18th August 2014

So, this is my third blog for YTFC and I hope you are enjoying reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it.

 

Not sure I am quite up there with the new YTFC programme columnist Joe Edwards (anyone who knows me will not be surprised that I have to mention him at least once) but I am doing my best.

The Football League is well and truly underway and the boys in green and white have now played three games. Unfortunately, it has not quite gone our way after a 3-0 defeat to Doncaster, a Capital One Cup exit to Gillingham followed by a defeat by the same opponents at the weekend. The new lads are giving it their all and I am sure they will put it right at Walsall.

I was planning on picking a man of the match for each game and as much as I always want to pick our Captain Fantastic, it has to go to Simon Gillett for all three of his performances; he has shown some real class already this season. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out his free kick from last Tuesday … it is a beauty!

In other news, the Premier League kicked off this weekend, with Swansea spoiling new Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal’s welcome party and Arsenal’s last gasp win against Crystal Palace, it is shaping up to be an exciting season in the top flight.

Here are two my Ones To Watch In The Premier League:

Diego Costa – CHELSEA: He may have had an indifferent World Cup but Costa has matured as a player in recent years and his move to Chelsea has resulted in excitement in South West London. Fresh from a 35 goal season at Athletico Madrid, teaming up with the special one makes for an exciting time at Stamford Bridge.

Alexis Sanchez – ARSENAL: For £35 million you would expect a good player but this move could be a stroke of genius from Arsene Wenger. The Gunners manager secured the wingers services before the World Cup was complete. He was impressive for Chile in what was a successful tournament and he will add to an impressive attacking line for Arsenal. Is this finally their year?

Match Of The Day Must Sees:
Be sure to tune in to Match of the Day next week for these exciting looking fixtures.

EVERTON VS ARSENAL – Everton conceded a late equaliser this weekend against Leicester, whilst Arsenal felt the elation of a last minute win. Being two strong footballing sides, this match could be crucial in showing us just how well both teams will do this season. Arsenal struggled against the top teams last season and Everton have proved they are just that, with Roberto Martinez doing a fantastic job at Goodison Park. Expect some lovely football in a tight game and no doubt a screamer to decide the winner.

MAN CITY VS LIVERPOOL – Two sides that have started the season strongly with wins and will look to compete for the title. Liverpool will have to improve defensively to have any chance against last season’s champions, but Daniel Sturridge is already proving prolific with Raheem Sterling also impressing. Expect a goal fest with huge bragging rights at stake, a match United fans will want both to lose.

CRYSTAL PALACE VS WEST HAM – Having lost Tony Pulis just days before the start of the Premier League, everyone immediately wrote Palace off. However, an impressive performance against Arsenal has renewed hope that they may be able to pick up where they left off at the end of the last campaign.  They face a West Ham side fresh from a mediocre season. A London derby that neither team will want to lose, Keith Millen will want to get a positive result before a new manager arrives and Sam Allardyce will want to get the Hammers fans back on side after defeat to Tottenham. Expect a tight game with a few nerves.

Goal of the week
We all love watching a beautiful finish, so I thought I would share with you my favourite goal each week. This week, it is from the Football League and Championship side Charlton Athletic. Jordan Cousins struck this sweetly against Wigan Atletic, take a look and you can always tweet me at @Sheridan24_ytfc if you have any goal nominations from any league over the weekend or in mid week.

To view the goal click here.

Most importantly, next up for the Glovers is Walsall tomorrow night. So let’s get behind the boys on the road and hope that I have a few goals from those in green and white to choose from for goal of the week.  Have a good one and enjoy your week and the game tomorrow if you are making the journey…I will see you there!