Mystic Jarv Weekend of 7 November

Another bad week for Mystic Jarv last weekend, here are this weekends predictions

Saturday

Aston Villa V Bolton Wanderers

Since beating Chelsea 3 weeks ago Villa haven’t won a game in the league and only won in the League cup on penalties, Their form is something Villa will want to rectify quickly if they serious want to challenge for Europe this season.

After 2 4-0 thumpings at the hand of Chelsea in their last 2 games Gary Megson will be glad to see the back of them for now at least however a trip to Villa park is not any easy away game either.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 to Villa
Aston Villa V Bolton Wanderers match discussion

Blackburn Rovers V Portsmouth

Pompey’s results have picked up a little to match their playing form and this is a massive game for them, both clubs find themselves in the bottom three and Blackburn are struggling more than i thought they would this season. They should now be over the Swine flu that hit the club and need to bounce back.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 to Blackburn …..just, however i could see it going the other way too
Blackburn Rovers V Portsmouth match discussion

Manchester City V Burnley

Burnley simply are not very good away from home and i can’t see them getting anything here. City are currently in the top 4 which is where they want to be and will really want to be there over the international break. There really should only be one winner in this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 to City
Manchester City V Burnley match discussion

Tottenham Hotspur V Sunderland

Like Villa, Sunderland have not won since their big victory on the 17th October and will want to get back on track as soon as possible, Lee Cattermole is injured and he ha been their driving force in the middle of the park and without him i believe they will struggle without him.

Spurs have had mixed fortunes from their recent matches and won’t be please by the 3-0 beating at the hands of their neighbours, if Spurs truly have designs on a Champions League place they have to win this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 to Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur V Sunderland match discussion

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Arsenal – 17:30

Wolves have picked up a point in each of their last 3 games, asll 3 of which i predicted them to lose, should they get something from this game they will really surprise me.

Arsenal will be pleased with the win last week against Spurs and Wenger must be delighted with their form, they’re scoring goals for fun. There is discussions about take overs going on at the moment but i don’t think it will put the team off their stride and i expect them to move into 2nd by Saturday night.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-3 to Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal match discussion

Sunday

Hull City V Stoke City

Well phil brown is still in charge but you have to ask how much longer, the statement from the new chairman was hardly resounding and should 3 points not be forthcoming against Stoke i believe he will be gone by the time they play West Ham,  Should Brown be sacked it gives the club a couple of weeks while the internationals are on to find a New boss. The question is, is there anyone better out there that will want to goto Hull?

Stoke Captain Abdoulaye Faye says they can qualify for Europe this season, big brave words given the competition this season, if they are to then they have to win this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 0-1 to Stoke
Hull City V Stoke City match discussion

West Ham United v Everton

It was a bitter-sweet midweek for West ham, beating Villa was a top result but losing Carlton Cole was a blow to them, before that game they were struggling for form. Everton were struggling even more and are having a terrible season by their recent standards and failed to pick up a win in the whole of October.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 Draw
West Ham United V Everton match discussion

Wigan Athletic V Fulham

12th V 11th in the league, I didn’t see the game against Roma but i undertstand Fulham were unlucky to be down to 9 men. Still at the end of the day the Premier league is their bread and butter and this game is more important in the long term, beating Liverpool was a fantastic result for them and they will want to follow it up against Wigan.

Wigan got thumped at Portsmouth last week and have had a few mixed results since beating Chelsea, they have conceeded lots of goals too and will need to tighten up for this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 Win for Wigan

Chelsea V Manchester United

This game as a United fan worries me, United’s defence has been quite porous of late and Chelsea have been scoring lots of goals and playing great football but it’s never quite that simple is it. I believe United will be really up for this game and could just nick a win but to do that they need to cut out the defensive and keeping errors that plagued the game against CSKA on Tuesday. The normally steady Van der sar will definitely want the first and third goal back and a keeper of his stature shouldn’t have been beaten so easily.

United need to keep Drogba and Anelka quiet if they do that they have a chance, Chelsea have to nullify United’s Wingers which could be key to the game

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-2 for United (might be being an optimistic United fan here)
Chelsea V Manchester United match discussion

Monday

Liverpool V Birmingham City

Under normal circumstances in other seasons this would be such an obvious prediction but Liverpool are struggling and with Gerrard and Torres both doubtful and both possibly needing surgery on injuries 2009/2010 could be shaping up to be Liverpool’s worst season for many a year.

A draw against City and a victory against Sunderland are 2 results that surprised me a little , I tink they will lose this game but if they can frustrate Liverpool ealry on they might, just might get something.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 win for Liverpool
Liverpool V Birmingham City match discussion

Other Stuff

Although i Know nothing about boxing Mystic Jarv predicts a win for Haye against Valuev, like i said i know nothing so don’t put your house on it

Written by Jarv

Fifa 10 Review

This is a review of FIFA 10 written by Devil_spawn from Away Goals Rule football forum. This review was undertake using an Xbox 360

GRAPHICS:

An easy one to start with, the graphics in FIFA 10 are pretty special, but they’re not perfect.  Player likenesses are not quite there, but during the game you won’t have time to stop and look at the fine details.  The kits are superb, and the overall definition of the graphics is very impressive indeed.

There are a lot more animations in this year’s entry into the long running series, and this gives an even more lifelike rendition of the beautiful game.  Player collisions are much improved over those seen in FIFA 09, adding further realism.

