Manchester City star Michael Johnson could miss the rest of the season with a knee problem.

 

How many “Liverpool must win” stories can be written about this year’s squad?

Well, at least one more.

Already 12 points adrift of Chelsea and headed for the Europa League, the shine off the 2009-2010 campaign is fading fast.

At least Sunday’s latest all-or-nothing fixture with Arsenal is at Anfield. Of course, the Reds have already dropped seven points at home this season.

Table watch: Liverpool is seventh on 24 points while the Gunners are in third place with 28.

Getting healthy: The hosts will be able to field the closest thing to a first-choice squad they’ve had in a while as Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Alberto Aquilani should all feature.

They said it: ”He did well. It’s going to take him some time to get up to speed in terms of match fitness but the boy’s a player, there’s no doubt about that. He can see a pass, he’s on the same wavelength and he will turn into a fantastic player for this club.” – Gerrard, to ESPN about Aquilani

The last time: Arsenal’s Andrei Arshavin slammed home four goals in a 4-4 game last April at Anfield, denting the Reds’ title hopes.

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

There are, of course, nine other matches this week.

Here’s a look at this week’s TV schedule.

And here are a few more capsules:

Stoke City vs. Wigan Athletic

A hopefully fully dressed Stoke City side will host the Latics on Saturday.

Table watch: The Potters are in 11th place on 20 points while Wigan is in 14th spot on 17 points.

Friends again: Stoke boss Tony Pulis and striker James Beattie have buried the hatchet after a dressing room argument last weekend.

“I’ve been in football 17 years and I know what to expect. I’ve always had certain golden rules and one is what happens in the dressing room stays in the dressing room for lots of reasons,” Pulis tod the team’s Web site.

They said it: “We all know how difficult Stoke away is going to be, but it’s a winnable game. We’ve just got to dust ourselves down, put Saturday’s game behind us and go and perform there.” – Wigan reserve keeper Mike Pollitt, who might be forced into action, to the team’s Web site.

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Birmingham City vs. West Ham United

Birmingham hopes to keep quietly piling up points as West Ham comes calling.

Table watch: Birmingham City is in 9th place on 21 points while the Hammers are mired in 17th position on 14 points.

New cash coming?: Birmingham’s January transfer kitty has been well documented, but the BBC is reporting that David Gold and David Sullivan are interested in buying a stake in West Ham.

Streaking: Birmingham is unbeaten in its last six games, where it has notched 14 of a possible 18 points.

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Bolton Wanderers vs. Manchester City

Bolton finds itself in the drop zone and will hope to climb out at the expense of Man City.

Table watch: Bolton is in 19th place with 12 points while City is in sixth slot on 25 points.

Sickness: Citizens Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss are reported to have H1N1.  After last week’s big win over Chelsea, City should still be feeling plenty confident at the Reebok.

Drawing a line: Bolton manager Gary Megson was pretty plain this week to the Manchester Evening News: “It needs saying – we need a result.”

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Burnley vs. Fulham

The Clarets welcome in Fulham to Turf Moor on Saturday.

Table watch: Burnley is in 13th place on 17 points while Fulham is in eighth spot on 22 points.

Home fortress: Only Arsenal, United and Chelsea have better home records this season than the Clarets.

Trend watch: The last dozen matches in this series have ended in a win for the home side.

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Chelsea vs. Everton

The Blues will try to shrug off last week’s loss to Man City when struggling Everton visits Stamford Bridge.

Table watch: Chelsea is still in first place on 36 points while Everton is in 15th spot on 16 points.

Perfect at home: In the top four divisions of English Football, only Chelsea has a perfect home record.

On the other hand: Everton has forged a draw on its last three visits to the Bridge.

Donovan watch: We’re reporting that Landon Donovan is headed to the Toffees for a January loan spell. Sounds like fun. 

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Hull City vs. Blackburn Rovers

The Tigers are north of the drop zone, and will work to remain so when Blackburn comes to town.

Table watch: Hull City is in 16th place with as many points while Blackburn is in 12th spot with 18 points.

Trouble at the back: Anthony Gardner and Andy Dawson are injury doubts for Hull, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

Which could lead to goals: Any Hull defensive issues would help Rovers, who have failed to score in three league matches.

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Sunderland vs. Portsmouth

The Black Cats will look to push deeper into the top half of the table at Portsmouth’s expense this weekend.

Table watch: Sunderland is in 10th place on 20 points while Pompey is still in last with 10 points.

Shuffling the deck: With eight players out injured or banned, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has his hands full filling out a team sheet for this one. Anton Ferdinand (ankle), Bolo Zenden (hamstring), Kieran Richardson (suspension), George McCartney (hamstring), Phil Bardsley (suspended) and John Mensah (calf) join longterm absentees Craig Gordon and Lee Cattermole for the Black Cats.

Money troubles: Pompey has spent the last few weeks dealing with financial woes, ranging from blocked TV payments to hints of administration.

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers

Spurs will look to bounce back from a come-from-ahead draw with Everton last week as Wolves invade White Hart Lane.

Table watch: Spurs are in fourth place on 27 points while Wolves are in 18th spot on 13 points.

Luka watch: After playing more than an hour in a friendly game, Luka Modric could return to league action after missing time with a broken leg, according to multiple reports.

They said it: ”I know it’s slightly different when you go away, but the principles are the same. We need to shut players down and win tackles all over the pitch. If we can do that, we’ll give ourselves a good chance.” – Wolves’ Joey Craddock, to soccer365.com

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Manchester United vs. Aston Villa

The Red Devils will try to keep the pressure on Chelsea when Aston Villa comes to Old Trafford Saturday.

Table watch: Manchester United is in second place on 34 points while Villa is in fifth place on 26 points.

They said it, part one: “We know on any given day that we can beat anyone. We have got a squad full of top quality talent. Nobody should be afraid going into the game on Saturday.” – Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne, to Sky Sports

They said it, part two: “We won’t take our foot off the pedal now. We’re starting to play well now and we are scoring some goals too. Hopefully that continues. There’s an awful long way to go and we are not getting carried away. But we have been there before and know what is required. It is about doing the business now.” – United’s Michael Carrick, to the team’s Web site

Pick the winner with the EPL Talk Predictor

Related posts:

1. Premier League Preview, Nov. 28-29
2. Premier League Preview – Oct. 17-19
3. Premier League Preview – Sept. 26-28

Watch all goals and Best moments from the English Premier League football matches of Game Week 15.

Landon Donovan, U.S. national team star and Los Angeles Galaxy captain, has finalized a three-month loan deal with Everton which will see the most talented player in American history heading to Goodison Park on January 1, according to sources close to SBI.

Donovan will join fellow American Tim Howard at Everton, and will have the opportunity to play against fellow Americans who ply their trade in the Premier League such as Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Jozy Altidore (Hull City), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Brad Friedel (Aston Villa) and others.

