tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53924615585508431422024-02-21T07:13:01.105-06:00THE BACK FOURThe Last Line for All Things FootyThe Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-38065889172095704442007-09-20T20:53:00.000-05:002007-09-20T21:49:35.719-05:00Russian gangster brings strong arm tactics to the web; oh yea and Jose got sacked (w/ Euro power rankings)I'm sure most everyone has heard about the <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=464779&cc=5901">sacking</a> of the (<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=465101&cc=5901">former</a>) Chelski boss, Jose Mourinho, and his <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=464794&cc=5901">two-headed replacement</a> thats keeping the seat warm for <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/19712/Russian-job-puts-Hiddink-on-hold">Guus Hiddink</a> (as Jose lines up for a potential job with his homelands national team) so I want to bring light to a story that might get lost in the media firestorm that has folllowed the shocking news.<br /><br />Potential Arsenal suitor and convicted criminal, <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/03/is-arsenals-new-suitor-a-russian-gangster/#cont">Alisher Usmanov</a>, is resorting to astounding tactics on the day that Jose was sacked, thanks to his good friends at the <a href="http://www.schillings.co.uk/">Schillings</a> law firm. <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/20/arsenal-suitors-lawyers-are-shutting-down-blogs-left-and-right/#cont">David Warner can take it from here</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Yesterday, I suggested in <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/19/craig-murray-is-just-begging-to-get-sued/">this story</a> that Craig Murray, the former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, is badmouthing Alisher Usmanov, the billionaire Russian steel magnate attempting to take over Premier League club <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/tag/Arsenal">Arsenal</a>, because he wants to sell you a book he wrote about his experience in that former Soviet republic. It has become clear today, however, that whatever Murray is attempting to sell, Usmanov and his lawyers <em>do not want anyone to buy it</em>.<br /><br />According to Tom Dunmore at PitchInvasion.net, <a href="http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2007/09/20/usmanovs-lawyers-try-to-silence-craig-murray/">Craig Murray's web site was taken off line today</a> after sustained pressure on Murray's web hosting provider from Schillings, the London law firm representing Usmanov. What's more, Schillings has also managed to <a href="http://www.mediawatchwatch.org.uk/?p=797">put the kibosh on political site Bloggerheads</a> three days after Tim Ireland wrote <a href="http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:cO7cYLoODuEJ:www.bloggerheads.com/archives/2007/09/schillings_go_a.asp+http://www.bloggerheads.com/archives/2007/09/schillings_go_a.asp&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a">this piece on Schillings' cease & desist letters</a>.<br /><br />Web sites for English politicians Boris Johnson and Bob Piper were also taken down in part because they fell under Ireland's purview. In addition, <a href="http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2007/09/20/usmanovs-lawyers-try-to-silence-craig-murray/">Pitch Invasion</a> and <a href="http://arseblog.com/WP/2007/09/18/red-and-white-bullies-increase-their-stake-to-21/">Arseblog</a> have both received legal pressure from Schillings to remove any links and references to Murray and his accusations of Usmanov's criminal past.<br /><br />The timing of this latest attack is quite interesting, as it all went down the same day that <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/20/mourinho-abruptly-quits-chelsea/">Chelsea sacked Jose Mourinho</a>, all but guaranteeing that nobody in the mainstream media would be paying any attention to it. Unfortunately for Schillings, their success in taking down these web sites has resulted in this story being publicized<span style="font-style: italic;"> all over the web</span>.<a name="cont"></a><br /><br />Political blog Chicken Yoghurt has compiled <a href="http://www.chickyog.net/2007/09/20/public-service-announcement/">a list of blogs that have publicized this story</a> as a result of both Murray's site and Ireland's sites being taken down. Several dozen sites are now screaming censorship at Usmanov and Schillings for their actions, and it's hard to say they don't have a point.<br /><br />It appears Schillings has fallen victim to something our pals at <a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20030624/1231228.shtml">Techdirt</a> like to call <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streisand_effect">"The Streisand Effect."</a> Back in 2003, Barbra Streisand sued a photographer in an attempt to remove an aerial photo of her California home from the Internet, despite the fact that the photo was part of a publicly funded coastline erosion study and wasn't even labeled as her home. As a result, photos of her house were published all over the web within days.<br /><br />A similar situation happened last year to Diebold when internal memos discussing their easily hackable electronic voting machines were leaked to the web, and a group of students at Swarthmore College <a href="http://scdc.sccs.swarthmore.edu/updates/diebold.php">published the memos to the web</a>. Diebold attempted to have the memos removed, claiming the students were committing copyright infringement. The company was <a href="http://www.eff.org/news/archives/2004_09.php#001961">successfully sued for issuing unlawful takedown notices under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act</a> and forced to pay $125,000 in damages.<br /><br />Interestingly enough, a blogger called Sepisticle published a takedown notice from Schillings and then <a href="http://www.septicisle.info/2007/09/anyone-got-schilling-update.html">removed it after Schillings claimed it was a "copyrighted letter."<br /></a><br />Much most interesting, though, is that for all their claims that Murray is libeling their client, Schillings <span style="font-style: italic;">has not actually sued Murray for libel</span>. They have told anyone who will listen that Murray's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FMurder-Samarkand-Ambassadors-Controversial-Defiance%2Fdp%2F1845962214%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1190216280%26sr%3D8-1&tag=daveslounge-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325"><span style="font-style: italic;">Murder at Samarkand</span></a>, is defamatory against Usmanov, but it's been out for more than a year, and they have never taken any legal action against Murray. Instead, they seem more focused on getting any mention of Murray and his allegations against Usmanov removed from the web -- and as the Streisand Effect teaches us, that's pretty much impossible.<br /><br />If Murray's goal was to make Usmanov look like a thug, then mission accomplished, and it may be why the remaining Arsenal board members are <a href="http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/european/article2976622.ece">redoubling their efforts to prevent Usmanov from taking over the club</a>. If Murray ever finds his way back to the Internet, this story could get even nastier. Let's just hope nobody finds any polonium-210 in their soup because of this.</span><br /></blockquote>Pretty amazing stuff but who can be surprised when a country has such strong libel laws that can even protect a convicted criminal.<br /><br /><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jonah_freedman/09/20/rankings/index.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Euro Power Rankings</span></a>: <span style="font-style: italic;">(modified slightly)</span><br />1) AC Milan<br />2) Real Madrid<br />3) Arsenal<br />4) AS Roma<br />5) Liverpool<br />6) Bayern Munich<br />7) Sevilla<br />8) FC Barcelona<br />9) Manchester United<br />10) FC Porto<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quick Hits</span>:<br /><ul><li>Some surprising UEFA cup results with <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=465103&cc=5901">Premier League sides struggling</a>, with the exception of Spurs.<br /></li><li>Of course after surprisingly drawing with Chelski in the <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/section?id=uefachampionsleague&cc=5901">Champions League</a>, Rosenborg has Norwegians freaking out about <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=464853&cc=5901">potential hooligans when the Blues come to town</a>.</li><li>The Gunners are <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=229048&cc=5901">on fire</a>, someone put out Cesc Fabregas.</li><li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerlon">Brazilian footballer Kerlon</a> <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/20/kerlons-seal-dribble-gets-him-clubbed/">might not want to try his</a> patented <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_dribble">seal dribble</a> again:<br /></li></ul><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ig_caQlI8y4"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ig_caQlI8y4"></a><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ig_caQlI8y4"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ig_caQlI8y4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br />Ouch!The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-57809676582582515432007-09-18T09:47:00.000-05:002007-09-18T10:09:06.905-05:00The Champions League is here! Best XI and weekend wrap upFirst off -- a breakdown of <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/15/prem-wrap-manu-off-the-mat/">Saturday</a> and <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/16/prem-wrap-city-perfect-at-home/">Sunday</a>'s premier league action -- and shame on the Toons for <a href="http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=417120">losing to cellar-dwellar's Derby</a> - Michael Owen <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2737182,00.html">might have injured himself</a> in the embarrassing result.<br /><br />Here's the Best XI:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div style="font-weight: bold;" class="tmhdr"><div class="topmodhdr"><a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=463641&root=england&cc=5901&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos2"><span style="font-size:85%;">TEAM OF THE WEEK</span></a></div></div> <div class="topmod"><div class="topmod2"> <!--TEMPLATE - MAKE A COPY--> <!--TEMPLATE - MAKE A COPY--> <!--TEMPLATE - MAKE A COPY--> <!--TEMPLATE - MAKE A COPY--> <!