Who will win the race for the final play off place in the Championship?

 

Swansea- last years play off winners

By Tony Alvarez
With only a single fixture left in the regular season in the Championship all matters of relegation are decided as are the Champions and it would take an almighty collapse for Southampton to now not take the 2nd automatic promotion spot.
With that in mind all that’s really left in the balance is who will take the play off spots, especially the final spot which is still very much up for grabs. As well as that the positions are important as it determines who a side will play in the semi final. I will look at the contenders especially for that final spot.

Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg Preview: Cardiff v Crystal Palace

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Tomorrow night we find out which Championship side has made it into this year’s Carling Cup final, as Cardiff City and Crystal Palace battle it out for a place at Wembley.

Both sides played out a tense affair in the first leg, with Anthony Gardner‘s header giving Palace a slender advantage going into the game at the Cardiff City stadium.

Carling Cup Preview: Crystal Palace v Cardiff City

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Tomorrow night Crystal Palace and Cardiff City get their two-legged Carling Cup semi-final underway at Selhurst Park.

It’s a great opportunity for both Championship sides to reach their first ever League Cup final, and face either Manchester City or Liverpool at Wembley on February 26th.

Carling Cup Preview: Manchester United v Crystal Palace

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Tonight sees Crystal Palace rewarded for their excellent run in this season’s Carling Cup with a trip to the Theatre of Dreams to take on the champions of England Manchester United.

While many will predict the result to be a foregone conclusion, Dougie Freedman‘s men have had a habit over the past 12 months of defying the odds.

Having seemed destined for relegation to League One at the turn of the year, Freedman replaced fellow Scot George Burley at the helm of Selhurst Park and sparked a revival.

They secured their Championship status and even though they once again started this campaign as one of the favourites for the drop, the Eagles had an outstanding start, reaching as high as third place in the table.

However, the last few weeks have seen a slump in form, mainly due to the fact that the goals have dried up; Palace haven’t scored a goal in 485 minutes of league football, going all the way back to their 1-0 win at Ipswich in October – five Championship games ago.

While they have gone through a recent blip, they are still in 10th position and just a point shy of the play-off places, meaning there is still plenty to play for as the season progresses.

If there cup form is to go by then they shouldn’t be short of confidence going to Old Trafford. They have knocked out Crawley Town, Wigan, Middlesbrough and Southampton to get within touching distance of the semi-finals.

But this is their first trip on the road in this year’s competition, and they could not have picked a tougher game than against Sir Alex Ferguson‘s side.

United are set to put out a weakened team against their lower-league opponents, but don’t expect a lack of respect to be shown in what is a genuine chance for silverware for Fergie’s squad.

Both Leeds and Aldershot were dispatched with clinical professionalism, and expect the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs to potentially feature.

Michael Owen has also looked sharp throughout this year’s competition, but his thigh injury looks set to rule him out for another month.

So a boost for Freedman, but he will need more than one or two injuries to work in his favour. His young Palace side have been a breath of fresh air in the domestic game this season – but United’s quality and experience at home means it might be a step too far for the Eagles – Prediction: 2-0 United.

So what do you think? Will Palace make it to the semi-finals with one of the upsets of this year’s tournament? Or will United go one step closer to winning their fifth League Cup? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Carling Cup Preview: Crystal Palace v Southampton

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Tonight sees a Carling Cup clash at Selhurst Park against two of the teams of the Championship season so far.

Fourth-placed Crystal Palace take on top-of-the-table Southampton as both teams look for a place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup to carry on their great starts to the campaign.

Newly-promoted Southampton have re-adjusted to life in the second tier of English football with consumate ease under the guidance of a manager whose reputation grows by the week.

Nigel Adkins did a brilliant job with Scunthorpe before dropping down to League One and awakening a sleeping giant that had suffered from years of mismanagement off the pitch and results on it.

After guiding the Saints to promotion in May, they have raced to the summit of the Championship after demonstrating a wonderful attacking style with a prominent cutting edge.

The likes of Adam Lallana and Jack Cork are really starting to make names for themselves, while Rickie Lambert is doing what Norwich striker Grant Holt did before him – score goals consistently while going up through the leagues.

They are averaging over two goals a game, and their combination of a prominent aerial threat in Lambert with their ability to play it along the floor with devastating effect underlines why the Saints have been marching on.

So they will pose a big challenge to Palace – but the Eagles have been soaring themselves under the guidance of rookie manager Dougie Freedman.

The former Palace striker has settled into football management with little publicity but undoubted success so far, having led a young but immensely-talented side to the upper echelons in the table.

Palace have always had a prosperous academy with the likes of Victor Moses and Wayne Routledge coming through the system in recent years.

However, this season they have started to assemble a team of talented youngsters mixed in with exeperience in the likes of captain Paddy McCarthy and star midfielder Darren Ambrose.

Jonathan Parr, Wilfried Zaha, Jonathan Williams and Sean Scannell have all risen to prominence in a side that has become a well-organised outfit with plenty of pace and attacking purpose.

Freedman and his squad have been one of the success stories of 2011, going from relegation certainties under George Burley to an ambitious outfit that do not fear anyone.

