EPL Today
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Drogba returns but still no Lampard for Chelsea
Didier Drogba is back but Frank Lampard will remain a frustrated observer as Chelsea look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League when struggling Wolves visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
While striker Drogba is ready to return after missing the last two games with a virus, Lampard continues to work on the comeback trail. England midfielder Lampard has been out of action since August 28 following a hernia operation, but is slowly closing in on full fitness.
"Frank is progressing really well,'' assistant first-team coach Paul Clement confirmed. "He had a terrific session earlier in the week with [assistant fitness coach] Chris Jones doing some individual work. He is really pushing himself. Frank is very frustrated and can't wait to get back. We have missed him and we look forward to him returning.''
While Drogba will give manager Carlo Ancelotti fresh options in attack, with Alex also not yet able to return to the first-team fold as he recovers from a thigh problem, it will again be something of a makeshift backline. Branislav Ivanovic, though, has enjoyed the experience of playing alongside captain John Terry at the heart of the defence.
"To play with John is a great experience for every player,'' said Serbia international Ivanovic, who can also play on the right. "He gives to every player great confidence and I just try with him to give my best on the pitch.''
Brazilian midfielder Ramires missed the midweek Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow because of an ankle injury, but should be back in contention. Striker Salomon Kalou played his first game since sustaining a thigh strain in the Carling Cup defeat against Newcastle last month and produced an impressive display at Luzhniki Stadium - the venue of Chelsea's heartbreaking Champions League final penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester United in 2008.
Blues captain Terry paid tribute to the support of the travelling fans in Moscow. The England defender hopes another victory over the Russians at Stamford Bridge next month would enable Ancelotti to give some of his players a welcome breather.
"The support we get up and down the country is brilliant and it is especially so when you come to places like Russia. It is tiring enough for us players, but when the fans have to get up and go in to do a nine-to-five job it is great and we want to show our support to them as they do to us,'' Terry said.
"It would be very good to qualify early with the games coming thick and fast in the Premier League. With not only us, but other sides picking up injuries it will be nice if we can get the job done early on and maybe we can then rest a few players.''
via ESPNSoccernet
Carlo Ancelotti hit by Rooney questions.
While striker Drogba is ready to return after missing the last two games with a virus, Lampard continues to work on the comeback trail. England midfielder Lampard has been out of action since August 28 following a hernia operation, but is slowly closing in on full fitness.
"Frank is progressing really well,'' assistant first-team coach Paul Clement confirmed. "He had a terrific session earlier in the week with [assistant fitness coach] Chris Jones doing some individual work. He is really pushing himself. Frank is very frustrated and can't wait to get back. We have missed him and we look forward to him returning.''
While Drogba will give manager Carlo Ancelotti fresh options in attack, with Alex also not yet able to return to the first-team fold as he recovers from a thigh problem, it will again be something of a makeshift backline. Branislav Ivanovic, though, has enjoyed the experience of playing alongside captain John Terry at the heart of the defence.
"To play with John is a great experience for every player,'' said Serbia international Ivanovic, who can also play on the right. "He gives to every player great confidence and I just try with him to give my best on the pitch.''
Brazilian midfielder Ramires missed the midweek Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow because of an ankle injury, but should be back in contention. Striker Salomon Kalou played his first game since sustaining a thigh strain in the Carling Cup defeat against Newcastle last month and produced an impressive display at Luzhniki Stadium - the venue of Chelsea's heartbreaking Champions League final penalty shoot-out defeat to Manchester United in 2008.
Blues captain Terry paid tribute to the support of the travelling fans in Moscow. The England defender hopes another victory over the Russians at Stamford Bridge next month would enable Ancelotti to give some of his players a welcome breather.
"The support we get up and down the country is brilliant and it is especially so when you come to places like Russia. It is tiring enough for us players, but when the fans have to get up and go in to do a nine-to-five job it is great and we want to show our support to them as they do to us,'' Terry said.
