League Two play-off final preview: Bradford City v Northampton Town

With the Football League season only finishing a couple weeks ago, there are still promotion places to settle through the play-offs. The League Two play-off final is the first to take to the Wembley turf on Saturday 18th May, which will see Bradford City take on Northampton Town for the right to play in League One next season.

Bradford City:
Bradford find themselves visiting Wembley for the second time this season. The last visit was one to remember and forget for the Bantams as they were beaten 5-0 by Swansea in the Captial One Cup final. If they were to secure promotion as well this season, then it would have been an extraordinary season for them. Their run in the Capital One Cup saw them overcome Premier League opposition in both Arsenal and Aston Villa. Phil Parkinson's men came from a goal down in the play-off semi final eventually winning 5-4 on aggregate against Burton Albion. Having been 3-2 down from the first leg, City won 3-1 at the Pirelli to make the final. Once of the Premier League, Bradford have been in League Two since the 2007 season and will want to start making a return up the leagues with victory over Northampton come the 18th May.

Northampton Town:
The Cobblers find themselves 90 minutes away from a possible return to League One for the first time since 2009. Under the management of Aidy Boothroyd, Northampton have gone from narrowly avoiding relegation last year, to a top six finish this year. Beating Cheltenham over two legs in the semi finals, Town ended a poor run of form having only won one of their six games played in April. Northampton hadn't had much luck previously in the play-offs with defeats in 2003/04 to Mansfield and then again the following season to Southend United.

We spoke to Cobblers fan of 13 years Ashley Lambell (@ashlambell) about his side's chances in the final and his views on the season just gone.

What does it feel like to be 90 minutes away from promotion and League One?
Ashley: The prospect of local derbies against Peterborough and MK Dons as well as potential games against Wolves, Sheffield United and Coventry means that everyone associated with Northampton Town is really excited for this game!

Where does reaching the play-off final rank in the club's history?
Ashley: The play-off final will be another great moment in the history alongside the two previous visits to Wembley in the 1990s and the Carling Cup victory against Liverpool. Definitely in the top five I would say.

What do you think has been the key to your successful season having narrowly avoided relegation last season?
Ashley: We've looked a better team unit this season rather than a bunch of talented individuals thrown together. Aidy Boothroyd has instilled a real togetherness in the squad and the football club, and the players seem to believe that anything is possible this season.

How much of a threat are Bradford City, and is there a stand out player for them you are worried about?
Ashley: Bradford are a tough team and certainly won't be an easy game for us, especially as they've been to Wembley already this season. Nakhi Wells always has a great goalscoring record against us, and we will need to be wary of his sharpness and finishing on the day.

You drew and lost against Bradford in the league this season, do you think this matters going into the final?
Ashley: I don't think it does. We finished higher than Bradford in the league table and to me, that is a more accurate reflection of the season the two teams have had. Cheltenham had beaten us twice in the league before the play-off semi-final but we saw them off quite comfortably so there is no reason why we can't do the same again.

Which player should we watch out for Northampton Town?
Ashley: Everyone will, of course, look out for 'Bayo Akinfenwa' but I would say Chris Hackett is our stand out player. With his devastating mix of pace, power and clinical finishing, he is a winger to be feared and with the large pitch at Wembley, he could be a match-winner.

Chris Hackett
Picture: northamptonchron.co.uk

Going onto Akinfenwa, he has had an excellent season for you, how important is it for him to be on his game in the final?

Ashley: Massively important. When Bayo has his 'beastmode' switched on, he is almost impossible to handle and we certainly look a much better outfit when he performs well. Hopefully his experience of playing in a final before, for Swansea, will come in useful next weekend.

Finally, will you be making the trip to Wembley?
Ashley: I definitely will be! It's going to be a massive day for the club, and proof of just how far we have progressed in the last 18 months.

Predicted line up: 
Ashley: Nicholls; Tozer, Carlisle, Langmead, Collins; Demontagnac, Guttridge, Harding, Hackett; O'Donovan, Akinfenwa

Ashley's score prediction: 

Bradford 1-2 Northampton Town

Bradford City v Northampton Town will be shown live on Sky Sports 2 on Saturday 18th May from 13:00. 