--TEMPLATE - MAKE A COPY--> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GK: </b>Pepe Reina (Liverpool)<br /><b><br />LCB: </b>Stephen Kelly (Birmingham) <b><br />CB: </b>Kolo Toure (Arsenal) <b><br />RCB: </b>Nemanja Vidic (Man United)<br /><b><br />LM: </b>Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham) <b><br />CM: </b>Michael Johnson (Man City) <b><br />CM: </b>Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) <b><br />RM: </b>Lee Bowyer (West Ham)<br /><b><br />ST: </b>Dean Ashton (West Ham) <b><br />ST: </b>Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland) <b><br />ST: </b>Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal) </span> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Manager: </b>Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)</span></p></div></div></blockquote><div class="topmod"><div class="topmod2"><p></p></div></div>My star of the weekend was Cesc Fabregas, who was <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/2-0&fp=46ef054a0314e18e&ei=qubvRvWlHI_QaoWhgOsL&url=http%3A//canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNXmuF0iYghySEhKM5cQ44BMPJ5w&cid=1120907672">absolutley brilliant and is quickly making people forget about Thierry Henry</a>. Here's what the Best XI article has to say about Cesc Fabregas:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Cesc Fabregas has struck an early claim for Player of the Year with his consistently superb performances for Arsenal this season. Five goals in eight games so far from midfield answers those doubts about his scoring abilities, and his thirty-yard screamer in the north London derby was as good as any of those. He also set up two for Adebayor and strolled away with another MOTM award.</span><br /></blockquote><a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/18/mourinho-football-is-like-a-carton-of-eggs/">Chelski is a broken egg</a> says Jose.<br /><br />A breakdown of today's <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_2737576,00.html">beginning stage of the Champion's league</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The UEFA Champions League roars into action on Tuesday as the highly anticipated group stages begin. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Six of Tuesday's games are live on <i>Sky Sports 2</i> and <i>Sky Sports Xtra</i>, whilst you can also now catch the action<a href="http://streaming.skysports.com/ucl/public/homepage.aspx" class="instorylink"> live on </a><i>skysports.com</i> on your PC with our brilliant broadband service. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Liverpool, Chelsea and Celtic all get their Champions League campaigns underway on Tuesday with the three sides all dreaming of reaching this season's final in Moscow. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Holders Milan also begin the defence of their trophy with a home clash against Benfica. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group A is Liverpool's domain and last season's finalists kick-off their assault on a sixth European crown with a tricky trip to Porto. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">In the other game in the group under-performing Marseille play host to Besiktas at Stade Velodrome. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group B sees Chelsea entertain Rosenborg at Stamford Bridge looking to finally go further than the semi-finals. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">In the other game in the group Valencia travel to Germany to take on Schalke. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Nine-times winners Real Madrid go in search of a record tenth success in Group C and they get underway with a home clash with Werder Bremen, live on <i>Sky Sports Xtra</i>, while Olympiakos play host to Lazio in the game. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group D sees champions Milan looking to become the first team to retain the Champions League in its current format and they get the defence of their trophy underway against Benfica. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">In the other group game Celtic face a daunting trip to Ukraine to take on Shakhatr Donetsk, live on <i>Sky Sports 2</i>Click below for detailed previews on each game. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group A: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_2737394,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Marseille v Besiktas</b></a>: Marseille have never faced a Turkish team in the CL before. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_2888722,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Porto v Liverpool </b></a>: Porto have never lost a CL home game against English sides. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group B: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/match_preview/0,19764,11065_2888723,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Chelsea v Rosenborg</b></a>: Chelsea have kept eight clean sheets in the last 11 home CL matches. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_2737489,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Schalke v Valencia</b></a>: Valencia have lost only once in the last seven CL away games. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group C: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_2737489,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Real Madrid v Werder Bremen</b></a>: Real have lost just one match at the Bernabeu in the last 21 in the competition (v Arsenal), drawing four and winning 16. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_2737448,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Olympiakos v Lazio</b></a>: The Greek team have won just once in the last 13 CL games, against Real Madrid. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Group D: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_2737421,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Milan v Benfica</b></a>: In the last 20 CL home games at the San Siro, Milan have won 16, drawn two and lost two. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_2737364,00.html" class="instorylink"><b>Shakhtar v Celtic</b></a>: In 13 CL away games, Celtic have lost 12 and shared the points once, against Barcelona. </span></p></blockquote><p></p>I got my eyes on the Porto v. Liverpool match-up -- should be a tough challenge for Rafa's boys, while <a href="http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/scoreboard?league=uefa.champions&date=20070919&refresh=45&cc=5901">tomorrow features</a> the intriguing match-up of Arsenal v. Sevilla.<br /><br />Here are some <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/gabriele_marcotti/08/30/champions.draw/index.html">Champions league predictions</a>.The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-13994221997709203392007-09-14T15:50:00.000-05:002007-09-14T16:20:29.551-05:00Quick hits and a Weekend preview...Some quick hits to start out:<br /><br />Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney will both be <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6994934.stm">back in SAF's squad</a> but SAF isn't sure yet if Rooney will be unleashed.<br /><br />Chelski tells Real Madrid to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6993374.stm">back off of Michael Ballack</a>.<br /><br />Micah Richards named the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_city/6995518.stm">Barclay's Premier League player of the month</a>. Well done lad, your star is certainly on the rise. Sven was also named Manager of the Month -- a double for the Citizen's.<br /><br />Shiva to start <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14092007/58/premier-league-mourinho-shevchenko-play.html">in place of the injured Drogba</a>.<br /><br />David Moyes <a href="http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2728790,00.html">really enjoyed his Scottish strikers crack against the Frenchies</a>.<br /><br />Tim Howard is <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/2007/09/14/benitez-and-moyes-speak-89520-19786976/">most likely out</a> of this weekend's match versus ManYoo.<br /><br />Mark Lawrenson offers up his <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6984912.stm">predicitions on this weekends fixtures</a>:<br /><b></b><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><b> THIS WEEK'S PREDICTIONS </b></span> <!--Ech1--> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> SATURDAY </b></span> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Birmingham v Bolton </b><br /></span> </p> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Both of these teams look nervous, lack a little bit of confidence and are perhaps fearing a long, tough season. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Birmingham boss Steve Bruce said that his team did not turn up for their previous fixture at Middlesbrough, which Blues lost 2-0, and will want a much improved showing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Bolton need striker Kevin Davies fit again as soon as possible - I think that to a degree their season depends on the success of his partnership with Nicolas Anelka. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 1-1 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Chelsea v Blackburn</b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Blackburn are a very decent side and they will certainly compete against any team they take on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Playing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is not easy and to an extent this means that the pressure is off them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> However, although Chelsea had a hiccup at Aston Villa in their last game I still think that they are the team to beat. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 2-0 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Everton v Man Utd</b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Everton have had a very good start to the season, while Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to register a crucial 4-2 win at Goodison Park last April on their way to winning the Premier League title. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I think that this will be a tight game that will go the way of United because they have more match winners in their team, especially with the expected return of Cristiano Ronaldo. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 1-2 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Portsmouth v Liverpool</b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Liverpool have had an excellent start to the season and with the regular inclusion of Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres in the team they seem to have a lot more attacking edge and pace in their attack. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Portsmouth, I should imagine, will be pleased when this game is out of the way. It is only their sixth Premier League game of the season and they will have now met all of the 'big-four' teams. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Having said that, Fratton Park is a very difficult ground to visit and I think Pompey might take something from the game. </span></p><p> </p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 1-1 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Sunderland v Reading </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Sunderland's home games are of huge importance to them this season. