Last week of the Champions League group stage this week.
So far, Liverpool (1st), PSV (2nd), Chelsea, Inter, Bayern, Valencia (1st), Lyon (1st), Real Madrid (2nd), Celtic, and AC Milan have qualified for the knockout phase.
Predictions in bold, although they’ll probably be even worse than usual, as I’m sure certain teams will rest certain players, and I’ll be unaware of them until kickoff.
Tuesday, 05 December 2006
Barcelona v Werder Bremen (2:45, espn2): Barca 2-1
Bayern Munich v Inter Milan (2:45, ESPN Deportes): 2-2
Chelsea v Levski Sofia (2:45): Chelsea 3-0
Olympiakos v Shakhtar Donetsk (2:45): Olympiakos 1-0
PSV v Bordeaux (2:45): PSV 2-1
Roma v Valencia (2:45): 1-1
Sporting Lisbon v Spartak Moscow (2:45, Setanta PPV): Sporting 1-0
Wednesday, 06 December 2006
AC Milan v Lille (2:45): Milan 2-0
Anderlecht v AEK Athens (2:45): AEK 1-0
Dynamo Kiev v Real Madrid (2:45, ESPN Deportes): Real 3-1
FC Copenhagen v Celtic (2:45, Setanta PPV): Celtic 1-0
FC Porto v Arsenal (2:45, Setanta Sports): Arse 2-1
Hamburg v CSKA Moscow (2:45): CSKA 1-0
Lyon v Steaua Bucharest (2:45): Lyon 2-0
Man United v Benfica (2:45, espn2): 1-1
Gala v Liverpool is tomorrow at 2:45 on Setanta.
04 December 2006
Supposed investment in LFC
Talks have dramatically heated up with the Dubai consortium rumored to be investing in Liverpool. Not only is the BBC leading with the story, but the official site already has a story and reaction from Benitez.
I don't know nearly enough about the deal to comment; I wanted to put this up so people can read through the links, and investigate further to find out about the deal, the consortium, etc., as I'm about to do.
I will say this though. Liverpool needs investment quite badly (not only the stadium deal, but to cover the debt, and add to the transfer kitty), but it must be the right investor. Last week I promoted foreign investment, and wrote about how it's helped other clubs in the Prem, but it's obviously a little different when it's the club you support. Going as far as the press releases have gone, coupled with the amount of time taken and number of potential suitors in the process, makes me optimistic, but I certainly want to know a lot more about what the Dubai partners are proposing before I'm full steam behind the deal.
I don't know nearly enough about the deal to comment; I wanted to put this up so people can read through the links, and investigate further to find out about the deal, the consortium, etc., as I'm about to do.
I will say this though. Liverpool needs investment quite badly (not only the stadium deal, but to cover the debt, and add to the transfer kitty), but it must be the right investor. Last week I promoted foreign investment, and wrote about how it's helped other clubs in the Prem, but it's obviously a little different when it's the club you support. Going as far as the press releases have gone, coupled with the amount of time taken and number of potential suitors in the process, makes me optimistic, but I certainly want to know a lot more about what the Dubai partners are proposing before I'm full steam behind the deal.
03 December 2006
FA Cup draw + midweek Premiership games
The FA Cup 3rd round draw took place today, and let’s say it’s left something to be desired. This is the stage where all the Premiership sides enter the tournament, and they usually come up against lower-league opposition. In the last two years, Liverpool has faced Burnley (not going there) and Luton at this stage.
There are 4 all-Premiership fixtures this round (don't believe there were any last year): Pompey v Wigan, Man U v Villa, Everton v Blackburn, and Liverpool v Arsenal. Great. The first game of the FA Cup, as defending champions, and it’s against the Arse.
Well, at least with this, the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup, and the still-to-come home league game, Liverpool will have ample opportunity to make amends for the performance at the Emirates. All three games are at Anfield, and games, especially cup games, at Anfield usually turn out different than away fixtures. Remember, last season, it seemedFA like Liverpool exorcised a tough loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford with a home win in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
Games will be played the 6th or 7th of January. Full draw.
Quick Prem predictions:
Monday
Man City v Watford (3pm, FSC): 2-0 City
Tuesday
Charlton v Blackburn (3pm, FSC): 1-2 Blackburn
Tottenham v Middlesbrough (3pm, Setanta Xtra): 3-1 Spurs
Wednesday
Newcastle v Reading (2:45pm, FSC): 1-1
West Ham v Wigan (2:45pm, Setanta Xtra): 1-1
There are 4 all-Premiership fixtures this round (don't believe there were any last year): Pompey v Wigan, Man U v Villa, Everton v Blackburn, and Liverpool v Arsenal. Great. The first game of the FA Cup, as defending champions, and it’s against the Arse.