Pending work permit approvals, the first match that Donovan may be eligible for is the Saturday, January 9th game between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

Now that the deal has been finalized, what are your thoughts? And what other American soccer players do you think should sign similar loan deals to play in England during the MLS off-season? Click the comments link below to share your feedback.

LA Galaxy has responded with the following statement: ““We are aware of Everton’s interest in Landon Donovan, as they are one of a number of clubs who have contacted the Galaxy about the possibility of a short term loan agreement for Landon. The Galaxy, MLS and Landon’s representative will work together to determine if and whether an arrangement with Everton or any other club would be beneficial to all parties.”

In the meantime, we have a message in to Everton to get a statement from them.

Related posts:

1. Would Landon Donovan Playing at Everton be a Smart Move or Not?
2. Poll: Which Premier League Club Will Sign Landon Donovan?
3. Poll: Landon Donovan Heading To The EPL?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Syndacast. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is plenty of Formula 1 news that really excites me lately. First, my country, Malaysia will participate as Lotus F1 Team and Sepang F1 Circuit will surely be Lotus F1 home circuit. Great isn’t it??

Then, there is news that Michael Schumacher will be back next season. Mercedes, who have taken over the title-winning Brawn team, have been linked in media reports with the retired German great now that Britain’s world champion Jenson Button has moved from Brawn to McLaren. If he really come back… I will surely going to Sepang F1 Circuit to watch him racing again. Since his retirement, I hardly watch Formula 1 anymore.

So, next year.. Malaysia will host Formula 1 race one more time from 1 April until 4 April 2010. Race tickets already available with the price range from as low as RM100 to as high as RM2600. If you interested to join next year Formula 1 race at Kuala Lumpur.. you can get the ticket at Malaysia GP website.

And… how about the best hotel for you to stay during that Malaysia GP?? Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside should be one of your best choice. The lake view is totally awesome and it’s situated just about 15 minutes by car to Sepang F1 circuit and also about 15 minutes to Kuala Lumpur City Center.

If you have Mastercard, maybe this is a good time for you to book a hotel room at that hotel through Accorhotels website because at this moment, they offered MasterCard Cardholder – Exclusive Deal that might give you 3 nights stays for the price of 2. By simply make a booking and pay with your MasterCard upon check-out, you also will enter into the draw that could make you win a 3 night stay with complimentary daily breakfast for 2 person, in a private villa, that comes with its own swimming pool, Jacuzzi, private garden and separate living room, at the award winning 5 star Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay resort.

The offered will end on 31 January 2010. So, if you already make a decision to watch next year Malaysia F1 GP, better hurry!! It is hard to get the hotel during that time if you try to book it late.

Young Arsenal striker Carlos Vela has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

35 years old ex-Arsenal player,sol Campbell is in talk with Man Utd.Before this the england national sign a contract with nottingham forest.But unfortunely sol just played one for them.

it is good to see Sol with Man utd during the club’s injury crisis.Man Utd only has one first-team defender in the starting line-up against wolfsburg which saw carrick partnering with fletcher.

the ex-england defender also has chance to play with his england  team-mates such as rooney,scholes,ferdinand,carrick and so on……

While looking for stories about last night’s Champions League action, I came across a story about Jens Lehmann. Apparently after last night’s Champions League victory which put them into knockout stages, former Gunner keeper “Mad” Jens Lehmann was apparently critical of Stuttgart’s board for dismissing manager Markus Babbel, and now he’s in trouble with the board. But that wasn’t the interesting part.

Cryptically, the story ends with the following sentence, without any other context or explanation:

“Lehmann is also reported to have taken an unscheduled toilet break behind the advertising hoardings during the victory.”

I thought, “Wait–does that mean what I think it means?” As near as I can tell, the advertising hoardings in question are the billboards which surround the pitch. So unless I was reading this incorrectly, they were saying Mad Jens just decided to pull them down and have a wee in front of 55,000 people. After a bit more research, I found the following:

Well, there it is. I guess it’s safe to say he’s not one of those guys who has trouble going when someone else is watching. And he didn’t even wait for a stoppage in play. Lehmann could drive you crazy sometimes, but you have to admit–sometimes you really miss having that brilliant lunatic around.

While having a drink at a local coffee shop Wednesday evening with Kartik Krishnaiyer, the topic of Graeme Souness came up and what an abysmal football manager he was especially at Newcastle. It got me thinking, though, that just as footballers retire from playing, football managers should be put out to pasture too when they’re obviously inept or past their prime.

So, without further ado, here are the top 7 football managers who have been involved in the English game that should be put out to pasture:

1. Graeme Souness: Souney is a perfect example of someone who is a much better pundit than football manager. With his analysis on RTE, he’s decisive, critical and blunt. As a football manager, he was often making excuses or silly transfer moves such as when he got rid of Deco and replaced him with Mark Pembridge.
2. David O’Leary: Whenever a manager vacancy happens, O’Leary is usually the first name that the press mentions as a possible contender for the job. However, in recent years, he’s been overlooked time and time again. And for good reason. The former Aston Villa manager did superbly at Leeds United, but his record at Villa was less than admirable eventually resulting in a player revolt against then Villa chairman Doug Ellis by his own players in 2006.
3. Tony Adams: The former Arsenal defender is another example of a genius of a football player who was awful as a manager. Even as an assistant manager at Portsmouth, under Harry Redknapp, Adams looked like a glum individual who was slumped on the bench and looking very disinterested. When he became manager of Pompey, his posture improved slightly but his tactics as manager were suspect and he lacked the motivation necessary to boost his players. His final game in charge was against Liverpool where his team were leading but eventually lost 3-2. In 16 games in charge, he only picked up 10 points. To make matters worse, he has now been tipped for the vacant New York Red Bulls manager position.
4. Iain Dowie: After Alan Curbishley left Charlton, Dowie was one of several clueless managers who tried to keep the ship afloat but failed miserably despite the fact that Dowie spent £11.2m on players during the summer of 2006. Under his leadership, Dowie won two Premier League games out of 12 and was sacked by November.
5. Stuart Pearce: Under Stuart Pearce, Manchester City were a joke team that had an awful club record of only scoring 10 league goals at home that entire season. Besides that poor record, Pearce supported Ben Thatcher after his horrific tackle against Pedro Mendes of Portsmouth. Pearce claimed that Thatcher mistimed the tackle, which is ridiculous. Add to that Pearce’s ineptitude as a manager. It’s surprising to think that he’s now the England under-21 manager.
6. Bryan Robson: One of the world’s best midfielders in his time ended up being a relative failure as a football manager. After each stint as a football manager, it became very apparent that he was pretty clueless as a gaffer at clubs such as Middlesbrough, Bradford, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United. His only saving grace was the final of the 2004/2005 season when West Brom performed the great escape by beating Portsmouth 2-0 and staying up in the Premier League.
7. Kevin Keegan: As much as I love Big Kev as a footballer and a childhood hero of mine, his days as a quality manager are long gone. He did well at Fulham and Newcastle United, but his track record at Manchester City was awful. As long as he did plenty of money to buy flash players, he was able to do well but his tactics seemed naive and definitely out of touch with reality despite his success at Newcastle United in the early 90s when they almost won the league.

