When Saturday Comes

Ah, it's Saturday again and I'm getting set to enjoy the 10 a.m. FSC match with Chelski - currently top of the Prem. - taking on the rising power of Villa under Martin O'Neill. Tasty.

Here are the other Prem. fixtures today.

Bolton vs. Liverpool

Charlton vs. Arsenal

Everton vs. Man City

Sheff Utd vs. Middlesbrough

And spare a thought for my Leeds boys away to West Brom. today.

Enjoy the festivities.

England Squad for Macedonia and Croatia

Macca has released his squad for the next two Euro 2008 fixtures - next Saturday against Macedonia at home and the following Wednesday away to Croatia.

The big news is the inclusion of Newcastle's Scottie Parker, who's been in great form this season for the Magpies. Dawson drops out of the squad and Aaron Lennon is injured, while Rooney and Carragher are back in after suspension and injury respectively.

Here's the full squad: Robinson (Tottenham), Foster (Man Utd), Kirkland (Liverpool); G Neville (Man Utd), P Neville (Everton), Brown (Man Utd), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Man Utd), Carragher (Liverpool), King (Tottenham), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Jenas (Tottenham), Carrick (Man Utd), Richardson (Man Utd), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Parker (Newcastle); Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch (Liverpool), Johnson (Everton), Defoe (Spurs).

Your thoughts, gents?

Crouch Does the Bike!

Crouchie's goal against Gala on Wednesday - what a cracker! Enjoy.

Shame on Scholes

Gay rights activists have reacted with horror to news that ManYoo's own Paul Scholes used anti-gay abuse toward the ref after receiving a yellow card in yesterday's game against Benfica. No one has published the specific remarks but you can probably predict what kind of idiocy the ginger twat came out with. An UEFA ban is in order, right?

Read more at:

http://www.football365.com/story/0,17033,8699_1545186,00.html

Champions' League - Gameday 2

Hold on to your hats - it's Gameday 2 of the Champions' with Arsenal and ManYoo representing Blighty. Since I'm stuck here at the office and won't have a chance to watch later, I'll be manning the LOB trenches once again. Join me if you're out there in the ether and feel like a footie chat.

Here's the full fixture schedule for today.

Benfica vs. ManYoo

Celtic vs. Copenhagen

Arsenal vs. Porto

CSKA Moscow vs. Hamburg

AEK Athens vs. Anderlecht

Lille vs. Milan

Real Madrid vs. Dynamo Kiev

Steaua Bucharest vs. Lyon

Footie Trivia Question of the Week

Looking forward to Day Two of Champions' League action starting tomorrow afternoon, can you identify the following Champions' League contenders based on their nicknames?:

1) The Rossoneri ("Red and Blacks")

2) Kroty ("The Moles")

3) Byens Hold ("The City's Team")

4) The Red Army

5) Parswit ("The Purple and Whites")

6) Enosis ("Union")

7) Les Dogues ("The Mastiffs")

8) As Aguias ("The Eagles")

9) Los Blancos ("The Whites")

10) Boeren ("The Farmers")

* Extra credit - There are two sides who coincidentally are nicknamed "The Lions." Who are they?

Super Saturday!

Setanta be buggered! We've actually got a terrific line-up today, starting with Arsenal vs. the Blades at 10 and then Reading vs. ManYoo at noon. Along with that, there's a full program of Premiership and Coke matches. Stay tuned....

The Third Round

Draw for the Carling Cup third round

Wycombe v Doncaster
Sheffield United v Birmingham
Leicester v Aston Villa
Watford v Hull
Leeds v Southend
Chesterfield v West Ham
Notts County v Southampton
Newcastle v Portsmouth
Charlton v Bolton
Liverpool v Reading
West Brom v Arsenal
Port Vale v Norwich
Everton v Luton
MK Dons v Tottenham
Crewe v Manchester United
Blackburn v Chelsea

Ties to be played the week commencing 23 October.

Some interesting ties. On to the next round for Leeds?

Shake-up at Elland Road

As you have no doubt already heard, Leeds United sacked its manager Kevin Blackwell yesterday, and not before time. I thought Blackwell had done a reasonable job consolidating the team's position in the Coke and preventing a drop down the divisions or a financial melt-down, but it's clear that he's not going to lead the side into the Premiership. So, he had to go.