Well, at least with this, the quarterfinals of the Carling Cup, and the still-to-come home league game, Liverpool will have ample opportunity to make amends for the performance at the Emirates. All three games are at Anfield, and games, especially cup games, at Anfield usually turn out different than away fixtures. Remember, last season, it seemedFA like Liverpool exorcised a tough loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford with a home win in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
Games will be played the 6th or 7th of January. Full draw.
Quick Prem predictions:
Monday
Man City v Watford (3pm, FSC): 2-0 City
Tuesday
Charlton v Blackburn (3pm, FSC): 1-2 Blackburn
Tottenham v Middlesbrough (3pm, Setanta Xtra): 3-1 Spurs
Wednesday
Newcastle v Reading (2:45pm, FSC): 1-1
West Ham v Wigan (2:45pm, Setanta Xtra): 1-1
Liverpool v Wigan, the day after
• Official Site: Match Analysis
• Official Site: Rafa reaction
• Youtube goals
• BBC write-up, with video from Benitez and Jewell
• Guardian: Match write-up
• The Times: Match write-up
• Daily Telegraph: Match write-up
• The Independent: Match write-up
• Eurosport stats and match commentary
• Sky Sports: Match write-up
• Sky Sports: Player Ratings
• RAWK: Post-match thread
• RAWK: KevC’s pictures
• Official Site: Rafa reaction
• Youtube goals
• BBC write-up, with video from Benitez and Jewell
• Guardian: Match write-up
• The Times: Match write-up
• Daily Telegraph: Match write-up
• The Independent: Match write-up
• Eurosport stats and match commentary
• Sky Sports: Match write-up
• Sky Sports: Player Ratings
• RAWK: Post-match thread
• RAWK: KevC’s pictures
02 December 2006
Liverpool 4-0 Wigan
That was exactly what I was talking about. Bellamy was able to get a goal before 10 minutes were off the clock, an absolutely splendid strike chipping over Kirkland after running onto the ball, and Liverpool was off. As hoped, the first goal set the tone for the rest of the game.
Midway through the first half, Bellamy doubled his tally against the run of play. It’s cliché to claim that the end of the court case is a weight off his shoulders, but it’s as much of an explanation as any other. Reaffirming to see faith rewarded; you knew if Bellamy kept getting opportunities, and kept putting himself in good positions, something would come off. If not for some dubious offside calls, Bellamy could have had even more; he put himself about very well, and led the line tirelessly.
Wigan never gave up, and it was just as reassuring to see Reina at his best. It would have been nice to see the defense firmer, as Wigan really should have pulled at least one goal back, but Pepe kept it at 2-0. Wigan’s finishing could have been better, but Reina came through with some big saves. Soon after, Garcia and Gerrard opened it up on the counter, and instead of going for his hat trick, Craig squared it up for Kuyt, who slotted it away.
Stunningly, Liverpool wasn't finished. Right before the end of the half, Lee McCulloch bundled Gerrard’s cross (following a short corner, no less!) into his own net. 4-0 at the half away at Wigan; the scoreline was more than a bit flattering, but it was also more than welcome.
Paul Jewell must have blistered the paint of the walls at the half, because Wigan looked far better in the second half. They ended up more shots and corners in total, and had a greater time of possession. Solid, yet unspectacular stuff from Liverpool to close out the game, but the clean sheet was kept, and the first away win of the season was easily tallied.
Now Liverpool needs to prove they can go on from here. Both the players and manager have said time and time again that the team just needs to get rolling, to build their confidence, and they’d work into a purple patch like last season. Well, this is a game to build from. Clean sheet, Bellamy with a brace, dynamic play from Gerrard, the return of Alonso, great work from Reina, sub appearances for Paletta and Guthrie, the list of positives can go on and on. Long may it continue.
MOM: Bellamy
Midway through the first half, Bellamy doubled his tally against the run of play. It’s cliché to claim that the end of the court case is a weight off his shoulders, but it’s as much of an explanation as any other. Reaffirming to see faith rewarded; you knew if Bellamy kept getting opportunities, and kept putting himself in good positions, something would come off. If not for some dubious offside calls, Bellamy could have had even more; he put himself about very well, and led the line tirelessly.