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Roy Keane probably knows that his team are in for a long and difficult campaign and I imagine he would settle for finishing top of the 'mini-league' of numerous team's battling against relegation at the bottom end of the table. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I think that they will have a much-needed victory on Saturday over a Reading team that are starting to slip down the league. </span></p><p> </p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 2-0 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Tottenham v Arsenal</b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I do not think that all that many Tottenham fans are getting on coach Martin Jol's back but the club have certainly put themselves in a tricky position following the business with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Another couple of bad results and we know what could well happen - and that would be a complete travesty for Jol. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I hope for Jol's sake that Tottenham do not lose this high-pressure game against their local rivals. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Arsenal have made a good start to the season but I'm still not convinced about them away from home. </span></p><p> </p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 1-1 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> West Ham v Middlesbrough </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> There have been changes in personnel at Middlesbrough over the summer but I still think they are in for a tough season. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Home form will be crucial for them because their away record is not great. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I do not think West Ham will struggle this season, although I was talking to Alan Curbishley the other day and he pointed out that he is already without several key players. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The likes of Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg may all be first-team regulars if fit, though Scott Parker should return this weekend. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 2-0 </span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Wigan v Fulham </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has been at the club for several years, initially working under Paul Jewell, and his team have made a good start to the season. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> There seems to be a real durability about the Latics and I reckon Hutchings will see this sort of fixture as very much a bread and butter home win. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I do not think this match would be my pick of the week to watch. </span></p><p> </p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 1-0 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> SUNDAY </b></span> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Man City v Aston Villa</b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Manchester City have lost their last two fixtures and I think they will end up defeated in this one as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The newness of Sven-Goran Eriksson's arrival has worn off and with so many players away on international duty he will not have had much opportunity to work on shape and systems. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Having said that, I will be at the game as I'm covering it for BBC Radio 5live so I should be careful what I say! </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Aston Villa will be buoyed by their win over Chelsea last time out. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Sometimes it takes a decent victory like that early in a season to remind people at a club that they really do have a decent team. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 0-2 </span></p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> MONDAY </b></span> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Derby v Newcastle</b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Newcastle are undefeated so far with two draws and two wins in the Premier League this season. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Michael Owen also seems to be very much back in form following his goal-scoring exploits for England. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I reckon that Owen will fancy himself to score against a defence for whom the word porous is a definite understatement. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Rams boss Billy Davies must work out how his team are going to win their share of home games. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> There have also been lots of stories about his future as manager. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I don't know where they have come from but surely the board at the club should let him get on with the job. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> He has a very difficult task at Derby, not helped by the fact that the team winning promotion through the play-offs has less time than the others clubs to recruit over the summer. </span></p><p> </p></div> <p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: </b> 1-2 </span></p></blockquote>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-35798184806767318512007-09-13T00:56:00.000-05:002007-09-13T01:50:29.041-05:00Melchiot must think Albanian's are poor sports...Two minutes after a controversial red-card Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored in the 91st minute to give the Dutch a one nil victory. An <a href="http://blog.silive.com/sportsspotlight/2007/09/soccer_hooligans_dont_live_in.html">Albanian hooligan promptly takes out his frustration on Wigan defender Mario Melchiot</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Google Mario Melchiot and you'll see the highlight. Netherlands was beating Albania 1-nil as they say, and someone in the stands decided this would be a good time to throw a firework right at one of the Dutch players.<br /><br />Mr. Melchiot ended up the target, and it, whatever it was, exploded about two and a half feet above his head.<br /><br />To the credit of the head official, he stopped the game right away. But that doesn't prevent the possible hearing loss Melchiot may very well suffer.</span></blockquote>I've done the googling for you:<br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf"></a><embed src="http://www.liveleak.com/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="autostart=false&token=614_1189641533" scale="showall" name="index" height="370" width="450"></embed><br /><br />To be fair to the Albanians it was a maddeningly brilliant goal by Ruud:<a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="vpod2" align="middle" height="350" width="425"><br /><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=742" quality="high" name="vpod" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="350" width="424"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >More Euro 2008 Update</span>:<br /><br />Scot James McFadden <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=197416&cc=5901">scores a goal to stun the Frogs</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_McFadden">already being declared</a> one of Scotlands best goals ever, rightfully so:<a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="vpod2" align="middle" height="350" width="425"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=739" quality="high" name="vpod" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="350" width="424"></embed><br /></object>Michael Owen joins Jimmy Greaves, Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker as the only players to <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=197406&cc=5901">score 40 times for the Three Lions</a>:<a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=737"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=737"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 33px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=737"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="vpod2" align="middle" height="350" width="425"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=737"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=737" quality="high" name="vpod" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="350" width="424"></embed></object><br />Well done Michael.<br /><br />Borat <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=197419&cc=5901"> must be proud</a>.<br /><br />Throwing off-topic and mega-post caution to the wind... For the benefit of The Back Four's foreign audience here is the greatest advert ever, from Hollywood director Michael Mann:<br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"></a><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/55BZ2gSsSmY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object><br />Music from The Last of the Mohicans:<br /><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 0px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"></a><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nju_j03t8Rc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="350" width="425"></embed></object>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-7261492720290648822007-09-12T12:37:00.000-05:002007-09-12T12:48:07.979-05:00Abramovich has nothing better to do with his fortune...Chelski owner Roman Abramovich is <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6991315.stm">denying that he has offered Russian footballers a bonus</a> for beating England -- color me skeptical since he spends money like its burning and is known to fund his homeland's national team:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The two nations meet in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> And reports claimed the Russian players would receive £40,000 if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England." </span></p><div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The billionaire Chelsea owner has close links with football back in his homeland and is reported to bankroll the salary of coach Guus Hiddink.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">But the Chelsea statement added: "The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.<br /></span></p></div><div class="bo"><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> "Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips probable starters.</span></p></div></blockquote><div class="bo"><p> </p></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quick hits</span>:<br />Everton skipper <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2723986,00.html">Tim Cahill is getting ready to return to the pitch</a>.<br /><br />Everton boss David Moye is already preparing to <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=462224&cc=5901">lose players to the African Cup</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2723629,00.html">Fernando Torres</a> is enjoying his time with Liverpool thus far.<br /><br /><a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=461912&cc=5901">Arsenal doesn't need dirty Russian money</a>.