FA Cup Final Preview: Man City v Wigan Athletic

It's that time of the year again when silverware is decided, memories are made and every decision is critical. This Saturday evening sees the FA Cup Final which will be contested between former Premier League champions Manchester City and fellow top flight side Wigan Athletic. It has been an interesting season for both clubs with this final meaning something different for both clubs. Manchester City look likely to finish second this season having missed out on the title to rivals United, while opponents Wigan are attempting another miraculous escape from the league's relegation zone.

Man City:

picture: mcfc.co.uk

Having missed out on the Premier League, Roberto Mancini will be desperate to win the FA Cup and take a piece of silverware back to the Etihad. His men have now made the final for the second time in three seasons after they beat Stoke at Wembley two years ago thanks to a Yaya Toure goal. City reached the final this year thanks to a 2-1 victory in the semi finals over Chelsea with goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero. But it is Carlos Tevez who leads the scoring charts for City this season, and is the top scorer in this competition for the blues with five goals. Goals have been hard to come by this year for City though, and this hasn't been helped with the injuries to Aguero and playmaker David Silva. City will be strong favourites to win the final but these two met just a few weeks ago in the league where City scraped a 1-0 home win. Second choice goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon has played in every round of the competition this season conceding just the once and Mancini is likely to keep faith with him by using him this weekend. The Romanian was a star performer in the semi final against Chelsea making a number of good saves.

One to watch: Carlos Tevez
Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez has been one of the stand out players for City this season. With 17 goals this season he leads the goalscoring charts for the club. His goal was enough to separate City and Wigan when they met a few weeks ago at the Etihad.  The forward has excellent vision and although he is well known to play up front, he is more than capable to drop off and create chances as an attacking midfielder. Tevez expressed his desire to leave at the end of the season recently to Argentinian TV, and a win on Saturday maybe the perfect send off for him.

Wigan Athletic:

picture: gettyimages

The Lactics are in yet another relegation battle this season. Despite this, Roberto Martinez's side have had quite a run in this year's competition which included a 3-0 away win at Everton. It was Millwall who Wigan defeated in the semi final with the Premier League side winning comfortably 2-0 with goals from Arouna Kone and Callum McManaman. It is the latter though that has gathered attention this season both good and bad. The youngster has been in fine form this season and has three goals in this season's FA Cup. As well as Millwall, the winger scored against Huddersfield and Everton and is very likely to be in the starting eleven at the weekend. The final has come at a very busy time for the Lancashire club as they play three games in a week. With victory over West Brom at the weekend, they host Swansea mid week before making the journey to Wembley on Saturday. Martinez will be desperate to avoid repeating Birmingham City, who in 2011, won the Carling Cup and then were relegated in the same season.

One to watch: Shaun Maloney
Scottish playmaker Maloney has been one of the star performers for Wigan this season without a doubt. The Scotsman has been involved in several key moments for them this season including a stand out performance in the recent away win at West Brom. His last minute free kick against QPR may also prove vital if Wigan are to stay up this season. Maloney's good form this season may see him leave at the end of the season with boss Martinez resigning to the fact this is very possible. His quick feet and pace is a pain for defenders and alongside his excellent set pieces, Maloney will have to be on top of his game if Wigan are to pull off a shock this Saturday.

Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Wigan Athletic

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FA Cup Semi Finals: Preview

It's been a while since I have posted anything on here but despite this I shall be posting more regularly in the coming weeks and months as we come to the end of the season.

It's FA Cup weekend today as we see the semi finals of the competition take place at Wembley. There has been questions thrown into the mix recently into whether the semi finals should be played at Wembley or not. In previous years they have taken place at Villa Park and Old Trafford which seems logical and also means for fans there would be just the one trip to Wembley being the final. However now fans will go to Wembley twice within the space of a month or so and asks the question whether it takes away the excitement of going to the home of English football.

However moving on from that, the two semi finals see three Premier League sides and one Championship team take to the field in the battle for a place in the final. Winners from last season's competition, Chelsea, face fellow Premiership side Manchester City while Wigan Athletic take on Millwall in the first of the semi finals.

