Saturday 17 January 2009
Chelseas vs Stoke
Big Phil Scolari has described Stoke as the "best set piece team in the world". And, in recent times, his side have been the worst at defending them. Chaos in the defence and the dressing room saw little Southend dream of an upset against the mighty Russian giants before having their innocent hearts broken. Now, Scolari looks to take complete charge at the Bridge, telling players "if you want to go, go!" Cole and Deco will miss out for Chelsea - though Malouda and Carvalho return. Drogba may play defending on....how Scolari's feeling. Reports have also suggested Anelka is on Scolari's hit list for questioning tactics - as, according to ever-reliable fact merchant The Sun, is Carvalho. Maybe di Santo will be handed a start? Maybe Belleti will not be used as a super sub. The life and times of Scolari kicks off at 15:00.
Hull vs Arsenal, Sunderland vs Aston Villa
Hull beat Arsenal at the Emirates earlier this season though Wenger claims this match is "not about revenge". Hull may have Manchester United on-loan striker Manucho ready for this game forming an interesting attacking partnership with the likes of King and Cousin - supported by Geovanni. Arsenal are without William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre through injury, and give a fitness test to Alex Song. Walcott, Cesc Fabregas and Tomas Rosicky remain sidelined.
Hull will fancy their chances in front of an ever hopeful home crowd. Arsenal however know a win will - just about - keep them in the title race, 5 points behind Liverpool.
Aston Villa have a tough task away at Sunderland - though they will class themselves as strong favourites. "World-class" Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will look to overpower the might of Sunderland top-marksman Djibril Cisse. This promises to be an open game with both sides clawing for points - though for very different reasons.
Hull will fancy their chances in front of an ever hopeful home crowd. Arsenal however know a win will - just about - keep them in the title race, 5 points behind Liverpool.
Aston Villa have a tough task away at Sunderland - though they will class themselves as strong favourites. "World-class" Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will look to overpower the might of Sunderland top-marksman Djibril Cisse. This promises to be an open game with both sides clawing for points - though for very different reasons.
Bolton vs Manchester United : Premier League Preview - 17th January 2009
4 of the big 5 (yes, I include Villa) compete in todays's matches - all with potentially tricky games ahead.
Manchester Unted have been hit hard by injuries in their run up to an away day at Bolton. Ferdinand, Evra, Evans, Tevez and Rooney may all miss out - giving the World Champions problems at the back. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gary Neville shoved into a central-defensive role along side Vidic - Rafael and O'Shea as full backs. Midfield may have to become a creative 5-piece with Ronaldo and Park/Nani marshalling the flanks and mastermind Scholes, born again central midfielder Giggs and the ever impressive Michael Carrick as the midfield 3. Berbatov could at last get a chance to lead the line on his own which, with support from the likes of the Player of The Year, could be deadly.
Bolton are one of the worst sides in the League form-wise and lost the reverse fixture 2-0 earlier this season. New man Ariza Makulaka may look to turn these fortunes around by announcing himself infront of his home fans against the best team on Earth.
The signs for Bolton are ominous. The champions have conceded none in nine in the League. One of Chelsea's phenomenal record. Bolton have lost their last 3 League games whilst Manchester United are the form team in the League with 16 points in 6.
Manchester Unted have been hit hard by injuries in their run up to an away day at Bolton. Ferdinand, Evra, Evans, Tevez and Rooney may all miss out - giving the World Champions problems at the back. I wouldn't be surprised to see Gary Neville shoved into a central-defensive role along side Vidic - Rafael and O'Shea as full backs. Midfield may have to become a creative 5-piece with Ronaldo and Park/Nani marshalling the flanks and mastermind Scholes, born again central midfielder Giggs and the ever impressive Michael Carrick as the midfield 3. Berbatov could at last get a chance to lead the line on his own which, with support from the likes of the Player of The Year, could be deadly.
Bolton are one of the worst sides in the League form-wise and lost the reverse fixture 2-0 earlier this season. New man Ariza Makulaka may look to turn these fortunes around by announcing himself infront of his home fans against the best team on Earth.
The signs for Bolton are ominous. The champions have conceded none in nine in the League. One of Chelsea's phenomenal record. Bolton have lost their last 3 League games whilst Manchester United are the form team in the League with 16 points in 6.
