Fergie Points Out Rafa's Arrogance

Sir Alex has once again had a swipe at The Fat Spanish Waster, Rafa Beneathus. Rafa seems to think he and his team are a cut above the rest and showed complete disrespect and contempt toward Sal Allardyce and Blackburn Rovers last Saturday. Rafa really needs to think before he speaks as on several occassions this season he has made himself and his club look like a bunch of amateur clowns to be perfectly honest. His attempts at 'mind games' are baffling, often resulting in bad results for his team. He really should learn to button it from now on and let his team (try) and do the talking.

Fergie spoke about David Moyes and his excellent Everton team who are a challenge for anyone as they play at the moment.

"Moyes has a young squad that will get better. The young players he has in the team, allied to the ones he has brought in, have a good future. He’s done a great job. Moyes has been there for five years now and he has built a good football club. Irrespective of what Rafael Benitez says – he called them a small club – they are a big club. But that just points to [Benitez's] arrogance. There’s one thing about the arrogance he has shown. But one thing you can’t forgive is his contempt for [Blackburn Rovers manager] Sam Allardyce last week. When Liverpool scored their second goal against Blackburn; he made a gesture which suggested the game was finished. It was absolute contempt and I don’t think Sam Allardyce deserved it. Sam is a guy who has worked so hard for the League Manager’s Association and looked after young players in the game. He didn’t deserve that. He had to play a team that was weakened, and to get that kind of contempt… I don’t think any other Liverpool manager would have done that."

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Liverpool Finally Implode And Hand The Title To Manchester United

Liverpool’s title dreams are all but snuffed out by Manchester City leaving Manchester United fans dancing with joy.

Hughes finally saw his expensive side produce a display of substance after an erratic season, and it did a big favour for his former employers Manchester United. United will have relished this performance by their neighbours, which could have given the crown to the Old Trafford club.

Liverpool started the game eight points behind the champions, and this one point leaves them a seemingly impossible mountain to climb with just 12 games left. City took the lead early in the second half through former Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy, which left Liverpool with an increasingly desperate fight on their hands.

Eventually Dirk Kuyt scored his ninth goal of the season to save the club’s 14-month unbeaten home league record, but as Anfield emptied at the end, the muted response of their fans said it all. Liverpool made four changes from the side that won at Portsmouth last time out. There was still no Steven Gerrard with his hamstring injury, while Lucas, back from suspension, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera returned to the starting line-up in place of Ryan Babel, David Ngog, Fabio Aurelio and Daniel Agger.

City made one enforced change from the side that drew 2-2 at FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, Nigel de Jong replacing the suspended Shaun Wright-Phillips. City’s defensive frailties shown in Denmark were far from evident in this Barclays Premier League clash.

Despite being under plenty of early pressure, Shay Given was rarely called into action.

Liverpool without Alonso and Gerrard look very lame indeed and posed little or no real threat to Manchester City. The Pool seem to have gone back to their old ways of fading badly in the second half of the season, this time however, they did at least last until the end of February.....

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Zola: "Manchester United Unstoppable" As Giggs Fires Them Above Liverpool

GIANFRANCO ZOLA was left speechless after his team encountered Manchester United. West Ham at home are quite a handful for most teams and they have a great record there, as well as having been undefeated in 8 games with 6 wins and 2 draws. However, that means nothing to United as Ryan Giggs fired United back on top of the Premier League, two points clear of Liverpool, and the champions are now 1/5 with the bookies to retain their title.

Staggered West Ham boss Zola said: “They have everything. We have been beaten by probably the best team in the world. They punished our only mistake in a very professional way. I knew it would be difficult for us if they scored first. I did not expect them to be so good defensively. I knew they would be good offensively. They are just getting stronger. Not many teams will beat us here. They were great.”

