The New Hut: News

Mystic Jarv predictions Weekend of 28th August

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:27:21 -0400

Four correct results and Two fully correct scores last week so not a great week. Anyway on to this week's predictions

Saturday 28^th August

Blackburn Rovers V Arsenal 12:45
No i'll either look like a genius or a fool with this one but I'm predicting a Blackburn win. Blackburn are very tough to beat at home and Arsenal are well known to "Not like it up em" and that's certainly what they will get at Blackburn. Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 win for Blackburn

Blackpool V Fulham 15:00
Two very different results for these two last week, Blackpool got hammered by Arsenal and Fulham drew against Man United. They might have won the game too. Blackpool have their firsat home game after 2 games away thanks to switching the first game as the ground wasn't ready. They will want to impress their fans and I think will just sneak this one. Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-0 win for Blackpool

Chelsea V Stoke City 15:00
Chelsea have started at a million miles an hour but don't expect 6-0 every week because so far they have played what is probably 2 of the 3 weakest teams in the division. Don't get me wrong +12 goal difference is impressive but after week one I expected them to get lots more goals and even mentioned that they may have double figures goal difference after last week. Stoke will be a tougher test as they are a lot more organised, I still expect Chelsea to win but it will be a lot closer than the last 2 weeks. Mystic Jarv predicts a 2-1 win for Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur V Wigan Athletic 15:00
Wigan are terrible and if they don't improve very very quickly then they might well be effectively down by Christmas. Spurs on the other hand will be buoyed by qualifying for the group stages of the Champions League. This game will only go one way and more questions will be asked about Martinez's future. Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-0 win for Spurs

Wolverhampton Wanderers V Newcastle United 15:00
Wow was my response after seeing the Newcastle result last Sunday. For me it was the most impressive result of the season so far because this wasn't against a relegation candidate, this was against a club that last season qualified for Europe. Wolves have started well drawing away at Everton and beating Stoke at home as well as getting through to the third round of the Carling cup this week. Newcastle will be on a high and will win this one. Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-2 win for Newcastle

Manchester United V West Ham United 17:30
I have made an error people, I have arranged to be cooking a BBQ when Man United are playing on TV, Poor show I know but its too late to change now. West ham have started badly and it doesn't get any easier over the next three games with Chelsea at home then a tough trip to Stoke to follow this game. I will be amazed if West Ham get anything from this game or the next 2 and despite that only making 5 games the vultures may start circling Avram Grant, I hope he survives but its going to be a long old tough season from here for them. Man United failed to win last time out but a point at Craven Cottage is more than they got last season. Mystic Jarv predicts 3-1 to Man United and a stormer of a game as I'm not watching it.

Sunday 29^th August

Bolton Wanderers V Birmingham City 13:30
This game has draw written all over it for the two teams currently in 5^th and 6^th. Both clubs made it through the Carling cup this week and both will be not wanting to lose this game. MysticJarv predicts a 1-1 draw

Liverpool V West Bromwich Albion 15:00
It's been a tough opening for Liverpool with Arsenal ta home and Man City away in their first two games. Luckily for them it now gets a bit easier, at least for this week with the eminently beatable West Brom. Failure to pick up three points here will raise a few eyebrows and a few more questions about them getting back in Europe next season. Birmingham away and Manchester United away are the next 2 up so no points here might result in their worst start in years. Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-0 win for Liverpool

Sunderland V Manchester City 15:00
A sign of dissent emerged from Eastlands this week with Adebayor wanting out before the window shuts. It will be a test of rotation to keep even the final 25 man squad happy this season and that may be their ultimate downfall in their quest for a league title. Sunderland lost to West Brom last week which is a game they really should win if they are aiming for the top half. Mystic Jarv predicts a 3-1 win for City

Aston Villa V Everton 16:00
Last game of the weekend as there isn't a Monday game this week and it's two clubs who have started worse than they would have liked. Villa have three points from a good win against West ham but then got mauled by Newcastle. Everton lost at Blackburn which in itself is a tough place to go but failing to beat Wolves at home is a poor result for a club aiming for Europe. A cagey game awaist as both clubs need at least a point. Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 draw

So there you go

By

Spa Grand Prix-view 2010

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:11:01 -0400

So the summer F1 break is almost at an end….Yay!. I love Spa, its my favourite race of the season, its nearly always eventful and usually a good race. I found it interesting that Red Bull, on a track which should have suited them through the fast corners they have been talking down their chances. I wonder whether this has anything to do with the more stringent checks the FIA are introducing from this weekend on the front wings. Personally I would have preferred the FIA to surprise the teams with the new checks at the race and not give them time to prepare.

