Carlota Will Be Supporting Arsenal vs Barca, but Birmingham Comes First

Being a blogger is like working as a web designer or a fashion designer. You really only work when you feel like it and if you don't work then nobody is really going to notice or care. Every once in a while you'll have a really great article and get a few comments, and other times you'll be lucky enough to piss off a whole group of people who will leave you angry comments, (just look at this post) but most of the time you're pretty much writing for yourself and a few other people who stumble upon your page and have nothing better to do. So for those of you who have accidentally rolled onto this page, here are a couple thoughts about Birmingham, Barcelona, and whatever else I think of.

Barcelona is the match everyone is talking about, but I'd argue that Birmingham is the more important one. Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to the Barcelona match as much as anyone, but it's dangerous to overlook Birmingham just because Barcelona is a more attractive club. This weekend we'll be without Thomas Vermaelen, because of his suspension for a red card that should have never been, and without William Gallas, still out with injury. That leaves us with Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre. Not exactly a top class center back pairing for a big club. While Sol has done well, Silvestre should never be in the starting lineup for a team trying to win the league. The boss has indicated that he may rest Campbell for this match, which leaves us with Song and Silvestre in the back, which not only gives us a weak center back pairing but weakens our strength in midfield too, against a team that haven't lost at home since September. It's a scary possibility, and for a team that needs to win every match for the rest of the season, it's really making me nervous. The focus of the team needs to be 100% on Birmingham, and we can leave Barcelona until next Wednesday. Anything less than 100% will see us lose at St. Andrews and be out of the title race.

I have to give some thoughts on Eboue while I'm writing since I haven't given him his proper due since I've been out so long. I was one of the ones criticizing him last year for his poor (and sometimes completely dire) performances. Well this year he has completely changed his attitude, his performances, and my opinion of him. He's been nothing short of brilliant for us this year, whether he's in the front three or playing right back. His runs, his movement, and his work rate have made him one of my favorite players to see in the team. I'll go far enough as to say that without him, we wouldn't be where we are in the league right now this season. So fair play to Emmanuel Eboue, maybe my player of the season to this point.

The West Ham match last Saturday really gave me hope for the title challenge. We could have crumbled after Vemaelen's red card. It was a BS call, and we could have gone down to a team that is fighting for their lives at the bottom of the table, but we didn't. Almunia pulled out a moment of brilliance to save Diamanti's penalty, and the team stayed strong with Song and Campbell in defense. Then Cesc completed the victory by nailing that penalty after his strong run (aided by Eboue, who again was excellent.)

Speaking of Cesc, you'll remember that about seven months ago I had a post about marrying Cesc's sister, Carlota. Well as it turns out, she finally found that I had written that and I ended up talking to her a bit on twitter. She's a very nice young lady and said that Florida is a beautiful place. I'd have to agree with her. So cheers to you Carlota and if you're ever back in Florida dinner is on me.

Speaking of Carlota, and Cesc, and Arsenal...we play Barcelona in the Champions League! It's got to be one of the most exciting matchups in the history of, well, history. The best club in the world at the moment versus the team we all love and the team that plays by far the best football in England, if not the world. I like our chances, I have to say. Xavi and Iniesta versus Cesc and Nasri/Diaby/Denilson, Clichy versus Messi...the prospects are mouthwatering. I'll get into breaking it down more next Monday or Tuesday, but I will say that I think it will be one for the ages. Get your DVR's and your TiVo's ready to record, because these two matches should be ones you'll want to show to your grandkids one day. For the record, Carlota will be supporting Arsenal.

CarlotaFabregas @ArseNole I'll go to the two match and I'll support Arsenal, so don't hesitate it

That's about all I've got for today. Let's focus on that Birmingham match and the Barcelona match can wait until next week. Come on Arsenal, let's get it done!

Latest Footballer to suffer international embarrassment

Shocking misses can happen to anyone at any time, but the latest footballer to suffer international embarrassment by not scoring a goal he really, really should have is Kansas City Wizards striker Kei Kamara.

In Saturday's MLS match against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Kamara found himself right in front of an open net with the ball mere inches from the goal. He was a little too eager to tap it in, though, and ended up falling on his rear end as he stretched to kick the ball in for the easy goal before knocking it in with his hand. He was quickly called for a handball and the game went on to end in a 0-0 draw.

After the match, Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter still couldn't believe it:

"It was one of the most unbelievable things I've seen in soccer.

"It was unfortunate for Kamara but it was a handball and credit the linesman for seeing it."

Video of the miss has already spread far and wide. The Sun is calling it "a contender for miss of the century," but there are quite a few in the mix for that crown. Back in January, we featured another open net shocker from a bit farther out, then there was the now famous Rocky Baptiste's from December, but I think this miss from Dinamo Zagreb's Ilija Sivonjic last October might be even worse than Kamara's...

And so the countdown begins until the next "WORST MISS EVER!!

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/sow_experts/post/The-latest-worst-miss-ever?urn=sow,236778

Premier League predictions - Will Rafa’s men handle the pressure?

