Welcome to the Ambition Group EPL Tipping Competition

For clients, friends and staff of Ambition in the UK, Asia and Australia. If you are football tipping genius, then join the tenth season of Sporting Ambition's tipping competition where you will use your skill and knowledge to guess the outcome of a English Premier League match each week.

Shirtman’s Blog

Match Review – Sunderland v Manchester City

Posted September 1st, 2010 by The Shirtman

The jinx got to City early this year, with Tevez fluffing a complete sitter, and then watching in horror as Bent knocked in an injury time penalty to seal their fate. The Shirtman’s smugly confident assurances of a comfortable win over Sunderland leading them (inevitably I suppose) to an inglorious 1-0 defeat. Open mouth. Insert foot. Repeat on a weekly basis. Welcome back to Premier League tipping with the Shirtman ladies and gentlemen – the place where Carlos Tevez makes liars of us all.

A glorious day for Sunderland – let’s not gloss over that. 1-0 wins against footballing giants don’t come around to often for the Black Cats (in fact I’m pretty sure they don’t come around at all), and this one will be remembered for a long, long time. They didn’t dominate mind you – in fact, they spent most of the game under more pressure than the Australian Electoral Commission – but they turned a spirited second half performance into points thanks to Darren Bent and whatever variant of ice-water he has running through his veins. More importantly they moved themselves away from the bottom of the table…and if they play that way more regularly they will very likely stay there.

For City, this is not a time for panic. But it is perhaps time for raised eyebrows, and pretty soon, the finger pointing will begin. Nobody spent twice the amount of Sierra Leones national debt on a squad to watch them lose to the likes of Sunderland. That was the Citizens of old. Before all their players were international football stars and wore underpants made entirely of gold.

Manchester City came into this season with hopes for a title. Three games in and they have four points on the board.

Rest assured folks, that the Princes of Abu Dhabi are not even slightly amused.

Match Preview: Sunderland v Manchester City

Posted August 26th, 2010 by The Shirtman

Stadium of Light

Pundits tipped Sunderland to challenge for a spot in the Championship next season, and the first two games the Black Cats have played have done little to change anybody’s opinion. An unsatisfying 2-2 draw against Birmingham in the opener, and a disappointing 1-0 loss to West Bromwich next time out has given fans little to be excited about at the start of the 2010/2011 season.

It’s unlikely to change this weekend either, when they run into a Manchester City outfit that looks pretty serious about staking its title credentials early. The Citizens shook off the rust with a 0-0 draw against the Spurs in their opener and completely annihilated Liverpool 3-0 next time out. Sure, they may turn over players faster than the Labor Party turns over seats, and they are still only the second best team in Manchester – but with the likes of Barry, Tevez, Vieira, Given and Adebayor now on board, this may be the year all of that changes.

For that to happen however they need to win the road games against the struggling teams. They need to win games like this. Can the Abu Dhabi Blues keep their title run on track? Or will the Black Cats show they have some claws?

Put me down for a Manchester City win. An easy Manchester City win. Tevez to score.

Away ( Manchester City ) 3-0, Tevez.

PS – If you do not submit your tips prior to kick off you will be credited with the Shirtman’s score

Match Review – Newcastle v Aston Villa

Posted August 26th, 2010 by The Shirtman

We knew they would come out inspired at St James’ Park…but 6-0? 6-0?!?!? That’s not a Newcastle game. That’s a Chelsea game. Or an English Ruby Union Test. Or a High Court vote for chrissakes. That’s not the scoreline of a team that only recently returned to the nations Premiership division. One who embarrassed themselves 3-0 last week. Not with a team packed with talent that was too old (Steve Harper), too slow (Kevin Nolan), or too crazy (Joey Barton) to prosper – and yet prosper they did, giving Newcastle fans a game they will remember for a long, long time.

Of course, no significant Newcastle day would be complete without Joey Barton doing what he can to balls it up – this time by stirring up controversy over giving what looked like a Nazi salute in celebration of the Toons impending victory. Nonsense, of course, claims Barton, who was merely “”pointing out that the moustache was going to go after the game,”. He later continued “”I’ll be shaving the moustache off now that we have won. There are a few of the lads desperate to get it off. It is either the end of my moustache or the end of my relationship, so I’m glad it is going.”

In Joey’s defence, the joy of shaving off a ridiculous moustache, and the impending demise of a relationship due to these aforementioned moustaches is something many of us have  experienced during the difficult Movember period. On behalf of guys everywhere, I think we can let this one slide.