Who’s missing from the list that deserves to be on it? Or which players do you think should not be included above? Click the comments link below and share your feedback.

Related posts:

1. When Was The Last Time A Manager Was Sacked So Late In The Premier League Season?
2. Tony Adams Will Learn to Regret His Defoe Quit Threat
3. The Football Managers: Poetry In Motion

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed defender Anton Ferdinand could be ruled out for at least a month.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s face flushing red on a frosty winter’s day. Emile Heskey returning from an injury. Xavi and Iniesta gently stroking the ball back and forth to one another to the rising applause of the Catalan faithful. Steven Gerrard’s wife. The sweet smell of bacon, beans and eggs permeating the pub on a matchday morning. England bowing out of an international tournament on penalties. A shady Internet stream of a big match freezing right before a goal. Adidas cleats. These are a few of my reliable things.

The Adidas adiNOVA TRX FG, in classic black and white, continues a proud tradition of dependently decent, entry-level Adidas soccer shoes. Those who prefer understated style will appreciate the traditional look of these cleats. Like their competitors, Adidas has begun exploring the outer limits of design at the high-end level. It’s comforting to know that they still expend energy on everyday pairs.

Like most natural leather kicks, they are stiff at first, requiring a break-in period. Wider-footed players may find the shoes to be a tad tight. The studs are heavily weighted towards the outside, non-pacy players may find a lack of grip along the middle of the shoe. The lacing is off-center, allowing more surface area with which to feel and control the ball, and the overall profile of the shoe is sufficiently low. The tongue is molded on one side with the body of the shoe itself, helping to keep the foot from pronating and making the laces almost superfluous.

The Adidas adiNOVA TRX FG is a perfectly serviceable pair of cleats made all the more appealing by its reasonable price. Like the immortal Adidas Samba, a simple-looking pair allows one’s game to speak for itself. As befits their status as one of the world’s biggest soccer companies, Adidas has never strayed far from what works.

The Adidas adiNOVA TRX FG, along with a wide array of soccer shoes and other soccer equipment, may be found at soccerpro.com. The friendly folks at soccerpro.com were kind enough to give me a pair for this review.

Related posts:

1. Nike’s CTR360 Trequartista AG Boots/Cleats Product Review
2. Win a Free Pair Of Adidas Predator Football Boots
3. Setanta-i Product Review

Burnley manager Owen Coyle is keen to speak to his Portsmouth counterpart Avram Grant about David Nugent.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is focusing on the plus points from his side's 2-1 defeat by Fiorentina.

Chelsea have confirmed midfielder Michael Essien will be out for up to a month after tearing his hamstring.

Morning all,

a defeat last night which predictably brought about a pile of OTT negativity after the final whistle but I thought there was a lot more positive than negative to last night's performance. As I said yesterday the game was unimportant. Yes, it was a chance for some young players to gain some experience and for some first team fringe-ers to show they're ready for action but it was not a game on which careers stand and fall. 

Let's face it, Arsenal dominated possession throughout the game. This was a team with two full debutants (Bartley and Cruise), Wilshere playing his first Champions League game, and if Sylvester hadn't been in the team the average age would have been 3. They played nice football in the first half, of course they got caught a bit on the break by an experienced team playing at home, but that's only to be expected. Going in 0-0 at half-time was a fair reflection of the game and the jeers and whistles of the home crowd told you they expected their team to do better against a pack of kids.

The only goal of the game came early in the second half. Bartley got a bit too enthusiastic with a challenge and got caught out of position, their player took it on and finished nicely between Fabianski's legs. A goal borne out of our inexperience really. In those circumstances though you look for a reaction and it wasn't a case that heads went down, we went at them and really should have been level inside a couple of minutes. Ramsey broke forward from midfield, drew the defenders and at the perfect time slid a ball across the box for Carlos Vela whose right footed effort was tame and straight at the keeper.

Vela had another brilliant chance later on, this time on his stronger foot but he clipped it over the bar. Ramsey had a free header at the back post from a corner, he also had one cleared off the line and I'm sure it was accidental, the defender knew nothing about it till the ball hit him, Theo had a couple of half chances and while Fabianski had to make one very good save the best opportunities fell to Arsenal. Sadly we didn't take any of them and if you want to be critical of the finishing then fair enough, but not of the performance. 

That young team can hold their heads up today. They went to a difficult place, played a team who have beaten Liverpool and Madrid in recent times, and should have gotten a result. The stand out performer on the night was Aaron Ramsey who had a really fantastic game. He was involved in pretty much everything good we did and some of his passing was magical. In the first half he played a perfect ball through the defence to Theo Walcott but Theo's habit of leaving the ball behind him saw the chance go begging. In the second he played another outstanding pass to Walcott from midfield, with the outside of his foot, but the shot was blocked by the defender in the end.

He always wanted the ball, got stuck in, showed that he's got a bit of a fight and niggle about him, which is vital for any top player, and while not everything he tried came off the fact that he was constantly looking for it to try and get us going was hugely positive. At 18 he's yet to add consistency to his locker but you can't help but feeling this boy is going to be a player and a half if he keeps developing like he has been. A word too for Alex Song who provided the solidity and platform for Ramsey to get forward. It was interesting to see him win it, bring it forward and almost every time look for the young Welshman to do something with it.

Where we might feel a little disappointed is with the front three. Wilshere was very quiet but at 17 and making his first Champions League start that's no real biggy. Carlos Vela was disappointing though, I thought. Running up blind alleys, getting knocked off the ball too easily and extremely poor finishing don't give you a lot of confidence that he's the man to get the goals we need in van Persie's absence. He's had a decent enough run of games recently and unfortunately has shown little in any of them. He had two glorious chances yesterday and badly missed them both. Yes, we've seen glimpses of breathtaking skill from him in the Carling Cup but when it comes to games with a bit of importance or where there's an expecation for him to perform then he's never really done it for us. 

At a time when we're struggling for goals you'd hope for better from a young man Wenger compared, favourably, to Robbie Fowler. Yes, he's only 20, and I'm not writing him off by any means, but on the evidence thus far he's not ready for the first team at the moment. Theo - a brief word, he looked as rusty as a guy who has only played a game and a half this season. He needs to get games under his belt and build some confidence. That means staying injury free - he took a worrying knock right at the end of the game - and end product when he does get into good positions. 

Afterwards Arsene declared himself proud of the performance and I think that's fair enough. Overall we did enough to get at least a draw from that game, given the circumstances and the team we had out. It was a very effective training exercise really, nothing more than that.

