Alex Carter Aug 2, 2016
Homes Under The Hammer is a comforting constant in an ever-changing world. Here's why it's your TV best friend...
Homes Under The Hammer is the adult equivalent of Teletubbies: every episode is exactly the same, there is only the vaguest semblance of peril, and every episode has a weird house in it.
I bloody love Homes Under The Hammer. It’s the kind of low-engagement programming that suits any time and any mood. I like nosing around people’s houses. I like the idea I could be a filthy capitalist if I could just stop ranting about Star Trek and do some plastering. The identikit nature of every episode is ideally suited to its 10am weekday timeslot, being watched exclusively by the unemployed, the ill and everyone’s dad. As a freelance writer with both a cold and a dad I absolutely understand that feeling of having a head filled with mush,...
Homes Under The Hammer is a comforting constant in an ever-changing world. Here's why it's your TV best friend...
Homes Under The Hammer is the adult equivalent of Teletubbies: every episode is exactly the same, there is only the vaguest semblance of peril, and every episode has a weird house in it.
I bloody love Homes Under The Hammer. It’s the kind of low-engagement programming that suits any time and any mood. I like nosing around people’s houses. I like the idea I could be a filthy capitalist if I could just stop ranting about Star Trek and do some plastering. The identikit nature of every episode is ideally suited to its 10am weekday timeslot, being watched exclusively by the unemployed, the ill and everyone’s dad. As a freelance writer with both a cold and a dad I absolutely understand that feeling of having a head filled with mush,...
- 7/23/2016
- Den of Geek
Jon Buckle/Pa Wire
Leicester City beat 10-man West Ham United 2-1 at Upton Park to hand Claudio Ranieri his second victory in a row as Foxes boss.
Ranieri’s men have a 100% record from their opening two Barclays Premier League matches of the season, and claimed all three points in east London thanks to goals from Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez.
Dimitri Payet did score a consolation for the home side, but goalkeeper Adrian was dismissed for a challenge on Jamie Vardy late on.
Strangely though, it was the home side who started the brighter at the Boleyn Ground, with Diafra Sakho hitting the bar after meeting Dimitri Payet’s free-kick with his head.
Then, after Mahrez was denied by a decent Adrian save, the Hammers goalkeeper then did magnificently to keep out a spectacular overhead-kick from Robert Huth.
Finally though, in the 27th minute, Leicester scored. Vardy attacked down the left,...
Leicester City beat 10-man West Ham United 2-1 at Upton Park to hand Claudio Ranieri his second victory in a row as Foxes boss.
Ranieri’s men have a 100% record from their opening two Barclays Premier League matches of the season, and claimed all three points in east London thanks to goals from Shinji Okazaki and Riyad Mahrez.
Dimitri Payet did score a consolation for the home side, but goalkeeper Adrian was dismissed for a challenge on Jamie Vardy late on.
Strangely though, it was the home side who started the brighter at the Boleyn Ground, with Diafra Sakho hitting the bar after meeting Dimitri Payet’s free-kick with his head.
Then, after Mahrez was denied by a decent Adrian save, the Hammers goalkeeper then did magnificently to keep out a spectacular overhead-kick from Robert Huth.
Finally though, in the 27th minute, Leicester scored. Vardy attacked down the left,...
- 8/15/2015
- by Matt Smith
- Obsessed with Film
Nigel French/Pa Wire
With Leicester City about to embark on a brand new Premier League season, fans will be hoping a repeat of their famous ‘Great Escape’ is not required for them to stay up. However, the Foxes need some crucial signings in order to bolster their already depleted team.
A season of consolidation within the top-flight of English football would be greatly welcomed by fans of the Midlands club with a lucrative television deal coming into play in a year’s time. But, relegation for Leicester under Claudio Ranieri would be catastrophic after all the hard-work and success achieved by former manager Nigel Pearson.
So with seemingly generous resources provided by Leicester City’s Thai owners, the club surely have the power to attract some considerable talent to the King Power Stadium. Following the departures of Esteban Cambiasso, Ben Hamer and Chris Wood and the long-term injury sustained by Matty James,...
With Leicester City about to embark on a brand new Premier League season, fans will be hoping a repeat of their famous ‘Great Escape’ is not required for them to stay up. However, the Foxes need some crucial signings in order to bolster their already depleted team.