CONTROLS:

Familiar to anyone who has played a FIFA game before, the control mapping for the face buttons is the same as every 360 version to date.  The major difference in the controls this season is the new 360 degree dribbling, meaning you’re no longer limited to 8 directions to run in.  How much difference this makes in the grand scheme of things is debatable, as there is only so much control that you can exert using an analogue stick, it feels more like a 16 direction choice than a true 360 degree one.

Controls for long shots feel slightly different, and you need to be far more accurate with your aim now if you don’t want to see your intended 30 yard wonder goal hit the corner flag instead.  Passing controls feel solid and responsive, meaning that you’ll seldom be frustrated, there will however be some occasions where you’re trying to pass to one team-mate but FIFA decides you should be passing to another, and it can be a little annoying if and when that happens.

SOUND:

Nothing too ground-breaking on the sound front, Martin Tyler and Andy Gray return to provide commentary for the matches, and some of the interactions between them are quite interesting.  Unfortunately if anything happens on the pitch while they’re discussing a topic (such as the pace of the modern game, or a specific player) then they will break from the topic and not return to it, I have found myself delaying getting a shot away so that I can hear the end of Andy Gray’s opinion on how much faster the game is now to in his playing days!!

The crowd sounds offer atmosphere without ever being spectacular, and the calls from team mates such as “man on” and “I’ll have it” seem like a nice touch at first, but when you’re in 10 clear yards of space and your Italian team-mate shouts in a very English voice “man on” it seems a little out of place.  It’s a nice touch though, and hopefully can be refined for future iterations of the game.

AI:

Another big step forward has seen the AI develop into a genuinely positive aspect of the game.  No longer will defenders stand idly by as you run past them, and likewise your team mates will no longer run 20 yards to close down an opposition player only to turn and run away again.  Even on the game’s easiest setting the improvement is very noticeable, and will make you feel more like you’re playing against a capable opponent.

The urgency shown by your team mates when attacking has also improved, now midfield players will look to make runs into the box and support attacks, trying to feed off of any scraps that may fall their way from parried or blocked shots.  It makes the game feel much more solid, and further builds on the impressive FIFA 09.

GAME MODES:

There are plenty of game modes available to players of FIFA 10, EA has attempted to beef up the manager mode to make it the centre piece of the game, and to an extent this has worked.  Now features such as a wage budget will help to keep you in control of your team, instead of wages being deducted from the general budget after each match.

There are still some glitches, when I hosted Manchester United at the Priestfield Stadium (home of Gillingham for those who don’t know) and beat them 4-0 in the league cup the board were unhappy that I wasn’t doing well enough, and my reputation actually decreased, yet getting a draw in League 1 away at Leeds United saw my reputation increase.

I also saw my second choice right back disappear from my squad, and later found that he was now playing in Scotland without my ever selling him, it would have been far more annoying had it been my star striker who had vanished, but it was still irritating.  I’ve also heard of someone having a player randomly appear in their squad for no reason.

These are things that can be ironed out with patches through Xbox Live, but they seem like issues which should have been picked up and resolved before the game was released.

There’s also the Virtual Pro mode, whereby you can create a player, and via a series of accomplishments your player will improve.  Some of these accomplishments can be done in the game’s arena, such as scoring a single curved shot, or lobbed penalty, while others must be earned in match situations.  This can be done in any of the games many modes, from single matches, to manager mode, be a pro, or even online matches, meaning that improving your virtual pro is more organic than the be a pro was in FIFA 09.  It’s worth noting that you must play in semi-pro difficulty or higher to improve your pro, playing on amateur difficulty will not unlock the accomplishments.

You can also unlock goal celebrations, skill moves, and attire for your Virtual Pro by completing various tasks.  To unlock each tier of skill moves you must complete each move in the previous tier, ranging from simple step-overs in tier 1, to rainbow flicks in tier 4.  To unlock under-shirts for your player you must play 25 matches in the rain, which is not difficult when you play in England!!

 

There are also a range of online modes, unfortunately I’ve not been able to try these yet, but I have read that the online community can have problems as many players will quit matches when they trail by 3 or more goals.

LONGEVITY:

With Manager mode running for up to 15 seasons, a Virtual Pro to nurture, and the online facilities there is a lot of life to be had from FIFA 10.  EA Sports are setting a very high standard for football games these days, and Konami have a lot of work to do to have the Pro Evolution Soccer series catch up.  Manager mode alone can become all consuming of your spare time, trying to take a club from the bottom of the footballing pyramid to continental glory will take a lot of your time, as you slowly raise your manager reputation, bringing in richer sponsors, improving staff, and attracting new players to the team in a bid to progress.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS:

 

FIFA 10 is not perfect, it has a number of flaws to it, but they’re flaws which you can overlook because the overall quality of the game is superb.  Menu navigation is slow and a little clumsy, and if you pick the wrong option then you have to go back to the arena instead of the previous screen, manager mode does some weird things and the player likenesses are not quite there for a lot of players, but it’s tremendously fun.  This is a game that makes you feel like you’re controlling an actual football match, if you’re a fan of the beautiful game then this is an absolute must, there’s something for everyone here, and that’s why I’m scoring it  an impressive…

OVERALL RATING:

9.2 / 10

Would you like to disagree? read the Fifa 10 discussion thread on the Away Goals Rule Football Forum

Mystic Jarv Weekend of 31 October

Ok then, forgetting last weekend ever happened which was a complete train wreck in terms of my predictions.

So onto This weekend, there’s only one game sunday so i’ve done all the games on here.

