Manager Kevin Macdonald wants more out of his players and wants them to show pride in the club, the jersey and the fans.

It's been quite a dismal few years for Villa fans and they want answers and actions from the club to help their team battle out of this awful situation that they are currently in.

Due to the fact that the Villa players are fighting for their spots to stay in the team I'm going to say they will get something out of this one but I don't think they will beat Spurs’ backline.

Alex’s Tip: 0-0 Draw

Keegan’s Tip: 2-0 Tottenham

Ty’s Tip: 3-1 Tottenham

PREVIEW: Hyundai A-League Round 4

Melbourne City have found form after a tough start to their 2015/16 campaign. Bouncing back from a midweek 3-1 defeat at the hands of Perth Glory in the FFA Cup, City backed up with a dominating win over Central Coast. 

Melbourne started the stronger of the two sides with Aaron Mooy controlling the match with his presence in midfield. After a number of early free kicks that went close to finding the back of the net, Patrick Kisnorbo found himself on the receiving end of a Mooy free kick and comfortably guided it past young Mariners keeper Paul Izzo. The lead was short lived though, with Nick Fitzgerald screamer finding the net from long range despite Sorensen getting a touch on it. City’s defensive lapses were short lived as they continued to press forward and dominate a lacklustre Mariners defence. Come the second half, City new boy Bruno Fornaroli found his feet in the match scoring a brace within the 28 minutes of the restart.

Newcastle have surprised many with the current run of form that they are basking in, having 6 points from their opening three matches and currently sitting 4^th (equal 2^nd if you want to get specific) on the table. 

Last week they were written off by many as they faced a fiery Victory side who were showing their dominance on the back of a 3-2 Victory over cross town rivals City. The Jets controlled this match for large periods, varying defensive structures from sitting deep in their own half to pushing on high up the field and cutting out the ball before Victory could do anything with it. The first half was a case of rueing missed opportunities with Milos Trifunovic missing a number of chances early on. Last week saw the class of Leonardo who played a key part in the centre of midfield, a number of times making the Victory players look a lot more ordinary than they were already playing. 

Last week also saw the resurgence of Ben Kennedy in goal, with a number of crucial saves made by the shot stopper he has giving new coach Scott Miller a lot to think about going into this week with Mark Birighitti coming back into the line-up. Then there was the man of the match, David Carney who put in another decent performance and scoring from the Leonardo set piece from distance rocketing the ball past Danny Vukovic. Whilst the goal was a great finish Muscat will be asking questions of the Melbourne defence and the wall that was set up to why they left Carney in an open space so large, if they had set up properly that goal doesn’t happen. Newcastle will go into the clash with City this week full of confidence and rightly so having played well under new manager Scott Miller for the first 3 rounds, they will look to push on and continue to climb the ladder and sit 1^st for at least tonight.

City walked away convincing winners although the Central Coast didn’t really put up that much of a fight. This week though will be a different story coming up against a Jets side who are in good form. Of the 15 meetings the two sides have had since 2010, (this is including the days of Melbourne Heart), both sides have come away with 6 wins a piece with 3 draws being played out. The key for this match will be the role that Aaron Mooy plays, if Newcastle cannot shut him out of the game, it could be a long night at the office. And my tip is based purely off the likelihood of  shutting out City’s play makers and Mooy.

Keegan’s Tip: 3-1 City

Ty’s Tip: 2-1 City

Alex’s Tip: 1-0 Newcastle

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Mariners haven’t had the start they would have dreamt of after the first round Victory over Perth Glory, slumping to two start losses in convincing fashion being out-played and out-classed on both occasions. Last week simply summed up, they were just poor all round. With the club looking to axe goal keeper Liam Reddy for off field dramas, the Mariners relied on new signing Paul Izzo stepping up to the plate and taking over the gloves. 

Whilst he pulled off a brilliant save from a Aaron Mooy free kick which was cheekily directed at goal from an improbable angle, although he could do nothing about Patrick Kisnorbo’s header. Mariners only highlight from the match came in the 13^th minute when Nick Fitzgerald fired a long range pearler past City import Sorensen to equalise the match once again. From then on it was one way traffic with City dominating the midfield and creating chances. Not long after half time City capitalised on their dominance with Bruno Fornaroli scoring a tap in from a David Williams cross, with his brace coming in the 73^rd minute as Fornaroli found himself in open space after some poor Mariners defending left him one on one with Izzo, and despite getting a strong hand to it, the ball found its way underneath Izzo and into the back of the net.

