Gameweek 14 reaches us as we start the middle third of the season. Week 13 saw few surprises though we did get the highest ever individual score. I made the error of having Fabregas as captain which I didn’t especially feel comfortable with but didn’t have many other options with Lampard and Drogba out injured, and Rooney out of form.

I did have David Dunn but didn’t fancy him due to two away games. In the event he proved me wrong. I regret not bringing in Bullard or Dempsey as I was looking at both pre-deadline. Sometimes it’s better to take the four point hit for the rewards it can bring. Don’t even get me started on having Thomas Sorensen’s 14 points left on the bench…

Gameweek 13 Top Gun (aka Tom Cruise Approves):

When I was looking back over the top scores from last week, I had a moment of panic when I thought there was a three-way 18 point tie for 1^st and I’d have to find another Top Gun character to join Maverick and Goose.

Then I remembered that someone called Jermain Defoe scored five goals against Wigan. Yes, the pint-sized striker scored a full handful of goals and picked up three bonus points. It might just be me but it almost feels like 25 points isn’t enough reward for such a feat. I guess that’s what happens with just four points for a striker’s goal. I’m sure the people who had him as captain weren’t complaining – 50 points was only two off my whole total for the week. Anyway, it’s the highest score ever from one game, even Ronaldo never got that.

As mentioned previously, following Defoe you had Dempsey Hunt and Lennon all with 18 points. The former two took advantage of playing twice while Lennon was the provider of three Defoe goals as well as getting one for himself in that 9-1 victory. A mention too for Michael Essien who scored 16 via two goals and his third man of the match award of the season.

Maverick should really be using all five hand digits to approve of Defoe's performance.

Three Captain Choices:

1. Adebayor/Man City – Every run has to come to an end and I think Man City might finally stop their run of six consecutive draws and beat Hull at home. Hull have picked up since Bullard’s return with two wins and a draw but they’re still leaky at the back while Adebayor scored his first goal in two months against Liverpool. He tends to feast on weaker defences, get bonus points when City play well and thus is a good shout for captain this weekend.

2. Drogba/Chelsea – The best defence faces the best attack this weekend as Chelsea face Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Normally I wouldn’t suggest picking someone from this fixture but Drogba loves playing Arsenal and has terrorised them down the years. What scares me even more is that due to Gallas being doubtful, there’s a tiny, tiny chance we might see Big Phil Senderos make an appearance. I’m shuddering at the thought, Drogba owns him.

3. Rooney/Man Utd – Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Slightly trickier now that Pompey have Avram Grant newly installed but Rooney and Man Utd should still have more than enough to beat Portsmouth.

Gets a Captain's tick.

Three suggested transfers in:

1. Evra/Man Utd - The French left back has been putting together a good season and in his last few games has picked up and assist and three bonus points. Man Utd should be good for a clean sheet against Portsmouth and after that Man Utd face West Ham, Villa, Wolves and Fulham which should provide a few more opportunities.

2. Johnson or Dann/Birmingham - I’m sure many of you already Joe Hart in your team but why not add Roger Johnson or Scott Dann to your side too? The two centre backs were a newly formed partnership at the start of the season having both been signed from Championship clubs but have adapted to the Premier League well. Johnson is the pricier of the two and more likely to get bonus points but Dann is just £3.9m leaving you plenty of case for elsewhere.

3. Hunt/Hull - Some people’s form rating is skewed by one massive week whereas others are a bit more consistent. If Bullard is out of your price range then Stephen Hunt is a good option having scored five points or more in four of the last five gameweeks.

Might be worth a pick.

Three to avoid:

1. Everton players - They were woeful against Hull and have generally struggled this season. There have been bright spots like Baines and Saha but they have a tough three games (Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea) coming up and then no fixture in week 17. Avoid for now.

2. Gibbs/Arsenal – Just as soon as he was becoming a cheap option while Clichy was out, he breaks a metatarsal and is now out for three months.

3. Owen/Man Utd - Just 24 points so far. The goal against Man City is literally the single good thing he’s done this season. Diouf, N’Gog and Ghilas all have more points. Having said that, what better opponent than Portsmouth to prove me wrong.

Are you taking the mick?

T.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard could return from injury sooner than expected and take his place in the team to face Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League tie…. From BBC News. Full story

This site may contain information about: soccer coaching. The blog is also related to: live soccer.

This weekend our opponents are local rivals Arsenal and the fixture is probably the most important game we have played against Arsenal since a 1-1 draw in 2007 that ended our slim title hopes.

Arsenal like in 2008 have had an amazing start to the season, with the young players groomed by Arsene Wenger playing attractive attacking football and surging up the table.

In 2008 Arsenal buckled under the pressure and we narrowly missed out to Manchester United in the title race, it has now been 6 years without a title and patience at the Emirates can only buy so much time and the question is how this crop of players will react when the pressure mounts?

Despite defeat to Sunderland last week the match on Sunday brings the league’s two form teams together and gives us a chance to record 3 straight wins against last season’s top four sides.

Hopefully Carlo Ancelotti will have an almost full strength squad to pick from for this game with Lampard, Drogba, Ashley Cole all expected to be fit in time for kick off after recent injury problems.

The game itself should be quite open with plenty of chances with the leagues top scoring teams pitted against each other, the key however will be the midfield battle and Chelsea must ensure that Arsenal’s flair players are not given the time on the ball they crave.

On balance I think that Chelsea are stronger across all over the pitch and have a much more settled and balanced line up than Arsenal with or without the injuries, defensively we have the best defence in the league so far this season and the capabilities of our forward and midfield units are the stuff of dreams.

Ideally for me the Chelsea team to face Arsenal would be.

Cech  A. Cole, Terry, Carvalho, Ivanovic, Lampard, Essien, J. Cole, Mikel, Anelka and Drogba 

This is a fairly standard team for the players available however due to Arsenal’s attacking prowess I would give Mikel the nod ahead of Michael Ballack to provide the back four a more defensively minded midfield option.