A season of consolidation within the top-flight of English football would be greatly welcomed by fans of the Midlands club with a lucrative television deal coming into play in a year’s time. But, relegation for Leicester under Claudio Ranieri would be catastrophic after all the hard-work and success achieved by former manager Nigel Pearson.
So with seemingly generous resources provided by Leicester City’s Thai owners, the club surely have the power to attract some considerable talent to the King Power Stadium. Following the departures of Esteban Cambiasso, Ben Hamer and Chris Wood and the long-term injury sustained by Matty James,...
- 7/31/2015
- by Daniel Orme
- Obsessed with Film
Adam Davy/Pa Wire/Press Association Images
Date: Wednesday, January 29 Venue: Stadium Of Light Kick-Off: 19:45
Team News
Sunderland can pick from an almost full strength squad, as the only absentees are Carlos Cuellar and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood, who are both long term casualties.
Connor Wickham has been recalled from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, while Santiago Vergini may make his Premier League debut after arriving on loan earlier this month.
Stoke also have very little concerns on the injury front but are without Matthew Etherington, Andy Wilkinson and Robert Huth.
Peter Odemwingie could feature after he arrived from Cardiff, with Kenwyne Jones going the other way.
Key Stats
Adam Johnson has scored four goals in his last two Premier League appearances but his side haven’t won a Premier League game on home soil since early November.
This isn’t a game for goals, as there have only...
Date: Wednesday, January 29 Venue: Stadium Of Light Kick-Off: 19:45
Team News
Sunderland can pick from an almost full strength squad, as the only absentees are Carlos Cuellar and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood, who are both long term casualties.
Connor Wickham has been recalled from his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday, while Santiago Vergini may make his Premier League debut after arriving on loan earlier this month.
Stoke also have very little concerns on the injury front but are without Matthew Etherington, Andy Wilkinson and Robert Huth.
Peter Odemwingie could feature after he arrived from Cardiff, with Kenwyne Jones going the other way.
Key Stats
Adam Johnson has scored four goals in his last two Premier League appearances but his side haven’t won a Premier League game on home soil since early November.
This isn’t a game for goals, as there have only...
- 1/28/2014
- by Josh Challies
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Updated: Line-ups are announced as follows;
Chelsea
23 Schwarzer
02 Ivanovic
03 Cole
21 Matic
24 Cahill
04 David Luiz
17 Hazard
08 Lampard
29 Eto’o
11 Oscar
14 Schürrle
Substitutes
01 Cech
07 Ramires
12 Mikel
19 Ba
22 Willian
26 Terry
28 Azpilicueta
Stoke City
01 Begovic
20 Cameron
12 Wilson
15 N’Zonzi
17 Shawcross
03 Pieters
19 Walters
08 Palacios
25 Crouch
32 Ireland
10 Arnautovic
Substitutes
05 Muniesa
06 Whelan
16 Adam
23 Guidetti
24 Assaidi
29 Sørensen
30 Shotton
Demba Ba has a chance to show he is not the latest forgotten man a Chelsea as Stoke visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
With Fernando Torres injured and Samuel Eto’o likely to be rested, Ba should start. New signing Mohammed Salah will not play, while Juan Mata will not feature for a final time before his move to Manchester United is confirmed.
Asmir Begovic could return from a broken finger in the Stoke goal in place of Jack Butland, while new loan striker John Guidetti (illness) could join Robert Huth (knee) and Andy Wilkinson (heel) on the sidelines.
Updated: Line-ups are announced as follows;
Chelsea
23 Schwarzer
02 Ivanovic
03 Cole
21 Matic
24 Cahill
04 David Luiz
17 Hazard
08 Lampard
29 Eto’o
11 Oscar
14 Schürrle
Substitutes
01 Cech
07 Ramires
12 Mikel
19 Ba
22 Willian
26 Terry
28 Azpilicueta
Stoke City
01 Begovic
20 Cameron
12 Wilson
15 N’Zonzi
17 Shawcross
03 Pieters
19 Walters
08 Palacios
25 Crouch
32 Ireland
10 Arnautovic
Substitutes
05 Muniesa
06 Whelan
16 Adam
23 Guidetti
24 Assaidi
29 Sørensen
30 Shotton
Demba Ba has a chance to show he is not the latest forgotten man a Chelsea as Stoke visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
With Fernando Torres injured and Samuel Eto’o likely to be rested, Ba should start. New signing Mohammed Salah will not play, while Juan Mata will not feature for a final time before his move to Manchester United is confirmed.