How often have we seen Giggsy score with his right foot ? It would be interesting if someone could tell me because I don't recall having ever seen him do it. The 'Old Timer' claimed his first league goal of the current campaign and it means he has now scored in all 17 Premier League seasons. Surely this is a record of some description too. To have played 17 straight seasons in the Premier League is simply incredible and Giggsy still keeps Holding Back The Years, as Simply Red would say.

United boss Alex Ferguson said: “I am searching my memory banks for the last time Ryan scored with his right foot. I always felt one goal would be enough. It was a fantastic performance from the back four. Ryan is a credit to the game and if anyone wants an example of how to dedicate themselves to football, you could have no greater example than Ryan Giggs.”

Zola was still quite chirpy despite the defeat adding: “For me it has been a positive match. I know that we lost but we were playing against the best team in Europe, if not the world, and we just lost by one goal. I am happy for my team. It has been another step forward for us even though we lost the game. I am sure it won’t be easy for anybody else here. They just punished the only mistake we made. Our goalkeeper only made one save. When you can win games like this you are very strong.”

Edwin Van Der Sar also broke the British record for not conceding a goal. It came after 75 minutes against West Ham and now stands at 1,212 minutes (20 hours and 12 minutes)”.....Back To Home Page...

Torres Lifts Liverpool Ahead Of Manchester United, For Now

The Ladyboy saved Rafa's blushes as he came off the bench with 15 minutes left in this encounter to score a late, late winner for The Bindippers against Portsmouth and keep Liverpool's title challenge alive by sending them to the top of the Premier League table, ahead of Manchester United who visit West Ham on Sunday.

Liverpool found themselves behind again thanks to a Hermann Hreidarsson header but Torres set up Dirk Kuyt before heading home in stoppage-time to breathe life back into Liverpool. It proved to be a masterstroke for Rafael Benitez to leave Torres on the bench - but it was the closest of calls.

Torres was tired towards the end of the midweek FA Cup defeat to Everton bless him, and has international duty this week when Spain face England — but he was still fit enough to be among the substitutes at Fratton Park. His cameo appearance has put the psychological pressure on Manchester United as Liverpool overtake Alex Ferguson’s men at the summit before their match against Gianfranco Zola's side.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Face Competition From Arsenal And Liverpool For Feghouli

Grenoble have a youngster who has caused quite a stir with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Sofiane Feghouli has raised a few eyebrows with his talent. He is currently with Grenoble. Now, Grenoble is a place/team I haven't heard of so I had to Google it. Apparently it is a city in South Eastern France situated at the foot of the Alps where Drac joins the Isere River, in case you were wondering.

Sofiane Feghouli began his career with Grenoble having been turned down by Paris Saint-Germaine. In his first season he made it to the first team and he made his highly anticipated debut, at the age of 17, for the club on April 27, 2007. in a Ligue 2 match against Stade Reims appearing as a substitute. He would make two more appearances that season including his first start on the final match day of the season against Montpellier HSC. The following season, he signed his first professional contract with Grenoble keeping him with the side until 2010.

The following season, he was handed the first-team number 8 and still aged only 17 he was then compared to Zinedine Zidane, so no pressure there then. His first career goal was against the club he made his debut against, Stade Reims in a 4-3 victory.

Manchester United posted scouts to check on Feghouli earlier this month, while Arsenal and Liverpool are also long-term suitors.

"There isn't a 'Feghouli dossier'," said Pierre Wantiez, Vice President of Grenoble. "Quite simply, there is a good player called Sofiane who must stay at Grenoble at least another six months. He said to us that he wanted to stay and play at Grenoble. This 30m euros thing, it is a way of saying that he will not leave and will stay until the end of the season. We are going to see what he wants to do. We are discussing and he will perhaps leave this summer. We will see."

Another player linked with Manchester United but certainly a useful looking guy. To make a first team impression in Ligue 1 as he did at his age is not an easy task. I guess though, with Arsenal, and Liverpool interested, the price will be hiked up a bit, as usual.....Back To Home Page...

