It’s been a long time coming. After almost nine months on the sidelines, Park Ji-sung is set to return to action for Manchester United this week. His absence has been keenly felt - perhaps more in Seoul than in the English city.
With compatriots in other Premier League clubs struggling to make an impact on the pitch, the sight of the busy South Korean sporting the famous red shirt is one that everybody has been waiting for.
It was a bright early spring when the 26 year-old sustained a knee injury. At the time, it didn’t seem so serious and his expected absence was short – a good thing as, just prior to the injury, Park had been playing his best football since joining the club from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2005.
The scenario was similar that of Lee Dong-guk almost exactly one year previously. Lee had been in perhaps the best form of his career in March and April 2006 in the K-League. He was scoring goals for fun for Pohang Steelers and had established himself as Korea’s number one striker just ahead of the 2006 World Cup.
On an early April evening against Incheon United, Lee scored a delightful first-half volley and then was carried off the pitch in the second half. The seriousness of his injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
Lee, now at Middlesbrough, missed the World Cup while Park was forced to watch his Manchester United team-mates lift the English Premier League trophy in May and exit the Champions League at the semi-final stage at the hands of AC Milan.
After it became apparent that his injury was more serious than first thought, Park went under the knife in the US for an operation that was, according to his father, career-saving.
The road to recovery has been a long one and the player’s journey has been accompanied by the expected countless number of headlines. His ability to walk without the aid of crutches was well-reported (unfortunately, a headline like "A Walk In The Park" doesn't work in Korean) as was his return to the gym (neither does "Park Bench Press"). Around two weeks ago he resumed full-training with the first team squad and as coach Sir Alex Ferguson told reporters last week, he is looking good.
"He played in the practice game on Sunday and was absolutely outstanding. I hadn't registered him for Europe at the start of the season because we didn't think he would be back until January with his injury.”
Park could return against Everton on December 23 and for Korean fans it will be a welcome Christmas present. Saturday nights without Park don’t have the same appeal, for viewers or advertisers, in Seoul. It is not only broadcasters who are happy to see the return of the familiar mop-top. Internet sports sites have all recorded greater traffic levels as excitement grows as the time of Park’s return nears.
United haven’t done too badly without the former PSV Eindhoven star. After winning the title, the Red Devils went shopping in the summer and bought stars such as Carlos Tevez, Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson, big-money players who have all smoothly settled into the set-up.
Fighting for an almost automatic place won’t be the first challenge that Park has faced and it won’t be the first time that he has had the whole Korean nation behind him.
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile
Bet with Bet 365
World Soccer News
Soccer betting tips
Soccer Books & DVDs
Tags
Soccer News soccer football J-League K-League Betting
|
|---|
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manchester United. Show all posts
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Weekly Soccer News Roundup
Weekly soccer news
for week of December 9th
Ozren Podnar
Drug lords helped Argentina in 1978?
A drug cartel from Cali bribed the Peruvian national team in order to help Argentina qualify for the 1978 World Cup, claims Fernando Rodríguez Mondragón, the son of the jailed drug lord Gilberto in his forthcoming book.
At that World Cup celebrated in Argentina, the home team had to beat Peru by at least four goals in order to reach the finals on goals' difference ahead of Brazil.
The final result of the match in Mendoza was 6-0, for which Mondragón claims the Argentinians should thank his father and his uncle, who had paid off the Peruvians.
One of the Argentinian stars, Leopoldo Luque, said he and his mates did not spot anything strange in the Peruvia players' approach, except that they were very bad.
"Soccer players are not actors. When they are up to something weird, it becomes obvious very soon. In that game, we noticed nothing of the sort. We were just so much better," remembers Luque, who scored two goals, as well as Mario Kempes.
Mondragón also mentioned that his cartel attempted to sign Diego Maradona for América of Cali, but the deal failed to materialize due to superior offers that Maradona had from Europe.
"The transfer did not come to fruition, but a lasting friendship remained between both parties," wrote the mafioso's son in the book called "Son of the Chessmaster 2", after his father's nickname.
Syomin fourth Dinamo Kiev coach in a season
Russian Yuri Syomin has become the fourth Dinamo Kiev coach in the current season, by replacing the former Ukrainian international Oleg Luzhny. Previously coach to Lokomotiv and Dinamo of Moscow and of the Russian national team, Syomin has been given clear instructions as to what his mission is.
"This team must never again embarrass themselves in Europe," said the president Grigory Surkis, referring to Dinamo's dismal campaign in this year's Champions' League.
The most popular Ukrainian team started the season under Anatoly Demyanenko, who was soon replaced by Josef Szabo. Eventually, Szabo was succeeded by his assistant Luzhny, who was in turn sacked after five consecutive defeats in the international competition.
Policeman injured in fighting with Red Star ultras
A plain clothes policeman was severely bruised and burned in a clash with Red Star supporters during a Serb championship match against Hajduk Kula at Belgrade's Marakana stadium.
The incident started when the agent attempted to arrest a local fan for lighting a firecracker. Other fans came to their mate's rescue and overpowered the policeman even though he fired two warning shots in the air. One of the hooligans even scorched the fallen man with the firecracker, inflicting serious burns.
The riot police quickly intervened and rescued the agent, who was transported to a hospital in a stable condition.
Several fans were arrested and will be tried for attempted homicide, but surprisingly three of the Red Star officials were detained as well on suspicion of having failed to provide safety during the match and having enabled the hooligans to smuggle in the pyrotechnical material.
Within a separate police investigation, Red Star's secretary general Zoran Damjanovic was also brought in on charges of corruption and embezzlement relative to players' transfers, completing a dismal week for Serb soccer.
Giggs makes it a hundred
Manchester United's living legend Ryan Giggs scored his 100th Premier League goal in a match against bottom placed Derby County, helping the Red Devils move within a point of leaders Arsenal. United's 4-1 win coupled with a sensational Gunners' defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough means that the race for the Premiership title will be more exciting than thought during the previous weeks.
Giggs, the 34-year-old Welsh Wizard, has been a regular feature for Manchester United since 1991 and is the team's most successful player in history as far as the trophies are concerned.
Galatasaray want to retire Hakan
The best known Turkish international, Hakan Sükür, has been advised to retire at the end of this season in order to cede a place to the players of the new generation. The 36-old forward has been told that he would be undesirable in the future because, as Galatasaray vicepresident Adnan Polat said, of his inability to fit into the new scheme.
"We are in the process of creating a new team in which there will be no place for him. I have suggested to him that he should quit at the season's end. Should he fail to do this, we will terminate his contract," announced Polat.
The Galatasaray and Turkey legend, who scored over 200 goals for the club and 50 for the country, has no intentions of ending his career.
"I don't plan to abandon the soccer scene. I wish to play for at least two more seasons," said Sukur, who is still going strong and scores with an astonishing regularity.
Drogba undergoes emergency surgery
Didier Drogba was surprisingly operated on his knee on Saturday in spite of an agreement with Chelsea directors about postponing the surgery for the forthcoming week. The Ivorian forward will be back in action in about five weeks, but the Stamford Bridge faithful will not see him before the third week of February!
If Drogba recovers in time, he will take part in the African Cup of Nations in Ghana, and if Ivory Coast makes good progress Chelsea will remain deprived of their first-choice striker for over two months.
Drogba suffered from a long term problem with his knee, called degeneration of the meniscus, which he aggravated while representing his country.
Corinthians like Manchester and Valencia
Corinthians of Sao Paulo have become the latest in the string of big clubs to have
been relegated in spite of their glamourous tradition. The second most popular Brazilian club, supported by no less a person than the President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, went from winning the title in 2005 to going down at the end of this season.
The main reason for Corinthians' downfall is arguably the managerial chaos caused by the trials of the director Alberto Dualib and his associates for money laundering, embezzlement and other financial wrongdoings.
While the supporters of their principal rivals, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras, are currently ecstatic over their archrivals' plight, Corinthians' fans believe their beloved team will soon return as have most Brazilian greats relegated through results or FA rulings.
Relegated giants
Manchester Utd. (1974)
Tottenham (1977)
Milan (1982)
Lazio (1985)
Valencia (1986)
Sevilla (1996)
Fluminense (1998)
Atletico Madrid (2000)
Sampdoria (2000)
Botafogo (2002)
Leeds (2004)
Borussia M. (2007)
Forcibly relegated
Milan (1980)
Lazio (1980)
Bordeaux (1991)
Olympique Marseille (1994)
Fiorentina (2002)
Juventus (2006)
Note: year of relegation in brackets
Copyright Ozren Podnar & Soccerphile
Bet with Bet 365
World Soccer News
Soccer betting tips
Soccer Books & DVDs
Tags
Soccer News soccer football J-League K-League Betting
for week of December 9th
Ozren Podnar
Drug lords helped Argentina in 1978?
A drug cartel from Cali bribed the Peruvian national team in order to help Argentina qualify for the 1978 World Cup, claims Fernando Rodríguez Mondragón, the son of the jailed drug lord Gilberto in his forthcoming book.
At that World Cup celebrated in Argentina, the home team had to beat Peru by at least four goals in order to reach the finals on goals' difference ahead of Brazil.
The final result of the match in Mendoza was 6-0, for which Mondragón claims the Argentinians should thank his father and his uncle, who had paid off the Peruvians.
One of the Argentinian stars, Leopoldo Luque, said he and his mates did not spot anything strange in the Peruvia players' approach, except that they were very bad.
"Soccer players are not actors. When they are up to something weird, it becomes obvious very soon. In that game, we noticed nothing of the sort. We were just so much better," remembers Luque, who scored two goals, as well as Mario Kempes.
Mondragón also mentioned that his cartel attempted to sign Diego Maradona for América of Cali, but the deal failed to materialize due to superior offers that Maradona had from Europe.
"The transfer did not come to fruition, but a lasting friendship remained between both parties," wrote the mafioso's son in the book called "Son of the Chessmaster 2", after his father's nickname.
Syomin fourth Dinamo Kiev coach in a season
Russian Yuri Syomin has become the fourth Dinamo Kiev coach in the current season, by replacing the former Ukrainian international Oleg Luzhny. Previously coach to Lokomotiv and Dinamo of Moscow and of the Russian national team, Syomin has been given clear instructions as to what his mission is.
"This team must never again embarrass themselves in Europe," said the president Grigory Surkis, referring to Dinamo's dismal campaign in this year's Champions' League.
The most popular Ukrainian team started the season under Anatoly Demyanenko, who was soon replaced by Josef Szabo. Eventually, Szabo was succeeded by his assistant Luzhny, who was in turn sacked after five consecutive defeats in the international competition.
Policeman injured in fighting with Red Star ultras
A plain clothes policeman was severely bruised and burned in a clash with Red Star supporters during a Serb championship match against Hajduk Kula at Belgrade's Marakana stadium.
The incident started when the agent attempted to arrest a local fan for lighting a firecracker. Other fans came to their mate's rescue and overpowered the policeman even though he fired two warning shots in the air. One of the hooligans even scorched the fallen man with the firecracker, inflicting serious burns.
The riot police quickly intervened and rescued the agent, who was transported to a hospital in a stable condition.
Several fans were arrested and will be tried for attempted homicide, but surprisingly three of the Red Star officials were detained as well on suspicion of having failed to provide safety during the match and having enabled the hooligans to smuggle in the pyrotechnical material.
Within a separate police investigation, Red Star's secretary general Zoran Damjanovic was also brought in on charges of corruption and embezzlement relative to players' transfers, completing a dismal week for Serb soccer.
Giggs makes it a hundred
Manchester United's living legend Ryan Giggs scored his 100th Premier League goal in a match against bottom placed Derby County, helping the Red Devils move within a point of leaders Arsenal. United's 4-1 win coupled with a sensational Gunners' defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough means that the race for the Premiership title will be more exciting than thought during the previous weeks.
Giggs, the 34-year-old Welsh Wizard, has been a regular feature for Manchester United since 1991 and is the team's most successful player in history as far as the trophies are concerned.
Galatasaray want to retire Hakan
The best known Turkish international, Hakan Sükür, has been advised to retire at the end of this season in order to cede a place to the players of the new generation. The 36-old forward has been told that he would be undesirable in the future because, as Galatasaray vicepresident Adnan Polat said, of his inability to fit into the new scheme.
"We are in the process of creating a new team in which there will be no place for him. I have suggested to him that he should quit at the season's end. Should he fail to do this, we will terminate his contract," announced Polat.
The Galatasaray and Turkey legend, who scored over 200 goals for the club and 50 for the country, has no intentions of ending his career.
"I don't plan to abandon the soccer scene. I wish to play for at least two more seasons," said Sukur, who is still going strong and scores with an astonishing regularity.