Sydney FC got lucky last week as Milos Ninkovic scored an 87^th minute goal to seal the win over fierce rivals Western Sydney. This game was by no means a spectacle, it was a typical derby, niggly fouls, drama, flares (because what’s a Sydney derby without Flares), pre match banter and a capacity crowd at each other for the entire match. The banter begun when Graham Arnold called Wanderers home ground a “Garden Shed”, and Wanderers fans fired back with banter of their own which took it too far by stealing the Tifo that the Cove had planned to use at the start of the match. I must add I say Wanderers fans stole it, but this is only from different rumours I have heard.

 The match itself was a free flowing affair with both sides having opportunities but no one capitalising. On the stroke of half time, Sydney found themselves up against the ropes with the Wanderers scoring a header, but it was Sydney who had the last laugh as the linesman correctly ruled him to be offside. Sydney came out in the second half and looked to push on for the win. Again the match was ebbing and flowing but the 87^th minute was the break-through and the FC fans erupted.

This will be a good match as long as you’re a Sydney fan. With Arnold, Zac Anderson and Matt Simon all returning to the Central Coast and will be out to show that they are being missed by the Mariners faithful. Sydney will continue their impressive start to the season this weekend with a dominating performance.

Keegan’s Tip: 3-0 Sydney FC

Ty’s Tip: 3-1 Sydney FC

Alex’s Tip: 1-1 Draw

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John Aloisi has begun his career with Brisbane in good form but last week he faced his first defeat in what was a shock defeat at the hands of Wellington Phoenix. The Roar started brightly having scored in the 26^th minute through Dimitri Petratos who curled the ball beautifully into the side netting. The lead was short lived though as Michael McGlinchey’s spectacular free kick found its way to the back of the net and soon after half time Brisbane had found themselves behind as Roy Krishna found the back of the net. 

But like Brisbane’s first half lead, Wellington’s lead was only to last 10 minutes before a Jade North from a Brisbane corner was hit straight at Glen Moss but still managed to creep across the line and into the goal. It was Wellington who had the last laugh though as Blake Powell scored into an empty net handing Phoenix the win and giving himself his first goal for his new club. The Aloisi brothers will look to solidify the back line once again this weekend after conceding the three goals last weekend but will have full confidence in Brisbane’s current form in pushing forward and scoring goals.

Adelaide have not had the start they would have wanted to season 11 of the Hyundai A-League. Currently winless with only 2 draws from the first 3 matches they find themselves in 9^th. New boss Amor will be eager to get his first A-League victory under his belt this weekend as they travel to QLD to face the Roar. Last week was a week to forget for the Current FFA Cup champions as they were hammered by a resurgent Perth Glory. Perth wasted little time taking control of the match and just before half time Sidnei had put them ahead. Second half only got worse for United as Guyon Fernandez and Diego Castro both scored to put Glory up 3-0 with under 20 minutes remaining. Adelaide did score a consolation goal, although this was also scored by the Glory as Diogo Ferreira put one past Ante Covic.

Adelaide need to win before it is too late and Brisbane will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season and show that last week was a one off.

Keegan’s Tip: 2-1 Brisbane

Ty’s Tip: 2-0 Brisbane

Alex’s Tip: 2-0 Brisbane

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Western Sydney have had a nightmare beginning to the new season having only 1 point from a possible 9. Last week they by no means deserved to lose but did they deserve to win, I highly doubt. Wanderers were good in patches and on a few occasions looked as if they were going to take the lead against their bitter rivals FC. On the stroke of halftime they looked to have hit the lead with a header by Sotirio denied by the linesman who correctly ruled him to be offside. For the rest of the match it was Wanderers attacking and Sydney using the counter attack which inevitably paid off for the sky blues. Wanderers will have a lot of soul searching to do this week as they prepare to play host to Perth Glory. Having only scored 2 goals and having conceded 5 in the opening 3 rounds they will want to find form both defensively and attacking.

Perth have bounced back in the last two weeks from their opening two matches which both ended in defeats. On the back of beating Melbourne City to progress through to the FFA Cup final for the second year running, Perth backed up to hammer Adelaide United 4 days later. Sidnei Sciola opened scoring just before half time and from that point on Perth looked to take control of the match. Second half nothing changed as Perth came out to dominate and when Guyon Fernandez put one in the top corner Adelaide looked to have been finished off. The final nail in the coffin was when Diego Castro comfortably slotted one past John Hall giving Perth the an untouchable lead. Adelaide were able to get one back, but it was not of their own who got it, Diogo Ferreira was the unlucky Glory man who got the honour of claiming that own goal.