"It would be very good to qualify early with the games coming thick and fast in the Premier League. With not only us, but other sides picking up injuries it will be nice if we can get the job done early on and maybe we can then rest a few players.''
via ESPNSoccernet
Week 9 Matchups
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
Everton @ Tottenham
Blackpool @ Birmingham
Wolverhampton @ Chelsea
Aston Villa @ Sunderland
Fulham @ West Bromwich
Bolton @ Wigan
Newcastle @ West Ham
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Manchester United @ Stoke City
Blackburn @ Liverpool
Arsenal @ Manchester City
Everton @ Tottenham
Blackpool @ Birmingham
Wolverhampton @ Chelsea
Aston Villa @ Sunderland
Fulham @ West Bromwich
Bolton @ Wigan
Newcastle @ West Ham
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Manchester United @ Stoke City
Blackburn @ Liverpool
Arsenal @ Manchester City
Wayne Rooney stays at Manchester United
Well the seismic shift of Wayne Rooney's departure from Man U will not take place due to his sudden change of heart in signing a 5 year deal that will keep him with the Red Devils through 2015.
Rooney has been going through some tough times on an off the pitch with the hooker scandal and lack of scoring on the pitch. Maybe this is the first step towards seeing the Wayne Rooney of last year and he can felly invest himself in the Man U season once again.
Rooney has been going through some tough times on an off the pitch with the hooker scandal and lack of scoring on the pitch. Maybe this is the first step towards seeing the Wayne Rooney of last year and he can felly invest himself in the Man U season once again.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Starting Lineups For Napoli v Liverpool
 Napoli |  Liverpool | ||||
| 26 | Morgan De Sanctis (GK) | 25 | Pepe Reina (GK) | ||
| 5 | Michele Pazienza | 3 | Paul Konchesky | ||
| 6 | Salvatore Aronica | 14 | Milan Jovanović | ||
| 7 | Edinson Cavani | 19 | Ryan Babel | ||
| 8 | Andrea Dossena | 23 | Jamie Carragher (C) | ||
| 11 | Christian Maggio | 24 | David Ngog | ||
| 14 | Hugo Campagnaro | 26 | Jay Spearing | ||
| 17 | Marek Hamšík | 28 | Christian Poulsen | ||
| 22 | Ezequiel Lavezzi | 33 | Jonjo Shelvey | ||
| 23 | Walter Gargano | 34 | Martin Kelly | ||
| 28 | Paolo Cannavaro (C) | 37 | Martin Škrtel | ||
Substitutes | |||||
| 1 | Gennaro Iezzo (GK) | 1 | Brad Jones (GK) | ||
| 2 | Gianluca Grava | 6 | Fábio Aurélio | ||
| 12 | Nicolao Dumitru | 10 | Joe Cole | ||
| 18 | Juan Camilo Zúñiga | 16 | Sotiris Kyrgiakos | ||
| 21 | Hassan Yebda | 17 | Maxi Rodríguez | ||
| 25 | Emilson Cribari | 22 | Danny Wilson | ||
| 77 | José Ernesto Sosa | 39 | Nathan Eccleston | ||
Coach | |||||
| Walter Mazzarri (ITA) | Roy Hodgson (ENG) | ||||
Manchester City v Lech Poznan Preview
Polish football club Lech Poznan comes to town today in a match up of Group A standouts. Both teams are tied atop the group with 4 points and an identical +2 goal differential. Both tied Juventus and easily took care of group bottom dweller Salzburg. 22 year old Latvian forward Artjoms Rudnevs is leading the Railwaymen with 3 goals in Europa league action and is leading his squad looking to compete with the prized players of City.
The best league in the world?
With the economic turmoil and the freespending ways of the EPL and Spain's Primera Division, the German Bundesliga continues to operate with profit and success. Check out this article about the success of the Bundesliga and how it compares to the financial model of the other giants.
The Success of Germany's Bundesliga
The Success of Germany's Bundesliga
Traveling in style: Europa Cup edition
Liverpool is playing Napoli today in the Europa League Group Stages. With Liverpool's recent lack of funds, it is nice to see that one of England's most traditional squads is still part rock star.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Manchester United 1 - 0 Bursaspor
Manchester United began life without Wayne Rooney with a victory at Old Trafford.
Their performance was nothing special once Nani had netted the sixth-minute goal that earned United a Champions League win over Bursaspor.
Neither did it do much to dispel Rooney's claim his club now lack ambition, a view late chants of "we want the Glazers out'' showed there was some resonance with amongst the Old Trafford faithful.
