Bleacher Report - Articles by Nick Johnston

Four in a Row? A Preview of the Race for the Premiership Title

Nick Johnston — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 14:59:16 -0400

For various reasons, I've not written on B/R for quite a while now, but as the 2009-10 Premiership season approaches, I thought I'd give my thoughts on the title race, given my successes predicting the events of last season.

Where better to start than with the defending champs?

Manchester United won last season's title relatively comfortably in the end, but look a weaker side this year with the losses of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez and the injuries to Nemanja Vidic, Nani, Owen Hargreaves, and Edwin van der Sar, all of whom are set to be missing for the opening games of the season and beyond.

Furthermore, the talents of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville are not what they used to be and they can no longer be counted on to perform week in, week out. Unless additions can be made in the remaining few weeks before the close of the transfer window, I struggle to see United vying for top spot come May.

For me, the only hope United have is if their defence can remain almost completely injury-free after the return of Vidic and if a very strong partnership forms between two of Berbatov, Owen and Rooney. But, as much as it pains me, I doubt these will happen.

So who are the favourites?

Liverpool finished second last season and have made few changes but for the addition of Glen Johnson (a wise acquisition) and what looks to be a straight swap bringing in Alberto Aquilani and losing Xabi Alonso to the financial juggernaut of Real Madrid.

Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres are fantastic players who are still young and will have learned a lot from last season, but I fear that they may lack the strength in depth to compete throughout the season.

If key players can remain fit, Liverpool should end a 20-year wait for a top-flight title, if not, another year of pain and reflection looms.

So what of Chelsea? Have they, in Carlo Ancelotti, finally found a suitable replacement for Jose Mourinho after three failed experiments? He comes with glowing praise from A.C. Milan, but in eight seasons there he won just the one Serie A title and one Coppa Italia. If he returns a record like that for Roman Abramovich, he is unlikely to keep his job at Stamford Bridge for long.

Yuri Zhirkov is currently their only major signing of the summer, but he will add little to a side already containing Ashley Cole, the much-improved Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka. They lack suitable cover for Cech, Terry, and Carvalho and an injury to any one of those three could prove very damaging.

As for Arsenal, I believe the sales of Adebayor and Kolo Toure will hurt and prove only to further weaken a side that at no point looked likely to genuinely challenge for the Premiership in 2008-09.

Manchester City have splashed the cash since being acquired by the Abu Dhabi Group and have assembled a squad filled with glorious attacking talent, like Tevez, Robinho, Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.

But, as many are quick to point out, they look frail defensively and do not, in Mark Hughes have a manager experienced enough to make up for that.

So, I believe the top three places will be occupied by United, Chelsea and Liverpool, with Liverpool ultimately edging it. Fourth place and a spot in the Champions League is a very different question, with four or five teams capable of challenging for the chance to rub shoulders with Europe's elite.

It should be an exciting season once again...

Fighting To Keep the Dream Alive: FC Porto v. Man. Utd

Nick Johnston — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 12:31:42 -0400

Manchester United go into Wednesday's second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal fully aware of the size and importance of the task that confronts them.

With the tie standing at 2-2, but Porto holding two away goals and the advantage of a vociferous home crowd, Manchester United must rediscover their winning ways if their dream of the quintuple is to stay alive. But in doing so, they will have to become the first English side to come away from Estadio do Dragão with a win.

It's now been more than a month since the last convincing win for the Red Devils, after losing in the English Premier League to both Liverpool and Fulham, managing only a draw against Porto in the first leg and scraping wins against both Aston Villa and Sunderland, thanks to their new "super sub" Federico Macheda. United have looked toothless going forwards and clueless at the back as well. They must address both of these if they are to retain the trophy.

The key to this game will be the centre-back pairing of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. Against Liverpool, Vidic had the worst game of his United career, his sending off late in the match left him suspended for the game against Fulham. Now, for the last three games, Ferdinand has been absent with a back injury and the defence looks shaky at best.

Throughout this period United have looked like a shadow of the side that was running away with the league only not so long ago.

United's success this season has been based on a solid defensive effort. Edwin van der Sar, at 38, is having one of the best seasons of his career, and it is in no small part thanks to the play of his centre-backs. If Ferdinand returns on Wednesday to partner Vidic against the likes of Hulk and Rodriguez, United can build on the firm foundations they provide and should come out on top. Without this partnership, it will be a big task, even for a side like Manchester United.

With Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo and van der Sar all playing little or no part in Saturday's game, and the rest of the squad having more than twice as much recovery time as prior to the first leg, United's should be a far fresher side than the team which struggled in the previous home leg.

Sir Alex Ferguson can choose from Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, and Ronaldo up front, an attack matched only by that of Barcelona and bound to be trouble for Porto's defence.

It is imperative that United play to win the match from the start. Attempting to keep Porto out and hoping to sneak a goal is not a style that suits either the team or the players. They must take the game to Porto, a side whose strength is in attack rather than defence, and who will not be able to play the expansive attacking football that they would normally prefer.

If Ferdinand does return on Wednesday, United should take the game and advance to the semifinal. My prediction would be 2-0 in favor of Manchester United. If, however, United have to start with Vidic and Evans, they may struggle and could easily see their quintuple hopes dashed.

