Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

As we come up to the busy christmas period in the English Premiership, there are once again probably only four teams with a realistic chance of becoming champions Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Arsenal

Although Aresnal have made a fantastic start to the season i worry about their strength in depth and have serious doubts whether they have enough quality to maintain their title challenge. Players like Fabregas and Gallas are quality but the test will be when they have a bad patch and are faced with injury problems. Will they have enough to respond only time will tell but i have my doubts.

I actually think that Arsenal will finish Fourth this season. ( Fourth )

Manchester United

United defiantley have the strength in debt and have already resonded well after a shaky start. Rooney and Ronaldo are world class and with Vidic and Ferdinand are arguebly the best center back partnership in the premiership. Wayne Rooney is back banging in goals and Cristiano Ronaldo is beginning to hit form.

Manchester United have a great team and are my favorites to win the premiership. Initially i fancied Chelsea but since the sacking of Jose Mourinho i slightly favor United. ( Champions )

Liverpool

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be hoping to lead Liverpool to Premiership glory this season but in reality i can’t see it happening this season . I am a Liverpool fan myself and would like nothing more than to be proven wrong but the fact is Liverpool are lacking defensively. Daniel Agger is quality but still young JC is a good defender but would struggle to get into Man Utd, Arsenal or Chelsea’s defence at center back. Sami hyypia is to old and with out a good defense you wont win the premiership.

Saying that with Steven Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso etc i do believe Liverpool have the strongest centre midfield in the premiership and with the signing of F.Torres things are looking bright. ( Third )

Chelsea

I believe that Chelsea will finish runners up this season. My original favorites to comfortably win the premiership title the season will be haunted by the sacking of Jose Mourinho .

Avram Grant has made a great start to his managerial career at stamford bridge but he inherited a fantastic team from Jose Mourinho. He does how ever remain unproven as a manager at this level and its when things are going bad we will find out what he’s made of. Jose Mourinho had an absolute nightmare season last year in terms of injuries suspensions bad luck and still pushed Man Utd to the wire.

With players like Frank Lampard, John Terry and D. Drogba you will always be a force but can Avram Grant get the best out of them we will have to see. ( Runners Up )

Finally below are my final standings for the race to the premership title it should be intersting and very exciting……

Barclays Premier League : Final Standings

1. Man Utd.

2. Chelsea

3. Liverpool

4. Arsenal

Signed Photo: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0
Personally signed by Fernando Torres
This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring Liverpool’s first goal against Manchester United on October 25, 2009. The Merseysiders beat Utd 2-0 as once again El Nino ran United’s defence ragged, leading to a red card for Nemanja Vidic for the second successive game between the two clubs.

Thissuperb shot is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.

The photograph is one of only 50 that were signed by Torres and comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Torres signing the photograph. It would make an incredible Christmas present for any Liverpool fan.
Buy the Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Photograph Now.

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Goal Against Man Utd

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the first goal in Liverpool's 4-1 demolition of Manchester United on March 14, 2009.The result, which briefly blew the title race wide open, was one of the highlights of the season for Liverpool fans. The fact that it took place at Old Trafford, where Man Utd had previously been so invulnerable, made the victory even sweeter.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which is bound to become a classic image, is 16... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Goal Against Real Madrid

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the opening goal for Liverpool in their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid on March 10, 2009.The result, which sent a message across Europe that Liverpool were a force to be reckoned with once again, was one of the highlights of the season for Liverpool fans and set them up for their drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford only days later.It was also particularly sweet for Fernando, thanks to his long-standing association with Real... More

Fernando Torres Signed Spain Shirt

£199.99


This Spain shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on August 7, 2009.The shirt has been embroidered with stitching commemorating Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final. It is one of a limited number of only 35 that were signed. With Torres scoring the winning goal in Euro 2008 this is a highly collectable shirt and one that is likely to increase in... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: First Goal For Liverpool

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number nine, celebrating after scoring his first ever goal for the club. This strike was the first of 33 goals that Torres scored during his debut season at Anfield and came against fierce rivals Chelsea in the Premiership clash on August 19, 2007.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which has quickly become a classic image, is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session... More

Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Home Shirt

£199.99


This Liverpool home shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.After two seasons as Liverpool's number nine, El Nino has established himself as a world-class striker and has already become a firm Kop favourite. His understanding with Steven Gerrard is almost telepathic, and many believe that without his injuries last season the Merseysiders would have... More

Fernando Torres Signed Boot

£199.99


This Nike Total Laser Football Boot is the top of the range model as worn by goal machine and Kop idol, Fernando Torres.The boot is one of a limited number of just 60 that were personally signed by Liverpool's number nine at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.The boot comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Fernando signing the boot. The boot can be framed to order.(Please note: each boot is sold... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring Liverpool's first goal against Manchester United  on October 25, 2009. The Merseysiders beat Utd 2-0 as once again El Nino ran United's defence ragged, leading to a red card for Nemanja Vidic for the second successive game between the two clubs.Thissuperb shot is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish... More

Fernando Torres Signed Spain World Cup Shirt

£199.99


This Spain shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.It Spain's brand new shirt and the style that the European Champions will wear when they travel to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup finals. Spain are many observers favourites to win the trophy, and Torres is hotly tipped to be the tournament's top scorer.The shirt comes in presentation... More

Signed photo: First Goal For Liverpool
Personally signed by Fernando Torres
This photograph shows Fernando Torres, Liverpool’s number nine, celebrating after scoring his first ever goal for the club. This strike was the first of 33 goals that Torres scored during his debut season at Anfield and came against fierce rivals Chelsea in the Premiership clash on August 19, 2007.

This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which has quickly become a classic image, is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.

The photograph is one of a limited number that were signed by Torres and comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Torres signing the photograph. It would make an incredible Christmas present for any Liverpool fan.

Buy Fernando Torres Signed Photo His First Goal For Liverpool Now !

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Goal Against Man Utd

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the first goal in Liverpool's 4-1 demolition of Manchester United on March 14, 2009.The result, which briefly blew the title race wide open, was one of the highlights of the season for Liverpool fans. The fact that it took place at Old Trafford, where Man Utd had previously been so invulnerable, made the victory even sweeter.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which is bound to become a classic image, is 16... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Goal Against Real Madrid

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring the opening goal for Liverpool in their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid on March 10, 2009.The result, which sent a message across Europe that Liverpool were a force to be reckoned with once again, was one of the highlights of the season for Liverpool fans and set them up for their drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford only days later.It was also particularly sweet for Fernando, thanks to his long-standing association with Real... More

Fernando Torres Signed Spain Shirt

£199.99


This Spain shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on August 7, 2009.The shirt has been embroidered with stitching commemorating Spain's 1-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 2008 final. It is one of a limited number of only 35 that were signed. With Torres scoring the winning goal in Euro 2008 this is a highly collectable shirt and one that is likely to increase in... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: First Goal For Liverpool

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres, Liverpool's number nine, celebrating after scoring his first ever goal for the club. This strike was the first of 33 goals that Torres scored during his debut season at Anfield and came against fierce rivals Chelsea in the Premiership clash on August 19, 2007.This highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia, which has quickly become a classic image, is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session... More

Fernando Torres Signed Liverpool Home Shirt

£199.99


This Liverpool home shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.After two seasons as Liverpool's number nine, El Nino has established himself as a world-class striker and has already become a firm Kop favourite. His understanding with Steven Gerrard is almost telepathic, and many believe that without his injuries last season the Merseysiders would have... More

Fernando Torres Signed Boot

£199.99


This Nike Total Laser Football Boot is the top of the range model as worn by goal machine and Kop idol, Fernando Torres.The boot is one of a limited number of just 60 that were personally signed by Liverpool's number nine at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.The boot comes with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Fernando signing the boot. The boot can be framed to order.(Please note: each boot is sold... More

