Liga Premier

Manchester United goleo 3-0 al Everton

Sunderland 1-0 Arsenal

Chelsea le puso una goliza al Wolverhampton 4 goles a cero.

Liverpool empata a dos goles contra el Manchester City

Hull City 3-3 West Ham United

Tottenham Hotspur MASACRA al Wigan Atlhetic 9 goles a 1

Birmingham City 1-0 Fullham

With Rich doing the weekend preview (and I have to agree, it’s great having the domestic games back), I think it’s more sensible for me to be choosing a single game from the Premier League fixtures, one with something interesting going on compared to the others, and do a bit of an analytical preview of it. And I think most would agree that whilst Man Utd v Everton and Sunderland v Arsenal could well throw up a couple of surprises, the big game of the weekend is Saturday’s early kick-off between Liverpool and Manchester City, or as I call them in the title, the ‘will they won’t they’ teams of this seasons Premier League campaign.

Neither side is having a particularly strong run at the moment, despite the pre-season hype about both sets of players. Manchester City were the new, exciting, stupidly rich side that could only finish fourth at least. And, as usual, Liverpool were being tipped for the title more so than the other sides in real contention for the League. And it really seems like both are out to prove both analysts and media outlets wrong.

Is it fair to say that Liverpool are out of the title race already? Maybe not. But based on their current performance, and current squad depth, even the match fitness of Alberto Aquilani does not appear to be the solution to all of Liverpool’s problems. After making a fairly indifferent start to the season (beating Stoke, Burnley and Hull comfortably at home, but barely looking competitive when losing to Spurs away and Villa at home), things went from bad to worse, losing four in a row in all competitions (Fiorentina, Chelsea, Sunderland and Lyon). If it had not been for the fixture listing, which luckily gave them Manchester United after those defeats, their poor form could have continued.

But how does a side go from losing four consecutive games, to beating the Champions with relative ease, despite missing their captain? It’s almost nonsensical. But true to their situation, they went from there to lose at Fulham, draw with Lyon, effectively ending their Champions League campaign, and drawing at home to recently promoted Birmingham. For them, this is a must-win game, not only to get their season back on track, not only to prove the critics wrong, not only to peg back one of their ‘title rivals’ in City, but to show that they can win big games when missing one of their two key players (Gerrard is apparently fit, but their only other goal threat in Torres is out). Can Liverpool actually play well, dominate and win games without one or the other? And without Carragher in the back four? We’ll see.

Man City on the other hand had a remarkable start to the season, showing signs of a top-four finish, but have since started to dip, with five consecutive draws in the Premier League. They are also hit with a few injuries, with Barry and Bellamy probably playing, Robinho probably not, and in-form Martin Petrov definitely not. But you would expect a team who spent as much as they did in the summer, they should be able to cope without these players for a couple of games.

However, in the long term, is all that harmonious at Eastlands? Robinho has (according to Santa Cruz) articulated his desire to play for Barcelona at some point, and although City don’t need the money, the one thing that side does not need is an unhappy player causing problems in the dressing room. I’m sure Mark Hughes knows this, and whilst he might be telling the media on a daily basis that Robinho is staying, just to push his ego as head of a great club that bit further (seriously, how much of a knobhead has he become?), in the end I believe we will be seeing Robinho head to the Catalan giants if not in January, then certainly the summer. And might this season be the last season for Carlos Tevez, who has declared that if the Argies win the World Cup, he may well retire from football, due to him being sick of it. Well worth the £25m+ for a player who hates the sport eh? I’d be happy for Argentina to win the World Cup, just so Man City have wasted their money on a player who really hasn’t performed.

But in the short term, Man City need to get a win in the bank, and what better place than Anfield. Yes it’s on the road, which is hardly their speciality, but Liverpool are missing more key players, and after seeing them in person, Man City can sure move the ball quickly on the counter, which could suit them perfectly tomorrow lunchtime. I’m hoping we’ll see more than a boring defensive showdown, with both sides wanting, believing they can win, and actively seeking to score more goals than the other.

But I’ll be the boring bastard and take the safe option. Rich has stuck his neck out in predicting a Liverpool win, but I’ll go against both him and Lawro (dangerous territory I know). 1-1.

Robinho au Barça. Le feuilleton dure depuis l’été. Tout d’abord, une alternative aux recrutements « avortés » de Ribéry et de Juan Mata, le brésilien apparait maintenant comme la principale cible stratégique du club. Mais cette très probable ( à l’heure actuelle) arrivée de Robinho au mercato d’hiver déchainent les débats dans l’entourage sportif et médiatique du Barça.

Depuis le départ de Robinho du Real Madrid dans les conditions que tout le monde connaît, le brésilien a toujours été lié au Barça d’abord anecdotiquement en le plaçant comme un des joueurs de la liste du futur candidat à la présidence Sandro Rosell avant qu’après les échecs des recrutements de Ribéry et du valencian Mata, le club se tourne définitivement vers Robinho et en fasse une des priorités de son recrutement, un peu tard dans le mercato d’été mais bien placé pour arriver en hiver. Ce n’est pas un secret que Robinho ne se plait plus à Manchester City malgré que le club anglais a créé une des équipes les plus compétitives de Premier League. Le brésilien en effet entretient des relations conflictuelles avec Mark Hughes, ce dernier ne sachant pas exploiter au maximum le talent du joueur. Robinho sait que pour être considéré comme l’un des meilleurs joueurs du monde, rien de mieux que de jouer dans la meilleure équipe du monde. Son départ à City a été un vrai recul dans sa carrière et il en est conscient.

Les questions qui se posent dans l’entourage du Barça sont qu’apporterait sportivement Robinho à l’équipe, est-il nécessaire au club et si le joueur ne serait pas problématique dans le vestiaire du Barça.

Sportivement, Robinho apporterait surtout déséquilibre , vitesse, encore plus d’associativité et de profondeur sur le coté gauche. Mais en dehors de ses qualités techniques, le brésilien libérerait quelque peu Messi de l’attention défensive accrue que lui prête les équipes adverses mais aussi les probables absences et baisse de forme du prodige argentin se ressentirait moins sur le rendement offensif de l’équipe, non pas que Robinho possède autant d’influence sur le jeu que Leo, mais son football, sa capacité de déséquilibre, de but et de changement de rythme compensent en quelque sorte. De plus, il est tout simplement évident qu’avec Robinho, le Barça posséderait enfin un coté gauche performant offensivement et que penser d’une attaque composée de Messi, Ibra, Iniesta et Robinho. Le talent de cette ligne d’attaque est tellement immense qu’à l’image de l’arrivée d’Ibra au Barça, celle de Robinho donnerait encore une autre dimension et de nouvelles possibilités que certainement Guardiola a certainement valorisé.