Not Yet Midnight: Rays' Cinderella Story Continues

Nick Johnston — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:04:01 -0400

Who would have predicted it? The Tampa Bay Rays continue to laugh in the face of expectations.

Tampa Bay had never won more than 70 games in a season. They'd never so much as smelled the excitement of playoff fever in their 10-year history.

Tied for the lead AL East at the all-star break, "experts" said it wouldn't last.

Entering the playoffs, they "lacked experience." After Game Five of the ALCS, they were believed to have cracked under the pressure. The Boston Red Sox would stage one of their now-famous comebacks.

Cinderella tried to stay out past midnight.

But last night, Tampa Bay clinched the American League pennant and a spot in the World Series.

Suddenly, they're a force to be reckoned with. The Rays—the ugly duckling of the American League—are now a beautiful swan and the favorites to clinch baseball's most prestigious crown.

It sounds like a low-budget Hollywood sports film. The team that can't win anything, written off and mocked by everyone, makes its first playoff series and defeats the reigning champions by the tightest of margins.

Then there is the deciding series that will make or break this remarkable season.

With a strong defense lead by Scott Kazmir, Andy Sonnanstine, James Shields, and ALCS MVP Matt Garza, the battle between the Rays and the power offense of the Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, and Chase Utley should give us a World Series to remember.

It's a new experience for almost everyone involved. As far as I'm aware, Brad Lidge and Cliff Floyd are the only players on either side's roster with World Series experience.

Neither manager has been to a World Series either. Yet these men have all proven themselves at the top level and are about to enter the biggest week of their lives determined to make history.

The Rays have come through this season to win in what is arguably the hardest division in baseball, followed by a seven-game series against the most consistent team in the MLB over the past five years.

Tampa Bay can win at home or away. They can play with power or precision. They can out-score or out-pitch any team in baseball.

The Red Sox couldn't end this fairy tale. Can the Phillies call time on this Cinderella story?

Time to Panic Yet? Manchester United Stuck in First Gear

Nick Johnston — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:21:14 -0400

After five competitive matches this season, last year's English and European champions have just one win and three draws to their name and only four goals. Pundits and fans alike are unable to explain recent poor performances, but what's for sure is that this can't continue.

But is it time for United's fans to start worrying?

In short, no.

At this stage last season, United had drawn with Reading and Portsmouth, lost to Man City and beaten Spurs. Four games, five points and just two goals. Arsenal won eight of their first nine games last season, but finished third.

United then won another six in a row to move into second place after 10 games. Looking at the upcoming fixtures, there's no reason why this side can't win at least their next five games—Blackburn (A), West Brom (H), Everton (A), West Ham (H), Hull (H).

With Cristiano Ronaldo returning to full fitness (and hopefully top form), Berbatov spearheading the attack, and a solid defence, United are, on paper, at least as strong as last year's champions.

Tonight's League Cup match against Middlesborough comes at a good time as it provides a test of Ronaldo's fitness and should give a game to Nani and Anderson, because Giggs and Scholes won't last forever.

United have struggled so far, but I believe that they will pick up at least 13 points from their next five league games and pick up two wins against Celtic and one against Aalborg before facing Arsenal on Nov. 5. By then, the questions surrounding United's start will have been forgotten and United will be back where they belong.

United aren't favourites for the title this year, but it's far too soon to write them off. Second place is the lowest I can see this side finishing.

Yankee Stadium: A History in Numbers

Nick Johnston — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:19:28 -0400

Yankee Stadium, as we've all heard over the past days, weeks, and months is closing for good. It's undeniably (even for a BoSox fan like me) one of the greatest ballparks in history. Here's a look at some of the numbers that helped shape a great stadium:

1: Billy Martin (’50-’57 + five-time manager)

$1.10: Cost of a ticket for first game at Yankee Stadium

3: Babe Ruth (’20-’34)

3: Perfect games (Don Larsen, David Wells, David Cone)

3: Home runs in three pitches by Reggie Jackson in 1977 World Series

3: Papal visits (Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI)

4: Lou Gehrig (’23-’39)

4: All-Star Games

4-1: First ever score at Yankee Stadium (victory over Red Sox on April 18, 1923)

5: Joe DiMaggio (’36-'51)

5: Monuments in Monument Park

7: Mickey Mantle (’51-’68)

7-3: Last ever score at Yankee Stadium (victory over Orioles on Sept. 21, 2008)

8: Yogi Berra (’46-’63)

8: Bill Dickey (’28-’46)

8: No-hitters pitched at Yankee Stadium

9: Roger Maris (’60-’66)

9: World Series sealed at Yankee Stadium by the Yankees

10: Phil Rizzuto (’41-’56)

10-3: Game Seven score at Yankee Stadium to complete the Red Sox comeback in 2004 ALCS

15: Thurman Munson ('69-'79)

16: Whitey Ford (’50-’67)

16: World Series clinched at Yankee Stadium

23: Don Mattingly (’82-’95)

29: Number of games at Yankee Stadium in DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak

30: Number of boxing title bouts at Yankee Stadium

32: Elston Howard (’55-’67)

37: Casey Stengel (Manager ’49-’60)

37: World Series played in part at Yankee Stadium

44: Reggie Jackson (’77-'81)

49: Ron Guidry (’75-’88)

60: Home runs by Babe Ruth in 1927 (a 34-year record)

85: Years the Stadium was open

100: World Series Games at Yankee Stadium

126: Number of games played at Yankee Stadium by Cal Ripken, Jr.

