Liverpool to fight Chelsea for fourth place while United hopes for some light.

Shifting back to the English Premier League, the final two games are going to be the most important of all. With just 2 points between leaders Chelsea and second placed Manchester United, it is anybody’s title of course the blues having the upper hand. This sunday half of it will be decided when Chelsea will be travelling to meet Liverpool at Anfield followed by Manchester United‘s match against Sunderland.

Its an important fixture at the top, for Chelsea it is about the titie while for Liverpool it is more important regarding the climbing up of places and securing themselves a place in Europe. Chelsea‘s body language was seen totally fired up with their 7-0 win against Stoke City last weekend. Chelsea will be banking on the experience of Frank Lampard to deliver while Didier Drogba has enjoyed a fantastic season and is closing in on Wayne Rooney as the Premier League’s top scorer. Skipper John Terry will return for Chelsea but Liverpool will be without striker Fernando Torres as they aim to keep alive their slim chances of a top-four finish.

Just after Chelsea‘s match all focus will be shifting on the Stadium of Light where the red devils will be playing. Man United will be having a close look on Darren Bent as he scored against them in the opening minutes the last time they met. Sunderland are on a good run, with three wins from their last four games. And they are unbeaten at home in their last nine League games. But positives for United is that they have the best away record in the league this season with 33 points. United will be banking on the lights of Berbatov in the front  with crucial passes from Nani and Giggs from the sides. But whatever it is, the EPL will go down to the wire this season.

The match timings are:

Saturday

Birmingham City Vs Burnley  12:45 Hours GMT

Manchester City  Vs Aston Villa  15:00 Hours GMT

Portsmouth Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers 15:00 Hours GMT

Stoke City  Vs Everton 15:00 Hours GMT

Tottenham Hotspur Vs Bolton Wanderers 15:00 Hours GMT

Sunday

Liverpool Vs Chelsea 13:30 Hours GMT

Fulham Vs West Ham United 15:00 Hours GMT

Sunderland Vs Manchester United 16:00 Hours GMT

Forlan’s goal takes Atletico a step ahead of Reds.

Diego Forlan‘s goal within the opening 10 minute handed the hosts Club Atlético de Madrid a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League while in the other semi final in Germany, both Hamburger SV and Fulham had to settle for a goal less draw.

                                                                                                                 Pic source: timesonlice.co.uk

In just the 9th minute of the game, Jurado made the ball for Forlan but he completely mistimed his header but the ball fell sweetly for him and he bundled it past the scrambling duo of keeper Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher. Liverpool tried to get back in the game when Yossi Benayoun popped up in dangerous attacking positions and Steven Gerrard serving notice of his threat in the 19th minute as drove but could only hit the side netting. The scoreline stayed the same till the end with many other small chances for them. With this Atlético Madrid attempt to reach their first major European final since the 1985/86 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup but the job is half done, with just a single goal lead over the reds and the next match at Anfield in a week’s time, the proceedings may may prove difficult for the visiting team.

Hamburger SV will be happy on the result at the Hambury Arena as they were sucessfull in holding the visiting team for a goal less draw which gives them a clear away goals rule advantage when the return leg will be played at the Creavan Cottage. And one can also say that their 15+ hours journey didnt tire them psycologically. The match saw both the teams concentrating on the defence. Fulham‘s Bobby Zamora and SV‘s van Nistelrooy were given very less room to break free. Nistelrooy came close for scoring in the final minutes of the first half but that was too easy to go past the net. Now all eyes will be at the return leg which will be like a Cup semi final.

Liverpool, Fulham’s high hopes from Europa Cup. Journey may become a hurdle…

The much awaited Europa League semi final featuring two English premier league clubs Liverpool and Fulham will finally go underway tomorrow. The reds will be travelling to Madrid to face Atletico Madrid for the first leg while Fulham, which is three places below Liverpool in the domestic league, will be up against Hamburger SV at the Hamburg Arena, Germany.

Atletico Madrid have already won at Anfield this term as they claimed a 2-1 victory in a pre-season friendly but now the intensity is more with a 50-50 situation for both the teams. Big blow for the reds is that its Spanish striker Fernando Torres will not be part of home coming to his former club as he will be going for a second knee operation in four months which is going to keep him out for a minimum period of 5 weeks, which is likely to stall his appearance in the World Cup also. Other problem for Liverpool is to how players will respond after a prolonged journey to the Spanish capital as the volcanic ash has cancelled all flights across Europe. The team will be banking on the performance of Dirk Kuyt, Steven Gerrard for the match and hopefully the reds will be giving out there best as this is the only chance to make a mark this year.