Neither did it do much to dispel Rooney's claim his club now lack ambition, a view late chants of "we want the Glazers out'' showed there was some resonance with amongst the Old Trafford faithful.
Donovan open to Everton return in January
GettyImages
Landon Donovan is captain of the United States national side
Landon Donovan says he hopes to return to Everton for another loan spell when the January transfer window opens.
Donovan, 28, scored two goals and claimed three assists in ten Premier League games last season as he proved a real short-term success at Goodison.
A second loan deal may be possible when MLS takes a break, and the LA Galaxy winger would certainly welcome the chance to work under David Moyes again.
Previews and predictions
Manchester United v Bursaspor-- When all is said and done, Man U maybe have the easiest path to the round of 16 of any of the top teams. Bursaspor does not pose a threat tactically to the Red Devils and it should finally be the easy outcome needed for Man U. The loss of Rooney for this match will not affect them and I wouldnt be suprised to see Michael Owen get some significant playing time...
Manchester United 3 Bursaspor 0.
Inter Milan v Tottenham-- A Tottenham squad without the services of Van Der Vaart and still without Defoe has trouble in store with a visit to Guiseppe Meazza. The Spurs have played a more aggressive game since the loss in the qualifier to Young Boys. Expect alot of action and between 4-6 goals overall. With the missing pieces of Tottenham and the playing ability of Eto'o and Sneijder, Inter will be tough to beat.
Inter 3 Tottenham 2.
Manchester United 3 Bursaspor 0.
Inter Milan v Tottenham-- A Tottenham squad without the services of Van Der Vaart and still without Defoe has trouble in store with a visit to Guiseppe Meazza. The Spurs have played a more aggressive game since the loss in the qualifier to Young Boys. Expect alot of action and between 4-6 goals overall. With the missing pieces of Tottenham and the playing ability of Eto'o and Sneijder, Inter will be tough to beat.
Inter 3 Tottenham 2.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Spartak Moscow 0 - 2 Chelsea
Chelsea banished the memories of their 2008 Champions League final defeat in the Luzhniki Stadium with an impressive victory over Spartak Moscow.
First-half goals from Yuri Zhirkov and Nicolas Anelka gave Chelsea the momentum to secure a win that now puts them three points clear at the top of Group F.
Victory over the Moscow side at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight's time will guarantee the English champions a first-place finish in the group.
 |
MichaelRegan/GettyImages |
First-half goals from Yuri Zhirkov and Nicolas Anelka gave Chelsea the momentum to secure a win that now puts them three points clear at the top of Group F.
Victory over the Moscow side at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight's time will guarantee the English champions a first-place finish in the group.
Rooney out versus Bursaspor
Clearly due to his "ankle injury" and having nothing at all to do with his mounting personal problems nor he repeated desire to leave Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney will be held out of the Champions League tilt versus Bursaspor.
Rooney wants out
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the "terribly disappointing" news that Wayne Rooney has told Manchester United that he will not sign a new contract and wishes to leave the club.
Can he thrive at another local such as Spain the way he has at Manchester? Maybe he can but from his skill set, Spanish soccer seems to be a bad fit for him.
Rooney wants out of Man U
Can he thrive at another local such as Spain the way he has at Manchester? Maybe he can but from his skill set, Spanish soccer seems to be a bad fit for him.
Rooney wants out of Man U
Monday, October 18, 2010
ESPN XI of the week (week 8)
With every passing week, different players emerge and show their skill and why they are in the EPL.
Prizes (Updated)
I am really trying to increase visitor activity in this blog. I want to see comments from people viewing the blog. I have decided to dip into my own wallet and offer a prize to the comment of the week and/or the visitor or the week. I will not know you are here unless you comment the stories or send tips to the tip email server. It does not matter where you are from, you are eligible.
Funny and serious quotes are eligible and maybe if i can get enough to participate ill start a smack talk thread in which the best smack talk will get a prize. I am really hoping to hear some smack from europe and asia... ive been seeing singapore on my stats and wanna see what you guys have to say.
Let the comments/smack talk begin...
This week's prize is a random Chelsea Necklace....
So go and win it and all....