Justement, Guardiola est un des défenseurs de l’arrivée du brésilien, se rendant compte que son effectif possède quelques lacunes notamment en terme de profondeur d’effectif sur la ligne d’attaque. Mais Pep nécessite d’évacuer tous les doutes sur Robinho et lui propose ce challenge : venir au Barça en prêt pour 6 mois pour prouver tout son talent avant de signer définitivement dans le club. Guardiola veut profiter de la motivation du joueur pour aller en coupe du monde mais pas en prenant tous les risques. Pas certain que ni le joueur ni City ne soient d’accord pour ces conditions. Robinho serait un facteur important pour maintenir Messi au maximum de son engagement et activation mentale. L’arrivée d’un joueur des mêmes caractéristiques maintiendrait une certaine compétition au sein de l’équipe. Et ce n’est pas un aspect à négliger surtout dans une saison où certains joueurs pourraient se sentir dans un certain confort après les grandes réussites de l’an dernier. En ce qui concerne les problèmes comportementaux du brésilien et depuis l’affaire Ronaldinho ( souvenir encore récent ), la presse, le club et les supporters sont extrêmement sensibles à ce sujet, le caractère festif du brésilien n’étant secret pour personne. Il semblerait que sur ce point là, Robinho se serait calmé depuis la naissance de son enfant.

L’arrivée de Robinho au Barça semble réelle et il s’agirait là d’un coup magistral autant sur le plan sportif que médiatique. Guardiola doit cependant bien intégrer le joueur dans le groupe et dans le climat médiatique du club, chose dont on ne peut pas douter pour une personne qui maitrise aussi bien les rouages de l’entourage du club catalan. En tout cas, le numéro 7 parait déjà être attribué depuis le début de saison à Can Barça.

Interessantíssimo o texto publicado no blog do Juca Kfouri, no endereço http://blogdojuca.blog.uol.com.br/arch2009-11-15_2009-11-21.html

Divirtam-se!

2012!

Por ANTONIO AZEVEDO*　　

 Como se sabe, o mundo vai acabar em 2012.　

 E o　preço do Brasil fazer parte do G20, é que se antes só Nova York, Los Angeles, Paris, Londres e Tóquio eram destruídas, agora o Rio de Janeiro também faz parte do circuito das catástrofes.

 É　a fama!　

 Ao ver o filme atentamente, eis alguns detalhes que consegui observar, com　notícias daqui:　

 1. o professor Silas, técnico do São Paulo, diz que o time está fora da luta do título nacional.

 Onze pontos atrás do líder, afirma que lutará por vaga na Libertadores…　

 2. Juca Kfouri na sua coluna: “São Paulo é o favorito para ganhar o seu sétimo campeonato consecutivo.

 Corto as minhas orelhas se isso não acontecer…”.　　

 3. Robinho, jogador do Toulouse da França,　após ser substituído e vaiado por torcedores de seu time: “Se eu jogar no Barcelona serei o melhor do mundo no ano que vem”.　

 4. Felipão desconversa sobre a possível convocação do Ronaldo para a Copa de 2014.　

 5. Dunga, atual técnico do Sudão: “Ainda tenho pesadelos com aquele gol da França nas oitavas-de-final…”.　

 6. A ministra das Minas e Energia afirma: “O assunto está encerrado, o apagão foi culpa de um curto-circuito por causa dos urubus”.　　

 7. Professor Belluzzo: “Como presidente da Bienal-SP informo que o tema principal da amostra será Paz e Amor” (indagado sobre futebol mais uma vez não respondeu).　

 8. Proposta a CPI das Olimpíadas: nenhuma obra está pronta, a maioria sequer iniciou e o orçamento já está estourado 11 vezes.

 Carlos Nuzman informa que　tudo está conforme o previsto e já solicitou nova reunião com o governo solicitando mais verbas.　

 9. Renato Maurício Prado na sua coluna: “A culpa é dos pontos corridos”.

 10. Marcelo Teixeira diz que não será candidato a nova reeleição e que o Santos deverá　continuar se dedicando exclusivamente às Sereias da Vila.

 11. O publicitário, inteligente e calmo　Washington Olivetto, atual presidente do Corinthians, após mais um fracasso na Libertadores diz que se encontrar o juiz “Será bom que ele mude de calçada, senão quebro a cara dele…” (Olivetto ratificou as suas declarações…).　

 12. A FIFA comunica: se na próxima avaliação as obras das oito sedes da Copa　(inicialmente seriam 12)　não tiverem andado conforme previsto, determinará a mudança do país sede da Copa de 2014.

 O México está de sobreaviso.　

 13. O Secretário de Segurança do Rio de Janeiro afirma que o massacre ocorrido ontem à noite no ataque ao morro, com 19 mortos, é apenas pontual; segundo sua opinião a cidade continua linda e com índices de violência de 1º mundo.　

 14. A TV Globo informa mudanças na sua programação: às quartas-feiras o futebol ao vivo será após o　Programa do Jô e aos domingos ocorrerá uma inversão em relação aos dias de hoje: inicialmente teremos o primeiro tempo do futebol, depois virá todo o Programa do Faustão e após o seu término, ainda ao vivo, o segundo tempo da partida; especialistas dizem ser efeito da Fazenda-8 da TV Record.　　

 15. Zico, finalmente, aceita ser presidente do Flamengo.

 Sua primeira providência: prorrogar o contrato do Petkovic por mais 5 anos; ainda informou que não sabe como pagar a dívida de R$300 milhões.　

 16. O presidente Perrella Neto vende mais quatro jogadores e disse que o Cruzeiro com esse dinheiro construirá a Toca da Raposa 5.　

 17. Parreira abandona a aposentadoria e assume o Fluminense com o objetivo de　conseguir o acesso à segundona.　

 18. A torcida do Bahia faz mais uma passeata, mas a diretoria ignora os apelos de renúncia.

 Time vai disputar o campeonato de várzea da cidade.

 19. Adiado mais uma vez o julgamento de Cesare Battisti pelo STF.

 Nem na Itália é mais manchete.　

 20. Os presidentes de Náutico, Sport e Santa Cruz,　times da 4ª divisão nacional, decidem que mesmo se ficar pronto, o que duvidam, jamais　jogarão no estádio de São Lourenço da Mata e que preferem dividir os custos e jogar no estádio do Ibis.　

 21. O técnico do Tocantinópolis, o suplente de vereador Wanderley Luxemburgo, afirma que lutará pelo título estadual.

 Provavelmente, conseguirá!　

 22. Após novo fracasso nas negociações, Zelaya exige do governo brasileiro troca de colchão, roupa nova de cama e também não aceita mais a TV LCD de 40″, exige uma de 55″ e com a nova tecnologia,　LED.

 Quer também que a cozinheira seja uma hondurenha, diz estar cansado de comer feijoada.　

 23. Mário Sérgio que, de novo, reassumiu o ex-favorito Internacional, disse que o empate contra o já rebaixado Guarani, no Beira-Rio, foi um excelente resultado.　

 24. Ricardo Gomes pede apoio da torcida palmeirense para o jogo contra o temível ASA de Arapiraca.

 ”Só com apoio é que conseguiremos lutar pelo difícil acesso”, sublinhou.　