Last year Force India had a great race here and although they have played down their chances of achieving the same result this season I would still expect this to be one of their strongest races of the season. While Lotus are already concentration on 2011 Virgin I believe are still bringing updates in a real bid to finish top of the new teams.

Spa really is a fantastic circuit, It is long, has fast and slow corners, the magnificent Eau Rouge and is a real challenge to drivers and has a long history. It will be an interesting race as it's situated just after a four week break which includes a two week "enforced" shut down period where the factories has to be closed. Now I'm sure no-one actually believes that no work goes on during this time, laptops can be taken home and manufacturing work can be out sourced to external companies.Here is a video of the 2007 Pole lap from Kimi Raikonnen.

Ferrari I think will be a strong team here as they were just before the break however they have the World Motor Sport Council meeting to look forward to before the Italian grand prix where it is possible they could be kicked out of the championship. More realistically I expect them to lose their points from Germany and told not to do it again.

Renault bring their version of the f-duct to Spa and were quick in Hungary so if it works well they might be quite on the pace. Williams have steadily improved this season and Barrichello will want to put in a good showing in his 300^th Grand prix.

One of the stupidest things I have seen since the last race was the fine Lewis Hamilton got for "Hooning" in Australia, £288 is probably less than an hours work for Hamilton, perhaps some community service doing road safety would have been better. Michael Schumacher has a 10 place grid penalty instead of kicking him out of the last race which he deserved. Still at least he didn't get points by almost running Barrichello into the wall which might have killed him. Still he's got off lightly in my opinion, and not for the first time.

Nigel Mansell is guest ex-driver steward at this race and it promises to be as eventful as ever and I can't wait to watch.

By Steve Jarvis

Clubs awaiting Champions League draw

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:08:52 -0400

The draw is today (Thursday) at 5pm which is a silly time as I am going to be travelling home and will miss it. For the first time Spurs will be included within the draw and I'm sure they and their fans are eagerly awaiting to see who they get. For most clubs out side of the Third pot I would think Spurs or Schalke will be the 2 teams which the seeds will most like to avoid, that's not to say the other clubs are weak, because they aren't. It is just that I believe them 2 to be the strongest.

For the top seeds the worst possible draw would likely include Real Madrid from pot 2, spurs/Schalke from pot 3 and FC Twnte or Auxerre from pot four. I have to say there are several clubs I know very little about, especially in pot 4. As a Manchester united fan I would like the following group

Panathinaikos (its my view they are the weakest of the second seeds)
Rangers, Basle or FC Copenhagen (probably the 3 weakest third seeds and not a long flight)
MSK Zilina (Slovakian Champions so not far to travel)

The full list of teams pots are:

Pots for Uefa Champions League draw:

Pot one: Inter Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Lyon.

Pot two: Werder Bremen, Real Madrid, Roma, Shakhtar Donetsk, Benfica, Valencia, Marseille, Panathinaikos.

Pot three: Tottenham, Rangers, Ajax, Schalke, Basle, Braga, FC Copenhagen, Spartak Moscow.

Pot four: Hapoel Tel Aviv, FC Twente, Rubin Kazan, Auxerre, CFR Cluj, Partizan Belgrade, MSK Zilina, Bursaspor.

By Steve Jarvis

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The war on second hand games

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:19:51 -0400

There has been a number of comments from a few retailers, I can only name THQ (shame on you as i really like a lot of your games) off hand but i am sure there are more, about Second hand games.Games publishers do not like the second hand games market apparently because they "Don't make any money out of it". Well lets look at that for a second.

Not everyone can afford to buy all new games, its a fact of life. So publishers are going to cut away some of their market. Why spend £15 on a second hand game when you cannot play it online or cannot play all the content. Some of these people are going to download the game which will likely have all the content, sure they wont be able to play online but its saved them fifteen quid and they are in the same position. Some users sell games they have finished with and use the money to help fund new games and if no-one is going to buy the gamesstores will stop offering cash for them and the people who do buy new games will have less money to be able to do so.

So in reality games publishers do make money out of second hand games, maybe not directly but they do benefit from the money being kept within the system. After all it's not like the first buyer will still be playing online or using the extra content after they have sold the game is it? So why stop someone else helping to fund the games industry and playing a game for a lesser price. Everyone wins, oh no i forgot suddenly more game splayers are suddenly going to be able to find the extra £15 to buy the games new arent they.