Jose Mourinho Says Liverpool Can Still Win The Premier League Ahead Of Manchester United

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims Liverpool have all they need to win the Premier League in front of Manchester United this season.

Rafael Benitez's team are currently second in the table, level on points with United but Fergie's side do have that all important game in hand over their Merseyside rivals plus a btter goal difference.

Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph Mourinho said: "It has been interesting watching Liverpool this season, I think they have everything they need to win the title."

Despite being right up there in the thick of things in the title race, Liverpool have been guilty of losing points in games they'd expect to win, but Mourinho, now the boss of Inter Milan, believes they can keep their championship challenge on track.

"I still can't understand why they didn't do it in the last four years. Why wouldn't they be able to do it this season? Of course they can, the manager is good, the players are good, the crowd is unique, the tradition of the club is big, so why can't they do it? I think they can."

Mourinho warned, however, that the resumption of the Champions League at the end of next month could again be a distraction for the Anfield club.

"Usually it is when the Champions League starts that they lose their focus on the Premier League," he continued. "It was like this in previous years when they did very well in the Champions League but they lost too many points in the championship. They have already lost 10 points at home by drawing the kind of matches they used to win. Against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham, Hull and Everton it has been two points lost. So if you can imagine that they had those 10 points now, they would be top of the league.".....Back To Home Page...

Micheal Shields Hoping For Justice Today

Micheal Shields has his hearing today and his parents are to have a meeting with Jack Straw who DOES have the power to free him despite saying he doesn't. The Bulgarian Prime Minister has sent a memo to Mr Straw saying it is up to Britain whether or not he is freed.

I come from Eastern Europe and I will be the first to admit our court systems are dreadful. It stems from the communist era when they would grab the nearest person to the crime, try them and convict them, never mind the evidence and it happens today, though many will deny this.

I've read a lot about this case and it's clear to anyone with half a brain that Micheal is innocent.

Liverpool fan yes, I know, but at times like this he is a FOOTBALL fan first and foremost just like all of us......Micheal, You'll Never Walk Alone !!!

Any United fans who don't like this post then cast your minds back to the United fans, the "Roma Four" who were unfairly jailed in Italy. I saw hundreds and hundreds of Liverpool fans show support for them and some even sent donations to the fund !!!!

This is from the official website, go show support for the guy - MICHAEL SHIELDS will serve out the rest of his prison sentence in Britain after judges in Bulgaria agreed to reduce his 15-year prison sentence by five years but refused to order a full re-trial for his conviction of attacking a barman. Send your messages of support for Michael.

Click Here To Post A Message

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Michel Platini Plans To Stop Debt And Child Trafficking

I've written before about Michel Platini and his rather bizarre ideas on how he intends to 'improve' the game. To me it sounds more like his 'plan to stop English clubs dominating Europe'. But we all have our own opinions I guess.

The UEFA president did have the grace to say he has no plans to interfere with the domestic league set ups which is amusing, as he has no powers to do so and it is not part of his jurisdiction, but thanks for that anyway Michel.

Platini is complaining about the financial set ups at clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, surprise, surprise. If Platini gets his way it would mean the 'Big Four', who regularly qualify for the Champions Leagues, having to satisfy UEFA rules on debts and even how much they spend on wages. The Premier League are fiercely opposing the proposals.

Platini said: "What UEFA can do - and we are thinking seriously about doing it - is to reinforce and improve our system for granting licences for our own club competitions. 'It is in this way that we wish to contribute to financial fair play, and start responding to the expectations of the various parties involved in our sport. Fiscal rules in Europe are extremely diverse...and the systems of licensing, control and financial management of football clubs involve myriad concepts and different regulations. UEFA is not going to charge itself with the task of harmonising European fiscal issues. UEFA is not going to impose its licensing system on national associations for their own competitions."