Fernando Torres Signed Photo: Liverpool 2 Man Utd 0

£74.99


This photograph shows Fernando Torres celebrating after scoring Liverpool's first goal against Manchester United  on October 25, 2009. The Merseysiders beat Utd 2-0 as once again El Nino ran United's defence ragged, leading to a red card for Nemanja Vidic for the second successive game between the two clubs.Thissuperb shot is 16 inches by 12 inches in size and was personally signed by Torres at an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Spanish... More

Fernando Torres Signed Spain World Cup Shirt

£199.99


This Spain shirt was personally signed by Fernando Torres in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Liverpool and Spain striker in Liverpool on December 1, 2009.It Spain's brand new shirt and the style that the European Champions will wear when they travel to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup finals. Spain are many observers favourites to win the trophy, and Torres is hotly tipped to be the tournament's top scorer.The shirt comes in presentation... More

I’ve really enjoyed the festive break. Unlike the majority of my contemporaries, I resisted the temptation to get drunk every night; on Christmas Day, I collapsed at lunchtime.

Frank Lampard is also a fan of the occasional swift one. A Spanish chauffeuse has alleged that the Chelsea man ‘took a while to finish’ as a result of a champagne binge; I just hope his shooting was less erratic than in the Premiership.

A bad week is about to get worse for the chubby midfielder. The champions have been leaking goals since John Terry stole my patented ‘I can’t come to work today, i’ve got a bad back’ line; a Fulham win at the Bridge is simply too big at 20/1.

I refuse to waste money on a breathalyzer kit; I find the ‘how big is the girl i’m considering sleeping with’ test a far more accurate guide to intoxication. I may have been paraletic when I met the wife; but it’s in relative sobriety that I suggest a bet on Tottenham at 7/4 to see off Liverpool.

Losses are like a Spanish driver, you should never chase them after a couple of beers. Newcastle have cost me a small fortune in recent weeks; I’m fighting the temptation to lump on Everton at a beguiling 6/5.

I must congratulate the Toffeemen on the surprise result of the season, a Jose Mourinho apology was trading at 100/1 on the exchanges. It’s pretty much accepted now that Andy Johnson does not go down, a policy I wholeheartedly agree with. AJ can open the scoring at an upstanding 5/1.

The loss of Henri Camara would be a blow under normal circumstances, but when it leaves Emile Heskey leading the line, it’s bordering on a catastrophe. Watford can shock the Latics at 17/10.

I tend to think of myself as a role-model; plenty of women have looked up to me. I like my first goalscorers like I like my women; Young. Ashley can bang in the first goal at an ample 17/2.

I’ve always been a fan of Eskimo culture. I doubt that there’s any truth in the myth that they used to cast out their elderly, but I remain a massive supporter of the concept. Sir Alex officially becomes a pensioner on New Years Eve, three points against Reading at 1/5 will be a welcome gift.

Charlton haven’t found the net in any of their last four meetings with Aston Villa; and that’s when they were half decent. At the time of writing, Charlton were on their third manager of the season; the Villa can ask the Charlton board another question at 13/8.

I’m a definite optimist. If a pint glass is half full of lager, I don’t think of it as half empty; I just pinch it. Alcohol theft is not cool, backing Bolton at evens to beat Pompey undoubtedly is.

Manchester City will struggle to score at Upton Park. Anton Ferdinand will literally have Dickov in his pocket, Samaras looks out of his depth and Vassell only scores against the Villa. The Hammers are nailed on at 5/4.

Blackburn have announced that Robbie Savage has been tied up in a ‘golden handcuffs’ deal. To my deep and sincere regret, that’s only a metaphor. The even money about a Rovers win over Boro will soften the blow.

Would it be overdramatic to claim that Cesc Fabregas is potentially the Premiership’s greatest ever player? It would be if you bellowed it out while frantically waving your arms. You’ll be shrieking like Frank Lampard’s new driver if you miss out on Arsenal at 8/15 at Bramall Lane.

This week’s accer is so easy, it’s going to oblige with or without a bottle of bubbly. Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton and Everton are the sure-fire selections, the payout is a sparkling 20/1.

