Wigan’s Dave Whelan claims that six clubs are ready to sue the Premiership over the West Ham ruling.
Bojan Krkic – remember the name says Jonathan Wilson.
Alyson Rudd on Steve Heighway’s reasons for quitting his post as head of Liverpool’s Youth Academy.
James Lawton on Wednesday’s Champions League game.
And now to the weekend action coming up.
Without any doubt the match of the weekend takes place at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid and Sevilla will slug it out with the winner designated as the main challenger to Barcelona with five games left.
Real were successful in appealing David Beckham’s yellow card for time wasting last week. He can now continue his attempt to leave the Bernabeu with at least one medal to show for his four year stay. The last two matches Beckham has set up defender Sergio Ramos for two goals and the big defender will be looking for more of the same when he faces his old club.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy is also enjoying a productive streak and has rattled in seven goals in the last eight league games. Sevilla’s Freddie Kanoute leads all scorers in Spain with 20 goals, two ahead of the Dutchman. Madrid has only beaten Sevilla once in their last five meetings although Sevilla’s away record of 5-5-6 is hardly intimidating.
In a week when Manchester United and Chelsea’s dreams of a treble (yes, Chelsea can still win three trophies but one would be the Carling Cup) have been shattered Sevilla are now the one club in Europe that retains the hope of completing a treble.
Based on league positions Barcelona’s trip to San Sebastian to play second from bottom Real Sociedad looks a certain away win. However, the side that came within a whisker of winning La Liga in 2003 has recently shown signs of life. With six games left Sociedad are three points from safety but Celta Vigo, Levante and Athletic Bilbao can all be caught. The Basque side has picked up nearly half of their 27 points over the last seven games and they have won their last three home games.
Sociedad may be the lowest scorers in La Liga with only 23 goals but they give relatively few away at the back – only thirty-eight in 32 games. Eleven of their seventeen losses have come by one goal and the other six by two. In other words this is a team which has yet to be blown out and is equipped to push the league leaders particularly when you consider Barcelona’s relatively poor away form.
Bottom of the table Gimnastic can improve their chances of staying up when they play fellow strugglers Levante.
Manchester United has a chance to banish the Champions League (and the City) blues when they visit City of Manchester Stadium to play Manchester City. City is a side that is redefining the word futile as it relates to goal scoring. It is now seven games since City has scored at home and that already exceeds the old record of five games set by Everton eight seasons ago. If City misfires again they will also set a new record for the lowest number of goals scored by a home team in the English top flight. Sunderland and Woolwich Arsenal jointly hold the record of 11 goals and to date City has scored ten.
In all likelihood Chelsea will need to beat Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday if they want to take maintain any hope of retaining their Premiership title. For Arsenal and Arsene Wenger a win would mean a first over a Jose Mourinho led Chelsea side but it might also mean that Manchester United will arrive for Wednesday’s match at Stamford Bridge as Premiership champions.
At the other end of the table and with the order of desperation in brackets – the higher the number the least desperate the club’s position – it is Wigan (6) vs. Middlesbrough (3), Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United (5), West Ham (2) vs. Bolton, Fulham (4) vs. Liverpool and on Monday Charlton (1) vs. Tottenham. Although at the start of the season I picked Fulham, Charlton and Watford to go down I can see the Cottagers surviving at the expense of West Ham. Given the ridiculous decision to fine West Ham rather than docking points such an outcome would only be delayed justice.
While the battle rages to maintain a Premiership position, the final three Premiership play off spots will be decided on Sunday. Birmingham and Sunderland are both automatically promoted and will sort out who will go up as Championship Champions while Derby County will finish third. After that five clubs are fighting for the other three spots. The teams in contention with position, opposition, points and goal difference in brackets are: West Brom (4, Barnsley, 73, 19) Wolves (5, Leicester, 73, 0) Southampton (6, Southend, 72, 21) Stoke (7, QPR, 72, 21) and Preston (8, Birmingham, 71, 10).