Hamburger will be fired for tonight’s fixture as they know that a win in the semis will make their dream final at their home stadium. As repeatdly said, Fulham will be taking extra care of one name that is of former Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy who had an excellent run against them when he player the premier league. He was transferred from Real Madrid where he was denied the first team place. Hamburger on the other hand will be hoping tp stop the fieryFulham‘s big man Bobby Zamora who has been responsible for terrorising the opponent’s defence on many occasion. The long by-road journey can also have an impact on their playing.

Both the matches will be starting at 2105 Hours CET.

Benitez and the new reds owner. Lets see how it goes…

Rafael Benítez gave only a cautious welcome yesterday to Tom Hicks’s and George Gillett’s commitment to sell Liverpool as he admitted experience had taught him to be wary of the co-owners’ promises.Hicks and Gillett signalled the beginning of the end of their turbulent three-year reign by appointing the British Airways chairman, Martin Broughton, as Liverpool‘s new independent chairman with a brief to oversee the sale of their entire stake with immediate effect.

Broughton announced his arrival by pledging money for new players and support for Benítez, who has endured a troubled season at Liverpool but is coveted by other clubs. “Rafa is a good manager, we want him to stay and he’s under contract to stay,” said the Liverpool chairman.

Juventus have reportedly made Benítez their top target to take over as coach in the summer from Alberto Zaccheroni, who replaced Ciro Ferrara earlier in the year. The Spaniard’s representative Manuel Garcia Quillon was quoted on Thursday as suggesting he had met with Juve officials to discuss a possible deal for Benítez. Benítez‘s response was guarded, however.

The manager declined to commit his long-term future to Anfield and admitted his outlook has not altered since he claimed he had taken the club as far as he can – without new investment – before the Europa League defeat of Benfica.”You always have to be positive and believe things will improve, so it is good news and hopefully it will be true,” said Benítez. “My experience says it is better to wait and see what happens.” Asked if he felt more optimistic as a result of the co-owners’ intention to sell, he replied: “At this moment it is more or less the same [as before Benfica]. I have to be honest. My concern at the moment is whether Fernando Torres is fit or not and preparing the team for next week’s games against West Ham and Atlético Madrid.”.

Chelsea host Hammers for table top position, United to counter the day after…

Fresh from their great run in the champions league, Manchester United, Arsenal & Chelsea will be eager to carry on their winning from in the premier league in their respective matches. There is plenty of acton which is bound to disturb the table positions.

Second placed Chelsea will be hosting West Ham United who are currently just two place above relegation zone and it will be crucial for both to gain there respetive places. Chelsea, with a match in hand, have a good chance of going top of the table and put pressure on Arsenal and Manchester United who will be plaing on Sunday.

The Gunners will be up against Hull City whose torrid time continues in the league with 19th place as of now. After their mid week champions league 5-0 win over Porto nothing seems stoping them. William Gallas will be out for the match due to his calf injury but veteran defender Sol Campbell, who suffered a minor cramp in the champions league match, is expected to play.

In a early kick off on Sunday Manchester United will be hosting mighty Fulham and hope to retain the top spot. Michael Carrick is fit and will be starting for the Red Devils but Giggs and Hargreaves are still some days away for their inclusion in the United line up. With Ferdinand-Vidic pair getting better and better the odds favour United for the day.

In a revival bid, Portsmouth will be visiting Anfield for an important match against Liverpool. With 5 points gap at the bottom, they would be hoping to narrow it while on the other hand The Reds will be hoping to win and hold on to the fourth place.

The match timings are:

Saturday 

Tottenham Hotspur v Blackburn Rovers 12:45 Hours GMT

Birmingham City v Everton 15:00 Hours GMT

Bolton Wanderers v Wigan Athletic 15:00 Hours GMT

Burnley v Wolverhampton Wanderers 15:00 Hours GMT

Chelsea v West Ham United 15:00 Hours GMT

Stoke City v Aston Villa  15:00 Hours GMT

Hull City v Arsenal 17:30 Hours GMT

Sunday

Manchester United v Fulham 13:30 Hours GMT

Sunderland v Manchester City 16:00 Hours GMT

Monday 

Liverpool v Portsmouth 20:00 Hours GMT

Tuesday

Wigan Athletic v Aston Villa   19:45 Hours GMT

Manchester United visit Goodison park for a table top chance.