Ahh football! A noble sporting institution centred on several prominent British values: healthy competition, camaraderie and drinking copious amounts of alcohol. Young and old, rich and poor, and male and female alike, there’s nothing the British love more than watching 22 handsome young men kicking a ball around a field wearing shorts. Equally, who can resist the thrill of seeing their idol score the winning goal? Technically, all Brits (like Brazilians) are football fans; it’s actually a matter of national pride. However, there are always a few guys who have to take their fandom further, you know the type? They don’t just love watching football on the telly, they have a football bedspread, football posters, they eat, sleep and breathe footy. So, what’s a gift giver to do when that football fan’s birthday or Christmas rolls round? In this exciting article we’ll take a look at that majestic creature ‘the footy fan’ and see what Gifts for Him we can come up with which you may not have considered before. They will need to be affordable, creative and they’ll also need to put a smile on his face. The Football Fan There are many truths about the football fan, I would call him an elusive creature or enigmatic but neither are true. Typically, he sees everything in simple terms. You win or lose a football match, after all, (or draw, but that is rare and leads to penalty shoot outs…) Anyway, he’s uncomplicated, direct, friendly and chatty. Gifts for Him need to be bold, simple and make a statement. He loves pizza, beer (if he’s old enough to drink it) and he can tell you more about football than you would ever want or need to know. That means that there’s a lot of room for you to get something wrong, like buy him a porcelain figurine of a team member from that club he hates. There are two major things wrong with that, firstly, you bought a man a porcelain figurine and secondly, never mind. He will have enjoyed smashing it. Getting Gifts For him Research is key. You need to know who his favourite players are, what his favourite club is and what size shirt he is. Does he play football at the weekends? What shoe size is he if he does? Become interested in football, ask questions and make lists. Soon you’ll have the football fan’s details down on paper and that makes getting gifts for him that much easier. With his shirt size you could get him his favourite player’s shirt and with his shoe size you could get him some new top-of-the-range football boots for those weekend games. These are obvious gifts though? The only thing ever stopping you from getting these sorts of things is that you will neglect to look at tags; you needn’t ask him and make him suspicious. Just look inside a shoe or shirt when he’s not around. After research, the key to getting great Gifts for Him is getting things which will make him laugh. You don’t have to get him something tacky though, you can put a smile on his face and still give him something he will use, rather than leave on a shelf to gather dust. One good example of something he can use and laugh about is a pair of Football cufflinks, there are loads of designs out there from tasteful silver football and boot designs, to more quirky colourful ones. He can wear his football cufflinks with any traditional button down shirt making them great for nights out, formal meetings and weddings. So, whenever he’s all dressed up and ready to go out he’ll think of you and football; the two things he probably loves more than anything else in the world! Another present you might not have considered before could be some stocks and shares. What would he do with those you ask? Well, I don’t know but he’d certainly put the certificate on the wall or frame it if he owned a share in his favourite football team? He can’t manage them but he can own a small portion of Manchester United, Arsenal or any team that he supports and what’s better than saying your team, really and truly is your team? Men who love football really appreciate it when you take some time to learn more about their interests and get them something which is both useful and meaningful. A football mug is fine, but what about engraved footy champagne glasses instead? Thinking outside the box and making the gifts for him funny, luxurious or a romantic experience, depending on who the footy fan in your life is, can make his special day that little bit more special!

Football gifts are collection of exceptional and significant football items. These football gifts are precious and carry worth for football lovers. The market is flooded with such fascinating gift items and can easily be found in any sports store. However, if you are looking for a genuine and rare football item then the viable way to obtain it is browsing the various shopping websites.  The unusual football gifts are collection of famous football teams and legendary players. The collection consists of football newspaper memorabilia book, signed shirts, signed photos, football shares and football season books. Each gift has its own majestic characteristics and distinguished for winning hearts easily. Football gifts can be presented on birthday, wedding, anniversary, Christmas, etc. and brighten up the recipient’s day. Football newspaper memorabilia book reports glorious moments of some selected football teams that have created ripples in the history of football. The newsprints are written by figures who have witnessed the wins, misses and other events in a descriptive language. The book captures significant events and matches from early 19th century to the recent past. If you want to amuse a football lover with something authentic then consider the football shirts signed by legendary players. This gift is rare and cannot be possessed easily. They are valuable because they are signed duly by the celebrated players. You can also consider the photos of the renowned players as gift. Before selecting you should always know about his favourite and pick the gift. So, football gifts also are unique gifts that easily grab the attention of the recipient. To make the gift look more adorable the idea of personalising it is indeed working. The personalising is optional and comes against a minimal charge. Football gifts are suitable for all ages and viable way to convey your message that you care.