The real questions then to come from the afternoon don’t relate so much to Joey Barton’s political tendencies or facial hair concerns, as much as they do to Aston Villa improbably dropping of the ball in the second game of the season. The Villans finished in the top 6 last year, and were favoured by the bookies to push the big boys once again this time around. A 6-0 loss to Newcastle following that display is like getting a century at Lloyds against the Aussies and then getting bowled for a duck in the back yard against the kids.
It may not yet be panic time at Villa Park, but that time is coming. For now let’s suffice to say that the search for a new Manager following Martin O’Neill’s shock departure has officially turned serious

Match 2: Newcastle v Aston Villa

Posted August 18th, 2010 by The Shirtman

It seems like ages since we had the chance to see Newcastle get kicked around by the Premier League elite – but we got the opportunity last week when they were demolished by an ominous looking Manchester United in their first game back amongst the big boys. They lost by a margin of 3-0 and were lucky to be that close. One week into the competition and already most of the talk is centred on their relegation prospects. The competition honestly hasn’t been as much fun without them.

Aston Villa meanwhile kicked off their campaign by parting ways with their manager five days before the launch of the season proper, and then humiliating West Ham with a 3-0 demolition job of their own. Perhaps there is life after Martin O’Neil – and if the word on the street is true then the door is now open for Diego Maradona, in what would be the most improbable appointment of the year. Personally, I am praying that this appointment takes place, and if the footballing Gods are fans of awkward, unintentional comedy, then I think this one will be answered.

Maradona in the Premier League. Will the wonders never cease?

But The Villans can’t let the off field drama overcome their on-field focus, because in spite of their lackluster performance last week, we can be assured that Newcastle will come out with all guns blazing in front of the always fanatical St James Park faithful. Can they reward their fans with a victory in their first home game back in the Premier League? Or can Aston Villa continue their run as one of the competitions top performers without a full time manager?

Put me down for a Newcastle win – and it’s been years since I’ve had a chance to write that. Kevin Nolan to score. Good times in Toontown after the match.

Home (Newcastle, 1-0) Nolan

The Shirtman

PS – If you do not submit your tips prior to kick off you will be credited with the Shirtman’s score.

Round 2

Posted August 18th, 2010 by The Shirtman

As the great Yogi Berra once said, it was like déjà vu all over again for Liverpool, who gave away vital points against a major rival with an embarrassing last minute howler from keeper Pepe Reina. Last season was built on these kinds of performances – toying with their fans, oscillating wildly between brilliant form and bone-headed balls-ups. Taking leads and throwing them away – snatching draws out of the jaws of certain victory. It was exactly the sort of thing new manager Roy Hodgson was hoping to avoid in the opening game of the season. Welcome to Anfield.

You probably won’t see new signing Joe Cole’s debut on Liverpool’s top 100 club debut performances DVD (out soon!). He looked completely out of sorts for the opening sequences and was sent off at the half-way mark for a clumsy challenge on Koscielny. The Reds may have picked him up on a free transfer, but if this sort of stuff continues they would still be entitled to ask for their money back.

But let’s not just dwell on the negatives – there were some positive sings there for Reds fans. Their team fought back despite a numerical disadvantage in the second half, and even though they threw points away at he end, the mood remained relatively upbeat in the post match interviews. That means that either their self confidence is starting to return, or they are just becoming used to this sort of thing occurring – with a Monday night match against Manchester City waiting for them, I guess we’ll find out which pretty soon.

The Gunners, for their part will be happy enough with how this one turned out in the end. They could have had a better result from this game. Things could have been worse. The important thing is that the come out of the Anfield clash with a point on the table and heading home to take on Blackpool in front of an always packed Emirates Stadium. Perhaps even more importantly – rumours abound that Aussie icon Mark Schwarzer’s is coming to boost the Gunners somewhat depleted goal-keeping stocks. If that doesn’t fill Arsenal fans with hope I don’t know what will.

For those keeping score at home – one week in and the Shirtman remains on 0 points.

New season. Same results. Deja vu indeed.

Match of the Day – Round One Liverpool v Arsenal, Anfield

Posted August 11th, 2010 by The Shirtman

The season proper kicks off with a mouth watering clash between Tottenham and Manchester City, but we’ll be starting a day later with the opening weekend special; Liverpool v Arsenal – two clubs looking to start the season on the right note after disappointing endings last time around.

For Arsenal, the game plan remains the same. Let the youngsters who need developing shine during the tournaments, let the youngsters who have been developing take over the reins during the regular season – and stop those b&#$%@!* in La Liga pinching Cesc Fabregas from them. Last year they showed they were capable of beating any team in the league, but their inability to focus cost them dearly at the end.

Liverpool fans meanwhile probably endured their worst year since the Beatles broke up and will be looking to turn things around pretty quickly. The players are rested, Torres is back, Joe Cole has arrived to bolster the ranks, and the aloof, cynical Rafa Benitez has been replaced by one of the true gentlemen of the game, Roy Hodgson – who to this point has always shown himself to be polite, attentive and respectful to players, management, media and fans.