 25. Obama, em Oslo, abraçado a José Serra, em coletiva de imprensa: “We Can! Este, também, é o cara!”

 *Antonio Azevedo…não tem o que fazer. É isso!

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Torres could set to return to face Manchester City in Anfield. The Spaniard would not mind scoring against City again.

Liverpool could not have asked a better time for the International break to intervene as their squad is struggling to knock off injuries and a string of disappointing results. They were the last Premiership team to play a game a fortnight ago and now they will have the honor to start the Premiership fixture as they face Manchester City at Anfield in a Saturday early afternoon kickoff. Both teams are in search for the three points to keep up with Chelsea at the top of the table.

Manager Rafa Benitez must be pinching himself just to make sure whether the injuries crisis situation with his squad is real. He lost Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera for there to four week after getting injured in the 2-2 draw against Birmingham. Steven Gerrard made a comeback that night and he is expected to return against Manchester City. There is some doubts over Glen Johnsen, Daniel Agger and Fernando Torres as all of them have withdrew from national duties to nurse their injury. Jamie Carragher will return from his suspension and Fabio Aurelio is still out injured. Every game for Liverpool will be a FA cup feel to it as they trail league leaders, Chelsea, by 10 points. Benitez will have to come up with the good against Manchester City or else the next year’s Champions League spot could also be in danger.

Manchester City have drawn four of their last premiership matches and they could continue this streak at Anfield Road this Saturday. Manager Mark Hughes will look to change this trend City have embarked on. Their last match against Burnley revealed their defense loses concentration and marginal defensive errors which cost hem the victory. Hughes is hoping that star player Robinho could return to first team action and if not, there will be many others prepared to take his place. Martin Petrov, Craig Bellamy, Robinho, Nedum Onuoha and Benjani are all ruled out.

Liverpool looks more and more desperate each time they go on the field. Hopefully the Reds will be able to put out their strongest team to regain their last season’s good form. Manchester City will not worry too much of the issue Liverpool is dealing with, they will focus on their play and try to continue their quest in breaking into the big 4 domination in the Premiership. A win for either team could get their season on the way. Liverpool looks likely to fight for their lives to keep their hopes up.

Want to know more about oddset then check out Bettingexpert.com article for more information on what is on offer.

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It took Carlos Tevez little more than four months at Manchester City to become completely fed up with football.

“It’s complicated, there’s my family, the desire to return to Boca Juniors, but I think about it. It crosses my mind to hang up my boots if we win the World Cup, although I have a contract [with Manchester City] until 2014,” he said.

“I’m a bit tired of so much football, so much football. I want to enjoy my family a bit. I’m very keen to stop and get a bit of calm. I’ve already won a lot. Living for football has saturated me.”

Compare this to the Tevez we remember from Old Trafford (or indeed West Ham) where he became a crowd favourite thanks to his energy, passion, work-rate and commitment. To be fair, the quotes don’t make it 100% clear whether he’s just talking about international football. But the main reason why he left United (apart from the money) was that he wanted to play more football!

Even apart from Tevez there seem to be plenty of opportunities for Mark Hughes to practice his man-management skills at the moment. Robinho appears to be angling for a move to Barcelona. It was a long time ago since Micah Richards played anywhere near his huge potential. And most people thought that regular first team football would improve Wayne Bridge but he seems to be moving in the opposite direction.

The meeting of one great footballing mind and Dunga

See Brazil’s squad in full here

For a look at Brazil’s latest stars in the making, check out Brazil: The Factory 2009 here

Brazil take on England in Doho, Qatar, for the first of three international friendlies before the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.

Dunga’s men see the England game as a real test against one of their main contenders in the competition in 2010.

Brazil and England have met 22 times with the South Americans well on top with 10 wins and only 3 losses.

The green and yellows have had a good season with convincing victories over Italy (twice), Argentina and Uruguay – though they struggled against Bolivia (1-2 loss) and Venezuela (0-0). Despite their good record, Dunga was forced to defend his tactics and style in a press conference held on Friday. The coach responded in a typically abrasive manner: “Brazil had one of the top scorers, the best attack, the best defence in the WC qualifiers and have won everything this year” [referring to the Confederations Cup].

For Saturday’s match, both teams are hit by injuries. Brazil are without Luisão, Ramires and Fábio Aurélio. Robinho, Naldo and Felipe Melo picked up knocks but may feature on the bench. England have no David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, and Emile Heskey. Captain, John Terry, is a doubt.

Brazil (probable): Julio César, Maicon, Thiago Silva, Lúcio, Michel Bastos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Daniel Alves (Elano), Kaká, Nilmar, Luis Fabiano.

Coach: Dunga

England (possible): Green, Brown, Upson, Lescott, Bridge, Carrick, Milner, Wright-Phillips, Barry, Rooney, Bent.

Coach: Fábio Capello

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar

Date: 14/11/2009.

Kick off: 15:00 Brasília       17:00 London

Marat Safin (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

Craig Bellamy rejects Wales and flies to Abu Dhabi with City. Robinho’s Barce bound – Di Maria to Manchester. Brawn refuse Button’s demands. Arsenal’s Bendtner is Denmark’s 2009 player of the year. Premier League clubs meet tomorrow over two-tier division. Hull in turmoil – on and off the pitch. Calum Davenport pleads not guilty. Marat Safin bids farewell in Paris.

Mark's Soccer Globe #8

So much soccer this weekend, that…yup…just checked my Swatch, we passed noon on hump day. We’re going with our weekend preview a day early to get everyone amped up and get the good comments flowing.

Our global piece is dominated by American soccer this weekend and by that wonderful “soccer globe” to our left.

Look at it sparkle. We’re going global….

….but we start in the Land of the Free and Home of the Whopper: For you USMNT hounds who missed it, here’s the TSG Slovakia preview. I hope you, Dax, and Frankie all enjoy watching the game.

Let’s stay stateside or rather States-wise with (the) MLS:

» Friday night brings us Houston vs. Los Angeles from the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.

Wait, maybe I should just send you to ESPN’s piece right now that states that the key for Houston is to shut down David Beckham and Landon

ESPN: Psst...Houston...to win you are going to need to stop Beckham and Donovan. TSG: No sh*t

Donovan. Let me guess ESPN, 11 guys a side to start the match also? Thank you, recess is over ESPN, please proceed to 4th period reporting where today we’ll learn how not to just state the obvious.

Are you kidding me? TSG has nary a few weeks of MLS under our belt….we can do better than that. My fingers are actually crossed right now. Go:

• How about the Brian Ching going up for head dingers against rookie Omar Gonzales, who has pretty much played down to his age during these playoffs. Ching has the experience and the nastiness, Gonzales the strength and the youth.

• Is Ricardo Clark fully fit in the midfield and able to injure David Beckham? For the little MLS, I’ve watched, I always see extremely “borderline” tackles by the Houston USMNTer on the English pretty boy. Don’t get me wrong, Beckham is some times too Roy Keane on his tackles, but my observations usually point to Beckham being the worse for wear after the affair.