I head back to the murky world of Premier Leaguepredictions after a remarkable performance of nine correct predictions in twelve during international week. I don’t expect that sort of success rate here!

Saturday 4th April 2009

Arsenal v Manchester City

Arsenal have opened up a three point lead over fifth placed Aston Villa. They are unbeaten in sixteen league games, in the FA Cup semi-finals and the Champions League quarter-finals. They are a looking good at the moment and a trip to the Emirates is a daunting prospect for anyone.

It could be particularly daunting for a Manchester City side who have still only won once away from home this season. They have slowly crept up to tenth place and are only three points short of seventh, but their away form is still holding them back.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

Blackburn v Tottenham

Blackburn have edged two points clear of the drop zone. With only three defeats in their last thirteen league games, Sam Allardyce has made them a tough side to beat. Having said that, they have drawn five of those games and need to turn some of them into wins.

Tottenham’s revival has seen them climb up to eleventh place, nine points clear of relegation and only ten points short of a European place. They are unbeaten in seven and their last two games have seen them beat third placed Chelsea and then fourth placed Aston Villa.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-2

Bolton v Middlesbrough

Bolton have managed to open up a five point gap on the bottom three. Gary Megson is still far from being a popular manager amongst his own fans but to an outsider, he is doing a pretty good job with a pretty average team.

Middlesbrough are in a desperate situation four points adrift from safety. The brief flicker of hope a few weeks ago when they beat Liverpool is but a distant memory as that game remains their only win in their last eighteen league games.

This game will certainly not be a classic but I expect Bolton to edge to safety and Middlesbrough to sink nearer the drop.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-0

Fulham v Liverpool

Fulham find themselves in the rarefied heights of ninth place in the table. After a minor blip of four games without a win, they have bounced back with two wins in a row including the 2-0 defeat of Manchester Unitedlast time out.

Liverpool know that victory or even a draw in this game will put them top of the table for at least twenty-four hours. You don’t get a much bigger incentive than that. This will be a real test of whether Fergie was right or Liverpool have the mental strength to see the job through. This is the first time for a while that Liverpool have had the chance to go top.

Will they stand up to the pressure?

SoccerNews prediction: 0-2

Hull v Portsmouth

Hull have slipped to within four points of the relegation zone and are desperate for some points in this one. With only one win in their last fourteen games they are still in freefall. Defeat here would leave them in a perilous position.

Portsmouth have steadied the ship a little and whilst they are a point behind Hull at the moment, they are in a far better run of form. They have only lost one of their last five and last time out they beat high flying Everton.

SoccerNews prediction: 0-1

Newcastle v Chelsea

What effect will the Alan Shearer appointment have on Newcastle? They are currently third from bottom two points away from safety. The run of form they are in has seen them win just once in fourteen outings. Shearer will give hope to the fans and belief to the players, but sadly for him, he can’t make his team into better players.

Chelsea have slipped to four points behind the leaders but will still consider themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title. Prior to their defeat at Tottenham they had gone nine games unbeaten and will fancy their chances of starting another run in this game.

SoccerNews prediction: 0-2

West Brom v Stoke

West Brom are probably doomed. They are rock bottom and some seven points from safety. They have drawn their last two games but it is some two and a half months since they tasted the joy of victory.

Stoke are still fighting for their lives. They are three points clear of the drop zone and will see this game as a real chance to move closer to keeping their Premier League status. They have only lost twice in their last seven and had a crucial win over Middlesbrough in their last game.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-1

West Ham v Sunderland

Gianfranco Zola has guided West Ham into eighth place in the table. They have lost just twice in twelve games and are unbeaten in four.

Sunderland’s mini-revival under Ricky Sbragia has somewhat hit the rocks. They are only three points clear of the bottom three and they need to start picking up some points. Five games without a win means that these are worrying times at the Stadium of Light.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-1

Sunday 5th April 2009

Everton v Wigan

Everton have probably scuppered their chances of a top four finish as they are now seven points behind Arsenal. Defeat at Portsmouth last time out was probably the end of their hopes. They should still qualify for Europe and have had a fine season. Their reversal at Portsmouth was their first defeat in nine.

Wigan have made it to seventh place in the table. Either they are better than they look or the quality of the Premier League below the top six is not great this season. They have only lost twice in eight and are coming off the back of two straight victories.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-0

Manchester United v Aston Villa

United may well go into this game in second place in the table. They are coming off the back of the very rare situation of back to back defeats. Off course, prior to that they had only lost once in thirty games!

Villa’s wonderful season is in danger of crashing around them. They are now three points adrift of the fourth Champions League spot and could do with playing somewhere other than Old Trafford as they look to get three points and get back on track. They come into this game with no wins in eight and after suffering a humiliating 5-0 defeat at Liverpool.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

International predictions - England to keep 100% record and can anyone stop Holland?

There are some bigWorld Cupqualifying games tonight and here we go with a preview of a few selected matches. I shouldn’t point this out really but I’m going to! On Saturday I got four of my five predictions right and three of those, I got the exact score. Considering I don’t think I’ve ever got more than three out of ten in the Premier League, I might just concentrate on internationals from now on. 