The question then becomes "who will take his place?" With Ken Bates in charge at Leeds now, you'd imagine that some old Chelski names may pop up including Glenn Hoddle, Claudio Ranieri and - God forbid! - Dennis Wise, who's languishing at Swindon. Top of the list, however, as he is with most vacant jobs today, is the former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley. I'd admire Curbs for what he did with Charlton, but I'm not sure that he's got the ambition to really take Leeds to the next level. My dream boss would be wee Gordon Strachan; however, I can't imagine his chucking in the job at Celtic to take a job at a side second from bottom in the Coke.

Any thoughts?

The Carling - One More Pint

Yes, we have a few more Carling Cup, Second Round fixtures to attend to this afternoon, plus the tasty Premiership encounter between Liverpool and Newcastle. 'Pool could really be in trouble if they don't get a result tonight. Here are the Carling fixtures:

Chesterfield v Man City

Doncaster v Derby

Fulham v Wycombe

Middlesbrough v Notts County

Scunthorpe v Aston Villa

BBC Panorama Bung Story

In case you haven't heard, the BBC documentary series "Panorama" broadcast an expose last night that they claim with "rock the world of British footie." I haven't seen it yet, so I'll have to reserve judgment, but the accusations are certainly far-reaching. At the center of the "Panorama" investigations is "Big Sam" Allardyce (couldn't happen to a nicer bloke!) and his son, 'Arry Redknapp and the entire Chelski set-up (big surprise!).

Click the following link to read the full Guardian coverage.

HERE

Carling Cup, Second Round!

I'll be holding silent vigil over the Carling Cup action Second Round action today, starting at 2:45 EST. I have to admit that I've got a bad feeling about the Leeds tie against Barnet today. In ordinary circumstances, I'd expect us to run rampant over a brand new club currently toiling away in League Division Two. But Leeds is in crisis and I reckon that Barnet can scent blood in the water. The boys could prove me wrong, and I hope I do, but I'll be white-knuckling it until I have to go into class at 4.

As Dave pointed out, the big clubs involved in Europe won't join the Carling Cup until the next round, so I can't imagine that many of you will be bothered with the results today, but if you're around and following them, spare a comment (and a prayer for Leeds!) on the blog, won't you?

Drogba Goal

If you haven't seen it yet, Didier Drogba's goal against Liverpool yesterday is well worth a look. It's a peach of a goal.

Footie Trivia Question of the Week

Here's a tough one for this this week:

"Which is the single most lucrative match between club teams in world football?"

The BIG ONE!!!!

Your thoughts everyone

BAD NEWS FOR ENGLAND

England international Owen Hargreaves could face a lengthy spell out of the game with a suspected broken leg.
Not good news for Owen or England. Just as he has become the first name on the team sheet this happens.
UNITED SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT HIM!!! HE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN PLAYING TODAY!!!

Saturday's Here!

Join me for another Saturday of footie. With the big four clubs playing tomorrow, it's a lighter Premiership schedule than usual with a few duff matches, but there's plenty of interest in the Coke, as usual. Will my Leeds boys bounce back from their midweek drubbing? I've got the full-on mojo going.

PLEASE NO!!!!!

From the BBC.

Sven-Goran Eriksson is being considered as a replacement for Bruce Arena as coach of the United States, according to a report in the U.S.

The New York Times report that United States Soccer Federation officials have spoken to the former England coach, although the Americans may struggle to meet his wage demands if he seeks a similar pay deal to the one he had with England.

Arena's eight-year spell with the US team came to an end after the World Cup, with the USSF deciding not to renew his contract after the Americans failed to get beyond the group stages.

Several high profile coaches have been linked with the vacant position, including former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann -- who lives in Southern California -- and Jose Pekerman, who led Argentina at this year's World Cup.

Champions League Highlights On The Deuce

Is everyone aware that there's a show on Friday at 2pm Eastern on ESPN2 that's showing highlights of the most recent week's CL action? If not, you do now.

Come back Graham Poll, All Is Forgiven.

All credit to Davey for finding this video, but his link was broken. This is a Portuguese language version. If another English language one comes up, someone switch this one. For the moment though, watch what the ballboy does at the beginning of this clip. Then watch what happens because the ref was not watching the ballboy. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLL!