At Anfield, I expect that to last about six weeks.

What about on the pitch though? Can Arsenal announce their title intentions early with a win over the Reds? Or will Liverpool show the world that last years aberration is well and truly behind them by defeating Arsene Wengers men at home?

Put me down for a Liverpool win. The Reds will be pumped up for this one, and they know the Anfield faithful need an early win to settle their nerves concerning the year ahead. Torres to score. Hodgson gets the win first time out.

Home (Liverpool) 2-1, Torres

The Shirtman

PS – If you do not submit your tips prior to kick off you will be credited with the Shirtman’s score

Opening Game – 2010/2011 Season.

Posted August 11th, 2010 by The Shirtman

It seems like only days since the sound of Vuvuzelas finally stopped ringing in our ears, but already the next keenly anticipated footballing moment is upon us. For English fans (and fans of English football) the time to forget the horrors of the World Cup has arrived. No more wondering what went wrong – time to ponder new questions, and look for new answers. Can Wayne Rooney redeem himself after the embarrassment of South Africa? Will Chelsea retain the title? Can Liverpool shrug off their annus horribilus last year and return to top four form? And how the hell did Blackpool get here and when are they going away?

(In brief answer to the above; Yes, Maybe, Probably not – and they got lucky in a playoff and should be gone by this time next year).

The Premier League is back folks, and it has never been more competitive. Bookmakers have Chelsea ($2.70) and Manchester United ($3.40) as favourites once again – with Manchester City ($6.00) moving into position as third favourites to win the title. The Gunners ($7.00) are still getting backed by some of the true believers, but punters seem to have about as much faith in Liverpool ($13.00) as they do in the honour system – a bad sign for the Reds.

The surprise here has to be once lowly Manchester City, now reborn as the Abu Dhabi Blues, who in just one short year have gone from Manchester’s ugly sister to a projected member of the top four. The lesson here is clear for the kids – if you want to mix with the best in the world, all you need to do is work hard, believe in yourself, and never, ever give up.

Oh – and if you can find some Arabic Royalty to kick in a few hundred million pounds, then that’s just gravy.

Ladies and gentlemen, Premier League football. You have been missed.

The Winners!

Posted July 14th, 2010 by The Shirtman

Sporting Ambition World Cup Tipping Champion

Ritesh Pattni

of  PMP Limited  in Melbourne with an outstanding 39 points

Ritesh wins the Sporting Ambition World Cup Trophy, an international soccer shirt of his choice, and two bottles of fine Spanish wine (just as well as the Dutch didn’t win the final  !!)

Runner Up

Shergar” – David Newton – from  Haymarket Media in Hong Kong with a very credible 37 points

Well Done David – 3 bottles of Spanish wine to you.

3rd Place:

scottyparker4england”.  Steven Hodkin of Goldman Sachs in Sydney with 32 points

Thanks Steven – England couldn’t have done worse with eleven Scotty Parkers –three bottles to you

4th Place

Sterling” Sterling Irminger at  Morgan Stanley Hong Kong –two bottles coming your way Sterling for 31 points

And Equal 5th

Pommiegranite” Andrew White  at ASX Sydney

Talcoed” Michael Taubman Citigroup  Sydney

Carlitos” Carlos Rodriguez  at Leighton Sydney

Congratulations gentlemen – 29 points and 2 bottles of Spain’s finest  each

Best name of the Tournament

Also, a special prize for the best name of the tournament . The Shirtman scoured our entry list looking for any reference to calamari but in the absence of any octopus entries felt there were a few possibles-

Little Miss Messi, Pukka Pikka , Axel The Hack, F@tboyspark, Not a Clue.

However we have decided on:

“Shed Fish“ who was the closest connection the Shirtman could find to Paul the Octopus

and “Matador” who came in at a modest 23 points, but was a well fitting  name for the World Cup winning Spainish Bullfighters !

We will be in touch with two bottles of red medicine

We’ll be in touch with all you winners to arrange a time to deliver your prizes

THANKYOU EVREYONE who took part in the World Cup tipping competition .

Winners and Round Up

Posted July 13th, 2010 by The Shirtman

Spain. 1-0. Iniesta.

And with that, ladies and gentlemen – the World Cup is officially over! Normal sleeping patterns can now be resumed. All those late nights are going to have to be blamed on something else. Before we go though, a quick round up of the best, and worst from the World Cup 2010.

Thumbs Down

1. Pim Verbeek

The boys wound up covering themselves in glory this tournament, but any real hope we had of progression was gone after the first game. We may never know what made Pim decide to tinker with our formation 30 minutes before kick off in the most important game of his tenure. What we do know is that his “tactical decisions” were “unmitigated balls ups”. Thanks anyways Pim.

