Well, yes indeed it's been a while once again.
I have many other projects on the go currently (www.beta-fly.co.uk being one of them) so I admit my posting is limited to say the least.
I think this blog post is more of a review for the half season, going over the managerial changes, my starting XI of win, top flops, most improved team and my predictions... This might take a while.
So, 2010... Management changes alone have been flooding the headlines:
1. Hughton got sacked by Newcastle in one of the most disrespectful chair decisions since the Jol-Ramos fiasco. Replaced by a serial shagger (sacked by Southampton for shagging Jose Fonte's wife... Allegedly...) to take the Toon to a new level of dullness.
2. MON walked - Houlier(sp?) in. Was appointed in charge of Villa and nobody really cared. Kind of hard to say what sort of influence he has had on the dressing room, certainly has the backing of the Chair, with the 20million signing of Darren Bent.
3. Big Sam was sacked by Blackburn for no apparent reason. Word on the grapevine (cant believe I'm writing that..) is that he refused to sign several players that the new board wanted. Steve Keane doing well so far, but it's early days...
4. Woy's gone! Yes, the hapless oaf's rubbing his face with anger days are over. Replaced by the King 'Kenny' to inject come life into the dying Liverpool predator.
Hard to believe there have been so many changes, my prediction was Martinez of Wigan would be forcibly ejected and shot out of a cannon, all the way back to sunny Spain. Nevermind...
Stage 2, my XI of win.
I thought I'd jump in with my starting XI and explain why they have earned the right. This will be the 4-1-2-1-2 formation with a DM (defensive midfielder) and AMC (attacking midfielder.) Apologies for the Football Manager style references.
GK: Joe Hart. Been in sensational form since he pushed his way past Shay Given. Handed the #1 jersey for England and doesn't look likely to loose it soon.
LB: Ashley Cole. As much as it pains me to say, he really is the best. Consistently good in going forward and tracking back. Opponents rarely get a sniff... Doubt Cheryl cares now either.. *OH BURN*
CB: Gary Cahill. Might be one of the reasons as to why Bolton are doing so well this season. He is understated, underrated and up for a big money move sometime soon
CB: Nemanja Vidic. The big UTD bruiser keeps the defensive line solid when Rio decides to go walkabout. He's fierce and will get the ball, no matter what it takes.
RB: Alan Hutton. Wasn't really firing all cylinders for quite some time for Spurs, but this season he has truly stepped up to the 8million pound price tag.
LW: Gareth Bale. Yeah, you knew this one was on here. Sensational player who scares the living daylights out of RB's; especially Maicon. If Spurs are to succeed this season, it will be in part, down to him.
DM: Scott Parker. Plays for West Ham or better known as Scott Parket FC. The single reason why West Ham have any points on the board whatsoever. Grant will be desperate to hold onto his services.
AMC: Rafael Van der Vaart. Still cannot believe Spurs got him for 8 million. His touch, vision, creativity and awareness make him the player all clubs love to hate.
ST: Andy Carroll. Been a revelation in the PL this season. Scoring for fun before Christmas, but injury has hampered that slightly in the last few weeks. Allegations in his private life might not help, but on the pitch he is one to watch.
ST: Johan Elmander. Revitalised this season and is playing some of the best football of his career under Owen Coyle. With Bolton's free-flowing possession football, this will only aide Elmander in boosting his goals tally for the season.
I've just realised that I might have left Samir Nasri out of this team. Unfortunately it's hard to fit him in, so he will be benched.
Bench:
Foster - been in great form for Birmingham, kept them in many games.
Onuoha - Playing great football up in the North West. Scored a cracker against Chelsea
Nasri - Voted the French footballer of the year and wasn't even in the World Cup squad. Says it all really.
Fabregas - Got the best first touch of the ball in the world. His drive and ambition to drag Arsenal out of sticky situations kicking and screaming just adds to the quality this player already possesses
Berbatov - Currently the league's top scorer. Can't ignore his ability to grab a goal. Work rate is improving under Fergie.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher - Might not recognise this name, but he plays for Blackpool. Very skilful on the ball and knows how to pick a pass.
Charlie Adam - Great on the ball, bit slow at times but works hard to make up for it. One of the reasons as to why Blackpool are where they are now.
Manager: Owen Coyle. Worked wonders in Bolton.
Next time:
Top Flops, Most improved team and Predictions for 2011.