Wigan never gave up, and it was just as reassuring to see Reina at his best. It would have been nice to see the defense firmer, as Wigan really should have pulled at least one goal back, but Pepe kept it at 2-0. Wigan’s finishing could have been better, but Reina came through with some big saves. Soon after, Garcia and Gerrard opened it up on the counter, and instead of going for his hat trick, Craig squared it up for Kuyt, who slotted it away.
Stunningly, Liverpool wasn't finished. Right before the end of the half, Lee McCulloch bundled Gerrard’s cross (following a short corner, no less!) into his own net. 4-0 at the half away at Wigan; the scoreline was more than a bit flattering, but it was also more than welcome.
Paul Jewell must have blistered the paint of the walls at the half, because Wigan looked far better in the second half. They ended up more shots and corners in total, and had a greater time of possession. Solid, yet unspectacular stuff from Liverpool to close out the game, but the clean sheet was kept, and the first away win of the season was easily tallied.
Now Liverpool needs to prove they can go on from here. Both the players and manager have said time and time again that the team just needs to get rolling, to build their confidence, and they’d work into a purple patch like last season. Well, this is a game to build from. Clean sheet, Bellamy with a brace, dynamic play from Gerrard, the return of Alonso, great work from Reina, sub appearances for Paletta and Guthrie, the list of positives can go on and on. Long may it continue.
MOM: Bellamy
01 December 2006
Liverpool at Wigan 12.02.06
10am. Available in the US live on Setanta Sports.
Liverpool: 7th place; 22 points out of 15 games
Wigan: 13th place; 18 points out of 13 games
Last 2 meetings:
1-0 Liverpool (a) 02.11.06
3-0 Liverpool (h) 12.03.05
Last 3 games:
Liverpool: 0-0 Portsmouth (h); 1-0 Man City (h); 2-0 PSV (h)
Wigan: 1-3 Tottenham (a); 0-0 Aston Villa (h); 3-2 Charlton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Kuyt 5; Crouch 2; Agger, Alonso, Bellamy, Fowler, Garcia, Gerrard, Gonzalez, Riise 1
Wigan: Camara 5; Heskey, McCulloch 3; Scharner 2; Baines, Jackson, Valencia 1
Referee: Howard Webb
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise
Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia
Kuyt, Crouch
Options are still very limited on the left flank, with Aurelio, Gonzalez, Kewell, and Warnock all out. Alonso is back in the squad, but questionable; he’s included here out of hope and lack of other options. On the other hand, I also don’t want him rushed back, as he was for the FA Cup final last season, and Riise was earlier this year, so there’s still a chance we'll see a reprisal of a center back, probably Carra, in midfield.
Bellamy returns as well following the conclusion of his court case. My belief is he’ll probably come off the bench. I’m still wary of him being put on the flank, I don’t see Liverpool lining up with 3 up top, and I’m sticking by my assertion a few weeks back that Kuyt/Crouch is (or at least should be) the preferred pairing.
A lot depends on who’s going to Galatasaray midweek. We’ve already heard from the official site that Paul Anderson, Lee Peltier, and Danny Guthrie will probably feature, among others. Kuyt could get a game off here and start with Fowler in Istanbul, but then again so could Craig or Crouchy.
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure it will come up again. It’s vital that Liverpool take some the opportunities they get, and score an early goal. Everyone knows the away form has been poor. But I’m still of the belief it’s bound to come good, and Liverpool is more than capable of putting them past Wigan at the JJB. I’m fully impressed with Paul Jewell and what he’s done at Wigan, and it should be a tough game. And please don’t take that as patronizing because it’s certainly not meant to be. It’s simply that knowing the talent in the Liverpool squad, I’ll continue to believe that it’s only a matter of time before all this talk of away form and lack of goals goes away.
Liverpool: 7th place; 22 points out of 15 games
Wigan: 13th place; 18 points out of 13 games
Last 2 meetings:
1-0 Liverpool (a) 02.11.06
3-0 Liverpool (h) 12.03.05
Last 3 games:
Liverpool: 0-0 Portsmouth (h); 1-0 Man City (h); 2-0 PSV (h)
Wigan: 1-3 Tottenham (a); 0-0 Aston Villa (h); 3-2 Charlton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Kuyt 5; Crouch 2; Agger, Alonso, Bellamy, Fowler, Garcia, Gerrard, Gonzalez, Riise 1
Wigan: Camara 5; Heskey, McCulloch 3; Scharner 2; Baines, Jackson, Valencia 1
Referee: Howard Webb
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise
Pennant, Gerrard, Alonso, Garcia
Kuyt, Crouch
Options are still very limited on the left flank, with Aurelio, Gonzalez, Kewell, and Warnock all out. Alonso is back in the squad, but questionable; he’s included here out of hope and lack of other options. On the other hand, I also don’t want him rushed back, as he was for the FA Cup final last season, and Riise was earlier this year, so there’s still a chance we'll see a reprisal of a center back, probably Carra, in midfield.