Saturday

Arsenal V Tottenham Hotspur

Harry reckons Spurs are capable of finishing above Arsenal,m brave words before a game at the Emirates where Arsenal have been fantastic, No Defoe, possibly no Lennon as well, it would be a stunning result for Spurs to win this one, in fact a\ draw would be a great achievement.

Arsenal have been destroying teams at home and until Chelsea beat Swine flu ridden Blackburn last week had the best goal difference by far and i expect them to win this one.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-1 win for Arsenal

Bolton Wanderers V Chelsea

Only one winner in this game, Chelsea will win handsomely, 5 players from Chelsea have been shortlisted for Fifa world player of the year, most of which i can understand but, John Terry has had a very average year at best and i really fail to see how he keeps getting nominated for things he doesn’t deserve like the best Defender in the champions league last season, never in a million years did he deserve that.

Bolton’s only chance is to stun Chelsea from a set piece which they have been a little vulnerable in the past.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-0 win for Chelsea

Burnley V Hull City

Burnley’s 100% home record went last week and whether they can recover will be key to their season.

Hull have a few problems at the moment, i would say behind the scenes but its pretty much in public, The Chairman has gone and there were lots of rumours Brown had gone too, He hasn’t but unless their form picks up you can’t help wonder how long he has left.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 win for Burnley, and Phil Brown to be the first manager to be sacked.

Everton V Aston Villa

Moyes has complained about Everton having away games after game sin Europe which is the same problem both Man United and Chelsea and i think Liverpool have complained about in recent seasons, and curiously the following year they all got a bit better fixture list after European games from the “Random” fixture computer. However as it stands Everton wont be in Europe next year so wont make a difference and its fast turning into a poor season for Everton and to top it off they have terrible Injury problems.

Villa play their game in hand on Wednesday night and will want to win this game to ensure they can go into the top 4 if they win it. On Wednesday they beat Sunderland on penalties to reach the quarter finals of the Carling cup and will be buoyed by that.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Aston Villa

Fulham V Liverpool

Liverpool got a great result last weekend against Manchester United without Steven Gerrard, I’m not going to mention the Ref again as i’ve posted elsewhere my feelings on his “performance”. They lost again against Arsenal in a competition which mioght very well have been their best chance at silverware this season.

Its a fine balencing act for Fulham this season, their over riding priority is the League but a decent run in the Europa league brings money and prestige which may in turn allow them to bring in better players and push up the table. Sadly i think they will lose this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Liverpool

Portsmouth V Wigan Athletic

The Portsmouth Circus rumbles on, this weeks installment is a Transfer ban for non-payment of debts which basically, unless they get an infusion of cash, ends their chances of survival this season, no new players means they wont pick up enough points in my opinion.

Wigan broke Burnley’s 100% home record last week which was a great result (another one i got wrong) they sit in the top half of the table and have had a full week to prepare for this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 win for Wigan.

Stoke City V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Stoke’s home record should be enough to help them win this game despite losing to Pompey in the week the premier league is by far their main focus.

Wolves picked up 2 good draws in their last 2 premier league games, Away at Everton and home to Villa but they need to start turning a few into wins if they want to survive.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Stoke City

Sunderland V West Ham United

Since beating liverpool Sunderland have lost 2 games, one only by Penalties but its still 2 losses in a row and they will want to rectify that this week, They’re only 3 points away from third, they wont finish in the top 4 but its commendable to be doing as well as they are but they need to get a win at home V West Ham. West ham grabbed a draw against Arsenal last week and might be gald of that point at the end of the season, they will need to start picking up wins very soon or it will be a big mountain to climb.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 win for Sunderland

Manchester United V Blackburn Rovers

Last weekend United were poor against Liverpool and deserved to lose and will want to get back to winning ways in the league this weekend and should have Darren Fletcher back to their line up but maybe missing both Vidic and Ferdinand with calf injuries, with Neville suspended and Giggs doubtful as well as park and hagreaves still not fit.

Blackburn are having a tough time Swine flu has hit their club and they have Chelsea and manchester United to contend with.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-0 win for Manchester United

Sunday

Birmingham City V Manchester City

Birmingham went against my prediction last week, i really didn’t think they would beat Sunderland and it was a good result, this time its big spending Manchester City who are currently 6th with a game in Hand.

City cruised past Scunthorpe, as they should have done, according to sky City spent more than 400 times what Scunthorpe did last summer. City, if they really have ambitions of top 4 need to really win games like this and i think they will.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 win for City

For all your Premier League Match Discussion visit Away Goals Rule Football Forum

More next week

Written by Jarv

PS Happy Halloween

Mystic Jarv Sunday 25 October

Here Goes Sundays predictions

Bolton Wanderers V Everton

Everton were destroyed in Benfica on Thursday night, They have a lot of injuries, 9 players missing on Thursday through injury, i’m not sure if any of them are back but they should have Heitinga and Neill available after being cup tied.

Bolton have had 8 days to prepare for this game and haven’t had to travel to Portugal and back like Everton have. They did well and almost got a draw at Old Trafford and have 2 games against Chelsea in 2 competitions next up so will want to do well in this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 win for Bolton
Bolton Wanderers V Everton match discussion

Liverpool V Manchester United

I can’t wait for this game, As most of you know i’m a Manchester United fan and I am definitely a little biased, make of that what you will.  Liverpool have been struggling 4 games without a win in all competitions and have their biggest rivals up next. To make matters worse Liverpool have some injuries although despite what Rafa says it’s not as bad as he makes out, pretty much every other team have had and in fact 2 thirds of the premier league have more injuries right now. I fully expect Torres, Gerrard and Johnson to be playing on Sunday.