Prediction: well I will let you do this bit, what do you predict?

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By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Could there be another brawl at the Emirates? The London derby is one of the most heated matches in Premier League.

From the Merseyside derby to the London derby, it is sure a Super Sunday for all the Football fans in the world. The London derby will be an interesting one as it could determine where the Premiership will go this season. Chelsea are leading the table and if they win at the Emirates then it would be a two legged horse race between the blues and Manchester United. Arsenal will have to dig deep to avoid this.

The North side of London will be contesting for the top spots in the Premier League. They are currently third in the league and eight points behind their London rival, Chelsea, at the top. Many have doubted Arsene Wenger’s kid this season but it seems like they are finding their stride. They reached the last 16 of the Champions League in the midweek after beating Standard Liege 2-0 at home. The French manager will be happy to put away another London rival at the Emirates after disposing Tottenham with 3-0. Wenger is concerned over the injuries of Kieran Gibbs, Andrey Arshavin and William Gallas. Gibbs is out after needing a metatarsal surgery while Gallas has an ankle injury.  Theo Walcott and Samir Nasir are set to play a role in the London derby.

Leading the Premiership with 5 points to the closest rival, qualify for the last 16 in the Champions League and playing at the top of their form, could Chelsea continue their winning streak without Frank Lampard? Chelsea have depth in the squad and that could bring the Premiership title back to Stamford Bridge since 2006. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has inherited a good bunch of players and now managing them looks simple. Ancoletti will be without Frank Lampard and Jose Bosingwa for the London derby. Michael Ballack and Deco are set to return to the starting lineup while Essien and Drogba are back after complains over receiving knocks in the midweek.

Massive brawl whenever these two teams meet and it will not be the last of it. Chelsea have the upper advantage going into this match, they beat Arsenal twice, 4-1 in the Premier League and 2-1 in the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger will be desperate to claim one over the Chelsea team as he wants to close the gap between them. A stalemate could be reached but without the inspirational Frank Lampard, anything can happen.

Read the report on Bettingexpert.com called  “A betting report for the 2008/2009 season“ and the tipsters might be able to help you decide where you want to bet.

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He came into his own at the weekend

And gave Everton a bit of a bend

He can only get better and better, coz

He goes by the name of Darren Fletcher!!

Fletcher never ceases to amaze, is a must have in big games, and spurs the team on. Probably next only to Wayne Rooney for his fighting spirit and contribution on the pitch, Fletcher reveals some interesting things in an interview about his affirmations before big games, and life without the Most Expensive Player of the world.

He makes no bones of the fact that he loves propping himself against the best players.

“I love challenging myself against all the best players. I watch how good they are, but when we play them I think to myself  ‘right, I’m going to see how good you really are, Fabregas, Lampard and Gerrard. I’m going to get amongst you and see how you like it’.

And when you’ve not got the ball, I’m still going to get about you and see how you like it.

I’m going to ask you do you fancy it? Do you like getting kicked? Do you like the fact that I’m going to be at you for the whole 90 minutes? As soon as you get the ball I’m going to be in your face.

You’re not going to like it one bit. And when we have the ball, I’m going to run you into the corner and you’re going to have to follow me. Are you ready for that? Because that’s what’s going to happen.

That’s my attitude and I don’t feel I’ve come off second best to anyone this season.”

Considering how under rated he used to be, this really is saying some. But not anymore, as his contributions have been under increasing spotlight and continue to get him much deserved acclaim. The fact that we missed him in the Champions League Final is enough to underline his importance.

On Ronaldo and his move away from OT

Most of the footballing fraternity had been saying that the going will get tough for United after Ronaldo’s departure. Fletcher emphasized that the gap is being plugged and we have already showed signs of adjusting to life without him.

“Any team in the world would miss Cristiano. He’s a fantastic player and a great goalscorer.

He adapted so much when he was here. He went from being a silky winger to being a goalscoring winger and the best player in the world.

Hopefully we can become a more-rounded team and other players will raise their game to cover the gap left by his absence.

We need more goals from midfield and more goals from all the players. That will make us a stronger team, because we won’t be as reliant on one player.

Teams adapt when players leave, much as Cristiano was brilliant for us, the team sacrificed a lot for him too.

As a midfielder, I knew that I couldn’t go bombing forward because Cristiano had gone forward. I knew that I had to cover on the right so that the left-back and left midfielder couldn’t double up on our full-back.

Maybe now we’re a lot more rigid 4-4-2, with everyone knowing their role. There are perhaps more opportunities for midfielders to get in the box and get goals.

Other players will hopefully step up. Wazza springs to mind straight away and he’s already banging the goals in.

You could see at the start of this season that he was really hungry. He was in the shadows of Cristiano and often sacrificed himself for the greater need of the team.

Now it’s his time to become a bit more selfish and score the winning goals, while other players can also do a job, like Berba and Antonio.”

1. Amazing to think that you can score five goals in a game and there can still be a debate over whether you were man of the match. Aaron Lennon’s performance against Wigan ensured that Defoe didn’t come away with all the plaudits, his sparkling play from the right playing a big part in at least half the goals.

Defoe meanwhile became just the third player to score five in a game in the Premier League era and notched the second fastest hat trick after Robbie Fowler’s four and a half minute wonder against Arsenal many years ago. I’ve mentioned in recent weeks that he needed to watch his temper and just concentrate on his football, and with performances like that there’s no chance of him not going to South Africa. Lennon too did his case no harm, and on current form is far and away the best option when it comes to tricky small winger.

Spurs’ goal difference enjoyed a big boost in terms of chasing Arsenal, while they are beginning to take advantage of Man City, Liverpool and Aston Villa’s inconsistency to open a little gap over those three. They face one of their rivals next week in Aston Villa but should have nothing to fear the way they are playing.

As for Wigan the best you can say is that it’s just one game. These sorts of results can have a lasting effect, especially if you go behind in a game. It will be up to Roberto Martinez to ensure it remains a one off.

High five, we're going to South Africa!