Bellamy returns as well following the conclusion of his court case. My belief is he’ll probably come off the bench. I’m still wary of him being put on the flank, I don’t see Liverpool lining up with 3 up top, and I’m sticking by my assertion a few weeks back that Kuyt/Crouch is (or at least should be) the preferred pairing.
A lot depends on who’s going to Galatasaray midweek. We’ve already heard from the official site that Paul Anderson, Lee Peltier, and Danny Guthrie will probably feature, among others. Kuyt could get a game off here and start with Fowler in Istanbul, but then again so could Craig or Crouchy.
I’ve said it before, and I’m sure it will come up again. It’s vital that Liverpool take some the opportunities they get, and score an early goal. Everyone knows the away form has been poor. But I’m still of the belief it’s bound to come good, and Liverpool is more than capable of putting them past Wigan at the JJB. I’m fully impressed with Paul Jewell and what he’s done at Wigan, and it should be a tough game. And please don’t take that as patronizing because it’s certainly not meant to be. It’s simply that knowing the talent in the Liverpool squad, I’ll continue to believe that it’s only a matter of time before all this talk of away form and lack of goals goes away.
United to sign Larsson
Out of nowhere, news this morning that Manchester United will pick up Henrik Larsson on loan in January until the Swedish season resumes in mid-March.
Fuck.
Yeah, Larsson’s 35. He went home to Helsingborg to finish his career. But he’s still a dangerous striker; you saw that in the Champions League with Barcelona, and you saw it in the World Cup.
United is short of striking options. Smith and Solskjaer are permanent injury worries and continue to be “on the road to recovery.” Currently, Rooney and Saha are the only fit first-team forwards. Guiseppe Rossi’s loan at Newcastle ends in January, but it will probably be extended now, and honestly, he’d probably be better served staying at Newcastle the full season, where he’ll hopefully (in United’s point of view) see more time than Larsson will at Old Trafford (although he hasn’t so far).
Larsson should fit in perfectly as well. Like van Nistelrooy, he will subsist on half-chances and cherry-picked predatory opportunities, which United frequently create in spades. He should be able to work with Rooney or Saha, and either pairing creates different, but intriguing, options.
I haven’t really had time to think about it having just read this news, but I can’t think of a much better option. He’ll be happy as a backup, and is exactly the player United needs. It is barely costing United anything; I doubt his wages will be anywhere near prohibitive, especially when you considering the amount Manchester’s shelling out to Rooney in his new contract. And if it doesn’t work, Henrik will be gone by March.
It is getting really, really annoying frequently complimenting Man U, but this seems a smart move.
Fuck.
Yeah, Larsson’s 35. He went home to Helsingborg to finish his career. But he’s still a dangerous striker; you saw that in the Champions League with Barcelona, and you saw it in the World Cup.
United is short of striking options. Smith and Solskjaer are permanent injury worries and continue to be “on the road to recovery.” Currently, Rooney and Saha are the only fit first-team forwards. Guiseppe Rossi’s loan at Newcastle ends in January, but it will probably be extended now, and honestly, he’d probably be better served staying at Newcastle the full season, where he’ll hopefully (in United’s point of view) see more time than Larsson will at Old Trafford (although he hasn’t so far).
Larsson should fit in perfectly as well. Like van Nistelrooy, he will subsist on half-chances and cherry-picked predatory opportunities, which United frequently create in spades. He should be able to work with Rooney or Saha, and either pairing creates different, but intriguing, options.
I haven’t really had time to think about it having just read this news, but I can’t think of a much better option. He’ll be happy as a backup, and is exactly the player United needs. It is barely costing United anything; I doubt his wages will be anywhere near prohibitive, especially when you considering the amount Manchester’s shelling out to Rooney in his new contract. And if it doesn’t work, Henrik will be gone by March.
It is getting really, really annoying frequently complimenting Man U, but this seems a smart move.