Drogba undergoes emergency surgery
Didier Drogba was surprisingly operated on his knee on Saturday in spite of an agreement with Chelsea directors about postponing the surgery for the forthcoming week. The Ivorian forward will be back in action in about five weeks, but the Stamford Bridge faithful will not see him before the third week of February!
If Drogba recovers in time, he will take part in the African Cup of Nations in Ghana, and if Ivory Coast makes good progress Chelsea will remain deprived of their first-choice striker for over two months.
Drogba suffered from a long term problem with his knee, called degeneration of the meniscus, which he aggravated while representing his country.
Corinthians like Manchester and Valencia
Corinthians of Sao Paulo have become the latest in the string of big clubs to have
been relegated in spite of their glamourous tradition. The second most popular Brazilian club, supported by no less a person than the President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva, went from winning the title in 2005 to going down at the end of this season.
The main reason for Corinthians' downfall is arguably the managerial chaos caused by the trials of the director Alberto Dualib and his associates for money laundering, embezzlement and other financial wrongdoings.
While the supporters of their principal rivals, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras, are currently ecstatic over their archrivals' plight, Corinthians' fans believe their beloved team will soon return as have most Brazilian greats relegated through results or FA rulings.
Relegated giants
Manchester Utd. (1974)
Tottenham (1977)
Milan (1982)
Lazio (1985)
Valencia (1986)
Sevilla (1996)
Fluminense (1998)
Atletico Madrid (2000)
Sampdoria (2000)
Botafogo (2002)
Leeds (2004)
Borussia M. (2007)
Forcibly relegated
Milan (1980)
Lazio (1980)
Bordeaux (1991)
Olympique Marseille (1994)
Fiorentina (2002)
Juventus (2006)
Note: year of relegation in brackets
Copyright Ozren Podnar & Soccerphile
Bet with Bet 365
World Soccer News
Soccer betting tips
Soccer Books & DVDs
Tags
Soccer News soccer football J-League K-League Betting
Sunday, November 25, 2007
No rush for England's poisoned chalice
"There are not many candidates because it looks a bit like a crocodile that opens the mouth and says: 'Jump into that.' Once he's in there, he's eaten. And once you have eaten four, five says: 'No, maybe I don't jump in there.'"
So went the words of Arsene Wenger, the best coach working in England at present.
In the old days, before the savaging of Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor by the tabloids and the realization that the real money and chances of success were to be found in the Premier League and not the international game, the nation’s best coach would have leapt at the chance of managing England.
Not any more. In the aftermath of Steve McClaren’s quick exit from Soho Square, the candidates for the top job have been scurrying into the shadows. Like schoolkids desperate for the teacher not to pick them to answer a tricky question, the candidates are doing their best to look at their shoes instead.
Aston Villa coach Martin O’Neill could probably have signed a contract the day after the Croatia fiasco had he wanted to, but yesterday appeared to shut the door. “It’s gone for me. It’s absolutely gone,” he said.
Reading’s Steve Coppell would appear to be the best English candidate working in the Premier League, but also realises his nationality counts against him this time.
So went the words of Arsene Wenger, the best coach working in England at present.
In the old days, before the savaging of Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor by the tabloids and the realization that the real money and chances of success were to be found in the Premier League and not the international game, the nation’s best coach would have leapt at the chance of managing England.
Not any more. In the aftermath of Steve McClaren’s quick exit from Soho Square, the candidates for the top job have been scurrying into the shadows. Like schoolkids desperate for the teacher not to pick them to answer a tricky question, the candidates are doing their best to look at their shoes instead.
Aston Villa coach Martin O’Neill could probably have signed a contract the day after the Croatia fiasco had he wanted to, but yesterday appeared to shut the door. “It’s gone for me. It’s absolutely gone,” he said.
Reading’s Steve Coppell would appear to be the best English candidate working in the Premier League, but also realises his nationality counts against him this time.
If the next leader of the Three Lions must be English, the options are fast disappearing beyond Coppell. Alan Curbishley now says he is no longer interested, Harry Redknapp’s colourful reputation surely precludes him and the FA are unlikely to go crawling back to the doors of two men they have previously fired – Glenn Hoddle and Terry Venables.
Almost certainly, the FA will pick another foreigner, following the appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2001.
Jurgen Klinsmann is believed to be interested and would have little trouble adapting once again to London. Indeed, ‘Klinsi’’s articulate and popular persona would probably pull the fans and media onside from the start, in a way few recent England coaches have succeeding in doing.
But the German legend still lives in Santa Barbara, California, which entails a day’s commuting and eight hours’ jet lag to reach England. His refusal to accept the USA job is still clouded in mystery and a flood of criticism will be inevitable as soon as results get sticky with England. The risk that it could all end in tears just looks too great for FA chief executive Brian Barwick to approach him in the first place.
Fabio Capello is the only man to so far declare his candidacy. The 61 year-old has long had an eye on English football, perhaps since scoring for Italy at Wembley in 1973, and had expressed an interest in replacing Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford back in 2002.
Capello has fallen out with a number of high-profile players over the years, including David Beckham, Alessandro Del Piero and Ronaldo, but boasts a stunning coaching CV including seven Serie A shields (four with Milan, two with Juventus and one with Roma) and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid.
Milan’s unforgettable 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League Final in Athens remains perhaps the apex of Capello’s coaching history.
The other big name still in the frame is Jose Mourinho. The recently-departed Chelsea coach is surely a little tempted, or else he would have publicly ruled himself out this week.
Instead, the mercurial Portuguese is playing a game of brinkmanship, aware that vacancies may pop up before the end of the year at Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid.
While Mourinho’s family allegedly are keen to resume their London life, one cannot help but wonder how coaching a discredited national team without competitive fixtures for another year can compare to leading one of the European club heavyweights.
It is hard to see how maverick personalities like Mourinho could enjoy the amount of down time this position entails, when a man of his calibre could surely walk into one of the top jobs on the continent over the next few months and before long cross swords again with the best in the UEFA Champions League.
A team booed off by its own fans as it lost embarassingly on a bleak and rainy winter’s night was no advert for the manager’s job.
And perhaps all speculation on on this issue is pointless as the fault lines in English football run too deep for any magician to swan in and wave a magic wand in the first place.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, the outstanding English club coach, Brian Clough, winner of two European Cups, longed to be picked as England manager.
But in 2007, for coaches of real talent from whatever country, the chance of supping nectar at the helm of a top European club outshines the poisoned chalice of the England manager’s job by some distance.
Can you blame them for avoiding the telephone after all they have seen recently?
Almost certainly, the FA will pick another foreigner, following the appointment of Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2001.
Jurgen Klinsmann is believed to be interested and would have little trouble adapting once again to London. Indeed, ‘Klinsi’’s articulate and popular persona would probably pull the fans and media onside from the start, in a way few recent England coaches have succeeding in doing.
But the German legend still lives in Santa Barbara, California, which entails a day’s commuting and eight hours’ jet lag to reach England. His refusal to accept the USA job is still clouded in mystery and a flood of criticism will be inevitable as soon as results get sticky with England. The risk that it could all end in tears just looks too great for FA chief executive Brian Barwick to approach him in the first place.
Fabio Capello is the only man to so far declare his candidacy. The 61 year-old has long had an eye on English football, perhaps since scoring for Italy at Wembley in 1973, and had expressed an interest in replacing Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford back in 2002.
Capello has fallen out with a number of high-profile players over the years, including David Beckham, Alessandro Del Piero and Ronaldo, but boasts a stunning coaching CV including seven Serie A shields (four with Milan, two with Juventus and one with Roma) and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid.
Milan’s unforgettable 4-0 demolition of Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League Final in Athens remains perhaps the apex of Capello’s coaching history.
The other big name still in the frame is Jose Mourinho. The recently-departed Chelsea coach is surely a little tempted, or else he would have publicly ruled himself out this week.
Instead, the mercurial Portuguese is playing a game of brinkmanship, aware that vacancies may pop up before the end of the year at Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid.
While Mourinho’s family allegedly are keen to resume their London life, one cannot help but wonder how coaching a discredited national team without competitive fixtures for another year can compare to leading one of the European club heavyweights.
It is hard to see how maverick personalities like Mourinho could enjoy the amount of down time this position entails, when a man of his calibre could surely walk into one of the top jobs on the continent over the next few months and before long cross swords again with the best in the UEFA Champions League.
A team booed off by its own fans as it lost embarassingly on a bleak and rainy winter’s night was no advert for the manager’s job.
And perhaps all speculation on on this issue is pointless as the fault lines in English football run too deep for any magician to swan in and wave a magic wand in the first place.
In the 1970s and ‘80s, the outstanding English club coach, Brian Clough, winner of two European Cups, longed to be picked as England manager.
But in 2007, for coaches of real talent from whatever country, the chance of supping nectar at the helm of a top European club outshines the poisoned chalice of the England manager’s job by some distance.
Can you blame them for avoiding the telephone after all they have seen recently?
The top job has now become “the impossible job”, as a previous victim Graham Taylor memorably noted, adding that his advice to any future encumbent of the cursed throne would be this:
“Win every game!”
(c) Sean O'Conor & Soccerphile
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Manchester United v Urawa Reds
Manchester United's pre-season tour to Asia kicked off with a 2-2 draw with J-League champions Urawa Reds in Saitama tonight.
United last played the Reds in 2005 winning 2-0 with a goal from Wayne Rooney being the highlight of the match.
This time it was 2-2 at Saitama Stadium. United's goals came from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo, Urawa replying with strikes from Hideki Uchidate and Shinji Ono in front of a passionate home crowd.
Urawa partially model themselves on Manchester United, with a lot of Bayern Munich thrown in to the mix. The Mancunian Red Devils traditionally include a fixture with the team from the working class suburbs of Tokyo on their pre-season East Asian money-making jaunts.
Listen to some quasi-fascist chanting by Urawa Reds fans
World Soccer News
Soccer betting tips
Soccer Books & DVDs
Tags
Soccer News soccer football Asian Cup
United last played the Reds in 2005 winning 2-0 with a goal from Wayne Rooney being the highlight of the match.
This time it was 2-2 at Saitama Stadium. United's goals came from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo, Urawa replying with strikes from Hideki Uchidate and Shinji Ono in front of a passionate home crowd.
Urawa partially model themselves on Manchester United, with a lot of Bayern Munich thrown in to the mix. The Mancunian Red Devils traditionally include a fixture with the team from the working class suburbs of Tokyo on their pre-season East Asian money-making jaunts.
Listen to some quasi-fascist chanting by Urawa Reds fans
Hotels
in Bangkok - Bookings | Hotels
in Kuala Lumpur - Bookings | Hotels
in Jakarta - Bookings | Hotels
in Hanoi - Bookings | Hotels
in Ho Chi Minh - Bookings
World Soccer News
Soccer betting tips
Soccer Books & DVDs
Tags
Soccer News soccer football Asian Cup
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Premier League Bets
After two defeats at Anfield in a week against Arsenal, including the 6-3 Carling Cup exit on Tuesday night, Liverpool will be grateful for the trip to Watford so they can try and get back into the winning habit.
With seven goals in his last 10 matches, Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka has his sights firmly set on punishing his former employers this season. He scored twice against Manchester City in December and will look for more of the same against a side which has lost seven out of 11 on the road this season.
Charlton already looked dead and buried despite the arrival of a new manager and four months of the season to play. They have good players on the books but they don't appear able to perform, as two Cup exits against lower league opposition this season testifies. The odds on Middlesbrough to win this one are tempting.
Chelsea were fortunate to beat Wigan in December after the Latics came from two behind only to lose in the last minute. After two draws at Stamford Bridge in their last two league games, Jose Mourinho is under pressure and I expect the Blues to win convincingly this weekend.
Manchester United needed a last minute howler from Gabor Kiraly to knock Aston Villa out of the FA Cup last weekend but should win again back in league duty. United have won the last three Premiership encounters against Martin O'Neill's side at Old Trafford.
Sheffield United are five points clear of the relegation zone and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Swansea City will allow them to concentrate on survival. A point against visiting Portsmouth would do nicely.
West Ham United will unleash former Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte against his former employers this weekend as they strive to make up the four points they currently lie from safety. Fulham have improved on their travels, but still struggle to win away from the haven of Craven Cottage.
Blackburn could be good for a draw at Ewood Park against Arsenal after coming back strongly following a 6-2 thrashing at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger's side have lost five out of 11 on the road which indicates they are susceptible against teams that are in form.
On Sunday, Everton's top half of the table clash against Reading could end all square while Tottenham's home form (eight wins in 11 league matches) should see them beat Newcastle who are still looking over their shoulders at the bottom three.