Perhaps publishers would be better on focusing on creating games users will want to keep and keep coming back to rather than "Just doing enough". DLC is common these days but once in a while a new FREE map wouldn't go amiss or do what Valve are excellent at doing and make it easy for users to make mods and maps for games, I may be wrong but wasn't counterstrike originally a free mod? £10+ for a few extra maps is a stupid price i won't pay.

Perhaps if games were priced a bit more reasonably then more people would buy them. I have never understood how an addon for a game can be priced at £40, i'm looking at you Bioware.

For every second hand sale, somewhere along the line the game must have been bought new so the publisher has already had a cut. As I have already said by stopping the trading in of games it wont mean more sales in fact its likely to be the opposite, Its a bad business decision.

BySteve Jarvis

What is the greatest computer game of all time?

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:13:52 -0400

I am trying to determine the greatest game of all time, it can be from any genre, any platform, any year. Unlike the lists in magazines created by so called "Experts" this list will be created from your votes. Anyone can fill in the greatest games of all time survey. Obviously i would like you to all stick around the site but its not compulsary to.

The scoring is set up like this seasons F1 scoring system with 25 points going to your favourite followed by 18,15,12,10,8,6,4,2,1 in order. Please vote for your favourite games, not games you tink should be there or leave some games out because you think loads of others will vote for them.

The survey can be found here: http://thenewhut.com/site/pg/quiz/do/the_greatest_games_of_all_time

Thank you for helping out

By Steve Jarvis

Mystic Jarv Predictions for the weekend of 21st August

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:47:56 -0400

Well we are now a week into the new season and a quick look back tells me I got 6 correct results and 2 fully correct scores out of the 10 games last weekend.

Anyway on to this week's predictions

Saturday 21^st August

Arsenal V Blackpool 15:00

Well, I got Blackpool's result wrong last week which was a surprise, not just the result but the emphatic way they demolished Wigan. I will be completely astounded if they get anything from the Emirates. Arsenal may be boosted by the return of Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas to the starting line up. Even without them I expect a comfortable win for Arsenal. Mystic Jarv predicts 3-0 to Arsenal.

Birmingham City V Blackburn Rovers 15:00

A good win last weekend for Blackburn at home to Everton got their season off to a good start and will want to pick up their first away win at the first attempt. Birmingham gained a good point at Sunderland last week after being 2-0 down and have added ex Blackburn player Matt Derbyshire to the squad. Birmingham I think may just shade this one. Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to Brum

Everton V Wolves 15:00

Although losing at Blackburn wasn't a very bad result for Everton, plenty of teams will come unstuck at Ewood park, Everton will want to get some points on the board in their first home game. Beating Stoke was a very nice result for Wolves and they wont want to lose at Goodison this week and they have strengthened since last season. I don't see Wolves having enough to beat Everton though. Mystic Jarv predicts 2-0 to Everton

Stoke City V Spurs 15:00

Stoke city are tough to beat at home and I expect them to give Spurs a real examining, especially from set pieces. Spurs look like they will sign William Gallas on a free transfer which is a great bit of business for spurs because if they can keep him motivated he's a quality defender. I do find it funny that a lot of Arsenal fans are now saying he was rubbish, the same fans who previously said they got the best of the Cole/Gallas deal a few years back. Spurs looked quality but came up against a Joe Hart shaped wall. I expect Spurs to have too much for Stoke. Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-2 to Spurs

West Bromwich Albion V Sunderland 15:00

Not a great week last weekend for either of these teams one got thumped by Chelsea and one lost a 2-0 lead at home. Both will want to do better this week. My personal feeling is Sunderland will just edge it due to them having a better striker. Mystic Jarv predicts a 0-1 win for Sunderland

West Ham V Bolton 15:00

West Ham were dreadful against Villa last week and for their sake hopefully got a rollocking after the game. Grant has another season of being near the bottom end of the table and they have to win these type of games if they want to have a chance of staying up. For what its worth I think they will win this one just. Bolton have added the excellent Martin Petrov and should have a better season than a lot of people think and I believe they will be safe before the last game. Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to West Ham