• Does Stu Holden involve himself in the game? First, let’s commend Holden, who TSG is a fan of, in that he plays to one set of his strengths for the USMNT (flying down the wing, big crosses, tracking back on defense) yet his club demands different qualities (linking play in the middle of the field, finding space). Quite dynamic for the Dynamo captain. We offered some criticism of the Iceman in the Seattle series for not more aggressively finding the ball.

Galaxy: You have the Iceman's attention

Best way to neutralize Donovan and Beckham, Stu and company? Maintain possession. That’s right, Iceman, be dangerous…with the ball.

• While many are worried about Becks and Donovan, what about Edson Buddle? The Galaxy striker while not extremely proficient around the net recently makes the defense work hard. You’ve got a big pitch, you’ve got a re-jiggered Dynamo defense with the suspension of Mike Chabala and now you’ve got the aggressive runs of Buddle coming at you. Watch Buddle vs. Houston Back 4–that’s a good match-up.

• Turning tables, the Galaxy better watch out for Houston’s Buddle, Mr. Dominic Oduro. TSG has only seen Oduro twice, but, if I were a betting man, I might take the Oduro-Berhalter match-up over the Buddle match-up just mentioned. For all his experience, Berhalter was exposed against a Chivas attack that really wasn’t very technical adept in the strike zone. Oduro, playing off Ching and with Stu and Brad Davis (does he ever have a shot at a nattie team call-up?) trailing after Becks and Donovan are racing to catch up after a counter.That might present some problems.

» Saturday evening’s affair brings us the Cinderella Salt Lakers vs. the Chicago Blancos. TSG has less observations of these teams, so we’ll keep our comments brief.

• Fresh off the US friendly in the morning, you can imagine all glassy-eyed USMNT fans will try to focus their peepers on the strikers: Chris Rolfe

Has Findley captured a little Charlie-In-A-Bottle?

and striker-du-jour Robbie Findley. While Rolfe has had his shot, Findley only got a sniff. Both will likely be in contention for the right to be the last guy picked for the RSA playground. Findley’s been playing to fine form and, with the MLS going into hibernation, one more big impression, in the hometown of US Soccer no less, couldn’t hurt.

• Having watched a few RSL games, I really like the play of Kyle Beckerman lately. The veteran in the middle has–in the games I’ve seen–been pretty much anywhere he’s needed. He has a unique ability to read where the RSL defense is going to break down and make himself available in support or to take on the offender. I’m going to call it Beckermania….props to you rasta man.

I dare say Blanco is just as agile as this fellow and definitely more visionary

• Here is a question I’d like to ask Chad Marshall, Jay Heaps, Omar Gonzales, Bobby Boswell or pretty much anyone on an MLS backline. Why, really why, is it so freaking difficult to get the ball away from a 36-year-old with a history of injuries who looks like Tummi Gummi? Actually, nothing but respect from TSG for Cuauhtemoc Blanco as he signs off from the MLS. Guarantee if that man had played at, say, Inter or Valencia he would have had a lot more global fans.

• Our brief read of a few rags on this match, many are talking about the prowess of Javier Morales being the key to Real unlocking the scoring, the player who has caught our eye the most on the offensive end for RSL is Russian Yura Movsisyan. We just checked the stats on Movsisyan and we’re astonished to find that he started 19 of the 26 games he played in this year. The biggest impact we’ve seen from the 22-year-old is when he’s come off the bench and completely changed the offensive complexion for RSL.

I would term RSL’s offensive pre-Yura insertion as “assiduous” while I would term RSL offense post-Yura insertion as “zippy.”

Does TSG not have enough observations to make that claim?

Beckermania, coming to a pitch near you!

• Yup, that all TSG is qualified to offer on this piece. You, the fans, that read our publication have many more observations. Have at it in the comments.

We now cross the pond to World Cup playoffs.

WCQ Playoffs

» Well, now it’s not just the French calling out their coach, it’s the other team. Ireland matches up with France and Richard Dunne has a comment or two for Raymond Domenech, who called the Irish team, “England’s B Squad.”

»Portugal look to qualify without Ronaldo against Bosnia Herze….I think you know, that I know how to spell the rest. Russia takes on Slovakia’s brother, Slovenia (he’s an inch shorter) and USMNT favorite Costa Rica battles with Diego Forlan at Uruguay. I hope Forlan lights them up. Sorry, the fan in me just came out.

All aboard, next stop:

Friendlyville (Population: Not Beckham)

» It feels like media’s sweeps week or something as there are just a ton of fun games on the docket.

» The Beckham-less Capellos take their messy chompers and a trio of lions to Qatar (of all places) to face the hosts of World Cup 2014, Brazil. The World Cup in Brazil? That could get dicey (or profitable). Hoards of men descending on a foreign nation where prostitution is legal and the exchange rate favorable. Oh boy….or is it a girl?

• Better grab your Grape Nuts and another green tea, because this game is on Fox Soccer Channel too, right after the US-Slovakia match.

• You could actually make an argument right now that the England backline is more ambulance-bound than their American counterparts. Ashley Cole, out. Glen Johnson, out. Luke Young, out and apparently retired. Starting at wingback for the Queen, the oft-injured Wes Brown on the right and Burnley whipping boy Wayne Bridge on the left. Yikes, we’ll take Specs and Bornstein.

• Conversely, Brazil counter with a fit Robinho, Luis Fabiano, Hulk, and Nilmar (6 goals in 8 appearances for the nattie side…better known to Yanks’ fans as the guy that took away JZA’s playing time at Villareal.) That should be quite a challenge for England’s makeshift defense.

• Let’s stick with Robinho for just one more second here. Why would a team that has Messi and Zlatan up top be possibly pining for the

No! No! No! I don't want Robinho

petulent, immature Robinho? Thankfully, at this point, Barca has passed on the going rate for Robinho. Sure, why not fork over the cash so that the little baby can earn frequent flyer miles to Sao Paulo? Vicky, Christina, Barcelona, you’re too class…and too talented…. do what Robinho doesn’t do enough of…pass!

» Also on Saturday, the Diego Maradona Turf Sliders are hosted by La Furia Roja! of Spain. I’m really hoping that Argentina put together a good game despite their coach.

• Hard not to include The Maxi Rodriguez Goal clip when the boy is on the squad and playing in front of his club fans. Can’t watch this one enough.

• Fernando Torres’ groin has been pulled from the game (thank you, thank you). Ho-hum. A 10-0 record, 28 goals for and 5 against in qualifying. Spain’s still, obviously, the best.

Arjen: Shades of Landon?

» And finally, in what could be the most competitive and even match, the Azurri of Italy host USMNT future opponent, the Netherlands.

• USMNT evildoer Daniele De Rossi was just ruled out for this one. Patrick Viera pulled a Daniele De Rossi on De Rossi and now the Italian has a broken cheekbone.