266: Home runs by Mickey Mantle at Yankee Stadium

276: Number of words in Lou Gehrig's famous farewell speech

413: Smallest attendance at Yankee Game

490: Original distance in feet to center field wall

6581: Regular season games

$15,000: Estimated amount paid by some to witness last game at Yankee Stadium

57545: Capacity at closing

58000: Initial capacity

61808: Number present for Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech

$2.5 million: Initial construction cost

$160 million: Cost of renovations in 1970s (paid for by City of New York)

$1.6 billion: Construction cost of New Yankee Stadium

I hope I haven't missed anything too obvious, but if I have feel free to let me know, or edit it in yourself. Let me know what you think...

Manchester United Holds Chelsea at Stamford Bridge: Who Leaves Happiest?

Nick Johnston — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:48:07 -0400

In a game frustrated by officious refereeing from Mike Riley, reigning champions Manchester United held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw, having led for much of the game after a first half goal by Park Ji-Sung, later cancelled out by a Salomon Kalou header.

With this draw, Chelsea's unbeaten home league record was extended to 85 games, stretching back through the reigns of Phil Scolari, Avram Grant, Jose Mourinho, and Claudio Ranieri to defeat by Arsenal in 2004.

As at Anfield last weekend, United started brightly and controlled much of the opening battles. As at Anfield, United took the lead in the first half before sitting back on their advantage and ultimately paying the penalty.

With Deco injured in the warm-up and Ricardo Carvalho coming off after 12 minutes, Chelsea struggled to find an early rhythm and after 18 minutes, the visitors took the lead.

A surging run from Patrice Evra combined with neat passing from Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov took the Frenchman into the Chelsea box. Berbatov's shot was parried into the path of Park, who made the most of his chance to take the lead.

United had dominated early on, with full-backs and wide midfielders combining to keep Chelsea's wide players largely anonymous, whilst also creating chances for themselves. But John Obi Mikel, Michael Ballack, and Frank Lampard were soon able to overpower Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher in the middle and control proceedings from there.

With Edwin van der Sar injured after half an hour, Tomasz Kuszczak was called upon to guard United's lead. A confident performance from the Pole meant that United went into half-time with the lead and with confidence.

At half-time Didier Drogba was introduced in place of Florent Malouda who failed to impress with another lacklustre performance. With two men up front, Anelka being the other, Chelsea began to really test United and took complete control of the game in the second half.

Chelsea's best chances came from wide positions with Owen Hargreaves having been moved to a central position after Cristiano Ronaldo replaced Paul Scholes. Chelsea soon attacked down the left-hand side with both Coles and Nicolas Anelka combining well and looking dangerous.

United had chances at 1-0, largely from counter-attacks, but Rooney failed to deliver when presented with a chance to seal the game. The best second-half opportunity, however, fell to Anelka at 1-0 who, presented with an open goal, failed to make contact with a cross from Joe Cole.

Another silly challenge from United, Rooney to be more particular, gave a free kick to Chelsea with less than ten minutes to go. From halfway, the ball was launched into the United area, Kalou seized his opportunity having found himself unmarked to level the scores and left Kuszczak ruing his decision to stay back, rather than claim the ball.

Chelsea had further chances to take the full three points, but were thwarted by resilient and, at times, desperate defending from the away team.

United may feel they should have held on to the lead, but will accept a draw, whereas Chelsea must feel that they deserved nothing less than the full three points from a game they, for the most part, dominated.

OctoberTest: Who Can Offer the Best MLB Predictions for 2008?

Nick Johnston — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:00:46 -0400

I hope I'm not stealing someone else's role or whatever, but I wanted to propose a challenge to all you baseball fans.

It's mid-September, and all but one of the eight playoff spots are up for grabs (mathematically, at least, if not in practice). So, what are your predictions for the rest of the regular season, and also for the postseason?

You should predict the winners of the seven remaining playoff spots (including which they will win, i.e. division/wild card).

Then, you should have four matchups. In both the AL and the NL, the team with the best record plays the wild card team, and the other two division winners play each other unless the wild card team is from the same division as the team with the best record.

If the wild card team is from the same division as the team with the best record, the wild card team will play the team with the second-best record of the division winners.

Then, for the playoff matches, please predict in how many games you believe each team will win, all the way to the World Series.

Hope that's all clear, but e-mail me if you're not sure.

On that note, I've set up an e-mail account to receive responses. It's playoffs2008@hotmail.co.uk (note that it's ".co.uk" not ".com").

Scoring will operate as follows:

For a correct team into the playoffs: 1 point for each

For correctly predicting team and what they will win: 1 point for each

For correct series winners in Divisional Series: 2 points for each

For correct series score in Divisional Series: 2 points for each

For correct ALCS/NLCS winners: 3 points for each

For correct series scores in above: 3 points for each

For correct World Series winners: 5 points

For correct World Series score: 5 points

I hope this is fair—if there are any complaints/suggestions, just e-mail me. Deadline for entries is next Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Also, please comment on this article, so that more people can see it and join in.

Unfortunately, there is no prize, other than the respect of your peers. Maybe I'll ask Zander or someone nicely, but I don't know.

