Posts Tagged ‘Liverpool’

Chelsea are three points behind the Reds while Manchester United are far back with seven but they have two games at hand. A win by Chelsea inures that the Blues shall increase their lead to seven points over the Red Devils as both teams try to overtake the Reds. The match could very well be the one that shall decide the title race for the three teams.
Chelsea and Man U are out to upstage each other in their hopes of winning the game to erase the memory of forgetful performances during the FA and Carling cup ties respectively.
Chelsea was held to a 1-1 draw by Coca-Cola League One team Southend with Salomon Kalou’s first half goal negated by an equalizer from Peter Clarke at the late minutes of the match played at Stamford Bridge. That earned the Shrimpers a third round cup replay, a game which will be played at the Shrimpers’ ground, the Roots Hall. The football match will be the Blues’ next game on the 14th of January. On the other hand, Man U are seeking a better football result than the unexpected 1-0 loss they suffered at the hands of Derby County at Pride Park for a spot to claim the Carling Cup to be played in Wembley Stadium.  Kris Commons produced an impressive first half strike during the semi-final first leg ending United’s unbeaten run to 14 games in all fronts. The streak saw them win eight games and draw the remaining four. Their last loss in all competitions was the 2-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal last November 8.
Man U shall play host to the Blues with Chelsea being the first team to be a part of the big four to visit Old Trafford for this year. The last time the two teams met was at Stamford Bridge, in a 1-1 draw. Park Ji-Sung scored with a 17th minute strike while Salomon Kalou answered for the Blues with a second half goal. The game was quite physical with a total of eight yellow cards given by referee Mike Riley. However, United players received most of the cards with seven while Jan Mikel Obi was the only player booked for Chelsea.  Ever since the two teams contested the Premier League and Champions League titles last season with United winning both titles, there seems to be a competitive rivalry brewing between the two.
For the Sunday clash, Man U can expect that Patrice Evra shall return to the side after serving out his four game match ban as a result of the brawl he was involved in with the Chelsea groundskeeper. A concern though for sir Alex Ferguson shall be the fitness of Rio Ferdinand, who continues to suffer from a back injury, Wayne Rooney, who limped out in the dying seconds of the game against Derby and Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in a car accident that wrecked the front of his car but escaped unhurt.Latest football results this weekend can be seen at Scorespro.com.