Up in Scotland Rangers plays Celtic is a largely meaningless affair but try telling that to Old Firm fans! Kris Boyd will attempt to break his scoring duck against Celtic. Boyd may be a predator when he faces other sides, but up against Celtic his scoring powers evaporate.
MLS Champions Houston Dynamo are still looking to get their new season in gear and have only scored one goal in four games so far. They travel to Denver to play the Rapids who have only lost one in four games and have former Manchester United and City player Terry Cooke in fine form with three assists in four games. Panamanian striker Roberto Brown has two game winning goals and a red card in his three games so far – never a dull moment for him.
firstly l will never win a fox t-shirt, so l might as well tell you what l feel about the topic of the week.l feel chelsea lost the tittle at newcastle rather than last week because at tyneside they knew that win there and win evey game the trophy is in stamford bridge and against bpton they could not control things.
as for the weekend l just feel we need to win to make cole 's life miserable , fatigue will play into this one because wenger will clearly go for a fast tempo and l can not see chelsea winnning and l am going for a win, but we will need to be ruthless
GTOMKO
Thanks for the complements,especially the "skoozer" bit...I think!...I had to look that one up!
LACF
No,wasn`t at that game,I`d like to say I wasn`t around at the time ,but......!
I remembered hearing about those games with Milan, and looked them up in some old books!
l am dissapointed that drogba has not been rewarded for an excellent season, l feel that ronaldo's season has been overrrated in comparison to drogba,l felt it is injustice against chelsea that cost him
The West Ham situation is about to open up a whole can of worms....IF they stay up!
And why was it the premier league and not the FA that carried out the inquiry?
Every other team found guilty of fielding an ineligible player has been docked points(AFC Wimbledon,etc.)or kicked out of the FA Cup(Bury),OR,also in West Ham`s case a few years ago,made to re-play a league cup tie!
As for the inquiries reasoning that it would be "unfair"to punish the supporters,players and current board with a points deduction for infractions by the previous chairman,that is completely ridiculous!
That is giving a green light to any board/chairman to do anything outside the rules,knowing that if it looks like they will get caught,they just have to resign and the club will not be held responsible for their actions.
Under full disclosure ,I must admit that I have always had a strong dislike for West Ham,going back to the first time I went to Upton Park in the early 70`s and had my scarf nicked!
ulsterson or MrRedDevil
What do you think of these Ronaldo/George Best comparisons?
One more thing...Glad to see FoxSoccer reported that Michael Essien has been cleared by police on drink driving charges...I could not find a report in several newspapers that where only too quick to report on his arrest!...Guess the truth just doesn`t make a good story!
If West Ham stay up, wouldn't the other teams have to prove that (1) they wouldn't have lost to West Ham anyway w/o the ineligible player and (2) that West Ham would have been relegated w/o the ineligible player. That is impossible to prove.
-I only like West Ham b/c of Tevez and Reo Coker. And Curbs seems like a nice guy. The more big clubs in the Prem the better I say.
Drogba has had a decent year, IMO. He had some good goals, but he wasn’t great. Ronaldo, on the other hand, had a few less goals than Drogba, but here’s what separates the two, Ronaldo had a lot more assists. People love to see the dribbling and the cross-covers, and then turn that into a goal. And that’s what he was able to do this year. He also cleaned up his diving. If Drogba had a Henry run, where no one could touch him in the amount of goals, then I can understand your disappointment. Even Wenger said Ronaldo should be named player of the year.
I'd love to see Sevilla win Real Madrid, but it'll be tough for them. Real are on a good run at the moment, unfortunately.
I'll also watch Espanyol v Atletico Madrid this weekend. A win is essential to keep UEFA hopes alive.
Some good news:
Luccin and Maniche have returned to regular training with the squad. And, Maxi Rodriguez appears fit for this weekend's fixture-- after six months out with injury!
I also want Sevilla to win. I also think that RM got a huge break with Becks' suspension being lifted. Arsenal will bring it against Chelsea on Sunday. Remember, this is the same team that punked MU twice.