Asmir Begovic could return from a broken finger in the Stoke goal in place of Jack Butland, while new loan striker John Guidetti (illness) could join Robert Huth (knee) and Andy Wilkinson (heel) on the sidelines.
- 1/26/2014
- by Alan Frost
- Obsessed with Film
Dave Thompson/Pa Wire
Stoke City won their last meeting with Chelsea in December, but it was their first victory in 13 attempts. In among those encounters were ten Blues wins, including a 7-0 and 4-0.
Mark Hughes thus achieved something predecessor Tony Pulis never did by beating his former club. Now the Potters travel to Stamford Bridge in the last tie of Fa Cup fourth round weekend. Stoke reached the final in 2011, but were runners-up to Manchester City.
No team in England has dominated this competition like Chelsea in recent years. They have featured in four of the last seven Fa Cup finals, winning all of them. The first of those came in 2007 during Jose Mourinho’s first spell as Blues boss.
The Potters have lost four of their last six matches, but their single recent win came in the cup when they knocked Championship leaders Leicester City out in the last round.
Stoke City won their last meeting with Chelsea in December, but it was their first victory in 13 attempts. In among those encounters were ten Blues wins, including a 7-0 and 4-0.
Mark Hughes thus achieved something predecessor Tony Pulis never did by beating his former club. Now the Potters travel to Stamford Bridge in the last tie of Fa Cup fourth round weekend. Stoke reached the final in 2011, but were runners-up to Manchester City.
No team in England has dominated this competition like Chelsea in recent years. They have featured in four of the last seven Fa Cup finals, winning all of them. The first of those came in 2007 during Jose Mourinho’s first spell as Blues boss.
The Potters have lost four of their last six matches, but their single recent win came in the cup when they knocked Championship leaders Leicester City out in the last round.
- 1/26/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Sunday, 12 January; Venue: Britannia Stadium, Stoke On Trent; Kickoff: 16:10 GMT
Liverpool travel to Stoke City on Sunday searching for their first league win in the Potteries for 30 years.
The Reds have recorded victories in other domestic competitions, including coming from behind courtesy of Luis Suarez’s brace in October 2011 en route to winning the League Cup.
Stoke have won each of their last three home Premier League matches with Liverpool and unbeaten at the Britannia in this fixture since returning to the top flight. Mark Hughes’s men are also unbeaten in their last seven on their own turf.
Brendan Rodgers’s improving Reds suffered a setback in their mission to deliver Champions League football with successive defeats between Christmas and New Year to Manchester City and Chelsea. The Potters found little cheer over the festive period either, picking up just one point from nine available.
Date: Sunday, 12 January; Venue: Britannia Stadium, Stoke On Trent; Kickoff: 16:10 GMT
Liverpool travel to Stoke City on Sunday searching for their first league win in the Potteries for 30 years.
The Reds have recorded victories in other domestic competitions, including coming from behind courtesy of Luis Suarez’s brace in October 2011 en route to winning the League Cup.
Stoke have won each of their last three home Premier League matches with Liverpool and unbeaten at the Britannia in this fixture since returning to the top flight. Mark Hughes’s men are also unbeaten in their last seven on their own turf.
Brendan Rodgers’s improving Reds suffered a setback in their mission to deliver Champions League football with successive defeats between Christmas and New Year to Manchester City and Chelsea. The Potters found little cheer over the festive period either, picking up just one point from nine available.
- 1/11/2014
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Thursday, December 26 Venue: St James’ Park Kick-Off: 15:00
Can Newcastle continue their recent good run of form when they take on Stoke on Boxing Day and keep up their push for a Europa League spot in the New Year?
Team News
Newcastle will be without suspended Chieck Tiote for the visit of Stoke after the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace.
Vurnon Anita is likely to step in as a replacement and will compete for a spot in the starting XI with Hatem Ben Arfa.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes must decide whether to continue with Charlie Adam in his midfield or revert to Stephen Ireland – Adam impressed in his side’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa while Ireland was ineligible to play against his parent club.
Defender Robert Huth is out until the New Year as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee operation.
Date: Thursday, December 26 Venue: St James’ Park Kick-Off: 15:00
Can Newcastle continue their recent good run of form when they take on Stoke on Boxing Day and keep up their push for a Europa League spot in the New Year?
