Preview: League Two play off semi finals

We continue with previews of this years Football League play off's by looking at League Two and the semi finals that kick off this weekend. The first semi final kicks off tomorrow where we see Crewe Alexandra take on Southend in a late afternoon kick off at Gresty Road. The second semi final follows on Sunday lunchtime where we see the other semi final take place between Cheltenham and Torquay.

#1 Crewe Alexandra  v Southend Utd

picture: thefootballnetwork.net

Staffordshire side Crewe Alexandra go into the semi final in excellent form having gone the last sixteen league games unbeaten. This run included seven wins and nine draws which saw them claim seventh spot in the league and the last play off place up for grabs. A draw away at Macclesfield on the final day of the season saw them clinch the place ahead of fellow sides Oxford and Gillingham. Opponents for Alex come in the form of Southend who narrowly missed out on an automatic spot to Crawley on the final day of the season. The Essex club come into the play off's unbeaten in the last five conceding no goals. Paul Sturrocks side are aiming to replicate the side of 2004/05 where a Steve Tilson side saw them promoted from a similar position to that of this season. Strikers Freddy Eastwood and Neil Harris give the side much needed experience with Harris having helped former club Millwall to play off success in 2009. The play off tie is Crewe's sixth attempt at promotion from the play off's with their last successful attempt coming in 1997 where they were promoted to the second tier of English football. 

#2 Cheltenham Town v Torquay

picture: ctfc.com

Having narrowly missed out last season to Stevenage in the play off final, Torquay will want to go one better and achieve promotion to League One this time round. However they will need to buck up their ideas this weekend as they go into the semi final having not won in their previous five league games. This poor run ended their chances of automatic promotion after being in second in April. They come up against Cheltenham who are looking to return to League One after playing in League Two for the past three seasons. The Gloucestershire club are on a good run after achieving back to back victories from their last two games of the season. They will go into the tie with good history in the play off's having gained promotion from them in 2002 and 2006 both to League One. Torquay though came out on top in the league's fixtures between the two this season having beaten Cheltenham at Whaddon Road 1-0 and managing a 2-2 draw when they played at home. 

Preview: League One play off semi finals

With the Football League season now over, there are still games to play for clubs fighting it out in the play off's in all three divisions. After seeing the Championship play off's kick off last week, its the turn of the teams in League One on Friday and Saturday. Having failed at the same stage last season, MK Dons will hope for better luck this time after being beaten by winners Peterborough Utd last year. They face Huddersfield Town who were also beaten 3-0 by Peterborough last year in the show piece final at Old Trafford. The other semi sees two teams, who entered the division at different ends last year, fight for a final promotion place. Sheffield United who were relegated from the Championship last year take on Stevenage who were promoted last year via the League Two play off's.

#1 MK Dons v Huddersfield Town

picture: mkdons.com

Both MK Dons and Huddersfield will be looking to succeed at the play off's this year after both falling to Peterborough United in last year's League One play off's. After only managing one win in five games before Saturday, Huddersfield's 2-0 home win against Yeovil on the last day of the season will give the team confidence going into the first leg lunchtime clash on Saturday. They travel to MK Dons, who were five games unbeaten before defeat a surprise home defeat to Walsall on Saturday.  Dons and Huddersfield drew both league games between them this year meaning a close encounter will be expected over the two legs. Town boss Simon Grayson has a lot of experience in the play off's having guided former club Blackpool to play off success in 2007 where he saw the Seasiders gain promotion from League One to the Championship. Grayson also guided old club Leeds United to the League One play off's in his first season at |Elland Road but defeat to Millwall in the semi final's ended the clubs chance of promotion that year. MK Dons go into the tie having never won a two legged semi final play off tie after three attempts. Defeat to Shrewsbury Town in 2007 in League Two was followed by defeats in League One in 2008/09 by Scunthorpe and then by Peterborough United last season. 

#2 Stevenage v Sheffield United

picture: mirrorfootball.co.uk

After being beaten to the final automatic spot by rivals Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United have the difficult task of the play off's if they are to make an immediate comeback to the Championship. The Blades looked certain to achieve automatic promotion, but after only picking up just two points from the last three games, were pipped to the finish by their arch rivals. They come up against newly promoted Stevenage who have had an excellent season. Promoted via the play off's last season from League Two saw Stevenage achieve back to back promotions after achieving promotion from the Conference the season before. Having changed manager in January this year, Stevenage secured a play off place with a home win against Bury on the final day of the season and also enjoyed a decent cup win taking Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur to a replay in the FA Cup. The clubs will play the first leg on Friday night where Sheffield United look set to be without veteran striker James Beattie who was sent off against Exeter at the weekend. Having already being without top goal scorer Ched Evans, it leaves United struggling for strikers in their bid for promotion. 