United are on a run of 11 games without a loss and have 10 wins out of those games, they have 7 more points than they did this time last year. United have injuries too, more than double that of liverpool in fact but again i expect the game to be contested by pretty much full strength teams, Even Owen Hargreaves is hopefully expected back in full training soon.

The game could go either way and will depend on how the 2 teams start, It’s easy to say Liverpool are missing Alonso but they are and i think (hope) United edge this one.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Manchester United
Liverpool V Manchester United match discussion

Manchester City V Fulham

City have won every game so far at Eastlands this season and will be glad to be back there after 2 draws away from home, Unlike their opponents this weekend though they have had a week off so should be nicely refreshed although they are still missing Robinho but as they have another 80 million pounds of striking options that shouldn’t be a worry. When you have 3 strikers out and can still call on Santa Cruz (£18m) and Tevez (£25-47m) thats not a bad choice is it.

Fulham played Thursday evening and in Hodgson’s own words the Premier League is more important, They were unlucky against Roma, I’ve not seen the incident but i gather the sending off was harsh.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-1 win for Manchester City
Manchester City V Fulham match discussion

West Ham United V Arsenal

If the games go as i’ve predicted them West Ham will be bottom after the weekend, West ham have not won since the opening day in the league and desperately need some points.

Arsenal have a few injuries but are playing really well, Wenger plays great football and this season they are picking up results too. They have the best goal difference of any team in the league and if they win their game in hand are only a point off top of the table. Like Spurs they will want a win this weekend to be on a winning league run going into the Derby next weekend

Personally i can only see this game going 1 way

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 win for Arsenal
West Ham United V Arsenal match discussion

Thats it, More predictions next week

Written by Jarv

Mystic Jarv Saturday 24 October

A good week last week 8 out of 10 correct results and 1 fully correct score. I  Play Supoer 6 on sky too and got the time for the first goal right 5 out of 6 correct results which was the same as the guy who won, looks like i was just unlucky at being drawn out of a hat, however if Everton had won the game at the death i’d have been a few grand richer.

Anyway onto this week:

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Aston Villa

Things are going well for Villa, beating Chelsea last weekend was a good achievement and leaves them only 6 points off the top and 3 points off third with a game in hand.

Wolves picked up a good point away at Everton last weekend and for their sake its a good thing they did as they have visits from Villa and Arsenal and a tough trip to Stoke in their next 3, all of which they will do well to get anything out. I can’t see them getting anything personally and i reckon they will be in the bottom 3 by the time of the International break, it doesnt get any easier after that though as they have to goto Stamford bridge.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Villa
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa Match Discussion

Birmingham City V Sunderland

With a little help from a Beach ball Sunderland got a great result against Liverpool, regardless of whether it should have been a drop ball, Sunderland were by far the better team and deserved the 3 points and currently lie 7th only 6 points off the top, this is the same club that marginally stayed up last year and has had a remarkable turnaround under Bruce’s leadership.

Birmingham have a new owner and will have 80 million to spend on players over the next 2 windows,  For their sake they need some points on the board before the end of December to make sure the £40 million will be enough to help them stay up.

Sunderland have the better team and squad and i think will have too much for Brum

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 win for Sunderland
Birmingham City V Sunderland match discussion

Burnley V Wigan Athletic

Burnley have a great record at home, 100% in fact and they will need to continue that to survive this season or start picking up a few away from home. The question is if they do lose at home will it destroy their form and confidence but i’m betting 12 points from their first 9 games, they’d have taken that at the start of the season. Were a quarter of the way into the season more or less so they need to continue that points to games ratio and they’ll be easily safe.

Wigan are a bit of an enigma beating Chelsea and then losing to Hull and will need to find some form and pick up some points. I believe they will stay up as there are at least 3 worse teams than them but they will do well to win this weekend.

Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Burnley
Burnley V Wigan Athletic match discussion

Hull City V Portsmouth

Two of the bottom 3 meet in Hull and neither will want to lose, Portsmouth have been playing better than their results show but you don’t win anything by playing nice football, just ask Arsenal fans, Portsmouth really have to win this game .

Hull also really need to win this game, I personally will be astounded if Hull are a premier league club next season, i could and have said the same for Portsmouth but they apparently have cash to spend in January to strengthen the squad, whether it’s too late or not will depend whether they can get anything from this and other games.

Mystic Jarv predicts Portsmouth to win 1-0
Hull City V Portsmouth match discussion

Tottenham Hotspur V  Stoke City

Jermain Defoe is quite rightly missing this game for a stupid and dangerous stamp so it looks like Crouch and Keane will start up front, if they win this one they will go into the Derby against Arsenal above them in the table which after the last few seasons will be a bit of a relief.

Stoke are doing great this season, in the top half of the table with 12 points having already played Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United, Like Burnley i’m betting they would have taken that before the season started. I don’t think they will have enough to beat Spurs at White hart lane though.

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur V Stoke City match discussion

Chelsea V Blackburn Rovers

Chelsea got a great result against Athletico destroying them 4-0, it certainly looks like the transfer ban hasn’t affected them much if at all, they lost last time out in the Premier League against Villa and lost top spot for the second time this season. This is a good opportunity to regain it before their main rival has a tough game at Liverpool on Sunday.