2. Vuvezulas

Loud. Annoying. And now that they are finally ending, I think I am going to miss them.

3. The French

Spent the entire tournament fighting amongst themselves. Went on strike and refused to train. Didn’t win a match. Got eliminated in the group stages and turned on their coach through the media viciously once the tournament had finished. Four years ago, they very nearly won the whole thing.

4. The Officiating

When the British press puts two of your tournaments blunders into a list of the 10 worst officiating decisions of all time,  then it might be time to re-think that stance on technology.

5. Wayne Rooney

Rooney came into the World Cup with a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers on the planet, but he never really found his stride. His team barely survived the pool stages and were then summarily dismissed by a rampant German outfit. Following that he was voted the ugliest footballer on the planet. Tough fortnight.

Thumbs up

1. Germany

Exciting. Passionate. Fun to watch. Capable goal scorers and all round entertainers. Who saw this coming?

2. Paul the Psychic Octopus

Germany’s love affair with Psychic Octopus called Paul came to an end when the prognosticating cephalod tipped Spain in the semi final clash. Germany lost, but that didn’t stop him. He carried on right to the end, finishing the tournament with a perfect tipping record.

3. Larissa Riquleme

Paraguay’s super-fan Larissa Riquelme became a World Cup sensation for…a variety of reasons. Amongst them was her promise to run naked through the streets should Paraguay win the World Cup. Paraguay did not win the World Cup, but Larissa is going to run anyways. Bless her.

4. Spain

It wasn’t always pretty, and the final was a fairly torrid affair all round – but one of the best ways to judge whether or not you had a good World Cup is by determining whether or not you came home with the trophy. By that reckoning, Spain had a great World Cup.

5. Ambition’s World Cup tipping winners!

1st Place: riteshpattni, Congratulations, You have won the Ambition World Cup Trophy, a Football Jersey of your choice, and a Case of South African Wine.

2nd Place: shergar,

3rd Place: scottyparker4england

Congratulations to all our winners. The team will be in touch shortly to arrange your prizes.

That’s it from us ladies and gentlemen. We hope you had as much fun tipping as we did running the competition. Congratulations again to all our prize winners – and for those of you

World Cup Final: Netherlands v Spain

Posted July 9th, 2010 by The Shirtman

So, ladies and gentlemen, the long awaited day is finally upon us.

63 games, watched by over 3 million people in attendance and live on TV by literally billions of people around the globe. A veritable feast of football, with the cream of the games vast international talent, all striving against each other on the grandest stage imaginable, for the most hotly contested prize in the entire sporting world. An entire month worth of games – but more than that. Much more than that.

Year’s worth of qualification and planning and preparation.

Lifetime’s worth of sweat and toil and sacrifice and hope.

It all comes down to this. Two teams enter. One team leaves. Just like Mad Max 3 – except, you know, nobody dies, and everybody earns millions of dollars and they’re all married to supermodels.

In the blue corner, we have the Netherlands.

Haunted by losses of World Cup finals past, with a chance to exorcise the demons from 74 and 78, this team has shocked many by making it this far. With a come from behind win over Brazil they smashed a generation of misconceptions. No front runners here. They may not play the fan friendly brand of ‘total football’ they were once famous for, but with the likes of Kuyt, Sneijder, Robben and Van Persie – they do play bloody well. And they win a lot of games. This is a new era for the Dutch. Eye-popping creativity has been replaced by steely-eyed determination. Fragility with poise. Nerves with confidence. It brought them through qualification and it has brought them to the final. It may yet bring them all the way to World Cup trophy itself.

In the red corner, we have Spain.

European Champions in 2008. The favourites with the bookies coming into the tournament and favourites with the bookies coming into this match. This is a golden age for La Furia Roja (The Red Fury – love it), with playing talent rivaling that of any era. Alonso, Fabregas, Torres, Villa. Superstars of the game at the height of their powers – with a chance to break a World Cup curse that looked like it had resurfaced after their shock loss to Switzerland. But this time they didn’t fold. They recovered. They jumped the hurdle that has accounted for so many other Spanish teams over the years. They survived…but did they kill the curse? The eyes of the world are on them. I guess we are about to find out.

Take your pick folks. Spain or the Netherlands? The Netherlands or Spain?

Put me down for the Dutch. Following what has been a disastrous tipping tournament my confidence is completely shot – but I’m sticking with my heart. I want the Dutch to win. That’s the fairy-tale finish. And it is late in the game for me to try and pretend I have any sort of tipping professionalism out here. The Netherlands to win. Van Persie to score.

Netherlands, 1-0, Van Persie.

The Shirtman

PS – If you do not submit your tips prior to kick off you will be credited with The Shirtman’s score.

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