Posts Tagged ‘Premiership’

Every fan of football will try to gather as much information as they can. There is much to know about this sport that is played in virtually every country on this planet. If you are having trouble finding something you are looking for, then you can also do a search using the word soccer instead of football. This is because the Americans call this sport soccer and many avid fans have a lot of information, live scores posted and fun things like pictures on their sites, but never refer to the sport as football which is a completely different sport there.

Football videos are very popular and it gives everyone the chance to see their favorite players in action or to see a game that was not seen before. This could be local games, older games or even new ones that couldn’t be seen due to work or some other circumstance. There are many websites that provide you with the videos you are looking for, even Championship League games.

News about all that is happening in the sport is also very high in demand by fans. Especially news about the premiership is popular. This is the premiere league of all countries in the UK and football is followed closely by many there. Of course other countries are also very much in love with football and their own teams. One of the most popular football players nowadays is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is originally from Portugal and plays for the national team, but when not playing for the Portuguese he is a major player for the English team Manchester United.

However, other fun things that have to do with football are also important. This includes football wallpapers, a personal avatar that is dressed up in football gear or even video that pertains to this extremely popular sport.

Soccer jerseys are now one of the most popular sportswear items in the world and this is purely down to the massive and ever increasing popularity of the sport. Soccer really has become the number one supported sport in the world which has increased fans interest in different soccer jerseys.  Every team has at least a home and away jersey but many often have a 3rd jersey, usually used for playing in some sort of competition like the Champions League.

Most fans buy at least one of the jerseys for their club sometimes getting the name and number of their favourite players on the back of their jersey, or indeed their own custom name and number. What has been increasing though is the interest in not just your teams but also other teams jerseys from around the world, with Premiership soccer jerseys in particular being very popular at the moment largely due to the fame of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres.

The top teams in the world usually change their jerseys either every year or every two years meaning that the designs are always having to change. One of the biggest changes we have seen over the last few years is the move towards synthetic materials for making jerseys. Soccer jerseys had previously been made of cotton but this stuck to players when they began to sweat so new materials have been developed for the jerseys that make them absorb less moisture which makes it more comfortable to wear whilst playing soccer.

Major international competitions like the World Cup are major sporting events on the soccer calendar and give fans the chance to support their country.  International soccer jerseys are very popular throughout the competitions as it allows fans to show their support for their country or their favourite player.

The top football jersey manufacturers in the world are Nike, Adidas, Umbro and Puma but more and more manufacturers are starting to come on the scene most notably the like of Lotto and Canterbury have began to grab themselves a foothold in the market.

With the soccer season just finishing we are just about to get to the time of year when the new jerseys are getting released. A lot of the new soccer jerseys will be available for pre-order at the moment with the official release date likely to be towards the end of June for most shirts.

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.

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 Real Madrid Shirt
Personally signed by Cristiano Ronaldo
This Real Madrid home shirt was personally signed by Cristiano Ronaldo in permanent black ink an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons in Madrid on November 22, 2009.

Ronaldo is currently the number one player in the world. After winning the Champions League and Premiership with Manchester United he moved to Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee of £80 million.

The shirt comes in presentation packaging with an official certificate of authenticity featuring an image of Ronaldo signing the shirt. Only a limited edition of these shirts was signed by Ronaldo making it a highly collectable piece of sports memorabilia.
Buy Cristiano Ronaldo signed real madrid shirt now

FOGOLAR - Riserva 12 Year Old 70cl Bottle

£43.16


Unique Italian vintage brandy aged over 12 years. More

IMSTH07004 4 - Nickel Hanging Light

£667.44

Impex Lighting
Modernistic shiny nickel hanging pendant light fixture with optical crystal glass sconces and hanging droplets. Made in the UK. Also available in a gold plated finish please enquire. Height - 36cm Diameter - 57cmBulb type - 240v G9 capsuleBulb wattage - 4 x 40w (included) More

OA719 TLGO/S901 14CR - AIRE Gold & Crystal Table Lamp

£185.81

Oaks Lighting
Modernistic and stylish solid cast brass table lamp in a gold plated finish with 30% lead crystal trimmings complete with cream drum shade. Height - 39cm - Base only Diameter - 13cmBulb type - BC candle bulbBulb wattage - 1 x 60w (not included) More

OA1178 TLAB - HAMBURG Antique Brass Table Lamp

£27.46

Oaks Lighting
Contemporary antique brass halogen table lamp complete with alabaster glass shades. Height - 34cm Diameter - 20cmBulb type - 240v G9 capsuleBulb wattage - 1 x 40w (included) More