Belgian GP Drama: Stewards Strip Lewis Hamilton Of His Spa Win

Nick Johnston — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 06:08:59 -0400

UPDATE: McLaren have announced that they will appeal this decision. We'll just have to wait and see I guess...

The drama has only just finished at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. We all felt that we'd been treated to enough of a spectacle during the 44 laps, yet the powers that be decided it wasn't finished when Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in first.

It was deemed that Hamilton gained an unlawful advantage when he cut across the final 'bus stop' corner with two laps to go. He knew this, so rightly let Kimi Raikkonen regain first place, before passing the Ferrari soon after.

Ultimately, it seemed to have been rendered irrelevant as the drama continued, with Raikkonen regaining the lead after Hamilton was nearly knocked out of the race by a spinning Williams of Nico Rosberg. Then, in yet another twist, the Finn lost control of his Ferrari and ploughed into a wall as the weather worsened.

Hamilton nursed home a car with no desire to go in a straight line and was rightly applauded for a great drive. Ten points in the bag for the Brit and a healthy lead in the driver's championship. Or not...

Hamilton was given a 25-second penalty, knocking him behind Felipe Massa and Nick Heidfeld into third position. Hamilton's lead is now just two points, rather than the eight points we all thought it had become.

Questions will be raised as to the consistency of the stewards' inquiries, with Massa receiving a measly fine in the last race, when many felt a time-penalty, like this one, would have been fairer.

Timo Glock was also handed a 25-second penalty in this race, for ignoring yellow flags, dropping him from eighth to ninth and giving the final points position to Mark Webber.

Personally, I feel that Hamilton should not have been penalised as he clearly tried to give back the advantage gained, particularly when it became irrelevant so soon afterwards. Given the lack of penalty for Massa last time, McLaren should be thoroughly disappointed, perhaps even angry, at this outcome.

Is Motor Racing in The 21st Century Morally Irresponsible?

Nick Johnston — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:54:21 -0400

Before you dismiss this as a hippie, tree-hugging rant against a popular and long-running international sport, I have to admit that I am a fan of F1.

I just watched a thrilling race at Spa-Francorchamps, where Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen battled each other and the worsening weather in the dying stages. It displayed to me the pure driving ability of these men and the importance of tactics in their sport.

But, with global warming and climate change an unavoidable reality in the world, aren't motorsports acting, if not immoral, then without global conscience of their actions?

Whilst Honda have displayed a recognition of environmental issues by giving over their livery to Earth Dreams, an environmental awareness program who describe themselves as "a driving force for good" their cars still spew out 50 tons of CO2 each year, equivalent to 11 London-Sydney flights.

Emissions per kilometre in these vehicles are nine times those of an average new car, prompting many to highlight the irony of this partnership between an environmental group and a team in one of the least 'green' sports.

Added to this are the flights of not only the drivers, but also the team members and their equipment. When one adds together these emissions and multiplies them by the 11 F1 teams, we get a picture of how damaging this sport is to the environment.

Obviously, its not just F1. Every other motorsport, be it NASCAR, MotoGP, or any other of a host of events, is contributing greatly to climate change.

NASCAR is estimated to see one million miles of racing at five miles per gallon each year, excluding practices. Being unregulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, they do not have to use mufflers, catalytic converters or other emission controlling devices.

In researching this article I found IndyCar to be the only motorsport making a concerted effort towards environmental morality. As of the 2007 season, their cars have all been powered by ethanol, a renewable crop-based fuel with lower CO2 emissions and reduced import emissions.

Unfortunately, ethanol has its own drawbacks, but the effort is evident. Motorsports should be doing whatever they can to promote environmental awareness and lead the way for greener consumer automobiles.

Until then, motorsport, in general, is undoubtedly acting without morals. It is an issue that is all too easy to dismiss, but that, for the sake of the environment must be addressed by all involved.

South Africa Beckons: The Road To 2010 World Cup Starts Here

Nick Johnston — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:37:53 -0400

Whilst it seems as though we've only just finished Euro 2008, the road to South Africa begins in earnest this weekend for European nations.

With 53 competing nations and 13 places up for grabs, qualifying runs from August 20th to October 14th next year. So let's have a look at the big matches coming up over the next week.

There are nine groups in total, with all group winners qualifying for 2010 and the eight best runners-up going into a playoff for the last four spots.

Numbers in brackets represent world ranking as of September 3rd.

Group 1

Portugal (9), Sweden (31), Denmark (36), Hungary (50), Albania (102) and Malta (133).

The two favourites, Portugal and Sweden, start off with what should be relatively easy fixtures, away to Malta and Albania respectively. But for the Danes, a trip to Hungary will not prove easy, but it is the kind of match they have to win if they are to qualify.

On Wednesday, Portugal face their first test under Carlos Queiroz, playing at home against Denmark, without star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

I predict two wins for Sweden and Portugal, with Denmark picking up just one point in Budapest, but this looks like a groups that could go all the way into next October.

Group 2

Greece (18), Israel (19), Switzerland (43), Moldova (48), Latvia (63), Luxembourg (152)

An interesting group, as none of these sides rank inside the top 13 from Europe (Greece are 15th), yet at least one will qualify for the World Cup finals.

Israel host Switzerland and will be looking to deprive the Euro 2008 hosts any points from this opening encounter. Greece, however, will look for nothing less than six points from games away to Luxembourg and Latvia.