Preview: Championship play off semi finals

The Championship season maybe over for some clubs, but there are still games left for four of the teams. Three games are all it takes for one team to make the step up to the Premier League. Three of the clubs in this years play off's all came down from the Premier League last season. Blackpool, Birmingham and West Ham are joined by Welsh outfit Cardiff City in the bid to make it to the big time. The first legs of the ties take place this week where we see West Ham take in Cardiff and Blackpool face Birmingham City.

1# West Ham v Cardiff City

picture: skysports.com

West Ham will not have expected to be in this position three months ago. The Hammers looked set to be returning to the big time through an automatic push. But with some poor performances and an incredible run by Reading, United were pushed out the top two and now are having to settle for the play off's. Having being expected to gain automatic promotion, West Ham's season will be a massive failure if they fail to go up. With top players on their side, it is essential they return to the big time. The Hammers are in good form going into their game at Cardiff having only lost one game in the last eighteen. Manager Sam Alladyce isn't new to the play off's having taken former club Bolton Wanderers via this route in 2001. Opposition for West Ham comes in the form of Cardiff City who again will be wanting promotion having witnessed fellow Welsh side Swansea gain promotion through this route last season. Malky Mackay is also no stranger to the play off's having experienced promotion whilst working at Watford in 2006. The Bluebirds have experienced play off heart ache in the last two seasons having been knocked out by Reading at the same stage last season. They were also beaten by Blackpool in the play off final in 2010. 

2# Blackpool v Birmingham City

picture: telegraph.co.uk

Two relegated sides from last year, Blackpool and Birmingham both went down after results went against them on the final day of the season. Ian Holloway's Blackpool finished the season in fifth place behind opponents Birmingham who finished fourth. The Midlands club will fancy their chances with the second leg taking place at St Andrews. The two sides drew 2-2 at Blackpool last November which then saw the two play each other again in December where Birmingham took the points winning 3-0 at St Andrews. Blackpool are familiar with the play off's having gained promotion in 2010 where they beat Cardiff City at Wembley. Experienced striker Kevin Phillips will be facing his former side as he aims to get back into the big time. It's another Phillips though that will catch the eye, Matt, who ended the season with a place in the Championship team of the year. Opponents for the Seasiders Birmingham City go into this fixture as slight favourites and will want an instant return to the Premier League. Chris Hughton's side have had a decent season having worked their way up the table after having to catch up on games due to Europa League commitments. Striker Marlon King and winger Chris Burke have been key for the Blues this year and their contributions will need to continue if they are to make a return. 

FA Cup Final Preview: Chelsea v Liverpool

As we come to the end of the season, we see the FA Cup final arrive and a chance for silverware. After a Premier League v Championship clash in the Carling Cup final this year, we have two Premier League clubs taking each other on at Wembley. Chelsea who have been revitalised under temporary boss Roberto Di Matteo take on Carling Cup winners and an under performing Liverpool side. The London side have an important few weeks ahead of them as they try to secure a top four finish in the league as well as a Champions League final too against German giants Bayern Munich. On the other hand, Liverpool have had another inconsistent season in the league only winning five home games all year. The Carling Cup final win against Cardiff in February gave fans some silverware to sing about and a win this weekend will do no harm either.

Chelsea:

picture: wikipedia.org

After the sacking of former boss Andre Villas Boas, Chelsea were in disarray. Months later and the Blues are now in a position noone would have predicted at the start of the year. Under temporary manager Di Matteo, Chelsea's form have seen them battling it out for a top four finish in the league and two cup finals to play. This weekend's final against Liverpool is the first final for the club since the 2009/10 season where they beat Portsmouth 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup. Striker Fernando Torres has rediscovered his form of old and after scoring four goals in his last two games, the Spaniard will want to continue finding the net against his old club. Fellow forward Didier Drogba has an incredible record at Wembley scoring an impressive seven goals in his seven appearances there. With it looking likely that Drogba will leave at the end of this season, he will want to reward the fans with one last strike. Defensively Chelsea look likely to be without Gary Cahill and David Luiz who are nursing injuries and with a hugely important midweek clash at home to Newcastle, the squad will certainly be stretched this week.

Liverpool:

picture: cliverich.com

After another poor season in the league, Liverpool set their eyes upon their second cup final of the season. Success at the hands of Cardiff in February's Carling Cup final has been the only positive come from their year. Dismal home form has seen them win only five games out of a possible 18. Kenny Dalglish's side have though shown what a good side they can be in this years cups. Victories against both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Everton this year in both cups has taken away the up and down season they have endured in the league. Since an eight game ban for racism, striker Luis Suarez has shone with some important goals including the equaliser in the semi final of the FA Cup against Everton. A stunning hat trick against Norwich at the weekend, which included a 45-yard lob, has given the Uruguayan some positives to take away from the season. Apart from long term absentees Charlie Adam and Lucas Leiva, Dalglish will take a fully fit squad to London which will see them play at Wembley for the third time this season.

