What went wrong with the PFA? Michu's exclusion a TRAVESTY of epic magnitude...

PFA POTY NOMINEES 2013 (Photo-PA/Getty/Action Images)

When the nominees for the 2013 PFA player of the Year award was announced, eyebrows were raised, tongues were wagged and a lot of people expressed dismay at the intentional exclusion of MIGUEL PEREZ CUESTA aka Michu from the list of the six best performers in the League over the past eight months. Luis Suarez is worthy of the recognition he has gotten from his teammates. He leads the scorers chart with 23 goals and 30 in all competitions...thus becoming the 1st Liverpool player since Fernando Torres to hit that figure in 5 years. Robin Van Persie is not far behind. The Dutchman's 25 goals (21 in the League) have catapulted Manchester United to the top of the Premier League. Although a 10-game scoreless streak might dent his hopes of reclaiming the gong he won last season fair and square. Juan Mata has contributed to the bulk of Chelsea's goals this season. 18 goals and a staggering 33 assists in all competitions for the blues already is no small accomplishment. His contribution to the Pensioners relative success cannot be over emphasized. Gareth Bale has been phenomenal for the lilywhites this season. 18 EPL goals and some amazing displays alongside, have instantly made him firm favourite for the main award and the Young POTY award for which he is also a nominee.  It can be argued that the Welshman only started glittering two months ago and over the entire season, he hasn't performed consistently. Same argument could be put up against RVP. 

Michael Carrick's nomination is no surprise at all. The best deep lying playmaker in England has been immaculate all season. His passing, tackling and off the ball abilities have been praise worthy and notable. He has made 900+ forward passes this campaign...More than any other player in Europe's top five Leagues. He also has multiple assists to his name, including important goals like the one against Stoke last weekend. Eden Hazard has been a revelation for Chelsea this season. The Belgian star has been top notch on the average. Some spectacular performances have seen his fellow pros select him as a contender for the highest individual award a player can get in the Premier League..The FWA will not enjoy that. Nevertheless, he does not deserve to be on the list when Michu is absent. The Spaniard has scored 21 goals for Swansea this season and he was instrumental to his team's Capital One Cup triumph. He also scored vital goals against Arsenal at the Emirates, Chelsea at the Bridge, Manchester United at the Liberty stadium, to mention but a few. Overlooking the bargain buy of the Century is gross injustice. At two Million Pounds, the ex-Rayo star has excelled with flying colours since his two goal salvo on his debut versus Queens Park Rangers. He is supposed to be competing for the top individual honour in the Land. 

Other honourable mentions are Santi Cazorla, Leighton Baines, and Pablo Zabaleta.. The trio have stood up and played very well this season. The Argentine full back is surely the best right back in the Premier League and Manchester City's most consistent performer.

For the Young player of the year category, Messrs Welbeck and Wilshere were astonishingly included in the six man shortlist. Incomprehensible to say the least. How those two got anywhere there is still puzzling to everyone except blind Arsenal and MUFC fans. Players like Matija Nastasic (Manchester City), Rafa Da Silva (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Southampton), and James McCarthy (Wigan) were wrongly overlooked. Hazard and Bale were also nominated for this award for reasons best known to those involved with the PFA.

Whatever happens on the 28th, we know these awards are a facade. Whoever picks up the plaques on offer might/might not have deserved it. Good luck to all those in the running.

Ohireime P Eboreime

ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

CHAMPIONS-ELECT HAVE A DATE WITH DESTINY..ITS ABOUT THAT TIME...

Match made in Heaven! #RVP20.

Robin Van Persie will be the happiest man in the World today. The prospect of wearing his first ever Premier League winners medal will motivate him tremendously. Even more so, the fact that a 'Guard of Honour' will be in place at the Emirates on Sunday the 28th if tonight's game is won will propel the Dutchman further. After a 10-match scoreless streak, the PFA Player of the year nominee has scored in his last two games and will be looking to make it three when Villa come calling. His former teammate at International level, Ron Vlaar will be armed with the responsibility of keeping him quiet. Something, only a few defenders can boast of achieving. Wayne Rooney has been under a bit of pressure of late. He will be hoping to make up for the lost time against a side he has scored lots of goals against in his previous encounters with them. The Englishman is still pinned on 196 goals for his beloved red devils. Four more and he joins the prestigious 200 goal club which houses the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. With 5 games remaining this season and Sir Alex demanding maximum points in all of them, you wouldn't put it past him to score some braces or one in each. Shinji Kagawa displayed some of his exceptional skills the other night at Upton Park and will want to impress his manager and teammates even more, on a night where he might collect a League Championship medal. Lighting up this occasion in Japanese style will not be a bad idea afterall.