After some exciting action in the champions league, the focus now shifts back to the premier league this weekend were the race the top position is getting hotter and hotter as the league is going in the last quarter. All the league teams will be in action over the next two days with the top teams meeting the lower places ones but as seen before the giant killing action may impact them.
In an early kick off, Manchester United will be up against Everton who are in excellent form as they defeated leaders Chelsea a week ago thus narrowing the gap at the top and also Sporting Lisbon in the Europa Cup. Sir Alex Ferguson will be travelling to Goodison Park without Nani and Rio Ferdinand who are suspended. What would be concerning the red devils will be their former place Louis Saha who is in excellent for hit 15 goals so for which included his double over Chelsea days ago. For those who have forgotten, Wayne Rooney will bre going to he club where he made headlines in 2003.

After committing many blunders against Porto in the champions league, Arsenal will be out their to prove with a win against mid tablers Sunderland who have not won a single match in their last six outings. More good news for the Gunners is that Nicklas Bendtner is back form his injury for the match which is expected to stop their scoring drought.
Sunday will be crucial for both Liverpool and Manchester City when they meet at the City of Manchester Stadium. The reds will be hoping to take back and retain the fourth place. After their 1-0 win over Unirea Urziceni in the Europa Cup two days ago they would like to continue their winning momentum.
The match timings are:
Saturday:
Everton Vs Manchester United
Arsenal Vs Sunderland
West Ham United Vs Hull City
Wolves Vs Chelsea
Portsmouth Vs Stoke City

Sunday:
Blackburn Rovers Vs Bolton Wanderers
Aston Villa Vs Burnley
Fulham Vs Birmingham City
Manchester City Vs Liverpool
Wigan Vs Tottenham Hotspurs

The name changes but everything is the same: EUROPA CUP

When you bow out of the champions leaguen in the first round itself there is another opportuinity waiting that is theEuropa Cup which was introduced by UEFA since 2008. But is this new??? For all those who are new to this sports and the club football, this is just a new name of the Fairs Cup or the UEFA Cup which was popularly known as before.

This tournment is known to second to the Champions League where the teams failing to qualify for the big one and clubs below the position of the last qualifying spot enter on a qualifying basis for some clubs many go straight into the group stage. But every country has different rules and alloted vacancies depending upon their rankings in UEFAregion and the rules liad down by the parent body . It is also seen that many clubs that exit the group stage of the champions league are also allowed to participate. This is a big opportuinity for the clubs who enter the big league for the first time but couldn’t go into the Europa Cup.

In the playoff before the finals 15 Champions league loosers of the third round are allowed and later on in the group stage 38 teams qualify plus 10 Champions league play-off rounds are allowed to participate and finally as the teams enters the knock out stages, 8 third place Champions league grop stage teams can enter among 12 first & second clubs of the Europa league

This season a total of 192 teams from 53 UEFA associations participated and the tournment started just a bit later than the Champions league. As the teams have reached the knock out stage, this is becoming more and more exciting with Liverpool, Fulham, Everton among other fighting for it. 

Tonight match schedule is:

Rubin	15:00	H. Tel-Aviv
Ajax	19:00	Juventus
Club Brugge	19:00	Valencia
Villarreal	19:00	Wolfsburg
Standard	19:00	Salzburg
Twente	19:00	Werder
Lille	19:00	Fenerbahçe
Athletic	21:05	Anderlecht
København	21:05	Marseille
Panathinaikos	21:05	Roma
Atlético	21:05	Galatasaray
Fulham	21:05	Shakhtar
Liverpool	21:05	Unirea Urziceni
Hamburg	21:05	PSV
Hertha	21:05	Benfica

Chelsea looses, United draws, Gunners wins. The table remains the same…

Unable to take advantage of their rivals loss, Manchester Unitedremained at second place with their 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.Chelsea’s fared worse when they
lost against mighty Everton by 1-2, it was former Man United playerLouis Saha
getting the double for Everton. Arsenal finally got into winning ways after
defeating Liverpool with 1-0.

 

 Villa took the lead in the 19^th minute when Stewart Downing’s right-wing
cross was not fully cleared by Rafael as a result the ball dropped to Spanish
defender Carlos Cuellar whose curling header made the ball go into the far
corner. But just 4 minutes later United levelled through an own goal
when Ryan Giggs’ volleyed cross was turned into his own net by Villa defender
James Collins.

Despite the draw what will be concerning Sir Alex will be that their veteran winger Ryan Giggs will be out for at least 4 weeks after fracturing his arm following his clash with Steve Sidwell in the 74^th minute. He is likely to
miss the the champions league match against AC Milan and the crucial Carling
cup final at Wembley on the 28^th of this month.

 At the same time at Goodison Park, the leaders got an early lead in the 17^th minute throughMalouda who scored through his left foot before making his way
upto the goal. But then Saha had come into action, he scored the equaliser in
the 36^th min through a corner and after the break he got the winner
in the 74^th minute when A super left-footed half volley from 18 yards flew beyond
Cech.