Team News
Newcastle will be without suspended Chieck Tiote for the visit of Stoke after the midfielder picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Crystal Palace.
Vurnon Anita is likely to step in as a replacement and will compete for a spot in the starting XI with Hatem Ben Arfa.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes must decide whether to continue with Charlie Adam in his midfield or revert to Stephen Ireland – Adam impressed in his side’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa while Ireland was ineligible to play against his parent club.
Defender Robert Huth is out until the New Year as he continues his rehabilitation from a knee operation.
- 12/25/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Wednesday, December 18 Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 19:45
Can Manchester United follow neighbours City into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, or will we see another giant slaying when Stoke entertain the English champions?
Team News
Stoke City will once more be without Robert Huth, with the defender still recovering from knee surgery.
However, winger Matthew Etherington could be called back into the side after returning to first team training following a back injury.
Manchester United manager David Moyes has reported no fresh injury concerns.
Darren Fletcher could feature after returning from a serious bowel problem against Aston Villa at the weekend.
(bbc)
Key Stats
Stoke have never lost a home cup tie against United, and beat the Red Devils on their run to the 1972 League Cup final.
United have won the last four meetings between the two sides – all of which have come in the Premier League.
Date: Wednesday, December 18 Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 19:45
Can Manchester United follow neighbours City into the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, or will we see another giant slaying when Stoke entertain the English champions?
Team News
Stoke City will once more be without Robert Huth, with the defender still recovering from knee surgery.
However, winger Matthew Etherington could be called back into the side after returning to first team training following a back injury.
Manchester United manager David Moyes has reported no fresh injury concerns.
Darren Fletcher could feature after returning from a serious bowel problem against Aston Villa at the weekend.
(bbc)
Key Stats
Stoke have never lost a home cup tie against United, and beat the Red Devils on their run to the 1972 League Cup final.
United have won the last four meetings between the two sides – all of which have come in the Premier League.
- 12/18/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Saturday, December 7 Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 15:00
Can Chelsea keep pace with table-toppers Arsenal when they travel to Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday?
Team News
Stoke City defender Robert Huth will miss this match against his former side, meaning Marc Wilson is in line to retain his place in the starting XI.
Manager Mark Hughes has no other injury concerns.
Chelsea could again be without David Luis (knee) and Oscar (ankle) after the duo missed Wednesday’s win at Sunderland.
Gary Cahill should retain his place in the heart of defence alongside John Terry while Juan Mata is expected to start in midfield.
Key Stats
Stoke haven’t beaten Chelsea in any competition since their victory in the League Cup second-round replay in 1995 – manager Mark Hughes played for the Blues that day.
Chelsea have won their last three league games, scoring 10 goals.
The Potters...
Date: Saturday, December 7 Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 15:00
Can Chelsea keep pace with table-toppers Arsenal when they travel to Stoke in the Premier League on Saturday?
Team News
Stoke City defender Robert Huth will miss this match against his former side, meaning Marc Wilson is in line to retain his place in the starting XI.
Manager Mark Hughes has no other injury concerns.
Chelsea could again be without David Luis (knee) and Oscar (ankle) after the duo missed Wednesday’s win at Sunderland.
Gary Cahill should retain his place in the heart of defence alongside John Terry while Juan Mata is expected to start in midfield.
Key Stats
Stoke haven’t beaten Chelsea in any competition since their victory in the League Cup second-round replay in 1995 – manager Mark Hughes played for the Blues that day.
Chelsea have won their last three league games, scoring 10 goals.
The Potters...
- 12/6/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Date: Saturday, 2nd November Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Are Stoke the team to put an end to Southampton’s dream run of form?
Match Preview
It has been an energy-drenching week for Stoke. After leading 2-1 at Old Trafford after 78 minutes, to come away with nothing will be gut-wrenching for Stoke, and then to nearly make a similar mistake at 10-men Championship side Birmingham will not do anything to help Stoke’s chances against an inform Southampton.
Stoke did finally prevail, albeit via penalties, against Birmingham, but it took 120 minutes for them to do so, and with Southampton not playing this week (their Capital One Cup tie vs Sunderland was rescheduled on request by Northumbria Police) it will certainly be a test of Stoke’s fitness and resilience.
And whilst Mark Hughes can be proud at the manner of his team’s performance at Old Trafford,...