                                                   

22-04-2013........Manchester United have a chance to wrap up the 20th Domestic title of their history tonight in front of over 75,000 fans. Friends, relatives, family members and close acquaintances will be at an agog Theatre of Dreams later today as the red army attempt to close out the season in grand style. The club that stands between the 3-time European Champions and a 13th Premier League Trophy under Sir Alex Ferguson is Aston Villa. The Birmingham based club lie 17th on the log, just three points above relegation. This will make for a tantalising clash as soon as the match kicks-off.

Manchester City inexplicably collapsed at the Lane after taking a one goal lead early on the match. The Introduction of Tom Huddlestone, Lewis Holtby and Jermaine Defoe turned the tide in the home side's favour and in seven second half minutes, the lilywhites kept their Champions League qualifying hopes well alive with a comeback not seen in a long time. First, it was Dempsey, then Defoe ended a 12-match, four month goal drought with a curling finish. Bale added gloss to the scoreline with a fine chip over Joe Hart after good work from Huddlestone. This ensured that Manchester United can become Champions of England for the 20th time if they manage to beat Aston Villa tonight. It will not be a jolly good ride by any stretch, because the Villains need to at least earn a point to put some more daylight between themselves and Wigan especially. Only a miracle in the mould of the ones Jesus Christ performed in the bible will make either QPR or Reading beat the drop. Its all doom and gloom for both bottom clubs.

Aston Villa possess one of the most dangerous attackers in the EPL. Twenty-two year old Christian Benteke was rightly rewarded for his performances this term with a Young PFA player of the year nomination. The Belgian's arrival from Genk hasn't exactly gone well on a collective front, but on a personal level, he has done incredibly well all round. 15 Premier League goals for a side struggling to keep its Elite status is a jaw dropping statistic. One that will astonish and attract the adulation of even the greatest critics. After scoring 19 goals in 37 appearances for his Jupiler League side, he was purchased by Villa for 7 Million Pounds and since then, he hasn't looked back. The hope of survival lies squarely on his Congolese shoulders. If his performances are anything to go by, he is capable of doing what is wanted of him. Gabby Agbonlahor has scored a winning goal for Villa before at Old Trafford and that was the last time Manchester United failed to score at home in four years and 65 matches after. The pacy attacker has proven himself an able ally of Benteke and Andreas Weimann this season. Charles N;zogbia has been off and on for his clubside this campaign, but can be relied upon to inflict harm on opponents. Manchester United know all about him from his previous spell with Newcastle. All the players at Aston Villa have to stand up and be counted if they have any intention of beating the drop. What better way to start than putting up a fight at a ground where success has been scarce for them from time immemorial. 

PROBABLE LINEUPS-

MANCHESTER UNITED-

DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani, Kagawa, Rooney, RVP

Michael Carrick has finally been rewarded after a long time by the Professional Footballers Association for a sterling season in midfield for the soon to be crowned English Champions. He is one of the six nominees for the Player of the year award voted by fellow professionals and which will be handed out on the very day United travel to Arsenal (28th April 2013). He has barely missed a game this season. His 917 forward passes is more than anyone has managed, including Xavi, Inan, Alonso, Modric, Montolivo, Pirlo, and other midfielder you can think. Any other PLAYER. He deserves every good thing that is coming his way. Long overdue. Tom Cleverley has barely featured for the last two or three games. He should start tonight. Luis Nani can be given a starting berth too. The defensive partnership of Rio and Vidic will continue. No alterations in that regard. Ashley Young will not feature against his former club as he has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

ASTON VILLA-

Guzman, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Bennnett, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Weimann, Bowery, BENTEKE

Gabby Agbonlahor missed last weekend's draw against Fulham....however, he's back to training and should start. Christian Benteke will continue in attack of course and Ron Vlaar will lead out a relatively young team for mission impossible versus a Manchester United team that want to clinch the League at all costs and fast too.