• The other day I was asking myself the following question: “What soccer player does Landon Donovan most resemble?” The best answer I could come up with is Arjen Robben. Donovan clearly has a better free kick and plays more defense, but for shear look on the field, I’d have to go with Robben. Robben will form the strike trio up top this Saturday with Robin Van Persie and Dirk Kuyt. Solid.

Enjoy the games; enjoy the weekend.

What you missed while Darth Vader was being made into a cathedral gargoyle…

• Third tier Alcorcón lost 1-0 to Real Madrid yesterday in the second leg of the Copa del Rey; due to their 4-0 win two weeks ago they’ll still advance to the next round over the nine-time champions. This doesn’t phase Florentino Pérez, however: “Our dream is to build a spectacular team but it would not be a failure if we didn’t win a title.” What his exact definition of “failure” is has yet to be determined, but losing to a club worth about 1% of your transfer budget apparently doesn’t qualify.
• David Ngog isn’t a cheat…says David Ngog’s agent.
• Roman Pavlyuchenko will insist that he be allowed to leave Tottenham when he sits down with Harry Redknapp after the international break.
• Robinho is apparently unhappy at Manchester City because they got rid of all their Brazilians and wants out of town; however, he apparently isn’t going to Barcelona, who’re fresh out of cash for the transfer.
• Congratulations to the Suwon Bluewings, your new Korean Cup winners.
• Didier Drogba’s withdrawn from the Côte d’Ivoire national team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
• China’s not messing around about sorting out their national team anymore. They should maybe consider bringing in Bob Bradley to sort them out…?
• Aston Villa defender Luke Young has retired from international football.
• Peter Crouch has vowed to stop clubbing so that Fabio Capello won’t drop him from the national team. The sacrifices these guys make for sport stun me.
• Sheffield Wednesday boss Brian Laws believes that it’s only a matter of time before a Premier League club goes bankruptLALALALALIVERPOOLCAN’THEARYOU!

What you missed while NASA was discovering jellyfish on Mars (I was actually gonna let this go today, but this one was too good to be true)…

• David N’gog will be pleased that there was no splash, but he’ll be upset that his body was nowhere near close to vertical at the point of entry during his shameless dive against Birmingham City yesterday. Also, Liverpool add Albert Riera, Yossi Benayoun, and Daniel Agger to their rather lengthy injury list.
• None of that should take away from Cameron Jerome, however, who scored one of the prettiest goals I’ve seen this season; check it out here. Also worth mentioning: Birmingham City have not lost in seven matches.
• Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo will replace Roma’s Daniele de Rossi in the Italian squad for friendlies against Holland and Sweden.
• Barcelona and Bayern Munich have both targeted Galatasaray winger Arda Turan for a move in January.
• Arsenal have scored 36 goals in 11 matches…so of course Cesc Fabregas is worried about a goal drought.
• Darren Ferguson might have been sacked be Peterborough; this is  in spite of the fact that he’s taken the former League Two side to promotion two years straight.
• Tottenham have announced that they made a record profit of £33.4 million last season.
• Harry Redknapp would like to beat up on Celtic and Rangers in the Premier League.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has received a libel settlement from the Daily Mirror over claims he was drinking in L.A. while he was supposed to be recovering from ankle surgery in 2008.
• Mark Hughes says that Robinho isn’t leaving Manchester City in January.

There was a constant rumor that Brazilian footballer Robinho will join Spanish giant FC Barcelona, but looks like this rumor will become a true story. Spanish sport media are now reporting that Barcelona reached agreement with Robinho.  However, the deal is not confirmed since Barcelona wants long time loan before the transfer, and Robinho wants the permanent transfer in January.

Robinho, who moved from Real Madrid to Manchester City for a British record 32.5 million pounds, is current recovering from injury, but his addition on Barcelona squad will certainly make the team stronger. If Robinho comes to Barcelona, he will replace injury struggling Thierry Henry. Robinho, who is familiar in playing left side wing foward, will play upfront  with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi which will probably consists the best attacking line up in the world.

There are also reports that Manchester City is  already looking for a replacement for Robinho and looks like Franck Ribery, a French football star, is their first target. It will be interesting to check the final destination of two monster footballers – Robinho and Ribery –  in the January transfer market.

Were getting close to being a third of the way through the season and the table is finally taking shape.

The Big Four are still the Big Four, with the exception of Liverpool who are in the midst of a breakdown. There are still those same teams that hover right outside of those tops spots waiting for someone to choke, Spurs and Villa, and the new guys Man City are enjoying a nice spot in the top four due to their insane summer spending spree. Will they be able to keep it up though? Let’s take a look at who plays who this week and what we can expect.

Aston Villa vs. Bolton:
Villa are in a shaky run of form right now with only one win in the last six. Coming off of a defeat from a last-minute goal in midweek at West Ham, the Villians are looking to bounce back against a Bolton side that never really goes anywhere but always puts up a fight.

Prediction: 2-0

————–

Blackburn vs Portsmouth:
Bottom of the table battle. Two teams struggling to find goals. No goals equals no results. This one will probably be a snooze fest.

Prediction: 1-1

————–

Man City vs. Burnley
Man City is due for a big win after four draws in the last four matches, and Burnley’s poor defensive record away from home makes them a good target.

No injuries sans Robinho and an upcoming two-week break means that Man City are ready to strike and try to prove they are ready to be a top four contender.

Prediction: 3-0

————–

Tottenham vs. Sunderland:
Coming out of back-to-back losses including a beating at the hands of Arsenal last weekend, Spurs look to get back on track against an inconsistent but good Sunderland team.

Sunderland will be hurting without Cattermole, who pulls the strings in midfield and Kenwyne Jones, who always poses a goal-scoring threat but don’t write them off. Darren Bent also makes a trip back to his old club the Spurs, and will look to make a statement.

Prediction: 2-1

————–

Wolves vs. Arsenal:
The Gunners are in a sensational run of form right now taking 16 of the last 18 available points. Coming off of a Spurs bashing last weekend and a Champions League demolition of AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday, Arsenal are flying high and Wolves don’t have a chance of stopping that.

Fabregas and Arshavin are playing sensational football and dominate the midfield, setting up Van Persie who is finally proving he is a world-class striker.

Prediction: 0-3

————–

Hull City vs Stoke City:
Hull are currently in the worst form in the league taking only 4 points from their last 5 fixtures. If Phil Brown wants to keep his job, the Tigers need to find the back of the net. Stoke have an underrated defense who have been solid so far this season and are fourth in current form. Should be a battle, but expect Stoke to edge it.

Prediction: 0-1

————–

West Ham vs Everton:
West Ham have struggled to finish games off and their current table position doesn’t reflect how good of a team they are.

With a little luck and had a few results fallen their way and they would be in the top half of the table instead of fifth from bottom. Everton suffered a loss Thursday in the Europa league at the hands of Benfica, and expect them to continue in that direction as they are still suffering from a lot of injuries that have plagued them all season.

Prediction: 2-1

————–

Wigan vs. Fulham:
Fulham had a massive win last weekend over Liverpool, but suffered heartbreak on Thursday as Roma came from behind to beat them in the Europa league. They go up against an always-tough Wigan side that have conceded a lot of goals this season.