1# Wigan Athletic v Millwall

picture: the guardian.co.uk

Top flight side Wigan stunned everyone in their quarter final tie this year as they produced an excellent first half display to dispose of Everton at Goodison Park. Despite this they face themselves in yet another relegation fight in the league. The Premier League team will go into the tie as understandable favourites as they continue their cup journey. Roberto Martinez's side overcame Bournemouth, Macclesfield, Huddersfield and Everton to get here and will continue to rely on Jordi Gomez for the goals. The Spanish midfielder is their top scorer this season in the competition with three and alongside Arouna Kone the pair are a real threat. They come up against Championship side Millwall who are playing their second cup semi final in nine years. Kenny Jackett's men have only let one goal in, in their cup run this year and have kept clean sheets in their previous three games. They surprised everyone in the last round as they overcame Blackburn Rovers in a replay at Ewood Park thanks to a goal from Dan Shittu. Luton, Aston Villa and Preston have also fell victim to the London side in this year's competition. This tie will be the 23rd competitive meeting between the sides with Millwall winning nine and Wigan winning just the six.

Prediction: Wigan 2-0 Millwall

2# Chelsea v Manchester City

picture: bbc.co.uk

In this all Premier League tie winners of the competition last season Chelsea come up against Premier League champions Manchester City. It has been an interesting season for Chelsea as they find themselves in two semi finals and fighting for a Champions League place. Despite fans unrest with interim Rafa Benitez, the Spaniard has guided the side to semi final places in the FA Cup and Europa League. Manchester City came out on top in the Manchester derby on Monday at Old Trafford and with the title race all but over, they will want the FA Cup to be coming back to the Etihad. Roberto Mancini's men have had a relatively simple journey to the semi finals knocking out Barnsley, Leeds, Watford and Stoke scoring 13 goals and not conceding one. Having knocked Manchester United out in the last round, Chelsea will fancy their chances against City despite failing to beat them in three encounters this season. Manchester City came out on top in the Community Shield game at the beginning of the season as well as the league game at the Etihad. The two played a goal less draw at Stamford Bridge though back in November. 

Prediction: Chelsea 1-2 Manchester City

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FA Cup Quarter Finals: Preview

As the season begins to get to the end, we focus on the quarter finals of the FA Cup this weekend. Only recently we saw the first piece of silverware won this season with Swansea beating Bradford 5-0 in the Capital One Cup final last month. The winners of the four FA Cup games will see them play at Wembley in the semi finals. There are three Championship sides and five Premier League teams battling it out for these places as we preview the four ties.

1# Manchester United v Chelsea

picture: chelseafc.tv

The cup so far has seen the big sides in the Premier League avoid each other up until now. The two teams faced each other in the Capital One Cup this season which saw a cracking game see Chelsea come out winners 5-4 after extra time. Both teams were involved in European action in the week but will both be determined to progress to the semi finals. Chelsea were the winners of the competition last season under Di Matteo beating Liverpool, while United have not won the competition since 2005. Victory for Chelsea would relieve some pressure under interim boss Rafa Benitez but at Old Trafford, a victory will be a massive task for the blues. United will look towards dutch maestro Van Persie for inspiration and goals as he looks to add to his goal tally this season.

Prediction: Man United 2-1 Chelsea

2# Manchester City v Barnsley

Barnsley will look to cause an FA Cup shock as they travel to the English champions. Having had an excellent run in the competition this season, the Championship side will want a repeat of their cup run of 2008 where they beat Chelsea at the same stage. City have had a relatively simple route to the quarter finals this season and will expect to get past their opponents. They will be without Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero but will still be expected to put out a strong side that will aim to repeat the club's success in the competition two seasons ago. As the league looks out of their grasp, Roberto Mancini's only other chance of silverware comes in the cup. The most recent tie between the clubs came in 2004 where City handsomely beat Barnsley 7-1 in the League Cup.

Prediction: Man City 3-0 Barnsley

3# Millwall v Blackburn Rovers

picture: bbc.co.uk

In the all Championship affair, the chance of a semi final place for both clubs will is massive. Had these respected clubs lost their fifth round ties then this hame would have seen non-league Luton host Premier League Arsenal. Instead Millwall produced a professional display to get past Luton while Blackburn were involved in the tie of the round as they beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates. Rovers under Michael Appleton have not won any of their five games in the league since the shock win having lost four and drawn one,. In the only league game between the two this season, Millwall were the winners as they beat Blackburn 2-0 at Ewood Park back in November. 