Ohireime P Eboreime

ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

INTER - ROMA PREVIEW....Totti and co want a Capital Derby Final....

                                       

Inter stand between the Giallorossi and a DERBY DELLA CAPITALE Coppa Italia Final. Rodrigo Palacio's goal just before half time gave the Nerrazuri hope that they can turn the tie around at the Meazza. The Capital Club lead the tie 2-1 thanks to Florenzi and Destro goals. Internazionale know that this match is the most important of what has been a hugely disappointing season. A win here and a Coppa Italia final date is set. Lazio awaits the winner of this match.

Francesco Totti recently celebrated 20 years as a Serie A footballer and would want more than anything, for Roma to reach the Coppa Italia final and get one over the Biancoceleste.  Inter Milan have caused the Romans pain and heartache in recent years. Whether it has been in the Italian League or the Cup, things have gone Inter's way many times. Today is the the perfect opportunity to right all those wrongs. The Giallorossi have in their hands to qualify from this game. A 2-1 lead is already in the bag and they face a massively depleted Inter team ho lost Walter Gargano and Yuto Nagatomo to long term injuries in the Weekend's defeat at Cagliari. The Inter injury list is not only long, but lustrous. Tonio Cassano, Diego Milito and the man who scored the vital away goal, Rodrigo Palacio, are among those currently absent. That leaves Stramaccioni with only Tomasso Rocchi as the only recognized striker in the Squad. The Veteran ex-Lazio skipper is a proven goal scorer and would enjoy a Final against the Club where he made his name and is one of their greatest ever goalscorers.

Roma caretaker boss, Andreazzoli has been tinkering and changing the lineup in matches played under him so far. His team's 2-1 win at Torino kept their European ambitions alive. Erik Lamela, Miralem Pjanic and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo were treated for minor knocks after the game in Turin, but should be fit in time for this crucial game.

Inter have the edge in Coppa Italia meetings. 7 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats is what the stats read in matches played against Roma. However, in the last 6 meetings in all competitions, the Nerrazuri have failed to register a victory over their rivals. 3 draws and 3 defeats tell the story of how Moratti's Inter have fared. They need big performances from the players available to turn this tie around. It be be a very difficult job because the players missing have been their very best this term. The likes of Fredy Guarin, Javier 'II TRATTORE' Zanetti and others must play the game of their lives. The tractor needs no extra motivation. Class is permanent.

Everyone or at least, most people want to see a DERBY DELLA CAPITALE Cup Final. Inter can spoil the party with a win tonight. Although it is unlikely, considering the number of players missing for the hosts.  'Er Pupone' Totti knows the weight of the task ahead of them. The Meazza has not been a happy hunting ground for Roma in years gone by. The co-Landlords of San Siro have denied the Giallorossi far too many titles in the last 8 years. Victory tonight will abate some of the misery. Both are looking to qualify for the Europa League. In the League, only one point separates both (Roma-6th, Inter-7th). The Milan club have experienced a free fall in the last three months. From Scudetto chasers to Europa League qualification contenders. Hard to take even for the most passionate Interisti. If all the players were fit, it would have been a very close match. The way it is now, anything other than a Roma triumph will be a big surprise. Football is an unpredictable sport..that's why we are LOVE with it. Blood and Tears will be shed today, Let's see who emerges with tears of joy.

PROBABLE LINEUPS
INTER-
Handanovic, ZANETTI, Chivu, Samuel, Periera, Guarin, Kovacic, Cambiasso, Kuzmanovic,  Alvarez, ROCCHI

You can see for yourself how bad Inter have become since Mourinho left for pastures new. All the best players have moved on , leaving only a few experienced heads and youngsters who have only flattered to deceive. Some are coming through and it is only next season we will know if they are up to it.

ROMA-
Stekelenburg, Torosidis, Marquinhos, Cstan, Balzaretti, Florenzi, Perrota, Pjanic, Lamela, Osvaldo, TOTTI

Frightening line up. Enough said.