Casserole 2 handles 24cm & Lid

£179.99

Le Pentole
Designed by Niki Sala for Studio Progettazione ICM, Le Pentole is the best of Italian craftsmanship in classic cookware, this elegant collection is made from 18/10 stainless steel with copper and silver alloy. The Le Pentole collection which includes this Spaghetti Pan, is the stainless steel cookware with the delicacy of design and robustness of construction achieved only by the Italians. Manufactured in Italy to exacting standards. Made for a life-time's use, all the pans carry a 25 year... More

Clear Nano Microshield

£5.99

Xtrememac
* MicroShield's back panel features an integrated, low profile belt clip that gives you the flexibility to orient your iPod nano with its headphone jack facing either up or down * Easily snaps on and off * Provides access to all iPod controls * Back panel with integrated, low profile belt clip * Allows iPod nano to be oriented with its headphone jack facing either upward or downward (when using belt clip) * Clear More

ANGOSTURA - 5 Year Old 70cl Bottle

£19.55


A blend of light and heavy rums distilled in Angostura's five-column continuous still. The rum is aged in American Oak Bourbon barrels for between five and eight years. After ageing individually the rum is lightly filtered through charcoal to remove impurities, but not so much as to alter the inherently rich flavour or the wood induced, pale amber colours. It is then blended and bottled. This is an energetic and flavourful rum that is exceptionally smooth. It plays an excellent role in a... More

DAJOS0563 - JOSHUA 5 Light Bronze Ceiling Light

£295.00

Dar Lighting
Tree branches effect ceiling light in a bronze finish complete with cotton fabric shades. Height - 46cm Diameter - 56cmBulb type - 240v G9 capsuleBulb wattage - 5 x 40w (included) More

EN4742 OP - 6 x Opal Glass Shades

£101.90

Endon Lighting
Attractive circular opal glass shade. Sold in a box of 6. Height - 18.5cm Diameter - 18.5cmHole Diameter - 9.5cm Bulb type - ANYBulb wattage - 1 x 60w (not included) More

SE10478 46 - ICICLE 3 Light Gold Plated Chandelier

£399.60

Searchlight Electric
Gold plated frame with hand polished icicle shaped trimmings. Height - 36cm Diameter - 46cmBulb type - SES candle bulbBulb wattage - 3 x 60w (not included) More

Signed Manchester United home shirt: 2009-10
Personally signed by Ryan Giggs
This Manchester United home shirt was personally signed by Ryan Giggs in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Man Utd and Wales winger in Manchester on November 19, 2009.

This is Man United’s current jersey and the one in which Ryan continues to add to his record number of appearances for the club. Ryan is a legend at United having won a record 11 Premiership titles and two Champions League winners medals. He is the ultimate one-club man, and a real fans’ favourite.

 The signed United shirt would make a perfect gift for any Man U fan. But now the Ryan Giggs Signed Manchester United Shirt&lt

Ryan Giggs Signed Man Utd Photo: Record Eleventh Premiership

£49.99


This superb print shows Ryan Giggs lifting the Premiership trophy on May 16, 2009, for a record 11th time. Manchester United saw off strong challenges from Chelsea and Liverpool, finally securing the trophy at Old Trafford against Arsenal. In doing so, United won the league title for the 18th time, equalling Liverpool's long-held record.Giggs played a vital role throughout the season, and many observers felt he was the outstanding player in the Premiership over the course of the... More

Ryan Giggs Signed Manchester United Shirt

£179.99


This Manchester United home shirt was personally signed by Ryan Giggs in an exclusive signing session organised and carried out by Icons with the Man Utd and Wales winger in Manchester on November 19, 2009.This is Man United's current jersey and the one in which Ryan continues to add to his record number of appearances for the club. Ryan is a legend at United having won a record 11 Premiership titles and two Champions League winners medals. He is the ultimate one-club man, and a real fans&... 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

Chelsea officially clinched the Premiership on Saturday lunchtime with a crushing 3-0 victory over second placed Manchester United. The Blues only needed a draw to confirm the champions status but William Gallas after five minutes, Joe Cole on 61 and Ricardo Carvalho on 73 sealed victory in style as Jose Mourinho’s side retained their Premiership trophy at 6/5.

Another crucial match in the Premiership was Portsmouth’s victory at Wigan Athletic. As predicted in the Walker’s Word column, Pompey’s win at the JJB Stadium relegated both Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion in what was a gloomy day for West Midlands football. Henri Camara gave Wigan the lead after 34 minutes, but Benjamin Mwaruwari’s first goal form the club on 63 and Matt Taylor’s second penalty in as many weeks on 71 ensured a 9/5 away win.

Birmingham City could only muster a goalless draw against Newcastle United when only victory could preserve their Premiership status until the final match of the season. The draw was available at 12/5 before kick-off.