One to watch: Juan Mata (Chelsea) 

picture: soccer-magazine.com

After just one season in England, Juan Mata has shown why he was so highly rated at Valencia. The Spaniard has given Chelsea that added spark in midfield and his creativity has seen him become one of the side's key members. His excellent vision and his hard work at both ends of the pitch, Mata will be very important if Chelsea are to come out winners on Saturday. He has had played in a number of positions this year, part of a front three or as a wide man and has looked comfortable every time. He has scored a number of important goals this year for the club including the 'ghost goal' against Tottenham Hotspur in the recent semi final.

One to watch: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) 

picture: topnews.in

Captain fantastic is going to have to have an excellent game this weekend if he is to add another medal to his collection. Gerrard showed why he is so vital to this club when he scored a wonderful hat trick against rivals Everton in the 3-0 home win earlier on in the year. His determination and his ability to change games has seen the midfielder become one of the all time greats at Anfield. Gerrard will want a repeat of the Carling Cup win  which saw his side reach a final since the Champions League final in 2007. Gerrard has been unfortunate with injuries this season and the Englishman will do all he can to drive his team to success in the clubs second final of the season. 

Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea

Norwich City: The perfect example for newly promoted Reading

After a 1-0 home win to Nottingham Forest last week, Reading secured promotion to the Premier League after a four year absence from the top division. Brian McDermott's side have been hovering around the top of the Championship since late February and were rewarded with promotion after an excellent second half of the season from his side.

picture: espn.co.uk

Now back in the big time, it is imperative that the Royals invest correctly in the summer. With Anton Zingarevich set to take over the club in the coming weeks then the opportunity to bring in players will definitely be available to McDermott. The current side contains experienced players who have played in the Premier League before. Striker Jason Roberts and midfield dynamo Hayden Mullins have both spent long spells in the top division. But with other squad members in line to experience the top flight for the first time in their careers, it is important that they bring in good signings.If we take a look at the sides promoted to the Premier League this from last season, we can look at the success  of bringing in the right players. Take Norwich City for example. Under the guidance of Paul Lambert, they managed an excellent double promotion in just the two seasons. They currently sit comfortably in thirteenth and have not been at any threat of relegation this year. 

picture: blogspot.com

Against the odds the Canaries have impressed this year and thanks to the right signings, they have produced some excellent performances. Norwich brought in a number of lower league players at the start of the season. These included Elliot Bennett, Bradley Johnson, Kyle Naughton (on loan from Spurs) and Steve Morison. Alongside the power of captain Grant Holt, these players have blended wonderfully into the squad. With the limited resources at the club, credit goes to the team who have proved the doubters wrong and will more than likely finish the league mid table ahead of the likes of Aston Villa and Bolton. 

In contrast to this, QPR are struggling and are fighting off relegation. Although this may have something to do with the change of manager mid season, the team have not produced such great performances that saw them champions of the Championship last season. Sacking former boss Neil Warnock has yet to prove the correct decision with the side currently in a relegation scrap. New manager Mark Hughes went transfer crazy in the January transfer window bringing in Bobby Zamora, Djibril Cisse, and Nedum Onuoha. Yes these players may bring in a wealth of Premier League experience, but the lack of togetherness alongside the never ending drama of captain Joey Barton has seen the London side struggle.

We can't finish without mentioning the success of Swansea who came up through the play offs beating Reading at Wembley last season. Thrashed 4-0 away at Man City on the opening day of the season, the Welsh team were odds on to be relegated come May time. But like Norwich, Brendan Rogers side have played some excellent football this year and are well worthy of their continuation in the top flight next year.

Reading have been in the Premier League before and slowly became an established side until performances dropped and were eventually relegated. It has taken them four years to get back to the big time but with decent signings and the odd bit of luck, there is no reason why they can't be as successful as Norwich and Swansea have been this year. 

Top 5 Football League players of the year

As we come to the end of another fantastic season in the Football League, we look at the top five players that have shone this year in the Championship, League One and Two.

1# Rickie Lambert- Southampton

picture: zimbio.com

The Southampton striker has scored a mammoth 31 goals in all competitions this year and has been a massive star in the club's drive for promotion to the Premier League next year. Lambert has notched an impressive four hat tricks in the league this season including an excellent performance in the away win at Watford. His penalty taking continues to impress having not missed a spot kick while playing for the Saints. The former Bristol Rovers man gained automatic promotion with Southampton last season finishing top goalscorer at the club where they finished runners up to league champions Brighton. Lambert was awarded Championship player of the year this season as well as being included in the Championship team of the year alongside fellow team mates Adam Lallana and Kelvin Davis. Having proved himself in every division in the football league, Lambert will be keen to show his goalscoring talents in England's top division next year.