Blackburn are about where i expect them to finish this season middle of the bottom half, This is a very tough game for them after narrowly beating Burnley at home last week they have both Chelsea and Manchester United away in their next 2 league games

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-0 to Chelsea
Chelsea V Blackburn Rovers match discussion

Check back tomorrow for tomorrow’s predictions

Written by Jarv

Mystic Jarv 18 & 19 October

Here are my predictions for Sunday and Monday

Blackburn Rovers V Burnley – Sunday

This game should have a great atmosphere and hopefully no trouble between the fans especially as all the trouble the security staff are going to including making one Burnley fan make a 50 mile round trip to a game thats 4 minutes walk from his house, thats madness to me. Burnley have struggled so far away from home this season and i have Blackburn to edge this.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 home win

Blackburn Rovers V Burnley match discussion

Wigan Athletic V Manchester City

If City fail to qualify for the champions league this season then they will only have themselves to blame, they have spent enough cash and should have a big enough squad and need to win games like this to give them the best possible shot at the top 4.

Wigan need a performance like that against Chelsea and Wigans squad will have done a bit less travelling over the last week and might benefit from slightly fresher legs.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 Draw

Wigan Athletic V Manchester City match discussion

Fulham V Hull City

Fulham are strong at home in recent times and perhaps should be higher up the table than they are on performance alone but its results which will determine their fate not performances. They need a good strong performance and 3 points in this game.

Like Fulham, Hull need 3 points  because despite winning last time out they are still in the bottom 3 and have a substantially worse goal difference.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 Home Win

Fulham V Hull City match discussion

Written by Jarv

thats it more next week or perhaps some Champions league midweek if i get around to it

Mystic Jarv 17th October

Back to the Premier league after the international break and a few teams have injury worries and knocks to consider, several players missed the midweek internationals, however i’m betting most of them are playing this saturday.

Anyway here we go

Aston Villa V Chelsea – Early Kick off

This will be a tight game after the internationals, i Believe, maybe wrongly, Chelsea have had more players on international duty and will have travelled further.

This season will be tough for Villa, last season they only really had Everton to contend with for the Europa League this year there is Manchester City in the mix as well as spurs and that makes them one of 8 or maybe more teams vying for the top 5 European places from the league, but of course there might be more depending on the results of the Cups. This must give them lots of pressure and it will be interesting to see how they do.

Chelsea are top of the league again after United stumbled at home to Sunderland and will want to ensure they will still be there at the end of the weekend but its a tough game away at Villa.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 draw

Aston Villa V Chelsea match discussion

Arsenal V Birmingham City

Will this game can only go one way surely, Birmingham have trouble scoring  and Arsenal have the best goal difference in the division.

Mcleish apparently have 40 million to spend in January and for them to progress they need to spend it well, until they they will have to work and battle hard to keep their head above water, their only chance against arsenal is to frustrate the gunners but in my opinion sooner or later the damn will break and if it happens early Brum could be on the end of a hiding

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-0 to Arsenal

Arsenal V Birmingham City match discussion

Everton V Wolverhampton Wanderers

After their horrendous start Everton are in the top half and are only 2 wins from third with a game in hand however i’m sure their realistic aim is the Europa League although like Villa they might find that a tough ask this season.

Wolves are beginning to be almost where i expect them to end up, thats in the bottom three and they have Villa at home next and Stoke away, both games they will do well to get anything out of.

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-0 to Everton

Everton V Wolverhampton Wanderers match discussion

Manchester United V Bolton Wanderers

Every week Bolton are described as battlers and thats because thats what they are , they don’t play free flowing football and have found their niche which has allowed them to stay in the top division longer than most people probably would have forecast.

United were woeful against Sunderland and in thew eyes of some fans the blame falls solely on the shoulders of Ben Foster. Personally i think its harsh but no more than i expected. I’m not saying he has been faultless but on a few occasions he’s been made the scapegoat where others were far more culpable.

It’s likely that Van der Sar will make his return and i hope for his sake he is faultless or he might find himself being jumped on.  Whether Edwins return inspires confidence or not i think Bolton might be on the end of a backlash.

Mystic Jarv predicts 3-0 to United

Manchester United V Bolton match discussion

Portsmouth V Tottenham Hotspur

Much of the discussion in the media has been what sort of reception Harry Redknapp will get, after winning the Cup and giving Pompey some good finishes in the league then he should get a good reaction from the Pompey faithful.

Pompey won last time out and that must have been a huge relief to paul Hart, their players and they fans. They will have to work hard to keep in touch and not be adrift come January where they will apparently have cash to spend. Avram Grant has been brought in as director of football and I can see him taking over should results not improve quickly.

Spurs got a point away at Bolton last time which is a venue they have struggled at in the past and other than against United and Chelsea have started the season well and will i think have too much for Portsmouth here

Mystic Jarv predicts 1-3 to Spurs

Portsmouth V Tottenham Hotspur match discussion

Stoke City V West Ham United

I can only see one winner here, Stoke are very tough to beat at home and West ham’s squad isn’t great and has a shortage of goals, not a good combination.

There have been a few rumblings of discontent at Zola too and they desperately need points to stop them being dragged into a season long relegation fight.

Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Stoke

Stoke City V Sunderland match discussion

Sunderland V Liverpool

Liverpool apparently have worries over both Gerrard and Torres however i’m betting both will play. Liverpools defence hasn’t looked as good as in previous years and Jones and Bent ill put them under lots of pressure at home and if Sunderland play like they did against United they have a good chance of getting something from this game.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Sunderland

Sunderland V Liverpool match discussion

Written by Jarv

So there you go, Sunday and Mondays games will be added Sunday

Football Manatger 2010 Demo out Now

Hi all, the Football manager 2010 demo has just been made live….Enjoy

http://www.footballmanager.com/index.php?p=demo

I’m looking forward to trying out the new stuff and interface which is downloading as i type

For all thinsg Football manager Related visit Away Goals Rule Football Manager Forum

Jarv

Mystic Jarv Sunday 4th & Monday 5th October

So Saturdays games are done Here are my predictions for Sunday and Monday’s Premier League Games

Arsenal V Blackburn Rovers

Mystic Jarv predicts Arsenal 3 – 1 Blackburn Rovers

EvertonV Stoke City

Mystic Jarv predicts Everton 1 – 0 Stoke City

West Ham United V Fulham

Mystic Jarv predicts West Ham United 1 – 0 Fulham

Chelsea V Liverpool

Mystic Jarv predicts Chelsea 2 – 2 Liverpool

Aston Villa V Manchester City – Monday

Mystic Jarv predicts Aston Villa 2 – 1 Manchester City

So there we go as always visit Away Goals  Rule Football Forum for all your football discussion

Written by Jarv

Mystic Jarv Saturday 3rd October

here is this Saturdays premier league predictions, Last week i got 7 results right and 1 perfect score, the ones i got wrong were I had Villa to win at Blackburn, Chelsea to win at Wigan and Birmingham to beat Bolton, so lets see how i get on this week:

Bolton Wanderers V Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs wont find Bolton away an easy prospect, certainly tougher than Burnley at home and its looking likely they will be without Jermain Defoe, all that means is they bring in Peter Crouch who got a Hat Trick on his last start to partner Robbie Keane who got 4 goals last weekend. Modric is still missing and whether he would have made the difference against Manchester United and Chelsea we will never know. Spurs lie 4th on the same points as Liverpool above them and Man City below them and i think had someone asked Harry before the season, he’d have taken that at this stage. Bolton picked up a good 3 points away at Birmingham and its a good thing they did because after this game, they goto Old Trafford, host Everton and then Chelsea and then goto Villa, thats 5 games in a row i can’t see them getting anything out of, Bolton will have to battle for any points out of these games and they might be able to frustrate one or maybe 2 of the teams to get a draw or 2

Mystic Jarv predicts Bolton Wanderers 0 – 2 Tottenham Hotspur
Bolton Wanderers v Tottenham Hotspur match discussion

Burnley V Birmingham City

Burnley are strong at home with a 100% record and have lost every game away conceding 14 goals in the 4 away losses without troubling the scorers, the worry for Burnley is if they suffer a loss of form at home they will be doomed, still 9 points from their first 7 games is about as good as they could have hoped for , especially when the games include Man United, Chelsea, Everton, Spurs and a trip to the notoriously tricky Britannia Stadium to play Stoke City. Birmingham are exactly where they need to be at the end of the season, with at least 3 teams below them, i’m sure Alex Mcleish will be very happy should they finish 3 points above the bottom 3 at the end of the season. I had Birmingham to win last week at home against Bolton, not so this week.

Mystic Jarv predicts Burnley 1 – 0 Birmingham City
Burnley V Birmingham City match discussion

Hull City V Wigan Athletic

Hull are in trouble this season, only kept off the bottom by the pointless Portsmouth and Phil Brown must be feeling the pressure. They have 6 games now against teams that are currently near the bottom or expected to be there by the end of the season and its Vital to their season they get something out of these games or risk being too far adrift, This time last season everyone was amazed how well they ere doing at the top end of the table, this season its more like what was expected. Wigan will be massively buoyed by beating Chelsea, their first win against a “Big 4″ club in 35 attempts and find themselves in the top half of the table and will want to capitalise on that by taking 3 more points against Hull before entertaining Man City after the International break

Mystic Jarv predicts Hull City 0 – 1 Wigan Athletic
Hull City V Wigan Athletic match discussion

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Portsmouth

I really think Wolves will be back in the Championship next season however their saviour might be that Hull and Portsmouth are really poor and they will likely only need to be better than 1 more club, they got a beating last time out 5-2 at Sunderland, a result that flattered Sunderland but never the less Wolves defending was shocking. Portsmouth are in big trouble, 7 games, no points, players unpaid and the Premier league threatening to step in to take over the club to save them from administration, I feel sorry for the Pompey fans but i can’t see things getting any better anytime soon, whether their new owner has any actual cash i don’t know but it will become evident very quickly if he hasn’t.

Mystic Jarv predicts Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 – 0 Portsmouth
Wolverhampton Wanderers V Portsmouth match discussion

Manchester United V Sunderland

With Owen missing though injury this is an opportunity for Macheda or Welbeck to be on the bench and possibly get some game time, United went top for the first time this season last week on goal difference and despite not looking their best at time have kept picking up wins, Lots of people said United would struggle without Ronaldo and they have taken a while to learn the system they are playing this season. It can also be said they are less predictable without Ronaldo and goals have come from a number of players, 8 in total i believe. Sunderland got a good win against Wolves, a score line that flattered them a little, one thing is for certain if they get a penalty Darren Bent wont be giving it up after the ear bashing he got from his manager Bruce this week. Sunderland are doing well but i don’t think they aren’t strong enough to goto Old Trafford and win.

Mystic Jarv predicts Manchester United 3 – 0 Sunderland
Manchester United V Sunderland match discussion

So there we go as always visit Away Goals Rule Football Forum for all your football discussion

Written by Jarv

Mystic Jarv Saturday 26-28 September

I’m not around this week so i am writing it last week hence just a list of score predictions.