So, we top the group which means that we've got a two-legged tie against one of the group runners up. The 7 teams we can draw are: Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, Porto, Inter Milan, Lyon, AC Milan, CSKA Moscow. So some potentially tricky games in there, if you had to choose I think one of the German teams would be best, Stuttgart in particular, but I have this feeling in my water that it's going to be Inter Milan. Wenger v Mourinho again. The draw takes place on Friday week so let's think/worry about it then.

Now though, attention has to turn to Sunday, back to the important business of the league and a big, big game against the Mugsmashers. More on that to come in the days ahead.

Don't forget your chance to win a copy of 'Football Ambassador' the autobiography of Arsenal legend Eddie Hapgood (dope aided hog!!) with thanks to GCR Books. Details of the competition on yesterday's blog and the winners will be announced tomorrow.

Till then.

Michael Carrick is backing Manchester United team-mate Michael Owen to go on a scoring run.

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Chris Oakley of Some People on the Pitch and the Sound of Football joins EPL Talk’s Kartik Krishnaiyer and Laurence McKenna to break down the World Cup Draw, focusing on England’s group and look at some other Premier League players of impact.

Be sure not to miss a single episode of the EPL Talk Podcast, the only Premier League interview show on the Internet. We have a long list of high-profile guests scheduled over the next weeks each with their own fascinating stories to tell. Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast via iTunes or visit EPL Talk or the archives for the latest episodes.

Related posts:

1. EPL Talk Podcast: Steve McManaman on the World Cup Draw
2. EPL Talk Podcast: Chris Oakley
3. EPL Talk Podcast: Champions League Matchday Four Review Show

Chris Oakley of Some People on the Pitch and the Sound of Football joins EPL Talk's Kartik Krishnaiyer and Laurence McKenna to break down the World Cup Draw, focusing on England's group and look at some other Premier League players of impact. Be sure not to miss a single episode of the EPL Talk Podcast, the only Premier League interview show on the Internet. We have a long list of high-profile guests scheduled over the next weeks each with their own fascinating stories to tell. Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast via iTunes or visit EPL Talk or the archives for the latest episodes.

Jumaat minggu depan Arsenal akan mengetahui siapakah gerangan yang akan kita tentang pada peringkat kalah mati nanti.. Sejujurnya semua pasukan cukup handal-handal semuanya seperti Bayern Munich, AC Milan dan Inter Milan...

Sementara 3 pasukan lagi juga tidak kurang hebatnya seperti VFB Stuttgart, Olympique Lyon dan FC Porto.. Anda boleh undi pasukan mana agaknya yang anda mahu Arsenal tentang di peringkat kalah mati Champions League nanti di ruangan Undian Anda..

Atikah sebenarnya berharap Arsenal mampu bertemu VFB Stuttgart pada peringkat kalah mati nanti.. Itulah pilihan utama Atikah.. Pilihan kedua Atikah ialah FC Porto.. Dan yang terakhir ialah Olympique Lyon..

Sebab utama Atikah nak Arsenal jumpa VFB Stuttgart ialah tidak lain iaitu peluang menyambut kembali seorang lagenda Arsenal dan seorang bekas pemain Arsenal iaitu Jens Lehamann dan juga Alexander Hleb.. Ianya sesuatu yang menarik untuk ditonton jika Arsenal berjaya diundi menentang VFB Stuttgart.. Adios!!

Michael Essien’s oh-so-glorious volley against Barcelona is one of ten goals nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award, “bestowed upon the player from either the men’s or women’s game judged to have scored the best goal of the year.“

The likes of Ronaldo, Torres, Iniesta (blah), Nilmar, Adebayor and Grafite — a personal favorite — among others, are also in the running. Stiff competition to be sure.

Voting closes Monday so be sure to get over to the FIFA’s official web site to cast your’s. Click here to do so.

No explanation really necessary. Lets see what you got, people. I’ll start us off…

“She had man hands.”

First Mikel pulls a Carlton Cole. Now this.

From chelseafc.com: “Michael Essien today (Wednesday) underwent an examination on the injury he suffered in last night’s Champions League game. Results of scans show a tear in his right hamstring. Essien is expected to be out for three to four weeks.”

The fine folks over at Footy Factor beat me to it this bit of well-clothed information — well done, good sirs – but this tiny footnote had actually struck me right after the League Cup tie with Blackburn.

So the Blues have lost three matches this season (@ Wigan, Aston Villa, Manchester City). They’ve also been eliminated from the Carling Cup on penalties by Blackburn. You know all this. But do you know the one constant over all four defeats?

Why the kit, of course. That dreaded neon-navy concoction to be more precise.

Drogba, either staring at his junk or lamenting how awful this kit is.

Yes, Chelsea has played four matches this term in what has been designated our away kit for 2009-10. Aaaaaand the Blues have lost all four. More over, three players — Salomon Kalou, England’s Brave John Terry and Ashley Cole — have suffered injuries wearing that ghastly ringer.

The breakdown:
Played 24 – 19 Wins,1 Draw, 4 losses
Home Kit: (blue) played 18 – won 17, drawn 1.
Away Kit (navy/neon): played 4 – lost 4.
Third Kit (white): played 2 – won 2.

Superstitious or no — I’m not, usually – to hell with this kit. Blue and white for the rest of the season, I say.

What do you think? Hogwash? Burn it?

“It was not a good evening and I spoke with my players. We did well in the first half, reacting well after going behind after six minutes, but the second half was totally different. We lost intensity, we lost concentration, we played too slowly and too soft. The second half was not good and I’m not happy.”
-Carlo breaks out the whoopin’ stick following the 2-2 draw with APOEL. I like it.

Well, Arsenal goes down 1-0 to Olympiakos (highlights here). For all the talk about how we might be disrespecting the competition by fielding a team of players in their teens and early 20s, it sounds like they went out there and put on a pretty good performance. Playing Olympiakos in Athens is never easy, and a 1-0 loss is nothing to be ashamed of.

It’s even more so when you consider we had 61% of the possession in the match, and after conceding the goal in the 48th minute, it sounds like we created quite a few scoring opportunities, but were undone by good defensive work by the Greeks and poor finishing by us, especially Vela. I know a loss is always a bit disappointing, but hats off to the boys for doing us proud.

Anyway, we’re on to the knockout rounds. While the draw won’t take place for a while yet, that won’t stop some irresponsible bloggers from going ahead and speculating as to who we might draw. Fortunately for you, I am just such an irresponsible blogger, so let’s dive right in.

Simply put, who do you want? Do we simply want the easiest route to the quarterfinals, in which case CSKA Moscow or Stuttgart (currently 16th in the Bundesliga) might be the pick? Do we want a victory over a storied opponent, in which case Bayern, Lyon, or AC Milan might be better? Do we want to give Mourinho and Wenger months to spar verbally across the continent through the media? Let me know.