It is almost the same old….. same old…..in the Premier League this season, but with one notable exception missing from the top four so far. That team is obviously Liverpool, but they are hanging in there in fifth spot and have Spurs and Arsenal in 4th and 3rd respectively well in their sights.
That said many are saying that the Premier League has already been won this season with no team seemingly capable of catching Chelsea at the top of the table and that the main interest will lieu in the battle immediately behind them.
It has to be said that Chelsea have been ultra consistent so this season where it is becoming unimportant whether they will win or not but more so by how many. They have already netted 36 times this season and conceded a paltry 8, with only 1 goal conceded at Stamford Bridge in 7 matches played.
Much of this improvement has to be down to new boss, Carlos Ancelotti who has picked up the baton handed to him by Guus Hiddinck and has improved the side even more, without it has to be said spending any money this season. Chelsea’s latest results speaks volumes about the form that they are in and why it would be difficult not to back them to regain the Premier League title. It is more than a daunting run and it is why Chelsea get 10/10 for their performances so far this season.
Man Utd winners of the Premier League for the last three seasons and with eleven wins overall are leading the chasing pack, but even they have slipped five points behind with just over a third of the season gone where they have already lost one of their two matches against Chelsea.
Yes it is true that United have lost the invaluable services of the world’s most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo and they miss, Carlos Tevez more than they would care to admit to. Nonetheless, they have Wayne Rooney proving himself as one of the great players of modern times but it is his partnership with Dimitar Berbatov that just has not struck gold as yet and they could struggle on all fronts if it completely fails.
United get a 7/10 so far for their efforts this season.
We all know that Arsenal play the prettiest football these days, they have long since moved off their unwelcome nickname ‘Boring Arsenal’ of the past and produce some of the most talked about football anywhere in Europe. However, it is when they come up against the big boys when they are left wanting and their most recent game against Chelsea, where they were crushed 3-0 at home sums up their chances of winning the Premier League for the first time since the 2003/4 season.
Arsenal are also guilty of dropping points against teams that they really should not. The defeat at Sunderland was the latest of these, should they continue then it could be them and not Spurs who will have Liverpool climbing all over them by the end of the season.
Arsenal get 10/10 for entertainment but only 6/10 for the overall improvement.
Perhaps the biggest surprise so far is the progress of Spurs under Harry Redknapp. They have held out in the top four all season so far and will be beginning to think that they can make Champions League qualification for the first time next season.
The ‘Glory Glory’ days are not quite back at White Hart Lane, but they are showing huge improvement since Redknapp took them on. They have an excellent squad of players where very importantly contains several proven goals scorers at this level. They have scored 33 times so far this season, with Jermaine Defoe currently the League’s equal leading scorer so far with a third of them.
Spurs are worth 8/10 for their efforts so far this season.
Liverpool, have had a miserable time of it so far this season. They have struggled for consistency in the League and have already been eliminated from the Champions League. Their two star players, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have been in and out of the side due to niggling injuries which has cost the ‘Red’ the foundation for consistency.
Perhaps being knocked out of the Champions League will do them good, at least they can concentrate their efforts in one direction only. They only have two teams to catch to gain a coveted top four spot and we all know how good they can be when the whole team is firing.
They are only worthy of a mark of 5/10 for efforts so far this season.
If the second half of the 2009/10 Premier League season is anywhere near as exciting as the first half then football fans are in for an exciting five months.

Last year’s campaign was one of the most enthralling and competitive seasons for a few years. Man Utd eventually won the title by 6 points with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal making up the top quartet. Will this year be as interesting? My guess is without a doubt, yes. Teams have strengthened again this year but with some real quality signings, not just cheap foreign imports but players with pedigree and potential such as Liverpool’s Fernando Torres and Chelsea’s Florent Malouda. This piece will run you through the major players for the coveted title (with a few surprise inclusions) and the teams who may have to fight tooth and nail to stay up.

Manchester United – 5/4

Where better to start than with last seasons Champions. Sir Alex has been relatively busy in the transfer window this year with England midfielder Owen Hargreaves being the major signing. He is a player who will do all the leg work in the team, tracking back and protecting his defenders. This will allow Scholes, Carrick and the more centrally located Giggs to maraud forward and to add to an already impressive attack. Two fairly unknown quantities are the youngsters from Sporting and Porto, Nani and Anderson. These have cost Utd a combined fee somewhere in the region of £25m-£35m, so they must have a lot of potential. Utd assistant Carlos Quiroz will have no doubt watched these players on many occasions to splash out the sorts of figures that have been banded around. They are both attacking midfielders and although they may not be an instant hit, they may warm up to the Premierships fast pace and then take the league by storm ala Cristiano Ronaldo. Overall Man Utd have a huge chance of retaining their title, providing the main two players Rooney and Ronaldo have another relatively injury free campaign. This for me is my main concern. They are by no means a one man band but lets face it, the two R’s made all the difference for Utd last season.

Liverpool – 6/1

It is probably best to start with saying that Liverpool are one of my strong fancies for a good title challenge this season, although 6/1 isn’t massive – it is still a bet that I will be placing. Liverpool have made plenty of signings so far and quality ones at that. We all know Torres’ pedigree and is potentially a special player. He literally carried Althletico Madrid for several seasons, taking the captains armband aged just 19. Ryan Babel is another quality signing. Anyone who saw this lad in the U21’s European Championship knows what he can do, we mustn’t forget that he also has 14 full international caps, netting 4 times. Benayoun and Ukrainian Vornin seem to have settled in well too, especially the latter, he has been named LFC man of the match twice out of his three pre season friendly appearances scoring twice. I think what is more important than the signings is the hunger shown by all of the players. They have been quoted as saying how important the opening weeks of the season are. This is where Liverpool have slipped up recently. The Premiership cannot be won in the first 10 fixtures but it can be lost. In summary – Liverpool are a good bet at better odds than Man Utd and Chelsea, with for me – similar potential.