Date: Saturday, 2nd November Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT
Are Stoke the team to put an end to Southampton’s dream run of form?
Match Preview
It has been an energy-drenching week for Stoke. After leading 2-1 at Old Trafford after 78 minutes, to come away with nothing will be gut-wrenching for Stoke, and then to nearly make a similar mistake at 10-men Championship side Birmingham will not do anything to help Stoke’s chances against an inform Southampton.
Stoke did finally prevail, albeit via penalties, against Birmingham, but it took 120 minutes for them to do so, and with Southampton not playing this week (their Capital One Cup tie vs Sunderland was rescheduled on request by Northumbria Police) it will certainly be a test of Stoke’s fitness and resilience.
And whilst Mark Hughes can be proud at the manner of his team’s performance at Old Trafford,...
- 11/2/2013
- by Michael Newell
- Obsessed with Film
A late Darren Bent winner helped ease the pressure on threatened manager Martin Jol as Fulham beat Stoke by a single goal at Craven Cottage. Ex-Fulham boss Mark Hughes was left to rue two very strong penalty decisions that went against his side in the first half.
The referee, Mr East, was the focus of the first half, turning down three clear penalties, two for Stoke and one for Fulham.
A Phillipe Senderos slide on Stephen Ireland was given a goal kick by Mr East, while a Fernando Amorbieta trip on Jon Walters was brought back for an early clip involving the same two men outside the box. The free kick was deflected by the wall for a corner, from which Robert Huth saw a header cleared off the line by Sacha Reither.
Fulham were restricted to long range efforts as, the enigmatic Dimitar Berbatov apart, the home side failed to show the required class.
The referee, Mr East, was the focus of the first half, turning down three clear penalties, two for Stoke and one for Fulham.
A Phillipe Senderos slide on Stephen Ireland was given a goal kick by Mr East, while a Fernando Amorbieta trip on Jon Walters was brought back for an early clip involving the same two men outside the box. The free kick was deflected by the wall for a corner, from which Robert Huth saw a header cleared off the line by Sacha Reither.
Fulham were restricted to long range efforts as, the enigmatic Dimitar Berbatov apart, the home side failed to show the required class.
- 10/5/2013
- by Alan Frost
- Obsessed with Film
Liverpool are odds-on favourites for their opening game of the season against Stoke City.
During Pre-Season, Liverpool have won 6 games and have lost only once and scored 17 goals and conceding just two. Stewart Downing completed his move to West Ham early in the week for £5 million, ensuring that Liverpool must find a decent replacement. Liverpool are reportedly interested in Brazilian winger Willian, which would be a perfect addition to Liverpool’s top four hopes.
Stoke won three games out of their five, drawing once, and losing once. They scored four goals and conceding two. Stoke are interested in Mame Diouf, but were told to up their bid of £7 million, to £17 million.
Brendan Rodgers knows that nothing short of a top-four finish will do, especially as his side don’t have the demands of a European campaign after failing to qualify last season. Without the suspended and want-away Luis Suarez until late September,...
During Pre-Season, Liverpool have won 6 games and have lost only once and scored 17 goals and conceding just two. Stewart Downing completed his move to West Ham early in the week for £5 million, ensuring that Liverpool must find a decent replacement. Liverpool are reportedly interested in Brazilian winger Willian, which would be a perfect addition to Liverpool’s top four hopes.
Stoke won three games out of their five, drawing once, and losing once. They scored four goals and conceding two. Stoke are interested in Mame Diouf, but were told to up their bid of £7 million, to £17 million.
Brendan Rodgers knows that nothing short of a top-four finish will do, especially as his side don’t have the demands of a European campaign after failing to qualify last season. Without the suspended and want-away Luis Suarez until late September,...
- 8/14/2013
- by Daniel Sear
- Obsessed with Film
The announcement that Tony Pulis’ will be leaving Stoke City imminently seemed to be met with a squirm of discomfort by the footballing community. The majority clearly wanted to take this opportunity to laugh and cheer and dance and hold street parties to celebrate that the Premier League would finally enjoy a respite from this belligerent oaf of a manager, yet felt compelled to suppress their ellation somewhat in order to offer begrudging praise to the man who took an unfashionable Football League club to Wembley, the Mestalla and, year upon year, Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates.
The consensus is that Pulis did a fine job for Stoke and deserves to leave in a blaze of dignity, if not glory.
