Building a Fortress - Do Premier League Clubs Rely On Home Form To Pick Up Points?

In the Premier League an ability to pick up three points at home is often classed as the base from which to build for a successful season. Some clubs crave making their home stadium into a fortress that would make their opponents shudder at the thought of visiting, while others are better suited to playing away from home thriving on the underdog tag and without the pressure of an expectant home crowd.

The chart below shows the percentage of points that each respective Premier League team has picked up so far this season both home and away. All but two of the clubs have won a higher percentage of their points at home. Manchester United have won 50% of their points at home and, naturally, the other 50% away from home. Sunderland meanwhile are the only team to have won a higher percentage of their points tally in their away fixtures.

Please note the teams are in order of the highest percentage of points won at home.

However, these statistics can be considered unreliable regarding team form. For example, if a team won only once all season and that was at home, the home percentage would be 100%. This gives the impression of fantastic home form but does not indicate that the team have only won once all season.

Please also note that these figures are subject to change every time each team plays a Premier League fixture. These statistics are correct as of 06/12/12.

Statistics source: http://www.soccerstats.com/trends.asp?league=england 'Home / Away Distribution'

Hurricane Sandy

View Larger Map Hurricane Sandy has terrored the East Coast of America for the past few weeks. It has travelled north to hit the city of New York hard. Many people have been evacuated from their homes over fears for their life and people now have to queue for food and fuel. What began as a tropical wave has now destroyed homes, through the Caribbean in Jamaica and the Bahamas and now up to the United States of America and New York City.

Kelsie Humphrey - Profile

Kelsie Humphrey, a Policing and Criminal Investigation student, chose to go to University over the prospect of turning out for Manchester City Ladies. Kelsie was offered the chance to join City but turned it down, instead choosing to give herself the chance of a career as Crime Scene Investigator.

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England's 2014 FIFA World Cup Line Up

After England’s exit from Euro 2012 following their penalty shootout loss against Italy last night, the Three Lions’ attention will turn swiftly to qualification for the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

The campaign begins with an away tie against Moldova before England face fixtures against the rest of Group H which also includes both Euro 2012 hosts Ukraine and Poland, Montenegro and minnows San Marino who are currently ranked a lowly 206^th in the FIFA rankings.

After hopefully a scare free progression from the group, we will travel to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup Finals. Here is a look at who I think will be in our starting line-up come our first group match of the tournament, providing no career ending injuries occur and Wayne Rooney doesn’t repeat his red card antics as seen prior to Euro 2012.

The England faithful will again be in full voice in Brazil.
(Picture by careybaird on Flickr)

Formation (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper – Joe Hart
Who else? The Manchester City stopper was exceptional at times during Euro 2012 but unfortunately he was powerless to prevent an Italian victory in the penalty shoot out. Hart is a sure thing to be England’s number 1 for many a year to come.

Right Back – Kyle Walker
The current PFA Young Player of the Year made his England debut in November and has yet to be fazed at international level. Walker would have almost certainly been included in Hodgson’s Euro 2012 squad had his toe injury not ruled him out of contention.

Centre Backs – Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott
Injury ruled Smalling out of Euro 2012 but should he continue his meteoric rise up the football ladder he could well see himself facing up against the world’s best in Brazil. Lescott on the other hand made it to the Euros playing every minute of every England game and was arguably our best defender throughout the tournament. Despite being aged 31 in 2014, the imperious City centre half will still be at his peak.

Left Back – Leighton Baines
The Baines/Cole debate has gone on for the past 2 years and while Cole will most likely still be plying his trade in the Premier League, Baines will have age on his side. Being a free kick and penalty specialist gets Baines one up over Cole (who of course missed his penalty last night) and his cause is further aided by his fantastic crossing ability.

Right Wing – Theo Walcott
Walcott showed a rare glimpse of his potential in the international arena with his game changing cameo in our 3-2 group match victory over Sweden. A sublime equaliser from long range was soon followed by an explosive burst in the box and then a perfectly weighted cross to allow Danny Welbeck to grab the winner. If the Arsenal paceman can find some sort of consistency over the next 2 years then he can be a great asset for England in Brazil.

