By Mark Sugar
April 10 2004

Columnist Mark Sugar reviewing the big games in the coming week. Including the relegation six pointer between Leeds and Leicester. You can email mark at mark@1871royals.co.uk

Welcome to my new column, the Sugar Files. In this I'll be reviewing the football world every week as I offer my views.

Leeds Vs Leicester (Monday 5th April)

The survival for Premiership status continues tomorrow. Both teams seem to have improved drastically in the last few weeks. The news that a consortium has saved Leeds United from administration has given the club a massive boost. But they need to start picking up points away from home. But with Charlton and Portsmouth still to visit Elland Road, they seen winnable games from their view for Eddie Gray and his team. But they must improve away from home. Their performance against Birmingham City was appalling, and that mustn't happen again. But whatever the division they play in next season, expect major changes in Yorkshire. Alan Smith looks a dead certainty to be off. Newcastle appear favourites to land him. Mark Viduka is costing Leeds too much on the wages and though they'll sell him, it won't make much of a difference as Leeds don't own him. A move abroad seems likely unless Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough can lure him to Teeside. England goalkeeper Paul Robinson appears to have secured a deal to Spurs, while James Milner remains a fantastic prospect. He won't be playing in a Leeds shirt next season.

Leicester seem to have improved dramatically since the events of La Manga. The troubles out in Spain appear to have bought the squad of players closer together which could prove to save their Premiership status come mid May. They are unbeaten in 3 and this form suggests they could be good value for Premiership survival. The key to them staying up scoring goals. They have 2 experienced striker's in Paul Dickov and Les Ferdinand who could prove to be the key. The great thing about Leicester is the ability to score from set pieces. 25% of their goals are scored this way and credit must be given to Micky Adams and his staff who always work hard. The key player for me is Muzzy Izzet. Not enough credit is given to the Turk for his skill and ability. I would like to see a big club come in for him because he has proved great value for money.

Key Player: Alan Smith

Prediction: Draw

Arsenal Vs Chelsea (Tuesday 6th April)

This is a massive game for both clubs for different reasons. For Arsenal, they need to win in order to get back to form after going 3 without a win. The loss over Manchester United would have been a big blow. They have injuries ahead of the game with Jose Reyes, Ashley Cole, Freddie Ljunberg all set to miss out. Add to that, Sol Campbell has a long standing groin injury which could require surgery at any stage. Another problem for the Premiership leaders is they face a massive fixture congestion which will have taken its toll on their players. They don't have the biggest squad, and this could prove to be a real challenge for Arsene Wenger as they look to win the double. But Arsenal have the best striker in the world at the moment in Thierry Henry who just gets better and better. He is a very passionate player and he would have been hurting from their cup exit at the weekend, so I expect him to be fired up. But with Arsenal having the away goal, then it gives them a slight psychological advantage. The key will be to stop Chelsea scoring because Chelsea have got to score to stay in the match. With arguably the most improved player of the season in Kolo Toure then he will be in for a busy night.

Well Chelsea have really hit some form while all the speculation over Claudio Ranieri's future is still in doubt. The great thing over Chelsea is their defensive qualities. They definitely have the mentality of a good Italian side, 1 that concedes very few goals and one that doesn't score much. The big key for them is who starts the game up front. Their 4 strikers on the books at the moment, Adrian Mutu, Hernan Crespo, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Eidur Gudjonsson have all been rotated throughout the season. Mutu and Crespo haven't set the Premiership on fire, which must be disappointing for Ranieri. But Jimmy and Eidur are both playing very well at the moment. Jimmy came off the bench against Wolves and scored a hat trick and followed that up with the only goal in the 1-0 win over arch rivals Spurs on Saturday. Another big question must be where does Damien Duff start. He seems to be the only player in the Chelsea side capable of getting an attack started. They lack width on the right hand side and will need to address the problem in the summer. Joaquin of Real Betis for me seems a realistic target. But Chelsea have a major hurdle to clime. Their record against Arsenal in recent years is shocking. No win since 1995 I believe. That is a long time. They already met 4 times this season, with Arsenal coming out on top 3 times with the draw in the Champions League. 3 out of the 4 games Arsenal came from behind and Ranieri will be aware of this record.

Key Player: Damien Duff

Prediction: Arsenal Win

PSV Vs Newcastle (Thursday 8th April)

Newcastle continue their quest to bring a trophy back to the fantastic supporters back in the North East in the UEFA Cup and they certainly don't have an easy tie as Bobby Robson's return to Eindhoven where he became a legend. You also feel with the Newcastle that their defence is the weakest past by a margin. They have a fantastic goalkeeper in Shay Given who very rarely makes mistakes. But with the exception of Jonathan Woodgate, their defence isn't the greatest. In midfield its all about pace and the ability to score goals and assist Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy. They have some fantastic players in Laurent Robert, Kieran Dyer, Jermaine Jenas, Hugo Viana, Darren Ambrose. Leading the attack for Newcastle will be Alan Shearer, the best English striker since Lineker who keeps on scoring and would easily get into the England 1st 11 if he wanted to. His partner will most likely be Craig Bellamy who has pace and appears to be back to his best following an impressive display in the 4-2 win over Everton on Saturday.

Key Player: Alan Shearer

Prediction: Draw

Next article: Friday,9th April!

Mark