Group 3

Czech Republic (8), Poland (30), Northern Ireland (32), Slovakia (67), Slovenia (79), San Marino (200)

Surely, this is just a battle for second place between Poland and Northern Ireland, with the Czechs likely to be too strong for the rest of the field.

Northern Ireland start with a tough away game in Slovakia, followed by the visit of the Czech Republic, who don't play this weekend. Poland host Slovenia and travel to San Marino, which should see them sitting pretty with two wins from two by next week.

Northern Ireland will be pleased to avoid defeat in their first two games, and if David Healy can rediscover his from from Euro 2008 qualifying, just about anything is possible.

Group 4

Germany (3), Russia (12), Finland (42), Wales (53), Liechtenstein (130), Azerbaijan (138)

For me, this group is already decided. Germany will top it, followed by Russia, who will make it through the playoffs, barring a horrible draw.

Germany start away to Liechtenstein and then Finland, whilst Russia play host to the Welsh next week. Both Germany and Russia will expect to win these contests, especially with their upcoming clash next month.

Group 5

Spain (1), Turkey (10), Belgium (55), Bosnia-Herzegovina (75), Armenia (98), Estonia (128)

As with Group 4, this group should be sewn up already, with Spain to top and Turkey second. Spain start by hosting Bosnia and then Armenia. Turkey travel to Armenia, before a home clash with Belgium.

Both of these teams should take six points from six, regardless of any injuries (Torres, Kahveci, Hamit Altıntop) and are unlikely to be troubled in the long run by the other four nations.

Group 6

Croatia (5), England (15), Ukraine (26), Belarus (57), Kazakhstan (120), Andorra (186)

One of the most exciting groups, with three teams fighting for top spot. England under Fabio Capello are an unknown quantity, which could work either way for them.

Whilst England start away to Andorra and Croatia host Kazakhstan, both expecting no less than a comfortable win, things should be slightly tougher for Ukraine, who host Belarus.

But, the key clash in the next week comes on Wednesday, with England travelling to Croatia. Having lost home and away against them in Euro 2008 qualifying, a draw should please the English.

Group 7

France (11), Romania (13), Serbia (33), Lithuania (54), Austria (101), Faroe Islands (198)

As above, there are three teams with a chance of winning, but unlike Group 6, there is a clear favourite in the shape of France. Whilst they lost home and away to Scotland in Euro 2008 qualifying, and struggled in Euro 2008, they are still are very strong side and should expect to win the group.

They start by travelling to Austria, before hosting Serbia on Wednesday. Six points are a must, with Romania likely to match that, hosting Lithuania before a trip to the Faroe Islands.

Group 8

Italy (2), Bulgaria (16), Republic of Ireland (38), Cyprus (65), Georgia (77), Montenegro (136)

Italy are clearly favourites for this group, but both Bulgaria and Ireland will see this group as a real chance to get into the World Cup.

Italy travel to Cyprus before hosting Georgia, whilst the Irish play Georgia in Germany, before visiting Montenegro. Both sides will look for six points under new managers, Marcello Lippi and Giovanni Trapattoni respectively.

Bulgaria have just one fixture, away to Montenegro, and should look to win it. But, it's unlikely that all three will get through the first week unscathed.

Group 9

Netherlands (4), Scotland (16), Norway (34), FYR Macedonia (56), Iceland (107)

Whilst the Netherlands should be a lock for this group, Scotland must see this as their best chance to qualify for their first international tournament in 12 years. Having pushed Italy and France all the way in Euro 2008 qualifying, a similar performance is expected.

The opening spell of fixtures sees Macedonia host Scotland and then Netherlands, which should prove to be tough tests for both sides. Scotland then travel to Iceland for Wednesday's game, which should mean three points for the Scots.

Hopefully, Scotland's South African dream will still be alive on September 9th next year, when they host the Dutch.

MLB Gears Up for the Hunt for a Red October

Nick Johnston — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:33:29 -0400

With the 2008 regular season heading into the last month, what are the chances of back-to-back World Series for the Boston Red Sox?

First, they still need to make the playoffs. Unlike the Angels and the Cubs, the Sox can't afford to lose concentration, with Minnesota and the White Sox in good positions to make a bid for the wild card.

But neither side looks like they want to get to October, let alone overhaul the Red Sox. So, Boston's priority must be to win the AL East and avoid the Angels in the ALDS.

For a long time, the Rays had held the Sox at arm's length, leading the AL East by four or five games. But, a poor start to September for the Rays has given confidence to the Red Sox.

Defeat tonight for the Rays would see their lead cut to 2.5 games. With a three-game series at Fenway next week, and Lester, Dice-K, and Beckett set to start, I feel we could see the Sox topping the AL East by Sept. 10.

And then what?

The Sox have to hold on to the division lead, something they haven't had since July 13. If they can (and that's a big 'if'), the Sox will go into a divisional series against the White Sox or the Twins with confidence and home-field advantage. It's possible though, with Boston having 14 home games left, to the Rays' eight.

I fancy the Angels will beat the Rays in three, with Tampa Bay lacking the experience or the consistency to thrive in October. For me, a Red Sox/Angels matchup in the ALCS will decide the World Series champions.