Funny and serious quotes are eligible and maybe if i can get enough to participate ill start a smack talk thread in which the best smack talk will get a prize. I am really hoping to hear some smack from europe and asia... ive been seeing singapore on my stats and wanna see what you guys have to say.
Let the comments/smack talk begin...
This week's prize is a random Chelsea Necklace....
So go and win it and all....
Predictions for Chelsea and Arsenal
Chelsea @ Spartak Moscow-- While Chelsea has the lead in the Group due to goal differential, this game will go a long way in determining the group. The Zilina games were a wash due to the severe lack in class Zilina hasa compared to the two teams. The OM matches tell the tale to me. Chelsea dominated OM in the first half scoring 2 goals and controlling play. They then came out in the second half and took their foot off the pedal cruising to a 2-0 victory. Spartak were dominated by the OM squad getting out shot 27(7) to 6(0) but getting the bounce of the night from an own goal via Cesar Azpilicueta in the 82nd minute. Expect Chelsea to get an early lead similar to the OM match and cruise to victory. Chelsea 2 Spartak 0.
Shakhtar Donetsk @ Arsenal-- This match between the class of Group H of the Champions League is an old school battle of East and West Europe. English power Arsenal sees Ukranian power Shakhtar come to Emirates Stadium in what should be a significant measuring stick match for both squads. Both squads took care of Braga and Partizan without much problem although the Gunners did it with much more flair and Western European skill. Shakhtar does not have the flair of Arsenal but do have some with 23 year old Brazilian Luiz Adriano. This might be a Group that comes down to the last matches to be decided and Shakhtar gets home field for the final match versus Arsenal. I expect this match to be one of the more exciting matches of the day and home field advantage will play a big key with Arsenal pulling it out with the fond support of over 60,000 in Emirates Stadium. Arsenal 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1.
Shakhtar Donetsk @ Arsenal-- This match between the class of Group H of the Champions League is an old school battle of East and West Europe. English power Arsenal sees Ukranian power Shakhtar come to Emirates Stadium in what should be a significant measuring stick match for both squads. Both squads took care of Braga and Partizan without much problem although the Gunners did it with much more flair and Western European skill. Shakhtar does not have the flair of Arsenal but do have some with 23 year old Brazilian Luiz Adriano. This might be a Group that comes down to the last matches to be decided and Shakhtar gets home field for the final match versus Arsenal. I expect this match to be one of the more exciting matches of the day and home field advantage will play a big key with Arsenal pulling it out with the fond support of over 60,000 in Emirates Stadium. Arsenal 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 1.
Updated Table 9-18-2010
| 2010-11 Table | |||||||||
| Team | GP | W | D | L | Pts | GF | GA | GD | |
| Chelsea | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 19 | 23 | 2 | 21 | |
| Manchester City | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 7 | |
| Arsenal | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 18 | 10 | 8 | |
| Manchester United | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 18 | 11 | 7 | |
| Tottenham | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 3 | |
| West Brom | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 11 | 14 | -3 | |
| Bolton | 8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 0 | |
| Aston Villa | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 12 | -3 | |
| Stoke City | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 9 | 11 | -2 | |
| Blackpool | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 13 | 18 | -5 | |
| Everton | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 1 | |
| Fulham | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | |
| Sunderland | 8 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 0 | |
| Blackburn | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 8 | -1 | |
| Wigan Athletic FC | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 15 | -9 | |
| Newcastle United | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 0 | |
| Birmingham City | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 12 | -4 | |
| Wolverhampton | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 13 | -5 | |
| Liverpool | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 13 | -6 | |
| West Ham United | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 15 | -9 | |
Andy Carroll accused of assault.
NEWCASTLE, England (AP)—Newcastle forward Andy Carroll has been ordered by a court to stay at the family home of club captain Kevin Nolan until January after being charged with assaulting a former girlfriend.
Problems at Man U
Liverpool hasn't cornered the market on team implosions. Another English institution, Manchester United, appears to be a time bomb that could detonate sooner than later. The club is walking a financial tightrope -- last week, it announced an operating profit of £100 million pounds and posted a £83.6m loss -- while the Glazers continue to come under fire. Supporters are understandably upset that the ownership is spending millions on debt service instead of investing in new players who aren't named Bebe.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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