2. Would Phil Brown be fearing for his job if Jimmy Bullard hadn’t got injured in his first game after signing? His performances in the last couple of games suggest that may have been the case. A win over Stoke and a fightback from two goals down to draw against West Ham possibly indicates an improvement in fortune for the men at the KC. Even Tango Man himself seems to be less in the spotlight than usual.

Bullard may have dodgy knees but he has an enthusiasm for the game that few players can match and his energy and creative play have got Hull scoring some goals again. They have a tough run coming up with three well organised teams in Everton, Man City and Aston Villa. Ok maybe not Man City but still! I’m pretty sure Geovanni isn’t injured and he appears to have lost his place to Bullard but I would be interested to see them both in the same team. Part of Hull’s success last year was to be brave, so maybe playing both together would have the same effect this year.

3. Before Arsenal get completely written off for losing against Sunderland (who have drawn with Man Utd and beaten Liverpool), let’s not forget that the key game is next week against Chelsea. Defeat would leave an 11 point gap; a win would leave it at just five with a game in hand. This defeat does render next weekend rather important if a title challenged is to be maintained. The lack of focal point without van Persie (and Bendtner) was a concern but it was in midfield where Sunderland won, with Cana stopping Fabregas and his teammates from creating many chances.

In addition to this, a set play was once again Arsenal’s outdoing at the back with Darren Bent reacting quickest after the initial ball had not been dealt with (déjà vu anyone?) While such defensive frailties are a long-term malaise, Arsene Wenger must ensure that his patched up squad is mentally right for the Chelsea game. Win it and two easier home games against Bolton and Stoke follow and momentum can be formed. Lose it and another frustrating season could be on the cards.

Pin the placenta on the van Persie.

4. They were impressive but it was only Wolves at home. Chelsea’s next two tests are the altogether tougher visits to the Emirates and Eastlands. Let’s see how the keenly the absences of Lampard and Drogba are felt then.

5. Liverpool and Man City played out a draw which leaves neither going anywhere fast. Man City have now drawn six on the spin which has stagnated them after a promising start. Just one win in eight games fro Mark Hughes’ side. A Hull side winless away from the KC provides the best possible opportunity to end that run next weekend.

Liverpool have one win in six but their habit of winning games they don’t lose (Saturday was just their second draw) means they’re still in a good position. The pretenders to the top four ideally want a gap going into the spring as if Gerrard and Torres are fit for the run in, I know who I’d back to get the last Champions League spot.

6. David Dunn is scored his fourth goal in six games and is playing the best football of his career. Someone left a comment asking what chance an England call for the Blackburn man. While I think he’s bit of a luxury and probably not quite international quality, there’s no doubting there are few more in form midfielders playing at the moment.

Quite good these days.

T.

Well firstly I would like to apologise, due to work, alcohol and quiz based commitments I have not had a chance to post this week.  Not that it really matters however as nothing of note has really happened in the world of Chelsea, yes Ballack, Drogba, Lampard and a litany of others are injured but there has been little activity in the world of Chelsea.

The football news has been dominated by the Ireland/France play off in which France scored a goal with the aid of the hand of Henry, to be honest the Irish reaction has been farcical and whilst I never thought I would agree with Roy Keane the referee did not spot the infringement SO GET OVER IT!

The protests and politicians, celebrities and every man and his dog taking time to comment has been hilariously unnecessary (yes i am aware of the irony) so I am going to swiftly move on and discuss more important matters such as today’s game versus Wolves.

Chelsea returned to business in style today romping to victory against a Wolves team that would struggle to compete even if Chelsea had double the number of top players missing in a comfortable victory which temporarily allays fears at the impact of our placenta ridden injury list. Although I am sure that you know that comparing Wolves and Arsenal (our next opponents), is like comparing a Lada (Slow lumbering and prone to leaks) to an Alfa Romeo (fast elegant but notriously unreliable).

The most interesting part of the game however was the introduction of Gael Kakuta the player at the heart of the recent transfer ban saga. I am delighted that Ancelotti has taken to fielding the player not only does it aid his develop and stick two fingers up at FIFA, but it will do the young man’s confidence no end which can only be a positive for his future. As is standard when one of your own is under attack you get behind them and Gael Kakuta got a rousing ovation from the fans when replacing Anelka to make his debut.

Another Liverpool draw  (comedy value only) coupled with an Arsenal defeat mean that all in all Chelsea have had a fantastic day of Premier League business.

So let me finish by saying great result, great to see Kakuta, great day! OH AND F*%K YOU FIFA!

After what’s seemed like an age since the last Premier League matches, we return to domestic action after the international break. Plenty to consider this gameweek as four teams play twice and a host of stars are injured. More on that later.

Last time round saw an above average score of 52 for myself but this was still quite far off the high score of 107. I was not helped by Drogba and Rooney predictably doing nothing in the big clash between Chelsea and Man Utd; while I also had 13 points marooned on the bench via Joe Hart and Scott Dann, who I hadn’t thought would do much vs Liverpool.

Our captain choices did well, with Fabregas having another big week while RVP and Adebayor also had fair contributions. If you had gone with the suggested transfer of Clint Dempsey, he would have scored you seven points too.

Gameweek 12 Top Gun (aka Tom Cruise Approves):

Maverick thinks John Terry is a fool, but his fantasy score last week was good.

Yep, John Terry was Gameweek 12’s Top Gun with the now ubiquitous defender’s score of 15 points for winning goal, clean sheet and three bonus points. The number of times this has happened is ridiculous but fair play if you’ve reaped the benefit.

But wait I hear you cry, there was someone else who also scored 15 points last week. Yes dear readers, for the first time this season we had a tie for highest score of the week. John Carew almost double his season’s score with a goal, two assists and three bonus points in Aston Villa’s 5-1 destruction of Bolton. This means Maverick needs some help in approving so what better person to have than his co-pilot Goose:

Goose approves of being involved in such silliness.