Last edited by rwonfootball on May 4th at 9:17 AM.
One other point: I don't understand why relegation-threatened clubs are planning on suing West Ham. The FA chose to fine the Hammers and not dock points.
Last edited by atleti_female on May 4th at 9:21 AM.
Wait, did I miss when Ronaldo cleaned up his diving?
Anyway, Gattuso is calling Liverpool a "long ball side". Can someone please remind Signore Testa di Merda how Milan scored 2 of their 5 goals against Man U.
Morning, Ringo, Thanks. What was the link or Youtube search? ... see my reply at the very end of the previous blog.
OK so he're's my dream scenario.
West Ham beat Man U to stay up and hand Chelsea the title. The next day, under pressure, the FA reverses their decision and deducts points from West Ham sending them down. (Then I woke up)
What are the FA thinking? As someone once told me.. "It's the kind of thinking that gives idiots a bad name."
Just type in "Peter Osgood" in search,and it`s the 8th video down...There`s a lot of good stuff there!
And if this prat Geber keeps it up much longer...I`m turning him off!
Or,better still, I hope no-one calls in and he just has to talk to himself for two hours!....
and I can`t wait for his "Imus" moment!
Thanks for the link, Bobby. I think the James Lawton article on Milan/Man U and especially Ronaldo was very well written. I think he nails it in the comparison with Best as he is today. One thing though, I agree that against the best teams he can disappear (like TH14 has done) but it does seem a bit unfair to write him off only 9 months after he was written of as Mr Doodlebug. He's made huge strides and that improvement may well continue. It seems five years too early to compare him with anyone much, let alone Best, whose ball control (and drinking) was in a different class.
Other than that, despite the defensive problems, I was still left kind of shocked by the Man U performance.
Ringo, I looked for that goal previously on Youtube - never found it. I'll retry. Also, not inspired by WSD today.
As an Arsenal fan I hope Arsenal beat Chelsea coz it will help psychologically to have beat ManUre and Chelski and Liver but as a football fan I would have loved to see ManUre and Chelski battle it out for the title in that game at Stamford. But I think ManUre will win and Arsenal will win coz of the simple fact that Drogba's b###h is not playing (i.e Sendorous).
I hope Seville win but I don't think they will coz they played a game on Thur. that they had to put so much energy into while Real rested. And Real is playing good recently especially, 2 of Sir Alex Fall Out Boys Ruud boy and New King of L.A, Becks. Wonder whether they would have made a differnce for ManUre against Milan.
TH 14 the reason Drogba didn't win Player of year is simple. Right now if your to start a team who would you rather have Drogba or Ronaldo. I bet Ronaldo coz of many reason one been that in good strikers you can name many who can play as well as Drogba has for Chelski Berbartov, McCarthy, and King Henry but name players who can replicate what Ronaldo has done for Manure non in the Epl and very few in the World. The assist stat also plays a key in him having a better season than Drogba.
TH14 in Chelsea blue would be heresy of the highest order. It was bad enough sending Cashley there - although I have enjoyed having Gallas in the side when he was fit (which was not enough though). I'd love to see a big win over Chelsea this Sunday, despite Wednesday's impending "big match."
Henry in Barca? I don't know. I'm not sure if I'd take a chance on him at this point. He seems to be breaking down quite rapidly. If Arsenal can get $40 M for him, it might be a good idea.
Ringo - I do think it is a bit rediculous to start comparing Ronaldo to Best or putting him in that class. He has made great strides and if he continues to do so he will certainly then earn those comparisons. He has been, in my opinion, the best player in the EPL if not Europe over the year but he needs to do that for many more to reach the pantheons he has been described in already. However, it must be remembered that while Best was great from 16 to 27 he was clearly an early bloomer on the pitch and in the pub and Ronaldo doesn't appear to be on the same self destructive course. Plenty of players have had great early careers only to fade when they should be reaching their peak weather from alcohol (Best, Gazza) fame (Beckham, Brazilian Ronaldo) or injury (Owen, Whiteside). Time alone will write Christianos legacy.