Liverpool went level on points with Manchester United after Saturday’s 3-1 win over struggling Aston Villa. Fernando Morientes opened the scoring after four minutes but Gareth Barry levelled on 58. Captain Steven Gerrard netted on 61 and 65 minutes to ensure a 3/10 victory for Rafa Benitez’s side.

Tottenham Hotspur tightened their grip on fourth place with a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. Aaron Lennon struck the decisive goal on the hour for the 7/10 Spurs.

Fulham won their first match away from Craven Cottage with a last gasp goal at Manchester City. Richard Dunne gave City the lead after 69m minutes but Collins John equalised for the Cottagers with six minutes left. Steed Malbranque then fired in a stoppage time winner to secure an unlikely victory at 3/1 odds.

Alan Curbishley’s last match at The Valley as manager of Charlton Athletic ended in defeat as they were beaten 2-0 by 8/5 Blackburn Rovers. Steven Reid broke the deadlock two minutes before the break while a Chris Powell own goal on 65 put Mark Hughes’ side in touching distance of UEFA Cup football.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Arsenal made sure Sunderland went the entire season without a home win with a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light. Arsenal, huge 3/10 favourites before kick-off, scored three goals in 14 first half minutes, with a Danny Collins own goal on 28, Cesc Fabregas on 38 and Thierry Henry three minutes before the break.

Manchester United edged one point ahead of Liverpool as they drew 0-0 with Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. United, heavily odds-on before kick-off, saw Ruud van Nistelrooy miss a penalty after 65 minutes and the match ended level at 9/2.

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 wife is no stranger to exercise. Somewhat controversially, she now concentrates solely on working her liver; I can see the logic though, it’s occasionally her second largest internal organ.

If the Government told the wife that she could only purchase her beloved Buckfast during January, she would quite rightly revolt; which admittedly, is not a major deviation from the norm.

I find it incredible that Premiership managers are handicapped in such a fashion. It’s almost impossible to do any business in such a small window, although I did manage it once in Amsterdam.

Paradoxically, Martin O’Neill’s transactions have been exceptional. He somehow managed to entice the classy John Carew, and all it cost him was a dud Czech. The Villa are bouncing, they’ll see off the Hammers at 10/11.

A little known FIFA clause allows Frank Lampard to leave Chelsea for a relatively paltry £8m. Frank may have his knockers, but that seems a fair price to me. The champions have too much up top for a struggling Charlton; get on at a well developed 2/5.

Sheffield United win the award for the most surprising transfer. You could have knocked me over with a feather when news broke that they had signed Fathi; who knew that they had a spare £8m. The Blades haven’t won in Blackburn for 20 years; the Rovers are the weekend nap at an ample 8/11.

I believe the children are the future, unless we crack down hard on them now. The appointment of Stuart Pearce to the England Under-21 setup has been met with consternation by the Manchester City board; Reading can take full advantage at 12/5.

Mohammed Al Fayed can’t believe that Reading are above Fulham in the table; he thinks it’s a Royal conspiracy. The Cottagers will triumph over Newcastle at a clandestine 13/10.

Paul Jewell must be sick of the sight of Harry Redknapp; and not just because of the annoying twitch. Wigan have already lost twice to Portsmouth this season, a Pompey treble is in the bag at a knee-jerk 13/8.

I am extremely disappointed with Lua Lua. It wasn’t the fact that he was arrested for an alleged domestic disturbance; I feel let down because he didn’t do a double back flip after striking. I’m doing somersaults about the 7/1 for a 1-0 win to Portsmouth.

Jesus is more than handy with a loaf of bread and a piece of cod, but even He would struggle to keep Watford in the Premiership. Prayers do occasionally get answered though, thank you Al Bangura. Get on Bolton to beat Watford at a sacrilicious 5/4.

Liverpool host neighbours Everton in a tantalising Merseyside derby. The Toffeemen haven’t won at Anfield this millennium; it’ll be the Liverpool fans bragging in the benefit office on Monday morning. The Reds are a steal at 8/13.

Cesc Fabregas is a little magician. As long as he avoids Debbie McGee he’s got a decent future in the game. The 4/5 for an Arsenal win over Middlesbrough is spellbinding.

Tottenham are like Paul McCartney on his wedding night, they have to get over an extremely disappointing second leg. Man U will overwhelm the deflated Spurs at 5/6.

Wayne Rooney has been labeled a tubby Eric Cantona, and there’s more than an element of truth in such a comparison. The next big thing can net the opener at 6/1.

Ever since the departure of Cantona (and to a lesser degree Sheringham), United have struggled for a quality player in the hole. I believe Rooney will prove to be the missing link. I’m going ape about United scoring three or more goals at 11/4.

This week’s accer is so alluring, it reminds me of the wife’s sister; but i’ll get into that later. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Reading are the selections, the payout is a feisty 16/1.