Verdict:
Liverpool vs Watford - Liverpool
Bolton vs Manchester City - Bolton
Charlton vs Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough
Chelsea vs Wigan - Chelsea
Manchester United vs Aston Villa - Manchester United
Sheffield United vs Portsmouth - Draw
West Ham vs Fulham - West Ham
Blackburn vs Arsenal - Blackburn
Reading vs Everton - Draw
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle - Tottenham Hotspur
David Walker is the resident tipster on a popular free bets website. For further betting advice on this weekend's fixtures please visit Walker's Word.
Bet356
English Premiership Betting
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
With seven goals in his last 10 matches, Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka has his sights firmly set on punishing his former employers this season. He scored twice against Manchester City in December and will look for more of the same against a side which has lost seven out of 11 on the road this season.
Charlton already looked dead and buried despite the arrival of a new manager and four months of the season to play. They have good players on the books but they don't appear able to perform, as two Cup exits against lower league opposition this season testifies. The odds on Middlesbrough to win this one are tempting.
Chelsea were fortunate to beat Wigan in December after the Latics came from two behind only to lose in the last minute. After two draws at Stamford Bridge in their last two league games, Jose Mourinho is under pressure and I expect the Blues to win convincingly this weekend.
Manchester United needed a last minute howler from Gabor Kiraly to knock Aston Villa out of the FA Cup last weekend but should win again back in league duty. United have won the last three Premiership encounters against Martin O'Neill's side at Old Trafford.
Sheffield United are five points clear of the relegation zone and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Swansea City will allow them to concentrate on survival. A point against visiting Portsmouth would do nicely.
West Ham United will unleash former Fulham captain Luis Boa Morte against his former employers this weekend as they strive to make up the four points they currently lie from safety. Fulham have improved on their travels, but still struggle to win away from the haven of Craven Cottage.
Blackburn could be good for a draw at Ewood Park against Arsenal after coming back strongly following a 6-2 thrashing at the Emirates Stadium. Arsene Wenger's side have lost five out of 11 on the road which indicates they are susceptible against teams that are in form.
On Sunday, Everton's top half of the table clash against Reading could end all square while Tottenham's home form (eight wins in 11 league matches) should see them beat Newcastle who are still looking over their shoulders at the bottom three.
Verdict:
Liverpool vs Watford - Liverpool
Bolton vs Manchester City - Bolton
Charlton vs Middlesbrough - Middlesbrough
Chelsea vs Wigan - Chelsea
Manchester United vs Aston Villa - Manchester United
Sheffield United vs Portsmouth - Draw
West Ham vs Fulham - West Ham
Blackburn vs Arsenal - Blackburn
Reading vs Everton - Draw
Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle - Tottenham Hotspur
David Walker is the resident tipster on a popular free bets website. For further betting advice on this weekend's fixtures please visit Walker's Word.
Bet356
English Premiership Betting
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Monday, January 8, 2007
FA Cup 4th Round Draw
FA Cup 4th Round Draw
The matches will be played on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January.
Arsenal v Bolton
Barnet or Colchester v Peterborough or Plymouth Argyle
Birmingham City or Newcastle United v Reading or Burnley
Blackpool v Norwich City
Bristol City or Coventry City v Hull City or Middlesbrough
Cardiff City or Tottenham v Southend Utd or Barnsley
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Chester City or Ipswich Town v Swansea
Crystal Palace v Preston North End
Derby County v Bristol Rovers
Leicester City or Fulham v Stoke City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Queens Park Rangers or Luton Town v Blackburn Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday or Manchester City v Southampton
West Ham v Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers or Oldham v WBA
The bookies favor in order
Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
FA Cup DVDs
English Premiership Betting
Books on Japan
Tags
FA Cup soccer football football betting betting
The matches will be played on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January.
Arsenal v Bolton
Barnet or Colchester v Peterborough or Plymouth Argyle
Birmingham City or Newcastle United v Reading or Burnley
Blackpool v Norwich City
Bristol City or Coventry City v Hull City or Middlesbrough
Cardiff City or Tottenham v Southend Utd or Barnsley
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Chester City or Ipswich Town v Swansea
Crystal Palace v Preston North End
Derby County v Bristol Rovers
Leicester City or Fulham v Stoke City
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Queens Park Rangers or Luton Town v Blackburn Rovers
Sheffield Wednesday or Manchester City v Southampton
West Ham v Watford
Wolverhampton Wanderers or Oldham v WBA
The bookies favor in order
Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
FA Cup DVDs
English Premiership Betting
Books on Japan
Tags
FA Cup soccer football football betting betting
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
All I want for Christmas is Ewe
I hate Christmas. Last year the wife bought me a ‘Rudolf’ umbrella just so she could use the line, ‘It looks line rain dear’. My decision to kick her out of the house was perfectly justified.
In a freakish coincidence, I saw another umbrella as a result of her mother’s gift. I can’t complain too much though, it had a street value of £35.
The Premiership’s very own ‘Rudolf’ will soon be joining me in the miserable corner. Fergie’s title aspirations received a Hammer blow last week; the Villa can land a knockout strike at 9/2.
I’m taking the kids to Villa Park to see young Rooney; it’s the only way they’ll get to see a fat man with a beard this Christmas. Get your claws into Petrov at 16/1 to score the first goal.
Apparently, the Chelsea players are spending a total of £5 on presents for each other; typical flash footballers. A win over Wigan at 4/9 could see the champions on top of the tree on Christmas day.
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has sensationally labelled Andriy Shevchenko a ‘lap-dog’. At least the Chelsea flop is under the thumb of a super-model; I get ordered around by a mad Sweaty. I’m nuts about the 4/1 for a Drogba opener.
Everton have asked the FA to launch an enquiry into Jose Mourinho’s tirade against Andy Johnson; I expect the FA’s report to contain three words.
Like Jesus, Steve Coppell has performed absolute miracles this season. I can see Reading getting the better of the Moyes boys at 7/5.
I was shocked to read that Anton Ferdinand made out with Big Brother’s Aisleyne at West Ham’s Christmas do. It wasn’t the fact that he was partying so soon after Alan Pardew’s dismissal that upset me; I just hate to picture unattractive people kissing. I’m cuddling the 9/4 about a draw between Fulham and the Hammers.
Liverpool’s festive shindig looked a classy affair. Robbie Fowler dressed up as Saddam Hussein, Dirk Kuyt donned a Superman outfit and I’m guessing Peter Crouch came as the beanstalk. Jermaine Pennant wanted to go as a highway robber; but was told he needed fancy dress. You can’t disguise the fact that Liverpool will demolish Watford at 1/4.
Stevie Gerrard has been awarded the freedom of the borough of Knowsley. One perk is that he can freely drive his sheep down the main street; Craig Bellamy wants a piece of that action. I want a piece of the 9/2 about Bellamy netting the opener.
Where would we be without laughter? Watching Soccer AM. I’m in hysterics at the 7/4 on offer for a Bolton win at Manchester City.
Could there be more to Iain Dowie’s dismissal than meets the eye? There’s a rumour going around that he was sacked to avoid potential mistletoe related resignations at the Crimbo lash-up. That theory remains contentious; few would argue with the 4/5 on offer for Boro at home to the Addicks.
Arsenal v Blackburn is as close as you can get to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ without staring through my front window. The 4/11 about the Gunners is simply stunning.
Robbie Savage must be backed at 7/4 to pick up a booking. It’s the only way he’ll get a card this Christmas.
I’m incredibly jealous of Matt Taylor. While i’ve been stuck at home with a Christmas pudding, the Pompey star has bagged a couple of real crackers. The 8/13 on offer for a Portsmouth win over Sheffield United is so attractive; I’m considering kicking the wife out and moving it in.
I’m embarrassed to say that if Tottenham fail to win at St James’ Park, the kids are having bread and butter for their Christmas dinner. If Spurs come through at 7/4, I’m going to splash out on a jar of strawberry jam.
I am so confident that the weekend accer of Arsenal, Boro, Pompey, Reading and Chelsea will romp in at 12/1; i’ve already paid for the wife’s Christmas presents out of the winnings. There’s a miniskirt and a weekend break in Ipswich under the tree.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
English Premiership Betting
Books on Japan
Tags
Premier League soccer football football betting betting
In a freakish coincidence, I saw another umbrella as a result of her mother’s gift. I can’t complain too much though, it had a street value of £35.
The Premiership’s very own ‘Rudolf’ will soon be joining me in the miserable corner. Fergie’s title aspirations received a Hammer blow last week; the Villa can land a knockout strike at 9/2.
I’m taking the kids to Villa Park to see young Rooney; it’s the only way they’ll get to see a fat man with a beard this Christmas. Get your claws into Petrov at 16/1 to score the first goal.
Apparently, the Chelsea players are spending a total of £5 on presents for each other; typical flash footballers. A win over Wigan at 4/9 could see the champions on top of the tree on Christmas day.
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has sensationally labelled Andriy Shevchenko a ‘lap-dog’. At least the Chelsea flop is under the thumb of a super-model; I get ordered around by a mad Sweaty. I’m nuts about the 4/1 for a Drogba opener.
Everton have asked the FA to launch an enquiry into Jose Mourinho’s tirade against Andy Johnson; I expect the FA’s report to contain three words.
Like Jesus, Steve Coppell has performed absolute miracles this season. I can see Reading getting the better of the Moyes boys at 7/5.
I was shocked to read that Anton Ferdinand made out with Big Brother’s Aisleyne at West Ham’s Christmas do. It wasn’t the fact that he was partying so soon after Alan Pardew’s dismissal that upset me; I just hate to picture unattractive people kissing. I’m cuddling the 9/4 about a draw between Fulham and the Hammers.
Liverpool’s festive shindig looked a classy affair. Robbie Fowler dressed up as Saddam Hussein, Dirk Kuyt donned a Superman outfit and I’m guessing Peter Crouch came as the beanstalk. Jermaine Pennant wanted to go as a highway robber; but was told he needed fancy dress. You can’t disguise the fact that Liverpool will demolish Watford at 1/4.
Stevie Gerrard has been awarded the freedom of the borough of Knowsley. One perk is that he can freely drive his sheep down the main street; Craig Bellamy wants a piece of that action. I want a piece of the 9/2 about Bellamy netting the opener.
Where would we be without laughter? Watching Soccer AM. I’m in hysterics at the 7/4 on offer for a Bolton win at Manchester City.
Could there be more to Iain Dowie’s dismissal than meets the eye? There’s a rumour going around that he was sacked to avoid potential mistletoe related resignations at the Crimbo lash-up. That theory remains contentious; few would argue with the 4/5 on offer for Boro at home to the Addicks.
Arsenal v Blackburn is as close as you can get to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ without staring through my front window. The 4/11 about the Gunners is simply stunning.
Robbie Savage must be backed at 7/4 to pick up a booking. It’s the only way he’ll get a card this Christmas.
I’m incredibly jealous of Matt Taylor. While i’ve been stuck at home with a Christmas pudding, the Pompey star has bagged a couple of real crackers. The 8/13 on offer for a Portsmouth win over Sheffield United is so attractive; I’m considering kicking the wife out and moving it in.
I’m embarrassed to say that if Tottenham fail to win at St James’ Park, the kids are having bread and butter for their Christmas dinner. If Spurs come through at 7/4, I’m going to splash out on a jar of strawberry jam.
I am so confident that the weekend accer of Arsenal, Boro, Pompey, Reading and Chelsea will romp in at 12/1; i’ve already paid for the wife’s Christmas presents out of the winnings. There’s a miniskirt and a weekend break in Ipswich under the tree.
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
English Premiership Betting
Books on Japan
Tags
Premier League soccer football football betting betting
Friday, November 24, 2006
Premier League Odds
A short version of Walker’s Word this week covering only the televised fixtures. Charlton Athletic could be even more cut off from the pack by Saturday lunch time while Newcastle could pull away from the drop zone on Sunday afternoon writes David Walker.