The Sox have won nine-straight postseason games against L.A., but the Angels have been too strong all year to be written off and have been victorious in eight of nine against Boston in 2008.

As much as I'd love to see the Sox win the World Series again, I'm predicting that, as the Angels will have home-field, they'll take the series in six and win the World Series for only the second time in their history.

So here are my predictions, in short.

American League

AL East: Red Sox

AL Central: White Sox

AL West: Angels

Wild Card: Rays

Red Sox to beat White Sox and Angels to beat Rays.

Angels to beat Red Sox.

National League

NL East: Mets

NL Central: Cubs

NL West: Dodgers

Wild Card: Brewers

Cubs to beat Dodgers and Mets to beat Brewers

Cubs to beat Mets

World Series 2008

Angels to beat Cubs in five

Let me know what you think.

The Only Gay In the Village? Homosexuality and Sport

Nick Johnston — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:04:35 -0400

Competing this year in Bejing are 10,708 athletes. Only 10 are openly gay and only one of them, Matthew Mitcham, is male.

Statistically, the percentage given in the Western world amongst a random sample is between 3 and 10%, with most people favouring a figure of around 5% or one in 20.

10 of 10,708 is clearly much lower than any of these. It works out at around 0.09%, a far lower percentage than any serious study would suggest. Most figures would predict the number of gay athletes to be above 500, so why is it only 10? Likewise, why has only one top flight English football player, Justin Fashanu, come out as gay?

There are a number of theories, some suggesting that homosexuality is less prevalent amongst top-class athletes than other professions, but most believe that athletes would prefer not to "come out".

Particularly in team sports, gay athletes fear that the interaction between themselves and other competitors would be weakened if he/she was openly gay. For example, Graeme le Saux, a former Chelsea and England footballer who was not gay, but was widely believed to be, felt that he was treated differently by team-mates and opponents as a result of his alleged homosexuality.

Many high profile athletes who are very much in the public eye, feel that the impact on their public persona could cost them endorsements, media coverage and other such support.

Other suggestions are that for these athletes, the pressure on them is intense enough without having to answer to homophobes in the sport, in the media and in the public and so choose to conceal the truth.

But, I would have to side with the interaction suggestion. In a close environment such as the ones in which these athletes compete, any difference could drive a competitor down or even out of the top level.

This is backed up by the fact that more women are openly "out" than men, with female sporting environments seen as more forgiving, but the figures are still startlingly low.

Shortly before I wrote this, Matthew Mitcham won the gold medal in the men's 10m diving competition, breaking the Chinese stranglehold on Olympic diving but also, and perhaps more importantly, becoming the one of the first "out" male athlete to win a gold medal in the Games.

Similarly, two members of the Norway's gold medal-winning, women's handball team (Hammerseng and Nyberg) are an openly out couple.

Gay athletes, sadly, are choosing (or being forced) not to come out as it is simply easier for them. Whilst society has changed its attitudes towards homosexuality, sport has not even come close to facing up to this taboo subject.

Yelena Isinbayeva: The Reason I Love the Olympics

Nick Johnston — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 06:12:48 -0400

For many people, the highlight of the Beijing Olympics will be Michael Phelps winning eight golds or Usain Bolt obliterating the rest of the 100m field and his own world record with his shoelace untied.

Maybe as a Brit, I should be lauding the achievements of our track cyclists, picking up seven of a possible 10 gold medals in the velodrome.

But today and yesterday, I saw the two things that make the Olympics special for me.

As Andrew McNair has already written, Yelena Isinbayeva eased to a world record and Olympic gold in the women's pole vault yesterday. She soared majestically to a huge 5.05m—25cm ahead of her nearest rival.

For me, Isinbayeva is the best sportswoman in the world at the moment, untouched and unrivalled in her discipline. When she first broke the world record in 2003 she took it to 4.82m and hasn't looked back.

But today at the medal presentation, we saw past the dominant athlete exuding confidence with her mascara and her painted nails. As she was presented with her gold medal, her second Olympic gold, to go with two World Championship golds, we saw the woman inside.

Her eyes welled up and her face gave into the overwhelming emotion of the occasion. As the Russian national anthem played, tears rolled down her cheeks and I felt a shudder of emotion run through me.

Isinbayeva's gold medal was never in doubt. Her personal best was 12cm higher than that of Stuczynski, her nearest rival, and she has been unbeaten in major championships since a bronze medal at the 2003 World Championships. But, even for an athlete like her, the Olympics maintain a different air and a gold medal is truly something to cherish.

That, for me, is what makes the Olympics what they are. It is the proof that, in the face of its critics, the Olympic Games will continue to grow in strength and reputation.

But for now, we salute Yelena Isinbayeva and her peerless talent.

It's Time to Stop Devaluing the Olympic Gold Medal

Nick Johnston — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:24:00 -0400

The Olympics are, without a doubt, the greatest sporting spectacle on earth. No one could argue that these games do not represent the pinnacle of human physical ability.

Where else could you see an athlete pushing his body to the limits, as with Michael Phelps in the pool or any one of the marathon runners, across two weeks of pure exertion spanning a plethora of sports?

So why dilute it with half-hearted performances in tennis and basketball? Or baseball, where all of the best players are competing for a more important prize?

Likewise, the soccer tournament lacks all but a handful of the household names that millions of people flock to week in and week out. It's time the IOC recognized that for the Olympics to remain the pinnacle of sporting excellence, these events must be removed.