<br /><br />The Argentine Bulldog <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=462107&cc=5901">can't wait to pair with Wayne Rooney</a>.The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-48373900958127850242007-09-10T14:20:00.000-05:002007-09-10T17:38:03.183-05:00Monday quick hits...Apologies for the delayed posting -- American football has diverted my attention during the PL off-week -- a las, here are some quick hits:<br /><br />US loses to Brazil 4-2 but <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=461753&root=us&cc=5901">Ives says there are positives to take away</a> from the match but Gooch needs to be replaced according to <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/10/usa-2-brazil-4-me-within-spitting-distance-of-ronaldinho-and/#cont">just about everyone</a> (good analysis in the link therein).<br /><br />Arsenal chairman says the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/6987893.stm">club isn't up for sale</a>, especially to Russian gangsters.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6986096.stm">Glazers dispute more rumors</a> about ManYoo's business operations.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/6980569.stm">Michael Ballack doesn't understand why he wasn't included on Chelski's Euro roster</a> and Franz Beckenbauer <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2718232,00.html">doesn't understand why he made the move in the first place</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10092007/58/premier-league-howard-doubt-united-clash.html">Tim Howard is doubtful</a> vs. ManYoo after dislocating his finger against Brazil.<br /><br /><a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/10092007/58/euro-2008-bentley-defends-himself.html">David Bentley defends his decision</a> to back out of a previous U-21 England fixture, which has kept him out of McLaren's line-up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Euro 2008</span>:<br /><a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=461855&cc=%">Lampard and Hargreaves won't play</a> but <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=461762&cc=%">Stevie G will</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=461505&cc=5901">Iceland surprisingly draws with Spain</a> after Spain went down to 10 men after a boneheaded kick by Xabi Alonso on an Icelandic defender.The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-88776678049905137542007-09-07T00:33:00.000-05:002007-09-07T00:49:01.640-05:00Updated Euro power rankings...<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jonah_freedman/09/06/rankings/index.html">From CNNSI.com</a> -- South American and Mexican clubs were omitted:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">1. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">AC Milan</span> </span> (prev. 1)<br />Fiorentina slowed Milan down last weekend, but the Rossoneri are still red-hot, undefeated in Serie A so far and adding the European Super Cup to their haul in a magical 2007. Most impressive was how Milan became a different team against No. 2 Sevilla in the second half -- efficient and clinical. And how about that plum Champions League draw? (Though Celtic probably has a revenge scheme on its mind.)<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sevilla</span> </span>(prev. 3)<br />Some of this spot may be slightly ceremonial, but I can't see how anyone with a heart can knock Sevilla at this point. The fact that the two-time UEFA Cup champs (and first-time Champions League participants) can find any kind of focus, even after the shocking death of 22-year-old midfielder <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Antonio Puerta</strong>, is nothing short of remarkable. The Sevillistas have dedicated their entire season to Puerta, and there's nothing like a team riding an emotional wave.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Real Madrid</span> (prev. 6)<br />You have to figure Villarreal defenders' necks were getting sore from constantly turning around to watch the ball go in the net last weekend. <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Bernd Schuster</strong> wants his Real to be more attack-minded, and that's certainly what the new Galácticos did in their 5-0 beatdown of the Yellow Submarine -- a decent side. Meanwhile, check out the quartet of flying Dutchman: <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Wesley Sneijder</strong>, <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Arjen Robben</strong>, <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Ruud van Nistelrooy</strong> and <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Royston Drenthe</strong>, Real's own Clockwork <em>Oranje</em>.<br /><br />4.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Bayern Munich</span></span> (prev. 5)<br />Hamburg's <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Mohamed Zidan</strong> cooled off Bayern's perfect start with a late equalizer last weekend, but I still can hardly believe we're attaching the label "UEFA Cup favorites" to arguably the most successful club of all-time. With the power the Bavarians have at their disposal, I can't see anyone -- other than themselves -- getting in their way for Europe's No. 2 trophy.<br /></span><div class="cnnPWTeamName"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >FC Barcelona</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span>(prev. 2)<br />Barça drops for its deepening injury crisis (<strong style="font-weight: normal;">Samuel Eto'o</strong> joins <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Carles Puyol</strong>, <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Edmílson</strong> and <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Eidur Gudjohnsen</strong> on the sidelines) and its lame scoreless draw with Racing Santander in its opener. But let's call out the youth movement at the Camp Nou. We all know <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Lionel Messi</strong> (age 20) is prolific. Now gifted Mexican <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Giovani dos Santos</strong> (18) looks like he's finally on his way, and stud <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Bojan Krkic</strong><br /><br />6.<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" > Liverpool </span>(prev. not ranked)<br />OK, let's not get all crazy about the 'Pool's 6-0 laugher over Derby County. We're talking <i>Derby County</i> here. But the best sign is that <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Fernando Torres</strong> is displaying awesome speed, ball control, s<span style="font-size:85%;">trength and giant <i>cojones</i> -- all things that will keep opposing defenses terrified all season long.</span> could be next -- the 17-year-old is shining for finalist Spain in the Under-17 World Cup.</span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >AS Roma</span> (prev. not ranked)<br />Inter is banged up and leaning too heavily on <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Zlatan Ibrahimovic</strong>. Meanwhile, Roma has shot to the top of Serie A with back-to-back shutouts, and gets drawn into a Champions League group where it can get some immediate revenge on No. 10 Manchester United. Anyone vote <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Ludovic Giuly</strong> for biggest steal of the transfer window?<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Manchester United</span> (prev. not ranked)<br />They're not necessarily pretty wins, but until everyone's healthy and integrated into the squad, <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Sir Alex Ferguson</strong> will take them. And for those counting at home, that's two clutch winners in two weeks: <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Nani</strong> bagging a screamer in the 68th minute against Tottenham and <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Louis Saha</strong> nailing it in the 72nd to ruin <strong style="font-weight: normal;">Roy Keane</strong>'s return to Old Trafford last weekend.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Chelski</span><br /><br />10. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Inter</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Honorable mention: Werder Bremen, FC Porto, PSV Eindhoven, Valencia, Rangers, Celtic</span> </span></blockquote>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-70276099234984012912007-09-06T18:31:00.000-05:002007-09-06T18:32:48.161-05:00SAF: Becks can't succeed...Can David Beckham change the attitude of an entire country? Fergie doesn't think so and makes some <a href="http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/14808/Becks-can-t-succeed-in-US-Fergie/">valid points</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Manchester United boss Ferguson says his former superstar can’t hope to succeed where legends like Pele and Johan Cruyff have already failed.<br /><br />“David Beckham himself can’t change the whole country,” was Ferguson’s blunt verdict on the injured England star’s £128m move to Los Angeles Galaxy.<br /><br />Galaxy’s massive investment is geared at not only upping their fortunes but also giving US soccer a facelift.<br /><br />Ferguson, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid four years ago, said: “In the late 1970s I went to America with Aberdeen and there were guys like Teofilo Cubillas and Peter Shilton there.<br /><br />“Before that, there was Pele, Cruyff, Beckenbauer. It is difficult with David going there. I don’t know what kind of impact he can make.<br /><br />“The size of the country makes it difficult. In Europe, and especially in Britain, you can travel easily.<br /><br /> “If you are in Boston and need to go to Los Angeles, it’s a six-hour flight.<br /><br /> “Supporters don’t travel so you are missing that rivalry between fans.<br /><br />“So you have a problem. To make it substantial you could have to go regional but there’s not enough teams to have four strong leagues.”<br /><br /> Ferguson also feels the MLS is undermined by an exodus of young, homegrown talent.<br /><br />He added: “What you have in the States is a lot of kids playing football but with nowhere to go.<br /><br />“The best American players go to Europe very early, like Brad Friedel at Blackburn and Brian McBride and Clint Dempsey at Fulham.<br /><br /> “So that situation doesn’t help the American game.”</span> </blockquote>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-79360382179080990242007-09-04T18:49:00.000-05:002007-09-04T18:53:05.180-05:00Arsenal to be owned by Russian gangster?Another excellent piece from David Warner at <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/03/is-arsenals-new-suitor-a-russian-gangster/#cont">AOL</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">While the English press seems focused on <a href="http://www.theoffside.com/leagues/england/english-premiership/at-least-cristiano-ronaldo-enjoyed-his-suspension.html">Cristiano Ronaldo's partying habits</a> -- and really, who wouldn't want to know more about a poolside orgy with hookers from Leeds -- a former ambassador is focusing on a very different matter: Alisher Usmanov, the Russian steel magnate who's <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/01/in-soviet-russia-arsenal-owns-you/">attempting to purchase Arsenal</a>.