Platini has also shown a desire to ban the tansfer of players under the age of 18 within the EU. The Premier League also opposes the latter proposal. He's as good as calling these transfers 'Child Trafficking' which is absolutely ludicrous!

Platini said: "Today, in the world and in Europe, there is trafficking of children. I will not mince my words because the situation is serious. What else do you call a phenomenon whereby children aged 12 or 13 are torn away from their environment and culture to join a business in return for payment? This is what is happening in football. Together with FIFA, we are studying remedies, but measures can already be taken to ban the international transfer of minors, even within the European Union. In numerous European states, strict rules exist which prevent clubs - on threat of sporting sanctions - poaching young players - from their rivals' training centres. However, these rules do not exist at European Union level. It is in this context that we would like to be able to ban international transfers of players under the age of 18 within the EU. This is not to create an obstacle to the free movement of labour - it is an urgent matter relating to helping youngsters in danger."

So if a youngster aged 13 from my country, Romania, who has dreamed of being a footballer since he was 4 or 5 years old and has worked so hard practising and developing his skills is then told his career must go on hold for 5 years until he is 18, this will make it better for everyone involved I guess. No child is 'torn away from their family'. When handling these very young, potential future superstars, I am sure Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and every other team handles it in a very caring manner and offers assistance for families to be with the young boys if and when they become part of the Academy.

Some of these children grow up in extreme poverty, Dimitar Berbatov is a very good example of this. His one and only chance of wealth and a good life was to go down the footballing route and he made it, against all the odds he actually made it. Now Berbatov gives back a great deal to his country by means of helping orphanages and setting up football schools using his own cash.

Mr Platini, I suggest you go and ask Dimitar Berbatov if he felt he was trafficked and torn away from his family and you will hear the truth. Don't try and take away the one chance these kids have of fame and fortune, just to stop English clubs dominating Europe......again!.....Back To Home Page...

Mohammed 'Moa' Abdellaoue Isn't Interested In Joining Manchester United - Because He's Liverpool Mad !

Valerenga striker Mohammed 'Moa' Abdellaoue isn't interested in joining Manchester United - because he's Liverpool mad ! Which, in basic terms means, he's just mad ! Then again, he will walk straight into their first team I'd imagine. "It's nice to be noticed," the 23-year-old told Nettavisen. "It means I am doing a lot right with my football. Liverpool are my club. I am a Liverpool supporter, although not a member of the supporters' club. Of course it is great to be compared to Solskjaer but I am only Moa. I am the person I am. I play football and enjoy myself. I have not heard anything directly from United and got the news through the Norwegian media. I have not received any information from my adviser and do not know anything about the trial. But I cannot go around thinking about that sort of thing."

Mohammed "Moa" Abdellaoue (born 23 October 1985, in Oslo, Norway) is of Moroccan descent. Abdellaoue currently plays for Norwegian Premier League side Valarenga.

As a youth player, he was at Hasle/Løren and Skeid before joining Skeid's first team squad in 2003. He made his debut on 9 June 2003, when he came on as a substitute against Hodd. In his fourth game of the season, Abellaoue scored his first two goals in a 2-1 win over Raufoss. Abdellaoue scored a total of 40 league goals for Skeid in five seasons, and was their top scorer in 2004 and 2007. At the end of the 2007 season, he signed a three-year contract with Vålerenga, transferring to his new club on 15 November. During his first season at Valarenga he became the club's top goalscorer with 10 goals, earning him his debut for the Norwegian team against the Republic of Ireland. Dutch club FC Groningen is rumoured to be willing to put in a bid of 35 million NOK for his services after an impressive display during the Norwegian cup final, where he scored two goals in a 4-1 win over Stabaek Fotball. Recently he was invited to train with Manchester United. Moreover the club is rumored to have made a bid for him. Mohammed Abdellaoue has appeared once for the Norwegian U21 team, six times for U-18 and once for U-19.....Back To Home Page.....