I’d hate to be Tony Pulis’ wife. For one, he’d refuse to engage in intercourse unless you stood on stilts and put on so much weight that...
The consensus is that Pulis did a fine job for Stoke and deserves to leave in a blaze of dignity, if not glory.
I’d hate to be Tony Pulis’ wife. For one, he’d refuse to engage in intercourse unless you stood on stilts and put on so much weight that...
- 5/22/2013
- by Jack Stevenson
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: St James’ Park Sunday 10th March K/O 3Pm
Team News
Newcastle United are still without goalkeeper Tim Krul and captain Fabricio Colocinni. Papiss Cisse didn’t travel to Russia on Thursday with a virus but Newcastle are hopeful he will be fit to start in this one after sitting out the 0-0 Europa League draw with Anzhi. Alan Pardew has also labelled Shola Ameobi a doubt for the game.
Hatem Ben Arfa, who did start up front in the Europa League midweek, is a doubt and two games in a week could be too much of a risk after playing his first football since December on Thursday. Yoan Gouffran, who is ineligible for Europa League action for The Magpies, will likely return to the starting line-up, easing United’s forward issues. Mathieu Debuchy also returns.
For Stoke, Michael Owen and Matthew Etherington both face late fitness test before...
Team News
Newcastle United are still without goalkeeper Tim Krul and captain Fabricio Colocinni. Papiss Cisse didn’t travel to Russia on Thursday with a virus but Newcastle are hopeful he will be fit to start in this one after sitting out the 0-0 Europa League draw with Anzhi. Alan Pardew has also labelled Shola Ameobi a doubt for the game.
Hatem Ben Arfa, who did start up front in the Europa League midweek, is a doubt and two games in a week could be too much of a risk after playing his first football since December on Thursday. Yoan Gouffran, who is ineligible for Europa League action for The Magpies, will likely return to the starting line-up, easing United’s forward issues. Mathieu Debuchy also returns.
For Stoke, Michael Owen and Matthew Etherington both face late fitness test before...
- 3/10/2013
- by Alex Peace
- Obsessed with Film
It’s hard to like football these days. Well, it’s impossible not to like. Once you are sucked in, it stays with you for life. The goals, the players, the crowds, it’s something that you can never forget about once you have invested your time in it.
But there’s a difference between loving something and wanting to love something. Quite simply, you just don’t Want to love football any more. Each day, it’s something horrifying and tediously new, embellished ridiculously by the media and exaggerated until the original incident is almost completely irrelevant. Diving, racism, Twitter, referees, elbows, fouls, arguments, rows, lies, allegations. A football match is no longer a pleasure to watch. Very few games evoke a pleasurable feeling, with the ability to relax, sit back and enjoy the sport on display almost non-existent.
In the modern game, what occurs is a far more tense affair,...
But there’s a difference between loving something and wanting to love something. Quite simply, you just don’t Want to love football any more. Each day, it’s something horrifying and tediously new, embellished ridiculously by the media and exaggerated until the original incident is almost completely irrelevant. Diving, racism, Twitter, referees, elbows, fouls, arguments, rows, lies, allegations. A football match is no longer a pleasure to watch. Very few games evoke a pleasurable feeling, with the ability to relax, sit back and enjoy the sport on display almost non-existent.
In the modern game, what occurs is a far more tense affair,...
- 10/14/2012
- by Matt Volpi
- Obsessed with Film
European Champions Chelsea welcome Stoke City this afternoon for the Premier League’s most intriguing match this afternoon. Kick-off time is at 3pm and the encounter won’t be screened live on UK television.
Chelsea start the game at the top of the Premier League with three wins and one draw whilst Stoke start in 12th position having drawn all four of their games. The Blues will be without Daniel Sturridge with a hamstring problem, which will no doubt result in Fernando Torres starting as a lone striker although with Wednesday night’s goal-scoring debuting sensation Oscar a possible option depending on his injured ankle.
Marko Marin is reportedly edging closer to making his own debut after being kept on the sidelines all season so far with a hamstring problem.
The visitors travel to London without suspended defender Andy Wilkinson. Also sidelined through injury is midfielder Jamie Ness (groin). With Wilkinson sidelined,...