Saturday 25 November
Charlton Athletic vs Everton
Even the introduction of new manager Les Reed could not inspire Charlton to victory last weekend as they slumped 2-0 at Reading. They face tough opposition in Everton who themselves have won just two in their last eight league games since beating Liverpool 3-0 back in September. However, Everton keep things tight and have been involved in four 1-0 results in their last four games and will frustrate the rock bottom Premiership club. The Toffees have not won at The Valley since 2001 with the Addicks recording two wins and two draws since but this record could change on Saturday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 7/5 (Paddy Power)
AH: Everton level ball @ 19/20 (Bet356)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal
Bolton have been the scourge of Arsenal in recent seasons, beating them twice last season in both the league and FA Cup and also the season before. They have secured 1-1 and 2-2 draws in the campaigns before that with Arsenal not winning at the Reebok Stadium in the Premiership since 2002. There is some bad blood between the two sides and Arsenal could be in danger of losing further ground on Chelsea and Manchester United this weekend. Despite a fantastic recent home record against the Gunners, the bookmakers are offering fantastic odds on a win for Sam Allardyce’s side.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Bolton @ 5/2 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Bolton + ½ @ 17/20 (Bet356)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Sunday 26 November
Newcastle United vs Portsmouth
The league table could be turned on its head for this contest as Newcastle could pull away from the relegation zone with a win. Portsmouth are flying high in third place at the moment but have already been beaten 3-0 at St James’ Park this season in the Carling Cup. The Magpies have won two out of three league meetings in the North East, with a draw in between a couple of years ago. Glenn Roeder’s side have had a dreadful run of late, but will be buoyed by two battling away draws, especially at Arsenal last weekend.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 13/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: Newcastle – ¼ @ 21/20 (Bet356)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Manchester United vs Chelsea
The top of the table clash sees Chelsea three points behind Manchester United who have won their last seven league matches since their 1-1 draw with Reading back in September. Chelsea also come into this match strongly, having won five of their last six league matches, the blip being a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham three weeks ago. Both sides lost in the Champions League this week, perhaps with one eye on this weekend’s game. United won this fixture 1-0 last season, but have only beaten Chelsea four times in 14 Premiership fixtures at Old Trafford. A draw won’t particularly help either side’s title ambitions but it won’t be the end of the world either.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 21/10 (UK Betting)
AH: Chelsea level ball @ 9/8 (Bet356)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Saturday 25 November
Charlton Athletic vs Everton
Even the introduction of new manager Les Reed could not inspire Charlton to victory last weekend as they slumped 2-0 at Reading. They face tough opposition in Everton who themselves have won just two in their last eight league games since beating Liverpool 3-0 back in September. However, Everton keep things tight and have been involved in four 1-0 results in their last four games and will frustrate the rock bottom Premiership club. The Toffees have not won at The Valley since 2001 with the Addicks recording two wins and two draws since but this record could change on Saturday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 7/5 (Paddy Power)
AH: Everton level ball @ 19/20 (Bet356)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Bolton Wanderers vs Arsenal
Bolton have been the scourge of Arsenal in recent seasons, beating them twice last season in both the league and FA Cup and also the season before. They have secured 1-1 and 2-2 draws in the campaigns before that with Arsenal not winning at the Reebok Stadium in the Premiership since 2002. There is some bad blood between the two sides and Arsenal could be in danger of losing further ground on Chelsea and Manchester United this weekend. Despite a fantastic recent home record against the Gunners, the bookmakers are offering fantastic odds on a win for Sam Allardyce’s side.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Bolton @ 5/2 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Bolton + ½ @ 17/20 (Bet356)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Sunday 26 November
Newcastle United vs Portsmouth
The league table could be turned on its head for this contest as Newcastle could pull away from the relegation zone with a win. Portsmouth are flying high in third place at the moment but have already been beaten 3-0 at St James’ Park this season in the Carling Cup. The Magpies have won two out of three league meetings in the North East, with a draw in between a couple of years ago. Glenn Roeder’s side have had a dreadful run of late, but will be buoyed by two battling away draws, especially at Arsenal last weekend.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 13/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: Newcastle – ¼ @ 21/20 (Bet356)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Manchester United vs Chelsea
The top of the table clash sees Chelsea three points behind Manchester United who have won their last seven league matches since their 1-1 draw with Reading back in September. Chelsea also come into this match strongly, having won five of their last six league matches, the blip being a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham three weeks ago. Both sides lost in the Champions League this week, perhaps with one eye on this weekend’s game. United won this fixture 1-0 last season, but have only beaten Chelsea four times in 14 Premiership fixtures at Old Trafford. A draw won’t particularly help either side’s title ambitions but it won’t be the end of the world either.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 21/10 (UK Betting)
AH: Chelsea level ball @ 9/8 (Bet356)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Thursday, November 9, 2006
Premiership Betting Odds
More misery will be heaped on Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United this weekend, while Manchester United should win at Ewood Park for this first time since 1998 writes David Walker.
Saturday 11 November
Manchester City vs Newcastle United
Two teams battling against relegation will slug it out in this lunch time horror show. Things have got so bad at City, they have even started losing against Charlton, enduring a 1-0 reverse last weekend. Things are not much better in Newcastle either, bottom but one in the table and a home defeat against goal shy Sheffield United on Saturday. City have won three of their last four home encounters against the Magpies following their return to the Premiership in 2002 so a welcome home win is the call.
Walker’s Word
1x2: City @ 11/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: City – ¼ @ 37/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Chelsea vs Watford
Chelsea to ‘get back to winning ways’ in what is likely to be a dour, low scoring, affair at Stamford Bridge. Yawn.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 1/6 (Betfred)
AH: Chelsea – 1 ¾ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (VCBet)
Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton are without a win in their last three, including a midweek home defeat against a youthful Arsenal side in the Carling Cup while Villa have lost their last two on the road, including Wednesday’s 4-0 thrashing by Chelsea in the much maligned knockout competition. The Toffees have a good record against Villa, winning four out of the last five Premiership encounters at Goodison Park and could push themselves up the table at Martin O’Neill’s expense.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 6/5 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Everton – ¼ (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Middlesbrough vs West Ham United
Middlesbrough are hovering just above the relegation zone after losing their last two matches and four of their last six. However, they have won their last two matches at the Riverside Stadium and have an exceptional record against the Hammers, winning seven out of their last eight league meetings in the North East. Alan Pardew’s side, now in fifteenth and level on points with the Boro, have won their last two league games including a memorable defeat of Arsenal last weekend, but could return to London with nothing on Saturday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Boro @ 6/5 (Betfred)
AH: Boro – ¼ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Portsmouth vs Fulham
Portsmouth early season form has dipped slightly following a barn storming srart to the campaign, but two league defeats in their last four matches were against Chelsea and Manchester United. Fulham are opponents Harry Redknapp will fancy his chances against and Portmsouth have won two of their last three Premiership meetings against the Cottagers at Fratton Park.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Portsmouth @ 9/10 (VCBet)
AH: Portsmouth – ½ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (VCBet)
Sheffield United vs Bolton Wanderers
Sheffield United scored their first goal in four Premiership matches against Newcastle last weekend and it proved to be the winner. They face an equally shot shy side in Bolton who haven’t scored a goal in their last two league matches and have hit the back of the net just once during the last four in all competitions. Watching paint dry may be a more exciting option than visiting Bramall Lane in a match which could peter out to a goalless draw.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 11/5 (Paddy Power)
AH: Sheffield United + ¼ @ 17/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (Bet365)
Wigan Athletic vs Charlton Athletic
Wigan are an improving side and now their new players are starting to gel they have won three league games on the bounce, including two away from home. Rock bottom Charlton are also improving slightly and are unbeaten in their last three Premiership matches, culminating in a home win against Manchester City last weekend. Last season was the first time the pair ever played each other and Wigan crushed the Addicks 3-0. The way Paul Jewell’s side have been playing recently, a similar result is not out of the question.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Wigan @ 5/6 (Betfred)
AH: Wigan – ½ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (Bet365)
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United
United will not have a better opportunity to end their Ewood Park hoodoo than on Saturday night. The Reds have not won at Blackburn in the league since 1998 and since then Rovers have won three out of five, the other two being draws. However, top of the table United will be licking their wounds following a midweek Carling Cup exit at the hands of Southend United and Mark Hughes’ side are ravaged by injuries.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Man Utd @ 4/7 (Paddy Power)
AH: Man Utd – ¾ @ 33/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ evens (VCBet)
Sunday 12 November
Reading vs Tottenham Hotspur
Two teams in mid table, both with contrasting opinions of being there. Reading, with survival as their priority, have lost their last four, while Tottenham have come off the back of a momentous 2-1 defeat of Chelsea last weekend. Prior to that result, Spurs won just three out of 10 Premiership matches and this fixture is a good opportunity for the Royals to stop the rot. Honours to finish even.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 9/4 (UK Betting)
AH: Reading + ¼ @ 17/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal are climbing back up the table slowly but faced a setback against West Ham last weekend. Liverpool, while going great guns in the cup competitions they are involved in, have not performed in the Premiership this term, but they have won their last two matches. Arsenal have won the last three league encounters between the pair at Highbury, but have not hit the same heights at the new Emirates Stadium, winning two of their last five Premiership matches in their new home.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 9/4 (Betfred)
AH: Liverpoool + ½ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Saturday 11 November
Manchester City vs Newcastle United
Two teams battling against relegation will slug it out in this lunch time horror show. Things have got so bad at City, they have even started losing against Charlton, enduring a 1-0 reverse last weekend. Things are not much better in Newcastle either, bottom but one in the table and a home defeat against goal shy Sheffield United on Saturday. City have won three of their last four home encounters against the Magpies following their return to the Premiership in 2002 so a welcome home win is the call.
Walker’s Word
1x2: City @ 11/10 (Paddy Power)
AH: City – ¼ @ 37/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Chelsea vs Watford
Chelsea to ‘get back to winning ways’ in what is likely to be a dour, low scoring, affair at Stamford Bridge. Yawn.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 1/6 (Betfred)
AH: Chelsea – 1 ¾ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (VCBet)
Everton vs Aston Villa
Everton are without a win in their last three, including a midweek home defeat against a youthful Arsenal side in the Carling Cup while Villa have lost their last two on the road, including Wednesday’s 4-0 thrashing by Chelsea in the much maligned knockout competition. The Toffees have a good record against Villa, winning four out of the last five Premiership encounters at Goodison Park and could push themselves up the table at Martin O’Neill’s expense.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 6/5 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Everton – ¼ (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Middlesbrough vs West Ham United
Middlesbrough are hovering just above the relegation zone after losing their last two matches and four of their last six. However, they have won their last two matches at the Riverside Stadium and have an exceptional record against the Hammers, winning seven out of their last eight league meetings in the North East. Alan Pardew’s side, now in fifteenth and level on points with the Boro, have won their last two league games including a memorable defeat of Arsenal last weekend, but could return to London with nothing on Saturday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Boro @ 6/5 (Betfred)
AH: Boro – ¼ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Portsmouth vs Fulham
Portsmouth early season form has dipped slightly following a barn storming srart to the campaign, but two league defeats in their last four matches were against Chelsea and Manchester United. Fulham are opponents Harry Redknapp will fancy his chances against and Portmsouth have won two of their last three Premiership meetings against the Cottagers at Fratton Park.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Portsmouth @ 9/10 (VCBet)
AH: Portsmouth – ½ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (VCBet)
Sheffield United vs Bolton Wanderers
Sheffield United scored their first goal in four Premiership matches against Newcastle last weekend and it proved to be the winner. They face an equally shot shy side in Bolton who haven’t scored a goal in their last two league matches and have hit the back of the net just once during the last four in all competitions. Watching paint dry may be a more exciting option than visiting Bramall Lane in a match which could peter out to a goalless draw.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 11/5 (Paddy Power)
AH: Sheffield United + ¼ @ 17/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (Bet365)
Wigan Athletic vs Charlton Athletic
Wigan are an improving side and now their new players are starting to gel they have won three league games on the bounce, including two away from home. Rock bottom Charlton are also improving slightly and are unbeaten in their last three Premiership matches, culminating in a home win against Manchester City last weekend. Last season was the first time the pair ever played each other and Wigan crushed the Addicks 3-0. The way Paul Jewell’s side have been playing recently, a similar result is not out of the question.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Wigan @ 5/6 (Betfred)
AH: Wigan – ½ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (Bet365)
Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United
United will not have a better opportunity to end their Ewood Park hoodoo than on Saturday night. The Reds have not won at Blackburn in the league since 1998 and since then Rovers have won three out of five, the other two being draws. However, top of the table United will be licking their wounds following a midweek Carling Cup exit at the hands of Southend United and Mark Hughes’ side are ravaged by injuries.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Man Utd @ 4/7 (Paddy Power)
AH: Man Utd – ¾ @ 33/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ evens (VCBet)
Sunday 12 November
Reading vs Tottenham Hotspur
Two teams in mid table, both with contrasting opinions of being there. Reading, with survival as their priority, have lost their last four, while Tottenham have come off the back of a momentous 2-1 defeat of Chelsea last weekend. Prior to that result, Spurs won just three out of 10 Premiership matches and this fixture is a good opportunity for the Royals to stop the rot. Honours to finish even.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 9/4 (UK Betting)
AH: Reading + ¼ @ 17/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal are climbing back up the table slowly but faced a setback against West Ham last weekend. Liverpool, while going great guns in the cup competitions they are involved in, have not performed in the Premiership this term, but they have won their last two matches. Arsenal have won the last three league encounters between the pair at Highbury, but have not hit the same heights at the new Emirates Stadium, winning two of their last five Premiership matches in their new home.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 9/4 (Betfred)
AH: Liverpoool + ½ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Thursday, November 2, 2006
English Premiership Soccer Betting
Charlton Athletic could find themselves in further relegation worry this weekend while Bonfire Night should see away wins for both Arsenal and Chelsea writes David Walker.