Axel Witsel Bid May Be Imminent

Manchester United are being rushed into making a £10million bid for Standard Liege midfielder Axel Witsel before Arsenal and Inter move. Sir Alex Ferguson has had scouts in Belgium to watch Witsel in action for the last couple of matches and he turned in a great display against Sevilla in the Uefa Cup last week.

Fergie has been hit by a minor midfield injury crisis with recent news that Owen Hargreaves will be out for the season (is he the new Louis Sahahahahaha ?) and Paul Scholes not due back until the New Year. United could wait for a few months and bid for him in the summer but by doing this his price could have gone through the roof.

The 19-year-old impressed against Liverpool in the Champions League qualifiers last August and had a fine game when Standard knocked Everton out of the Uefa Cup earlier this season.

Arsenal, Inter, Bolton and Middlesbrough have also been following the pacy central midfielder who is under contract at the Stade du Sclessin until 2013. Bolton have already had a £5million bid rebuffed by the Belgian champions who are said to value Witsel at £18million......dream on !!! .....Back To Home Page

Fat Frank Is Getting Excited A Bit Too Early Me Thinks !

Fat Frank Lampard has thrown down the gauntlet to Manchester United by claiming the reigning champions cannot afford to lose any more games if they want to retain their crown. That is quite funny actually. We have lost two games to their one. The average amount of games lost when a team wins the league is around 4 or 5. So dear Frank, we can lose 3 more games and still win it !! Add to this the fact we have played the big 3 teams ALL AWAY FROM HOME already, gives us a rather nice run-in come next April/May. In fact, by the time Santa squeezes hit fat ass down your chimney Manchester United will have played ALL the teams in the top half of the table AWAY !!

Chelsea are eight points clear of United right now after their 2-0 win at Blackburn and United's defeat by Arsenal. But don't forget United do have a game in hand but Lampard believes it is far easier to set the pace than try to catch up. What he should say is "For Chelsea it seems easier to lead than play catch up" - Manchester United can win the league coming from behind or by leading !! We are not fussy either way !!

Lampard said: "It is a nice gap for us. It is far from over, but in the last two years it's been the other way round. We've been five points behind them and it is not easy. When you are chasing, you really can't afford to lose games. It is certainly easier when you are making the pace, because the points give you a bit of security. You have to remember Liverpool are neck and neck with us. But Man United and Arsenal, who are always big contenders, are those few points behind. It is not easy to chase, the pressure builds up and if you drop points you fall further behind. It's difficult either way, because the big four don't lose too many games or drop too many points. You certainly don't want to be too far behind at this point. We did it last year and we made a lot of ground up. But in the end we lost the title by two points, so it feels nice to be in the lead."Given the fact Manchester United will have played so many hard games away from home by the time December comes around........I would not be surprised if they put on an almighty surge after New Year and remain undefeated until May !! We'll see Frank, we'll see !! .....Back To Home Page

The Premier League Fixture List Is A Farce !

I would have thought the FA or whoever makes the fixture list would take into account the Champions League fixtures of the teams involved before they "throw together" their fixture list for the season. Last season was mystifying when they put Manchester United at home against Manchester City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Munich. Common sense tells you that was not wise. As it happens it turned out OK but not by good judgement, it was more by luck.

So when the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool represent this country in the Champions League why oh why don't the FA help them out, encourage them and at least try and eleviate some of the travelling problems ? Take this season for example - All six of United’s six Champions League group matches have been or will be followed by tough away assignments – against Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur – and Ferguson believes that the situation is unfair, even though he said that fatigue did not appear to be a contributing factor on Saturday.

“They say the league is not handicapped, but I’m not so sure,” Ferguson said. “Having every game away from home following a European tie is not easy. Going from Celtic on Wednesday to play at Arsenal the following Saturday lunchtime is hard, although, funnily enough, I didn’t think it was a problem on this occasion.”

