Promised previews

So, here’re brief analyzes.

WBA - Blackburn

The hosts are probably the most underrated side in Premier. They don’t play bad at all, at Bolton created plenty of chances to score. Brunt hit the post at 0-1 and they lost at the end. Bad news is (only one bad)  mentioned Brunt is suspended due to fifth booking.

Hard times for Blackburn, thankfully to Indian owners. Allardyce’s departure was a big shock to the players and they responded badly with one point from two home games. Even with him, their away record was very bad. Best defender Samba said he wants to leave the club and Steve Kean has removed him from the squad! Maybe it’s too early for big conclusions, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rovers relegated at the end. 

Home win.

Norwich – Sheff Utd

Norwich are a decent side, especially at home and important for this game is they didn’t play for a Boxing Day. Only defeat in last eight games was at home vs. Pompey that media called a robbery. Defender Leon Barnett is suspended, while right back Russel Martin and midfielder Wes Hoolahan are in doubt. Norwich also have very good record against United at home as they won in six of last seven games (five with a goal margin).

United not just played a game two days ago, but also suffered a shocking home defeat against Hull (conceded in additional time). I am not sure how they can recover physically and mentally. Besides that, Blades already lost every credibility as play-off contender and I can’t see them higher than middle of the table. 

Another home win.

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Leicester – Sheff Utd

I’m definitely not a keen of Sven-Goran Eriksson admirer, but couldn’t deny he made a very good impact at Leicester. Still a big reputation, I guess. However since his arrival, City noticed one defeat (not unexpected one, away at Swansea 0-2), one draw and three consecutive wins (I don’t count Cup defeat with mixed squad). Leicester have a potential for play-off (top side of the table surely), Sousa’s departure was a good thing and I expect they’ll continue with the climbing on the table. Skipper, Matt Oakley, should be fit after a knee injury. Same applies for defender Miguel Vitor.

Well, Blades even before the start gave up from play-off ambitions. But their performances and latest results threat to push them into relegation battle, as United have just one point more from bottom placed Palace. They have three defeats in a row and just one win from last 8 league games (Hull away, 1-0)! Some excuses could be addressed on the injury list that contains six players, captain (and key defender) Chris Morgan, Nick Montgomery, Ryan France, Stephen Jordan, Lee Williamson and in my opinion the most important - striker Darius Henderson. But despite that, Gary Speed doesn’t seem as a good choice for a gaffer, their performances are usually terrible and I don’t see them higher than a bottom side of the table at the end.  

Leicester are a strong favorite here. Only thing that worries me is Eriksson’s defensive style that applied in all his clubs and even in English national team. On the other hand United are struggling to score lately and Walkers surely is not a good place for a shooting practice. I expect a home win with a clean sheet. 2-0.
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Bet: Leicester -0.75
Odd: 2.05 Victor Chandler
Stake: 8/10

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Leeds – Sheffield United

Leeds collected 10 points in the opening 7 rounds which isn’t bad, but in my opinion their displays are over the recent results. They lost in local derby (vs. Barnsley 2-5) in the game that came just 3 days after very hard home encounter against Swansea (2-1, after 0-1 at half time). In the previous round, they overplayed Doncaster, also on the road, but drew at the end. They’ve been showing a plenty of fighting spirit. Two times came from behind, but they’re also the only side in Championship that committed 100 fouls. They should continue the trend from League One when Elland was a fortress and in any game at home, Leeds will be favorite. Simon Grayson has no injury concerns and it will be first time when he can pick from a full squad. Loanee left-back, George McCartney, will probably has his debut.

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Blades sacked his manager, Kevin Blackwell, after home defeat vs. QPR 0-3. Harsh decision, in my opinion, as Rangers seem to be the strongest league club. And United this year won’t be able to repeat the ambitions from previous seasons (play-off). Blackwell’s successor, Gary Speed (ex Leeds player), has been trying to implement his own style of play. Which means battle in whole game, very few goals conceded (three clean sheets in five games), but also very few goals scored (3 goals in those 5). They have lots of problems in creating the chances and they really suffer with the absence of Darius Henderson in the attacking line. Skipper and central-defender, Chris Morgan, is still sidelined. I think their only advantage will be history that says Blades haven’t lost vs. Leeds in the last seven encounters.