Nicolas Massu won the tennis event in Athens, having never passed the third round of a grand slam tournament. Since then, he has won two minor tournaments and is now ranked 125th in the world, despite being just 28, so not weakened by age.

In the men's tournament in Beijing, Davydenko, Ferrer, Stepanek, and Murray, amongst others, crashed out after uninspiring performances. In the women's, Ivanovic, Mauresmo, and Sharapova all chose to rest rather than battle for, at best, the fifth biggest prize in the tennis calendar.

Tennis players dream of Wimbledon finals and the orange clay of Roland Garros, not of a humid Beijing Olympic gold against unmotivated opponents.

Fortunately, softball and baseball have been removed as of London 2012. Unfortunately, this has prompted renewed cries for the inclusion of other sports.

Cricket anyone? No, because players don't want to add another tournament to an already packed schedule, particularly when it would lack the draw of a World Cup or the excitement of the IPL.

Similarly, golf has been proposed for future Olympic games. With the Olympics falling in Ryder Cup years, an Olympic gold in golf would be sixth or lower in the priorities of top pros and lack the draw of the majors.

If people want to add sports to the Olympics, look no further than squash. It is a sport growing in international popularity and would value inclusion in the Olympics far higher than many current Olympic events.

So, whilst I love tennis, cricket, baseball, soccer, and golf, they should not be Olympic sports and should not be allowed to devalue gold medals in sports where they truly are the highest possible prize.

It's an interesting debate regarding what the Olympics really mean and I look forward to hearing what everyone else thinks.

All-Time Line Up: Manchester United

Nick Johnston — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:47:39 -0400

Many of you who read this by now will have seen Thomas Leemon's United XI which has had its critics, so I would like to offer my alternative vision of the ultimate line up of players from arguably the world's greatest football team.

To start, we need a formation and I'm going to start with a 4-3-3 style that we saw employed so successfully last year, but given the players I ultimately choose, I may change this.

Goalkeeper: Peter Schmeichel [1991-99, 398 appearances, one goal]

All three serious contenders for this position have won European Cups/Champions Leagues. But its the Great Dane that wins through, having shown consistency throughout eight very successful seasons (five League Titles, three FA Cups, one CL).

But it is more than this that makes him one of the first names on an all-time United team sheet. His unique character and his vociferous command of a number of talented back-fours has not yet been properly replaced since his retirement nine years ago.

Honourable mention goes to Alex Stepney.

Left Back: Roger Byrne [1949-58, 280 appearances, 20 goals]

Whilst Byrne is perhaps not the most celebrated of United's defenders, he makes this list as another leader, captaining United for half of his time there and for establishing a new dimension to full-back play. Byrne helped to pioneer the wing full-back role to pose another threat to defences.

His career saw him win three league medals and 33 England caps, but his life was tragically cut short by the Munich air disaster of February 1958, at the age of just 28 and at the peak of his career.

Honourable mentions go to Tony Dunne and Denis Irwin.

Centre Backs: Bill Foulkes [1951-70, 688 appearances, nine goals] and Steve Bruce [1987-96, 414 appearances, 51 goals]

Bill Foulkes is one of the club's longest serving players, third on the all-time list of most appearances. Having survived the air disaster of '58, Foulkes became club captain and led the side through one of the toughest stages in its history. He continued to be an ever-present defensive rock, collecting four league titles and the 1968 European Cup.

Steve Bruce was never the most glamorous of centre backs compared with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Fabio Cannavaro, but he was successful and led the side to the Double in two of his three seasons as captain. Remarkably never capped by England, Bruce formed a formidable partnership in central defence with Gary Pallister, as well as providing an attacking threat, scoring a remarkable 19 goals in the 1990-91 season.

Honourable mentions go to Rio Ferdinand and Martin Buchan.

Right Back: Duncan Edwards [1953-58, 177 appearances, 21 goals]

Able to play in almost any outfield position, much of Edwards' career is shrouded by what could have been. Seen as one of the best players in Europe at the time of his death in 1958 aged 21, Edwards would almost certainly have gone on to greatness.

Aged just 16 years, 185 days on debut, Edwards went on to win two league medals as one of the stars of the Busby Babes. Most notably, Tommy Docherty said "there is no doubt in my mind that Duncan would have become the greatest player ever" and Bobby Charlton insists that Edwards was "the only player that made me feel inferior."

Honourable Mention goes to Gary Neville.

Left Midfield: Ryan Giggs [1991-Present, 759 appearances, 144 goals]

Possibly the most decorated player in the history of domestic football, with 10 League medals, four FA Cups and two Champions Leagues amongst others. Little needs to be said about Giggs, who will always be remembered as a United legend, if only for the chest hair displayed having scored that fantastic goal against Arsenal in the '99 FA Cup semi-final replay.

Central Midfield: Bobby Charlton [1956-73, 758 appearances, 249 goals]

As with Giggs, so little needs to be said. Like Foulkes, a survivor of the Munich air disaster, he went on to win the European Cup as well as three League titles and the World Cup. Still United's top scorer, averaging 0.33 goals a game from midfield, as well as England's highest scorer with 49 goals. A remarkable player and should be the first name on any all-time United team sheet.