Don’t anticipate that to change as they will let in a couple against Fulham and won’t be able to balance that out at the other end.

Prediction: 1-2

————–

Chelsea vs. Manchester United:
Match of the weekend. These titans clash for the first time this season for the top spot in the table. Both are coming off disappointing performances midweek in the Champions League.

United are currently struggling with injury in the back. Vidic, Ferdinand, and the ever-plagued Gary Neville are all doubtful for the match. This gives Chelsea a massive edge especially with Drogba in the sensational form he is currently terrorizing defenders with.

Prediction: 2-0

————–

Liverpool vs. Birmingham:
Liverpool are in crisis.

A squad decimated by injury. Three losses out of their last six league matches, the Reds are essentially out of the title race and we’re less than a third of the way into the season. That doesn’t mean they’re giving up. They have fight and they’ll just have to find the drive and goals without Captain Fantastic, who has been out with a groin injury for a few weeks now.

Torres also looks to be playing at about 75% with his ever looming calf problems, but he is still dangerous even if not fully fit. Expect Liverpool to play well without the big stars because they still have the talent and are due for a big game. Birmingham have been inconsistent all season and don’t have the personnel to stop the Pool if they start clicking.

Prediction: 3-0

- Brent Lakes

What you missed while the Navy was preparing sea lions for an underwater threat that may or may not be related to giant jellyfish…

• Quick Champions League wrap: AC Milan 1 – 1 Real Madrid, Manchester United 3 – 3 CSKA Moscow, Atletico Madrid 2 – 2 Chelsea, Bayern Munich 0 – 2 Bordeaux, Marseille 6 – 1 FC Zurich, Maccabi Haifa 0 – 1 Juventus, Besiktas 0 – 3 Wolfsburg, APOEL 0 – 1 FC Porto.
• In spite of his hernia, Fernando Torres will start for Liverpool tonight against Lyon.
• St. Etienne have been struck by swine flu…again.
• Manchester United 3 – 3 CSKA Moscow/the referees. I’d stop bringing this up if Ferguson would stop doing it every time they don’t win.
• Arsene Wenger believes Kieran Gibbs will do really well in place of Gael Clichy against AZ Alkmaar.
• For some reason, Pedro – the guy who backs up Lionel Messi at Barcelona – is hoping that Robinho’s brought on board in January. Because adding another winger will certainly increase his playing time, right?
• Newcastle have renamed St. James’ Park “sportsdirect.com@StJames’Park” until the end of the season.
• Mikel Arteta has gotten an infection in his knee that’s needed to be washed out. I’m a Browns fan, folks; I can tell when someone’s not telling you that they have staph, and this is one of those times.

Meg Predicts: "Sunderland three, Liverpool twoooooo"

For anyone who has used the shiny RSS feed thingy on the right, and therefore recieves new Eddies Football Blog articles direct to their inbox, I have to apologise. Last week you will have been waiting, betting slip in hand, for my all important Premier League Predictions. They never arrived. This means that you were forced to wander over to the BBC’s website and take advice from a man with a Scouse accent, a bad sense of humour, and a moustache. I hope that you have recovered fully from the trauma.

This week though, Premier League predictions are back with a bang.

Arsenal vs Tottenham

This derby is a big game, and my prediction is that lots of shouty, red-face men will congregate in North London in order to hurl abuse at each other. It is customary at this point to break out a few interesting stats about the last time Spurs won on Arsenal soil, or the date of the last time Arsenal won by six goals. I couldn’t be bothered with any of that though. You’ll undoubtedly get it off John Motson on Saturday monring during Football Focus.

I can see it now. “Did you know Dan, that the last time Spurs won away at Arsenal was in 1993. There was a steward at the ground that day by the name of David Grouse. I can tell you that his son, also named David Grouse, is a coach for Tottenham’s under 18 team, and he’ll be at the ground today”. John Motson is ’special’.

David Grouse or no David Grouse, with Lennon, Defoe and Modric all injured, Spurs haven’t got a chance.

Verdict: 3-1

Bolton vs Chelsea

The Blues travel to the Reebok on Saturday, and I heard a pundit on TV today describing this fixture as ‘essentially the reverse of the Carling Cup game that these two teams contested in midweek’. Perhaps. However, if this truly is the reverse of the midweek fixture the following things will happen…

Bolton will play slick, free-flowing, passing football, with frontman Kevin Davies bamboozling his opponents with his grace and stepovers. They will win the game 4-0, and none of those goals will come as a result of a big hoof down the pitch. By contrast, Chelsea will stick a wall of players behind the ball, and persist with long aerial balls to their lone front-man Didier Drogba. Drogba will also not dive once in the entire 90 minutes.

Let’s not kid ourselves, it’s not going to be the reverse of that fixture at all.

Verdict: 0-2

Burnley vs Hull

Based on this season’s results Burnley are marginally a better team than Hull. Burnley are at home. Burnley will win.

I tried to write something better than the above, I really did. But, come on, it’s Burnley vs Hull. If you said to a mate ‘I’m off to see Burnley vs Hull this Saturday’, I’m willing to bet that the majority of people would respond simply with ‘Why?!’.

That says it all.

Verdict: 3-2

Everton vs Aston Villa

David Moyes is officially the Anti-Incredible Hulk. As I’m sure you know, when you get The Hulk angry he reacts by ripping his clothes, turning green, and generally creating a lot of noise and mess. By contrast David Moyes this week, in protest to Everton having to play lots of football matches in a time-frame he was unhappy with, kept his clothes on, stayed the same colour, and simply refused to talk.

The silent treatment it is then. Well, if the BBC and the Premier League remember their days in the playground, then surely all they have to do to get him talking again is to pin him down and give him a turbo-noogie. That’d do it.

With Aston Villa still half asleep after their snore-fest with Sunderland in mid-week, and Everton ‘tired’, I think I’ve found this weekend’s 0-0. Hurrah, I knew it was hiding somewhere!

Verdict: 0-0

Fulham vs Liverpool

Bandwagon afficionados will be lumping all of their hard-earned cash on Liverpool this weekend. You see, having beaten Manchester United last weekend there are some people out there (mainly Liverpool fans) who will use the result to paper over some fairly hideous cracks in the Merseyside club’s squad. One result doesn’t change the fact that they still have Lucas in midfield. Neither does it hide the fact that they still have to replace a world-class striker with David Ngog. Oh, and Yossi Benayoun is still a incredibly ugly.

Fulham by contrast, have quietly had a good month. They haven’t lost a game in October in all competitions, and in their last two games played exceptionally well against the big-money stars of Roma and Manchester City. You wouldn’t have known any of that because they’re Fulham. No one really supports Fulham. Or follows them. They’re just that nice club on the river, with the tasty pies, the neutral stand, and a dancing badger as a mascot.

I’m sure Lawro will have expertly found a way of backing Liverpool for this one, but I’m behind the break-dancing badger.