Chelsea have four nice cushy home games after their Champions League games and Liverpool find themselves at home for five of their games - it's hard enough to win the Premier League and Champions League in one season, United being the only team to have done it in the Premiership, so why do the FA try to make it even harder ? .....Back To Home Page

I Don't Hate Liverpool ........

I have an admission to make. I do not hate and have never hated Liverpool Football Club. Most probably because I just don't seem to think about them to be honest. I do not hate them simply because I have never been in fear of or intimidated by the institution/propaganda machine of Liverpool, the second most successful club in England for the past 20 years !!! I believe it was George Bernard Shaw who wrote that ‘Hatred is the cowards revenge for being intimidated,’ and for the last ten years since I followed United I have failed to subscribe to the hype from down the other end of the M62.

I have been amused and bemused by Liverpool’s obsession and hatred of all things Manchester United - but never have I been intimidated ! This enmity of course is based on success and which club is the biggest, most famous, most successful. Well I can answer that quite easily. Manchester United have the biggest ground, Manchester United have the biggest turnover, Manchester United have the better players and for the past 20 years Manchester United have had by far the most success - for someone who does not know who the best club has been for the past 20 years you’d have to ask an Eskimo which club is the most famous! It’s reminiscent of two heavy-weights slugging it out on the ropes looking for the knockout punch that never comes and the referee declares a draw.

This bitterness and rancour is purely a modern phenomenon. When it comes to football however both clubs are remarkably similar. Both have been touched by tragedies. Both were built up by Scots from mining stock that fashioned their respective clubs in their image. Their legacy can still be felt in the corridors of both stadiums! Bill Shankly and Matt Busby both have statues erected in their honour and you can feel them watching over the empires they built, like guardian angels! Liverpool fans perception is that the media has never given their achievements the credit they deserve whereas United success since the 90’s has been totally overstated. The ‘theatre of dreams’ tag and the Hollywood style film premiere of ‘Beyond the Promised Land’ about the 1999 season being two examples of brilliant marketing used by United that Liverpool failed to utilise in their time at the top !

……….and who can they blame but themselves ???

No I don’t hate Liverpool because they certainly don’t intimidate me - or SAF - or any Manchester United player or staff member………

I actually feel sorry for them these days because it must be so hard to sit in the shadows of Manchester United for 20 years and win a handful of trophies while United stack them higher and higher.....Back To Home Page

The "Cheat" Is Coming To Watch Carlos Tevez

Now that Argentina have chosen a big fat bloke who cheats and takes drugs as their new manager we can all make up the standard jokes that will no doubt follow. One out of every ten people in Argentina are happy about this appointment so he isn't a too popular chpoice at all it seems.

Personally I can't stomach the guy !!! He is no advert to kids on how to behave. His most famous, crowning moment was when he used "The Hand Of God" nonsense to cheat England out of a World Cup Final !!

Now he is coming to England to check out Tevez and Mascherano, and will no doubt be given free tickets and treated like royalty.

“I am going to the country against whom I scored two goals [a 2-1 victory in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final] and also to Scotland,” Maradona, who has no top-level coaching experience, said yesterday. “I am travelling to England to watch Tévez and Mascherano play. And in Scotland I am going to make my coaching debut.” Good riddance to bad rubbish I say !! .....Back To Home Page

"We Can Do The Double Again" - Carlos Tevez

CARLOS TEVEZ, talking to the Sun newspaper, has said Manchester United are dead certs for another Double. Even though they are currently trailing behind rivals Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in sixth in the Premier League. But Argie ace Tevez, 24, expects United to be on top come the end of May and let's be honest, the end of May is the ONLY time it counts for anything when you are on top.

"I am convinced the entire squad is capable of maintaining the challenge throughout the season and staying at the top of the Premier League. After Christmas we have to play teams like Chelsea and Liverpool at home. We are going to be up there all the way throughout the season because we have the quality throughout the squad to be doing that. I think we have the squad capable of retaining the trophy [Champions League]. Whether we host teams here in Manchester or away we are capable of giving anyone a game and of beating anyone in the competition. The usual suspects - Real Madrid, Inter, Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool - will always be there. Retaining the trophy is a challenge we are looking forward to." .....Back To Home Page

I Wanted A Liverpool Win !