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990

WEST HAM-MAN UNITED PREVIEW....Red devils intent on wrapping up the 20th ASAP!!!

                            

Manchester United know better than to underestimate the hammers. The east Londoners are famous for causing United pain in previous title run-ins. Twenty-one years ago, a defeat over there cost United the title. A feat repeated three years after when the red army could only draw 1-1. Czech goalie, Ludek Miklosko thwarted Andy Cole on many occasions that fateful day. Afterwards, Blackburn were crowned champions. Tonight, Manchester United will be wary of the threat West Ham pose all round. An assured performance against Stoke on Sunday was just what the Champions-elect needed to take away some of the pain that emanated from the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Theatre. Fergie will also be glad that his hitman, RVP has returned to goal scoring form. His penalty at the Britannia ended a shambolic run of 10 games without finding the back of the net. The celebrations after will go down in history as one of the most passionate. The way the Dutchman held on to SAF and the high five that followed, was just touching..and that is putting it mildly.More of that tonight and United will be closer to their 20th domestic crown. A great achievement.

The task will not be easy if recent match-ups are looked at. A 2-2 draw in the F.A Cup meeting three months ago is one example. Fergie's men needed a last gasp RvP goal to secure a replay which they won by a single goal. In the EPl fixture at Old Trafford, it was the Dutch striker yet again who came up with the goods, scoring the only goal that separated both sides. So tonight's fixture is as difficult as any other, especially at a place where Manchester City failed to come out with all three points and Chelsea, soundly beaten.

West Ham United lie in 12th place on the log with 38 points from 32 games. Not exactly what Big Sam envisaged when they got promoted. The signings they made and the players they have are capable of shooting the hammers to the top 10 of the Premier League. However, improvements in fortunes for West Brom and Capital One Cup Champions, Swansea has denied them that ambition. The objective now is not to be drawn into any relegation battle come the tail end of the season. Six more points and they are home and dry. Six games to achieve that, starting with tonight against the biggest club in the land, Manchester United. The hammers earned a satisfactory point away to the Saints at the weekend. Andy Carroll was the catalyst yet again. His 5 goals in the the last 7 games has helped the hammers to good effect. He is back to his best..or on his way back. Gary O'Neil has been playing quite well of late and should provide the needed cover for the injured Joe Cole.

The red devils are still without the ginger maestro, Paul Scholes and Ashley Young is injured yet again. Phil Jones could feature yet again after excellent shifts v Manchester City and Stoke. West Ham are also a very physical team, so the League Leaders need tall and strong individuals at the back. Robin Van Persie needed that goal at the weekend to restore his confidence. No one can bet against him going on a scoring run in the games that remain. The gaffer has demanded that all six games left are must wins as Chelsea's 95 points record haul is the target. It must be surpassed! Wayne Rooney was voted MOTM by Manchester United fans after a great showing in midfield v Stoke. The Englishman is four goal shy of the 200 mark for the table toppers. He will be motivated to do that before the season ends. A place among the strikers will be his wish, although Fergie doesn't necessarily grant wishes. I doubt if he will be played in midfield again tonight. Cleverley should return to the lineup.

The red devils have faced West Ham 40 times in the Fergie era, winning 26 (65%), drawing 9 and losing just 5. Based on this stat, we know a 27th win is the expected outcome. Nevertheless, this one will be very tough.

PROBABLE LINEUPS
WEST HAM-
Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, O'Brien, O;Neil, Diame, NOLAN, Vaz Te, Jarvis, CARROLL

Big Sam will not tinker with his squad too much for this game. The bulk of the team above have served him very well. Andy Carroll is the main threat. Nolan knows how to score winners against Manchester United and his manager knows all about that.


MANCHESTER UNITED
DDG, Jones, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, RVP

Fergie will be biting more than he can chew if Rio features in this game. 180 minutes in 6 days is a lot already for the 34 year old who has a weak back. He will most likely be rested for this one. Vidic is expected to face a late fitness test for a calf strain. He should be fine. His aerial prowess is required tonight. Danny Welbeck and Cleverley should come in for TonyV and Chicharito, with Rooney pushed up top. The Ecuadorian winger is short of ideas this season and must sit out this one. As usual, RVP will lead the line. Due a hat-trick?

Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990