Neither side should feel that defeat this evening will damage their season too much, with eyes firmly fixed on maintaining their league form.

But a chance of a quarter-final spot - and the likelihood of a Premier League draw to come with it - means that there is plenty of motivation to continue their cup run.

If they both carry on what they’ve started over the past few months, then those that make it to South London later on should be in store for a cracker.

Prediction: This is a tight game to call and one that might go past the scheduled 90 minutes. Home advantage might make all the difference, and I’m going for Palace to edge it 2-1 after extra-time.

So what do you think? Will it be the Saints or the Eagles that make it through to the last eight of the Carling Cup tonight? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

Carling Cup Preview: Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Tomorrow night sees the resumption of the Carling Cup as the third round gets underway.

This is the stage of the competition where the biggest Premier League teams enter following a bye in the previous round because of their European commitments.

But for many that have reached this stage, it is the reward for famous scalps in the previous rounds, and a prime example of that are Crystal Palace.

Having beaten League Two side Crawley Town in a delayed first-round encounter, they then faced Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic.

The Eagles took their opportunity of an upset with both hands, with an impressive 2-1 win over the Latics at Selhurst Park last week.

Now they have a home tie against Championship rivals Middlesbrough with both teams looking to build on good starts to the campaign.

Palace sit mid-table despite being many people’s tip for relegation, while Boro are second in the table after an unbeaten start to the season.

Neither side will need to do too much homework on each other; they faced each other at the weekend with Tony Mowbray‘s team running out winners thanks to a Marvin Emnes goal.

They now return to Selhurst Park with a place in the last 32 up for grabs, and there will be plenty of talent on show.

Dutch striker Emnes has been a man revitalised under Mowbray after a decent loan spell at Swansea last year, and his goals have played a big part in Boro’s excellent early season form.

The 23 year-old’s eight goals in nine matches have given Boro the prolific striker needed for a promotion push, but it’s been the organisation of the side that’s stood out above all else.

With the midfield anchored by the tireless Barry Robson and a defence marshalled by skipper Matthew Bates, the foundations of their early success has been to become tough to beat, and that’s certainly been the case.

However, their unbeaten run in all competitions will be severely tested with their return trip to South London against a Palace team full of pace and attacking threat.

There’s always a chance of goals with the striking options of Jermaine Easter and Sean Scannell, who are developing a real understanding together.

Not only that but it looks like Palace have unearthed a real gem in 18 year-old Welsh midfielder Jonathan Williams, epitomised by his brilliant performance and goal against Wigan in the last round.

Manager Dougie Freedman knows he has to manage the squad carefully throughout the coming months with resources limited in comparison to other Championship clubs.

But victory tomorrow evening could create another Premier League tie with financial rewards always welcome, something that should make this fixture a hard-fought encounter.

Prediction: It’s going to be tight with both sides having one eye on concentrating more on the good starts made in the league, but home advantage could give the Eagles the edge, so i’m going for Palace to win 1-0.

So what do you think? Will Boro maintain their unbeaten start to the season? Or will Palace make it three home wins on the spin in this year’s competition? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.

Carling Cup Preview: Update

As I’m sure you’re all aware, due to the outbreak of violence in London and the rest of the country over the last few days, there have rightly been postponements within the football programme.

These include the two Carling Cup games that we have previewed - West Ham vs. Aldershot and Crystal Palace vs. Crawley Town. Because of this, the articles will be re-scheduled for when the games will now take place, which will be confirmed at a later date. Articles on SFTS will continue from tomorrow.

Many thanks for your understanding.

Palace survival a real success story

Palace legend Dougie Freedman has guided the Eagles to safety

By Laurie Fitzgerald

The issue of relegation was decided in the Championship this weekend, as Sheffield United and Scunthorpe succumbed to the drop.

They will join Preston North End in League One next season after Phil Brown’s side were relegated the weekend before.

While there is some surprise at those unable to beat the drop, there should be some praise for one of the teams that avoided it.

Less than 12 months ago, there was a real possibility that Crystal Palace would cease to exist.

The 1st June 2010 was to prove a crucial day in the history of the club; a takeover had to be completed, otherwise the South London side would fold.

Thankfully, a fans consortium in the name of CPFC 2010 came to the rescue, and the club was purchased in the nick of time.

During this period, the last thing that was on the mind of the fans was whether they could survive in the Championship; they just wanted to survive.

But the takeover allowed the supporters to focus on the future and looking forward to football again at Selhurst Park.

Former Scotland manager George Burley was brought in to try and shape a young squad that had seen some of its best players leave.

The likes of Danny Butterfield, Shaun Derry, Clint Hill and Johannes Ertl departed, taking a lot of experience with it.

Fortunately, Palace were able to retain star player Darren Ambrose, as well as key attacking talents such as James Vaughan coming in on loan from Everton.

However, Burley found the going tough, and by the turn of the year the former Ipswich manager was hoping to get the time to turn things round.

That time wasn’t afforded to him, and Burley was sacked on New Year’s Day, with the Eagles second from bottom  and in possession of the worst goal difference in the division.