Iwas more than happy for Liverpool to win at Stamford Bridge. If we go on seasons past then Liverpool will be dead and buried by Christmas thus leaving Manchester United and Chelsea to battle it our through until May and United to be crowned champions AGAIN ! Sir Alex too was hoping for A Liverpool win, I assume he has the same theory as I do. Fergie seemed to be writing off the legitamacy of Rafa Benitez's bid for the title. Arguably, the Manchester United manager still considers both Chelsea and Arsenal to be his side's closest competitors, although United still lie eight points from Liverpool, who are top by a clear margin of three.

Ferguson stirred trouble on Friday when he implied that Liverpool did not have the requisite quality to defeat Chelsea on their own turf; he predicted a close match but stated that Arsenal were a more likely vanquisher of the Blues at the Bridge.

At the time, he told the press: "Sunday's game will be very tight, not many goals in it. But Arsenal could win there because they've got the quality to win."

In the wake of the match, Ferguson delighted in Chelsea's defeat as it leaves the pretenders to the Premier League throne sitting close to Manchester United, within five points, with 29 matches still to play.

He told reporters in reference to Liverpool's narrow 1-0 win: "That was the result I wanted." .....Back To Home Page

Some Interesting Betting If You Go To Jaxx

West Ham United have beaten Manchester United on three of their last four Barclays Premier League meetings, but head to Old Trafford seeking to end a run of three successive defeats after Sunday's unfortunate 2-0 home reverse by Arsenal. The Hammers are 15/1 with JAXX to record their second victory at the 'Theatre of Dreams' in three seasons. Manchester United are 2/9 to win, while the draw - which has occurred just once in the last eleven meetings - is on offer at 9/2.

Manchester United have conceded just one goal at Old Trafford this season and remain unbeaten at home. The Hammers have lost three of their last four away games, but victory would put them level on points with Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The champions, who are eight points behind leaders Liverpool, can be backed at 1/2 to win by two clear goals or more on the Handicap, when West Ham United receive a mythical one-goal start. The Hammers are 27/10 on the Handicap and the draw (i.e. West Ham United to lose by a single-goal margin) is on offer at 3/1.

Four of the last five Premier League games at Old Trafford between these two have resulted in one side of the other failing to score. It is 3/5 that one or other fails to find the net again, but 21/20 that both teams score. Despite playing some entertaining football, West Ham United must be wondering how they have failed to register a goal in their last two games. They are 1/1 to beat United keeper Edwin van der Sar at any stage, while the odds against West Ham United scoring are 3/5. It is 6/1 that Robert Green keeps a clean sheet, and the superb form he was in against Arsenal, it would not be a surprise if those odds were landed.

Last season, West Ham United were beaten 4-1 at Old Trafford. JAXX offer Correct Score betting on every game and the odds for another 4-1 win for the hosts are 17/2.

The increasing parity in the Premier League outside the top four has been evident this term. Hull City are in the top three and only five points separate fifth-placed Aston Villa from eleventh-placed Blackburn Rovers. As such, it is worth bearing in mind that West Ham United can still be backed at 33/1 with JAXX to win the Premier League without the Big Four (Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea).

Do not forget, JAXX offer a plethora of markets for every Manchester United game. There are also a number of exclusive Season Specials.

What is more, when you register with JAXX and place your first bet, and you will get a free matching bet to the value of your own stake, up to £25. For example, if your first bet is £25, it will be doubled and you will get another £25 to bet absolutely free. Your free bet will be credited to your account within 48 hours of placing your first bet with JAXX. Log on to www.jaxx.com for more details......Back To Home Page

Manchester United Head The Queue For Sergio Asenjo

Manchester United are favourites
to sign the Real Valladolid goalie
Sergio Asenjo. I wrote previously
about Manchester United's interest
in Sergio Asenjo, who at the age of 19
has been impressing teams from all
over Europe.