It was a struggle bringing him back from the dead, but through the powers of Google search and Photoshop I managed to do it. Maybe next time Iceman will muscle his way in on the show… Elsewhere Gomes saved a penalty to score 14 for Spurs while Wright-Phillips and Fabregas both got 13, the latter getting his fifth straight man of the match award.

On to this week.

Three Captain Choices:

With Torres and Drogba very doubtful and Van Persie and Lampard definitely out, the usual field of captain choices is substantially narrowed. In addition to that Hull, Blackburn, Fulham and Everton all play twice so it might be time for some leftfield thinking in terms of captain this week.

1. Bullard/Hull – Feeling brave? Quite the gamble this one but it could well pay off. Bullard is a good player but has been injured pretty much the whole time he’s been at Hull. He made a belated home debut last week and was the key figure in a win over Stoke scoring an assist and three bonus. Now one whole game isn’t much to go on but with Hull having two games at the KC Stadium, one against lowly West Ham you’d assume he would play a part in anything good Hull may do.

2. Anelka/Chelsea - With Drogba doubtful after Jonny Evans’ kung-fu kick to his ribs, and Fat Frank injured after attempting to sprint in England training, it leaves Nicolas Anelka as the most likely source of points for Chelsea this weekend. They face a home tie against Wolves which is as near to a gimme as you can get. I fully expect a comfortable home win with a goal or two from the Frenchman.

3. Fabregas/Arsenal - Fabregas is fast becoming the new Ronaldo of fantasy football. If in doubt for a captain choice, go with him. Sunderland away is the not the easiest place to go this season, but Arsenal have a good record there in recent years and should have enough to win, even without Robin van Persie.

Gets a Captain's tick.

Three Suggested Transfers In:

1. Eduardo/Arsenal - Now that Van Persie is out for several weeks, joining the already injured Bendtner, the onus falls on Eduardo to lead the line for the leading scorers in the team. He has had a very stop start season so far but has still got two goals and two assists in just over 300 minutes of action, which isn’t bad at all. With full fitness and a new contract in the back of his pocket, he should do well over the next couple of months.

2. Etherington/Stoke – He’s kind of slipped beneath my radar but is one of the form players of the last few weeks. In his last five games he has three assists and two goals as well as a few bonus points. Over the next four weeks, only Arsenal is a game which you would class as tough for Stoke.

3. Alexander/Burnley – His price has gone right up now but as long as Burnley keep getting penalties, he’s still worth it I’d say.

Might be worth a pick.

Three To Avoid:

1. Van Persie/Arsenal - Out for a couple of months in case it wasn’t already clear. Let’s hope he doesn’t rush back from injury like he has done in the past.

2. Benayoun/Liverpool - Has been in great from this season but has tweaked his hamstring. Also, knowing Rafa he’ll probably find a way to drop the Israeli now that Aquilani is approaching full fitness.

3. Bolton players – Bottom of the team stats with just 345 points between them.

Are you taking the mick?!

T.

­Way back in March I wrote a post that tried to predict England’s World Cup squad for next summer’s tournament in South Africa. In it around 50 or so players were analysed; everyone from certainties like Wayne Rooney to certainly nots like Curtis Davies. With the friendly against Brazil fresh in the mind and only one more international break before the end of the season, there isn’t much time for players to impress if they haven’t already. As before let’s work our way through who’s on the plane through to who won’t be going at all. .

Key men (if England are to reach their usual quarter final):

First name in the squad is the captain John Terry simply as he’s captain. I personally think he gets found against the very best strikers but there’s no chance of him not going. He’s swiftly followed by Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Rio Ferdinand goes as long as he’s fit, though it’s a concern if he doesn’t make it simply as playing style wise he’s harder to replace than Terry – England don’t have a lot of ball playing centre backs but do have a lot of one paced ones.

Gareth Barry is defensive midfielder of choice though may be usurped by a fit again Owen Hargreaves. They’ll both be on the plane however. Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson are the first choice full backs and are far ahead of their immediate competition. 

Thinking...

On the plane (extra leg room provided):

David Beckham has sorted another loan spell at AC Milan and I’m positive he’ll be going to his 4^th World Cup. He’s very much a bench player these days but still offers great set piece ability as well as experience. Emile Heskey has not been in great form and is no longer in Aston Villa’s starting XI but that said he will still be on the plane. He won’t score but he makes Rooney et al play better so for that reason is picked.

David James is first choice keeper, and despite his age should be able to handle that number of games in a month. Theo Walcott has had a succession of injuries but has done enough in the games he’s played to go as a wide man who can play up front. His pace is a big asset, plus he strikes me as someone who does what he’s told hence Capello likes him.

Matthew Upson and Jermaine Defoe should go as first back-up centre back and striker respectively. Neither are going to win you a World Cup final but they’re the best reserves in their position. Defoe just needs to watch his petulance slightly as there’s no point having a player who is going to miss games after needless red cards..

Looking for their passport (they are going out of Europe after all):

Joe Cole should be a little worried, just as he hasn’t found a way into the Chelsea team after injury, but at the same time he offers dribbling ability and creativity that not many can match. I was quite down on James Milner in my last prediction but did say he had a shot of making it. He seems to be impressing Capello right now and can play in a few positions. I do wonder whether he ultimately misses out due to the competition on the right side, though he has been playing down the left for England so you never know.

Aaron Lennon will be there or thereabouts, possibly in a straight battle with Milner for a spot. Rob Green looks like he’s firmly established as England’s number two while Wes Brown’s versatility of being a right back and centre back should mean he finds his way into the squad. 

Still thinking...

On the fringes (which bits are chopped?):

Wayne Bridge is doing his best to play his way out of the squad. You could argue about whether you really need to take a reserve left back, especially when the likes of Gareth Barry could play there if needed. Barring injury, the first choice defence are going to play every game so specialist reserve left back may be an area to gamble on not taking.