Who Do You Want to Draw for the Knockout Stages?(polls)

UPDATE: And for what it’s worth, my only real criteria is which draw will give us the best chance of making it into the next round. I would break it down thusly (ranked from easiest to most difficult):

1. CSKA–just finished 5th in the Russian SuperLeague, and remember, that league doesn’t play in the winter, so they don’t have another domestic fixture until mid-March. The knockout stage starts at the end of February, so they will have been without any competitive match experience for over 2 months. On the downside, having to play a fixture in Moscow in February or early March would be brutal.

2. Stuttgart–currently 16th in the Bundesliga, in the relegation zone. They’ll probably turn it around somewhat, but it seems like they won’t be able to get above mid-table in a league not nearly up to the Premiership quality. Also, it would be kind of fun to have Lehmann and Hleb back at the Emirates.

3. Porto–a decent side, but pretty similar to the side we dominated 4-0 in the group stages last season. Granted, they beat us 2-0 in Lisbon, but that was against what was basically the Carling Cup side, in a situation pretty similar to today. Still, though, only lost 1-0 to Chelsea in both legs of their group stage encounters, so they’re capable of competing with any club in the world.

4. Lyon–A team on the decline? Failed to win Ligue 1 last season for the first time in what seems like forever, and currently sit 4th in that table. Lost their marquee player, Karim Benzema, to Real Madrid over the summer. Played well in the group stage, though, going unbeaten at home and winning at Anfield.

5. Bayern Munich–the German giants barely missed winning the Bundesliga last season, and currently sit 4th in a tightly-packed Bundesliga table. They’ve got a lot of tradition, and they’ve also got that Ribery fellow you may have heard something about. They’re also a very good team away from home.

6. AC Milan–haven’t been quite the world power over the past few years as they have been previously. But still…um, they’ve won this thing 7 times, so they’re not a team you really want to draw. And Alexandre Pato may be the best striker in the world that’s never included in the “best striker in the world” debate. They’re second in the Serie A table, just 4 points behind Inter. As you’ll remember, we drew them in the knockout stages in 2007-2008, and famously became the first English club to win at the San Siro behind goals from Cesc and Adebayor. I’d just as soon not have to repeat that feat.

7. Inter–Ah, Jose. We all remember this guy. They’ve won Serie A 4 years in a row, and look as strong as ever this year with the addition of world-class striker Samuel Eto’o. And after years of failure and disappointment in Europe, the pressure is on Mourinho to advance in the Champions League this season, so you can bet he’ll be prioritizing advancing to the quarterfinals. No thanks. Also would give us Patrick Vieira’s return to the Emirates.

Barclays Premier League sides had a disappointing night in the Champions League.

Lineups are in, and pretty much everyone else in the lineup is almost young enough to be Mikael Silvestre’s illegitimate love child:

Olympiakos: Starters: Nikopolidis, Galitsios, Avraam Papadopoulos, Mellberg, Raul Bravo, Galletti, Dudu, Maresca, Leonardo, Oscar, Mitroglou. Subs: Pardo, Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Domi, Zairi, Georgios, Pantos, Katsikogiannis.

Arsenal: Starters: Fabianski, Gilbert, Bartley, Silvestre, Cruise, Ramsey, Song Billong, Merida, Walcott, Wilshere, Vela. Subs: Mannone, Coquelin, Eastmond, Ayling, Randall, Sunu.

Ages of the Arsenal Starting XI: 24, 22, 18, 32, 18, 18, 22, 19, 20, 17, 20. Average age without Silvestre & Fabianski: 19.33. Honestly, if you saw that age cohort hanging out together on the street, police would bust Silvestre for conspiring to buy alcohol for minors.

But all fun aside, games like this are why youngsters love to come play for Arsenal. Most of these kids won’t make it at Arsenal, and will settle into decent professional careers at the lower levels, but unlike the other big clubs (witness Chelsea’s basically first-choice lineup in a similarly meaningless match yesterday), these kids will have the opportunity to suit up on a European night, in a hostile environment, against Greece’s best club. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them, something they’ll be able to tell their kids about some day. Hopefully they make the most of it.

Anyway, hopefully we’ll put in a good performance, and Walcott and Song won’t get hurt.

Also, as a side note–how bad must the relationship between Senderos and the club be at this point where either he’s not willing to play or Wenger’s not willing to play him in this match? I understand he’s unhappy at the club, and wants to leave in January, but you would think at a certain point, they would get together and say, “Hey, I could use a run out to remind clubs I’m still alive, you need a defender in this meaningless game–I think we can help each other.” At this point I think he must be pretty much like Private Pyle in “Full Metal Jacket”–just sitting on a toilet with a crazy look in his eyes, cleaning a rifle over and over again…

Anyway, I won’t be watching the match, but will be following it and chiming in in the comments section with my usual inane comments. Feel free to join in if you’re so inclined.

Come on Arsenal.

Jangan tundukkan kepalamu wahai semua pemain Young Guns Arsenal !! Kekalahan 1-0 semalam adalah satu kejayaan.. Atikah dan semua penyokong Arsenal bangga dengan keputusan ini kerana Young Guns Arsenal yang rata-rata pemainnya bawah-20 tahun hanya tewas 1-0!!

Everton are in advanced discussions with Landon Donovan to acquire him on loan for a three month deal, according to several sources in the English press.

If the deal goes through, it should be a win-win for both Everton and Donovan. For Everton, the club is desperately in need for new players to help a team that has been savagely disrupted by injuries. Plus the club is very much in need of a creative attacking midfielder who can take over from the still-injured Mikel Arteta and to thread passes through for Everton strikers such as Yakubu, Louis Saha and Jo.

For Donovan, it’ll be an excellent opportunity to maintain his fitness, to compete at a much higher level than Major League Soccer where he may be able to improve his game, as well as prove to the world whether he truly is an accomplished footballer. While he’s a massive star in the United States, his previous appearances in Europe for Bayern Munich and Bayern Leverkusen have been considered flops.

If the deal does go through, it’ll give Donovan an opportunity to not only try to break into the Everton team, but the Toffees will be competing in the Europa League as well as playing several high-profile Premier League matches such as the Merseyside derby on February 6 (televised live on ESPN2) and versus Manchester City on January 16 (televised live on Fox Soccer Channel).

With all said, there are definitely big question marks about whether Donovan can compete at a Premier League level as well as for a team that often plays hoofball. Everton is a tough, physical team and playing for the Toffees would significantly increase the chances of Donovan being injured before a critical World Cup tournament for him. Plus, there are many question marks surrounding the size and physique of the player and whether he would be able to adapt to the English game.