Chelsea – 13/8

Jose Mourinho is never one to shy away from the media spotlight, even when the team is in L.A on their pre season tour he still manages to put his two penneth in. He recently said that all of the pressure is on Man Utd and Liverpool this season as they have been the “spending clubs”. While this may be true I do not whole heartedly agree. Chelsea have the reputation of being up there with the “world’s elite” and rightly so – after winning back to back League titles, but last season they lost their title and got knocked out of the Champions League at the semi-final stage yet again. Make no mistake they are under pressure too. The addition of Frenchman Florent Malouda will certainly help their cause, especially if Robben does leave “the bridge”. Ex Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell has also been added to the squad, although I fail to see where he will fit in with Lampard, Ballack, Essien and Makele. Chelsea will be chomping at the bit to regain their title and this is what makes them so dangerous. Obviously they too have an excellent chance of regaining it and it will be up to the rest to stop them.

Arsenal – 9/1

Not many peoples fancy this season, but this can be such a huge advantage for the Gunners. After losing Henry and Ljungberg, many people have written of their chances of winning the league – this can be dangerous. Arsenal will be playing with little pressure this season, they have been quoted as being in a “transitional period” which will only push them on to be stronger and pressure free. Croatian International new boy Da Silva may or may not work out, but one man who will step up and be counted for is Van Persie. He was missing for a lot of the season last year and will be looking to make amends. He will be first choice up front in my opinion and is one for your Fantasy Football teams. The young players at Arsenal had a good shot in the first team last year with all of the injuries – this too is an advantage for the Gunners. Whilst they do have a chance at winning the league, I feel they MAY fall short. The squad is very thin with not too many new signings, an injury to Gilberto or Fabregas could be detrimental to their challenge.

Tottenham – 100/1

Spurs will not win the Premiership this season, BUT they are a cracking bet for “without the big 4” at 11/8. They have a very youthful and skilful squad, the addition of Darren Bent and Gareth Bale will be huge. Spurs’ weakest position for quite a while has been left back. Bale who has gone to Spurs with a big reputation will make this position his own and do very well. Dimitar Berbatov was awesome last year, his first season at Spurs and in the Premiership and he scored 25 goals in all competitions. That is truly outstanding, now he is in his second season you would expect him to be even better. For me, worth a good punt for 5th place betting and if they do make 4th or 3rd which is likely – you will still win.

The relegation battle is often more exciting than the actual title race, we’ve seen plenty of last day survival games recently. Wigan were very lucky not to be relegated to the Championship last season, instead the plucky Sheffield Utd took the drop. It may be different this year, Paul Jewell has now left the JJB and he will be missed more so than if Heskey, Baines and Scharner were all to leave. He has proven in the past he is an excellent manager and you have to wonder whether Chris Hutchings can keep them up. At 5/4 to be relegated you’d have to be mad not to back it. Derby have to be an obvious choice to go back down, I can not see them having the ability or the squad to stay up, however 1/2 is hardly a price to be jumped upon. The final relegation place isn’t so simple. It would have to be a toss up between Fulham (2/1) and Birmingham (5/6), only a minor preference for the former

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 boot: White Nike Total Laser Boots
Personally signed by Fernando Torres
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.
Buy now Fernando Torres Signed Nike Total Laser Boot