Manchester United are now at the head
of the queue which includes teams such
as Barcelona, Valencia and AC Milan. He is
rated at £4m and would have an ideal
opportunity to walk straight into the first
team with the immininent departure of
Edwin Van Der Sar. Liverpool had a bid for him turned down in the summer.....Back To Home Page

It's Liverpool's Year .... NOT !!

I've heard it every year for 12 years ! "This year we'll do it, this is our year" - yes it's the annual war cry from Merseyside as the Liverpool fans declare they finally got the combination of players to topple Manchester United - I love Fergie's remarks he made when he took over at United: "I'd love to knock Liverpool off their fucking perch, and you can print that !". He did that alright. They have gone 19 years without the league championship and guess what, this year will make it 20 !!

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed Liverpool's challenge to Chelsea this weekend. United boss Fergie said: “I don’t think it’s the most important top-of-the-table clash. When Arsenal play Chelsea could be more significant. There have been quite a few Chelsea and Liverpool 0-0s over the past few years. Sunday’s game will be very tight, not many goals in it. But Arsenal could win there because they’ve got the quality to win".

United are six points adrift of Chelsea and Liverpool after dropping points at both the Bridge and Anfield. They travel to Arsenal in a fortnight’s time but Ferguson believes Christmas will be the crucial period of his side’s season — after their gruelling trip to Japan to play in the World Club Cup.

“It’s interesting the bookies make Chelsea favourites for the title. I think the reason for that is that we’ve got the World Championship, when we’re away for 10 days. Coming back from that is a test for us. We’re back on December 23 and play Stoke on Boxing Day. That’s where the title will be decided for us — how we handle that.” .....Back To Home Page

Champions League Round Up - Wednesday 22 October 2008

Wednesday 22 October 2008
Brilliant Barça brush Basel aside

FC Basel 1893 0-5 FC Barcelona
The Blaugrana totally outclassed their Group C rivals to equal their best result in this tournament and march ever closer to the knockout stage.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Simão strike spares Atlético

Club Atlético de Madrid 1-1 Liverpool FC
An 83rd-minute equaliser from Simão cancelled out Robbie Keane's early effort to keep the Spanish side ahead of their rivals at the top of Group D.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Terry header ends Roma resistance

Chelsea FC 1-0 AS Roma
Captain John Terry flicked in a second-half winner to settle a tight game and allow last season's runners-up extend their lead at the top of Group A.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Adriano sends Inter clear of the pack

FC Internazionale Milano 1-0 Anorthosis Famagusta FC
Adriano's header right on half-time moved a dominant Inter three points clear at the Group B summit as Anorthosis slipped to a maiden defeat.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Bordeaux profit from CFR slip

FC Girondins de Bordeaux 1-0 CFR 1907 Cluj
Cadú's own goal nine minutes after half-time earned the French side their first points in Group A as the Romanian titleholders lost for the first time.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Koevermans helps PSV prosper

PSV Eindhoven 2-0 Olympique de Marseille
Two headers from Danny Koevermans in the final 20 minutes gave the Dutch champions a first victory that revived their Group D challenge.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Panathinaikos held up by Hugo Almeida

Panathinaikos FC 2-2 Werder Bremen
Two fine headers by Vangelis Mantzios were not enough to earn the hosts a first win in Group B after Hugo Almeida nodded a late equaliser for Bremen.

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Wednesday 22 October 2008
Liedson returns to secure Sporting win

FC Shakhtar Donetsk 0-1 Sporting Clube de Portugal
Only recently returned from a five-month injury absence, Liedson struck with 14 minutes left to edge a game the home side had dominated in Donetsk....Back To Home Page>