Wigan V Chelsea 17:15

There is only one result possible here�€��€�..is what I wrote in the corresponding fixture last year, how wrong was I?. This season is different and Wigan got hammered last week to the new boys and Chelsea drubbed some of the other New boys. Really, only one winner here, its entirely possible Chelsea might have a plus double figure goal difference after 2 games. Mystic Jarv predicts 0-3 to Chelsea

Sunday 22^nd August

Newcastle V Aston Villa 13:30

Villa were impressive last week against West Ham and since then have concluded a great piece of business, rumoured 18 million plus Ireland for Milner is fantastic for Villa. I honestly don't think there is much between the 2 and Ireland will get more games for Villa than Milner will for city. Newcastle looked good for a while against Man United on Monday and had Caroll scored it might have been a different story. If Newcastle don't self destruct then they should comfortably stay up. Mystic Jarv predicts 1-2 to Villa

Fulham V Manchester United 16:00

This was a game I got wrong last year, I didn't expect United to lose at Craven Cottage and to be honest I don't this year either. Hughes is still moulding Fulham into his own style of play and this game will be too early in the season to really trouble United. United looked a bit disjointed at times and could have struggled had Newcastle got the early goal last Monday. All this been said I expect this to be a comfortable win for the Red Devils. Mystic Jarv predicts 1-3 to United

Monday 23^rd August

Manchester City V Liverpool

This is a tough game to predict, on balance it should really be a walk over for City. Lots of expensive players, the same manager as last season against Liverpool with a new manager and not a lot strengthening. In practice I expect it to be tight and one team might steal it late on but i'll go for a draw. Mystic Jarv predicts a 1-1 draw

So there you go

By Steve Jarvis

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aka Mystic Jarv

Age of Empires online announced

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:29:44 -0400

I was very happy to read this week that Microsoft have announced Age of Empires online including a persistent world and which promises to run on a good cross section of PC machine standards. I love the original games and have long since wanted an Age of Empires 4. It will be interesting to see what kind of traction this gets in the market as its already competing behind Starcraft 2, Never the less i will give it a go and have already attempted to sign up for the Age of Empires online beta. Lets hope i get accepted.

Have a look at this trailer for more information

By Steve Jarvis

Duke Nukem Forever to finally make an appearance?

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:21:04 -0400

Den of Geek have reported that there are fresh rumours regarding Duke Nukem forever. The summary is after the project has taken literally forever and being seemingly dead when 3D Realms closed and a court case over its non-appearance looked dead. New rumours are that gearbox Software who make Borderlands have taken up the project and there may even be a playable demo out by the end of the year.

Now i loved Duke 3d and it was a mainstay of our LAN for many years and gave birth to the phrase "Duke Nukem Hand" which referred to your fingers locking in the position over the arrow keys when we had been playing it for four hours straight.

Regardless the game needs to be awesome to even get close to living up to expectations.

You can read the full Den of Geek article here: Duke Nukem Forever to appear after all? - Den of Geek

Although it may not actually be anything like this its still worth posting, even just for the Duke Metal theme

And the original 3D First level

By Steve Jarvis

Call of Duty Black Ops Multiplayer teaser

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 06:23:51 -0400

Treyarch have released a multiplayer teaser trailor for Call of Duty Black ops. This looks really good. I love the idea of a crossbow and the remote control car bomb. Ther eis a lot of competition around when it is released so it will have to be pretty special to achieve dominence when Modern Warfare 2 and Bad Company 2 have a large market share.

There is going to be a bigger announcement or preview on September first so I will post more then for now enjoy this video.

Apparently there will be 4 "Zombie" maps. Zombie games/modes are certainly en-vogue at the moment, there are also rumours of an arcade mode and some multilayer co-op maps too.
By Steve Jarvis

Northern Fail complaint Letter

Sat, 14 Aug 2010 06:16:20 -0400

Below is a copy of a complaint letter i sent to Northern Fail on Friday 13th of August. At the time of posting i have not received a response. I sent the email to the Managing Director Ian Bevan as i hope he can actually do something about their poor service.

Mystic Jarv predictionsWeekend 14 August

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:50:53 -0400

A new season and a new lot of premier league predictions, I hope to post these every week but can't promise. Let me know what you think.