Fulham vs Everton
Two sides enjoying an extended spell in the top 10 but it could be Fulham who edge closer to a place in Europe this Saturday. Chris Coleman’s side boast a 100% record against Everton at Craven Cottage since they joined the Premiership in 2001/02. Fulham have scored nine goals in these encounters with Everton finding the net just once. Fulham have won this match 2-0 on three occasions so correct scores fans could opt for that, or play it safe and bank on under 2.5 goals.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Fulham @ 8/5 (UK Betting)
AH: Fulham level ball @ evens (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic
If Bolton are to realistically challenge Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership they need to win home games like this one. Prior to beating Fulham at Craven Cottage last week, Wigan lost three out of four on the road and that is the kind of form Wanderers need to remind them about.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Bolton @ 5/6 (UK Betting)
AH: Bolton – ½ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Charlton Athletic vs Manchester City
Poor old Charlton, already three points adrift of safety and they face a bogey side in Manchester City this weekend. The Addicks have not beaten City in their last four attempts, losing twice and drawing 2-2 twice. They have not won since 2000/01 when they hammered the Blues 4-0 but have since suffered a 3-0 reverse and last season, a 5-2 humiliation on their own turf. Stuart Pearce’s side won their first match in four attempts against Middlesbrough on Monday and will fancy their chances at The Valley.
Walker’s Word
1x2: City @ 15/8 (VCBet)
AH: City + ¼ @ 33/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (Bet365)
Liverpool vs Reading
Liverpool are clicking into gear at last after beating Bordeaux 3-0 in midweek and destroying unbeaten Aston Villa 3-1 at the weekend. They face Reading at Anfield for the second time in as many weeks, after beating them 4-3 in the Carling Cup and another home win is likely.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Liverpool @ 1/3 (Betfred)
AH: Liverpool – 1 ¼ @ 33/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6 (VCBet)
Manchester United vs Portsmouth
While United have dropped points at Fratton Park on two of their last three visits, at Old Trafford they are much more solid, winning all three encounters since Pompey’s promotion in the 2003/04 campaign. United were humbled in Denmark against FC Copenhagen in the week and will want to get back to winning ways immediately. Portmsouth may boast the meanest defence in the league but United in full flow is a frightening prospect.
Walker’s Word
1x2: United @ 2/7 (Ladbrokes)
AH: United – 1 ½ @ 21/20 (Bet365)
OU: Over 3.5 goals @ 2/1 (Betfred)
Watford vs Middlesbrough
Two teams in the lower reaches of the division but Watford could be made to wait further to record their first league win of the season. The Hornets have proven to be tough to beat, grinding out six draws in 10 matches but Middlesbrough could extend their stay in the bottom three with a win at Vicarage Road.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Middlesbrough @ 15/8 (UK Betting)
AH: Middlesbrough level ball @ 43/40 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United
Newcastle need to win this match if they are to avoid slipping into the bottom three but the club’s minor injury crisis could hold the key to this game. The Blades have reported a feud between Claude Davis and Ade Akinbiyi has been resolved which should boost morale but it is Newcastle that could pick up a season-boosting three points.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 8/11 (UK Betting)
AH: Newcastle – ¾ @ 39/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (VCBet)
Sunday 5 November
West Ham United vs Arsenal
Arsenal have a poor record at Upton Park, winning just one of their last five Premiership visits and showed they couldn’t hit a barn door against Spartak Moscow in the week, squandering 20 clear chances. However, the Hammers have been dreadful this season and will find the Gunners a much sterner test than Blackburn, who they beat last Sunday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Arsenal @ 8/13 (Coral)
AH: Arsenal – ¾ @ ¾ (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 10/11 (VCBet)
Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
Villa’s unbeaten record was taken away from them last weekend by a rampant Liverpool but Martin O’Neill will see this match as a means of returning to winning ways. Mid table Blackburn have lost their last two in the league while the Villains have won this encounter by a 1-0 scoreline in the last two meetings at Villa Park.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Aston Villa @ 11/10 (Betfred)
AH: Villa – ½ @ evens (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
Chelsea have won the last three meetings at White Hart Lane by two 2-0 and one 1-0 scorelines. Another victory for Jose Mourinho’s side and another bet on the Under 2.5 goals market is the call.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 8/11 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Chelsea – ¾ @ evens (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Fulham vs Everton
Two sides enjoying an extended spell in the top 10 but it could be Fulham who edge closer to a place in Europe this Saturday. Chris Coleman’s side boast a 100% record against Everton at Craven Cottage since they joined the Premiership in 2001/02. Fulham have scored nine goals in these encounters with Everton finding the net just once. Fulham have won this match 2-0 on three occasions so correct scores fans could opt for that, or play it safe and bank on under 2.5 goals.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Fulham @ 8/5 (UK Betting)
AH: Fulham level ball @ evens (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Bolton Wanderers vs Wigan Athletic
If Bolton are to realistically challenge Manchester United and Chelsea at the top of the Premiership they need to win home games like this one. Prior to beating Fulham at Craven Cottage last week, Wigan lost three out of four on the road and that is the kind of form Wanderers need to remind them about.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Bolton @ 5/6 (UK Betting)
AH: Bolton – ½ @ 19/20 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Charlton Athletic vs Manchester City
Poor old Charlton, already three points adrift of safety and they face a bogey side in Manchester City this weekend. The Addicks have not beaten City in their last four attempts, losing twice and drawing 2-2 twice. They have not won since 2000/01 when they hammered the Blues 4-0 but have since suffered a 3-0 reverse and last season, a 5-2 humiliation on their own turf. Stuart Pearce’s side won their first match in four attempts against Middlesbrough on Monday and will fancy their chances at The Valley.
Walker’s Word
1x2: City @ 15/8 (VCBet)
AH: City + ¼ @ 33/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/4 (Bet365)
Liverpool vs Reading
Liverpool are clicking into gear at last after beating Bordeaux 3-0 in midweek and destroying unbeaten Aston Villa 3-1 at the weekend. They face Reading at Anfield for the second time in as many weeks, after beating them 4-3 in the Carling Cup and another home win is likely.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Liverpool @ 1/3 (Betfred)
AH: Liverpool – 1 ¼ @ 33/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 5/6 (VCBet)
Manchester United vs Portsmouth
While United have dropped points at Fratton Park on two of their last three visits, at Old Trafford they are much more solid, winning all three encounters since Pompey’s promotion in the 2003/04 campaign. United were humbled in Denmark against FC Copenhagen in the week and will want to get back to winning ways immediately. Portmsouth may boast the meanest defence in the league but United in full flow is a frightening prospect.
Walker’s Word
1x2: United @ 2/7 (Ladbrokes)
AH: United – 1 ½ @ 21/20 (Bet365)
OU: Over 3.5 goals @ 2/1 (Betfred)
Watford vs Middlesbrough
Two teams in the lower reaches of the division but Watford could be made to wait further to record their first league win of the season. The Hornets have proven to be tough to beat, grinding out six draws in 10 matches but Middlesbrough could extend their stay in the bottom three with a win at Vicarage Road.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Middlesbrough @ 15/8 (UK Betting)
AH: Middlesbrough level ball @ 43/40 (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United
Newcastle need to win this match if they are to avoid slipping into the bottom three but the club’s minor injury crisis could hold the key to this game. The Blades have reported a feud between Claude Davis and Ade Akinbiyi has been resolved which should boost morale but it is Newcastle that could pick up a season-boosting three points.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 8/11 (UK Betting)
AH: Newcastle – ¾ @ 39/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5 (VCBet)
Sunday 5 November
West Ham United vs Arsenal
Arsenal have a poor record at Upton Park, winning just one of their last five Premiership visits and showed they couldn’t hit a barn door against Spartak Moscow in the week, squandering 20 clear chances. However, the Hammers have been dreadful this season and will find the Gunners a much sterner test than Blackburn, who they beat last Sunday.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Arsenal @ 8/13 (Coral)
AH: Arsenal – ¾ @ ¾ (Bet365)
OU: Over 2.5 goals @ 10/11 (VCBet)
Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
Villa’s unbeaten record was taken away from them last weekend by a rampant Liverpool but Martin O’Neill will see this match as a means of returning to winning ways. Mid table Blackburn have lost their last two in the league while the Villains have won this encounter by a 1-0 scoreline in the last two meetings at Villa Park.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Aston Villa @ 11/10 (Betfred)
AH: Villa – ½ @ evens (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 8/13 (VCBet)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
Chelsea have won the last three meetings at White Hart Lane by two 2-0 and one 1-0 scorelines. Another victory for Jose Mourinho’s side and another bet on the Under 2.5 goals market is the call.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 8/11 (Ladbrokes)
AH: Chelsea – ¾ @ evens (Bet365)
OU: Under 2.5 goals @ 4/6 (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Thursday, October 19, 2006
English Premier League Betting
Old rivalries and derby matches galore will be played out across two days this weekend. Expect bottom clubs Charlton and Watford to do each other no favours at The Valley on Saturday, while Sunday could produce upsets at Old Trafford and the Riverside Stadium at large odds writes David Walker.
