From: eftv20@castle.ed.ac.uk (G C Stewart)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer,eduni.football
Subject: Predictions
Date: 18 Nov 92 16:37:21 GMT
Organization: Edinburgh University

My forecasts for tonight's World Cup matches.....

Scotland 2 Italy 5
Switzerland 7 Malta 0
England 0 Turkey 1
Northern Ireland 1 Denmark 3
Belgium 3 Wales 1
Spain 1 Rep. Ireland 0
Germany 2 Austria 0

But more importantly this weekend we have...

Airdrie v Hibernian

Candidate for most aerial game of the season. Broomfield must have the
most lush pitch in Scotland given the amount of time the ball is on the
grass (never) and the amount of shite that's put on it on Saturdays.
Anyway the Di's are slipping away to almost certain relegation. They've
a small squad an they're jaded. Hibs have played reasonably well this
season without making it count in goals. But I think they'll get the
breaks this time. 0-2

Celtic v Falkirk

In total contrast this could be a candidate for match of the season.
The Bairns look like the one side in the Premier league who will not
come to Celtic Park and try to kill the game. They have a refreshingly
cavalier approach to the game, and they will score goals in this one
if they can get good enough possession to the likes of Lennox (son of
Lisbon Lion) and Sloan, who can both open up defences. If McStay and
Collins aren't off form though, then Celtic ought to be able to pierce
the Falkirk defence, which is not impressive. 6-3

Dundee v Dundee United

The non-Derby in Scotland, given that the supporters of these sides
almost never kick the hell out of each other. What sectarianism there
ever was with these sides (ie Protestant Dundee and Catholic Dundee 
United) has long since faded. Perhaps Dundee have a more working class
following, but that's the only distinction I can think of, other than
that Dundee have been piss poor since the restructuring of the league 
in 1975. 
On the playing side, both sides have been struggling recently. United
have foolishly sold most of their forward line and Crabbe appears to be
taking a while to settle in (and Duncan Ferguson is all but ready to
join Rangers, if rumours are correct). Dundee's manager Stainrod is
still very much learning his trade and appears to be relying on a 
primitive style of play. I'll edge for United, as they have a good
record at Dens Park and I think they will be the more cautious of the
two sides.  1-2

Hearts v Rangers

This could be a case of "No football please, we're Huns and Pseudo
Huns". The one thing guaranteed from this fixture is violence on the
pitch and this is the worst possible game Rangers could have looked
for before their match with Marseille. Without the leadership and drive
of Gough, they could easily struggle against an over physical Hearts
side. The majority of the Tynecastle clashes often sees only one goal
between the sides and I'll go along with this scenario again. 1-0

Partick Thistle v Aberdeen

The Jags wil finally get their come uppance this time. Aberdeen are on
a good run and have been very reliable against the sides below them in
the league. If they get their noses in front early enough, then I can
see them winning easily.  0-3

St Johnstone v Motherwell

The Saints have been getting results recently without playing too
spectacularly (is that not the sign of champions ? :-))) while the
'Well are in a rut. Normally there isn't much between these sides
but given the standard of Motherwell's defending recently, Paul
Wright - surely one the top strikers going at the moment - could have
a field day.  3-1

St Mirren v Kilmarnock

The Buddies were absolutely robbed at home last week, but at least
they managed what will almost certainly be the goal of the season,
from David Elliot (a product of that fine Celtic youth policy !).
Killie's problem is lack of class and they depend a lot on exprience.
St Mirren are easily the most skillful side in the First Division
but lack of experience and confidence appears to be their main
problem. Hence theory says they should win easily but reality is
that there'll be little to choose between them. 1-1

Brechin v Stenhousemuir

Brechin are running away with the Second division title but 'Muir
have had a new lease of life since appointing Terry Christie as
manager. A low scoring game, but the best option seems to be go for
Brechin. 1-0


     ....and finally, Hands Off Our Water !!

             Gerry
Newsgroups: rec.sport.soccer