Saturday, 14 August 2010

Tottenham v Manchester City, 12:45

What a potentially great game to begin the season. Last seasons 2 main challengers to finish 4^th up against each other on the opening day. If last season is anything to go on then this might go some way determining who finishes 4^th. Although it is too early to make much of a difference last season the gap was only three points. It will be a tight game but I think Spurs will just shave it. - Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Spurs

Aston Villa v West Ham United, 15:00

I would have predicted this game to be a lot more comfortable before Martin O'Neill did a runner this week, that been said I still think Villa will be too much for West Ham. If there was ever a good time to be going to Villa park though this is it and West Ham must think they have a good chance to get something from the game.- Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Villa

Blackburn Rovers v Everton, 15:00

One of the best teams at home last season against the end of the seasons form team says to me this game could go either way. Had Everton started last season well then they would have had a great chance at finishing fourth and be playing Champions league football this season. Blackburn finished top half largely due to their excellent home form and neither club will want to lose their first game.- Mystic Jarv predicts a cagey 1-0 to Blackburn

Bolton Wanderers v Fulham, 15:00

Two teams I have predicted to finish in the bottom half and neither will want to get off to a bad start. I expect this to be a hard fought defensive game which will be edged by one goal either way.- Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Bolton

Sunderland v Birmingham City, 15:00

Steve bruce takes on one of his former clubs in a game they will think is winnable. Birmingham were the lowest scorers in the top half last season and will not be easy to break down. But as first home games go Against Birmingham could be much worse. Birmingham will want to aim to re-create last seasons form which allowed them to finish a very respectable ninth. I have predicted Birmingham to finish above Sunderland by the end of the season but ithink Sunderland will win this one.- Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to Sunderland

Wigan Athletic v Blackpool, 15:00

Originally switched from Blackpool to Wigan while work is completed at Blackpool's ground. This is a vitally important game for both clubs, Blackpool should see this as the most likely away game they ought to get something fromall season and anything less than a win for Wigan at home to the likely bottom team will send alarm bells ringing - Mystic Jarv predicts 2-1 to Wigan

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Stoke City, 15:00

Stoke new boy Kenwyne Jones will want to get off to a good start but may find it tough to break down Wolves who will be well organised. McCarthy will see this as a winnable game and will probably take the three points although a 0-0 wouldn't surprise me either.- Mystic Jarv predicts 1-0 to Wolves

Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion, 17:30

The toughest possible start for West Brom and anything at all from this game would be a massive bonus for them. Chelsea have stuttered in pre-season and this might be the best time for a team to visit the bridge. Still I cannot see anything less than a comfortable win for Ancelotti's men- Mystic Jarv predicts 3-1 to Chelsea

Sunday, 15 August 2010

Liverpool v Arsenal, 16:00

For many years this was a top 4 clash and while Liverpool won't make the top four this year (I don't think) this is still a massive game. Arsenal are very light in the middle of the park and look to be starting Frimpong and Wilshire. Liverpool have just added Poulson from Juventus and have Most of their squad available. This would ordinarily point to a Liverpool win but I just have a sneaky suspicion Arsenal will grab a draw.- Mystic Jarv predicts 1-1

Monday, 16 August 2010

Manchester United v Newcastle United, 20:00

The last version of this fixture was 0-0 on the opening day a few years ago and I'd guess Newcastle would take that on Monday night this time around. Man Utd are off the back of comfortably brushing off Chelsea in the Community shield but that will in no way make up for Chelsea doing the double last season. Fergie will want the team to get off to a strong start, something they have struggle with in the past. I expect him to pick an attacking line up and as a Man Utd fan I would like to see Hernandez and Rooney up front.- Mystic Jarv predicts 3-1 to Manchester United

So there you go

By Steve Jarvis aka Mystic Jarv

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - New Preview & Spoilers

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:15:33 -0400

Warner Bros have released a new preview feature video of the up-coming Harry Potter and the deathly hallows part 1 Movie. It's only just over a minute long but its worth a look if you are looking forward to the new film. The preview doesn't give away loads from the film but it looks nice. I have already posted the Deathly Hallows Trailer on this site.

Anyway Enjoy…

They have also stated where the Story will be split into two parts. The split will be just after Voldemort retrieves the Elder wand from Dumbledore's tomb…..Well i did say spoilers in the title.
By Steve Jarvis

Premier League preview part 5

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:01:18 -0400

Here is the fifth and final part of Mystic Jarv's premier league preview. The Earlier instalments can be found here, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 & part 4 . Still time to join our fantasy football game. I realise some of my previews are now looking a bit off but these were written usually a few days before they are posted….that's my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it. Anyway onto the preview.