<br /><br />Craig Murray, who served as the British Ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2002 to 2004, says that Usmanov's lawyers have <a href="http://www.craigmurray.co.uk/archives/2007/09/alisher_usmanov.html">written a letter to British newspapers that might be misleading</a>. The letter reads:<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">"Mr Usmanov was imprisoned for various offences under the old Soviet regime. We wish to make it clear our client did not commit any of the offences with which he was charged. He was fully pardoned after President Mikhail Gorbachev took office. All references to these matters have now been expunged from police records . . . Mr Usmanov does not have any criminal record."<br /></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Murray, however, plainly disputes this.<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Let me make it quite clear that Alisher Usmanov is a criminal. He was in no sense a political prisoner, but a gangster and racketeer who rightly did six years in jail. The lawyers cunningly evoke "Gorbachev", a name respected in the West, to make us think that justice prevailed. That is completely untrue.<br /></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">After detailing some of Usmanov's alleged atrocities, he suggests that if Arsenal supporters allow Usmanov's purchase to happen, they're making a deal with the devil.</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"> Football now is about nothing but money, and even Arsenal supporters - as tight-knit and homespun a football community as any - can be heard saying they don't care where the money comes from as long as they can compete with Chelsea.<br /><br />I fear that is very wrong. Letting as diseased a figure as Alisher Usmanov into your club can only do harm in the long term.</span><br /></blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Foreign ownership in the Premier League has been <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/6183791.stm">a controversial issue during this decade</a>. UEFA president Michel Platini brought it back to the forefront by <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2693799,00.html">blasting the Premier League</a> for allowing so many foreign owners to buy English clubs. The controversy swelled after former Thailand Prime Minister and current Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/14/manchester-city-owner-shinawatra-upgraded-from-exile-to-fugit/">became a wanted man in his own country</a>. Should the Usmanov takeover of Arsenal happen, voices speaking out against foreign owners will only get louder.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(H/T: <a href="http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2007/09/03/another-unsavoury-foreign-owner-in-the-premiership/">Pitch Invasion</a>)</span><br /></span></blockquote>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-25442310376535257292007-09-04T17:23:00.000-05:002007-09-04T17:28:08.729-05:00US/Brazil Roster Released...From <a href="http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=3378">Yanks Abroad</a> -- once again, no Altidore or Adu:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Goalkeepers</b><br /><b>Howard, Tim</b> Everton (England)<br /><b>Seitz, Chris</b> Salt Lake (MLS)<br /><br /><b>Defenders</b><br /><b>Bocanegra, Carlos</b> Fulham (England)<br /><b>Cherundolo, Steve</b> Hannover 96 (Germany)<br /><b>DeMerit, Jay</b> Watford (England)<br /><b>Onyewu, Oguchi</b> Standard Liege (Belgium)<br /><b>Pearce, Heath</b> Hansa Rostock (Germany)<br /><b>Simek, Frank</b> Sheffield Wednesday (England)<br /><b>Spector, Jonathan</b> West Ham United (England)<br /><br /><b>Midfielders</b><br /><b>Beasley, DaMarcus</b> Rangers (Scotland)<br /><b>Bradley, Michael</b> Heerenveen (Holland)<br /><b>Convey, Bobby</b> Reading (England)<br /><b>Dempsey, Clint</b> Fulham (England)<br /><b>Feilhaber, Benny</b> Derby County (England)<br /><b>Mastroeni, Pablo</b> Colorado Rapids (MLS)<br /><br /><b>Forwards</b><br /><b>Arnaud, Davy</b> Kansas City Wizards (MLS)<br /><b>Donovan, Landon</b> Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)<br /><b>Johnson, Eddie</b> Kansas City Wizards (MLS)<br /><b>Wolff, Josh</b> 1860 Munich (Germany)</span></blockquote>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-22276471445659317482007-09-02T23:28:00.001-05:002007-09-03T00:18:04.016-05:00Recap of the weekend; Best XIDavid Warner at AOL Sportshouse with another entertaining break down of <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/01/prem-wrap-place-your-bets/">Saturday</a> and <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/02/prem-wrap-arsenal-owns-you-indeed/">Sunday</a>'s fixtures.<br /><br />The best XI from <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=459641&root=england&cc=5901&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab1pos1">ESPN</a>:<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GK: </b>Robert Green (West Ham) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>LCB: </b>Joleon Lescott (Everton) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>CB: </b>Zat Knight (Aston Villa) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>RCB: </b>David Wheater (Boro) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>LM: </b>Matt Etherington (West Ham) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>CM: </b>Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>CM: </b>Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>RM: </b>Ashley Young (Aston Villa) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>ST: </b>Craig Bellamy (West Ham) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>ST: </b>Fernando Torres (Liverpool) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>ST: </b>Michael Owen (Newcastle) </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Manager: </b>Martin O'Neill (Villa)</span><br /></div> </div></blockquote></div>Don't have too many problems with that line-up but I would have to offer up Clint Dempsey who was all over the pitch over the weekend, contributing 1 goal and 2 assists allowing Fulham to salvage a point. In any event he was certainly the top Yank from the weekend.<br /><br />Another worth noting - the FA chief is concerned about the recent <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=459282&cc=5901">influx of foreign players into the Premier League</a>.<br /><br />Oh yea -- Chelski lost to Villa thanks to <a href="http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/mail/villa/tm_headline=knight-the-worst-day-of-my-life&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;method=full&objectid=19716207&siteid=50002-name_page.html">Zat Knight</a>, narrowing the lead they enjoyed over ManYoo.<br /><br />Since the PL seems to be blocking anyone from showing their highlights - I would have love to have show Kamara's equalizer for Fulham - here are some brilliant goals from their competition instead:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Wesley Sneijder's unstoppable free kick</span><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="vpod2" align="middle" height="350" width="425"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=700" quality="high" name="vpod" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="350" width="424"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ditto from Ron</span><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=704"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=704"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="vpod2" align="middle" height="350" width="425"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=704"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=704" quality="high" name="vpod" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="350" width="424"></embed></object><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Alberto Aquilani with a nice free kick</span><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=715"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=715"></a><a style="left: 0px ! important; top: 15px ! important;" title="Click here to block this object with Adblock Plus" class="abp-objtab visible ontop" href="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=715"></a><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="vpod2" align="middle" height="350" width="425"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=715"><param name="quality" value="high"><embed src="http://www.goalvideoz.com/vpod2.swf?id=715" quality="high" name="vpod" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="350" width="424"></embed></object><br />Apologies in advance for the foreign languages.The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-26351899063019406312007-08-31T11:41:00.000-05:002007-08-31T12:28:54.069-05:00Fat Frank tears thigh; transfer market weak so far...Steve McLaren was not greeted with good news today as <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_2698194,00.html">Frank Lampard tore a thigh tendon</a> and will miss a few weeks of action, which will likely rule him out of England's first two Euro 2008 qualifiers:<br /><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The Chelsea midfielder suffered the injury at the end of Friday's training session and was sent to hospital where a scan revealed the full extent of the problem. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The 29-year-old is certain to miss Sunday's Premier League trip to Aston Villa and a major question mark hangs over whether he will be fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 double-header. </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">McClaren's men are up against Israel at Wembley on 8th September before taking on Russia four days later.</span></p></blockquote><p> </p>So far there hasn't been any splash moves in the transfer market with only spare parts and youngsters getting moved today -- to stay up with the latest, <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/transfer_centre">click here</a>.The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-17814435459066828512007-08-30T13:36:00.001-05:002007-08-30T13:39:21.064-05:00Week 4 preview and predictions:Courtesy of the former Liverpudlian and <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6963723.stm">BBC pundit </a><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6963723.stm">Mark Lawrenson</a>:<br /><b></b><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><b> THIS WEEK'S PREDICTIONS </b></span> <!--Ech1--> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> SATURDAY </b></span> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Bolton v Everton </b><br /></span> </p> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> It's an improving Bolton side against difficult-to-beat Everton. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> A real doughty, northern derby, and I can only see one real outcome, a draw. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 1-1 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Fulham v Tottenham </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Tottenham had a couple of decent results at Craven Cottage last season, and their performance at Old Trafford last week will give them heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Fulham certainly haven't had the rub of the green so far - poor old Lawrie Sanchez must be wondering what's he's done to deserve it. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 1-2 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Liverpool v Derby </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> So far this season in the Premier League, Derby have been so poor at the back, it's frightening. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Liverpool have now got strength in depth, and they'll be able to freshen up and change the team that beat Toulouse in the Champions League. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 3-0 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Middlesbrough v Birmingham </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Mido has come in and lifted everyone at Middlesbrough, and made a big difference to the club. They're also getting one or two injured players back. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Birmingham will scrap and battle, as they know they will have to do all season long. I'm not expecting a classic match. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 2-1 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Newcastle v Wigan </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> It's been a good start for Chris Hutchings as Wigan have beaten the teams expected to be with them around the bottom of the table. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> But I expect Newcastle to win, they're unbeaten and Sam Allardyce has got competition for places. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 2-0 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Reading v West Ham </b><br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> West Ham have made a stuttering start but they also have personnel returning. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Reading had been quite phenomenal before Saturday's 3-0 defeat and I can see them getting back on track with a draw at the Madejski Stadium. </span></p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 1-1 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Man Utd v Sunderland </b> (1715 BST) <br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p><p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The return of Roy Keane to Old Trafford. But he's now had a realisation of what it will take to stay in this division. He's addressed that by bringing in a few new players this week. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I expect Sunderland to battle and scrap as their manager did when he played, but Man United will just have too much quality. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 2-0 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> SUNDAY </b></span> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Arsenal v Portsmouth </b> (1330 BST) <br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> It's been softly-softly, catchee monkey Arsenal, who have quietly made a good start and are just starting to click. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> This will be a tough game for Portsmouth, coming so soon after their trip to Chelsea, where they played well without reward. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 2-0 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Blackburn v Man City </b> (1500 BST) <br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> I was impressed with the way Blackburn played at Everton. They get criticism at times, but they are a good team, with good players who work hard. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Man City have made a spectacular start, but this will be a tough test for them. I also think it will be a more open game than you might think. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 2-1 </b></span> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Aston Villa v Chelsea </b> (1600 BST) <br /></span> </p></div> <div class="bo"> <p> </p></div> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Chelsea just have this amazing way of not getting beaten, they're strong through the middle and they know how to win. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> If Villa sit back, Chelsea can dominate them, if they attack, Chelsea can hit them on the break. </span></p><p> <span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Prediction: 1-2 </b></span></p></blockquote><p><b></b> </p>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-58958220501562607182007-08-30T13:26:00.000-05:002007-08-30T13:27:17.198-05:00Kaka is the Euro player of the year...From <a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-29251720070830">Reuters</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">AC Milan's Kaka was named European club player of the year by UEFA on Thursday.<span id="midArticle_byline"></span><span id="midArticle_0"></span></span> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> The Brazilian also collected the award for best forward during last season's Champions League.</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span id="midArticle_1"></span></span> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Chelsea's Petr Cech was named the best goalkeeper from last season's tournament. AC Milan's Paolo Maldini won the best defender award while team mate Clarence Seedorf was judged to be the best midfielder.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-26498722433575302712007-08-30T13:20:00.001-05:002007-08-30T13:32:32.106-05:00Another day, another bicycle kick...<p>This time from Chris Klein of the LA Galaxy in the SuperLiga finals. Unfortunately the bike kick didn't pay off as the Galaxy and Beckham lost (<a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/30/beckham-sprains-knee-watches-galaxy-lose-1-million-on-missed-p/">the $1 million match</a>) in penalties.<br /></p><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><object height="350" width="425"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/4ZHbZGmp49Y" name="movie"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/4ZHbZGmp49Y" height="350" width="425"></embed></object></p></div>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-3551054701758059342007-08-30T13:04:00.000-05:002007-08-30T13:33:01.764-05:00Champions league draw releasedOf the premier league sides it looks like Chelski will face the toughest draw with quarter finalist from a year ago Valencia as well as Schalke and Rosenborg. However, barring any major upsets in Eastern Europe, all of the premier league teams should be moving onto the next round from the looks of it. The weakest group definitely looks like group D -- outside of AC Milan all the other sides are from lower tier leagues. Also worth noting is that Sevilla and AEK Athens <a href="http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2158685,00.html">have yet to play their qualifier due to the passing of Antonio Puerta</a>. <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11781_2695998,00.html">Here is the draw:</a></span><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b></b></span></h4><blockquote><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP A:</b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;"> Liverpool (England) Porto (Portugal) Olympique Marseille (France) Besiktas (Turkey) </span><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP B:</b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;"> Chelsea (England) Valencia (Spain) Schalke 04 (Germany) Rosenborg (Norway) </span><p> </p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP C: </b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Real Madrid (Spain) Werder Bremen (Germany) Lazio (Italy) Olympiakos (Greece) </span><p> </p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP D:</b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;"> AC Milan (Italy) Benfica (Portugal) Celtic (Scotland) Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) </span><p> </p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP E:</b></span> </h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Barcelona (Spain) Olympique Lyon (France) VfB Stuttgart (Germany) Rangers (Scotland) </span><p> </p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP F: </b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;">Manchester United (England) AS Roma (Italy) Sporting Lisbon (Portugal) Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine) </span><p> </p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP G:</b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;"> Inter Milan (Italy) PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) CSKA Moscow (Russia) Fenerbahce (Turkey) </span><p> </p><h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GROUP H:</b></span></h4><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/30/this-is-an-unfortunate-photo-for-arsenal-fans/"> Arsenal </a>(England) Sevilla (Spain) or AEK Athens (Greece) Steaua Bucharest (Romania) Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)</span></blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-68477236230250889942007-08-30T11:54:00.000-05:002007-08-30T13:35:03.110-05:00Anelka re-ups with Trotters; Shiva says no<a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30082007/58/premier-league-new-deal-ends-anelka-saga.html">Anelka has signed a 4 year contract extension</a> to stay on Sammy Lee's side:<br /><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Bolton chalked up their first win of the season at the weekend by beating <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/reading/index.html">Reading</a></span> with Anelka making it three goals in four games.</p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">He said: "I seem to have been linked with every club in the country of late but my heart is with Bolton.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"I am very happy with my form, the club and the manager so signing a new contract was not a difficult decision.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Hopefully we will prosper together because I would not have remained at Bolton if I had thought we could not win trophies."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Anelka's decision is a marvellous boost for manager Sammy Lee ahead of the home game against <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/football/everton/index.html">Everton</a> on Saturday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Lee said: "We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get him to commit his long-term future to us.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Nicolas is one of the world's best strikers and I am immensely proud and happy that he has shown such commitment to the club.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"It is also a boost for the dressing room because a team never wants to lose anybody of Nicolas's stature and presence."