The Gurgler’s UK Football Weekly

Last full weekend of fixtures before the ever annoying International break so enjoy it while you can, and thankfully by the time we return, daylight savings has set in, giving the loyal fans another valuable hour of sleep.

Talking of an international break, that is the major talking point in UK Football, that all English Football teams will not be going any further in any of the European competitions, making it the first time in over 20 years since no team has gone into the quarter finals.

The questions now abound about why the English clubs don’t go any further, some claim it’s the managers fault, some blame the lack of a winter break, there’s also the compeditiveness of the league itself, or that the big names no longer go to the UK. One could argue it is a mixture of those points and more, the silver lining for fans is the lack of distraction will hopefully lead to bigger and better clashes on the final run of the season.

Sunderland succumbed to the inevitable and sacked manager Gus Poyet, probably for a variety of reasons, but the latest 4-0 loss to a side who equalled their previous total of away goals in one half was the delivery of nails to the Sunderland board courtesy of Gus. Vision of numerous fans storming out after the 3rd goal around 38 minutes would also not help Gus’ case.

Thankfully for the UK tabloids pun headline writes, Dick Advocaat has joined until the end of the year, providing so many opportunities to add cat based puns into match reviews.

Burnley’s win over Manchester City last weekend proved that they look the only one of the bottom three looking up for the fight to avoid the drop. If they do, it means all three promoted teams’ stay is just one season long. At thend other end City’s loss tightens up 2nd to 5th, with now 2nd an achievable target for all of the current top 5 with a good run.

In the league where QPR and Leicester look to be joining next year, the race for who replaces them is as tight as it has been for many years. Just 5 points separates the Top 5 teams, with another bunch of sides hanging around close enough to squeeze into the finals at minimum.

At the other end Blackpool are edging closer to being the first team relegated this year.

Bristol City are in the division below, but are almost confirmed in going the other way with an 11 point lead in League One.

Bottom of the four divisions Hartlepool won away during the week to get within 4 points of safety after looking down for the count not long ago. That drop into the abyss of the Vanarama Conference looks less likely at the moment.

Here we list the highlights of the weekend according to us, and then a more comprehensive list.

EPL
SUNDAY
LIVERPOOL v MAN UTD
Clash of the Titans, bitter enemies, and Top 4 on the line.

CHAMPIONSHIP
FRIDAY NIGHT (UK)
WOLVES v DERBY – 8th v 5th
SATURDAY
BOURNEMOUTH v MIDDLESBROUGH – 3rd v 2nd
WATFORD v IPSWICH – 1st v 7th

LEAGUE ONE
SATURDAY
BARNSLEY v PRESTON – 6th v 2nd
PETERBORO v CHESTERFIELD – 7th v 8th
CRAWKEY v LEYTON ORIENT – Relegation six pointer.

JOHNSTONE’S PAINT TROPHY
BRISTOL CITY v WALSALL
A Cup for just 3rd and 4th div. A chance to win a trophy at Wembley.

[soccer-info id=’2′ type=’fixtures’ title=’EPL GAMES’ limit=’10’ /]

[soccer-info id=’20’ type=’fixtures’ title=’CHAMPIOSNHIP GAMES’ limit=’12’ /]

[soccer-info id=’21’ type=’fixtures’ title=’L1 GAMES’ limit=’11’ /]

[soccer-info id=’22’ type=’fixtures’ title=’L2 GAMES’ limit=’12’ /]