Of the other alternatives Capello has picked during his tenure, Leighton Baines and Steven Warnock don’t strike me as being quite good enough. If Joleon Lescott goes he provides left back cover too but he is quite shaky defensively so I don’t think he does. There is dearth of centre backs though. What price Kieran Gibbs continuing his rapid progress and staking a claim? Of all those players, he’ll be the only one playing Champions League football but a lot depends on whether he can keep Gael Clichy out of the Arsenal side once the Frenchman returns from injury. He appears to have just injured himself too.

I reckon Michael Carrick probably only goes if Barry or Hargreaves are injured and even then he’s shown countless times for Man Utd that he’s not a big game player. Gabriel Agbonlahor offers pace and will find himself with Peter Crouch, Carlton Cole and Darren Bent in the queue for the 4^th striker spot.

Capello has only ever picked seven strikers so it would be a surprise to see him take five of them, not least when Walcott can play up front. Of the four I would say that the Sunderland man had his chance against Brazil and didn’t take it. I think Agbonlahor doesn’t give enough variety when compare to the others – with a 4^th striker you want someone who offers something unique.

In that regard I’d say it will be a close run thing between Crouch and Cole.The former has a good international record (against crap teams at least) and is very tall (though not that good in the air) while the latter is a more complete striker who has pace, power and can play the target man role too. It’s a tough choice to be honest and I think Cole may need to break his international duck in the next round of fixtures if he’s to pip Crouch.

Ashley Young may find himself as number 24 on the list of players though personally I would find a space for him. It does seem like Capello isn’t quite sure of him yet. There aren’t too many options down the left but it does seem like either him or Milner would go but not both.

Still not quite sure...

Too late to make it? (need good form and injuries to others):

Stewart Downing has upgraded clubs but has six months to shine at Aston Villa following serious injury. The same probably goes for Phil Jagielka at Everton. Tom Huddlestone got his first call up against Brazil and while he’s decent player, he’s not yet international standard. Jimmy Bullard? Unlikely but you never know. I see him being a good pundit though. Scott Parker has a very outside chance of being one of the back-up central midfielders; he’s certainly no worse than Carrick in my opinion.

Ben Foster? Joe Hart? Chris Kirkland? Take your pick for the third goalkeeping spot. I doubt it will be the latter though.Of other players we mentioned last time Jack Wilshere isn’t yet getting regular games at Arsenal while Jonathan Woodgate is permanently injured. Dean Ashton has essentially retired.

However Gary Cahill has played well enough at Bolton to come on to the radar as 4^th centre back and has a chance of going if Capello takes eight defenders. Everton’s Jack Rodwell could be a dark horse but I think it is one tournament too soon for him. The same goes for some of the West Ham youngsters like Mark Noble and Jack Collison.

Now thinking "Why are they so useless?"

 .

Providing ITV analysis (or BBC if they’re good):

I had Shaun Wright-Phillips as going six months ago but now I think he misses out as you have Lennon, Walcott and Beckham providing all you need down the right (dribbling/goals/crossing). SWP can do all three but not as well and his poor performance against Brazil has sealed a seat next to Papa Wrighty on the studio sofa.

Jermaine Jenas is another who isn’t particularly defensive or attacking. World Cup squad players need be specialists once you get beyond the first team, there’s no room for these jack of all trades types who provide little. Michael Owen has yet to be picked by Capello and barring injuries to four of the seven strikers we mentioned will not be going to South Africa.

Micah Richards needs to get back in the Man City team before he can think about England – it’s all gone a bit pear shaped for him hasn’t it? He hasn’t been picked in a year; Capello just doesn’t like his terrible positional play. Scott Carson had a shot at being third choice keeper but he won’t be going and neither will Paul Robinson, who you could roll the ball to very slowly from 30 yards and he’d still find a way to let it in.

Sadly, Ledley King can barely handle three games in a month, let alone seven. He would 100% go if he could. David Bentley, Kevin Davies, Anton Ferdinand, Gary Neville – no, no, no and no.

The closest Owen has ever and will ever get to being in Capello's plans.

 .

Possible squad:

James, Green, Foster.

Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole, Johnson, Upson, Brown, Lescott. 

Gerrard, Lampard, Barry, Hargreaves, Milner, Beckham, Lennon, J. Cole.

Rooney, Heskey, Defoe, C. Cole, Walcott.

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The three keepers speak for themselves as do the first four defenders. Versatility is the name of the game so to complement Upson you have two centre backs in Brown and Lescott that can cover the two full back slots.

In midfield you have the three main men plus a fit again Hargreaves. Beckham goes for his experience while Lennon and Joe Cole provide the skill and trickery on either wing from the bench.Milner offers the most versatility of the remaining midfield options so gets the eighth spot.

Up front Rooney is a given, as is Heskey due to their partnership. Defoe is the main back up and I think Carlton Cole will play his way into the squad, pipping Peter Crouch whose record of scoring against bad teams is of no use when you only have good teams in the World Cup. Theo Walcott rounds off the squad as a foward player who can play right wing or as striker.

At most risk is Lescott I’d say and possibly Milner too. You may want more cover in central midfield and down the left so perhaps Carrick and Bridge or Gibbs (who could also play left wing) end up going instead.

T.

Con esto de la crisis, parece que hasta la selección de futbol inglesa tiene que apretarse el cinturón. Así para el amistoso que tenía previsto disputar en Doha (Qatar) viajaron en un charter “low cost” lo que provocó (supuestamente) la lesión de Frank Lampard. En el Chelsea (su equipo) están que trinan y ahora le reclaman el salario proporcional al periodo que estará de baja (1 millón).

No sé cuanto se han podido ahorrar, pero esta claro que con la lesión de Lampard les va a salir caro.

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will be out for three weeks after tearing a muscle in his left thigh while on England duty…. From BBC News. Full story

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We at MTJAG have a strong passion for football- with freekicker originally pledging the sacrifice of his left nut to glory for Arsenal, and I, offering  his right one for Liverpool’s greatness.

But that’s the EPL. There are a few  International friendlies this weekend, we’d love us some football. We’ve got Brazil vs England, and Argentina vs Spain.  Without much further ado, we’re going to preview 2 of them. Part 1: Brazil vs England.