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">Lee added: "This shows our ambition to be among the top clubs, not just in this country but across the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"Nicolas is one of the most sought after strikers in the world and I am delighted that he will continue to wear the Bolton shirt.</span></p></blockquote><p></p><p>Don't know if Anelka's presence in the dressing room is as positive as Sammy Lee implies as he's known for being somewhat of a malcontent but Bolton surely needed his talents if they are to stay out of the relegation zone.</p><span style="font-weight: bold;">In other news:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30082007/58/premier-league-shevchenko-won-t-kiev.html">Shiva won't go back to Dynamo Kiev</a> and wants to return to first team action with Chelski<br /><br />Most of the other transfer rumors, including the Defoe/SWP swap, <a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30082007/58/premier-league-transfer-talk-staying.html">were bull</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007400416,00.html"><br />Zat Knight gets nicked with crack cocaine and heroin</a> just hours before being trumpeted as Villa's new signing.<br /><br />Reading are offended by <a href="http://www.football.co.uk/News/royals_snub_shorey_offer_251712.shtml">West Ham's "derisory" offer for Nick Shorey</a>.<br /><br />Pompey is still <a href="http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,2158582,00.html">looking for a striker</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/070830/2/v16n.html">Another Russian billionaire</a> is getting into the Premier League.<br /><br />Freddy Adu is <a href="http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=3357">getting settled at Benfica</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/e/everton/6971325.stm">Dane, Thomas Graveson, has joined Everton</a> on loan for the rest of the season.<br /><a href="http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/251477"><br />Sam Eto'o is out two months for Barca</a> with a partial tear of his right thigh tendon.The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-46321520645606882422007-08-29T18:58:00.000-05:002007-08-29T19:00:36.308-05:00Riquelme won't be a Spur...Spurs supporters will be dissappointed as <a href="http://www.globalfutbol.com/story/2007/8/29/145416/324">Riquelme has joined Atletico Madrid</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Big news - and positive news - out of Spain on an otherwise dark day where a fallen hero was mourned.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Argentina midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has agreed to join Atletico Madrid on a 2 year deal. I suspect that the price was fairly low considering that this was partly about his old side - the Yellow Submarine - getting rid of his contract.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"> Atletico have done some fantastic business this summer and as our earlier poll showed, this community believes that the Juan Roman deal turns their decision to sell their hero to Liverpool a good one for the club. I just wish they were playing CL this season.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-71783356945197806192007-08-29T18:55:00.001-05:002007-08-29T19:07:07.355-05:00Players suddenly collapsing...<a href="http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/29/mourning-in-seville/">The NY Times takes an in-depth look into the death of Antonio Puerta</a> and also examines two other collapses that occurred yesterday and in the past:<br /><p style="font-weight: bold;"></p><blockquote><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Late yesterday another player — the Zambian striker Chaswe Nsofwa, 27, who plays for Hapoel Beersheva in Israel — collapsed during a scrimmage. He was taken to a hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. The cause of death has yet to be determined.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Writing about Puerta, one Spanish newspaper, La Razón, said “the heart of football has stopped.”</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Unfortunately, it is not the first time a soccer player has died from a heart attack in recent years.</span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">*On Tuesday, Leicester City’s 27-year-old defender Clive Clarke suffered two heart attacks during halftime of his club’s Carling Cup game against Nottingham Forest. He was listed in stable condition yesterday. According to the BBC, Clarke was treated with a defibrillator in the Leicester City locker room and was conscious when he was taken to the hospital.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">*Perhaps the most public of incidents occurred during the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup in France when Marc-Vivien Foe of Cameroon collapsed in the center circle during a game against Colombia in Lyon and later died. Foe had been a member of Cameroon’s 1994 and 2002 World Cup teams and was a member of the squad that won the African Nations Cup in 2000 and 2002. He was 28.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">*Hugo Cunha, a midfielder of União Leiria in Portugal collapsed and died during a pickup game with friends in 2005. He was 28.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">*The Brazilian striker Márcio Dos Santos scored a goal for his Peruvian club, Deportivo Wanka, in a game in October 2002. Hours later he suffered a heart attack and died. He was 28.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">*In January 2004, Miklos Feher, a 24-year-old Hungarian, collapsed from a heart attack and died during a match between Benfica and Vitoria Guimarães in Portugal.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">*Dave Longhurst, 20, a striker for York City in England collapsed right before halftime of a game between his York City club and Lincoln City in England in September 1990. An autopsy found that he had suffered from a rare heart disorder.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">*Serginho, a defender for São Caetano in Brazil, crumpled to the turf away from play in the 59th minute of a game against São Paulo in October 2004. Doctors on the field were unsuccessful in their attempts to revive him using CPR. At the time, club medical officials said Serginho had been receiving treatment for heart problems. He was 30.</span></p></blockquote><p> </p>One has to wonder if FIFA needs to be taking more precaution prior to the season and require all players to have the most thorough heart exams possible.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.search.yahoo.com/search/news;_ylt=A9j8eu4VCdZGQw8A1xHRtDMD;_ylu=X3oDMTA4Mm84YjJyBHNlYwNzb3J0?ei=UTF-8&p=puerta+sevilla&c=images&datesort=1&fr=">Here are pictures</a> of the memorials for Puerta that took place across SpainThe Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-33987249498099609342007-08-29T12:57:00.001-05:002007-08-29T13:00:47.195-05:00Before the window closes...The latest rumors leading up to the <a href="http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnews/feedstory/0,,-6883151,00.html">closing of the transfer window</a>:<br /><div></div><blockquote><div><span style="font-size:85%;"> England international forwards Jermain Defoe and Shaun Wright-Phillips could swap clubs while Nicolas Anelka could leave Bolton Wanderers for either Manchester United or Manchester City.</span></div> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"> Defoe has yet to commit himself to a new deal at Tottenham Hotspur while Wright-Phillips has failed to fully establish himself at Chelsea since moving there from Manchester City two years ago.<br /><br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"> Manchester United could move for Frenchman Anelka to ease their striking problems, while City would be keen to boost their vibrant new squad.<br /><br /></span></div> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"> Chelsea's interest in Barcelona's Brazilian Ronaldinho was still being widely reported even though Barcelona president Joan Laporta says he will not be leaving the Nou Camp.<br /></span></div></blockquote><div>More on the <a href="http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/07/08/29/SOCCER_Man_Utd_Nightlead.html">possible moves by Man U</a>:<br /><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:85%;">As well as Saha being on the verge of a comeback, Brazilian new-boy Anderson could also feature for the first time after overcoming a niggling hamstring complaint picked up during pre-season combat in Doncaster.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">The potential availability of that duo is likely to mean there will be no late deadline-day arrivals at Old Trafford, even though the names of Dimitar Berbatov and Nicolas Anelka continue to be linked with a move to the champions</span></p></blockquote></div>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-68302895599129514882007-08-28T18:58:00.000-05:002007-08-28T19:05:00.242-05:00Chelski defender backs move for Ron (and some transfer rumors)...John Terry has bought into bringing Ron to Chelski - <a href="http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/premiership/article2903498.ece">so long as he buys into what Jose preaches</a>.<br /><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:85%;">John Terry said yesterday that Ronaldinho would be the perfect signing for Chelsea – just as long as he obeyed Jose Mourinho's orders and tracked back. The Brazilian's future is the transfer saga that refuses to go away with three days left until the transfer window closes on Friday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">The Chelsea captain is a close confidante of Roman Abramovich, but even he could not offer an insight into whether the 27-year-old is a serious prospect for his club or just using them to negotiate a better deal with Barcelona. Instead he said that the man twice voted Fifa world player of the year would be suited to Chelsea's new more attacking style – but that even Ronaldinho would be expected to do his share of defending too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">The tantalising prospect of Chelsea pulling off one of the greatest transfer coups of all time is balanced by the possibility that Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto de Assis Moreira is using the club's interest as a bargaining chip in contracts talks with Barcelona. Nevertheless, the reports of meetings between Moreira and Abramovich had reached the Chelsea players. "It was exciting. I've seen the coverage," Terry said. "To get a player of that ability would be a great acquisition. I've seen him, seen what he's all about and he's a very difficult player to mark.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">"If he did come he would give us that option up front and it'd be great for the Premiership to get the likes of Ronaldinho. For me personally, Chelsea and everyone at the club it would be great."