 

Leeds will start aggressively and will be keeping that pace during all 90 minutes. I expect their good performances finally change into good results. Blades carry the same style of play and that’s the way how Leeds like opposition to play. Sheffield also obviously lack in quality this season. Blackwell’s departure was a big mistake, Speed won’t stay too long. Home win with some caution.

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Bet: Leeds -0.25
Odd: 1.82  Pinnacle
Stake: 9/10

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Sheffield United – Bristol City

Blades have had a turbulent season so far. As a play-off contenders had a weak start, then faced the injury crisis and noticed 8 games without a win. Overcoming the injuries reflected in positive run, but recently they again have some important players out. First goalie, Mark Bunn, broke his hand (Ian Bennett is decent substitution). Rock in the defense line, Chris Morgan, and fellow center-half Marcel Seip are out and that’s the main problem. As a result of these missings, United conceded 6 goals on two away games (WBA 1-3 and Watford 0-3). Then home draw vs. Derby 1-1 and unlucky defeat in the last round, on the road vs. Preston 1-2. Boss Kevin Blackwell was fuming on referees, accusing them for wrong decisions that ended in a defeat. However, Blackwell said, it wasn’t a players’ fault and the atmosphere in a dressing room hasn’t been spoiled. Beside mentioned players, Blackwell will miss midfielder James Harper. Only the current top three clubs have a better home record than the Blades.

City lie at the middle of the table, at 13th place, with the same distance from play-off and relegation zone. Their previous record and recent shape suggest they’ll stay there where are now. They have just a single win (Preston at home 4-2, before Ferguson’s appointment) in past eleven games and noticed just one point. Their main problem currently is scoring goals, they scored just once in last five competitive games (Coventry at home 1-1). Major cause is absence of key striker (and probably the best player), Nicky Maynard. For today’s clash, manager Gary Johnson will also miss winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce, another striker Danny Haynes and defender Jamie McAllister. City have conceded nine goals in injury time this season - more than any other Championship team (interesting fact is United have scored more goals in injury time than any other club - six).

I see United in play-off zone at the end of the season. They definitely have a quality for that, but if they want to reach it simply have to win games like this. They’re playing well recently, have huge attacking potential and their home ground is a fortress. Home win

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Blackpool - Sheffield United

With Saturday’s win against Plymouth (2-0), Blackpool extended their incredible run of five straight competitive wins at home (nine without a defeat) and just two goals conceded (ten scored). Squad that possess a decent quality and small stadium with fanatic fans made from Bloomfield Road a place that nobody likes to visit. With a single goal in both periods, Blacpool left Plymouth without a chance and in some period it looked they were doing the job in “second gear”. Winning streak gave them safety, at home play without too much respect and surely won’t be afraid of Championship giants (already beat Newcastle, 2-1). Defenders Danny Coid, Ian Evatt, and strikers Daniel Nardiello, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Stephen McPhee are all long term absentees for the hosts. Talented winger Ishmel Demontagnac made his comeback from injury against Plymouth and although he was sent off for violent conduct in a reserve match last week, his three-match ban does not yet come into play and he could feature. So, Blackpool boss Ian Holloway should start with the same side that beat Plymouth.