Prediction: Millwall 2-2 Blackburn

4# Everton v Wigan Athletic

In the opening cup game of the weekend, these two Premier League sides will battle it out for a place at Wembley. In the previous round, Everton needed a replay to dispatch of League One side Oldham, while Wigan comfortably saw of Championship side Huddersfield 4-1. Wigan will play their second game against a Merseyside club this week having played Liverpool at home in the league last Saturday where they were thumped 4-0. Everton going well in the league, reached the semi finals last season, but came out second best as they were beaten by city rivals Liverpool. This is the 18th meeting in all competitions between the clubs. The last time Wigan beat Everton at Goodison Park was back in 2005 when they won 1-0 in a league game. 

Prediction: Everton 2-0 Wigan Athletic

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Capital One Cup Final: Bradford City 0-5 Swansea City

Swansea City secured their first trophy in 101 years as they ended Bradford City's fairy tale with a comfortable 5-0 at Wembley. 

Double strikes from Nathan Dyer and Jonathan de Guzman and a goal from Michu was enough to get past the valiant efforts of Bradford who had keeper Matt Duke sent off in the second half. 

It was clear that Swansea meant business early on as they dominated possession swiftly moving the ball around and it was the Welsh side that opened the scoring. 

After breaking from their own half, Michu received the ball on the left side of the Bradford box which saw his shot palmed by keeper Matt Duke only to see Nathan Dyer race in to slide the rebound home. 

The League Two were struggling to create anything at the other end and would have been happy to have gone in at half time only a goal down. But five minutes before half time Swansea doubled their lead with a well taken finish from Michu.

picture: sky sports

The tie was all but over minutes after the restart as Swansea added a third through Dyer again. The winger received the ball in the Bradford box and cut in on his left foot, before slotting past the despairing Duke in goal. 

With the tie all but over, things went from bad to worse for the League Two side as they were reduced to ten men. Neat play around the Bradford box from Swansea, saw De Guzman receive the ball in the six yard box and after going round the grounded Duke, was cynically tripped by the keeper.

Referee Kevin Friend had little choice but to send the keeper off after denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. As Bradford arranged for their replacement keeper to come on, comedy broke out in the Swansea ranks as De Guzman and two goal Nathan Dyer argued over who was taking the spot kick.

Despite Dyer being on a hat trick, it was De Guzman who stepped up to convert the kick past substitute keeper Jon McLaughlin. 

De Guzman added his second and Swansea's fifth late on as he bundled home from close range to leave Swansea celebrating an historic moment in the club's history.

Despite being thrashed, Bradford fans continued to applaud their side after the game, and rightly so as they can look back on a memorable campaign. However focus is now back to the league as they battle for promotion.

Teams:

Bradford City: Duke, Darby, McHugh, McArdle, Good (Davies 46'), Thompson (Hines 73'), Atkinson, Jones, Doyle, Hanson, Wells (McLaughlin 57')

Swansea City: Tremmel, Williams, Rangel, Davies (Tiendalli 84'), Britton, Michu, Pablo, Dyer (Lamah 77'), Routledge, De Guzman, Ki Sung-Yeung (Monk 62')

Goals: Dyer 16', 47' De Guzman 59' pen, 90' Michu: 40'

Referee: Kevin Friend 

Att: 82,597

Capital One Cup Final Preview: Bradford City v Swansea City

The first final of the season has arrived and what a game we are in for. League Two side Bradford City play Swansea City from the Premier League in a must watch encounter. For both teams it is the biggest game in the club's history which sees both teams play each other for the first time in a cup competition. The last four encounters between the clubs have all come in League One with three of them being draws with one Swansea win. The winners of the final will earn a place in the Europa League however it has already been said that if Bradford are to win the final, they will turn down the opportunity to play in Europe next season.

Bradford City:

picture: the sun.co.uk

It is the stuff of fairytales. Bradford City of League Two have had an incredible run in this years competition. In getting to Wembley they beat Wigan Athletic and Arsenal in a penalty shoot outs, before dumping Aston Villa out over two legs in the semi finals. If they are to produce yet another Premier League scalp, then it may have to be in extra time or in a penalty shootout. Phil Parkinson's side have won their last nine penalty shoot outs and will be strong favourites if the game is to go the distance. Their incredible run has seen £1million generated for the club and the game and experience will sure to be a great day for the club and fans. Set pieces will be key on the day having scored three of their four goals against Villa from corners and free kicks. Frontman James Hanson caused all sorts of problems for Villa and again on his day could cause havoc for the Swansea back line. They may have shown grit and desire in the previous rounds but the main question is whether the occasion and being at Wembley will overwhelm them.