West Brom
The last of the three promoted teams in this preview. Getting off to a good start is important for most of the smaller teams and unfortunately for West Brom they are travelling to the reigning champions and it would be a brave man who predicted anything other than a Chelsea win there. I successful season for most of their supporters would be still be playing in the top division next season.

Key Men: Carson or Myhill will need to be at the top of their game as they will certainly be kept busy.

What they Need: All around improvement and general strengthening, especially up front.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Eighteenth, going back from whence they came, probably on the last day of the season.

West Ham United
West ham are a strange club these days, constantly linked with big names who are past their best which invariably comes to nothing. West ham have a range of promising youngsters and their season could largely be determined on how many of them make the grade. They have brought in very average striker Frederic Piquionne who in my opinion wont get nearly enough goals.

Key Men: Carlton Cole, A quality player who will be there or there abouts most England squads for the next few years if he can find form and stay fit. Scott Parker, Their best midfielder and engine room in the middle, also apparently the only squad member not up for sale

What they need: A really good goal scorer and Carlton Cole to stay fit & Avram Grant to work some magic.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Fourteenth, by virtue of there being more poor sides this season….which is lucky for the Hammers.

Wigan Athletic
Managed by my pick for first real managerial casualty, a poor start may see them going down but they have a very winnable first game at home to Blackpool. Failure to pick up three points in this fixture will send alarm bells ringing around the JJB/DW/What ever its called this season stadium.

Key Men: Chris Kirkland, when fit he's a quality keeper and a good season will see him in a Capello squad. Whoever plays up top needs to score lots of goals

What they Need: Strengthening at the back, I never expected to say this but the loss of Bramble could be a big loss for them

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Seventeenth, just and only if they get a little luck along the way, if I were a Wigan fan, I would be worried.

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Defied most peoples predictions (including mine) of a swift return to the Fizzy pop league last time around. In the end last season 15^th was a good finish, I am sure they would have taken 17^th at the beginning of the season. I'm sure they will want to push on but realistically I think there are more better teams out there this season.

Key Man: Kevin Doyle, a reasonable quality striker (nowhere near the £50 million McCarthy said he was worth though) and will get them goals, will it be enough to stave off the drop for another year? Jody Craddock, linchpin of the Wolves defence

What they need: Mick Mccarthy to instil his usual strong work ethic on the newcomers and Steven Fletcher to gel quickly with Kevin Doyle. 32 goals last season may not be enough this time around.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Nineteenth

By Steve Jarvis

Premier League preview part 4

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:55:54 -0400

Here is part 4 of Mystic Jarv's premier league preview. This one covers Newcastle, Stoke, Sunderland and Spurs. If you have missed the three previous instalments they can be found here, Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. Also don't forget to get your team ready for our fantasy football game this season, there are still 2 days to enter but time is running out fast.

Newcastle United
Last season's Championship winners but this season will present itself in a whole new light. Expectation of greatness is the norm on tyneside but it would be one very biased Newcastle fan to even contemplate anything other than survival this time around as being a good season. My opinion is they will survive but need to get off to a good start .

Key Men: Andy Carroll will need to get them some goals and Nolan and Barton will need to be at the top of their game in the middle and they may just surprise a few people.

What do they need: To get off to a good start and consign the almost Circus like antics in the board room in recent years to the past.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Fifteenth

Stoke City
Finished last season in a comfortable eleventh place and didn't look at any stage to be in trouble or to be dragged into the relegation dog fight. Another season of the same would likely please most Stoke fans. Lets face it the alternative is a return to weekly trips to places like Blackpool…….oh wait!

Key Man: Rory Delap's long throw.

What do they need: To continue how they have been for the last 2 seasons, make themselves hard to beat.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Eleventh

Sunderland
Last season was mixed for Sunderland, at one point flirting with a Europa league space then slipping down to 13th. I personally see much the same for them in terms of finishing. They have a good team but not spectacular. A top 10 (just) finish may be possible but I believe there are 11 stronger teams this season.

Key Men: Lee Cattermole is very important to Sunderland offering some bite and steel to the centre of midfield. Darren Bent, Main goal threat along side Kenwyne Jones who needs a good season (20+ Goals) to justify the hype.

What they need: Jones and Bent to score plenty of goals and Craig Gordon to return quickly if they cannot find better cover.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Twelfth

Tottenham Hotspur
Will this seasons jaunt into the Champions league be a distraction for spurs, will they even make it past the qualifiers. Personally I hope they do qualify but regardless I think they will struggle to maintain finishing in the top 4.