In reply to all the talk about greatness among Man Utd players leading up to their semifinal against Milan, Ancelotti made one very good observation.
First of all, Ancelotti has either managed or played with or against, just about all the great players of the last couple of decades, including the likes of Maradona, Zidane, Platini and Van Basten.
Ancelotti pointed out that there are always many players who have exceptional talent, but greatness is a completely different subject. To be great a player has to be a leader, to make his entire team better, and deliver results in matches especially the big matches. Ancelotti made the example that while Zidane (who played for Ancelotti for 2 seasons) was incredibly talented he didn't deliver consistently especially in the big matches, nor possessed the other qualities which could've placed him among the all time greats.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a very talented player, possibly more than anyone, but there are many other qualities he is going to have to master before he is considered a great. He is going to have to play very well in big matches, and do it for years to come, and be a leader. In the mean time, he is not in the top 50 players of the last 25 years.
Furthermore, Sir Alex talking Ronaldo up to be an all time great is doing nothing but unecessarily heaping pressure onto his young shoulders. In fact, in my opinion the only mistake Sir Alex made (along with the English tabloids) during the semifinal was to emphasize the supremacy of the EPL, and that how Man Utd were such a great team. (Who needs Kaka when we have Rooney!, etc, etc.) By the time Man Utd arrived at the San Siro they appeared to believe all the hype, and that reaching Athens was going to be merely a formality. As James Lawson, points out in his article, this attitude is common in England, and as was the case at the World Cup, seems to be very counter productive.
Again, Ronaldo, is a very talented player, but we I vividly remember when the other Ronaldo joined Barca at age 19 and was very appropriately nicknamed 'El Fenomeno', and was far more impressive than C.Ronaldo is today. It takes a lot to be great; a lot more than incredible talent.
And speaking of great Chelsea goals...LACF...Do you remember the goal John Hollins scored against Arsenal at the Bridge...a long through ball,Holly ran on to it,lobbed the keeper and watched it bounce back off the bar...he turned ..ran back past the stranded keeper(it might have been Bob Wilson)turned and knocked it back in from the edge of the area!
Can`t find it on Youtube,but would love to see that one again!
I'm happy to announce that Sinama-Pongolle- a striker I rate highly-- has made his loan move to Recreativo Huelva permanent!
He has had a very good season with the club and plenty of play time, unlike his time at Liverpool and Blackburn. Best of luck to the talented Frenchman.
And before I go(with apologies to the Man U`s on the blog),A song for Man Citeh.."BLUUUE MOOON...YOU SAW ME STANDING ALONE...WITHOUT A DREAM IN MY HEART...WITHOUT A LOVE OF MY OWN...BLUUUUE MOOOON...!!!"
CITEH...CITEH..
Ringo has left the building.
Ringo, vaguely. BTW I must be confused that AC milan goal on Youtube is not the one I was thinking of.... never mind ...
I know you're off having having strange dreams about tomorrows game. Let me try ... Man City Two Man Utd one. Nope it's as likely as Cashley and Gunners’s Willy skipping round highbury together to the cheers of all the fans
Let me try it again...
Man City Two Man Utd one.
Man City Two Man Utd one.
Man City Two Man Utd one.
zzzzz.........
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on May 4th at 11:02 PM.
Man City were so bad last year they were in my 3 for the drop this year. Now they're even worse....
I'm not sure what's worse for me - Chelsea not winning the league or having to watch Man city again next year. Utd looked like sleepwalkers too. I'd be surprised if Chelsea get much from tomorrow - that missed Vassell penalty must have killed off their spirit. Let's hope both teams play their reserves for the remaining games so they get back up for Wembley.
If only the top 4 didn't have to play in that useless Carling Cup.
Last edited by LosAngelesChelseaFan on May 5th at 7:02 AM.