Thursday 15 January 2009
City direction cast aside with £100m Kaká move
When Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, or the unmistakable Kaká, crowned a glorious campaign with the prestigious Fifa World Player of the Year and Ballon D'Or awards in 2007, even an artist blessed with the cutting vision and devastating creative foresight of the Brazilian himself could not have envisaged the events of the past days which have captivated the football world and threatened to revolutionise the game as we know it. The fleet footed playmaker, revered by coaches and players alike, had been the subject of an incredible nine-figure bid from...Manchester City.
Of course, as we know, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the goings on at Eastlands ever since September 1, 2008, when sensationally on transfer deadline day, the club was sold to Abu Dhabi United Group for Investment and Development, a consortium from the Middle East with plans that would have left even a certain Russian billionaire scratching his head. The City faithful could be forgiven for feelings of joy, ecstacy or just sheer disbelief, reinforced straight away with the capture of Samba star Robinho from Real Madrid for a staggering £32.5m, and the well documented bid for Dimitar Berbatov, ultimately ending in disappointment as United sealed the deal. However, this latest potential coup has the capacity to leave all previous actions floundering in the shade.
Despite all this, however outrageous it may sound, it is still very feasible to bring into question the short term intentions of Mark Hughes, Garry Cook and ADUG - simply by looking at the Premier League table. Despite the instant impact of Robinho and the consistency of a certain Stephen Ireland, City remain perilously close to the relegation zone - just two points from dropping into it - and knowing the unpredictable nature of the finest league in the world this season with just 8 points seperating the top 10, it is very plausible that they will find themselves sucked into a roller-coaster ride of a relegation battle as the season draws on. Certainly not the impact Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan had hoped to have made. It is now that City's intentions and short-term plans be questioned - is Kaká the answer to dragging a so far very average team out of a relegation battle? Certainly people would say they could not suggest better, but the Brazilian with a glittering CV is used to challenging for Champions League trophies - could he really be the answer when a City team leaking goals needs a win at the Britannia Stadium?
Another factor overlooked amidst the shock of this transfer is Mark Hughes' - or should we say the Sheikh's - other moves in this January window. Clearly the fans want another marquee name to go alongside those of Robinho and any others that will inevitably be targetted in the summer, and who better than Kaká or another mooted target, Fernando Torres? Whilst negotiating a record breaking deal for possibly the most talented player in Europe, City have also turned to that world beater...Craig Bellamy. Hmm. As well as questioning why on earth they want anything to do with the hot-headed Welsh international who failed to make an impact at Liverpool, a club that City hope to eclipse in the near future...one has to ask - what direction are the club looking to go? Who does Mark Hughes really want to sign? Are these his targets? Do the Arabs even want Hughes at the helm?
It is hard to believe that amidst the fever of potentially one of the greats arriving to ply his trade in England, so many questions still need to be raised.
Of course, as we know, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the goings on at Eastlands ever since September 1, 2008, when sensationally on transfer deadline day, the club was sold to Abu Dhabi United Group for Investment and Development, a consortium from the Middle East with plans that would have left even a certain Russian billionaire scratching his head. The City faithful could be forgiven for feelings of joy, ecstacy or just sheer disbelief, reinforced straight away with the capture of Samba star Robinho from Real Madrid for a staggering £32.5m, and the well documented bid for Dimitar Berbatov, ultimately ending in disappointment as United sealed the deal. However, this latest potential coup has the capacity to leave all previous actions floundering in the shade.
Despite all this, however outrageous it may sound, it is still very feasible to bring into question the short term intentions of Mark Hughes, Garry Cook and ADUG - simply by looking at the Premier League table. Despite the instant impact of Robinho and the consistency of a certain Stephen Ireland, City remain perilously close to the relegation zone - just two points from dropping into it - and knowing the unpredictable nature of the finest league in the world this season with just 8 points seperating the top 10, it is very plausible that they will find themselves sucked into a roller-coaster ride of a relegation battle as the season draws on. Certainly not the impact Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan had hoped to have made. It is now that City's intentions and short-term plans be questioned - is Kaká the answer to dragging a so far very average team out of a relegation battle? Certainly people would say they could not suggest better, but the Brazilian with a glittering CV is used to challenging for Champions League trophies - could he really be the answer when a City team leaking goals needs a win at the Britannia Stadium?