Keegan’s Tip: 1-1 Draw

Ty’s Tip: 1-1 Draw

Alex’s Tip: 1-1 Draw

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Melbourne, despite Kevin Muscat’s claims, were simply out played last week by a tactically aware Jets side who capitalised on Victory’s lacklustre performance. On the back of beating cross town rivals 3-2 the week before, Victory went to Newcastle with a dreadful record at Hunter Stadium but full of confidence and a slight sense of arrogance that they always have, and it was that cockiness that looked to have defeated them. 

Newcastle’s goal, whilst it was a pearler from David Carney, it could have been prevented by simply having one less man in the wall to mark him or even bringing back a player from further up the field. The idea at set pieces is to mark everyone who is a threat to your goal and a bloke standing 5 maybe 10 yards away from the kick itself, in my eyes is a pretty big threat at goal. But I digress, Victory were lucky not to have gone behind by 3 in the first half as their defence looked shaky against a Jets onslaught. This week facing the Nix they have to be a lot better in defence particularly shutting down Sarpong, McGlinchey and Krishna.

The Nix have been the headline of all sports news in Australia and New Zealand this week, besides the Rugby World Cup. The FFA have come out and publicly said that a 10 year extension was rejected for the Wellington based club but they were able to apply for a 4 year extension. Logic says you just apply for what you’re told you can apply for. 

Rumour has it that the Nix are to be kicked out of the league in favour of a third Sydney side, this alone is frustrating because Sydney doesn’t need a third side, not in the Sutherland shire anyway, why not just put a team in Wollongong if they are that persistent on a third team from Sydney. As Sydney FC have come out and said “A great portion of our fan base is in the Sutherland shire. It is literally an airport separating the two areas,” which is also true, more reason to go to Wollongong, sure will still take a portion of the Sutherland shire but also the South Coast will have an interest in the side. Or here is a really out there idea for the FFA why not give Canberra a side? Or Hobart? A second Brisbane side maybe? Geelong? Retry with North Queensland? There’s a huge buzz in the area at the moment with the sporting community up there. But then there is this idea, it has worked up until now but why not just keep the Nix in the comp? Most of the Middle Eastern countries already hate that we are a part of Asia anyway.

The Nix now play for their fans, but they also play to impress other clubs because they very well could be playing to save their livelihoods now, which will only motivate them more to continue their winning streak. Last week they were by no means the better side as they played Brisbane Roar but they certainly did enough. With Michael McGlinchey scoring a majestic free kick and Roy Krishna and Blake Powell sealing a 3-2 victory the Nix look confident, certainly not pretty football to watch but they are confident. Can they beat the Victory remains to be seen, if they play like last weekend I highly doubt it. Although I will tip them for two reasons, one they are away from home and I don’t have to listen to the worst commentary team in the footballing and sporting world, the two kiwi blokes that think Wellington are better than Barcelona or Munich, but most of all they have more to play for with the uncertainty surrounding their future as a club, they now have to play for their futures.

Keegan’s Tip: 2-1 Nix

Ty’s Tip: 2-0 Victory

Alex’s Tip: 3-0 Victory

REVIEW: A-League Round 3

A-League Wrap Up-Round 3:

Newysports' review of Friday night's 1-0 win for the Jets is avaliable at the following link: http://www.newysports.com/2015/10/match-review-newcastle-jets-1-0.html

Unbeaten Brisbane Roar saw their two-game winning streak come to an end in Wellington yesterday as the Phoenix picked up a late win in a 5-goal thriller. Blake Powell was the hero for the home side and scored his first goal for the club since joining them in the pre-season.

Dimi Petratos scored the opener but it was cancelled out by a brilliant Michael McGlinchy free kick. Roy Krishna continued his early-season form with a goal but Roar would strike back again through a very sloppy Jade North goal. The victory was assured by Powell and it capped off a decent day at the office for the Phoenix.

John Aloisi's men will need to re-assess their situation but take no credit from Wellington, they were the better side on the day and proved once again that they are a team to take very seriously in the A-League.

The Sydney Derby didn't match the brilliance of the Melbourne version last week but it was still an edge-of-your-seat battle between the two arch nemesis. There was the controversial offside call for Sotirio (that was offside in this reporter's eyes) and of course a fair few crunching challenges.