I hate Christmas. Last year the wife bought me a ‘Rudolf’ umbrella just so she could use the line, ‘It looks line rain dear’. My decision to kick her out of the house was perfectly justified.

In a freakish coincidence, I saw another umbrella as a result of her mother’s gift. I can’t complain too much though, it had a street value of £35.

The Premiership’s very own ‘Rudolf’ will soon be joining me in the miserable corner. Fergie’s title aspirations received a Hammer blow last week; the Villa can land a knockout strike at 9/2.

I’m taking the kids to Villa Park to see young Rooney; it’s the only way they’ll get to see a fat man with a beard this Christmas. Get your claws into Petrov at 16/1 to score the first goal.

Apparently, the Chelsea players are spending a total of £5 on presents for each other; typical flash footballers. A win over Wigan at 4/9 could see the champions on top of the tree on Christmas day.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has sensationally labelled Andriy Shevchenko a ‘lap-dog’. At least the Chelsea flop is under the thumb of a super-model; I get ordered around by a mad Sweaty. I’m nuts about the 4/1 for a Drogba opener.

Everton have asked the FA to launch an enquiry into Jose Mourinho’s tirade against Andy Johnson; I expect the FA’s report to contain three words.

Like Jesus, Steve Coppell has performed absolute miracles this season. I can see Reading getting the better of the Moyes boys at 7/5.

I was shocked to read that Anton Ferdinand made out with Big Brother’s Aisleyne at West Ham’s Christmas do. It wasn’t the fact that he was partying so soon after Alan Pardew’s dismissal that upset me; I just hate to picture unattractive people kissing. I’m cuddling the 9/4 about a draw between Fulham and the Hammers.

Liverpool’s festive shindig looked a classy affair. Robbie Fowler dressed up as Saddam Hussein, Dirk Kuyt donned a Superman outfit and I’m guessing Peter Crouch came as the beanstalk. Jermaine Pennant wanted to go as a highway robber; but was told he needed fancy dress. You can’t disguise the fact that Liverpool will demolish Watford at 1/4.

Stevie Gerrard has been awarded the freedom of the borough of Knowsley. One perk is that he can freely drive his sheep down the main street; Craig Bellamy wants a piece of that action. I want a piece of the 9/2 about Bellamy netting the opener.

Where would we be without laughter? Watching Soccer AM. I’m in hysterics at the 7/4 on offer for a Bolton win at Manchester City.

Could there be more to Iain Dowie’s dismissal than meets the eye? There’s a rumour going around that he was sacked to avoid potential mistletoe related resignations at the Crimbo lash-up. That theory remains contentious; few would argue with the 4/5 on offer for Boro at home to the Addicks.

Arsenal v Blackburn is as close as you can get to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ without staring through my front window. The 4/11 about the Gunners is simply stunning.

Robbie Savage must be backed at 7/4 to pick up a booking. It’s the only way he’ll get a card this Christmas.

I’m incredibly jealous of Matt Taylor. While i’ve been stuck at home with a Christmas pudding, the Pompey star has bagged a couple of real crackers. The 8/13 on offer for a Portsmouth win over Sheffield United is so attractive; I’m considering kicking the wife out and moving it in.

I’m embarrassed to say that if Tottenham fail to win at St James’ Park, the kids are having bread and butter for their Christmas dinner. If Spurs come through at 7/4, I’m going to splash out on a jar of strawberry jam.

I am so confident that the weekend accer of Arsenal, Boro, Pompey, Reading and Chelsea will romp in at 12/1; i’ve already paid for the wife’s Christmas presents out of the winnings. There’s a miniskirt and a weekend break in Ipswich under the tree.