Super Super Sunday

Super Sunday x2 that is.

Its the clash of the giants on the same night!

I'm talking about Liverpool vs Man Utd and Arsenal vs Chelsea, where like it or not, these are make or break games. These are the games that will get you another step closer to the title. A win here basically means 3 points for yourselves, and denying your opponents a single point. No matter how much anyone plays the situation down, there is absolutely no doubt that this are important big games at important times.

Lets look at Liverpool vs Manchester United. Liverpool are without Agger and Xabi(ok lah, recovering) but they are unlikely to start. Man Utd are without Gary Neville but Owen Hargreaves is set to return in this match. As far as form and pressure goes, Liverpool might be relieved that they made it through the Champions League, but Man Utd are doing very well in the League, besides the defeat to Bolton.

Liverpool might not have a good run of games against Man Utd in recent times, but that was before Fernando Torres wore a red shirt. He will be the difference maker tonight, if there is one.

Its fair enough to predict that tonight's game will end up in a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal vs Chelsea is another big game, where Arsenal are without plenty of important players. Chelsea are without Drogba which is also a major blow. Both teams proved worthy this season but it is also another safe bet that this one would also end up as a draw.

We'l see

The Torres Difference

Liverpool won 2-0 in last night's game. For the second time, Benitez names a unchange side, the side that gave Besiktas a good whipping lastWednesday, and it looked like it was going to be another 8-0 victory the way Liverpool was threatening Fulham from all angles.

I have to admit, this weaken Liverpool side looked so strong and yet so entertaining, we are once again seeing the best in Voronin playing up front(effectively), but deeper than I expected, and Benayoun being faster than what most people think. Aberloa and Fabio Aruilleo is proving to be strong wing backs themselves. Hopefully they will develop into world class players.

There were so many Shots and Niemi and the Fulham post was on course to win the man of the match award. Fulham's defense kept it tight, and with all the missed chances, it looked like another home draw for Liverpool. Looked like a game where people are going to watch Liverpool throwing away valuable points away by not scoring against a relatively weaker opponent, no offense to Fulham.

Then on came a striker who can create chances out of nothing. A Quick Reina kick that looked so harmless, was well controlled by the 20 million pound fella, and some slick moves and a tap, suddenly made Niemi's heroics seem like yesterday's news. For years, Liverpool were in need of a striker of this caliber and I'm glad we got one at last.

Crouch was brought down in a goal scoring chance just outside the penalty box but karma works its wonders. Liverpool's been punished by penalties they did not deserve to concede, and this time it goes in their favour(not like it would change the outcome of the match in a significant way anyways) and Captain Gerrard slots it right in the bottom corner, a place where you want to put your penalties in.

Liverpool vs Fulham

The match is going to start in 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the dying question that no one other than the team itself knows, is that who is going to be in the starting 11 tonight.

After a 8-0 win, it might not be a win against a strong opponent, but I believe the confidence level has built up in Anfield. The team is going to walk into todays game starting to believe their abilities and hopefully this will convert their chances into goals.

The truth is that Pool hasn't done well in the Premiership in terms of winning lately, their record of being unbeaten is often ignored as they lost too many points rather too easily from games they should excel. Its a shame really.

But it is still rather early in the season, and things can change starting from today's Fulham fixture. I really do hope that they dont disappoint me this time.

Arsenal vs Man Utd

It doesnt get any bigger than this. Another match in between the big four and this one is in between the English Champions and the title pretenders.

Before the season, everyone is talking about Man Utd's signings strengthening the squad and how powerful they will be this season. Everyone is also talking about how Henry's departure will leave Arsenal to dry. Well the Young Arsenal squad did prove a lot of people wrong.

This would be a test match, a test for both teams. Arsenal might have a good run thus far, until the Liverpool Match last week, it is safe to say that Arsenal is not tested in the highest level of football just yet. Same goes to Manchester United, although they were involved in a match with a very screwed up then Chelsea.

No need to talk about the rivalry and history between the clubs, everyone knows how big this game is.

My rough predictions for this match would be another 1-1 draw.

Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1

It may be a little late for me to write something about this, but I can't help but to write something about it. I didn't write a preview or a match report, so here is just some verdict on the match I did not watch.

Going into the match, the two teams are the remaining teams in the EPL that is still unbeaten. The only difference is that Liverpool conceded too many draws. Other than that, Liverpool went into the game with a Champions League lost, and form that is not something to be proud of, while Arsenal came with a brilliant record. In other words, its the best time to go against Liverpool and the worst time to face Arsenal.