All in all, Sydney would pull out the win at the very end as Man of the Match Milos Ninkovic smashed one past Andrew Redmayne and sent the Cove into a frenzy. Delight for Graham Arnold and his men but another tough result for a worried Tony Popovic. Injuries weren't kind to the Wanderers last night and they will need to find form fast or risk falling away from the top sides.

Melbourne City were too classy for the Central Coast Mariners in the early game this afternoon but both sides deserve a round of applause as it was a superb game to watch. I've got to give Tony Walmsley some credit as the Mariners are a much better side to watch this season and yes they are young and yes they will probably lose some games but it's the future-building that is looking good on the Coast. And goals like the one Nick Fitzgerald scored helps a lot as well!

3-1 was the result at AAMI Park and the same result was seen at nib Stadium. The reason I mention that is that Adelaide's performance was nothing like the Mariners' one. The Reds scored another own goal late on which meant nothing in the end. It's becoming a very serious situation in Adelaide and a turn-around is needed sooner rather than later. It's one thing to outpass the opposition but you need to score and Adelaide don't look like a threat at the moment.

Perth Glory backed up from their FFA Cup Semi Final win with a fairly comfortable win today and credit has to go to Kenny Lowe. There were questions surrounding his call to bench the big guns like Castro and Fernandez but it paid off as he brought them on in the second half and they did the job they needed to do. It's all looking upwards for the Glory right now.

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A-League Ladder:

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Newysports POTY:

PREVIEW: EPL Week 10

Written by Ty Stedman

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It's a shortened EPL Preview this week as I fill in for the two Newysports regulars Alex and Keegan. Strangely enough, yours truly is leading the tipping competition the three of us are having. Let's get into it.

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Manchester Derby

United v City @ Old Trafford

Monday 1:05am

No doubting this week's Match of the Round as the two Manchester's do battle at Old Trafford. United are coming off the back of a 3-0 win at Everton last weekend but their mid-week 1-1 draw in Moscow against CSKA was a disappointment that they'll be looking to put behind them.

The Red Devils can overtake their neighbours at the top if they get the three points and considering they've got six in their last two home league games it wouldn't be a surprise at all to see them take the points. City are a tough test though and the derby isn't an easy one to win.

The Cityzens are coming off a late 2-1 win over Spanish side Sevilla in the UCL and with arguably the Premier League's most in-form player Kevin De Bruyne featuring in the line-up, City are a very decent chance of winning at the home of their arch rivals.

It will be interesting to see if captain Vincent Kompany returns to City's starting lineup. The Belgian has been benched for the last couple of games and rumours of a rift are persistent. Manuel Pelligrini wouldn't be able to shoot down said rumours if he leaves his captain out of this one.

The Derby is a must-watch as new faces like City's De Bruyne, United's Martial, City's Sterling and United's desperate for form Memphis make their Manchester derby debut. Then there's the likes of staple names like Wayne Rooney and Yaya Toure and two brilliant goalkeepers in David De Gea and Joe Hart. It's a brilliant match on paper and let's hope it lives up to it.

Ty's Tip: 2-1 City

Alex's Tip: 2-2 Draw

Keegan's Tip: 3-2 United

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West Ham v Chelsea @ Upton Park

Sunday 1:00am

I'd consider West Ham a better chance of victory at Stamford Bridge than at their own home ground. Their away form has been brilliant and they've knocked off City, Arsenal and Liverpool on the road. At home though they've been rather poor and with a Chelsea side trying to turn around their shocking start, it could be a tough outing for the Hammers.

Chelsea were left frustrated mid-week by Dynamo Kiev and will need to beat the Ukrainian side in their home match or face possible UCL elimination. Enner Valencia is a rumoured inclusion for West Ham and it will be interesting to see if Eden Hazard is featured in Chelsea's starting side. Regardless, it should be a win for Chelsea but it won't be easy.

Ty's Tip: 2-1 Chelsea

Alex's Tip: 3-2 Chelsea

Keegan's Tip: 2-1 West Ham

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Arsenal v Everton @ the Emirates

Sunday 3:30am

Arsenal are in deadly form. They've scored 11 goals in their last three league games. Two weeks ago they put three past United, last week they outclassed Watford and during the week they overcame Bayern Munich. I can't see them having too much trouble at home against an out of form Everton. The Toffees can be a challenge on their day but Arsenal are in untippable form...untippable against that is.

Ty's Tip: 3-0 Arsenal

Alex's Tip: 2-0 Arsenal

Keegan's Tip: 2-1 Arsenal

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Arsenal v Everton @ the Emirates

Sunday 3:30am

Arsenal are in deadly form. They've scored 11 goals in their last three league games. Two weeks ago they put three past United, last week they outclassed Watford and during the week they overcame Bayern Munich. I can't see them having too much trouble at home against an out of form Everton. The Toffees can be a challenge on their day but Arsenal are in untippable form...untippable against that is.