</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">There was still a surreal element to discussing with Terry how one of the greatest Brazilian footballers of all time would potentially fit into Mourinho's team – but this being Chelsea, even their club captain was not about to dismiss the possibility out of hand. Having witnessed the Mourinho-effect first hand, Terry said that even Ronaldinho, who has faced Chelsea in the Champions League each season for the last three years, would have to stick to the core principles of the team.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>Don't think Ron is a very good fit at Chelski but he is the two time FIFA player of the year and absolutely brilliant. Such class should theoretically be able to adapt to any system but as Shiva and Ballack have proven, this isn't always the case.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">(<a href="http://www.football365.com/news/transfers/0,17033,8671,00.html">Other transfer rumors</a> - some featuring Adriano - there should be plenty more before the transfer window closes on Friday)<br /></div>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-77783650527833339852007-08-28T18:01:00.000-05:002007-08-28T18:54:57.251-05:00Morecambe shocks the Carling Cup again! + Quick hitsNewcomers to the Football League, Morecambe FC, have followed up on their <a href="http://backfour.blogspot.com/2007/08/video-of-carling-cup-shocker.html">shocking upset of PNE</a> with another upset -- this time <a href="http://www.thevisitor.co.uk/sport/39Dreamland39-for-the-Shrimps.3154284.jp">Wolverhampton fell victim to the Shrimps</a>:<br /><div id="ds-firstpara" class="ds-firstpara"></div><blockquote><div id="ds-firstpara" class="ds-firstpara"><span style="font-size:85%;">SAMMY McIlroy was understandably delighted with his players' performance in beating Wolves in the Carling Cup.<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"> After seeing his side score twice in extra-time to beat a second successive Championship team, McIlroy said the win was 'magnificent'.<br /><br />He said: "I am immensely proud of my boys and the supporters must be in dreamland with the way things are going at the moment.<br /><br />"It was another magnificent win for us and I don't think anyone can say we didn't deserve it.<br /><br />"Wolves played some neat football and had a lot of possessions but they never really hurt us.<br /><br />"We defended superbly as a team and always looked threatening on the break."<br /><br />The Shrimps had looked set to win in normal time with Carl Baker's penalty enough for them to lead until, with seven minutes left, Andy Keogh scored from the spot.<br /><br />But goals from Jon Newby and Garry Thompson in extra-time put the Shrimps in the third round draw with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.</span><br /></blockquote>Looks like the fairy tale story will end in the next round if the Shrimps face either of the squads mentioned above but nice run lads.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Other notes of interest from the Carling Cup</span>:<br />After their hot start <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=227217&cc=5901">Sunderland lost to Luton Town</a> -- oh dear.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/0-0&fp=46d41ea3cf748189&ei=I6nURoemKZLYasnd6OkH&url=http%3A//www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C22326728-2883%2C00.html&cid=1119984277">Kieron Dyer breaks his leg</a> - not a good result for West Ham, regardless of the score.<br /><br /><a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457931&cc=5901">Foxes match suspended at the half after player collapses</a> in the same day that Spanish middy, <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8RA69F00&show_article=1">Antonio Puerta, dies after collapsing on the pitch</a><br /><br /><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct=us/0-0&fp=46d41ea3cf748189&ei=I6nURoemKZLYasnd6OkH&url=http%3A//www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0%2C21985%2C22326728-2883%2C00.html&cid=1119984277"><br /></a>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-29338535141766429502007-08-28T10:11:00.000-05:002007-08-28T10:14:29.589-05:00Week 3 Best XI...From <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=457170&root=england&cc=5901">ESPN</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>GK:</b> Craig Gordon (Sunderland) <b><br />LB:</b> Pascal Chimbonda (Tottenham) <b><br />CB:</b> Sol Campbell (Portsmouth) <b><br />RB:</b> Micah Richards (Man City) <b><br />LM:</b> Mohamed Sissoko (Liverpool) <b><br />RM:</b> Nani (Man Utd) <b><br />CM:</b> Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham) <b><br />CM:</b> Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) <b><br />ST:</b> Cameron Jerome (Birmingham) <b><br />ST:</b> El Hadji Diouf (Bolton) <b><br />ST:</b> Ashley Young (Aston Villa)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Eyebrows were raised when Roy Keane splashed nine million pounds on <b>Craig Gordon</b> but they will have been lowered after his performance against Liverpool on Saturday. The Scotland number one was busy all afternoon and kept the score-line respectable for the home side. He is going to have ample opportunity to show his pedigree in what is shaping up to be a long season for the Black Cats.<br /><b><br />Pascal Chimbonda</b> gave a great all-round full-back's display at Old Trafford showing off both his defensive capabilities and attacking instincts. He shepherded the United trio of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Ryan Giggs when called upon and won the battle against his opposite number Patrice Evra with his dangerous marauding runs down the right flank. <b><br /><br />Sol Campbell</b>, possibly enlivened by his recall to the recent England squad, was a rock in the Portsmouth defence as Pompey gave Chelsea a fright at the Bridge with a confident, assured display. Campbell made a couple of important tackles, racing back and using his strength to deny the home team. <b><br /><br />Micah Richards </b>personally capped another great week in a season of great weeks so far with another outstanding performance for Manchester City. He faced Emanuel Adebayor and the lanky Gunner was second best against England's rising star (so much so he was subbed later on). Richards also gave a mature performance in midweek for the national team. <b><br /><br />Tom Huddlestone</b> gave an elegant display in the Spurs midfield and his repertoire of passing was on full display as he helped carve out several chances for Martin Jol's side at Old Trafford. He showed up ex-Spurs man Michael Carrick (who was substituted after an hour) and was always involved in the hub of the action for the visitors.<br /><br /><b>Cesc Fabregas</b> again shouldered the burden of delivering the goods for Arsenal as they grabbed a single goal victory against a resurgent Manchester City at the Emirates. It was from the youthful foot Fabregas that the points were secured. The Spaniard darted in to the penalty area before firing past the otherwise impressive Caspar Schmeichel late on. <b><br /><br />Mohammed Sissoko</b> slipped in to the not in-any-way-daunting-at-all boots of Steven Gerrard at the Stadium of Light and was a more than able deputy. He scored a great goal too, a pile-driver from twenty-five yards. Close your eyes, and you could have sworn it was Stevie G who hit it. Except you wouldn't have seen it (but if you had the commentary on the TV you would have known who scored). <b><br /><br />Ashley Young</b> was man of the match for Aston Villa against Fulham and was a constant threat with his searing pace. He went close with a couple of efforts, then received a bit of help when his shot deflected in off Zat Knight for the first Villa goal. There was nothing remotely fortunate about Young's role in the winner though as he provided a wonderfully executed slide rule pass for Maloney to slot home.<br /><br />Steve Bruce got some valuable return on the £3 million he spent on <b>Cameron Jerome</b> when the striker bagged a brace to win the game for the Blues at Derby. Jerome struck the first after just thirty seconds, latching on to a fine Mikael Fossael pass to beat Stephen Bywater. The winner was a volley from fifteen yards after Sebastian Larsson's flick to give Birmingham a valuable three points against one of their fellow promoted sides.<br /><br /><b>Nani</b> made his home debut for Manchester United and crowned the day with a stunning goal to give his side their first win of the season against Spurs. Alex Ferguson envisaged a marginal role for the 20 year old this season. If this is so, then they have themselves one hell of a substitute. Nani, turned and hit an unstoppable shot from thirty yards past England's number one (whatever connotations that title confers on its owner these days).<br /><br />Mr Popularity <b>El-Hadji Diouf </b>rolled up his sleeves and showed his fight for the battle by masterminding Bolton's first win of the season against Reading. Well, perhaps. Or, Mr Popularity El Hadji Diouf realizes the transfer window looms large and if it slams shut on Friday he will remain plying his trade at the Reebok for at least another half season, so decided to remind would be suitors he is a decent player. Anyroad, whichever it is, he played well. And for that his manager <b>Sammy Lee</b> will be more than grateful. To say Lee has a difficult job following Sam Allardyce in to the Bolton hotseat goes without saying. A diabolical start has made him bookies favorite for the axe but if he can hold on to Messrs Anelka and Diouf and his side continue to put in performances like the one which brought a 3-0 win against in-form Reading, then things may swing in his favour.</span> </blockquote>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-89437368722196551072007-08-27T11:13:00.000-05:002007-08-27T11:19:40.469-05:00Ronaldinho to Chelski?? Weekend wrap-upA short update due as I am travelling but a couple things that have caught my eye...<br /><br />- Chelski looks to <a href="http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_2688511,00.html">spend some ridiculous money on the Brazilian phenom</a>.<br /><br />- <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457486&cc=%">Barca denies</a><br /><br />- David Warner wrap-ups <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/25/prem-wrap-the-talented-mr-lampard/">Saturday</a> & <a href="http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/26/prem-wrap-old-trafford-flips-for-nani/">Sundays</a> premier league action<br /><br />- Berbatov <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457408&cc=5901">to remain a Spur</a><br /><br />- Fergie says <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457399&cc=5901">injury woes are coming to an end</a>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5392461558550843142.post-22144851337670271162007-08-24T19:39:00.000-05:002007-08-24T19:40:34.594-05:00A look ahead...A look ahead at <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/24/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-English-Capsules.php">this weekends action</a>The Clueless Yankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06435175958006904615noreply@blogger.com5