Chelsea start the game at the top of the Premier League with three wins and one draw whilst Stoke start in 12th position having drawn all four of their games. The Blues will be without Daniel Sturridge with a hamstring problem, which will no doubt result in Fernando Torres starting as a lone striker although with Wednesday night’s goal-scoring debuting sensation Oscar a possible option depending on his injured ankle.
Marko Marin is reportedly edging closer to making his own debut after being kept on the sidelines all season so far with a hamstring problem.
The visitors travel to London without suspended defender Andy Wilkinson. Also sidelined through injury is midfielder Jamie Ness (groin). With Wilkinson sidelined,...
- 9/22/2012
- by Matt Robinson
- Obsessed with Film
The race for those coveted Champions League spots kicks into another gear this weekend with three big matches in the Premier League. Arsenal take on Chelsea at the Emirates, and Tottenham Hotspur travel to Queens Park Rangers for the evening kick-off on Espn.
Sandwiched in-between both them games is a good old fashioned 3pm kick-off between Newcastle United and Stoke City.
Newcastle United will be hoping to keep up their momentum that has seen them win five games off the bounce and hit the lofty heights of fifth place, only an inferior goal difference keeping them from fourth.
Stoke City meanwhile are looking a tired side after their European excursions this season and are probably already thinking about how they can improve next year, though Tony Pulis will never field a side that won’t put up a fight.
Here’s four key things to look out for in tomorrow...
Sandwiched in-between both them games is a good old fashioned 3pm kick-off between Newcastle United and Stoke City.
Newcastle United will be hoping to keep up their momentum that has seen them win five games off the bounce and hit the lofty heights of fifth place, only an inferior goal difference keeping them from fourth.
Stoke City meanwhile are looking a tired side after their European excursions this season and are probably already thinking about how they can improve next year, though Tony Pulis will never field a side that won’t put up a fight.
Here’s four key things to look out for in tomorrow...
- 4/20/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Swansea City make their return to first team action, after having a valuable rest period over the Fa Cup fixtures, travelling to the Britannia Stadium to face Stoke this afternoon.
The two teams have distinctively contrasting styles with Swansea’s tiki taka ethos over Stoke’s brute force method of wrestling a result over their opposition. When the two sides met last year it was the Swans who had the edge with an early penalty from Scott Sinclair and a late finish from Danny Graham to tie up the victory.
With Swansea’s misfortunes on the road plus the physical presence of a mostly rested Stoke side, after manager Tony Pulis took a weakened side to the Mestalla in their Europa League 2nd leg tie against Valencia, it could be a hard day’s work for the visitors.
However the fortress walls at the Britannia are starting to crumble for Stoke.
The two teams have distinctively contrasting styles with Swansea’s tiki taka ethos over Stoke’s brute force method of wrestling a result over their opposition. When the two sides met last year it was the Swans who had the edge with an early penalty from Scott Sinclair and a late finish from Danny Graham to tie up the victory.
With Swansea’s misfortunes on the road plus the physical presence of a mostly rested Stoke side, after manager Tony Pulis took a weakened side to the Mestalla in their Europa League 2nd leg tie against Valencia, it could be a hard day’s work for the visitors.
However the fortress walls at the Britannia are starting to crumble for Stoke.
- 2/26/2012
- by Kyle Gammon
- Obsessed with Film
Team news ahead of Stoke City’s make or break Europa League second leg match against Valencia at the Estadi de Mestalla. Kick-off for this evening’s match has an earlier time of 7pm and is screened live on Espn television in the UK.
Stoke travel to Valencia trying to overcome a 1-0 deficit but do know that all goals they score tonight will be away ones.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis will be missing a number of first team players for tonight’s game with Dean Whitehead, Ryan Shawcross, Jon Waters, Matthew Etherington, Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Peter Crouch not traveling to Spain. Pulis has revealed both injury and fatigue from their large amount of games they have played recently has forced him to leave some players back home.
In fact Pulis has only taken 15 players to travel with him to Spain, leaving only three outfield players on the bench.
Stoke travel to Valencia trying to overcome a 1-0 deficit but do know that all goals they score tonight will be away ones.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis will be missing a number of first team players for tonight’s game with Dean Whitehead, Ryan Shawcross, Jon Waters, Matthew Etherington, Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and Peter Crouch not traveling to Spain. Pulis has revealed both injury and fatigue from their large amount of games they have played recently has forced him to leave some players back home.
In fact Pulis has only taken 15 players to travel with him to Spain, leaving only three outfield players on the bench.