Arsene Wenger admitted that star man Alexis Sanchez was tired but the Chilean is sure to feature in Arsenal's team this week as he's in just too good of form. He's been banging in goals left, right and centre. Aaron Ramsey will miss up to a month with injury but there's enough depth to cover the Welshman in midfield.

Ty's Tip: 3-0 Arsenal

Alex's Tip: 2-0 Arsenal

Keegan's Tip: 3-1 Arsenal

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Liverpool v Southampton @ Anfield

Monday 3:15am

If the Manchester derby wasn't enough on Monday morning, Liverpool's home match against Southampton will surely see some tired-eyed Reds fans tune in. Jurgen Klopp's Anfield debut wasn't the best result (a 1-1 draw against Rubin Kazan) but like anything in life, time is needed for the German to work his wonders on the side.

The Reds have a fair few former Saints in their line-up so it wouldn't be a surprise to see Southampton treat this game as a derby of sorts. It was only two weeks ago that Southampton went to Stamford Bridge and completely outplayed Chelsea. Having Pelle up front is key for the Saints and they'll be a chance at Anfield.

I feel as though the Reds will win and Klopp will get his first win in charge. Liverpool are looking an improved squad and it's only a matter of time that things start to click.

Ty's Tip: 2-0 Liverpool

Alex's Tip: 3-1 Liverpool

Keegan's Tip: 2-1 Liverpool

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Bournemouth v Tottenham @ Vitality Stadium

Monday 1:05am

Only diehard Spurs fans (or any Bournemouth fans in the area) will tune into this one. It's still an intriguing match but with kickoff at the same time as the Manchester derby, I feel as though most of us Aussies will be watching the highlights of this one.

Bournemouth were slaughtered at the Etihad last weekend...I mean absolutely slaughtered. It could have been much worse if Sergio Aguero was playing. The Cherries will be delighted to return to the South Coast and will be eyeing off a chance to beat Tottenham in what is only the second competitive game between this sides (the first being a Bournemouth win in the 1950's).

Harry Kane's form is still uninspiring and it seems as though the striker is suffering from a classic case of 'second-season syndrome'. Tottenham are unbeaten since opening day and should be decent enough to win this one. It's a danger game though.

Ty's Tip: 2-1 Tottenham

Alex's Tip: 1-1 Draw

Keegan's Tip: 1-0 Tottenham

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Wear-Tyne Derby

Sunderland v Newcastle @ Stadium of Light

Sunday 11pm

In what is a curtain-raiser for the Manchester derby, arch rivals Sunderland will host Newcastle in a game that isn't just a derby, it's a crucial relegation zone battle. Sunderland's first game under Sam Allardyce ended in defeat but there were positive signs.

Newcastle broke through for their first win of the season in a huge way last week as they slotted six past a hapless Norwich City side. The Magpies have lost five (count them, five!) straight derbies. A win here would see the fans start to take a bit of a liking to Steve McClaren.

This is a highly important game for both clubs and I think a draw could very well be on the cards.

Ty's Tip: 1-1 Draw

Alex's Tip: 1-1 Draw

Keegan's Tip: 2-1 Newcastle

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Other Games:

Stoke City v Watford @ the Britannia Stadium

Expect Stoke to get over the line in this one after a win at Swansea last weekend. Always a tough away trip to the Britannia.

Ty's Tip: 2-0 Stoke City

Alex's Tip: 4-0 Stoke City

Keegan's Tip: 1-0 Stoke City

Aston Villa v Swansea City @ Villa Park

It's a crucial game for both these sides. It's been a while between wins for the Villains and the Swans and I'm tipping that to continue for the Villians. Alex believes it could be the end for Tim Sherwood if the home side lose.

Ty's Tip: 2-1 Swansea

Alex's Tip: 2-1 Swansea (Tim Sherwood Sacked Afterwards)

Keegan's Tip: 2-0 Swansea

Norwich City v West Brom @ Carrow Road

Norwich were put the sword by Newcastle last week and will be looking for improvement against an inconsistent West Brom. Saido Berahino's key for West Brom and the Baggies really need to start scoring more goals.

Ty's Tip: 1-0 West Brom

Alex's Tip: 1-0 West Brom

Keegan's Tip: 1-0 West Brom