We all know 1-1 is the scoreline, and scored by the individuals of each respective clubs who have the responsibilities of bringing their teams to greater heights. Like what Richard Jolly said, both are incredible by their own, and its hard to replicate such players anywhere else other than their own childhood neighbourhood, with the kind of football they were brought up in.

The out come might be a goal a piece, and a point a piece, but I believe both squads have important things to worry about. Arsenal is going to face a difficult Man Utd this weekend while Liverpool picked up 3 injuries, Torres, Alonso and Marcherano. 3 key injuries in my opinion, and without Agger, looks like its going to get tougher for Pool.

What else can be said, really?

Post mortem of derby

Everton 1 Liverpool 2 was the final scoreline, and mathematically, that is the only thing that matters.

With a game of 2 red cards and the atmosphere of World War III, it is a typical derby game; expected and fulfilled. Liverpool had a very weird starting line up, with just Dirk Kuyt as the lone striker. Voronin started in a right wing familiar and that is certainly not his best position. Neither Aberloa or Pennant, both who have played in every Liverpool game up to date are not starting, and a flat defensive midfield pairing of Sisoko and Marsherano. It looked like a very negative tactic to me.

Other than Voronin's good chance and Riise's Free kick, Everton looked more dangerous in the first half, with Lescott proving his qualities. I knew the formation wasn't working, the defense looks vulnerable and Everton made a few really good chances for themselves. They might have 0 shots on Target but a mixed up by Hyppia gave the home team the lead when the ex-captain finished the ball in his own net. And the first half ends 1-0. To be honest, most of the referee's decisions favours Everton.

Looks like another disappointing outing for Liverpool as their form drops again. Second half commences and I saw Voronin feeding gerrard, releasing him to a very inspirational run, before getting brought down by Hibbert. Replays showed that Gerrard was brought down outside the penalty box, but nevertheless, it was a 50-50 decision, and a one on one chance meant direct red, no matter what level of football is played. Kuyt stepped up and slotted in his first goal in the EPL this season.

Gerrard continued to play very well, showing that he is back in business until suddenly everyone was shocked that Benitez took the Captain out and replaced him with Leiva Lucas. Leiva Lucas is a bright talent, but in a derby game, level on goals and opponents down to 10 men, its about time to take out one of the defensive midfielders instead and maybe place crouch in front. This substitution makes me question Benitez's tactics. Yes Gerrard had 2 rough England games, and 2 big fixtures is coming up, but this is a much heated derby to rest him that soon.

The substitution almost backfired when Liverpool did make their attacks but wasted their chances. And I have to admit, some players are too greedy for glory instead of putting the team first. But when the sky gets darker and the world seemed doomed, A Leiva had a chance to score in his EPL debut until Phil Neville blocked the shot with his hand, which had gotten him sent off. I don't blame him. Rather risk a red card and hope that the penalty is not converted then a direct goal.

Kuyt once again put the ball behind Howard and 2-1 to Liverpool. Everton Never gave up. A really bad Carragher tackle on Lescott which is a clear penalty on any other day in the last second caused some panic on the reds. But in the end, 2-1 the final score and 3 points coming this way :)

Wigan 0 Liverpool 1

Yossi Benayoun scored a real classy goal to end Liverpool's little crisis of drawing 0-0s. I have to admit, after 50 minutes of no goals, and wasted good chances, plus Wigan's decent performance, I was getting worried.

The pre-match hype was all about how Torres should start, especially after a hat trick in mid week and 2 bench appearance in the last 2 EPL games. The Spaniard did start and did make his presence felt. Constantly marked by 3 players, handful of good chances, near goal chances, he did enough to cause panic at the Wigan Defense line. Unfortunately only goals count in games, and he didn't deliver this time.

Substitute Benayoun came on, scored a good goal, contributed by good defending as well, and earned Liverpool 3 points. Wigan did pretty well themselves, performance wise. Without Heskey and Sibierski, Aghahowa and Bent proved good forwards(although lacking in partnership understanding), Sharner and Koumas both dangerous, causing problems and can be proud of their game.

Earlier on, Man City defeated Newcastle 3-1 in a battle for 3 points. Let me just mention that Elano's free kick is one of the best I've ever seen, making the wall practically useless and at that position, no keeper could have saved that. Man City's fans are starting to believe in their team again.

Chelsea drew with Fulham at home and with John Terry picking up an injury and Drogba sent off, this is not the Chelsea team we once hated so much. I know Grant knows his football, but issit just me or did he picked a really weird starting line up. I understand the gambling but, seriously....