The City PK was a weak call. Brown was trying to avoid contact, and Ball was looking for contact. In end, City got what they deserved. I just hope the Chelsea and Arsenal game isn’t as boring. But if it turns into a Manchester derby, then I have the Real Madrid and Sevilla game.
If I hear them singing "Bubbles" one more time.....
And did you notice the advertising boards around the pitch saying "2006/7 season review DVD on sale from.." Bet that one flies off the shelves!
BTW - I don`t think Michael Ball is a fan of Ronaldo`s!
If West Ham do stay up,they need to do everything they can to keep Tevez...and then build the team around him.
The thing I like about Tevez is his work rate. The guy fights for every ball. You don't find too many strikers that will work that hard. Before SW Phillips went to Chelsea, I thought he had the same kind of work rate.
####nock will let Wigan beat his team next weekend UNLESS Villa win by three today. Gotta love how those craphouse northern clubs stick together. Doesn't matter anyway because Man U can't beat the mighty Hammers.
Ringo, there's no precedent for a PL club to be docked points for misfiling paperwork but there is the precedent of a club (Tottenscum) not being docked points because of the transgressions of a prior regime. Also, West Ham turned themselves in, which counts for something.
Correction: one thing worse than watching Man city next year: See Magnus-Egnus-Magnusson wear that tie next year for Whamo home Games. On today's performance West Ham should be relegated but Tevez Utd allow to stay up and play the other teams on his own.
GTOMKO
Hate to admit it,but the way your boys have been playing the last couple of weeks,they do deserve to stay up!
However..the other stuff is slightly more than "mis-filing paperwork" ,and remember it`s not the first time the `Ammers have been guilty of playing an ineligible player.
The Tottenham case,if I remember right,was for financial irregularities.
Anyway...it looks like you WILL stay up,unless Wigan wins at Sheffield,and the yorkies are not going to do the lancs any favours...And then let the lawyers games begin!
BTW - It wasn`t you that nicked my scarf...was it?!
Sheff U have pissed away their goal diff advantage so Sheff U/Wigan next weekend is for 17th as long as West Ham earn a point. However, I'd much rather see this:
Charlton 39
West Ham 39
-----------
Wigan 38
Sheff U 38
Watford
LMFAO ! And yes, I've got your scarf. Looks great with my white singlet and canvas work trousers.
Hello...ello...allo.ullo..is there anyone out there...OK...I`ll go back to the Arctic ####`s..
The only band I would have been proud to play the drums for!
And in honour of our new found friend from East London,A SONG.....
For the greatest football team in the history of East london........ladies and gentlemen ...I give you .....Dagenham and Redbridge!
"I`m forever blowing bubbles...pretty bubbles in the air..they fly so high...nearly reach the sky...and like...." I am so tempted to sing the Chelsea version ,but...
Good night all!!!
RINGO:
It looks like Chelsea have a pretty good chance of winning the EPL this season after all. Tim Howard was left out of Everton's lineup against Man Utd last week by way of an illegal agreement between the two clubs. While it is very common for on loan players not to be allowed to play against their employer, Howard signed a permanent deal in February and has no official ties to Man Utd. Howard's replacement, young Iain Turner, made several mistakes which gifted Man Utd three crucial points. The only loophole will be the effective date of the transfer, which may be in the summer since the deal was signed after the January transfer window had closed. Either way it's a very suspect situation, because Howard obviously has no conflict of interest anymore, and there would be no reason for him not to play.
Man Utd and Everton will almost certainly suffer point deductions which will hand Chelsea the title.
Last edited by Venti_vidi_vici on May 5th at 6:36 PM.
I am the soccer analyst for the Fox Soccer Report and appear twice a week - every Monday and Friday at 10:00 EST. I have also been a regular contributor to the Fox Soccer Channel website since the summer of 2004. Over the last twenty years I have contributed to various radio and television programs throughout North America as well writing about the game for newspapers, magazines and websites.
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