Centre Midfielders – Jack Rodwell and Josh McEachran
Providing Rodwell can put this year’s injury horror behind him and get back to full fitness he can be a sure bet to be involved for the Three Lions in Brazil should he also recapture the form that saw him gain his first England caps in November. Rodwell would also give a defensive edge to the England midfield. While McEachran is still relatively inexperienced at the top level, the next 2 years should see him playing more regular football allowing him to fulfil his potential. A technician on the ball he would serve to help us maintain possession of the ball in key areas.

Left Wing – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
After breaking into the Arsenal first team following his transfer from Southampton last summer, the Ox found himself in the England Euro 2012 squad after impressing the England coaching staff with his performances for the Gunners and England under 21s throughout the season. Similar to Walcott in style, Oxlade-Chamberlain would provide another pacey outlet in wide positions.

The 'does what he wants' role - Jack Wilshere
For too long now England have lacked greatly the fluidity needed to match their footballing counterparts. Often remaining rigid in formation we need to move on and adapt to the modern game. Our best hope at creating a goal scoring opportunity from thin air, Wilshere should be allowed to roam freely about the pitch, in and around the midfield and the lone frontman. He should be allowed to do exactly want he wants and to go wherever he wants. Some may say it is too much to pin our hopes on somebody who has already missed a full year of football due to injury, but Wilshere has the quality to be the English answer to the likes of Spanish midfield gems Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

Centre Forward – Wayne Rooney
Rooney is yet to deliver in a major international tournament for England since Euro 2004 when at just 18 years old he scored 4 goals before being struck by the dreaded metatarsal curse. Despite this, the best man to lead the line in 2 years will still be Wayne Rooney. His goal record speaks for itself and while he hasn’t quite lived up to his name on the world stage he will still be our best hope up top.

So there we have it. Hart, Walker, Smalling, Lescott, Baines, Walcott, Rodwell, McEachran, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Rooney. But don’t start pinning your hopes on them yet. Well not until they have got practising their penalties anyway!

Euro 2012 Preview

Euro 2012 is finally here! All that is left to do is to get underway. The warm up friendlies have been played, the squads have been selected and in the case of the Ukrainians an unfortunate bout of food poisoning has announced itself as they bid to impress in front of a home crowd.

Here is my Euro 2012 Preview which will look at Groups A to D and the chances of all 16 teams.

Group A
Czech Republic
Greece
Poland
Russia

Czech Republic – The Czech’s, who booked their place at Euro 2012 through a Play Off win over Montenegro, are arguably the weakest outfit in the entire tournament. They qualified despite losing the most qualifying group games out of all the teams to reach Euro 2012. They also accumulated the least points and scored the least goals managing to find the back of the net just a measly 12 times. Chances: Reaching the knockout stages is highly unlikely. They will not progress from the group A.

Greece – The Greek’s remained unbeaten in qualifying as they topped group F, beating fellow qualifiers Croatia along the way. Having previously won the tournament in 2004, Greece has enormous experience within their squad. Goalkeeper Kostas Chalkias, 38, a winner in 2004, is the oldest player competing at Euro 2012. Chances: As seen in Portugal in 2004 anything is possible. Winners of group A.

Poland – Poland were automatic qualifiers as co-hosts for Euro 2012. The Poles could spring a surprise in front of a home crowd having won all 3 of their warm up friendlies without conceding a goal. In the shape of Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski they have the current Bundesliga Player Of The Season and he comes into Euro 2012 after a fantastic domestic season in which he scored 22 league goals in 34 appearances. Chances: Playing in front of the home crowd will certainly play a factor. A battle with Russia for the runners up spot.