Cesc Fabregas Signed Nike Tiempo Legend Football Boot

£179.99


This Nike Tiempo Legend Football Boot is the top of the range model currently worn by Arsenal and Spain's Cesc Fabregas.Fabregas is the heartbeat of the current Arsenal side, and a real fans' favourite. His pace, power and pinpoint passing regularly light up the Emirates as he orchestrates the Gunners' midfield and attack. He is also a key part of Spain's exciting midfield alongside Xavi and Iniesta.The boot was personally signed by Cesc Fabregas at an exclusive signing session... More

Francesco Totti Signed Maximus Italia Blue Football Boot

£149.99


This white and blue Maximus Italia boot has been personally signed by Francesco Totti and is of the type he wore in the 2006 World Cup when Italy beat France 2-1 in Berlin.Totti is one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, and one of the key reasons why Italy are the current world champions.The boot is from an exclusive signing session held in Rome on May 10, 2007 and comes with a certificate of authenticity to guarantee your purchase and protect your investment.(Please note: each... More

Francesco Totti Signed Maximus Italia Gold Football Boot

£149.99


The Maximus Italia is a limited edition golden Diadora designed to celebrate the 2006 Italian World Cup victory. This golden boot is dedicated to one of the most gifted footballers of his generation, and one of the key reasons why Italy are the current world champions - Francesco Totti.The boot is one of a limited number of just 20 from an exclusive signing session held in Rome on May 10, 2007.The boot comes with a certificate of authenticity.(Please note: each boot is sold separately). More

Lionel Messi Signed Adidas F50 i TUNiT Football Boot

£249.99


This Adidas F50 i TUNiT Football Boot is the current top of the range model as worn this season by Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi.It was also the style of boot that Messi wore when he scored the second goal in Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the 2009 Champions League final in Rome. He also won La Liga and the Copa del Rey in the same season and is expected to be the biggest star of the 2010 World Cup.The boot is one of a limited number of only 60 that were... More

Lionel Messi Signed Barcelona Photo Holding Boot

£99.99


This fantastic image shows the brilliant Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring Barcelona's second goal against Manchester United in the Champions League final of May 2009.Samuel Eto'o had put the Catalans ahead in the Rome showdown, before the little genius found space to head home a second. This shot shows Messi clutching his favourite Adidas F50 i TUNiT boot in celebration. These signed boots are also available from icons.The photo is one of a limited number of only 50 that were... More

Cristiano Ronaldo Signed Football Boot - Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron

£249.99


This Nike Mercurial Vapor IV boot, in Citron, was personally signed by Cristiano Ronaldo in a private exclusive signing session organised and carried out by icons.com in Madrid on November 22, 2009.Cristiano is currently the number one footballer in the world after his record-breaking 80 million pound transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.These boots come with a certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Cristiano signing. More

Cristiano Ronaldo Signed Football Boot - Nike Mercurial Vapor V

£249.99


This Nike Mercurial Vapor V boot, in Orion Blue, was personally signed by Cristiano Ronaldo in a private exclusive signing session organised and carried out by icons.com in Madrid on November 22, 2009.Cristiano is currently the number one footballer in the world after his record-breaking 80 million pound transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.These boots come with a certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Cristiano signing. 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