Key Men: Ledley King, quite frankly their defences is a whole lot better when he is fit and playing although Dawson had a good season last year. Defoe is likely to be their main goal threat once again and Luka Modric will pull the strings in midfield.

What they need: Either Woodgate to be fit long term or another really really good centre back as King cannot be relied on to play 40 games a season. General squad strengthening all round if they are to run deep into the Champions League and stay in the top 4.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Fifth

The last part will be tomorrow

Premier League preview part 3

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:23:38 -0400

Here is part three of Mystic Jarv's premier league season preview. This one includes Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. You can also read part 1 & part 2 if you haven't already. Also don't forget to join in Fantasy Football

Fulham
Fulham are in for a tough season this year, expectations have been raised a little after a run to the Europa league final and finishing in the top 7 2 seasons ago and 12th last season. Fulham have lost Hodgson to Liverpool and he will be a very tough at to follow, Hughes seems to do well as the underdog as proved with Wales and Blackburn.

Key Men: Hangeland, Solid rock at the Back, Schwarzer, if he stays will need to be on top form again and Zamora will need to find the form he had last season and not be distracted by call ups to the National set up.

What they need: To gel quickly under Hughes and to replace Schwarzer fast if he goes with another quality keeper. A bit of luck on the injuries front would help too.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Thirteenth

Liverpool
Last season was very poor by Liverpool's recent standards and this season appears to not be any easier. They have held onto Gerrard and Torres which is a big part of anything they may achieve this season. Joe cole has joined to replace Benayoun who went the other way. I personally think Cole is a massive upgrade and if he stays fit will be a big player for them this season. Liverpool have a good first team but keeping Gerrard, Torres, Reina, Agger and Joe Cole fit will decide whether thery are challenging for the champions league or scrapping for a Europa league place again.

Key Men: Gerrard and Torres, These 2 have to stay fit

What they need: New owners to clear the debt and invest in a few more world class players or they will quickly be left behind in the regular challengers for the top 4 list.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Sixth

Manchester City
Another off-season of big spending from the men from Eastlands and City should be taken as serious contenders for the title. Ultimately I don't think they will win it this year but I wouldn't bet against them in the next few years(as a Man Utd fan that's very hard to type). Mancini's first task is to trim the 40 players they have down to 25 a job which seems to be getting harder with the likely addition of Ballotelli and Milner. City will certainly have no excuses if injuries strike.

Key Men: I could name lots here but I'll go with Who ever plays in defence as this was definitely their weaker point last season even with the excellent Given in goal who will this season be fighting against Hart for the the right to wear the Gloves.

What they Need: A full time counsellor to keep the players whoa re not playing happy

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Fourth, Normally this would be a successful season but owing to the amount spent over the last three years it should really be seen as a complete failure. If I had spent close to half a billion pounds I'd be expecting a strong title challenge, anything less isn't good enough.

Manchester United
Close but no cigar last season and no matter what any pundit says winning the community shield in no way is any revenge or makes up for Chelsea winning the League and FA Cup last season. There have been no notable exits apart from Ben Foster who wasn't likely to play much. Smalling and Hernandez have been brought in and should Injuries not strike to the level they did last season, (More than any other club) Then this season United should have enough to reclaim the title.

Key Men: The Physio who needs to keep Ferdinand, Owen, Brown and Hargreaves (if he ever comes back from the Surgeons waiting room in America that is) patched up. Scholes and Giggs, both these 2 need to play often as the midfield lacks much of a creative spark without them.

What they need: A creative midfielder to take pressure off Scholes and Giggs, Fergie seems to think Cleverley will be that player and I hope he is right. As a United fan I would have loved Cole who went to Liverpool and I would like Ozil too, even if Cleverley is the real deal then having 2 really good players takes the pressure off them a little

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Champions, just.

Part 4 will come tomorrow

Written by Steve Jarvis

Premier League Preview part 2

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:38:24 -0400

So here is part 2 of Mystic Jarv's premier league preview of the 2010/2011 season. If you haven't read part 1 read it here

Blackpool

Last seasons surprise package in the Championship and an inspiration to all the clubs in the second tier wanting to reach the Premier league. Sadly I think the fairytale will be short lived once the season starts.

Key Men: Ian Holloway, He will need to get them motivated to give their all and then some every single game if they are to have a hope of surviving. Charlie Adam, one of the key reasons they made it up in the first place.