Matchday 8

When I look at the fixtures for this week, I see it as the position maker, known to some as 6 pointers. We're talking about teams that are most likely to finish just 1 rung above another.

Manchester City vs Newcastle

2 upcoming teams, with new management, with so much improvement, they certainly trying to push for more than Just Uefa Cup spots. They are pretty much the dark horses to push for a 4th spot, and I do see potential. We have Elano who is creating chances like never before, and the amazing strike force of Newcastle, containing quality players that can get the job done. Seriously I don't know which way this game will go, but the winner will score 3 very important points for this one.

Derby vs Bolton

Dont underestimate the drama that can take place between these two clubs. We are talking about two teams sitting bottom of the table, fighting for precious points to climb up and out of that relegation zone. The beauty of being at the bottom with the other teams is that one win can take you up by quite a bit, as it is safe to bet that other teams in or near the drop zone will lose their games. Will Anelka lift his mediocre Bolton out of this one? I do think so.

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

Another 2 nearly heavyweights fighting out for good points. Tottenham of course in bad form, and with all the news about Jol's job being unsafe is not helping. Aston Villa has had good fortune with their wins, and as long as they do not get hit by injuries, looks like they will do fine. I see a draw in this game.

With Liverpool traveling to Wigan and Manchester United to Birmingham, both big teams know they must get full points. Especially Liverpool. If they want to mount a challenge, wins must come. The question on whether mid week hat trick hero Torres will start, I think he will. Manchester United just lost to Coventry and its time for their seniors to not repeat the same mistakes.

A look at Italy for this weekend will take us to the clash of Inter and Roma. Both teams are unbeaten so far, topping the table with 11 points a piece. Who will reign supreme after this weekend?

Matchday 7

Might be matchday 7, but for some its just their 6th game in the EPL.

This is the weekend where everyone wants to go watch Man Utd versus Chelsea and this is the weekend everyone wanted to see what pre-match team talk Mourinho can come up with. Guess that won't happen eh.

Fact is Grant is untested at Chelsea, and this is the best time to face Chelsea, and Man Utd are lucky to be in this position. I would say a small unconvincing win for Man Utd.

Still I can't digest the fact that Mourinho is gone. I have to admit, he's the best man for the job. How's Chelsea going to cope now? We'll see.

Arsenal and Liverpool's got no excuse to lose this week against Derby and Birmingham respectively.

Other interesting matches would be Aston Villa vs Everton. Aston is picking up fast, and Everton is proving that they can push for a top 4 spot. This one is too close to call, at least for me.

Newcastle vs West ham is also another interesting one, watch out for this match.

See you after the goals

After Scotland vs France...

I'm trying to work on a html script where i can put the fixtures of upcoming games + times in my sidebar. Haven't really got the time to work on it, and I really don't know that much about html. If someone can help me I would be thankful ;)

Back to the weekend preview of the EPL. In a rare weekend like this one, the big four have games on the same day, against middle table teams that can potentially ruin their weekend.

Everton vs Man Utd, with Ronaldo and Rooney returning to action against a stronger Everton squad this time round. Man Utd might have a rough start, but considering they had players off for a couple of games, they were pretty lucky in points.

Portsmouth vs Liverpool, another one of those ever improving sides, and no one can doubt Harry Redknapp spent his money wisely last summer to improve his squad, and Liverpool will be travelling after a hectic international weekend. Let not forget those Pompey bells that leaves the rings in your ears until you die.

Tottenham vs Arsenal, a north London derby. Is this match ever a boring one? No need to talk about the rivalry, its going to be intense.

Chelsea vs Blackburn, Chelsea gets the best fixture but against a Blackburn side which is difficult to play against. Although Chelsea should win this one.

Other matches worth a mention would be Derby vs Newcastle. Time to add Newcastle United players to your Fantasy football squad.

Aston villa beats Chelsea!

The score is 2-0 if you have yet to realize.

They lost to a team that played started with four strikers, playing 2 on the wing. Not common in modern football.

Yes, Chelsea lost.

The scoreline might not do my Fantasy football team well, as far as points go, but after Liverpool's rout, its even better to hear about a rival's failure. What is even more important that in this very fixture, Liverpool took 3 full points.

First goal by Zat Knight! Of all players, this has to be the premiership's best kept secret. So much talent, wasting his months in Fulham, finally gotten himself into a more prolific club and what a fairytale beginning. For a defender to score in a winning game against Chelsea in his debut home game for his favourite team, that is quite something.

And Gabriel Agbonlahor scores the second.

Its funny how this is the stadium that Chelsea has yet to win for 8.5 years (league games i meant).