Prem Predictions 12/2-12/3
Fun run of fixtures coming up, with a fairly full slate of games over the weekend, and then games Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Fantastic. I’ll try for the predictions for the weekday games on Sunday.
Arsenal v Tottenham (7:45am, Setanta Sports): No bad blood here, right? Sol Campbell may not be prominently involved, but there’s still the lingering resentment from the “food poisoning” episode that saw Arsenal pip Spurs to 4th to end last season, among some other things. The form of these two teams has been so difficult to forecast, I’m just going with my belief that Arsenal’s a better team, but the last two matches between these two have ended 1-1. Arse 2-1
Reading v Bolton (10am, FSC): Pleased for Steve Coppell’s side, they’ve played well this season, and with a win here and other results going their way, could move up to 4th with a game in hand. Bolton was inconsistent in November after going undefeated for the majority of September and October, and Kevin Nolan’s questionable with a hand injury, but they should have enough here and will look to play better following the home loss to Chelsea. 1-0 Bolton
Portsmouth v Aston Villa (10am, Setanta Xtra): Honestly, I hope Villa smashes Pompey. Just because. I doubt Pompey will park as many men behind the ball as they did at Anfield being at home, but they should still play a more defensive style due to the injury list. Villa 2-0
Blackburn v Fulham (10am): Both teams have dropped down the league table after surprisingly good starts to the season, despite Fulham’s outstanding win over Arsenal Wednesday. Like every other English team in the UEFA Cup, Blackburn’s also looked better in Europe than in the league. Draw’s seemingly written all over it. 1-1
Sheffield United v Charlton (10am): Sheffield United took all three points against Watford midweek, and they have an excellent opportunity at home to take them against another fellow struggler. Going away from these two matches with all 6 points would be enormous for Sheffield in their attempt to avoid relegation. Charlton battled impressively for a deserved draw against Everton, but they’ve done little on the road so far this season. Sheffield 1-0
Middlesbrough v Manchester United (12:15pm, FSC): Forecasting United victories week after week makes me feel ill, but there’s seemingly no other option. United 2-0
Everton v West Ham (11am Sunday, FSC): Since starting the season well, Everton went 1-1-4 through November. West Ham has made improvement, and I still think Magnusson’s takeover will stabilize the club further, but Goodison’s not an easy place to play. 1-1
Arsenal v Tottenham (7:45am, Setanta Sports): No bad blood here, right? Sol Campbell may not be prominently involved, but there’s still the lingering resentment from the “food poisoning” episode that saw Arsenal pip Spurs to 4th to end last season, among some other things. The form of these two teams has been so difficult to forecast, I’m just going with my belief that Arsenal’s a better team, but the last two matches between these two have ended 1-1. Arse 2-1
Reading v Bolton (10am, FSC): Pleased for Steve Coppell’s side, they’ve played well this season, and with a win here and other results going their way, could move up to 4th with a game in hand. Bolton was inconsistent in November after going undefeated for the majority of September and October, and Kevin Nolan’s questionable with a hand injury, but they should have enough here and will look to play better following the home loss to Chelsea. 1-0 Bolton
Portsmouth v Aston Villa (10am, Setanta Xtra): Honestly, I hope Villa smashes Pompey. Just because. I doubt Pompey will park as many men behind the ball as they did at Anfield being at home, but they should still play a more defensive style due to the injury list. Villa 2-0
Blackburn v Fulham (10am): Both teams have dropped down the league table after surprisingly good starts to the season, despite Fulham’s outstanding win over Arsenal Wednesday. Like every other English team in the UEFA Cup, Blackburn’s also looked better in Europe than in the league. Draw’s seemingly written all over it. 1-1
Sheffield United v Charlton (10am): Sheffield United took all three points against Watford midweek, and they have an excellent opportunity at home to take them against another fellow struggler. Going away from these two matches with all 6 points would be enormous for Sheffield in their attempt to avoid relegation. Charlton battled impressively for a deserved draw against Everton, but they’ve done little on the road so far this season. Sheffield 1-0
Middlesbrough v Manchester United (12:15pm, FSC): Forecasting United victories week after week makes me feel ill, but there’s seemingly no other option. United 2-0
Everton v West Ham (11am Sunday, FSC): Since starting the season well, Everton went 1-1-4 through November. West Ham has made improvement, and I still think Magnusson’s takeover will stabilize the club further, but Goodison’s not an easy place to play. 1-1
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