Manchester United Football Club continued their push to grab the lead from Liverpool in the EPL – English Premier League with a win over Wigan Athletic last night with the football match score of 1-0. The win takes Man U past Chelsea at second place and is only two pints behind Liverpool. The Red’s next game will be a Merseyside derby with Everton but the match shall be played on Monday, giving United the chane to overtake the leaders as they go to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton Wanderers this coming Saturday.After beating Chelsea Football club 3-0 in one of last Sunday football results, United played one of their matches they have on hand and finally recorded the win after Wayne Rooney scored in a tap in from a Cristiano Ronaldo assist at the first minute. Wigan tried to look for the tying goal throughout the match but failed to breakdown the United defense which surprisingly, held its own despite the absence of central defender Rio Ferdinand who continues to suffer from a back injury, defender Wes Brown who still has two weeks to go before he gets back to the side after ankle surgery and left back Patrice Evra, who suffered a foot injury right after the match against Chelsea and has been ruled out of future United games for three weeks. He actually injured his foot when he delivered the cross that  Rooney turned into a goal. It was such an unfortunate stroke of luck for Evra who just returned to the side after being suspended for four games for his participation in  an incident after a match against Chelsea  last April.It shall be a big loss for Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United Football Club’s title aspirations as in form striker  Rooney might possibly join the list of injured players. He suffered a hamstring injury during last night’s game and could possibly be missing in action for three weeks. He scored the winnning goal but imped out of the game moments later and Carlos Tevez was sent in for Rooney’s place. Ferguson hopes though that  Ronaldo’s recovery from surgery and his recent triumph as FIFA’s Word Player of The Year shall be enough for the winger to continue his progress and be the dominant player like he was during the last season.The controversial Tevez  can benefit from Rooney’s expected absence as he shall fill up the other striker’s position in partnership with Dimitar Berbatov. Recent reports in English papers have said that the South American striker is unsettled and wishes to leave United. But Tevez personally debunked these reports himself and insists that United manager Ferguson has not talked to him or his agent to start contract negotiations. Tevez joined Manchester from West Ham United on a two year loan that is due to expire this summer. And he desperately wants to make the move permanent.Wigan gave a good account of themselves during the match. Emile Heskey and Wilson Palacios were constantly pressing for opportunties. Wigan manager Steve Bruce’s prized find Amir Zaki was kept quiet by the United defense. The loss however did not affect Wigan’s place in the team standings as they are still in seventh place.Catch English soccer results at ScoresPro.com/soccer.

Amid the financial insanity taking place on the east side of Manchester (have you seen the wages these people are getting?), a 29 year-old signed for Manchester United on July 3rd. A 29 year-old Englishman…

A 29 year-old Englishman called Michael Owen.

Did you see that one coming? I definitely didn’t. 8 years ago, as he single-handedly robbed Arsenal of FA Cup glory and helped Liverpool to a cup treble, the thought of him ever joining his Northwest rivals seemed as likely as Prince Harry serving you in McDonalds. Yet, here we are in pre-season and Owen has scored on his debut wearing the number 7 of Manchester United. I’m going to try and delve into the thinking of Sir Alex Ferguson and look at the potential for the ‘Boy Wonder’ in the current United set-up.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sale £80m sale to Real Madrid should have automatically put United onto the frontline in the summer transfer war – especially when you consider that the money was paid in one lump sum up front. However, United seem to be playing a different game this summer, possibly bitten by the poor form of Berbatov after his £30M move last august. Ferguson knows better than anyone that big money doesn’t guarantee success (Is it too cruel to mention Juan Sebastian Veron? Oh dear, too late….) and also knows the benefit of purchasing elder statesman (Cantona, Sheringham, and Larsson). But ‘injury prone’ Michael Owen? Surely a team of United’s stature should be looking above and beyond this type of capture. Surely Owen was destined to join Hull City or perhaps Everton. Surely United would swoop to capture Ribery or Benzema. Evidently not. Scratch at the surface though and it this bizarre piece of business has the potential to be a masterstroke…

It’s no secret that United have built their entire side around Ronaldo for the past three seasons and incredibly for a winger-cum-striker he was never injured. As a result, the rest of the team lived to serve him. His responsibility was huge; Penalties and free kicks were all under his control and he was the ‘go to’ man whenever United needed a winner. Its success was huge, Ronaldo scored 66 league goals as United were crowned Premier League champions 3 seasons running. Away from Ronaldo though, goals were not as plentiful as the Old Trafford faithful have come to expect and a lot of their success was down to their defensive strength and the emergence of Vidic as one of the best centre-backs in the world. However, it was always a case of when, not if, Ronaldo would up-sticks and make the move to Madrid.