My personal opinion is that I don’t think Donovan would be an instant hit in the Premier League. It’s going to take him time to adapt to the cold temperatures and to the style of play. He’s not going to get as much space or time on the ball as he does in MLS. That said, I believe he’ll turn some heads and will make some valuable assists in games. But I don’t envision him setting the league on fire. As for Everton, they’re a team that wouldn’t necessarily be the best fit for Donovan. But given the opportunity, I feel there’s a lot more for Donovan to gain than to lose by making the move to Goodison Park.

What do you think? Would Landon Donovan playing at Everton be a smart move or not? Click the comments link below and share your feedback.

Photo credit: Stuart Wainstock.

Related posts:

1. Poll: Which Premier League Club Will Sign Landon Donovan?
2. Poll: Landon Donovan Heading To The EPL?
3. ESPN Makes Smart Move With Andy Gray Hiring

Lee Bowyer was at the opening of a new all-weather pitch at a school in the shadows of St Andrew's.

Michael Ballack hosted a group of young people from the Prince's Trust, undertaking a Q and A session.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Kevin Doyle and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake visited The Walled Garden Project in Shifnal.

I’m with Terrell, this whole exiting the Champions League thing sucks. And I love my quarterback too. But strictly in the platonic sense. So what if I’m the center?

Liverpool:

Cavalieri
Darby Skrtel Agger Skrtel Insua
Mascherano
Benayoun Aquilani Dossena
Gerrard
Kuyt

Bench: Reina, Torres, Aurelio, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Spearing, Pacheco

Fiorentina:

Frey
Comotto Natali Kroldrup Pasqual
De Silvestri Montolivo Donadel Jorgensen
Santana Gilardino

Bench: Avramov, Seculin, Vargas, Castillo, Marchionni, Aya, Carraro.

In case you haven’t heard, or haven’t been subjected to the suffocating coverage of Liverpool’s failures thus far in Europe, today marks the end of Liverpool’s Champions League campaign. This is what four goals in five games will do for you. Lyon and Fiorentina were consistently better during the group stage, and the outcome has to be seen as appropriate. Lack of goals aside, Liverpool were inconsistent at home and away, and were uncharacteristically poor in a competition that they were supposedly built for.

Regardless of the outcome today, Liverpool will be joining the round of 32 in the Europa League, and Lyon and Fiorentina will move into the knockout stages of the Champions League. Yesterday saw some unexpected results–namely Juventus getting trounced by Bayern and Benedict Owen netting a hat trick to send Wolfsburg out. As chris mentions on the front page, today’s drama potentially lies in Group F, as Barcelona could mathematically find themselves joining Liverpool. Misery loves company.

The big news for Liverpool today is the starting role assured for Alberto Aquilani. And as I’ve mentioned before, there’s clearly no pressure on him to produce, immediately, and shine. I’m expecting about 60-65 minutes from him, and so long as he maintains possession and moves forward, I’d be pleased. As opposed to, say, passing back and forth in the middle of the pitch for most of the game. Who’s that third guy?

Lyon needs Liverpool to win, and have publicly asked for the Reds to get all three points so they can win the group. I think that’s asking a lot for a side that have had trouble winning for themselves this season. And coming from a squad that didn’t attack until the last ten minutes in the game Liverpool needed them to win, I don’t think it carries much weight.

Team news as it comes out, but in other miscellany…

David Ngog/N’Gog/N’gog hits at at his critics about “the dive,” instead asserting that he jumped. Which he may have, but the post-jump flail is a little more damning…

Pepe Reina continues making love to my ears, this time stating that he “couldn’t imagine playing for another club.” I think it would be a bit much if he wasn’t so damn consistent about his passion and pride in pulling on the Liverpool shirt. He should sit down with Stan Collymore and try to explain such things. Just not in a parking lot. Zing!

Other gossip/news/opinion found at Empire of the Kop…

Back in a bit as the snow falls in the Midwestern US…and maybe it’s a local thing, but how many on-site TV reporters do we need to confirm that the snow is falling? I’d say four different reporters that are a combined 20 miles apart is a bit much. Open a window.

Burnley's Steven Caldwell and Andre Bikey showed ball skills of a different kind on a special community visit.

Bolton Wanderers' Gary Megson has told his players the talking must stop and they have to deliver on the field.

Martin Tyler, the world’s number one football commentator, was on ESPN last week with Bob Ley to provide his reaction and analysis to the draw that will see England play the United States in the 2010 World Cup. In addition to Tyler’s analysis of that match, he also discusses the other groups and how he sees the other countries fairing in the tournament.

Hat tip: The Offside Rules.

Related posts:

1. ESPN Hires Martin Tyler As World Cup 2010 Commentator
2. Martin Tyler Interview: Questions Please
3. England and United States: The Dream World Cup Draw

Steven Gerrard and David Beckham star in a new Adidas TV advert for the Predator X boot. Both Stevie G and Becks are on the football pitch and engage in a playful competition between each other to figure out who has the best accuracy.

Zinedine Zidane also stars in the commercial.

Related posts:

1. Wayne Rooney To Star In Hovis Advert
2. Is Steven Gerrard the Best Player in the World?
3. England Respects David Beckham, Why Can’t We?

Arsenal’s unbeaten Champions League run in Group H came to an end at Olympiakos after their youngsters were undone by a cool second-half strike by Leonardo. Watch UEFA Champions League Group H football match, Olympiakos Vs Arsenal Highlights here. Highlights

Liverpool’s disappointing Champions League campaign ends in miserable fashion, with Alberto Gilardino’s last-gasp goal giving Fiorentina victory. Watch UEFA Champions League Group E football match, Liverpool Vs Fiorentina Highlights here. Highlights

Lionel Messi’s brilliant late free-kick helped Barcelona recover from a nightmare start to defeat Dynamo Kiev and secure top spot in Group F. Watch UEFA Champions League Group F football match, Dynamo Kiev Vs Barcelona Highlights here. 1-0 Milevskiy 2′ 1-1 Xavi 33′ 1-2 Messi 86′

Samuel Eto’o fired Inter Milan to a 2-0 win over Rubin Kazan that puts them in the knockout stages of the Champions League. Watch UEFA Champions League Group F football match, Inter Milan Vs Rubin Kazan Highlights here. Highlights

Lyon concluded their Champions League Group E campaign with a thumping home win over Debrecen but were denied top spot in the pool by Fiorentina, who triumphed 2-1 at Liverpool. Watch UEFA Champions League Group E football match, Lyon Vs Debrecen Highlights here.

Rangers’ dismal Champions League campaign ended in defeat to Sevilla in their final Group G match. Watch UEFA Champions League Group G football match, Sevilla Vs Rangers Highlights here. Highlights

Goalkeeper Sinan Bolat headed an equaliser five minutes into injury-time as Standard Liege snatched a place in the Europa League from opponents AZ Alkmaar in the dying seconds of their Group H Champions League clash. Watch UEFA Champions League Group H football match, Standard Liege Vs AZ Alkmaar Highlights here. Highlights

Anthony Gardner predicts a battling display from Hull City against Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Premier League.