Swansea City:

picture: independent.co.uk 

In his first season as Swansea boss, Michael Laudrup has the chance to create history at the Welsh club. His side will go into the game as strong favourites and will have to put in a professional performance to avoid any other result. Only in their second season in the top flight, Swansea have come a long way in a short time and again have shown this season they are now an established Premier League side. Swansea's last appearance at Wembley came in 2011 when they beat Reading 4-2 in the Championship play-off final. That victory came under former manager Brendan Rogers whose new club Liverpool was one of the sides Swansea beat to reach the Capital One Cup final. Striker and main man Michu has undeniably been the star for them this season and for £2million right now is the bargain of the season.

Match Prediction:
On their day, a win for Bradford is of course very possible. We saw last year Cardiff run eventual winners Liverpool to the end. However a professional display and no complacency from Swansea will see them go back to Wales as winners of the competition. Everyone other than Swansea fans will be routing for Bradford City to cause an upset and what a story it will be for them if it happens. However I can't see past a Swansea win with the occasion possibly being too much for Bradford.

Prediction: Bradford 1-3 Swansea City

FA Cup Fifth Round: Ones to watch

It's that time of the season again where we are down to the last sixteen of the FA Cup. This years fixtures will see seven of the eight games played this weekend with Chelsea and Brentford playing their replay of their fourth round fixture on Sunday.

1# Luton v Millwall

picture: www.standard.co.uk

All eyes will be on this game as it opens the weekend's FA Cup games. Luton have flown the non-league flag throughout the competition having knocked out Norwich City in the last round at Carrow Road, becoming the first non-league side to do this in 24 years. It may have not been the 'big' tie Luton fans and players may have wanted, but a home tie against mid-table Championship side Millwall, offers them another opportunity to produce a shock. Millwall have lost their last three games in the league, are appearing in the fifth round of the cup for the second successive season having fallen to Bolton Wanderers at the same stage last season. Prediction: 1-1

2# Oldham v Everton
League One side Oldham produced one of the shocks of the round three weeks ago as they produced a stunning performance to knock out Liverpool in the fourth round. Their reward for the win sees another Merseyside team face the trip to Boundary Park in the form of Everton. In the time since their memorable victory, former boss Paul Dickov left the club having seen the club's league form see them hover around the relegation zone. Everton have not been dumped out of the cup by a third tier side since facing Oldham back in 2008 where they were beaten 1-0. Everton reached the semi finals of the cup last season and will be looking to repeat the success as they aim to continue their excellent season under David Moyes. Prediction 1-2

3# Manchester City v Leeds United

picture: bbc.co.uk

The last time Manchester City found themselves in the last sixteen of the cup, was two seasons ago when they went on to win the competition. Roberto Mancini's side were beaten by rivals Manchester United last year in the third round but have progressed nicely this season beating Watford and Stoke on their way to the fifth round. Opponents Leeds United produced one of the shocks of the fourth round having beaten Tottenham 2-1 at Elland Road. The last time these two sides faced each other was way back in 2004 where Leeds came out 2-1 winners at Elland Road in the Premier League. With the league title looking unlikely for City, winning the FA Cup is a must for the Premier League side. Prediction: 3-0

4# MK Dons v Barnsley
Two teams you may not expect to be fighting for a quarter final place in the FA Cup. However both MK Dons and Barnsley have produced some excellent performances to make it this far. Home side Dons comfortably overcame QPR in the last round beating them 4-2 at Loftus Road. Struggling in the Championship, Barnsley will welcome the cup tie as they find themselves in a relegation scrap at the bottom of the second tier of English football. Wins over Burnley and Hull City have made this years FA Cup the most successful for Barnsley since 2008 where they reached the semi finals. As for the Dons, they are on their most successful run in the competition since being founded in 2004. They have scored 14 goals so far with Shaun Williams bagging three of them. Prediction: 1-2

As mentioned, Chelsea and Brentford will play their fourth round replay on Sunday, and the winners of this tie will face Middlesbrough on 27th February at the Riverside.

Other 5th Round Ties:

Arsenal v Blackburn Rovers Prediction: 3-0
Huddersfield v Wigan Athletic Prediction: 1-2
Manchester United v Reading Prediction: 4-1