Saturday 21 October
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester City
Last season these teams were involved in a ding-dong Boxing Day encounter which finished 4-3 in Wigan’s favour. At the moment, Manchester City are fairing better than Paul Jewell’s side in the league, in 12th position on nine points compared to 17th and five points but with two inconsistent teams, home advantage could prevail
Walker’s Word
1x2: Wigan @ 13/10 (UK Betting)
AH: Wigan – ¼ @ 41/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Charlton Athletic vs Watford
It’s the battle at the bottom of the Premiership as last placed Charlton tackle London rivals Watford, themselves just one place and one point better off. This will be a match that neither side want to lose and as a result could end in a draw which won’t benefit either of them.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 12/5 (VCBet)
AH: Watford + ½ @ 9/10 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Over @ 11/10 (Bet365)
Chelsea vs Portsmouth
One for the big hitters who will plough into Chelsea at odds on. Despite Portsmouth’s lofty position in the league in which they are just three points behind Jose Mourinho’s side there will only be one winner. For those of you who don’t want to bet on Chelsea at short odds, taking Portsmouth on the handicap or backing under 2.5 goals could be profitable at a better price.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 1/4 (Betfred)
AH: Portsmouth + 1 ½ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 4/5 (VCBet)
Everton vs Sheffield United
After a run of four matches without victory, Everton will see this match against the struggling Blades as a must win. Neil Warnock’s side are just outside the relegation zone in 16th, but are unbeaten in their last two matches. The bookmakers fancy an Everton cakewalk but it won’t be as easy as the odds suggest.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 4/7 (VCBet)
AH: Everton – 1 @ 28/25 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Under @ 4/6 (Bet365)
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Both Aston Villa and Fulham are enjoying life in the top half of the table after several seasons in the doldrums but the smart money will be on the home side this weekend. Martin O’Neill’s side are not only unbeaten this season but they have won four of the last five encounters against Fulham at Villa Park, apart from last season which finished goalless.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Aston Villa @ 8/11 (Paddy Power)
AH: Villa – ¾ @ 43/40 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 8/11 (VCBet)
Sunday 22 October
Manchester United vs Liverpool
The jewel in the Premiership fixture list this weekend is undoubtedly United vs Liverpool. Top of the table United tackle stuttering Liverpool who have dropped points against Bolton and Blackburn in their last two matches. However, there could be an upset on the cards. Liverpool have won three of their last six visits to Old Trafford by a single goal and United have already lost at home to Arsenal this season.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Liverpool @ 7/2 (VCBet)
AH: Liverpool + ½ @ 43/50 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Over @ 7/5 (Bet365)
Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers
This derby fixture is often very tight with few goals to cheer. It finished goalless twice last season and produced two 1-0 away wins the season before. In fact, this encounter has produced home and away draws in three of the last five Premiership seasons and that is not a trend I would want to back against.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 11/5 (Coral)
AH: Bolton + ¼ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 4/7 (VCBet)
Middlesbrough vs Newcastle
In the North East derby Middlesbrough will have their work cut out against Newcastle. Middlesbrough have not beaten Newcastle for three seasons at the Riverside Stadium, with recent results finishing in two wins for the Magpies and a 2-2 draw sandwiched in between. Neither side has any form of note, which makes the odds on Glenn Roeder’s side all the more tempting.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 19/10 (VCBet)
AH: Newcastle level ball @ 9/8 (Bet365)
OU: Over @ 11/10 (VCBet)
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United
The second London derby of the weekend sees struggling Spurs against relegation threatened West Ham. The bookmakers fancy a home win but it’s worth pointing out that this encounter has produced only five Premiership wins for Spurs in 11 matches played so the odds on about them does not look too appealing, despite how poorly the Hammers have faired in recent weeks. A tight match is expected, with six of the last eight league meetings finishing with two goals or fewer.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 12/5 (VCBet)
AH: West Ham + ½ @ 43/40 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 4/6 (Bet365)
Reading vs Arsenal
After a sluggish start to the season, Arsenal are finding their rhythm and will no doubt be paired together with Chelsea in numerous double bets this weekend. Considering Reading took points of Manchester United and kept Chelsea to within one goal at the Madejski Stadium this season the odds on Arsenal are not tempting. However, an interesting statistic is Reading have lost to Arsenal in all five competitive games ever played between the pair and unsurprisingly an away win is the expected result.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Arsenal @ 8/15 (Betfred)
AH: Arsenal – 1 @ 47/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over @ Evens (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Saturday 21 October
Wigan Athletic vs Manchester City
Last season these teams were involved in a ding-dong Boxing Day encounter which finished 4-3 in Wigan’s favour. At the moment, Manchester City are fairing better than Paul Jewell’s side in the league, in 12th position on nine points compared to 17th and five points but with two inconsistent teams, home advantage could prevail
Walker’s Word
1x2: Wigan @ 13/10 (UK Betting)
AH: Wigan – ¼ @ 41/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over @ 5/4 (VCBet)
Charlton Athletic vs Watford
It’s the battle at the bottom of the Premiership as last placed Charlton tackle London rivals Watford, themselves just one place and one point better off. This will be a match that neither side want to lose and as a result could end in a draw which won’t benefit either of them.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 12/5 (VCBet)
AH: Watford + ½ @ 9/10 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Over @ 11/10 (Bet365)
Chelsea vs Portsmouth
One for the big hitters who will plough into Chelsea at odds on. Despite Portsmouth’s lofty position in the league in which they are just three points behind Jose Mourinho’s side there will only be one winner. For those of you who don’t want to bet on Chelsea at short odds, taking Portsmouth on the handicap or backing under 2.5 goals could be profitable at a better price.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Chelsea @ 1/4 (Betfred)
AH: Portsmouth + 1 ½ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 4/5 (VCBet)
Everton vs Sheffield United
After a run of four matches without victory, Everton will see this match against the struggling Blades as a must win. Neil Warnock’s side are just outside the relegation zone in 16th, but are unbeaten in their last two matches. The bookmakers fancy an Everton cakewalk but it won’t be as easy as the odds suggest.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Everton @ 4/7 (VCBet)
AH: Everton – 1 @ 28/25 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Under @ 4/6 (Bet365)
Aston Villa vs Fulham
Both Aston Villa and Fulham are enjoying life in the top half of the table after several seasons in the doldrums but the smart money will be on the home side this weekend. Martin O’Neill’s side are not only unbeaten this season but they have won four of the last five encounters against Fulham at Villa Park, apart from last season which finished goalless.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Aston Villa @ 8/11 (Paddy Power)
AH: Villa – ¾ @ 43/40 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 8/11 (VCBet)
Sunday 22 October
Manchester United vs Liverpool
The jewel in the Premiership fixture list this weekend is undoubtedly United vs Liverpool. Top of the table United tackle stuttering Liverpool who have dropped points against Bolton and Blackburn in their last two matches. However, there could be an upset on the cards. Liverpool have won three of their last six visits to Old Trafford by a single goal and United have already lost at home to Arsenal this season.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Liverpool @ 7/2 (VCBet)
AH: Liverpool + ½ @ 43/50 (Ladbrokes)
OU: Over @ 7/5 (Bet365)
Blackburn Rovers vs Bolton Wanderers
This derby fixture is often very tight with few goals to cheer. It finished goalless twice last season and produced two 1-0 away wins the season before. In fact, this encounter has produced home and away draws in three of the last five Premiership seasons and that is not a trend I would want to back against.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 11/5 (Coral)
AH: Bolton + ¼ @ 4/5 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 4/7 (VCBet)
Middlesbrough vs Newcastle
In the North East derby Middlesbrough will have their work cut out against Newcastle. Middlesbrough have not beaten Newcastle for three seasons at the Riverside Stadium, with recent results finishing in two wins for the Magpies and a 2-2 draw sandwiched in between. Neither side has any form of note, which makes the odds on Glenn Roeder’s side all the more tempting.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Newcastle @ 19/10 (VCBet)
AH: Newcastle level ball @ 9/8 (Bet365)
OU: Over @ 11/10 (VCBet)
Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United
The second London derby of the weekend sees struggling Spurs against relegation threatened West Ham. The bookmakers fancy a home win but it’s worth pointing out that this encounter has produced only five Premiership wins for Spurs in 11 matches played so the odds on about them does not look too appealing, despite how poorly the Hammers have faired in recent weeks. A tight match is expected, with six of the last eight league meetings finishing with two goals or fewer.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Draw @ 12/5 (VCBet)
AH: West Ham + ½ @ 43/40 (Bet365)
OU: Under @ 4/6 (Bet365)
Reading vs Arsenal
After a sluggish start to the season, Arsenal are finding their rhythm and will no doubt be paired together with Chelsea in numerous double bets this weekend. Considering Reading took points of Manchester United and kept Chelsea to within one goal at the Madejski Stadium this season the odds on Arsenal are not tempting. However, an interesting statistic is Reading have lost to Arsenal in all five competitive games ever played between the pair and unsurprisingly an away win is the expected result.
Walker’s Word
1x2: Arsenal @ 8/15 (Betfred)
AH: Arsenal – 1 @ 47/40 (Bet365)
OU: Over @ Evens (VCBet)
English Premiership Betting
David Walker is the resident tipster at a popular free bets website. Feature Walker's Word on your own website, blog or forum for free each week.
Tags
Premiership soccer football betting soccer betting betting football betting bookmakers
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Kim Hak-Bom: Coach Of Korea's Winning Machine
In Korean, ‘Chunma’ is a Pegasus - the creature that in Greek legend had the ability to fly above the rest of the herd. Seongnam Ilwha Chunma has been doing just that in the K-League since 1993 when the team won the first of, to date, six titles.
The air may be thinner at the top, but the pressure to maintain high standards is intense and unyielding.
"There's a lot of pressure," Head Coach Kim Hak-bom told Soccerphile. "Our goal is always to win the championship and other competitions too. Just maintaining our position as one of the top teams is tough by itself."
It may be tough at the top, but that is where Seongnam is and plans to stay. The last league trophy resided in the trophy cabinet just to the south of Seoul in 2003. Kim took over at the beginning of 2005 and in the first half of 2006 he steered the team to the K-League first stage title -- by a margin of ten points -- earning a place in the end of season championship playoffs.
Even after such a statement of superiority, Seongnam was busy in the summer. US$1 million was enough to tempt ex-Romanian international striker Adrian Naega from Chunnam Dragons to link up with a strike force that is already one of the strongest among the league's 14 teams.
An added bonus to Naega's undoubted predatory skills was the fact, apart from his European experience, that he had already spent a year in Korea. According to Kim, buying players is a lottery.
"The chance of success is 50-50," the 46 year-old says. "Brazilians have mild characters and are good buys. They are technically very good. On the whole, good European players won't come to Korea but in Brazil they have two groups of players -- one goes to Europe, the others go to other countries."
"Sometimes I can find players in China or Southeast Asia but their level is not so high; we can find these types of players in Korea too. In China and Southeast Asia the players are a little expensive and they are a little lazy."
In this increasing age of globalization, coaches across the world are faced with the problem of blending players of different nationalities into a coherent and hard-working team. Kim has an advantage in the particularly potent brand of firewater that all Koreans know and not a few love.
"Soju is one way!" He laughs and adds, "With Soju they can talk heart to heart."
Perhaps the rice-based spirit could be made freely available in the stadium to tempt fans to the small stadium near Bundang station. Seongnam may be the country's most successful team, but they also attract the lowest crowds.
The team, Ilhwa Chunma, moved to Seongnam from Chonan in 2000 and it wasn't warmly welcomed by the sizeable Christian population in the city. The protestors objected to the fact that the club is owned by the controversial Unification Church. The church was founded by Reverend Moon Sung-myong, a name that gave rise to the nickname, widely used in the Western press, of "The Moonies".
Kim cares only about his team but is at a loss to explain why Seongnam have few followers.
"I just don't know," he says as he lights a cigarette. "As a coach, I am not happy with the situation. We do well but the fans don't come. It could be religious reasons or regional reasons, In the K-League, the regional feeling is weak. Seongnam people have no feeling for their city team.
"All we can do is play and perform well and then the supporters will know that and hopefully come back. The club officials are always trying to think of ways to attract fans. I hope to be like Manchester United where the tickets are already sold out."
Kim has been in the job around 18 months but before he answered Seongnam's call, he spent two years sitting on the Korean Football Association's Technical Committee, the body that is responsible for the national team.
The coach believes that the team over-achieved in 2002 and its natural level is just between the first and second rounds.
"It wasn't bad," he says "but we could have done better. The formation of the team was too defensive. Everyone agrees with this, including professional analysts, the media and the fans. Against Togo ... we should have been more attacking; they were a man down. If we have one more goal then we have a much better chance of reaching the second round."
"Look at Hiddink; did you think that Korea would beat Italy? But he said that 'this is Korea so we have no problem.' Advocaat is a top-class coach but he needed a big goal and then needed to develop a plan towards that. Hiddink did so and gave the players leadership and confidence to do so. Advocaat didn't."
Despite his criticisms of Advocaat, Kim holds the Dutchman in high regard, unlike his two predecessors Humberto Coelho and Jo Bonfrere. He urged the new coach, Pim Verbeek, to watch as many Korean games as possible in a bid to find the stars of the future.
"I was a member of the KFA technical committee with Coelho and Bonfrere. They used to say that there are no players in Korea. We said 'Hey, you are supposed to be high-level coaches. You say there are no players?' At the time we said to them 'we pay you lots of money to find players, you have to look.'"
With his national team experience, if Kim can achieve consistent success with Seongnam, then he could become a prime candidate for the national coaching job.
"It's good to learn from skilful foreign coaches. Someday Korean coaches have to take a role in the national team. It's hard to say if I will do but if a Korean person has experience and skill then they should have the opportunity."
Copyright: John Duerden & Soccerphile.com
K-League News and Interviews
K-League soccer football Pim Verbeek Korea Kim Hak-Bom John Duerden Seongnam Ilwha Chunma
Friday, September 29, 2006
Panorama Bungs Scandal
Another Pyrrhic Victory? - Panorama "Bungs Scandal"
The BBC thought they had scored a hit with their recent documentary supposedly exposing the kickbacks involved in English football but was it the opening salvo of hope in the fight to reclaim the Beautiful Game or just another blank being fired?
The Panorama documentary "Football's Dirty Secrets" was much billed in the national press as the exposé that would lift the lid on a can of worms that is Premiership football and precipitate a major clean sweep of the top division with some top-level casualties along the way.
While it was alarming to realize just how ingrained the tradition of managers seeking to cream off a percentage of a transfer fee is now, thanks to the connivance of unscrupulous agents, what was revealed really ought not to surprise us one jot.
After all, Arsenal's George Graham was forced to resign back in 1995 after it was revealed he had profited to the tune of £425,000 from transfer dealings involving a bent Norwegian player representative called Rune Hauge.
Fast forward eleven years and we are still dealing with exactly the same issue; in this case Bolton Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce accused of pocketing pounds on transfer fees with his son as the broker [Allardyce has claimed he is "utterly innocent" of any wrong-doing and is planning to sue the BBC].
Harry Redknapp, the alleged prince of bungs, had expected to be shot to pieces by the Panorama programme and had issued a pre-emptive statement in the press, but he need not have worried as his involvement in the documentary was limited to expressing interest in signing a player under contract elsewhere.
Alas, the latest exposé of wrongdoing will fail to clean up the game unless powers from beyond football intervene to enforce the law. Football has shown itself to be spectacularly incapable of policing itself so many times before and has operated more like a private betting syndicate in the back of a pub than an open and above board industry that involves millions of participants and 360-degree media coverage.