Russia - The Russians reached Euro 2012 as winners of Group B, conceding just 4 goals throughout the qualifying phase. In Dick Advocaat they have a vastly experienced international coach, but their form is inconsistent. Following a bore draw with Lithuania, they defeated Italy 3-0 in Zurich at the start of the month. Chances: Inconsistency could hamper their chances but they could do well if they can re-find their form from qualifying. Runners up spot a possibility.

Group B
Denmark
Germany
Netherlands
Portgual

Denmark – In a ‘group of death’ Denmark will only serve to be the victim of the group at the hands of Germany, Netherlands and Portugal. Although, they did manage a shock win over Portugal in qualifying. This ultimately forced the Portuguese to have to go through a Play Off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to succeed in reaching Euro 2012.  Chances: Due to the unlucky draw they have been dealt, the Danes have a minuscule chance of progressing to the knockout stages. They will prop up Group B.

Germany – The old enemy made easy work out of the task of qualifying for Euro 2012. The Germans won all 10 games, scoring an impressive 34 goals. Miroslav Klose scored 9 of those while in Bayern Munich hitman Mario Gomez they have another proven goalscorer. Gomez scored a remarkable 41 goals in all competitions for the Champions League Finalists. They hinted at their potential at the World Cup in 2010 and this year could be the year it all comes together. Chances: Goals win games and expect plenty of them from Germany.  Potential Group B winners.

Netherlands – A perfect qualification for Euro 2012 was only marred by a loss away to group runners up Sweden. The highest scorers of all the teams in qualify, the Dutch put modern day ‘Total Football’ into practie. San Marino were forced to take the full force of the Dutch attacking prowess in a 11-0 thrashing, in which Premier League Top Goalscorer Robin Van Persie scored 4. A massive goal threat, Netherlands have qualifying top goalscorer Klass-Jan Huntelaar among their ranks. Chances: Providing things can be kept tight at the back, their love for goals will see them through. A battle with Germany for top spot in Group B. Could go all the way.

Portugal – The sheer quality of the fellow teams in the group will be a major issue for Portugal if they are to progress from the group. Of all the teams to qualify for Euro 2012, the Portuguese had the leakiest defence. They conceded 12 goals in qualifying and their defence could prove their downfall against Germany and Netherlands. However, Cristiano Ronaldo comes into the tournament in red hot form having scored more goals than games played last season. The former World Player Of The Year scored 60 goals in all competitions in 55 games. Chances: There is a heavy reliance on Ronaldo and should he not deliver then they stand no chance of progression to the knockout stages. Seeing them advance would be a surprise.

Group C
Croatia
Italy
Republic Of Ireland
Spain

Croatia – Under the management Slaven Bilic, Croatia have lost just 7 times in 63 games. However, their form coming into the competition is patchy. In their 3 warm up friendlies they won 1, drew 1 and lost 1. The loss of talisman Ivica Olic to injury could prove a big loss but in Everton forward Nikica Jelavic they have what Bilic describes as ‘a big asset’. The January signing from Rangers scored 11 goals in 16 games for the Toffees including a brace away to Manchester United. Chances: Despite having to qualify through a Play Off, should they find themselves in the knockout stages they could prove to be the dark horse of Euro 2012. Could pip Italy to second spot in Group C.

Italy – The Azzurri were unbeaten in the qualification for Euro 2012 many thanks to the tightest defence of all the teams to partake in the qualification phase. The Italians conceded just 2 goals and finished 10 points ahead of nearest rivals Estonia. However, the 3-0 loss to Russia in a warm up friendly highlights how Italy are not quite the force they once were.  Italy were never really in any doubt to reach Euro 2012 due to a lack of any real quality among the fellow teams in their qualifying group. Chances: Though not as good as previous Italian squads, this group of players could have it in them to secure second spot. Croatia will be the main threat to their place in the top 2.

Republic of Ireland – After missing out on the World Cup in 2010 thanks to Thierry Henry’s infamous handball, the Irish were determined to reach Euro 2012 and did so following an emphatic Play Off win over Estonia. In all time Irish top goalscorer Robbie Keane they have a striker still proven at the top level but he will have to produce some sensational performances if they are to gain any points from the group. Chances: A lack of quality thoroughout the squad will do them no favours. They should be boarding the plane home at the end of the group stages.