Blades came in the recent season as one of the main contenders for promotion. Squad that wasn’t changed too much during the transfer market possesses enough quality to fight against the best clubs in the second tier. But, problems came very soon. Currently, United are without a win in four games and have lost their last three away matches. Also, the fact they conceded eight goals in those three games (Coventry City 2-3, Swansea City 1-2, Scunthorpe United 1-3) sounds incredible when we talk about last season best defense line in Championship. Problem started, as usual, when one of the central defensive duo Morgan- Kilgallon is missing. First Chris Morgan got an injury. Recovered, but then Matthew Kilgallon fell in the “contract negotiation crisis”. Recently, he requested a transfer. Meanwhile, injury list has been growing. Manager Kevin Blackwell (his position is very insecure these days, btw.) couldn’t count on 10 first-team players for Saturday's 3-1 defeat at Scunthorpe - and could only name six substitutes on the bench! New name on the list is defender Andrew Davies, while team morale is needless to say very low. Kevin Blackwell will probably set his last season favorite 4-5-1 formation and expectations are tight game is in front, with small number of goals.

United’s only advantage are club’s reputation and the fact they’re unbeaten in eight league games against Blackpool (five wins, three draws). Home side has a clear advantage and only limitation for me is the fact this is the mid-week game. I take “draw no bet” option with the high stake (Pinnacle 1.77) and home win (again Pinnacle 2.52) as a gamble.

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Sheff Utd 1-0 Preston (agg 2-1)

Sheffield United overcame Preston to book their place in the Championship play-off final courtesy of Greg Halford's second-half header. 
An edgy game saw chances at a premium before Halford rose above Youl Mawene to power home Kyle Walker's deep cross. 
Preston threw men forward and Jon Parkin tested Paddy Kenny before Brian Howard cleared off the line from Neil Mellor's six-yard drive. 
But United held firm with some stout late defending to progress to Wembley. 
Kevin Blackwell's side were rewarded for their attacking intent and now find themselves just one game away from a return to the Premier League, two years after they were controversially relegated.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Kilgallon, Morgan, Walker, Howard, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Halford (Bromby 82), Beattie, Cotterill.
Subs Not Used: Hendrie, Lupoli, Webber, Sharp. 
Booked: Stephen Quinn, Cotterill. 
Goals: Halford 59. 

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick (Mellor 72), McKenna, Nicholson (Carter 72), Wallace, Parkin, Brown (Elliott 62).
Subs Not Used: Neal, Chilvers. 
Booked: Wallace, Parkin, Mawene. 

Att: 26,354 
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Sheffield United - Preston North End

Semi-final, play-off, re-match. First game ended 1-1 and that result set the home side as a favorite for the final. As it was expected, we watched a tough game at Deepdale. Blades put very solid performance, started with attacking attitude with a clear intention to finish the job in the first game. Jamie Ward missed a big opportunity to took his team in a lead and punishment came in 20th minute after a tragic mistake by defence line. Blades consolidated after that and in the rest of the game were the better side. Midfielder Brian Howard scored at the start of the second half and just thankfully to not-serious reactions of Craig Beattie (twice), result stayed the same. Tonight full Bramall Lane will support the lads who are in clear advantage. I think that Blades deserved a direct promotion, they're the most quality team in play-off, mentally very strong and they are the main candidate to reach Premier. But, to make a situation not so perfect, there are some injury problems for Kevin Blackwell. John-Joe O'Toole is injured, while Darius Henderson, Jamie Ward and David Cotterill are under the serious doubt.

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Lillywhites made their run into play-off zone with four wins from last four league games. In the first game, excellent left-back Sean St.Ledger scored for a lead, team played with 100 percent of potential, making even some opportunities for double it. But, it has to be said, it wouldn't be fully deserved. Their performance is not consistent, play in warm-cold shape. They lost at home, for example, against Blackpool 0-1, but in the next home game humiliated Cardiff 6-0! Their progression would be a first class surprise, but if the host underestimate them everything is possible. That's the beauty of play-offs, however. Lee Williamson is missing as he completes a three-game ban, while Richard Chaplow and Michael Hart remain on the injured list.

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This is a play-off, I don't believe in underestimating, though won't be an easy game surely. I expect a cautious game in the first half (and will place a gamble ht/ft, X-1), but don't doubt we'll watch the Blades at Wembley (and in Premier, next season). Bwin offers 1.90. Home win.