Let anyone complacent about the morality of the sport merely take a look beyond Italy's fourth World Cup triumph in 2006 at the astonishing scandal that engulfed their domestic game in the run-up to the tournament.
Now soccer is a multi-billion pound global business, it behoves governments to treat it as such and apply the laws that are enforced on similar concerns.
This entails not only scanning the industry for under the table payments but also enforcing competition laws which would place restrictions on the amount of money any club can spend on wages and possibly the number of foreign players they can employ. If it means the European Union, via UEFA, must impose a salary cap across the continent, then what are we waiting for - ten consecutive Premiership titles for Chelsea?
Regulation of this out-of-control wildfire is ever more pressing now clubs in the English top division are being snapped up by random international venture capitalists, who often unashamedly admit to having no roots or interest in the game, in a 21st century version of the Scramble for Africa in the 1800s.
Talking of Africa, the protracted battle over Nigerian Jon Obi Mikkel's signature, an unseemly squabble eventually won by Chelsea over Malcolm Glazer's Manchester United plc, saw Rune Hauge's name surface again after all these years, still working as an agent and still apparently tricking his way in a fight for a slice of the cake (Hauge was one of several agents who claimed to represent Mikkel)!
Another young African, Freddy Adu, in the news ever since he debuted in Major League Soccer aged 14, has reportedly been the target of Reading FC this week. That a player aged 17, with no national team caps or European Union passport could even be considered for a work permit in the UK speaks volumes of football's sell-out to the morality of the free market.
There is a school of thought that says this is all a storm in a teacup, that fans simply do not care what happens to their gate money as long as there is a team to cheer about on the field and who appear to be playing for the shirt.
How anyone can entertain thoughts of player loyalty in 2006 is ridiculous enough, but there is some mileage in the apathy of fans in the face of exploitation, which allowed characters like Newcastle directors Freddy Shepherd and Douglas Hall, in 1998, to laugh at fans forking out a fortune for polyester replica shirts.
In Newcastle's case, the fans must shoulder some blame for turning out in such huge numbers and buying so much merchandise no matter how unscrupulous or inept the owners have been.
Boycotting a product is one way to punish its makers, but in the case of the "Geordie Nation' amongst others, this course of action is unrealistic.
I attended Arsenal's first home game after George Graham's stunning resignation in February 1995, and watched as the home fans really took exception to the traveling Nottingham Forest supporters taunting them about their corrupt former employee.
The Gunners' fans had enjoyed such a golden age under Graham they were prepared to turn a blind eye to his creative accounting with their money.
So where do we go from here? The FA have announced yet another enquiry in the wake of the Panorama programme, but no one with more than a toe in reality thinks that will solve anything.
Until governments realize there are no votes to be lost in interfering with a popular public pursuit, the solutions lie elsewhere. More football chairmen like the outspoken Simon Jordan would help. No one has tried harder than the Crystal Palace boss to fight back against agents' hijacking of player loyalties, to the extent that Jordan has refused point blank to deal with them:
"I see so many of them happy to sow division if it means they get a better deal, often working against the interests of clubs, players and supporters - and yet the game still opens its arms and embraces them," he told The Observer in 2005.
The other source of hope could be an unlikely one: FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Whereas his predecessor, ‘the great dictator' Joao Havelange, happily encouraged all manner of commercialism and profiteering in the Beautiful Game, Blatter is increasingly critical of the mishandling of the sport by unregulated markets.
While he is still in many ways the man with "50 ideas a day, 51 of which are bad," such as enlarged goals or women players wearing skimpy outfits, the Swiss soccer chief may yet surprise us with a decision from the heart that will help stop the commercial rotting of the game.
Make no mistake, with the top Premiership teams fielding eleven foreigners with a foreign coach and foreign owners swanning in to buy up the ‘franchise' for marketing or vanity purposes, we are living in strange days in football's history.
As Simon Jordan aptly put it, "This isn't the real world - it's a banana republic. And if people in the game can't see that - and think things can't get any better, fairer or more decent - God help us."
Premiership News
Premiership soccer football bungs Sam Allardyce BBC Panorama football transfers football agents
The BBC thought they had scored a hit with their recent documentary supposedly exposing the kickbacks involved in English football but was it the opening salvo of hope in the fight to reclaim the Beautiful Game or just another blank being fired?
The Panorama documentary "Football's Dirty Secrets" was much billed in the national press as the exposé that would lift the lid on a can of worms that is Premiership football and precipitate a major clean sweep of the top division with some top-level casualties along the way.
While it was alarming to realize just how ingrained the tradition of managers seeking to cream off a percentage of a transfer fee is now, thanks to the connivance of unscrupulous agents, what was revealed really ought not to surprise us one jot.
After all, Arsenal's George Graham was forced to resign back in 1995 after it was revealed he had profited to the tune of £425,000 from transfer dealings involving a bent Norwegian player representative called Rune Hauge.
Fast forward eleven years and we are still dealing with exactly the same issue; in this case Bolton Wanderers' boss Sam Allardyce accused of pocketing pounds on transfer fees with his son as the broker [Allardyce has claimed he is "utterly innocent" of any wrong-doing and is planning to sue the BBC].
Harry Redknapp, the alleged prince of bungs, had expected to be shot to pieces by the Panorama programme and had issued a pre-emptive statement in the press, but he need not have worried as his involvement in the documentary was limited to expressing interest in signing a player under contract elsewhere.
Alas, the latest exposé of wrongdoing will fail to clean up the game unless powers from beyond football intervene to enforce the law. Football has shown itself to be spectacularly incapable of policing itself so many times before and has operated more like a private betting syndicate in the back of a pub than an open and above board industry that involves millions of participants and 360-degree media coverage.
Let anyone complacent about the morality of the sport merely take a look beyond Italy's fourth World Cup triumph in 2006 at the astonishing scandal that engulfed their domestic game in the run-up to the tournament.
Now soccer is a multi-billion pound global business, it behoves governments to treat it as such and apply the laws that are enforced on similar concerns.
This entails not only scanning the industry for under the table payments but also enforcing competition laws which would place restrictions on the amount of money any club can spend on wages and possibly the number of foreign players they can employ. If it means the European Union, via UEFA, must impose a salary cap across the continent, then what are we waiting for - ten consecutive Premiership titles for Chelsea?
Regulation of this out-of-control wildfire is ever more pressing now clubs in the English top division are being snapped up by random international venture capitalists, who often unashamedly admit to having no roots or interest in the game, in a 21st century version of the Scramble for Africa in the 1800s.
Talking of Africa, the protracted battle over Nigerian Jon Obi Mikkel's signature, an unseemly squabble eventually won by Chelsea over Malcolm Glazer's Manchester United plc, saw Rune Hauge's name surface again after all these years, still working as an agent and still apparently tricking his way in a fight for a slice of the cake (Hauge was one of several agents who claimed to represent Mikkel)!
Another young African, Freddy Adu, in the news ever since he debuted in Major League Soccer aged 14, has reportedly been the target of Reading FC this week. That a player aged 17, with no national team caps or European Union passport could even be considered for a work permit in the UK speaks volumes of football's sell-out to the morality of the free market.
There is a school of thought that says this is all a storm in a teacup, that fans simply do not care what happens to their gate money as long as there is a team to cheer about on the field and who appear to be playing for the shirt.
How anyone can entertain thoughts of player loyalty in 2006 is ridiculous enough, but there is some mileage in the apathy of fans in the face of exploitation, which allowed characters like Newcastle directors Freddy Shepherd and Douglas Hall, in 1998, to laugh at fans forking out a fortune for polyester replica shirts.
In Newcastle's case, the fans must shoulder some blame for turning out in such huge numbers and buying so much merchandise no matter how unscrupulous or inept the owners have been.
Boycotting a product is one way to punish its makers, but in the case of the "Geordie Nation' amongst others, this course of action is unrealistic.
I attended Arsenal's first home game after George Graham's stunning resignation in February 1995, and watched as the home fans really took exception to the traveling Nottingham Forest supporters taunting them about their corrupt former employee.
The Gunners' fans had enjoyed such a golden age under Graham they were prepared to turn a blind eye to his creative accounting with their money.
So where do we go from here? The FA have announced yet another enquiry in the wake of the Panorama programme, but no one with more than a toe in reality thinks that will solve anything.
Until governments realize there are no votes to be lost in interfering with a popular public pursuit, the solutions lie elsewhere. More football chairmen like the outspoken Simon Jordan would help. No one has tried harder than the Crystal Palace boss to fight back against agents' hijacking of player loyalties, to the extent that Jordan has refused point blank to deal with them:
"I see so many of them happy to sow division if it means they get a better deal, often working against the interests of clubs, players and supporters - and yet the game still opens its arms and embraces them," he told The Observer in 2005.
The other source of hope could be an unlikely one: FIFA President Sepp Blatter. Whereas his predecessor, ‘the great dictator' Joao Havelange, happily encouraged all manner of commercialism and profiteering in the Beautiful Game, Blatter is increasingly critical of the mishandling of the sport by unregulated markets.
While he is still in many ways the man with "50 ideas a day, 51 of which are bad," such as enlarged goals or women players wearing skimpy outfits, the Swiss soccer chief may yet surprise us with a decision from the heart that will help stop the commercial rotting of the game.
Make no mistake, with the top Premiership teams fielding eleven foreigners with a foreign coach and foreign owners swanning in to buy up the ‘franchise' for marketing or vanity purposes, we are living in strange days in football's history.
As Simon Jordan aptly put it, "This isn't the real world - it's a banana republic. And if people in the game can't see that - and think things can't get any better, fairer or more decent - God help us."
Premiership News
Premiership soccer football bungs Sam Allardyce BBC Panorama football transfers football agents
Thursday, September 7, 2006
Sore Berries and Cream
Having been involved in the sports betting game since I was knee high to Paul Dickov, I’ve pretty much seen it all; I’m practically unshockable. Admittedly, when Frank Lampard was announced ‘the 2nd best player in the world’, I was slightly taken aback; when a 17 year old Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon, I raised more than an eyebrow, but when news broke that West Ham had signed Tevez and Mascherano, i actually collapsed like Pedro Mendes.
This is the most jaw-dropping transfer since Howard Wilkinson began the Manchester United era of dominance by selling Cantona for £1m. But while intellectuals pontificate about the rights and wrongs of the deal, the truly clever are profiting from the situation by backing West Ham at 12/1 in the ‘betting without the big 4’ market; that was a decent shout before two of the world’s best players became bubble-blowers.
The Hammers can consider themselves lucky; the last time I managed to get my hands on a quality pair, the filth arrested me. On a related note, my cousin once wanted to be a police officer; you can imagine my sense of pride when he decided to clean car windows at traffic lights instead.
I was disappointed to hear that the old Bill were sniffing around the Ben Thatcher incident, there’s a time and a place for the plod, it’s normally three and a half hours after you’ve called them. Man City will be without Thatcher when they travel to Reading, it would be criminal to miss the Royals at an elbow-jerking 7/5.
Everton’s preparations for the Merseyside derby have been rocked by Roongate. David Moyes was so incensed by Wayne’s autobiography serialisation that he’s started legal proceedings. I guess Rooney will soon be sporting a new t-shirt; ‘Once a blue, always a blue - unless I feel the need to justify leaving for a bigger club by completely destabilising them’. Liverpool should be backed at 11/10 to leave Goodison Park with the Scouse bragging-rights.
Steven Gerrard came out with the most entertaining one-liner since Pete Doherty this week. He joked, “Peter Crouch is a great finisher; i hope he beats Bobby Charlton's record.” Well, i hope to one day sleep with Maria Sharapova, but it ain’t gonna happen…again. To be fair to Gerrard, the big man is on fire; even I’m considering backing him at 13/2 to net the opener.
The revelation that Gallas threatened to score an own goal if Chelsea picked him against his will has even got the wife upset. I overheard her in a conversation with her mother: “That’s one small Willy” she complained, and she’s right. The signing of Gallas and Baptista finally adds much needed steel to the Gunners armoury, Arsenal are available at 4/11 to see off Middlesbrough, please meet the weekend nap.
Thierry Henry loves facing the Boro, of the incredible 16 goals that Middlesbrough have conceded in their last three visits to Arsenal in the Premiership, Terrence has bagged 6 of them. They say form is temporary, but class is permanent, (If that’s true, where’s Pele now?) Henry is 14/1 to net a hat-trick.
Man U have started the season superbly, but their decision not to replace Van the man in the transfer window could leave Fergie red-faced. (Looking on the bright side, his nose will fit right in.) While Man U are lightweight up front, Spurs have more quality than Ben Thatcher could shake an elbow at. Defoe, Keane, Berbatov and Mido are all top-drawer operators, my value sensor has sniffed out the draw at 11/4.