England v Ukraine

Fabio Capello’s men put their 100% qualifying record on the line tonight against unbeaten Ukraine. England warmed up for the game with a comfortable 4-0 win over Slovakia on Saturday but tonight’s game is likely to provide a far sterner test.

Ukraine will be looking to the woefully short of match practice Andrei Shevchenko to provide the goals. Thirty-nine goals in eighty-five internationals speaks for itself as a record, but the fact is, Shevchenko has scored just ten goals in three years at club level.

England will be hoping that the Rooney and Gerrard partnership can continue where it left off on Saturday. Anything other than a win will be viewed as something of a disaster.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

France v Lithuania

France desperately needed a win in Lithuania on Saturday and thanks to a 68th minute goal from Ribery, they got one. Now, playing in front of their own fans, who have been very critical of late, they need to produce another result and a performance.

Lithuania won’t have seen too much to worry them for this game and if they can keep things tight early on and frustrate the French, things could get interesting as the crowd will undoubtedly turn against their team. They also know that a point would be enough to keep them ahead of the hosts in the table.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

Holland v Macedonia

As each game passes, Holland look more and more like potential winners of the 2010 World Cup. It is Macedonia’s turn to face the music tonight and they won’t be looking forward to it.

Huntelaar, Van Persie, Robben, Kuyt, etc. I don’t think any team would fancy facing them at the moment, let alone a team sitting second from bottom in the group. The only positive for Macedonia is that Van Persie has withdrawn from the squad through injury.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-0

Italy v Republic of Ireland

Italy won reasonably comfortably in Montenegro on Saturday whilst Ireland could only manage a draw at home to Bulgaria. Italy will probably there or thereabouts in 2010 as they nearly always are, whilst Ireland are unlikely to feature in the very latter stages of the tournament.

Having said that, Ireland’s victory over Italy at World Cup 1994 is still celebrated in Ireland and remembered none too fondly in Italy.

These two are well clear in first and second place but Italy will be determined to increase the two point lead they have over their opponents.

SoccerNews prediction: 2-1

Scotland v Iceland

After Saturday’s footballing lesson at the hands of the Dutch, this is a ‘must win’ game for Scotland. Iceland actually sit above the Scots on goal difference at the moment but are probably the weakest side in the group.

The fact is that Scotland need to win to have any chance of making the play-offs and if they can’t win at home to Iceland, they don’t deserve to qualify.

SoccerNews prediction: 1-0

Turkey v Spain

The European Champions were successful in the return fixture between these two last Saturday. Spain could only manage a 1-0 win and Turkey held out for an hour until Pique got the all important goal.

Turkey will fancy their chances of causing an upset here, but I can’t see Spain leaving with less than a point.

Spain are well clear at the top but Turkey need something so that they do not fall too far behind Bosnia.

SoccerNews prediction: 0-0

Wales v Germany

There is much doom and gloom around Welsh football at the moment and their performance in the 2-0 defeat at home to Finland on Saturday was totally toothless.

With only 20,000 tickets sold for the game at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, former Welsh international Robbie Savage has spoken out about the problems Wales have. “Does the crowd really want to see lower division players playing for their country? I’m expecting Wales, low on confidence to get hammered.”

Thanks for the support Robbie!

Germany had a simple 4-0 win over Liechtenstein and the only way they won’t pick up another three points is if they are over confident and complacent. In fact, even if they are, they’ll probably still win.

SoccerNews prediction: 0-2

Bent blow for England

England’s attacking options for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine looked set to be further reduced after Darren Bent limped out of training on the eve of the match.

Tottenham forward Bent had been a late call-up to the squad after Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole suffered injuries in Saturday’s 4-0 friendly win over Slovakia.

But his involvement with the national squad lasted only a few minutes before he was forced to head for the treatment room.

There was better news for head coach Fabio Capello on the fitness of Rio Ferdinand, who appeared to be training normally after missing the Slovakia match with a back strain.

Shaun Wright-Phillips, who missed Saturday’s game with an ankle injury, was also able to train, as was Peter Crouch, who was substituted as a precaution late on in the Slovakia match.

With four stright wins in group six, England will be in a very strong position to reach next year’s finals in South Africa if they can beat Ukraine, the only team they have yet to face.

Source: Written by SoccerNews · Tags: English Premier League, World Cup 

Samba urges Givet to stay

Blackburn Rovers ace Chris Samba has urged Gael Givet to turn his loan spell at the club into a permanent deal.

Givet is currently on loan from French giants Marseille.

“Gael has been very good since coming here,” Samba told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph. “It does take time to settle into The Premier League but Gael has done it very quickly, quicker than anyone expected.

“It feels like he is part of the club already and I think he has played very well for us. He is a good defender.

“The supporters do like him and I think they would like him to sign for Blackburn. I also think Gael would love to sign but first of all we all have to concentrate on staying up.”

[Source: Lancashire Evening Telegraph]

Ettifaq Footbal Club

Professional football club based in Dammam; web site is in Arabic:http://www.ettifaq.net/