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Preston 1-1 Sheff Utd

Brian Howard's goal 21 seconds into the second half earned Sheffield United a draw in their semi-final, first-leg Championship play-off tie with Preston. 
Preston had taken a first-half lead when Sean St Ledger latched on to a free-kick to convert from close range. 
The home side almost doubled their lead but Jon Parkin headed Ross Wallace's corner against the post. 
The Blades had several chances to equalise but it was Howard's volley from 10 yards that rescued them. 
The visitors started brightly with Jamie Ward going close in the fourth minute. 
Ward received the ball with his back to goal and turned his marker superbly before firing a low drive against the outstretched legs of keeper Andy Lonergan.
Preston manager Alan Irvine: 
"There were times when we played well so that makes me positive. 
"We are still in contention and I said that was the most important thing ahead of the game. 
"We know it will be a difficult game at Brammall Lane but we've played difficult games all season and still won. 
"We hoped to test Paddy Kenny more but once we got the goal we didn't push on from there." 

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell: 
"We had to make sure we went back to Brammall Lane with something to play for and we have. 
"I've got a great set of players. They didn't panic, we kept the ball well and I'm delighted with the response of the players. 
"I was disappointed with the goal but at half-time I said to the players to continue as they had left off and it was great to get the equaliser so soon." 

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick, McKenna, Carter (Nicholson 70), Wallace, Parkin, Mellor (Brown 77).
Subs Not Used: Neal, Chilvers, Elliott. 
Booked: Carter. 
Goals: St. Ledger 21. 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naughton, Montgomery, Howard, Stephen Quinn, Halford, Henderson (Beattie 54), Ward (Lupoli 74).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Cotterill, Bromby. 
Booked: Kilgallon, Montgomery, Lupoli. 
Goals: Howard 46. 

Att: 19,840 
Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
www.bbc.co.uk

Crystal Palace 0-0 Sheff Utd

Sheffield United had to settle for a place in the Championship play-offs following a draw at Crystal Palace. 
Birmingham clinched automatic promotion with a 2-1 victory at Reading, which meant that even a win for the Blades would not have been enough. 
Palace keeper Julian Speroni was in great form, saving from Jamie Ward on three occasions and tipping over a header from Greg Halford. 
Blades captain Chris Morgan's header bounced off the post late in the game.
But for all of the possession and chances they created the Blades could not find a past Palace's last line of defence - something they would have rued had the game between Reading and Birmingham finished in a draw. 
United will now play Preston in their Championship semi-final playoff tie, with the first leg at Deepdale. 

Crystal Palace boss Neil Warnock: 
"While I'm tinged with being a Blade it was solely a manager's job I had to do, but it wasn't easy for me. 
"I shook Kevin Blackwell's hand before the game and told him I wanted to win. We couldn't do that, but we competed really well and had some good chances. 
"I couldn't have asked for anything more from my players. I can go back to being a Blade now and support them in the play-offs. 
"I think once they get over the results this weekend, they will be the favourites to go up." 

Sheffield United manager Kevin Blackwell: 
"It was a massive pressure game and they didn't buckle, they just kept going. 
"I can't complain about the display at all and now we just need to reproduce that in the play-offs. 
"You need breaks in these games and we just didn't get them - Speroni made save after save. 
"We needed something to go our way and it just didn't happen for us. If I could take anything away from Crystal Palace it would be Lady Luck. I'd put her in the boot of the car and hope that she can rear her head in the play-offs when you need it." 


Crystal Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, McCarthy, Jose Fonte, Hill, Ertl, Danns (Scowcroft 90), Carle, Moses (Rui Fonte 55), Kuqi, Stokes (Hills 72).
Subs Not Used: Clyne, Cadogan. 
Booked: Lawrence, Ertl. 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Kilgallon, Morgan, Naughton, Halford, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn (Webber 89), Cotterill, Henderson (Beattie 74), Ward (Lupoli 74). 
Subs Not Used: Hendrie, O'Toole. 