What they need: Several quality players

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Twentieth

Bolton Wanderers

Perennial relegation battle fighters Bolton Wanderers will once again be battling the drop and should survive comfortably as there are at least 3 worse team than them. I have predicted 16th which may be a little harsh. If Martin Petrov keeps fit he will be a fantastic signing for them.

Key Men: Petrov as mentioned above and Gary Cahill. Cahill I really expected to be elsewhere this season and its testament to Owen Coyle managing to keep him at the Reebok stadium.

What they Need: Lots of hard work and they will be fine.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Sixteenth

Chelsea

Last seasons champions and they will be in the fight right up until the end again this season. Four players have left in Ballack, Deco, Joe Cole and Belletti. In comes Beanyoun, Ramires and Michael Essien returns from a long injury.

Key Men: Lots of them, Drogba & Essien being the chief two but there are plenty of others to fill in.

What they Need: A few younger players to start breaking through sooner rather than later

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Second, There or there abouts but ultimately a point or 2 short.

Everton

After a terrible start and a boat load of injuries Everton finished the season with just 2 defeats in the last 24 games. Had they picked up a few points earlier in the season they would have finished above their city rivals. A good start this time around and they may not be far away from the Champions league places. Ultimately though I don't think they have a strong enough squad and seventh is where they will end up. They might snatch anything from 4th downwards if they get a little luck.

Key Men: Cahill & Arteta. If they stay fit and firing Everton should give everyone a tough game.

What they Need: Players to stay fit

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Seventh

By Steve Jarvis aka Mystic Jarv

Premier League Preview - Part 1

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 05:09:21 -0400

So the premier league season is only a few days away (Have you joined our Fantasy Football Game yet?) This is a quick view at all 20 teams, split into five parts, and where I think they will end up this season. So anyway here we go.

Arsenal
So….Arsenal they play very nice football, sadly for Arsenal fans that isn't enough fopr them any more they want one of those silver things that Man United and Chelsea seems to be getting a few of on recent years. Its five years since the FA cup triumph in 2005 and even longer for a league title.

Key men: Fabregas and Van Persie. Fabregas who isn't off to Barcelona this season is the heartbeat of Arsenal if he is playing well so are Arsneal. Van Persie is key because they are a lot more threatening than when he is on the treatment table again, They have brought in Chamakh to ease the burden on scoring goals too.

What do they need: A better than average keeper and they might have won something in the last few years. They also need the new defender they have signed to quickly bed in with Vermaelen.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Third, Still not god enough over the long haul to oust United or Chelsea and may spend some of the campaign looking over their shoulders at City and Spurs.

Aston Villa - Written before Martin O'Neill quit
Villa are a very well run club, however that appears to mean they will sell their best player and be happy to finish top half of the table each season but little better. The Europa league is of little benefit to Villa and they may as well not bother playing Rapid Vienna as sooner or later they will rest players and go out so it may as well be now.

Key Man: Ashley Young, Strangely Young looks like a world beater until around February or March then goes missing and so does Villa's form.

What do they need: To stop selling their best player every season and to add a few more quality player to their squad depth.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Eighth, possibly even Ninth if Birmingham have a good season.

Birmingham
Last season's surprise package, helped considerably by having the excellent Joe Hart in the net. Ben Foster will have a tough time filling Hart's gloves and he is crucial if Brum are going to match or better their last seasons performance.

Key Men: Foster for the reason mentioned above and Lee Bowyer, Who will need to be on top form to get close to matching last season.

What do they need: Lots of hard work and a little luck.

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Ninth

Blackburn Rovers
No-one likes a Big Sam team, I'm not even sure Big Sam likes them some of the time. One thing for certain is they will be very tough to beat at home. Phil Jones looks like he will mature into an excellent defender and Swede Martin Olsson looks the real deal too.

Key Men: a Few, Robinson, Newly retired form international football was a quality keeper last season. Ryan Nelson, a good centre back and not often noticed which is good for a Centre back.
What they Need: A really good goal scorer

Mystic Jarv's prediction: Tenth.

Come back tomorrow for part 2 including Blackpool, Bolton, Chelsea & Everton

By Steve Jarvis

Company of Heroes Online Beta Key

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:50:11 -0400

I thought you might be interested in a free key for the Company of Heroes online closed beta test. All you need to do is have a raptr account, also free and goto the following web address Promotion • Raptr

Enjoy