Saturday

Portsmouth 0 Everton 1

Birmingham City 1 Bolton wanderers 0

Blackburn Rovers 0 Aston Villa 1

Liverpool 2 Hull City 0

Stoke City 1 Manchester United 2

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Burnley 1

Wigan Athletic 1 Chelsea 2

Fulham 1 Arsenal 2

Sunday

Sunderland 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

Monday

Manchester City 2 West Ham United 1

Written by Jarv

For all your football discussion visist Away Goals Rule Football Forum

Mystic Jarv Sunday 20 September

So thats saturday done here are Sunday’s predictions

Manchester United V Manchester City

City got a great result last week against Arsenal at home but this stands to be a tougher test missing Robinho, Possibley Tevez and definately now Adebayor. Even without those 3 they have still spend big and have bought some good players so i don’t expect a rout but a more close game.

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to United
Manchester United V Manchester City Match Discussion

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Fulham

WIll the UEFA cup damage Fulham’s season i guess time will tell and they’ve been away to Bulgaria this week and then travel to Wolves on Sunday. If Wolves want to survive this season these are game they need to win and i think they will edge this game.
Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers V Fulham Match Discussion

Everton V Blackburn Rovers

Everton like Fulham have been in UEFA cup action on thursday, picking up a good 3 nil win against AEK Athensbut Everton need league points, Likewise Blackburn, Both teams will be hoping to pick up points from this fixture but i don’t see anything other than a home win.

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to Everton
Everton V Blackburn Rovers Match Discussion

Chelsea V Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea are flying so far this season picking up late wins and over turning defecits, the mark of champions or so the saying goes, Tottenham represent Chelsea’s toughest league game so far this season.

Spurs were unbeaten until being beaten by 10 man Man United last weekend after being a goal up, This game will be tougher still and they can’t afford to give Chelsea an inch

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to Chelsea
Chelsea V Tottnham Hotspur Match Discussion

Written by Jarv

For all your football discussion visist Away Goals Rule Football Forum

Mystic Jarv Saturday 19 September

Here we go again 6 right results last weekend 2 of them correct scores, Not a great weekend for Mystic Jarv, Lets see how i get on this week.

Burnley V Sunderland

Burnley have started well, although they only have 6 points from a possible 15,  Burnley have got trips to Liverpool and Chelsea out of the way and beaten Manchester united at home. Their home form is going to be crucial to them this season and need to make it a fortress as much as they can.

Sunderland lie 7th which i’m sure is higher than they would have expected, on the same points as Villa and liverpool, I’m sure their first job is to ensure survival but a few more wins and they can start to look how high up the table they can finish.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 Draw
Burnley V Sunderland Match Discussion

Arsenal V Wigan Athletic

Arsene Wenger will be glad he doesn’t have to goto Manchester again this season, 0 points from both games where they likely deserved more.

Roberto Martinez was quoted this week he wants European football in  3 years at Wigan, Lofty goals given the competition for the top 6 places, Sadly for Roberto i can’t see them getting anything from this game. 

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 Home win
Arsenal V Wigan Athletic Match Discussion

Aston Villa v Portsmouth

After a bad first week Villa have gotten themselves back on track with 3 straight wins, they are only 3 points behind 2nd with a game in hand.

Portsmouth must only be a matter of games away from sacking Paul Hart, not that i agree with it,  as he’s had most of his best players sold off from under him, he needs to start attacking though as the 4-5-1  just isn’t working and the longer it goes on the further they maybe adrift at the foot of the table

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 Win for Villa and lots more rumours about Paul Hart’s job.
Aston Villa V Portsmouth Match Discussion

Bolton Wanderers V Stoke City

3 points last time out for Bolton in a 3-2 win (a game i predicted 0-0) it doesn’t change the fact Bolton are in for a tough season.

Stoke lie 8th in the table and don’t appear to be set for a 2nd season slump which affects quite a few newly promoted teams and In my opinion will be safe in plenty of time this season.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Stoke
Bolton Wanderers V Stoke City Match Discussion

Hull City V Birmingham City

15th V 17th, Two teams who could really do with 3 points  but equally wont want to lose, I expect a tight game  but the Home team to edge it.

Mystic Jarv Predicts a 1-0 Win for Hull
Hull City V Birmingham City Match Discussion

West Ham United V Liverpool

So the season isn’t over just yet for Liverpool, after a shaky start they appear to be back on track, this is a tricky away trip this season, if West ham can sort out some strikers.

I Expected West Ham to have more than 4 points form 4 games and i still think they will finish mid table but could very well be in the bottom 3 by the end of the weekend.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 Win for Liverpool
West Ham United V Liverpool Match Discussion

so there we go, Come back tomorrow for Sundays games

Written by Jarv

For all your football discussion visist Away Goals Rule Football Forum

Mystic Jarv Sunday 13 September

I’m not around this weekend so i’m writing this friday so i don’t yet know how i got on yesterday

Birmingham City V Aston Villa

It’s often said form goes out the window in Derbies, both teams are playing for local pride and bragging rights between friends,  at work and in the pub.

After a poor first week Villa have 2 wins from 3 games and are nicely placed in 8th with a game in hand on many of those above them. Birmingham have made a few decent signings and should have a handful of players back from injury. Unfortunately for blues fans i can see bragging rights going to the team wearing claret or possibly white depending on which kit Villa wear.

Mystic Jarv predicts 1-2 to Aston Villa

Birmingham City V Aston Villa Match Discussion

Fulham V Everton

After 2 losses Everton finally seem to have put Lescott out of their minds and firmly behind them, they notched their first win last time out, they’ve added John Heitinga to their defensive corps too.