Verdict: 2-1

Manchester United vs Blackburn

If you believe Wigan manager Roberto Martinez’s comments this week, the fourth official would have a hard time stopping Fergie and Big Sam from having one big love-in on the side of the pitch. Fortunately for the man in black’s touchline minion though, Allardyce is still suffering from the remnants of swine flu, after his masterplan of last week back-fired horrendously. He will therefore be in the stand.

This should allow Fergie to concentrate on the game, and use his hands solely for pointing, as he barks his team to a home win.

Verdict: 3-0

Portsmouth vs Wigan

Marlon King walks into a bar…

Ok, ok, jokes aside, this should be quite a fun a game of football. Wigan are looking a really good side lately, with the attacking threat of N’Zogbia and Rodallega really hurting their opponents. Portsmouth are fun to watch for a couple of reasons:

1. They have an evil super-villain sitting in the stands,
2. They have Aruna Dindane up front. After the two sitters he missed against Spurs a couple of weeks ago, I want to see how much closer he can get to the goal without scoring.

Both teams will attack each other. The bloke with the bell will smell, and annoy a vast section of the crowd. Wigan will win.

Verdict: 1-4

Stoke vs Wolves

Mick McCarthy has got a really funny looking head. Has anyone else noticed that? Sure, his voice is taken straight from the hovis adverts, which is funny enough, but I’m sure his head is a portal for another being (like that dead alien in the morgue in Men In Black). Suggestions and lookalikes on a postcard, or sent to http://eddiesfootballblog@hotmail.co.uk.

This game will be rubbish.

Verdict: 1-1

Sunderland vs West Ham

When you’ve just got out of hospital having survived multiple stab wounds to the legs, the last thing you need is to be charged for assault yourself. That’s exactly what happened to Hammers defender Callum Davenport this week, and it’s pretty typical of West Ham’s luck this season. Sitting precariously in the relegation zone, pocket-sized Italian manager Gianfranco Zola will have to use all the hand gestures he can think of to rally his troops for this game because Sunderland, much like Tom Huddlestone at a Pizza Hut buffet, are a force to be reckoned with this season.

Sunderland fan-favourite, captain, and general midfield hatchet-man Lorik Cana this week put down his scythe, and offered a few eerie words of advice to his team-mates. “When you give 100% you always have the respect of the fans”, he snarled, in between moutfuls of raw meat. My guess is that Darren Bent and co. will have more than just the fans to worry about if they lose.

Some say Kaizer Soze was Albanian…

Verdict: 3-1

Birmingham vs Manchester City

New Birmingham owner Carson Yeung has been warned by departing chief David Gold that cutting ticket prices will get the Midlands side relegated. Whilst financially there may be a good degree of truth to that, there is an even stronger argument to suggest that it is in fact a rubbish football team that gets you relegated. And unfortunately Birmingham aren’t very good. The fact that Yeung’s footballing advice will be coming from Steve McManaman is, as those who witnessed his mind-boggling ‘punditry’ on Setanta Sports last season will I’m sure agree, just the icing on a very wobbly looking cake.

Manchester City have suffered a few draws of late, but have Brazilian party-boy Robinho close to fitness which should improve spirits in the camp. Well, until Craig Bellamy hits him with a golf club that is.

Verdict: 0-2

By Joe, www.Bettingexpert.com

Cash injections and new players are one main topic among both teams that are meeting up in St. Andrews. Birmingham with Carson Yeung injecting £40million into the club is good news but that is dwarfed by the City’s sizeable amount spent in the post season by the rich Saudi owners.  With all the off the field headlines topping the news page, it is really the result on Sunday that will be remembered this season.

Last week, new owner millionaire Hong Kong businessman, Carson Yeung watched his team claim victory over Sunderland picking up their first win since August in the Premiership. Yenug promised Manger Alex McLeish that there will be money made available to spend so Birmingham will be looking forward to strengthen their team when the transfer window opens. McLeish will be without Bent, Espinoza, Murphy, Martin Taylor and Joe Hart as he is ineligible to play his former club while on loan. Fahey is ruled doubtful to face City.

Manchester City won 5-0 in the midweek against Scunthorpe in the Carling Cup. It is certainly a good warm match leading up to the Birmingham match for Mark Hughes’s men. Both Manchester City duo Kolo Toure and Martin Petrov missing out the midweek tie but they should return in time to face Birmingham. The only players who will not feature in the squad are Nedum Onuoha and Robinho. It looks like a strong attacking City team that will travel to St. Andrews.

Manchester City are favourites to collect three points in St. Andrews in the only Premiership match on Sunday. There is a serious competition for the two attacking places available on the starting line up and that could prove the edge for Manchester City. Birmingham will ride on their luck and hopefully overcome their scoring problem.

Looking for some excitement and fun, then check out sega casino and BettingExpert.com review of the site.

Hoje, duas notícias cercaram a camisa amarela mais querida do mundo: A primeira foi a última convocação do ano de Dunga para os amistosos contra Inglaterra e Omã, e a segunda e mais triste foi a derrota dos Embriões para o México.

fonte: globoesporte.com

Sobre a primeira, não adianta entrar no mérito de quem ele não chamou, prefiro falar das quatro novidades da lista, fica nítido que a única dúvida de Dunga está na lateral esquerda, o rabugento treinador ainda não sabe quem merece a camisa 06 da seleção, fico feliz com a oportunidade dada a Fábio Aurélio que na minha opinião é o dono dessa camisa 06, os demais brigam para serem reserva. Michel Bastos está voando no Lyon, mas não acho que seja só isso que o levou a seleção, estou notando que nas últimas convocações Dunga tem premiado os chamados jogadores polivalentes, e Michel se encaixa nesse perfil.

Sobre Hulk é simplesmente uma opção para substituir Imperador na reserva da seleção, Hulk é um bom atacante e só. Agora a maior surpresa foi o menino Carlos Eduardo, o ex-gremista possui um futebol vistoso é o chamado jogador liso, que não faz firula, é uma aposta interessante já que não temos um jogador com essas características no plantel, Nilmar é mais técnico e finalizador e Robinho, ahh, é o meu mico preferido.

Bom, como todos sabem, quando começou o Mundial sub 20 nomeei carinhosamente o time de Fraldinhas e agora quando o sub 17 começou decidir chamá-los de Embriões. E parece que eles não querem fecundar…

Ontem a seleção jogou contra o time mexicano e mostrou o mesmo desequilíbrio do primeiro jogo, insisto em dizer que a seleção foi convocada apostando-se muito mais no talento individual do que no coletivo, entendo que o talento individual faz toda a diferença e pode levar essa seleção ao título, mas faltou na minha opinião melhor planejamento.

O time é visivelmente carregado de jogadores de meio de campo, o lateral esquerdo Guilherme é volante de origem, o atacante Zezinho é meio campo, no caso dos jogadores de frente não posso dizer nada, mas na lateral esquerda o jovem corintiano Dodô poderia ser o lateral já que ele joga nessa posição.