Arsenal final got their first win in 2 weeks by beating Liverpool by a narrow margin of 1-0 with Abou Diaby’s goal in the
71th minute. The gunners are comfortable at the last champions league automatic
place which is unlikely to go from them

With only one point difference, the league has become more exciting as ever with the last 12 matches to decide the ultimate winner.

 Mid week results were:

Tuesday:

Manchester City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers

Portsmouth 1-1 Sunderland

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Stoke City

Fulham 3-0 Burnley

Wednesday

 Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester United

West Ham United 2-0Birmingham City

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Blackburn Rovers 1-0 Hull City

Everton 2-1Chelsea

Liverpool next in line for Arsenal for Wednesday night.

After their sucessive losses to Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal will be hostingLiverpool this mid-week who are fast coming back in form in the premier league. Leaders Chelsea will be up against Everton who seems to have lost touch from their glory days and finally Manchester United will be visiting Villa park to face Aston Villawho were fourth weeks ago and now have slowly gone down to 7th.

 

After their below average display against the top two sides, Arsenal will be up against the Mercey side club with nothing to loose as the reds are only 5 points behind them. Gunners will be without their Croatian striker Eduardobecause of the hamstring injury which he picked up recently and the good news is that Nicklas Bendtner is match fit and is expected to play for full 90 minutes.Arshavin will be all set to fire as he is missing from the scoring sheet.Liverpool will be hoping to win at the Emirates for the first time as their last win against them was at Highbury seasons ago.

 

Manchester United will be going with their full squad minus Rio Ferdinand who is out due to suspension. The player of the month Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov are all fired up as the United goals are fast flowing in. Their form is a cause of worry for the hosts who will be wihout defender Stephen Warnock who is out due to calf injury.
The timings for the mid-week matches are: Tuesday

Manchester City Vs Bolton Wanderers 19:45 Hours GMT

Portsmouth Vs Sunderland 19:45 Hours GMT1″”>

Wigan Athletic Vs Stoke City 19:45 Hours GMT

Fullham Vs Burnley 20:00 Hours GMT

Wednesday

Arsenal Vs Liverpool 19:45 Hours GMT

Aston Villa Vs Manchester United 19:45 Hours GMT

West Ham United Vs Birmingham City 19:45 Hours GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs Tottenham Hotspur 19:45 Hours GMT

Blackburn Rovers Vs Hull City 20:00 Hours GMT

Everton Vs Chelsea 20:00 Hours GMT

(+5:30 Hours for IST)

Gerrard return to give Liverpool a big boost in the mid week football.

Giving light to the mid week football, 16 teams will be in action in the English premier league including second place Chelsea and Arsenal with the blues have a fairly easy chance of going to the top of the table. Other matches also includes bottom playersPortsmouth who will be up against West Ham United and with the recent results the survivals of Pompey’s is getting more and more difficult in the top league.
After bowing out of the FA Cup, Arsenal will be going for a nothing to loose match against Aston Villa who has surprised with their consistent fourth place in the premier league. Arsene Wenger will be hoping to put up a good show at Villa Park with his starting line up which will include Andrei Arshawin, Cesc Fabregas as his attacking force upfront.

Liverpool will be hoping to carry their winning momentum when they will be facing Wolverhampton Wanderers this Tuesday. Big boost for the reds is that their captain Steven Gerrard may be back after recovering from his hamstring injury that he picked up during their FA Cup loss to reading a fortnight ago. News from the Wolves camp is that Mick McCarthy is planning to unleash their new signing Adlene Guedioura for the first time in the match. With many adverse rumours looming large over Rafa Benitez, this match will be important for his future.
Chelsea will be hosting Birmingham City this Wednesday for a crucial match for both the teams. The point that will be worrying the blues will be that Birmingham City are unbeaten in their last 12 premier league games under their new manager Alex McLiesh. Chelsea can’t take them easily specially when they are at the tale of the top teams at eighth place.
The timings for the matches on Tuesday and Wednesday are:

Tuesday:
Portsmouth Vs West Ham United 1945 Hours GMT
Wolves Vs Liverpool 1945 Hours GMT
Bolton Wanderers Vs Burnley 2000 Hours GMT
Tottenham Hotspurs Vs Fulham 2000 Hours GMT

Wednesday:
Aston Villa Vs Arsenal 1945 Hours GMT
Chelsea Vs Birmingham City 1945 Hours GMT
Blackburn Rovers Vs Wigan 2000 Hours GMT
Everton Vs Sunderland 2000 Hours GMT