Fulham have lost their last 3 games including the Uefa Cup and Andy Johnson is still a doubt for this game, they have their fair share of injuries this season already and for sauch a settled side last season that has to worry Hodgson. I think Everton will just edge this game and Fulham need to hope thier injuries improve soon and that the UEFA cup doesn’t end up being their downfall.

Mystic Jarv predicts 0-1 to Everton

Fulham V Everton Match Discussion

Written by Jarv

for all your Football Discussion visit Away Goals Rule Football Forum

Mystic Jarv Saturday 12 September

Its been a good week in the world of Mystic Jarv, 9 of 10 results right in the premier league last time out and 5 of 5 of Saturdays Internationals. Although i didn’t post on here I had England to beat Croatia, Russia to beat Wales, Holland to beat Scotland and Northern Ireland to draw with Slovakia so 3 of 4.

Anyway onto this Week

Blackburn Rovers V Wolverhampton Wanderers

Blackburn have struggled so far this season and find themselves in the bottom 3 after 3 games, Wolves on the other hand have had mixed fortunes  so far this season. Blackburn i think will be too strong for Wolves especially so as Wolves have a few injuries and by the end of Saturday will draw level on points with Wolves

Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers V Wolverhampton Match Discussion

Liverpool V Burnley

Two wins from 4 games is not the start Rafa, Liverpool or their fans wanted or expected but talk of their premier league challenge being over is premature to say the least. Rafa’s men have been far from convincing this season but championships are not won in September, they can be lost however and Liverpool will want to improve quickly.

Burnley have had a good start to the season which finds them on the same points as Liverpool having already played Manchester United and Chelsea, those 2 games and this one wont decide which division they play their football in next season and any points are a bonus. Owen Coyle i’m sure will be ticking off the points to the Magic 40 point mark, 6 down 34 to go, In my opinion he will be in the same position at 5pm on saturday.

Mystic Jarv predicts 2-0 to Liverpool

Liverpool V Burnley Match Discussion

Manchester City V Arsenal

One of the big four verses one of the teams hoping to replace them this season, City have spent big including 40 Million on 2 players from Arsenal. City have a few injury problems from the Internationals including Robinho and Tevez who are both doubts but that shouldn’t be an excuse when you have spent over 100 million pounds recently and a truck load before hand.

Wenger was annoyed this week that Arshavin has picked up an injury or rather made the one he had before the internationals worse by playing 90 Minutes. on the plus side though Rosicky is fit again and played 56 minutes for the Czech republic in the week. Not sure if i’m the only one who finds it a little odd a long term injured player like Rosicky played for his national team before his club side.

This will be an open game but will end in a draw

Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 Draw

Manchester City v Arsenal Match Discussion

Portsmouth V Bolton Wanderers

Pompey are in trouble, Most of their better players have been sold off to be replaced with, in my opinion, downgrades. Paul Hart will need serious backing in January to avoid having to travel to Doncaster, Barnsley and other stereo typical places relegated premier league teams don’t want to goto, That is of course if he still has a job in January.

Bolton are second bottom only above Pompey and neither team will want to lose this game, its a typical “Relgation 6 pointer” but i reckon it’ll be one point apiece and a mind numbingly dull game to watch.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 0-0 draw

Portsmouth V Bolton Wanderers Match Discussion

Stoke City V Chelsea

Stoke have started great 7 points from 4 games and are really tough to beat at home. I can see them giving it a really good go but Chelsea are flying this season, the remainder of the season may depend on whether the transfer ban affects them, will they put it out of their minds, will it bring them together in a kind of siege mentality or will the distraction put them off their stride?

I’ve been wrong once already this season backing against Stoke at home but Chelsea are one of, if not the team to beat this season.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Chelsea

Stoke City V Chelsea Match Discussion

Sunderland V Hull City

Sunderland sit mid table with the same points as Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal and Darren Bent has started the season well. Bruce’s teams are usually well organised and Sunderland are no different.

Hull are well erm poor they have struggled to bring in players in the summer and Phil Brown has a long old season ahead attempting to keep them up

I think i’ve predicted Hull to lose every game so far  and this game is no different

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-0 win for Sunderland

Sunderland V Hull City Match Discussion

Wigan Athletic V West Ham United

I keep predicting Wigan will be ok this season but sit 4th Bottom with 3 points from a possible 12, west ham have played a game less and have 4 points. This is an important game for both teams.

It should be an open passing game but neither have won since the opening day,

Mystic Jarv predicts an entertaining 1-1 Draw

Wigan Athletic V West Ham United Match Discussion

Tottenham Hotspur V Manchester United

Second V Third, Spurs are missing one of their key men from the early few weeks in Luka Modric and another,  Palacios will only have got home friday morning. these 2 are key for Spurs. Spurs may have some defenders back fit for this game and Defoe is on fire. Krankjar will probrably make his Debut, it will be interesting to see how he gets on.

United have Valencia like Palacios only back in Friday morning and may have Ferdinand back in the starting line up. United despite hammering wigan 5-0 havn’t looked overly impressive and toiled even in the first half at the DW stadium. Rooney like Defoe is on form this season so far and he seems to be enjoying hsi central role.  I believe United will have just a little too much for Spurs on this occasion, but i wouldn’t be surprised by a draw or a close win either way.

Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 Win for Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur V Manchester United Match Discussion

Written by Jarv

for all your Football Discussion visit Away Goals Rule Football Forum