Location : Qatar

Likely XI

England

Green-Brown-Upson-Terry-Warnock-Barry-Milner-Lampard-S.Wright Philips-Rooney-Crouch

Brazil

Cesar- Maicon-Lusiao-Lucio-Aurelio-Melo-Gilberto-Diego-Kaka-Robinho-Fabiano

BRAZIL vs ENGLAND: Formation and Lineups

Overview

With choices like Rio Ferdinand, Johnson, and the irreplaceable Gerrad injured , this is going to be quite a big test for the Lions, and a chance to try out a couple of new faces.

Brown might be the automatic choice at left back for the lack of anyone else, and Warnock will probably start at the opposite end. Barry and Milner will provide Lampard the support at midfield. Peter Crouch , the android who cannot help but score in an English jersey may end up partnering Rooney up front. Capello has fared much better than his predecessors, getting England through to WC2010 without too much of a hassle, and the team seems to be scoring goals by the dozen (granted that many of them were against piss-poor opposition), and other than Michael Owen, the rest of England seem to be quite pleased with the Italian so far.

Brazil, in the meantime have a slight embarrassment of riches. They’ve already qualified for next year’s world cup in clinical fashion, topping the rigorous South American group (as have England too in their respective group), and even without the likes of Pato , Adriano,  and Ronaldinho (slowly getting back to some form), they look every bit a dangerous squad. Fabiano will get the start up front, with Manchester city’s Robinho. Kaka will patrol the midfield. The rest of the XI either select themselves or are part of Dunga’s list of lovechilds (G. Silva).  Dunga has been under fire by the Brazilian press, fans, and the general football lover for robbing the  “Joga Bonito” out of the game. But just like his playing days, he bows down to none,  and believes that the system in place guarantees success.  In the process , he astonishingly even came out with a reasoning that the critics are actually a product of a mass conspiracy which wants Brazil to not succeed by resorting to the beautiful game!

Matchup: Brazil on Attack vs English Defense

As effective as team Brazil is, don’t expect to see the flamboyant team of yesteryear. Under Dunga, the team now plays in a somewhat criticized but very effective style, as reflected by the results.

1.The tremendous Maicon has the tendency to stray forward and press and he will exploit the flanks .
2. Gilberto Silva will provide some support in the midfield, but the key here are Kaka and Diego.
3. With Aurelio having the tendency to move towards centre midfield, look for Kaka to attack Brown on left flank, or Terry at the centre, thus opening up Fabiano to be man-marked by Upson. In the form that Fabiano has been, Upson’s night is going to be quite difficult.
4. Robinho will be pressing along with Kaka at the centre to provide John Terry the double headache of worrying about him as well as the roving Kaka.
5. Diego hence will have the choice of running into open zones to create the openings required for Brazil to exploit the English defense.
6. This strategy will force England to pull back Wright Philips to provide extra cover down the left Flank, and Milner to tread back to manage Diego.

BRAZIL ON ATTACK - SAMBA style

MATCH-UP: England on Attack vs the Brazilian Defense

It’s possible that Crouch plays just a little behind Rooney, but England might actually benefit pulling back Rooney as shown in the picture below. The best way is to attack Brazil through the centre.

1. Gilberto Silva and Melo are hard tackling defensive midfielders, but speed is not their forte. England might be served best to attack that Brazilian belly.
2.  Rooney should play a more withdrawn role – almost giving England a 4-4-1-1 formation, and allowing Lampard, Wright Philips and Rooney to attack Silva and Melo.
3. This may force Brazil to aid the 2 by allowing Aurelio to cover, leaving Wes Brown to wander forward and provide some much needed flank play.
4. If Joe Cole was present and in top form, he could have troubled Maicon, but with Milner (or anyone else), the best option is to hope that Maicon gets caught out of position once too often to exploit the Left flank.  Milner might be better served cutting in again.
5. After the half, if Crouch gets too little service, it might make more sense to substitute him with Bent or someone else of similar capacity.

ENGLAND ON ATTACK - Fish n Chips

Key to a Brazlian Bash: Win the Midfield battle.

Without Gerrad, it should be a little easier. Brazil is more of a counter attacking team these days, but 1 additional playmaker would have helped carve open the English defense. Ronaldinho might have been perfect if in form, but he isn’t. Brazil should realize the relative inexperience of the back 4 (Save terry of course).  It would greatly help if they play like Brazil, and not Dunga’s XI.

Key to English Glory: Treat Brazil like a European Team.

Make no mistake about it, this is not your 82 or even your 2002 Brazilian team. This team is quite physical, and will make you pay if treated otherwise. Unlike older teams, they are comfortable even with relatively less ball position, as they hit on the counter.  England must attack them through the middle and not from the flanks like they might fancy against a South American team normally. They should exploit the lack of speed in the heart of the Brazilian defense.

MTJAG’s BALLS OF STEEL PREDICTION

England 2 : Brazil 1

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Both teams have qualified for the World Cup so this friendly match will serve as a warm up match before the prestige summer tournament nears. This match is taken place in the desert of Qatar in the newly built stadium of Doha. This will be the first time that both nations will play a match in the Middle East and the venue set in a warm condition in winter season. The 50,000 seated Khalifa International Stadium will play host for the first time in their history to two future contenders for the World Cup.

Brazil Head Coach Dunga will not be taking this match lightly as he named a strong 24-man party to face England. He has taken a number of Brazil’s English-based players like Manchester City Robinho, Liverpool’s duo Fabio Aurelio and Luca while the several star players like Kaka, Daniel Alves, Luis Fabiano, Lucio, Diego and Hulk. Dunga has given a call up to Palermo Fabio Simplicio to replace thigh injury Benfica Rameries. Brazil is also contesting with Roma to release injured pair Doni and Juan.