Mas mesmo com esse excesso de jogadores no meio, vejo que falta aquele jogador camisa 5, sabem? Que fecha a frente da zaga, falta um Guinazu, um Pierre para essa seleção. Além de um camisa 9 de ofício, um Luis Fabiano, Tardelli, Imperador, Washington ou Alan Kardec, está faltando isso para dar o equilíbrio necessário nessa seleção.

Mesmo assim, jogadores como Neymar, Zezinho, João Pedro e principalmente Philippe Coutinho podem decidir uma partida e levar a seleção longe.

Posso ser muito abusado, mas do pouco que vi nesses dois jogos meu time titular seria: Alysson, Crystian, Gerson, Romario Leiria e Dodô, Guilherme, Casimiro, Philippe Coutinho e Wellington Silva; Neymar e João Pedro. Que o técnico Lucho me perdoe por tal abuso.

Nota do Blogueiro:
Atendendo ao pedido do Paloschi nos comentários segue a lista dos 23 convocados por Dunga para a Copa do Mundo, é isso mesmo, Cadê Meu Camisa 10? está profetizando os 23. Confiram!

Dunga convocou nesta terça, dia 27 de outubro, a seleção brasileira que enfrentará Inglaterra e Omã em amistosos nos dias 14 e 18 de novembro respectivamente.

O duelo contra o English Team acontece em Doha no Catar. Já a partida contra Omã será realizada na casa dos adversários da península arábica, na capital Mascate.

Sem poder contar com jogadores que atuam no futebol brasileiro, Dunga convocou 4 surpresas para os jogos na Ásia. O lateral Fábio Aurélio (Liverpool), os meias Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim) e Michel Bastos (Lyon) – este último se for utilizado deverá jogar na lateral esquerda, sua posição de origem – e o atacante Hulk do Porto.

Das novidades, acho que Fábio Aurélio há muito já fazia por merecer esta chance e a convocação do Michel Bastos também é muito válida, ele começou a temporada muito bem no Lyon, é um jogador rápido, versátil e moderno. Já Carlos Eduardo e Hulk eu não convocaria. O primeiro é um bom jogador, mas em sua posição temos nomes melhores, Diego da Juventus por exemplo. Já o Hulk vale pelo nome! É um jogador muito forte e tal, mas pra mim não tem bola pra jogar na seleção. No último campeonato português ele marcou 8 gols, na edição deste ano fez 1 e na Champions da atual temporada marcou outros 2; números bem modestos pra um centroavante de referência. Eu preferia ver o Grafite do Wolfsburg ou o Alexandre Pato do Milan.

Mas enfim, em seu todo a convocação é coerente e, de uma forma geral, podemos dizer que é boa.

Abaixo, a lista dos 24 convocados:

Goleiros

Júlio César (Inter de Milão)
Doni (Roma)

Zagueiros

Juan (Roma)
Lúcio (Inter de Milão)
Luisão (Benfica)
Naldo (Werder Bremen)

Laterais

Maicon (Inter de Milão)
Daniel Alves (Barcelona)
Fábio Aurélio (Liverpool)
Michel Bastos (Lyon)

Meio-campistas

Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos)
Felipe Mello (Juventus)
Josué (Wolfsburg)
Lucas (Liverpool)
Alex (Spartak Moscou)
Ramires (Benfica)
Elano (Galatasaray)
Kaká (Real Madrid)
Júlio Baptista (Roma)
Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim)

Atacantes

Luís Fabiano (Sevilla)
Robinho (Manchester City)
Nilmar (Villarreal)
Hulk (Porto)

 

Zangado é um dos 7 anões da Branca de Neve e mesmo do Reino da Fantasia é o colunista especial do Ópio do Povo para assuntos da seleção brasileira.

Imagem: Grumy Git

Robinho, Manchester City’s Brazilian star has again fuelled speculation that he is to leave Eastlands by saying moving to Barcelona would help his quest to become the best player in the world.

The 25-year-old told a Brazilian radio station that although he was happy with the rumours linking him with the Catalan giants, he was in no way trying to engineer a move away from City.

However, if Robinho does leave England next summer, or even in the January transfer window, for pastures new, how much will he really be missed by a team whose profile has risen considerably since he joined in the summer of 2008?

When the player, who was ominously dubbed as Pele’s heir apparent by the legend himself, first came to Manchester, he was regarded as the coup which proved the Eastland’s club now had the financial clout to worry the big four.

A year later and City have significantly increased their number of world-renowned players. Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry were all bought in the last transfer window to considerably boost the squad’s strength.

This has not only taken the limelight off the Brazilian, who was the undoubted star of the team last season, but has also meant that his absence for most of this season through injury has gone unnoticed.

City have so far amassed 18 points from 9 matches, and with a game in hand look like one of the teams that could potentially profit on the increasing error-prone big four so far.

While Robinho was an immediate succcess for the first half of last season, he faded somewhat after Christmas, and was often anonymous when playing away from home.

And if Robinho does move on, considering the limitless funds available to City, there won’t be too many Blues fans who will be fearing the lack of a replacement coming along.

Especially considering, despite the highest praise in his Santos days, Robinho has shown greatness only sporadically in his career so far. Half a good season last season and a handful of memorablr performances for Real Madrid have reinforced the view that he is too hit and miss.

While he is only 25, City may feel they have already got the best out of him, and if he is already talking of a move to Barcelona, it may be good business to cash in on him and move on.

Robinho is a very good player when he wants to be, but with the type of money City have available, they could replace him quite easily without feeling they’ve let the star of their team go.

Hulk, Michel Bastos, Fábio Aurélio, Carlos Eduardo

Interested in Brazil’s stars in the making? Check out the Brazil: the talent factory 2009 feature 

See Brazil’s probable starting line-up vs England here

Dunga has called up 24 players to face England on November 14^th in Doha, Qatar, and Oman three days later in Muscat.

The squad includes Liverpool’s Lucas and Fábio Aurélio plus Manchester City’s Robinho. Porto frontman, Givanildo Vieira de Souza (Hulk), gets his first call-up. Also in are Carlos Eduardo of Hoffenheim, and Lyon’s Michel Bastos. Brazil-based players such as Adriano (Flamengo), Diego Souza (Palmeiras), Diego Tardelli (Atlético Mineiro) and Sandro Ranieri (Internacional) have been ignored because of their teams involvement in the closing stages of the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Squad updates:

Milan’s Thiago Silva called up

Fábio Aurélio out

Lyon’s Cris brought in

Brazil squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Julio César (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma)

Wingbacks: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon),

Fábio Aurélio (Liverpool)

Centrebacks: Luisão (Benfica), Juan (Roma), Naldo (Werder Bremen), Lúcio (Inter Milan)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josué (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica),

Felipe Melo (Juventus), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kaká (Real Madrid), Elano (Galatasaray), Alex (Spartak Moscow), Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim), Lucas (Liverpool)

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Seville), Nilmar (Villarreal), Givanildo Vieira de Souza Hulk (Porto), Robinho (Manchester City)