Reds ate Rams

Premier League

Final - Anfield Attendance: 44,076

Liverpool 6 - 0 Derby

Xabi Alonso (27) Ryan Babel (45) Fernando Torres (56) Xabi Alonso (69) Andrej Voronin (76) Fernando Torres (78)

Its like having a 90 minute orgasm, unless you are actually rooting for Derby to win.
On any other day, more than half the team deserves to win man of the match award. Let me remind everyone that this is the side without Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher. Overall everyone played well, Finnan was consistent, Hyppia and Agger never really gave Derby a chance, Aberloa is showing how much he's matured and how he deserves to be involved in every minute of Liverpool's games so far. In midfield, Xabi was excellent, Marcherano is tackling from behind legally(best tackler I've ever seen), Pennant had a great day, Babel, I thought he was just an extra man after losing possession so many times , until he scored that brilliant goal. Kuyt was working so hard, and Torres simply proved why Liverpool paid so much for him. Hey, even the subs were good, Voronin's first touch was a goal, excellent mins per goal ratio. Lets not forget Reina who watched the match from his goal post.

Elsewhere, Fulham scored 1 fluke and 1 acrobatic bicycle kick to draw 3-3 with Tottenham. Robinson is really not doing well, I hope he is not in your fantasy football team.

Roy Keane and Dwight Yorke returns to Man Utd, and were pretty unlucky to lose to another fluke header by Saha. Man of the match was clearly Craig Gordon with his 9 million pound save(shot by saha). The game ended 1-0.

Oh and Owen scored for Newcastle's first home win.

Weekend of football.

The Spanish League and the Italian League begins this week.

Spotlight will be on the new Real Madrid taking on city rivals Athelico Madrid. With new signings, new manager, new style of play, on paper, Real Madrid is actually quite strong. But how long before they gel as a team? I really don't know.

Juventus is back in the Serie A and the tussle for the title is wide open again. No more one horse race, but lets rememeber, Juventus is now a weaker side compared to 2 years ago.

EPL matches of the week would be Sunderland against Liverpool, Arsenal against Manchester City and Man Utd against Tottenham.

My pick would be a Liverpool win, Arsenal sharing points with Man City, and Man Utd yet to score their first week, which will spark more articles about their bad start. Heh heh heh.

See you on the other side :)

What is wrong with Man Utd?

Out of 3 matches, 2 draws and a loss. One would expect this start for a team battling relegation. It might be just 3 games, but this is the worst start Man Utd have in years. Some are just debating that its the early season jitters. Just a little early bump they say. 16th place as off now. Thats just bad.

The English Champions, making great signings as far as paper goes. Nani, regarded as a Cristiano Ronaldo Clone. Hey, which team wants to handle 2 Cristiano Ronaldos? Anderson is seen as another Paul Scholes, Owen Heargreaves, one of England's best in the previous World Cup, and Carlos Tevez, we all know what he did with West Ham last season.

Put all of these together with the current squad, sounds really good right?

Or so we thought.

I can tell you what is wrong with a couple of keywords.

Hype, aging, expectations.

All leads to failure.

EPL week 2

I think saikaiball.com said it right.

Liverpool 1 Referee 1.

Okay, I only saw clips, look at stats and read match reports. Let me first say that the Torres goal was really really good.

Then comes the part where Malouda tripped over the ball. 60000 pairs of eyes watching it live in the stadium, millions tuning in at home, and replays to back them, Mr Rob Styles is the only one that saw a foul.

Mr Styles, when a player falls down in front of another player without direct contact, that is not a foul. This game should be won by Liverpool no doubt.

Man City 1 Man Utd 0

When the lights go on, and reality sets in, you shall now all bow to me and say that I was right all along and you should have believed me. Muahaha. As close as Man Utd gets, they are denied by the much better Man City (compared to themselves for the past season). Eriksson's football at its best, not many chances created, a little boring, but can be effective. Worst start for Man Utd, and I believe it could only get worse. Titles are not won or lost in August though.

Another worth mention would be Tony Warner's butter fingers goalkeeping.

At this level, mistakes like that are never forgotten.

18/8/07 EPL weekend preview

Who cares about the other matches, the spot light is on Liverpool vs Chelsea and Manchester City vs Man Utd.

About Liverpool vs Chelsea, Since Mourinho and Benitez was in charge the league record favours Chelsea, and the Cup record favours Liverpool, and this is the League. Statistics will tell us that this match is going Chelsea's way. And mind you, these 2 men I believe are not friends.