- 2/23/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Team news ahead of Stoke’s first leg tie against Spanish side Valencia in the first leg of the Europa League’s last 32. The match at the Britannia Stadium has a kick-off time at 8.05pm and is screened live on Espn in the UK.
Stoke City are missing defender Matthew Upson for tonight’s game through suspension. A red card stemming from the final group game against Besiktas in Istanbul in December rules him out of the first leg though the former England man will be available for the second leg.
Meanwhile another defender, Robert Huth, is available as his suspension for his red card against Sunderland only applies to domestic games.
Jonathan Woodgate and Danny Collins are also available as they are now eligible for the Europa League.
Line-ups from;
Stoke (from): Sorensen, Begovic, Huth, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Wilson, Pennant, Delap, Palacios, Etherington, Crouch, Walters, Shotton, Diao, Jones, Whitehead,...
Stoke City are missing defender Matthew Upson for tonight’s game through suspension. A red card stemming from the final group game against Besiktas in Istanbul in December rules him out of the first leg though the former England man will be available for the second leg.
Meanwhile another defender, Robert Huth, is available as his suspension for his red card against Sunderland only applies to domestic games.
Jonathan Woodgate and Danny Collins are also available as they are now eligible for the Europa League.
Line-ups from;
Stoke (from): Sorensen, Begovic, Huth, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Wilson, Pennant, Delap, Palacios, Etherington, Crouch, Walters, Shotton, Diao, Jones, Whitehead,...
- 2/16/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Team news ahead of Fulham’s Premier League tie at home to Stoke City this afternoon. Kick-off time at Craven Cottage is 3pm and the game is not televised.
Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is likely to make his debut for The Cottagers after finally securing his work permit. The Russian international joined the club from Stutgart on Transfer deadline day.
Manager Martin Jol’s only new injury concern is defender Philippe Senderos who looks likely to be out for the next few weeks with a groin injury. Andrew Johnson (left adductor injury), Zdenek Grygera (knee) and Steve Sidwell (hernia) are still unavailable
Tony Pulis was fuming during the week about his centre-back Robert Huth’s red card he picked up in the defeat at the hands of Sunderland last week but the player lost his appeal and he starts his three-match ban today.
Better news for Pulis is that Matthew...
Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is likely to make his debut for The Cottagers after finally securing his work permit. The Russian international joined the club from Stutgart on Transfer deadline day.
Manager Martin Jol’s only new injury concern is defender Philippe Senderos who looks likely to be out for the next few weeks with a groin injury. Andrew Johnson (left adductor injury), Zdenek Grygera (knee) and Steve Sidwell (hernia) are still unavailable
Tony Pulis was fuming during the week about his centre-back Robert Huth’s red card he picked up in the defeat at the hands of Sunderland last week but the player lost his appeal and he starts his three-match ban today.
Better news for Pulis is that Matthew...
- 2/11/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Chelsea failed to win their opening day fixture for the first time in nine years as new manager André Villas-Boas was unsuccessful in inspiring a convincing performance in his ageing squad, despite quite a few good chances.
There were positives for both managers however, Chelsea fans will be heartened with the performance of Fernando Torres who was tireless throughout and looked dangerous at all times. Stoke manager Tony Pulis too can be happy with a good point for his hard-working side against difficult opposition. Ultimately, it was The Potters’ physical style of play that foiled Chelsea whose passing game although evident in places was ultimately stifled.
The new Chelsea manager, just 33-years-old and once protégé to José Mourinho, chose a 4-3-3 formation familiar to his compatriot and former boss for his team’s visit to Stoke. The Britannia, officially the loudest stadium in the Premier League, is notorious for...
There were positives for both managers however, Chelsea fans will be heartened with the performance of Fernando Torres who was tireless throughout and looked dangerous at all times. Stoke manager Tony Pulis too can be happy with a good point for his hard-working side against difficult opposition. Ultimately, it was The Potters’ physical style of play that foiled Chelsea whose passing game although evident in places was ultimately stifled.
The new Chelsea manager, just 33-years-old and once protégé to José Mourinho, chose a 4-3-3 formation familiar to his compatriot and former boss for his team’s visit to Stoke. The Britannia, officially the loudest stadium in the Premier League, is notorious for...
- 8/14/2011
- by Alex Moore
- Obsessed with Film
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