3
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
3!!
Haha.... 3 more days!
Yeah... But first, today's NDP celebrations in school. Had some smaller-scale march pass by the uniform groups of Scouts, NCC (Land & Air), NPCC and St John's.
Heh... Then there were some really seriously not well rehearsed performances. Singing of the NDP songs were as followed. You see how short and simple I kept that?
'Cos it
sucked... Speech Day was next, being backstage... I have a confession to make, I fell into a semi-sleep halfway during the presentation of 100+ awards.
Okay now to the opinions on soccer part. Interested? No? Then leave...
Haha wadever lah. So now here's my views on the teams contending for the European spots, preferably the UEFA Cups and that fourth valuable Champions League spot, but by doing so they'll need to derail either Arsenal or Liverpool, and maybe unlikely Chelsea or Manchester United. These teams are Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United. I picked them as its just all about their past season achievements.
First up, Tottenham Hotspur. They have bought many new players, and of good quality too. A consistent 5th placed team, looking to break into the Top 4 for two years, they have a very good squad, with good depth all round every position. And this summer, they have continued to strengthen their already strong squad. Former Charlton star striker Darren Bent have joined their already strong attacking force. Young Welsh left back Gareth Bale has also been signed. His wicked left foot has a few goals in it. His free kick taking and long range shooting techniques will be much revered in this Tottenham side. Hard-tackling defender Younes Kaboul also joins to bolster their defensive side of things. Former German Bundesliga playmaker Kevin-Prince Boateng joins to add much creativity to this side oozing with midfielders. Their U-18s have also been thought of, with Danny Rose joining from Leeds United. With all these signings of proven talent, most notably Darren Bent, it'll equip Tottenham with much needed resources and talent to challenge for a Top 4 spot more next season.
The next team is Everton. Only one significant signing this season, and could prove to be a significant one for the blue side of Merseyside. Phil Jagielka can play in central defense, right back, central midfield and right midfield, and of course the much publicize role in goal when keeping Arsenal at bay. He is a useful and hardworking player, a hallmark of a Everton player. They have also signed on loan a much more creative player in Steven Pienaar. He can play on the wing or in the attacking midfield role, giving Everton more options when going forward. Their first eleven is good, however in an injury crisis, it would be interesting to see how they cope and how their back-up players perform. If they can perform well, they should be well in for a UEFA Cup spot.The third team is Bolton Wanderers. Now without Sam Allardyce, they might not do as well and may even slip towards mid-table mediocrity. However considering Sammy Lee does a good job, we shall see. They have signed several new players, of whom only a handful has EPL experience. Villa rejects Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel will add defensive steel to their midfield and defence respectively, whilst former Fulham target man Heidar Helguson will add some height in their offensive play. EPL newcomers such as left back Jose Enrique, winger Daniel Braaten, midfielders Mikel Alonso and Christian Wilhelmsson will add some European flair to their strong, aggresive play. Daniel Braaten and Christian Wilhelmsson will fly down both wings, whilst Mikel Alonso will be the one who creates everything. If all these players from outside England can find their way as fast as possible, Bolton should fare alright and battle for another UEFA Cup spot.
The last team is Newcastle United. Under new boss Sam Allardyce, they should have finally spend their money wisely and be tactically shrewd. He had signed 5 players. Of all, four are proven in the EPL, which is only good for Newcastle United. Target man Mark Viduka will add much firepower and strength to a strike force which boast speed demons Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen. He'll score his fair share of goals and lead the line well. Utility man Geremi from Chelsea can play almost everywhere in midfield or defence, which will prove vital for the Magpies. He will add much strength and steel to the defence, especially if playing at right back. His crossing and set-piece talents, especially his trademark hard-firing free kicks, he could prove a bargain buy. Bad boy Joey Barton will add much bite in their midfield, and considering he don't get into much trouble, his talents of both creative play and defensive tackling will be vital for Newcastle after selling former captain Scott Parker. Striker cum midfielder Alan Smith will be a quality signing. He can score goals, create, and surprisingly, also tackle. He will be the man chasing down defenders, and pressuring them. EPL newcomer David Rozenhal will bolster Newcastle's poor defence, and hopefully he'll excel, to push the Magpies up the table.
So these are my picks for the contenders for the European spot. There are many more, but these are the few I have chosen. So below is my predictions.:
5. Tottenham Hotspur
6. Newcastle United
7. Everton
Surprising? Yeah... I expect Sam Allardyce to produce some sorta miracle and pull Newcastle United immediately into the UEFA Cup spot. Unfortunately Everton just missed out, unless the local cups' finalist are from the Top 4.
Bye~!
my thoughts at 10:33 pm