Att: 22,824 
Ref: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

www.bbc.co.uk

Crystal Palace - Sheffield United (Sunday)

The last round in Championship! Stake is direct promotion and contenders are Birmingham City (80 points), Sheffield United (79) and Reading (77). First about Eagles. C. Palace is one of those clubs which don't have too much motivation recently. They display decent performances, but the results are missing. Just one win from last eight games (Derby County, home 1-0). In the last round, they played very good game against Doncaster, on the road. Three times they hit the post at 0-0 and one goal was cancelled later. At the end 0-2, both goals conceded after the big mistakes of defence line. Skipper Shaun Derry, midfielder John Oster, winger Paul Ifill and young striker Sean Scannell are injured, while defender Claude Davis is suspended.

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For Blades, calculation is simple. They'll promote if they win and Birmingham loose or make a draw in Reading (what a game!). So, I think Reading will not loose and Blades have the fate in their own hands. Sheff.Utd. has just one defeat in the last 14 games and if they reach Premier directly, it would be fully deserved. One more thing is important. C.Palace's boss is Neil Warnock, man who was in charge in Sheff.Utd. when they relegated from Premier last time (Carlos Tevez scored then at Old Trafford for 1-0 win. West Ham stayed, Utd. droped. Tevez didn't have a clear status then and many talks about that, even these days). After that match, Warnock left Bramall Lane, now he has opportunity to help his former club. 

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The only limitation about this game can be bad result in Reading game and in that case possible drop in Sheff.Utd. performance. I don't think it will happen. This is the pick of the month and I expected nothing less than win with two or more goals difference. Pinnacle offers 1.68, Expekt 1.65. Highest confidence, away win. Handicap as a gamble.

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Charlton Athletic - Norwich City

Maybe I'm little emotional, but really don't think Norwich is capable to avoid relegation. Charlton plays for pure pleasure, but will try to drag another team with themselves in League One. As they did with the Saints (3-2 on the road). Bwin offers lovely 3.65. Home win!

Birmingham - Plymouth

Birmingham continue to test the nerves of their fans. Blades are just point behind, after another disapointing performance by Alex McLeish lads. Incredible fact is the last team in Championship was closer to victory. Charlton dominated and had better goal opportunities. The Blues had just two attempts by Keith Fahey and saved a draw thankfully to goalie Maik Taylor. Now, the whole season is in last four games. No space for another relaxing attitude, St.Andrews will be full, hosts will fight and beat from the first whistle. Alex McLeish is sweating on the fitness of Garry O'Connor for the clash, as the striker is suffering with a virus. Lee Carsley serves the second game of a three-match ban for his dismissal against Wolves, right back Stuart Parnaby is injured and veteran Djimi Traore is not fully fit.

Pilgrims started to notice the good results just on time. Two wins in a row (Blackpool, 1-0 away and Coventry, 4-0 at home), six points above the line. Good performances at Home Park finally bring the points. Excellent first half and four balls in Coventry's net and second was clear formality. They travel in Birmingham with no pressure. The only injured player is young Man Utd defender Craig Cathcart (deputised by Chris Barker), but the question is will Paul Sturrock put the same eleven on the pitch, or maybe save some players from another effort in three days and keep them for the last decisive rounds.

This is definitely a pick of the day. Hosts know this game can take their dreams (and one year effort) away (into play-off, at least), visitors know they don't have too much chances at St.Andrews. 888 offers 1.62 for home win, Pinnacle 1.61. Absolutely no doubt for me. And visitors will probably keep the strength for the next clashes, rather than fight for a point. My other bet is home handicap win.