Spain – Nothing other than 3 wins can be expected from the current World and European champions. They won every game in qualifying, as well as every warm up friendly they played, living up to their name as the best side in the world. Barcelona front man David Villa is missing through injury though and he could prove to be a great loss after he scored 7 goals in qualifying, but this shouldn’t prove to be too much of a problem as they have the scorer of the Euro 2008 winning goal Fernando Torres to lead the line. Chances:  If they do not top the group it will be a massive shock. Group winners and favourites for the tournament.

Group D
England
France
Sweden
Ukraine

England – For once the traditional pre-tournament cries of ‘this is our time, we have the golden generation’ have been kept to a whisper. With a never ending list of injuries which has already seen key players Gary Cahill, Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard withdraw from the squad an opening game defeat against France looks likely. Wayne Rooney is suspended for the games against France and Sweden so the Three Lions will face a scrap to progress to the knockout stages.  One thing in England’s favour is their form under new manager Roy Hodgson. Yet to concede and with a 100% record, there is said to be a relaxed feel among the squad. Chances: If they can avoid defeat against France then finishing in the top 2 of Group D could be a possibility. Group runners up.

France – Les Bleus head into Euro 2012 unbeaten in a colossal 21 games and looked an exciting outfit in their 4-0 win over Estonia in their final warm up game. Following a controversial World Cup in South Africa 2 years ago the French will be determined to restore some national pride. They pose a great attacking threat with the creativity of Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri likely to provide Karim Benzema with plenty of goalscoring opportunities. Chances: Current form suggests that they should top the group. Group winners.

Sweden – Sweden qualified for Euro 2012 as the best ranked second placed team from the qualifying groups. Beating Netherlands along their way, the Swedes enjoyed a fine campaign which saw them score 31 goals. With AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic leading the line the Swedes could have a chance of reaching the knockout stages. Chances: If they can manage to take anything from their game with France then it will be a two way fight with England for 2^nd place. Will fall just short of the top 2.

Ukraine – Making their European Championship debut, Ukraine, like Poland, had the luxury of automatic qualification for Euro 2012 as co-hosts. With up to 10 squad members feeling the effects of a bout of food poisoning the Ukrainians chances of making waves in front of the home crowd look even slimmer than ever. Having lost their last two games things are not looking promising so the untimely spreading of an illness through the home camp has all but put to bed any hopes of progression to the knockout stages. Chances: With nothing in their favour, a bottom place finish is almost a certainty.

Now that every team has been looked at, all that remains is to reveal my personal Euro 2012 predictions.

Winners – Netherlands
Surprise ‘Overachievers’ – Croatia
Surprise ‘Underachivers’ – Portugal

Graham Westley - "Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Preston North End manager Graham Westley has urged the Preston fans to trust him after Tuesday night’s disappointing draw against Chesterfield.

Westley received boos from large sections of the Deepdale crowd at the final whistle but has said: “I ask the fans to trust me. I understand their frustrations.”

The Lilywhites boss has just one win to his name since taking over from Phil Brown in January but his side have managed five clean sheets in that time.

“I’ve come in here and tried to get the basics in place. Our defending over the 90 minutes was solid and organised and our defensive shape is coming together.” He added: “The clean sheet was pleasing.”

Preston lacked any kind of serious attacking threat, managing only one shot on target in the entire game. The home side were lucky to escape with a point after Chesterfield captain Neal Trotman rattled the crossbar in added time after meeting Danny Whitaker’s corner with a powerful header.

Westley did not hold back in his response to the fans’ frustrations at his style of play. He said: “If you think I can just come in here, click my fingers, wave a magic wand and we’ll be playing Brazilian football then you are dreaming. The fluency needs to develop but it will come with time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Preston’s next three games are all against sides who are currently sitting below them in the League One table. They will hope for a vast improvement in front of goal after managing to find the back of the net just once in their past four games.