Stuttgart swept Unirea Urziceni aside to exchange places with the Romanians in Group F and take their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League thanks to a 3-1 win. Watch UEFA Champions League Group G football match, VfB Stuttgart Vs Unirea Urziceni Highlights here. Highlights

Watch FIFA Club World Cup Play-off football match, Al-Ahly Dubai Vs Auckland City Highlights here. 0-1 Dickinson 45′ 0-2 Coombes 67′

Manchester City's Wayne Bridge is determined to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself at Eastlands.

Everton's Phil Neville has revealed the mental battle he has faced in attempting to return from a knee injury.

Denmark keeper Thomas Sorensen says a place at next year's World Cup is spurring him on for Stoke City.

Well, we knew it was going to be a young team for tonight's game and Arsenal announced the squad yesterday which includes 10 teenagers, 3 toddlers, 2 embryos, 1 sperm and Sylvester. The full list is here.

With the amount of injuries we have the manager really didn't have much choice but I suppose it does add a bit of interest to what is, effectively, a nothing game. I remember years and years ago we played a similar kind of team in a Champions League game away from home. It might even have been in Greece too. I think Alberto Mendez might have scored and the Dead Snake too, but it was so long ago I don't recall the details. Nor is it interesting enough to go look them up.

Players who thought they might possibly get a chance in the Carling Cup are now thrust into European action and it'll be a good experience for them. We know all about the likes of Merida, Wilshere, Ramsey and co, and with some experience from the likes of Walcott, Vela, Song the aforementioned Sylvester there should be enough of a blend to gel things together.

That said, it's always a risky business playing young players in Europe and with this game so far and away the boss will be hoping it's not mission impossible for a player likely to make his debut at left back, Tom Cruise. Let's face it, he could have moved Sylvester to left back and perhaps made room in the squad for Senderos but Arsene said:

Hell, no! I'm playing the kid, man. He’s used to the mickey-taking. But, for me, there’s only one Tom Cruise and he’s the one who plays for Arsenal! Tom is a very good footballer.

Despite the youth of the team the manager thinks we can win the game. Personally, I don't think it matters one bit if we win or lose once we give it a good go. There's already talk of the manager being roundly criticised if we don't win this game but to me that's just absurd. We have already qualified for the knock-out stages as winners of the group, most of our senior players are injured to within an inch of their lives, it makes no sense to do anything other than pick a young team. And they're probably going to be a bit out of their depth against a pretty decent Greek outfit. 

So if the result doesn't go our way then so be it. It's not a stick to beat the managers and players with. We've already done the job we were supposed to do so if people want to go off on one should the result go against us then I really think they're wasting their time. 

It will be a good chance to see certain players though. Merida, Wilshere - whom the boss is open to loaning out - and Ramsey are all being talked about as the future of our midfield. They struggled against Man City last week in the Carling Cup, again not too unexpectedly, so it'll be interesting to see how they go tonight. Of Ramsey the manager says:

He has spirit, and something that is very interesting, he is an efficient player, gets in the box at the right moment and is a penetrating player. He is not a guy who goes right across the pitch - Ramsey goes where it hurts, and when he gets there, he is a good finisher.

So perhaps he's looking for a bit of that going where it hurts from the young Welshman tonight. He'll go into the game on the back of a productive cameo against Stoke too. All in all the presence of the youngsters makes the game watchable. Here's hoping they acquit themselves well.

In other news Dennis Bergkamp is making flirty eyes with us and frankly I'm swooning. He says about a possible return in a coaching role:

They want me to come, but it's too early for that. But I can see myself working with Arsene Wenger. We share out honesty, humor, vision, how to manage people and how to work with young players. It all worked out. There have been some hints. From him, from Arsenal, from the media. They want me to come.

Oh God, Dennis, come, come. Sadly Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move for the moment so we'll have to just use our imaginations. You filthy bastards.

Reports in Russia say some some Russian players were out carousing the night before their World Cup exit to Slovenia. Arsene Wenger has defended Andrei Arshavin saying he wouldn't be involved in those kind of high-jinks. Mostly because he's so tiny he can only get up to low-jinks which aren't nearly as much fun.

Right then, final thing for today - a chance to win one of three copies of 'Football Ambassador' which is the biography of Arsenal legend Eddie Hapgood. Eddie joined Arsenal in 1927 and made a total of 440 appearances in both league and cup before retiring in 1944. In addition he captained England for 34 of his 43 international caps. Football Ambassador was the first football autobiography and was written at the end of a long and successful career for both club and country.

To win a copy simply answer the following question: Eddie Hapgood is pictured on the front of Football Ambassador with his son Tony. Which current Premier League club did Tony play for professionally?

Was it - a) Arsenal - b) Burnley - c) Chelsea

If you're stuck on the question you might check out the website of the publisher, GCR Books, who also re-published the Arsenal Stadium Mystery and Forward Arsenal. Answers to competition@arseblog.com and the winners will be announced on Friday.

Right then, that's that. Have a good day, fingers crossed for some fun football tonight, more tomorrow.

A review of the news from around the grounds of each Barclays Premier League club.

Chris Riordan of Russian Football Now joins us to discuss Andre Arshavin and the Russian based players who may make their way to England this January.

Be sure not to miss a single episode of the EPL Talk Podcast, the only Premier League interview show on the Internet. We have a long list of high-profile guests scheduled over the next weeks each with their own fascinating stories to tell. Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast via iTunes or visit EPL Talk or the archives for the latest episodes.

Related posts:

1. EPL Talk Podcast: Chris Oakley
2. EPL Talk Podcast: Chris Bascombe
3. Which Has Been Your Favorite Football Interview On the EPL Talk Podcast?

Chris Riordan of Russian Football Now joins us to discuss Andre Arshavin and the Russian based players who may make their way to England this January. Be sure not to miss a single episode of the EPL Talk Podcast, the only Premier League interview show on the Internet. We have a long list of high-profile guests scheduled over the next weeks each with their own fascinating stories to tell. Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast via iTunes or visit EPL Talk or the archives for the latest episodes.

Tom Cruise main untuk Arsenal awal pagi ini?? Wow.. Gerenti semua fan-fan wanita Arsenal x tengok muka Fabregas dah.. Dan semua wanita seluruh dunia jadi fan Arsenal.. Dan sekarang ini pun muka depan akhbar semuanya cerita tentang Tom Cruise to star for Arsenal.. Namun sayangnya bukan Tom Cruise ini yang Wenger masukkan untuk main bek kiri Arsenal awal pagi ini..

Inilah pemuda yang dimaksudkan Wenger.. Thomas Cruise atau nama glamournya Tom Cruise.. Cruise yang merupakan pemuda sejati Arsenal kerana dilahirkan di Islington (harap-haraplah dia the true Gunners).. Cruise yang berusia 18 tahun ini telah pun Atikah jangkakan akan beraksi bersama Arsenal apabila ketiga-tiga pilihan utama Arsenal di bek kiri mengalami kecederaan..