Ferguson knows that it is now time for other players to shoulder the responsibility relinquished by Ronaldo and for Owen to benefit from the end product. The fluid formation used to get the best from Ronaldo (it can be argued that Man Utd have played without a striker for at least 2 years) would need to be discarded. Avid Spurs fans will tell you that Berbatov was in his element dropping deep and looking for runners ahead of him. The problem at United last season was that when he dropped deep, he often had the company of his team mates around or behind him – not ahead. The mere presence of Owen on the field suddenly makes Berbatov a more dangerous proposition and gives Owen the type of service he craved at Newcastle United.

Ronaldo’s departure also gives Wayne Rooney the opportunity to step up too. Ronaldo’s stellar form has undoubtedly pushed the great talent of English football to the periphery of the newspaper headlines in the past couple of years, yet seasoned viewers at Old Trafford will tell you of a player who has matured but yet still has that incredibly aggressive spark and a huge talent for the game. It seems Ferguson’s lack of transfer activity could be because he believes he already has the replacements bedded in at Old Trafford and that Michael Owen is there to apply the finishing touch.

So will Owen be a success? Only time will tell, but as a piece of business it looks risk-free and Ferguson knows that at the very least he has players around him desperate to prove themselves good enough. I’m predicting goals galore at Old Trafford this season and fully expect them to be the league’s top scorers in May 2010.

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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.

The Premiership is the richest league in the world at the moment and for a few years it was where the top players in the world were being attracted to. However with the return or the Galacticos mentality at Real Madrid we appear to be witnessing a shift in power once again, with Spain being the attractive league for most of the top names in world football at the moment. The Premiership teams have dominated the Champions League in recent years with Chelsea, Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal all reaching the later stages of the competition on a regular basis, but it was Barcelona who triumphed over Man Utd this year to take the title and with both Real Madrid and Barcelona continuing to strengthen Spain could be set to restart their domination. The top teams in Europe are always big shirt sellers but as a result of the quality of players moving to the Premiership we had seen a rise in the number of Premiership shirts sold in comparison to other leagues, however his is expected to change due to the number of top names signing for Real Madrid in particular. The signing’s of Benzema, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo alone are huge shirt sellers with Cristiano Ronaldo selling 3000 shirts in the club store in the first two hours. La Liga shirts have already taken a good lead as the Premiership trail behind in the signing of top quality players. There are a number of top players linked with moves to England so there is still a possibility that the Premiership shirts will make a resurgence but at the moment La Liga shirt sales are way out in front. The loss of the Cristiano Ronaldo from the Premiership will in itself make the sales of shirts go down and because of his world record price tag he immediately becomes a fans favorite. His signing has completely overshadowed the signing of Kaka who in comparison to Ronaldo only sold 800 shirts in his first day whilst Ronaldo sold 3000 in the first two hours and the club shop sold out by the end of the day. With more big names expected to arrive in Spain from the Premiership and beyond the number of La Liga shirts that are expected to sell is considerable with supply likely to struggle with the considerable increase in demand. This will be intensified further can follow up their big spending with trophies this season. The most popular La Liga football shirts, other than Real Madrid and Barcelona, depends on which teams qualify for the either the Champions League or the Europa League. Teams that are regular big sellers are the likes Atletico Madrid, Villareal and Valencia . Another aspect of these teams is that they all have top players playing the club, so often the sale of their shirts is not because of their on pitch performance but their star player. As the start of the season fast approaches it is certain that lots of transfer activity has still to come, especially from the Premiership where everything has been quiet so far. At the moment the Spanish La Liga football shirts are far out selling their Premiership rivals but with top names such as Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Franck Ribery, Luis Fabiano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all being linked with possible moves to the Premiership then there is a long way to go to see whish countries shirts will be the biggest sellers for this year, but with Real Madrid looking far from finished in their spending then La Liga shirts are certainly the ones leading the way at the moment.