Ok, pretend this is 1996 and 'Seinfeld' was still part of NBC's 'Must-See TV' lineup. Suppose we took away Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer. All we'd be left with are the likes of Newman, Mikey, Peterman, Uncle Leo, Frank Costanza and let's say Larry David wearing a cape.
Would you still tune in?
I might, just for the bizarre curiosity of it.
That's what we have in the Premier League this weekend, with the three of the 'Big Four' locked up in the FA Cup, and the other dormant until the midweek (and what a midweek that'll be!) Call this the morbid curiosity weekend.
Instead, we get seven matches -- with five, count 'em five -- with massive relegation ramifications, including three bonafide six-pointers.
So the question is probably this -- does the Premier League stand on its own merits, or do the top teams -- which comprise three of the four Champions League quarter finalists -- give the league it's worldwide cache?
Saturday
* Aston Villa v. West Ham -- (Live, Setanta, 10 a.m.) Man...it sure does seem like a long time ago those Villa for fourth place arguments seemed possible. Villa haven't won a game since Feb. 7, thus paralleling Randy Lerner's other team -- the Cleveland Browns -- who were a trendy team before the 2008 NFL season and then fizzled out before it even started. ... Aston Villa 2, West Ham 1
* Middlesbrough v. Fulham -- Gareth Southgate appears to be saying all the right things about 'Boro's fight for salvation. We'll see about that. Consider me wary. Very wary. Stat fact -- Fulham has won its last two away matches 3-1. Will lightning strike thrice at the Riverside? ... Middlesbrough 1, Fulham 1
* Portsmouth v. Bolton -- If Bolton gets points here, the Trotters are probably safe. Probably. This game probably comes down to whichever striker does better -- Peter Crouch (11 goals) or Kevin Davies (10 goals) -- because those are about their respective teams only options. I'll opt for Fortress Fratton for this one. ... Portsmouth 1, Bolton 0
* Stoke City v. Blackburn Rovers -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) Fun stat -- Stoke has the fewest shots on target in the league. Still, I'm digging the Stoke scenario, unfancied as they might be. This ought to be a fun game to watch, there are goals to be had. ... Stoke City 3, Blackburn 2
* Sunderland v. Hull City -- Somehow I feel Sunderland is going to drop. The Black Cats strategy seemed to be slightly less crappy than everyone else. Like Aston Villa, Sunderland hasn't won since Feb. 7. I don't know where the inspiration is coming from. This team resides on the island of Misfit Toys.. With games with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United on the horizon, Hull City probably needs this one. ... Sunderland 0, Hull City 0
Sunday
* Tottenham v. Newcastle United -- (Live, Setanta, 8:30 a.m.) Perhaps Harry Redknapp will have some pity on the Geordies and field a disinterested side, likely featuring black sheep Gareth Bale, assuming he's not hurt again. Call me crazy, but I think Newcastle survives, in dramatic fashion on the final day. ... Tottenham 1, Newcastle United 2
* Manchester City v. West Brom -- (Live, FSC, 11 a.m.) Meh. This one means nothing. Maybe West Brom snatches a point since City should be pretty deflated after crashing out to Hamburg in the UEFA Cup. ... City 2, West Brom 2
Last week: 5-5
Season: 146-167
(The midweek picking, coming Monday.)
Would you still tune in?
I might, just for the bizarre curiosity of it.
That's what we have in the Premier League this weekend, with the three of the 'Big Four' locked up in the FA Cup, and the other dormant until the midweek (and what a midweek that'll be!) Call this the morbid curiosity weekend.
Instead, we get seven matches -- with five, count 'em five -- with massive relegation ramifications, including three bonafide six-pointers.
So the question is probably this -- does the Premier League stand on its own merits, or do the top teams -- which comprise three of the four Champions League quarter finalists -- give the league it's worldwide cache?
Saturday
* Aston Villa v. West Ham -- (Live, Setanta, 10 a.m.) Man...it sure does seem like a long time ago those Villa for fourth place arguments seemed possible. Villa haven't won a game since Feb. 7, thus paralleling Randy Lerner's other team -- the Cleveland Browns -- who were a trendy team before the 2008 NFL season and then fizzled out before it even started. ... Aston Villa 2, West Ham 1
* Middlesbrough v. Fulham -- Gareth Southgate appears to be saying all the right things about 'Boro's fight for salvation. We'll see about that. Consider me wary. Very wary. Stat fact -- Fulham has won its last two away matches 3-1. Will lightning strike thrice at the Riverside? ... Middlesbrough 1, Fulham 1
* Portsmouth v. Bolton -- If Bolton gets points here, the Trotters are probably safe. Probably. This game probably comes down to whichever striker does better -- Peter Crouch (11 goals) or Kevin Davies (10 goals) -- because those are about their respective teams only options. I'll opt for Fortress Fratton for this one. ... Portsmouth 1, Bolton 0
* Stoke City v. Blackburn Rovers -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) Fun stat -- Stoke has the fewest shots on target in the league. Still, I'm digging the Stoke scenario, unfancied as they might be. This ought to be a fun game to watch, there are goals to be had. ... Stoke City 3, Blackburn 2
* Sunderland v. Hull City -- Somehow I feel Sunderland is going to drop. The Black Cats strategy seemed to be slightly less crappy than everyone else. Like Aston Villa, Sunderland hasn't won since Feb. 7. I don't know where the inspiration is coming from. This team resides on the island of Misfit Toys.. With games with Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester United on the horizon, Hull City probably needs this one. ... Sunderland 0, Hull City 0
Sunday
* Tottenham v. Newcastle United -- (Live, Setanta, 8:30 a.m.) Perhaps Harry Redknapp will have some pity on the Geordies and field a disinterested side, likely featuring black sheep Gareth Bale, assuming he's not hurt again. Call me crazy, but I think Newcastle survives, in dramatic fashion on the final day. ... Tottenham 1, Newcastle United 2
* Manchester City v. West Brom -- (Live, FSC, 11 a.m.) Meh. This one means nothing. Maybe West Brom snatches a point since City should be pretty deflated after crashing out to Hamburg in the UEFA Cup. ... City 2, West Brom 2
Last week: 5-5
Season: 146-167
(The midweek picking, coming Monday.)
Labels: Prem Picks, Premier League, Soccer
Five games, five goals...ho hum, can't see footy, not must see tv.