Wenger menyedari yang media memberikan terlebih perhatian kepada Tom Cruise Arsenal ini lebih dari Tom Cruise sebenar sejak dia disahkan akan membuat debutnya awal pagi ini.. Dan Wenger jelas tidak mahu Cruise tertekan.. Good Luck Tom Cruise Arsenal.. Rugi betul x boleh nak tengok dia main awal pagi ini..

Sementara itu Wenger juga tidak mahu orang memperkatakan tentang isu perpindahan pinjaman kepada pemain berusia 17 tahun Arsenal iaitu Jack Wilshere.. Kerana bagi Wenger perkara ini cukup sensitif..

The New Fabregas menurut kapten pasukan Cesc Fabregas iaitu Aaron Ramsey yang akan membuat kemunculan ke-40 nya sejak menyertai Arsenal musim panas 2008 dianggap Wenger pemain yang cukup penuh tekanan pada perlawanan awal pagi ini berbanding pemain lain..

“Ramsey is 18.. He is quite ahead for his age because he already plays in the Welsh national team and is at a top-level club.. But when a player like this has a good game, there is quickly a pressure to deliver and sometimes it is difficult to get another game because they are at a top-level club.."

“Yet Aaron has spirit, as well as something that is very interesting. He is an efficient player, gets in the box at the right moment and is penetrating.. He is not a guy who goes right across the pitch.. He goes where it hurts, and when he gets there, he is a good finisher.."

“The problem in the modern game is that the talented, quick players are under much more pressure than 15 or 20 years ago..”

Sementara itu Wenger mengesahkan yang TIADA TEMPAT UNTUK DENNIS BERGKAMP buat masa ini.. Wenger mengakui dia akan memanggil bekas pemainnya jika ada tempat dalam pasukan.. Nampaknya Bergkamp kena menunggu sehingga ada ruang untuk dia masuk jika mahu menjadi salah seorang staf kejurulatihan Arsenal.. Adios!!

I was obviously a bit pissed off that we didn’t take the three points we deserved against Blackburn on Saturday but I wasn’t too down-hearted by it. Despite the result there were definite positives for us in the game and I think slowly but surely we are getting back ...

Semalam Atikah ada memberitahu yang Wilshere mahu meninggalkan Arsenal secara pinjaman semasa pintu perpindahan dibuka nanti.. Wenger juga memberikan lampu hijau namun Wilshere hanya akan dilepaskan kepada pasukan yang memenuhi kriteria Wenger sahaja..

Sebelum perlawanan ini Arsenal dihimpit masalah kecederaan yang paling teruk berbanding musim sebelum ini.. Jadi ini memaksa Wenger menurunkan ramai pemain muda dalam kunjungan ke Greece.. Dengan pemain yang tidak mengalami kecederaan direhatkan..

CARLOS VELA
THEO WALCOTT
AARON RAMSEY
ALEX SONG
MIKAEL SILVESTRE
JACK WILSHERE
LUKASZ FABIANSKI (GK)
VITO MANNONE (GK)
FRAN MERIDA
KYLE BARTLEY
FRANCIS COQUELIN
THOMAS CRUISE
CRAIG EASTMOND
JAY EMMANUEL-THOMAS
KERREA GILBERT
LUKE AYLING
MARK RANDALL
GILLES SUNU

Mana Sanchez Watt?? Atikah pun tidak tahu.. Tetapi nampaknya Sanchez Watt ketinggalan kapal terbang apabila menyertai pasukan skuad simpanan Arsenal yang tewas 1-0 kepada Fulham semalam.. Okey yang di bawah ini ialah bayangan kesebelasan utama..

A review of Barclays Premier League clubs in Champions League action.

Apologies for the lateness of this post, and the lack of anything else on the blog over the past couple of days. I’ve yet to get over this weekend’s debacle, to be fair.

Anyway, we must move on — to a seemingly meaningless fixture to close out a solid display in the Champions League group stages. APOEL visit Stamford Bridge on the final day of the stage, with little to play for themselves.

Expecting a run-out.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti promised some youth in the side, yet only Gael Kakuta is in what is a surprisingly strong starting XI. Perhaps Carlo is still bitter, like myself, over this weekend’s performance. Danny Philliskirk, Bruma and Borini are on the bench.

Either way, keep me posted on the display people.

I know, it’s not a Carling Cup match. But we appear to be treating it like a Carling Cup match, so I’m using the “Carling Cup Kids” picture.

Anyway, we travel to Olympiakos tomorrow for the final group stage match. The match is pleasantly anticlimactic. As you’ll recall, when the group stage draw was done and the fixtures announced, my general sense was that we got a very good draw, but we needed to be sure and wrap up a spot in the knockout stages by the 5th match, because Greece is always a tough place to play, and we didn’t want to be in the situation where we had to go to Athens and win just to get through.

As it turns out, the club did that and more–we’ve already won our group, so this game is inconsequential to us. So we can use the game to get the youngsters some very good experience–playing a European night against a team with a lot to play for in a hostile environment. And we can rest our stars for the midweek clash at Anfield.

If we don’t win and if Standard beats AZ, expect to hear some criticism of the club and the manager for disrespecting the competition–Standard can still technically make it into the knockout stage if they win and Olympiakos lose. I’m not entirely sure how to respond to this–the fact is that if we were in Standard’s shoes, I might feel the same way. But there’s no requirement of fielding a first-choice squad, Wenger’s duty is to Arsenal and Arsenal alone, and it’s not in our best interests to risk injury or fatigue in a match which means nothing to us.

I really expect to see some version of the Carling Cup squad take the field tomorrow:

Fabianski

Gilbert-Silvestre-Eastmond-Cruise

Merida-Ramsey-Song-Wilshere

Watt-Vela

Walcott is in the squad, too, although I would hope that Wenger wouldn’t risk him reinjuring himself since he’s just coming back from injury. Hopefully nothing more than a late-game substitute appearance for him. And I would like to think that Song wouldn’t play in this match, but since Wenger played him against Manchester City, who knows.

Olympiakos is a good team which will be looking to seal advancement to the knockout stages, so it won’t be easy. It would be a pretty major upset if Arsenal were to come away with 3 points. Mainly it’s about getting the experience of a European night under the players’ belt.

I won’t be able to watch the match (the tape delayed broadcast isn’t on until 3 a.m. on Fox Soccer, and I just can’t bring myself to wait until the next day to watch a meaningless match), so I won’t be doing player ratings for this one. But I’ll be following streams or liveblogs of it during the afternoon, and I’ll have some sort of recap up tomorrow evening after the match. Let’s hope for a good showing.

Come on Arsenal.