Another factor overlooked amidst the shock of this transfer is Mark Hughes' - or should we say the Sheikh's - other moves in this January window. Clearly the fans want another marquee name to go alongside those of Robinho and any others that will inevitably be targetted in the summer, and who better than Kaká or another mooted target, Fernando Torres? Whilst negotiating a record breaking deal for possibly the most talented player in Europe, City have also turned to that world beater...Craig Bellamy. Hmm. As well as questioning why on earth they want anything to do with the hot-headed Welsh international who failed to make an impact at Liverpool, a club that City hope to eclipse in the near future...one has to ask - what direction are the club looking to go? Who does Mark Hughes really want to sign? Are these his targets? Do the Arabs even want Hughes at the helm?
It is hard to believe that amidst the fever of potentially one of the greats arriving to ply his trade in England, so many questions still need to be raised.
The Kaka Saga
I'm a Manchester United fan. As a result, I obviously don't favour Man City. But, who would not want to see Kaka exhibiting his skills in the greatest League on Earth week in, week out. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that the prospect is exciting.
Crazy sums of money have been suggested to prise the former World Player of the year away from the San Siro - and rightfully so. You get what you pay for (unless your Sir Alex Ferguson in which case you either get double (Cantona, Ronaldo, Vidic) or half (Veron, Berbatov, Tevez(?)).
But £100 million (think about that figure) is a hell of a lot of money. Surely Manchester City could do a Robinho style move and get another big name for (comparatively) small money. Well, considering Real Madrid sold 1 million "Beckham" shirts in 2003, I'd say this galactico style signing might be a smart move. Real Madrid were almost instantly able to confirm profit made on the Beckham signing due due to shirt sales, constant full match attendance, increased pay days for touring abroad etc. Now I know Kaka isn't David Beckham. He's probably not as marketable. Maybe not as recognisable (maybe) as say, a Ronaldinho. But, with Manchester City's already strong and growing support base abroad (China especially), this signing would surely capture both attention and headlines.
If Manchester City want to be a global force to be reckoned with, they must win both points on the field and inches in newspapers.
As for the reported £500,000 a week Kaka will be offered.....what credit crunch?
Crazy sums of money have been suggested to prise the former World Player of the year away from the San Siro - and rightfully so. You get what you pay for (unless your Sir Alex Ferguson in which case you either get double (Cantona, Ronaldo, Vidic) or half (Veron, Berbatov, Tevez(?)).
But £100 million (think about that figure) is a hell of a lot of money. Surely Manchester City could do a Robinho style move and get another big name for (comparatively) small money. Well, considering Real Madrid sold 1 million "Beckham" shirts in 2003, I'd say this galactico style signing might be a smart move. Real Madrid were almost instantly able to confirm profit made on the Beckham signing due due to shirt sales, constant full match attendance, increased pay days for touring abroad etc. Now I know Kaka isn't David Beckham. He's probably not as marketable. Maybe not as recognisable (maybe) as say, a Ronaldinho. But, with Manchester City's already strong and growing support base abroad (China especially), this signing would surely capture both attention and headlines.
If Manchester City want to be a global force to be reckoned with, they must win both points on the field and inches in newspapers.
As for the reported £500,000 a week Kaka will be offered.....what credit crunch?
Sunday 11 January 2009
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Manchester United vs Chelsea 11/01/2009
Kick Off : 16:00
Venue : Old Trafford
This, in recent times, has been the fixture that United and Cheslea fans look forward two. Undisputedly the top two teams in England of the last 5 years collide at Old Trafford. Cheslea know a win will all but eradicate the gap to leaders Liverpool, whilst United need to turn games-in-hand into points. When the giants collided earlier this season, late Kalou equaliser canceled out Park's early tap in finish to send both sides home relatively happy. Now, there's more on the line as both teams look to turn good seasons into great ones.
Alex Ferguson has a disappointing tendency to field workaholic Ji-Sung Park in the big games, sacrificing the flair and sparkle of Nani, or the level-headed Ryan Giggs. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra return after injuries and suspensions respectively. Long term absentee Owen Hargreaves is still on the treatment table and Wes Brown also sits out.
Cheslea are boosted by two returning big names; John Terry and Michael Ballack - both previously suspended. It is as of yet unknown as to whether Jose Bosingwa will play. The increasingly impressive Florent Malouda misses out.