The Ratings Explained

Once again, the silly FIFA ratings are out and this time England are 4th(?) I found this explanation. If you're having trouble sleeping, click here

Hamburg vs. Arsenal Highlights

In case you haven't seen them yet, here are the highlights from the Hamburg-Arse match yesterday. As to the VP penalty, I think it's obvious that the keeper catches his foot, but VP definitely makes the most of it as he's going to ground (9.5 from the Swiss judge). Could he have stayed up? Probably, but as the keeper had stopped him from getting to the ball, the penalty was the right decision. I'd say the same of the Giggs effort against Celtic, btw. And what a cracker from Rosicky - voom! Enjoy!

Champions' League Wednesday

As with yesterday, I'll be monitoring the Champions' League matches today up until my class time at 4 and then running home later to watch ManYoo and Celtic. Of course, I'll be paying particularly close attention to the Leeds boys hosting the old enemy Roy Keane's Sunderland. Good luck to all of us!

Jay Demerit on WSD!

Just wanted all of you to know that there was a terrific interview with Jay Demerit, the Yank who's been starting for Watford in the Prem this season, after breaking Leeds in the playoffs last season, on World Soccer Daily yesterday. It's at about the hour mark of the show. This dude has got to get a look-in with the U.S. National side.

Check it out - all you numpties without Ipods can just download it into Itunes on your desktop.

Champions' League Live!

Yes, the day has arrived! The Moneygrubbers' League starts today with some cracking fixtures. I've got the tape ready to rip back at the pad, while I'll be monitoring the matches here at work. There are also a spate of Coca Cola Championship matches going on simultaneously. Join me if you're out there.

Video Shocker - Osama Supports ManYoo!

In the latest Bin Laden video leaked to Al Jazeera today to mark the fifth anniversary of 9/11, the Al Qaeda leader talks openly about his abiding love for his "role model" Sir Alex Ferguson. I think the message is clear - either you hate ManYoo or you're with the terrorists. Enjoy!

Footie Trivia Question of the Week

A bit of an homage to Monty Python for the trivia this week:

"Your final question, Karl Marx: which five Premiership sides have never won the FA Cup."

Go to it, you load of Gumbys!

Leeds vs. Wolves LIVE!

I'm back from Gville and looking forward to this contest of wills. Join me for some fizzing Coca Cola action, won't you?

Another New Start To The Season!!!

After a very annoying international break, the Premiership starts again.
I will be here from the Liverpool derby all the way through United stuffing Spurs. Hope to get some company!

Chelsea Airs More Dirty Laundry

The Chelsea website has not limited themselves to unsubstantiated libels against Gallas. Seems like everyone who left the club had made life unbearable at the Bridge.

On Crespo -- "Threatened to continually stand offside if not returned to Italy where it wouldn't be so difficult to find those stringy hairbands that make him look like a tough girl."

On Huth -- "Turned up his Scorpions "Wind of Change" cd to ear-splitting levels in dressing room when told he wasn't going to be in the first team again this year. Relented only when promised move to Celtic."

On Del Horno -- "Sent off for rash challenge on Messi after the Argie teased him that Asier's Secret Santa gift from Christmas '05 didn't quite cost the full 5 quid and made him look cheap. Incensed when Josie suggested that he was of low IQ for falling for that provocation."

On Gudjonsson -- "Quite cross when told that they only thought he was joking when he suggested making the pies with reindeer meat at Chelsea players canteen. Demanded immediate move to Catalonia where God knows what's in those sausages, but reindeer's probably just the start of it."

On Tiago -- "Nice guy with a lovely attitude, never a problem, but seriously now, he's rubbish."

Lamps Defends Himself

From today's Football365.com:

"Frank Lampard has hit back at continuing criticism of his England performances and insisted: 'Stop just judging me on how many goals I score.'"

Alright, Frankie, how's about we judge you on your crap passing, coughing up possession in midfield and hoofing the ball into Row Z then?

Honestly, with Lamps in such bad form, I'd prefer that Macca drop him, stick Stevie G. into his central spot and play the two wide men against Macedonia next month.

What do you think?

Crouch is God!

Here's the Crouch goal from yesterday's match. Bit of the Geoff Hursts, eh? Enjoy!

Same Old Song

Is there any depth that Chelsea won't stoop to? Is there any governing authority that can inflict a punishment that actually means something?

I'm referring of course to the outlandish charges that Chelsea have levied against Gallas here

Hmmmm, threatened the same thing last year? Why then was he allowed to play when Davey's boys were creeping up on them kinda sharpish in the late spring? Does such recklessness sound credible?