Coach Fabio Capello has taken the opportunity to call up Sunderland striker, Darren Bent, Stephen Warnock and Tom Huddlestone to replace injured players to Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Aaron Lennon and Carlton Cole. Another name missing from the English squad is David Beckham as he will miss the friendly after his team, LA Galaxy, reached the Major League Soccer Western Conference Final. Surprisingly, Capello have decided not to include former Liverpool players, Michael Owen and David James for the trip to Doha. Frank Lampard, Ashely Cole and Glen Johnsen have also withdrawn from the squad.

Many Managers, in the Premier League, are puzzled over the decision for England to play Brazil in a meaningless friendly in Doha affecting their player’s fitness. Never the less, the scene is set for a glorious matchup between two of the greatest football nations in the world. Their last meeting ended up 1-1 in the premiere of the Wembley Stadium. Brazil looks to be the stronger side of the two in this occasion.

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One of the toughest match of the premiership featuring Chelsea and Manchester United, the hosted just managed to win from a lone goal by John Terry from a set piece in the 76th minute. With the result Chelsea go 5 points clear and have a new rival at second place that is their London neighbours Arsenal who thrashedWolverhampton Wanderers 4-1. Gunners are now second with higher positive goal difference and they may even narrow the gap with a game in hand.

The match started in front of electrifying crowd at Stamford bridge with a heavy amount of play in the midfield. Soon in the fifth minute United’s goalkeeper Van der Sar was tested when Ivanovic shot had to be saved. Otherwise the visiting side dominated the possession but could not convert it, the first real chance came in the 29th minute when a brilliant pass by Fletcher found Giggs who shot to high over Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech. Chelsea kept on creating half chances but both the teams went into the half with a 0-0 score line.

Second half saw plenty of action and the eventual goal but before that in the 67th minute Reds’ had their best effort came. A quick free-kick from Anderson allowed Rooney to press menacingly on into the final third. He played a clever one-two with Antonio Valencia and then drilled his shot inches wide. As the situation was getting hotter on the field even little fouls were an ignitions to big fights and by the end of the match three players from both the teams were showed yellow card.
The goal finally came for the home side in the 76 minute when referee Martin Atkinson gave a foul to Darren Fletcher who had clearly won the ball from Ashley Cole. Frank Lampard took the free kick, the ball curled in to find John Terrywho headed it into the back of United net. With the result Chelsea is intact with a 100 per cent home record under Carlo Ancelotti this season that too conceding only one goal.
It was Chelsea’s day and they made everything out of it, Drogba tried his best but was checked by United every time so was the case with Anelka. A positive note for the visiting team who played well expect the decision that went against.
Other results from this weekend are:
Aston Villa 5-1 Bolton Wanderers
Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Portsmouth
Manchester City 3-3 Burnley
Tottenham Hotspurs 2-0 Sunderland
Hull City 2-1 Stoke City
West Ham United 1-2Everton
Wigan 1-1 Fulham

LONDON – Chelsea akan berhadapan dengan Manchester United dalam lanjutan Premier League akhir pekan besok. Gelandang Frank Lampard optimis bahwa The Blues bisa mengatasi The Red Devils.

Saat ini tim besutan Carlo Ancelotti itu memimpin dua poin dari United di klasemen Premier League. Performa John Terry dkk sepanjang musim ini memang sangat memukau.

Betapa tidak, The Blues mampu mencetak 17 gol dan tidak kemasukkan sama sekali dalam empat laga terakhir. Praktis, pencapaian itu membuat Chelsea percaya diri menghadapi United di Stamford Bridge.

“Saya rasa pemain kami tidak membutuhkan kerja keras untuk menghadapi United. Kami berada dalam performa bagus. Kami bermain sebagai tim, tapi permainan masih bisa ditingkatkan,” tegas Lampard di The Times.

“Kendati kami sempat lambat dalam persiapan kami, namun hal itu bisa segera pergi. Jadi, kami akan berusaha meningkatkan performa dan berharap bisa semakin membaik,” pungkas gelandang Timnas Inggris itu.

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

A titanic battle between the two leading teams in the Premiership and it will certainly be a hot affair this coming Sunday at Stamford Bridge. Both teams are successive through to the next round in their Champions League campaign which leaves the Premier League more of a priority this coming weekend. If all goes according to plan then this could be the first encounter between the coming Premier League champions.

Chelsea is currently leading the Premiership with 27 points with 11 matches played. Their home form is impeccable as they are unbeaten winning five matches out of five. Chelsea traveled to Spain and drew 2-2- against A. Madrid in the midweek. Manager Carlo Ancelotti will have a health squad going into this important tie with Alex, Ballack and Joe Cole returning back to full fitness. Salamon Kalou,  Bosingwa, Mikel and  Zhirkov are all ruled doubtful to face Manchester United.

Manchester United came from behind at Old Trafford to draw 3-3 against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League midweek tie. If you look closely into the lineup against Moscow then there were many fringe players that started and even newly father, Wayne Rooney, had to take a place on the bench. Sir Alex Ferguson will put his strongest team out and hopes to capture the number one spot in the Premier League by betting Chelsea. Ferguson will be without Ferdinand, Hargreaves, Park, Wellbeck through injuries while Gary Neville will serve his suspension.

Last time these two teams, they drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge and a repeat of this result will be on many people’s mind. We have to go back all the way to 2002 to find a victory for Manchester United as Stamford Bridge while Chelsea last win over Manchester United was in 2009 with a 2-1 result. A safe bet on a draw is a must and both teams can’t afford to spoil their records of unbeaten runs home and away.

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We discuss the two 4-0 wins against Bolton this week, and praise Chelsea’s flowing attacking football, as well as awarding our Man of the Match, Guinness and Celery Moments and quite possibly Chant of the match.

We look forward to the Atletico Madrid game which we hope will secure Chelsea’s place in the next round in our quest for the holy grail of finally winning the Cup with the Big Ears! And Chidge has done some research on new manager, Quique Sanches Flores to divulge who his Auntie is! Special!

And if that wasn’t enough, we’ll be at the Bridge next Sunday to hopefully see Chelsea put some clear blue water between us and Manure, probably our only serious rivals in bringing the Premiership title back to the Bridge where it belongs! The boys are in confident mood for this one if the match predictions are anything to go by.