2# Chris Burke- Birmingham City
An unsung hero for the Blues, Burke has been a key member of the team that has seen them reach the Championship play off's. Contributing an impressive 14 goals from the wing, Burke has added experience to the side. Having moved from Cardiff in the summer, Burke has established himself in the Midland's side and will be important when his side play in the play off's later next month. As well as chipping in with goals, the Scottish international is the lead assister in the Championship with an excellent 16 assists to his name.

3# Tyrone Barnett- Peterborough United

picture: vitalfootball.co.uk

Former Crawley striker, Tyrone Barnett made an immediate impact on the Championship. The youngster managed four goals in 12 appearances for The Posh since joining on loan in January. Having impressed for League 2 side Crawley early in the season, Darren Ferguson quickly snapped the forward up. Barnett had already scored an impressive 15 goals for Crawley this year after joining them last summer from Macclesfield. Although now at Posh, Barnett was recently named in the League Two team of the year. With safety assured for Posh and another season guaranteed in the Championship, Barnett will be looking to continue hitting the net.

4# Matt Ritchie- Swindon TownThe Swindon Town winger has been a big performer for his side this year which has seen them win promotion from League Two. After a successful loan spell at the Wiltshire club last season, Ritchie made the move permanent and has since contributed 13 goals. It has been his assists though that have seen him stand out, contributing 13 to the team. He was named in this year's League Two team of the year alongside team mate Paul Caddis and also collected the League Two player of the year to cap of a superb season.

5# Jordan Rhodes- Huddersfield Town

picture: wikipedia.org

A striker who knows where the net is, Jordan Rhodes has been the star performer in this year's League One. The forward has notched an incredible 38 goals this season which has helped his side Huddersfield Town make a play off spot. Rhodes scored four goals in an amazing 4-4 draw away at Sheffield Wednesday this year as well as achieving an excellent six hat tricks. Rhodes was awarded League One player of the season as well as making the League One team of the year. If Huddersfield fail to gain promotion this year then Rhodes is certain to be snapped up.

FA Cup Semi Finals: Preview

Before I get onto previewing this weekends fixtures, just a note of apology for lack of posts recently, I have been very busy with uni work and working at Peterborough United as well. I am now back and have several posts in mind that shall be published in the coming months. Thanks!

As we come to the end of what has been another terrific season, we focus our attention to the semi finals of the FA Cup this weekend. We have two cracking derbies this year that sees the two games both played at the home of football, Wembley. League Cup winners Liverpool are aiming for a second trophy of the season and they take on local rivals Everton. In the other game we see a London derby between Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

#1 Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

picture: guardian.co.uk

A London derby that sees two of the Premier League big boys come head to head in a fight for a place in the FA Cup final in May. Chelsea have become revitalised under the management of Roberto Di Matteo whereas Spurs have had a tricky spell recently that sees them now fighting for a Champions League place. Harry Redknapp's men were seen as title contenders 4 months ago but a poor 2012 has seen their rivals Arsenal leap frog them in the table. A recent home defeat to Norwich City in the league has really dented Spurs chances of a top four place and a cup semi final against Chelsea is a welcome distraction for them. Winger Gareth Bale has recently seen a drop in form after a stunning start to the season for the Welshman. Striker Louis Saha is cup tied which will mean Jermain Defoe is likely to partner fellow forward Emmanuel Adebayor in attack. The Englishman has not played that much this season but has always impressed when he has been given the opportunity. Rivals Chelsea have begun to show what a good side they are after the sacking of former boss Andre Villas Boas. Caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo has guided the Blues to a Champions League semi final as well as a good chance of taking the final Champions League place in the league. Striker Fernando Torres has started to look like his old self with excellent performances in recent games.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Spurs

#Liverpool v Everton

picture: telegraph.co.uk

With the anniversary of Hillsborough on Sunday, this weekend is massive for the red half of Liverpool. Kenny Dalglish's side have been under a lot of criticism this season with average performances from his side. Poor results have seen his side sit eighth in the league behind local rivals Everton. Striker Andy Carroll scored only his ninth goal for the reds this week in the away win at Blackburn. Carroll has also been criticised for not proving his £35 million price tag this year but with good performances recently, the striker is sure to show what he is capable of. Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard were rested in mid week meaning the pair, who have been so vital this year, will be fresh and ready for the challenge on Saturday lunchtime. Goalkeepers Pepe Reina and Doni are both suspended the game which will see third choice keeper Brad Jones called up between the sticks. The Australian made only his third appearance for the club on Wednesday saving a penalty in the process. David Moyes' Everton are the in form side at the moment having only lost none of their previous seven games. The Toffees will be without cup tied Steven Pienaar, but with striker Nikica Jelavic in good form the blue side of Merseyside will fancy their chances against an inconsistent Liverpool side. 

Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Everton