Hmmmm, can we trust the lying liars of Chelsea?

example - When the Ashley Cole story broke Peter Kenyon denied any such meeting took place while here’s a transcript of a Sky Sports interview with Jose Mourinho about the Ashley Cole meeting:

Mourinho: “On that day at that time I was in Milan, speaking with Adriano.”

Reporter: “So no contact was made with Ashley Cole?”

Mourinho: “I never met the boy. I just play against him. No more than that.”

He wasn’t in Milan. He wasn’t speaking to Adriano. He was in a hotel room with with Kenyon and Jonathan Barnett tapping up Ashley Cole just days before Arsenal played an important match. Add those lies to the unproven accusations about Anders Frisk, about Frank Rijkaard being in the referee’s dressing room and there’s a history of tall tales coming out of Stamford Bridge.

Maureenyo's arrogance was not in any way tongue in cheek. The bluster was OTT, and he went on to label Arsene Wenger a ‘voyeur’ in another personal vendetta he launched. He lacks humility and manners. He’s a great manager - although my mother could win the Prem given 250mil - but not much of a person - at least that’s the public image he projects.

Arsene Wenger said some time ago that the ‘moral leadership’ at Chelsea left something to be desired. He suggested that the owner should impose his standards on the club and that’s what has happened. Abramovich is a fantastically successful man but, by all accounts, a ruthless individual who knows what he wants and will do what he has to to get it.

Proof Positive That Man Yernited Are Pants!!

This explains why Davey-boy has that funny walk. These must ride up something fierce!

To see the conclusive evidence click here

Come on, England!

In case you haven't seen them enough times yet, here are the goals for us vs. Andorra from Saturday. I'll take five more of the same today, thank you. Enjoy!

Footie Riddle of the Week

In an effort to get the mojo working for Wednesday's match-up with Macedonia, here's a trivia question about England scorers. In the past twenty years, there have been seven England players who've scored hat-tricks in either competitive or friendly matches. Name them. (Bonus points if you can remember the matches.)

Best Penalty Ever

Euro 2008 Qualifying Begins!

Yes, the road to Vienna/Zurich starts today. England are up at noon EST with their titanic struggle against Andorra. Unfortunately, those Irish gangsters at Setanta have the coverage on PPV and I'll be hoping that Five Live is unblocked for the match. Tune in with me, won't you?

Who Went Where?

Whew! That was quite a transfer deadline day yesterday. Here are the more notable moves:

Andy Cole (from Manchester City to Portsmouth, undisclosed)

Paul Ince (unattached to Swindon)

Steed Malbranque (from Fulham to Tottenham, £2million)

Wayne Routledge (from Tottenham to Fulham, loan)

Sylvain Legwinski (from Fulham to Ipswich, free)

Jason Euell (from Charlton to Middlesbrough, undisclosed)

Omar Pouso (from Penarol to Charlton, loan)

Javier Mascherano (from Corinthians to West Ham, undisclosed)

Carlos Tevez (from Corinthians to West Ham, undisclosed)

Niko Kranjcar (from Hajduk Split to Portsmouth, undisclosed)

Kevin Kilbane (from Everton to Wigan, undisclosed)

Dwight Yorke (from Sydney to Sunderland, £200,000)

Shabani Nonda (from Roma to Blackburn, loan)

Jan Kromkamp (from Liverpool to PSV Eindhoven, undisclosed)

Roudolphe Mbela Douala (Sporting Lisbon to Portsmouth, loan)

Antoine Sibierski (Manchester City to Newcastle, undisclosed)

Ross Wallace (Celtic to Sunderland, undisclosed)

Stanislav Varga (Celtic to Sunderland, undisclosed)

DaMarcus Beasley (PSV Eindhoven to Manchester City, loan)

Ashley Cole (Arsenal to Chelsea, £5million plus William Gallas)

William Gallas (Chelsea to Arsenal, part exchange)

Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal to Real Madrid, loan)

Julio Baptista (Real Madrid to Arsenal, loan)

Jan Lastuvka (Shakhtar Donetsk to Fulham, loan)

Svetoslav Todorov (Portsmouth to Wigan, loan)

Pascal Chimbonda (Wigan to Tottenham, undisclosed)

Pascal Cygan (Arsenal to Villarreal, £2million)

Liam Miller (Man Utd to Sunderland, free)

David Connolly (Wigan to Sunderland, £1.4million)

Junichi Inamoto (West Brom to Galatasaray, undisclosed)

Your thoughts?