In “we’re out to show the world the way to sing!” we dig up a seldom heard song aimed at Old Red Nose and the Mancs – let’s hope we hear it being belted it out on Sunday!

In a bumper edition of “Dear Mart”, the Chelsea FanCast’s resident Football Therapist Dr Martin answers your questions on Ugly Chelsea players, best and worst away stadiums we’ve visited, favourite home and away shirts, and the best Chelsea team of all time.

Finally, Chidge has a look at your comments from the posts on the Facebook Group in “You’re on CFFC”

The Chelsea Football FanCast: 4 games, 17 goals for, none against. ‘Ave it!

Only a hyper critical person could argue that this has not been a good week for Chelsea, not only did Chelsea dispatch potential bogey side Bolton not once but twice but we did so by scoring 8 goals without reply.

The return to form of Frank Lampard and the contiually flourishing link up between Drogba and Anelka mean that there is alot of optimism around the bridge as we head into  a potentially season defining November.

As a final thought I just want to say that I havent heard many people saying that Chelsea lack flair this season and following the glorious fourth goal (see below) cheers of BORING BORING Chelsea rang around the away section of the Reebok.

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23 jogadores que atuam em clubes da Europa concorrem ao prêmio de melhor jogador do ano da Fifa. Seis jogam agora no Barcelona, campeão europeu:  Henry, Ibra, Iniesta, Messi, Puyol e Xavi. Cinco estão no Chelsea: Ballack, Drogba, Essien, Lampard e Terry. Três são Real: Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo e Kaká. Dois da Juve: Buffon e Diego. Dois do Liverpool: Gerrard e Fernando Torres. Mais: Eto´o, agora da Inter. Luís Fabiano, do Sevilla. Ribery, do Bayern. Rooney, do Manchester Utd. E David Villa, do Valencia.

Para você, quem são os três melhores do ano, por ordem?

Entre as mulheres, Marta e Cristiane indicadas.

Quick preview this week as I’m away all weekend so once again have to make an early-ish transfer. Not that it’s too difficult to decide who to bring in. The first double gameweek of the season sees Aston Villa and West Ham play twice (they face each other on Wednesday) meaning you should be targetting one of their players for your weekly transfer. More on that later, let’s see what happened last week.

Of our captain picks, only Anelka came through really though he only got five points. In our defence we did say Drogba and Lampard were also good choices and they scored 9 and 14 respectively. Crouch was our top transfer in and he did bugger all but Boateng and Petrov had alright scores.

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Gameweek 10 Top Gun (aka Tom Cruise Approves):

Maverick's been expecting him here.

It’s taken ages for him to get going but Frank Lampard finally came through with a big score and wins his first Top Gun of the season. His two goals, clean sheet and bonus point gave him a score of 14 points which was enough to edge out Hugo Rodallega who got 13. I was lucky enough to pick him as captain too which meant a bit of ground was gained on the leaders in my league. Lots of high Chelsea scores all round as Essien and Ballack were next with 11 points each.

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Three Captain Picks:

I know West Ham and Villa play twice but I do think it’s a risk to pick any of their players as captain. Neither team scores too many but clean sheets are at a premium too. I guess Villa have kept three this season which is pretty good and both Collins and Dunne are goal threats but I think the guys below can still outscore them in just one game. Villa are away in both games while West Ham don’t have anyone reliable beyond Cole.

1. Fabregas/Arsenal - Robbie Keane can bleat all he likes about how Spurs are the equal of Arsenal now but I’m certain the Gunners will beat Tottenham at home. At White Hart Lane, it’s usually quite close but at the Emirates it’s a different story (even last season’s 4-4 was 85 minutes Arsenal) and Arsenal should have too much for them. Spurs are still missing Modric and have been struggling without him while Wenger’s side have a 100% home record so far. I think Fabregas controls this game from midfield and maybe get himself a goal too. This usually results in bonus points too.

2. Lampard/Chelsea – Faces Bolton away and I seem to remember him scoring quite a few at the Reebok (and indeed the Bridge) in the last few years. He’s hit some form and the return of Joe Cole allows him to play a bit deeper and more effectively. Chelsea’s reserves smacked Bolton 4-0 in midweek and a similar scoreline won’t surprise me.

3. Elliott/Burnley – Burnley lost their good home record against Wigan last week but I expect them to bounce back against Hull. What better motivation than the possibility of getting Phil Brown the sack. In all seriousness though Hull have just one point away from the KC and I believe Bullard is out again. Elliott is Burnley’s top fantasy performer so if you’re feeling brave give him a shot.

Get's a Captain's tick.

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Three To Bring In:

1. Milner or Young/Aston Villa – This not only applies to this gameweek but for the next month or so too. Villa have Bolton, Burnley and Hull coming up in the next four or five games so one of these tow might be worth a speculative add to see if they can take advantage of playing against some weaker sides.

2. Stoke defenders – I imagine most of you might have Sorensen, Faye or Shawcross in your team but there’s still the option of Wilkinson or Collins if the aforementioned are too pricey. Stoke’s next three games are Wolves (H), Hull (A), Portsmouth (H). That’s at least two if not three clean sheets right there.

3. Aquilani/Liverpool – So the £20million man is finally fit. I saw him in the flesh in Wednesday’s Carling Cup match and he looked pretty tasty in the 15 minutes or so he was on the pitch. I think he could make an immediate impact, especially with Liverpool playing some organised teams in the next five. An interesting gamble at £7.4m.

Might be worth a pick.

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Three To Avoid:

1. Lucas/Liverpool - Even though he’s played the most out of all the Liverpool midfielders, I’d say his place is most under threat from Aquilani.

2. Crouch/Spurs - I retract last week’s recommendation, you can find much better options for his price range.

3. Arsenal goalkeepers – Who’s number one? Nobody knows. They don’t keep clean sheets anyway.

Are you taking the mick?

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T.