Sheff Utd 2-1 Barnsley

Sheffield United moved into third place in the Championship after a dramatic derby win over struggling Barnsley. 
John Joe O'Toole bundled home Gary Naysmith's throw to put United ahead on 81 minutes and Arturo Lupoli met Darius Henderson's cut-back to make it 2-0. 
Blades keeper Paddy Kenny saved Jamal Campbell-Ryce's last-minute penalty, before Daniel Bogdanovic finally pulled one back for the visitors. 
A touchline fracas involving both dug-outs marred the end of the match. 

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell on moving to within five points of Championship leaders Wolves: 
"It was another big win for us. 
"Tonight, the top two were looking and it's 0-0 with 70-odd minutes gone, then two goals go in, so psychologically they know that we are chasing them. 
"To be as close as we are now is terrific credit to this side." 

Barnsley boss Simon Davey on the touchline row: 
"It was nothing. I was disappointed with the multi-ball system. That was the issue. 
"When United scored their first goal all the balls disappeared. We had 24 when we were drawing and then there's one in the stadium when we're losing. 
"I spoke to the referee and there were words exchanged, but it's nothing." 

Blackwell on the touchline row: 
"I thought they wanted more time and I thought: 'Where's he going with this?' 
"But I don't control the multi-ball system and it never went missing. I don't know what he's on about." 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Bromby, Naysmith, Halford, Montgomery, O'Toole, Cotterill (Lupoli 70), Ward (Beattie 90), Henderson. 
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Howard, Walker. 
Booked: O'Toole. 
Goals: O'Toole 82, Lupoli 87. 

Barnsley: Muller, Hassell, Moore, Foster, Kozluk, Teymourian, De Silva, Colace (Bogdanovic 84), Campbell-Ryce, Macken, Mifsud (Hammill 76). 
Subs Not Used: Steele, Guedes, Devaney. 
Booked: De Silva, Campbell-Ryce. 
Goals: Bogdanovic 90. 

Att: 27,061 
Ref: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire).
www.bbc.co.uk www.sufc.co.uk

Sheffield United - Barnsley

Birmingham and Wolves played a great game previous night. Best defence took a victory against best attack. Both goals will be remembered for a while (especially first), brutal challenge by Lee Carsley, too. Derby filled my expectations. It seems first two places are clear, will see what Blades have to say about that. So...

Sheffield United definitely overcame februar crisis. Five wins and two draws from last seven games. Boss Kevin Blackwell is the best manager of March, United caught Reading on the table. Six points behind Birmingham, maybe three after the game. In the last round, they eliminated Ipswich Town (2-0 at home) from play-off race. Home side was dominating entire game and with the goals by Greg Halford and Darius Henderson got an easy victory. It looked like lads played with half of strength. Seven points more than 7th Preston North End (and a game less), no pressure. Young midfielder John-Joe O'Toole have some knee problems, played just 15 minutes against Ipswich and he's under the question mark. No other worries for Blackwell, he's expected to name unchanged eleven.

On the other side, neighbours are fighting to avoid dropping in Leauge One. Three points above the line, but a game or two less than the opponents. A win (Crystal Palace 3-1 at home) and two draws (Derby County 0-0 away and Nottingham Forest 1-1 at home) from last three games. At the last game on Oakwell, Barnsley took a lead at the start of second half, then start playing very comfortable, even missing a penalty. Eagles used it and scored from only goal opportunity. Two points are gone. Their away shape doesn't look good. Four wins, three draws and eleven defeats from eighteen games, with just twelve(12) scored goals! Their chance can be underestimating by the hosts. Liverpool loan Adam Hammill is fit. No worries for Simon Davey, best eleven will play.

Only things that worry me are mentioned underestimating and result of Birm.-Wolv. game. Beside the both sides are from Yorkshire, I can't see why this game should be called derby. Don't believe the excellent run of results by home side can be stopped by weak Barnsley. Betfair offers more than decent 1.76 for home win, Pinnacle 1.70. Home win and gamble on handicap.

"Ferguson cautious of Porto threat". Yeah, sure. Odds for Utd.'s win against Porto are miserable.  Another handicap for me, with small stake.