Another issue that is brought up would be the spending habits of the both clubs. Liverpool spending 40 million pounds, and Chelsea not in their usual shopping mood but gotten themselves a couple of players. Will this match be decided by the new signings, most probably. Malouda is showing that he's a hell of a player, and with Drogba out, Pizarro wants to prove more of himself, while Ben Haim is trying to prove that he is not Boulahrouz. On the Liverpool's side, I believe the strikers would like to open their EPL accounts, and All eyes will be on Fernando Torres. Will he shine?

Man City vs Man Utd, Local derby, and its not the usual Man City we know. Sven might not do well in the national level, but history is with him at club management. City might not be equipped with Trophy winning materials, but they are one of the surprise packages of the season that I believe a lot of people overlooked.

In this match, with a Rooney and Ronaldoless Man Utd playing, I would love to watch them fall. It will be a preview of Scholes, Giggs and Neville showing that their past is the only thing they can be proud of, Nani showing that he is no Cristiano Ronaldo no matter what people say, Tevez wished he was still in West Ham, O'Shea striking again(hahahahaha) Van der Sar's oily gloves, oh the pleasure!

Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2

Its been quite some time since Liverpool won their first game of the season.

Early on, Liverpool did not start off well, but managed to create good chances against the villains. Soon, Fernando Torres proves his worth by making good runs, making good chances, taking important shots, and showing that he's not a selfish player who wants to score on his debut. Any Liverpool fan can be satisfied by his debut. If he plays like this all Season long, the goals will come.

On the 31st minute, it was Torres' shot that contributed to the first goal, a well taken shot, parried by Stuart Taylor then an excellent hoof by Kuyt sending the ball into the 6 yard box, where Laursen's clearance ended up in the net for a goal. Even if he failed, Torres and Riise was in position to tap the ball into the empty net.

Aston Villa tried to fight back in the second half. Ashley Young is showing everyone why he should be in the England squad soon, and John Carew proving his worth in the air.

Soon, Carew's header ended up hitting Jamie Carragher's hand for a handball in the penalty box, where Gareth Barry scored. This happened in th 85th minute, what many thought would be the decisive goal and both teams share the spoils.

2 minutes later, Steven Gerrard hits an amazing freekick that curled right into the top corner.
Watch it here.


And what a goal it was.

2-1's the final score.

The other signing that impressed me would be Ryan Babel, showing both speed and technique and I believe he can improve Liverpool's game.

In other important games, Sunderland showed spurs that they are a middle sized fish in a big pond with a last minute strike to win 1-0 and Martins scored a superb bicycle kick against Bolton in a game that finished 3-1.

EPL final table prediction

Don't kill me if I'm wrong.

1. Chelsea
2. Man Utd
3. Liverpool
4. Arsenal
5. Tottenham
6. Newcastle
7. Everton
8. Man City
9. Portsmouth
   
10. Aston Villa
    
11. Blackburn
12. Sunderland
13. West Ham
14. Bolton
15. Middlesbrough
16. Fulham
17. Reading
18. Wigan
19. Birmingham
20. Derby County
    

Wigan Athletic Season preview

haha! I made it before the start of the season!

Last team would be Wigan Athletic. The team that missed out on relegation after the last match day. And its time to go down and out of the EPL.

With the resignation of Paul Jewell, his number 2 Chris Hutchings, steps up to be the boss, and is contending to be one of the first few managers to be sacked. Besides that, an edition of overrated and overpriced players Bramble. Antoine Sibierski(okay, this is a good one), Mario Melchiot and Jason Koumas, Wigan needs a miracle this season to stay up.

I have nothing much to say about Wigan but just enjoy your year. Make some money and see you in the lower divisions.

West Ham Season Preview

So much controversies, not so many points, but enough to stay up to fight for another year.

And the fight gets tougher with more high profile sales, including Nigel Reo Coker, Youssi Benayoun, Marlon Harewood and Carlos Tevez.

And replacing them would be Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker, the injured Faubert, Richard Wright and Freddy Ljungberg. But honestly, the game of West Ham this season lies on the shoulder of Last season's survivals such as Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton. Both were sidelined by injuries and are back to prove a point that they are driving forces of the club to bring them away from relegation to the top 10.

Having said that, I would like to mention that West Ham United is a very unpredictable club. One season, they can be so underrated and do excel in the league and another season they can show so much potential earlier on and get themselves into a lot of trouble.

Its hard to predict the outcome of this season, but after last season's circus performances, I would like to make a guess that this season West Ham will doing well enough to secure a mid table position. Its just a guess, like other predictions that are done before this.