Honourable Mentions go to Roy Keane and Bryan Robson.

Right Midfield: George Best [1963-74, 470 appearances, 179 goals]

Best's was a remarkable talent, which could have seen even more success had he taken care of himself. In 1968, Best won the European Cup with United, as well as being crowned European Footballer of the Year. Possibly the best player never to play in a World Cup, his cult status is nicely captured up by a Northern Irish tribute to him: "Maradona good, Pele better, George Best."

Honourable Mentions go to Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

At this point it becomes clear to me that a formation change is needed and I am now switching to a 4-4-2, with one of the midfielders playing just off the strikers.

Attacking Midfield: Paul Scholes [1993 to Present, 570 appearances, 139 goals]

One of the quietest and most unassuming personalities in modern football. Scholes is one of the last of a dying breed of players who do all of their talking on the field. His strike of the ball with his right foot is possibly the most ferocious of all modern footballers, as most of the Premier League has found out the hard way. Almost as decorated as Giggs, with eight League titles, three FA Cups and two CLs.

Strikers: Denis Law [1962-73, 404 appearances, 237 goals] and Eric Cantona [1992-1997, 185 appearances, 82 goals]

Its hard to put Law on this list after he relegated United whilst playing for Manchester City, but his goalscoring record makes it harder not to. Scoring comfortably over a goal every two games, Law's prolific scoring included 46 goals in one season, a feat that remains unmatched for United.

Law is the only Scottish player ever to win the European Footballer of the Year and formed a wonderful attacking trio with Best and Charlton for the best years of his United career.

Whilst Cantona's was not the longest of careers, it was action packed and very succesful. Having won the League with Leeds in 91-92, he moved to United and immediately won the league, followed by the Double the next year.

Hindered by an erratic personality, he is most remembered by many for his "kung-fu" at Crystal Palace and for his bizarre comments to the media. Nicknamed King Eric, his influence saw thousands of schoolboys turning their collars up for a number of years.

Honourable Mentions go to Mark Hughes and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Manager: An impossible decision. I would have to give it to both Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.

So, that's my XI. Let me know what you think.

Can Chelsea Really Challenge On All Four Fronts?

Nick Johnston — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:28:58 -0400

"Big Phil" Scolari has claimed that he believes Chelsea can and will challenge on all four fronts this season and claim an unprecedented quadruple. Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that Chelsea are too old to present a significant challenge to his side.

Who's right? How will Chelsea fare this season after the disappointment of last year.

Ferguson's claim that Chelsea are too old has been dismissed by many who have delivered statistics to prove that the two sides both average an age of 28, these are sides including Edwin van der Sar (37) and Petr Cech (26) as keepers, a position in which age is far less important and one in which United have youthful backup in the shape of Ben Foster.

Similarly, United's top scorers last season, Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez are 23, 22 and 24 respectively, so would be expected to be still developing and at the height of physical fitness.

Chelsea meanwhile saw goals coming from Lampard, Ballack and Drogba, all of whom have passed 30 and are likely now to be declining in ability and fitness. Of course, they are far from spent forces and perhaps their best is still to come, but Chelsea cannot rely on these players to play 60 games between August and May whilst continually coming up with the goods.

Arsenal, on the other hand, despite selling some of their best players over the summer, have a youthful team with the ability and the legs to challenge any side in the world this season. If they can find their feet early on and stay largely free from injuries, I can see them winning the title. But it’s a big if.

But age is not the only factor in mounting and sustaining a strong challenge in the hunt for multiple trophies. Depth is needed. Chelsea lack depth. Losing Makelele, Sidwell and Sahar will not change the starting XI but may impact on long term fortunes.

With Drogba, Kalou and Shevchenko all missing the start of the season through either injury or, in Kalou's case, the Olympics, leaving Chelsea with one striker to start the season: Nicolas Anelka. Immediately their depth will be tested.

In defence, who is ready to step in when Bosingwa, Terry, Cole or Carvalho is injured or needs a day off? Juliano Belletti? Wayne Bridge? I can't see them scaring the new Torres/Keane partnership.

And who is Branislav Ivanovic? Signed for nearly £8 million in January, he didn't play under Avram Grant and I don't see Scolari changing that in a hurry.

Talking of Scolari, he has been widely hailed as the man to pick up where Mourinho left off without the fragile arrogance of his predecessor but one. But he has not proved himself in Europe at club level.

Scolari won the World Cup with Brazil, but failed to do anything special with a talented Portuguese squad at his disposal. He was sporadic whilst with Gremio and Palmeiras in Brazil, but as with international football, that was a very different environment from that which he is about to enter.

Abramovich and the fans will give him no time to settle in and will expect results from day one. It could be a tough year for him.

If Chelsea are to challenge on all four fronts, August is going to have to be a busy, and probably expensive, month for them. They need youth and depth to add to the experienced and intimidating starting XI assembled by Abramovich's billions.

Another centre-back, a striker or forward to accompany Didier Drogba and a left midfielder to replace the sinking Florent Malouda.

But look at Liverpool. With talented cover in every position, youthfulness and a manager who has proven his ability both domestically and in European competition. They have almost all the strengths that Chelsea do with far fewer weaknesses.

They have made few changes to their squad of last year, but I can really see them challenging both Manchester United and Chelsea this year in the league, as well as pushing for glory in Europe.