Co-Chairmen Steve Parish and Martin Long decided to turn to a man that has Crystal Palace firmly in his heart.

Dougie Freedman spent a combined total of ten years at the club in two spells at Selhurst Park during his playing days.

Having been assistant manager to Burley, his fellow Scot was given the responsibility to try and keep Palace in the Championship.

The 36 year-old has responded, with six wins and eight draws from his 21 league games in charge.

What was impressive was not just the character shown from the turbulence of the summer to maintaining their Championship status.

It was also the way that the Eagles managed to maintain the breathing space that they had between them and the bottom three.

Recent weeks saw Sheffield United, Preston and Scunthorpe have mini-revivals, including the Irons winning at Selhurst Park.

But this young side has matured quickly, and Freedman seems to have been able to implement the sort of passion that he has for the club into this current crop of players.

Now with safety secured, the club can continue their progression both on and off the pitch.

While it remains to be seen how much progress will be made, one thing is for sure; if the past 12 months are anything to go by, Crystal Palace certainly know how to defy the odds.

So what do you think? Just how well have Crystal Palace done to stay in the Championship this season? Will the Eagles move forward next campaign? Let us know your thoughts.

Will Preston pull off a great escape?

Brown has seen his Preston side go on an impressive late push for survival

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Preston North End kept up their chances of survival after a 3-1 at home to fellow strugglers Sheffield United on Saturday.

At the final whistle, the Great Escape theme tune bellowed over the tannoy at Deepdale to heighten the belief of the supporters.

There’s no reason why the fans shouldn’t start to believe; after seemingly being condemned to League One football next season, they are just four points adrift of Crystal Palace with four games left to play.

It didn’t seem possible just a few months ago following the sacking of Darren Ferguson just before the turn of the year.

Phil Brown was brought in to try and steady the ship, but when he failed to win any of his opening 11 league games, it seemed a case of who was going to go down with the Lilywhites in the battle against relegation from the Championship.

Despite that winless run, they had managed to avoid defeat in six of those matches, and you wondered what could happen if they turn those draws into wins.

Cue a trip to fellow relegation rivals Scunthorpe United; a 3-0 win at Glanford Park gave Preston the boost they needed – but could they build on it?

The answer was yes. That triumph was the start of a run that has seen them pick up four wins and two draws from their last seven matches, their only defeat coming late on at the in-form side of the division, Reading.

Despite this run, they still need a strong finish to the season. But Brown is no stranger to this sort of position. 

When the 51 year-old was in charge of previous club Hull, he took over with the club rooted to the bottom of the Championship in the 2006/07 season.

Like at Preston, Brown took the role on permanently in the month of January, still with just enough time to guide the side out of trouble.

Having been five points adrift when appointed, Brown guided the Tigers to safety, and seven points clear of the relegation zone by the end of the campaign.

The following year he pulled off an even greater miracle by guiding Hull to the Premier League via the play-offs.

But now he has to complete another work of a miraculous nature, although the run-in gives them hope.

They have away trips to Millwall and Ipswich, who both have faint play-off hopes, while their home games come against promotion-chasing Cardiff, followed by Watford on the final day.

Time may prove to be against them, but with confidence high and a manager who’s been here before, the Great Escape may just take place.

So what do you think? Can Preston stay in the Championship against all the odds? Does the run-in give them a greater chance up against their relegation rivals? Let us know your thoughts

Will a possible Howe departure damage Bournemouth’s promotion hopes?

By Tony Alvarez

Following last seasons second place finish in league two, Bournemouth are currently flying high in league one currently sitting 3^rd in the table after 22 games.

Despite gaining promotion against all odds following threats of going into receivership, in the 2008-09 season they started the season with a 17 point deduction yet survived.

The key turning point appears to be the appointment of Eddie Howe who became permanent manager in January 2009.

The board have to be commended for giving him the job which made him the youngest manager in the Football Leagues.

After guiding Bournemouth to safety in the back end of the 09 season Bournemouth started the season flying, winning 8 out of the first 9 games.

This brought an offer from Peterborough for the manager’s service but he stuck loyal to the club that gave him the chance and was rewarded with promotion.

How Bournemouth could do with Howe showing that loyalty again now. If you believe the rumours manager-less Crystal Palace and Preston are asking for his services.

Again if you read the reports he is very tempted by the bright lights with Palace looking likely to acquire his services, if this happens this will be a catastrophic blow for the south coast club.

I am not for a second suggesting that Bournemouth’s recent rise is completely down to Eddie Howe but no one can deny he has been a huge part of this success.

Even after losing top scorer Brett Pitman in the summer to championship side Bristol City, Howe just moved on with his squad of players and improved the squad where he felt necessary.

This has clearly played off with only 1 point separating Bournemouth and their rivals Southampton who currently occupy second place and an automatic promotion place.

This coming in there first year in League one is a lot more than many fans expected, the feeling around the club seems to now be that the sky’s the limit.

What are your thoughts would the move be right for either Eddie Howe or Bournemouth? Do you think Bournemouth could gain promotion under Howe? How do you think it will affect the club if Howe does depart? Who would you like to see take over? Let us know your thoughts.

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