A draw here for Manchester United wouldn't be so bad. It would still mean United could go within touching distance of Liverpool - although they will relinquish the chance to go top after games-in hand. Chelsea cannot afford another slip up as in recent weeks Liverpool have been let of the hook by the Blues matching their poop points return. A win here puts Chelsea 1 point behind Liverpool and makes them Premier League favourites. Chelsea must be weary that a loss here puts Aston Villa one point behind them with equal games played - Arsenal a further 3 points back. A loss today could have spiralling consequences for the Blues. Expect Scolari to go for the win.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United - 1 d. v. E. Sar, 2 G. Neville, 15 N. Vidic, 23 J. Evans, 3 P. Evra, 7 C. Ronaldo, 16 M. Carrick, 18 P. Scholes, 13 JS. Park, 10 W. Rooney, 9 D. Berbatov
Chelsea : 1 P. Cech, 17 J. Bosingwa, 26 J. Terry, 33 R. Alex, 3 A. Cole, 21 S. Kalou, 13 M. Ballack, 12 O. J. Mikel, 8 F. Lampard, 10 J. Cole, 11 D. Drogba
Kick Off : 16:00
Venue : Old Trafford
This, in recent times, has been the fixture that United and Cheslea fans look forward two. Undisputedly the top two teams in England of the last 5 years collide at Old Trafford. Cheslea know a win will all but eradicate the gap to leaders Liverpool, whilst United need to turn games-in-hand into points. When the giants collided earlier this season, late Kalou equaliser canceled out Park's early tap in finish to send both sides home relatively happy. Now, there's more on the line as both teams look to turn good seasons into great ones.
Alex Ferguson has a disappointing tendency to field workaholic Ji-Sung Park in the big games, sacrificing the flair and sparkle of Nani, or the level-headed Ryan Giggs. Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra return after injuries and suspensions respectively. Long term absentee Owen Hargreaves is still on the treatment table and Wes Brown also sits out.
Cheslea are boosted by two returning big names; John Terry and Michael Ballack - both previously suspended. It is as of yet unknown as to whether Jose Bosingwa will play. The increasingly impressive Florent Malouda misses out.
A draw here for Manchester United wouldn't be so bad. It would still mean United could go within touching distance of Liverpool - although they will relinquish the chance to go top after games-in hand. Chelsea cannot afford another slip up as in recent weeks Liverpool have been let of the hook by the Blues matching their poop points return. A win here puts Chelsea 1 point behind Liverpool and makes them Premier League favourites. Chelsea must be weary that a loss here puts Aston Villa one point behind them with equal games played - Arsenal a further 3 points back. A loss today could have spiralling consequences for the Blues. Expect Scolari to go for the win.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United - 1 d. v. E. Sar, 2 G. Neville, 15 N. Vidic, 23 J. Evans, 3 P. Evra, 7 C. Ronaldo, 16 M. Carrick, 18 P. Scholes, 13 JS. Park, 10 W. Rooney, 9 D. Berbatov
Chelsea : 1 P. Cech, 17 J. Bosingwa, 26 J. Terry, 33 R. Alex, 3 A. Cole, 21 S. Kalou, 13 M. Ballack, 12 O. J. Mikel, 8 F. Lampard, 10 J. Cole, 11 D. Drogba
Rafa's Rant - my two cents
I disagreed with Rafa saying Uniteda are nervous. Nervous teams draw with Stoke.
I disagree with Rafa saying United are playing mind games before pulling out a piece of paper with his pre-written mind games.
I think it's hypocritical of him to criticise Sir Alex Ferguson for having a go at Martin Atkinson moments after he suggested Steve Benntett is biased.
Also, Rafa says the Reds pressure referees to give decisions...does he mean decisons like when Gerrard dived in the last minuite to get a penalty and steal a point from Athletico?
Finally, isn't there irony in complaining about complaining?
Just my thoughts.
I disagree with Rafa saying United are playing mind games before pulling out a piece of paper with his pre-written mind games.
I think it's hypocritical of him to criticise Sir Alex Ferguson for having a go at Martin Atkinson moments after he suggested Steve Benntett is biased.
Also, Rafa says the Reds pressure referees to give decisions...does he mean decisons like when Gerrard dived in the last minuite to get a penalty and steal a point from Athletico?
Finally, isn't there irony in complaining about complaining?
Just my thoughts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)