Neil Warnock broke the bank on deadline day, bringing in Kazim-Richards for a fee believed to be in the region of £150,000, that’s a pretty poor region. Blackburn have visited Bramall Lane twice in the Premiership, they left with all three points on both occasions. Chance may have no memory, but Sheffield United have no players; the Rovers are the call at 7/4.
Paul Jewell will be delighted that Emile Heskey has opened his account, although, if he really thought about it, it’s probably a bad thing that 33% of his total goals for the season are in the bag already. Wigan travel to a revitalised Pompey, I can’t see any other result than a home win, a juicy 5/6 is on offer.
While Chelsea’s attack on Gallas did Willy little favours, it hardly promoted the Champions in a positive light. My favourite line from the press release was the accusation that he was ‘hawking himself to the highest bidder’, there’s a kettle looking to tool a pot somewhere. Charlton will be demolished at the Bridge, take advantage at 1/5.
The acc of the week:
The accer this week is so assured; it would take a team of women working around the clock to even begin to demoralise it. Liverpool, Arsenal, Bolton, Portsmouth and Blackburn are the selections, the payout is a shade under 20/1.
The weekend specials:
“Nic is in a twist” - Anelka to be sent off 25/1
“Mido's touch” - Mido to score at any time 3/1
“Hey Mascherano” - Javier Mascherano to be booked 7/4
“Auf Wiedersehen, Pet” - Stilian Petrov to be sent off 40/1
“All mouth and no Scousers” - A player to be sent off in the Merseyside derby 2/1
The quote of the week
“At this stage, no proceedings have been issued against Wayne Rooney, for various reasons. The book has got to be fully read and David Moyes has to consider whether that is something he wants to do.”
That’s too much to ask of any one man.
The lay man:
People are lining up to back Man U at 8/15 on the exchanges. Spurs are unbeaten in their last two trips to Old Trafford, let’s accommodate them.
Weekend Betting:
Everton v Liverpool Saturday 9th September 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Everton 3/1
Draw 9/4
Liverpool 11/10
Get on: Liverpool
Match Special:
Peter Crouch to score with a header 9/2
Arsenal v Middlesbrough Saturday 9th September 15.00
Arsenal 4/11
Draw 7/2
Middlesbrough 9/1
Get on: Arsenal
Match Special:
Arsenal to win 4-0 16/1
Bolton v Watford Saturday 9th September 15.00
Bolton 4/6
Draw 12/5
Watford 5/1
Get on: Bolton
Match Special:
Anelka to score two or more goals 9/2
Chelsea v Charlton Saturday 9th September 15.00
Chelsea 1/5
Draw 5/1
Charlton 16/1
Get on: Chelsea
Match Special:
Shevchenko to score a hat-trick 14/1
Newcastle v Fulham Saturday 9th September 15.00
Newcastle 4/5
Draw 12/5
Fulham 4/1
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 6/1
Portsmouth v Wigan Saturday 9th September 15.00
Portsmouth 5/6
Draw 9/4
Wigan 4/1
Get on: Portsmouth
Match Special:
Portsmouth to win and keep a clean sheet 2/1
Sheff Utd v Blackburn Saturday 9th September 15.00
Sheff Utd 13/8
Draw 9/4
Blackburn 7/4
Get on: Blackburn
Match Special:
McCarthy to score at any time 9/4
Man Utd v Tottenham Saturday 9th September 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Man Utd 1/2
Draw 11/4
Tottenham 13/2
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Carrick to be booked 7/2
West Ham v Aston Villa Sunday 10th September 16.00 Live on Sky
West Ham 6/5
Draw 11/5
Aston Villa 5/2
Get on: West Ham
Match Special:
Tevez to score the first goal 13/2
Reading v Man City Monday 11th September 20.00 Live on Sky
Reading 7/5
Draw 9/4
Man City 21/10
Get on: Reading
Match Special:
Reading to score three or more goals 5/1
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
This is the most jaw-dropping transfer since Howard Wilkinson began the Manchester United era of dominance by selling Cantona for £1m. But while intellectuals pontificate about the rights and wrongs of the deal, the truly clever are profiting from the situation by backing West Ham at 12/1 in the ‘betting without the big 4’ market; that was a decent shout before two of the world’s best players became bubble-blowers.
The Hammers can consider themselves lucky; the last time I managed to get my hands on a quality pair, the filth arrested me. On a related note, my cousin once wanted to be a police officer; you can imagine my sense of pride when he decided to clean car windows at traffic lights instead.
I was disappointed to hear that the old Bill were sniffing around the Ben Thatcher incident, there’s a time and a place for the plod, it’s normally three and a half hours after you’ve called them. Man City will be without Thatcher when they travel to Reading, it would be criminal to miss the Royals at an elbow-jerking 7/5.
Everton’s preparations for the Merseyside derby have been rocked by Roongate. David Moyes was so incensed by Wayne’s autobiography serialisation that he’s started legal proceedings. I guess Rooney will soon be sporting a new t-shirt; ‘Once a blue, always a blue - unless I feel the need to justify leaving for a bigger club by completely destabilising them’. Liverpool should be backed at 11/10 to leave Goodison Park with the Scouse bragging-rights.
Steven Gerrard came out with the most entertaining one-liner since Pete Doherty this week. He joked, “Peter Crouch is a great finisher; i hope he beats Bobby Charlton's record.” Well, i hope to one day sleep with Maria Sharapova, but it ain’t gonna happen…again. To be fair to Gerrard, the big man is on fire; even I’m considering backing him at 13/2 to net the opener.
The revelation that Gallas threatened to score an own goal if Chelsea picked him against his will has even got the wife upset. I overheard her in a conversation with her mother: “That’s one small Willy” she complained, and she’s right. The signing of Gallas and Baptista finally adds much needed steel to the Gunners armoury, Arsenal are available at 4/11 to see off Middlesbrough, please meet the weekend nap.
Thierry Henry loves facing the Boro, of the incredible 16 goals that Middlesbrough have conceded in their last three visits to Arsenal in the Premiership, Terrence has bagged 6 of them. They say form is temporary, but class is permanent, (If that’s true, where’s Pele now?) Henry is 14/1 to net a hat-trick.
Man U have started the season superbly, but their decision not to replace Van the man in the transfer window could leave Fergie red-faced. (Looking on the bright side, his nose will fit right in.) While Man U are lightweight up front, Spurs have more quality than Ben Thatcher could shake an elbow at. Defoe, Keane, Berbatov and Mido are all top-drawer operators, my value sensor has sniffed out the draw at 11/4.
Neil Warnock broke the bank on deadline day, bringing in Kazim-Richards for a fee believed to be in the region of £150,000, that’s a pretty poor region. Blackburn have visited Bramall Lane twice in the Premiership, they left with all three points on both occasions. Chance may have no memory, but Sheffield United have no players; the Rovers are the call at 7/4.
Paul Jewell will be delighted that Emile Heskey has opened his account, although, if he really thought about it, it’s probably a bad thing that 33% of his total goals for the season are in the bag already. Wigan travel to a revitalised Pompey, I can’t see any other result than a home win, a juicy 5/6 is on offer.
While Chelsea’s attack on Gallas did Willy little favours, it hardly promoted the Champions in a positive light. My favourite line from the press release was the accusation that he was ‘hawking himself to the highest bidder’, there’s a kettle looking to tool a pot somewhere. Charlton will be demolished at the Bridge, take advantage at 1/5.
The acc of the week:
The accer this week is so assured; it would take a team of women working around the clock to even begin to demoralise it. Liverpool, Arsenal, Bolton, Portsmouth and Blackburn are the selections, the payout is a shade under 20/1.
The weekend specials:
“Nic is in a twist” - Anelka to be sent off 25/1
“Mido's touch” - Mido to score at any time 3/1
“Hey Mascherano” - Javier Mascherano to be booked 7/4
“Auf Wiedersehen, Pet” - Stilian Petrov to be sent off 40/1
“All mouth and no Scousers” - A player to be sent off in the Merseyside derby 2/1
The quote of the week
“At this stage, no proceedings have been issued against Wayne Rooney, for various reasons. The book has got to be fully read and David Moyes has to consider whether that is something he wants to do.”
That’s too much to ask of any one man.
The lay man:
People are lining up to back Man U at 8/15 on the exchanges. Spurs are unbeaten in their last two trips to Old Trafford, let’s accommodate them.
Weekend Betting:
Everton v Liverpool Saturday 9th September 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Everton 3/1
Draw 9/4
Liverpool 11/10
Get on: Liverpool
Match Special:
Peter Crouch to score with a header 9/2
Arsenal v Middlesbrough Saturday 9th September 15.00
Arsenal 4/11
Draw 7/2
Middlesbrough 9/1
Get on: Arsenal
Match Special:
Arsenal to win 4-0 16/1
Bolton v Watford Saturday 9th September 15.00
Bolton 4/6
Draw 12/5
Watford 5/1
Get on: Bolton
Match Special:
Anelka to score two or more goals 9/2
Chelsea v Charlton Saturday 9th September 15.00
Chelsea 1/5
Draw 5/1
Charlton 16/1
Get on: Chelsea
Match Special:
Shevchenko to score a hat-trick 14/1
Newcastle v Fulham Saturday 9th September 15.00
Newcastle 4/5
Draw 12/5
Fulham 4/1
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 6/1
Portsmouth v Wigan Saturday 9th September 15.00
Portsmouth 5/6
Draw 9/4
Wigan 4/1
Get on: Portsmouth
Match Special:
Portsmouth to win and keep a clean sheet 2/1
Sheff Utd v Blackburn Saturday 9th September 15.00
Sheff Utd 13/8
Draw 9/4
Blackburn 7/4
Get on: Blackburn
Match Special:
McCarthy to score at any time 9/4
Man Utd v Tottenham Saturday 9th September 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Man Utd 1/2
Draw 11/4
Tottenham 13/2
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Carrick to be booked 7/2
West Ham v Aston Villa Sunday 10th September 16.00 Live on Sky
West Ham 6/5
Draw 11/5
Aston Villa 5/2
Get on: West Ham
Match Special:
Tevez to score the first goal 13/2
Reading v Man City Monday 11th September 20.00 Live on Sky
Reading 7/5
Draw 9/4
Man City 21/10
Get on: Reading
Match Special:
Reading to score three or more goals 5/1
Copyright (c) Gerry McDonnell & soccerphile.com
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Van Nistelrooy - Tailormade For Real Madrid
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Kako zabija nizozemski topnik
Ruud van Nistelrooy jedan je od onih odabranih igrača koji izvrsno izgledaju u dresu Real Madrida - kao da su za taj klub rođeni. I navijači "bijelih" bili su oduševljeni njegovim dolaskom te su prinovu dočekali kao nekoć Napolitanci Maradonu. Zasad su simpatije obostrane, jer Nizozemac tvrdi da se odlično snašao u novoj sredini.
"Čim sam se priključio momčadi, osjetio sam se potpuno uklopljenim u ovaj klub. Uspjeti u Real Madridu moj je glavni cilj. Ostavit ću srce i dušu na travnjaku da bih osvojio srca Realovih navijača", obećao je pri dolasku i najavio veliku sezonu s dva gola protiv Anderlechta u utakmici za Trofej Santiaga Bernabeua, koju je Real dobio s 2:1.
Svoju je novu momčad ocijenio superlativima.
"Imamo kompletan i ujednačen sastav, koji igra privlačan nogomet. To je vrlo povoljno za napadača. Zajedničkim trudom ostvarit ćemo mnoge uspjehe."
Real je zadnji trofej osvojio u kolovozu 2003., a i tada je to bio samo španjolski Superkup protiv Mallorce.
(mn) Rasna devetka počela kao stoper
"Nema dvojbe da su trofeji najvažniji, no španjolska je liga jako komplicirana, zapravo najjača na svijetu." - ocijenio je Van Nistelrooy, koji je pozorno pratio zbivanja u Primeri godinama prije no što je postao član najvećeg kluba na svijetu.
Koliko je istine u njegovim predviđanjima pokazao je i ligaški debi protiv Villarreala na Santiago Bernabeuu. Mada je Villarreal igrao slabije nego što smo navikli u proteklim sezonama, uspio je izvući bod, a Ruud ni njegovi suigrači nisu zabili ni gola.
Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooy, zvani Ruud, čistokrvna je devetka, koja vječito lunja kaznenim prostorom u potrazi za slobodnom loptom da je pospremi u mrežu. Njegovo je ubojito oružje udarac glavom, a pored toga i udarac lijevom nogom, s kojom je postigao više golova no s desnom. Neumoljiv je i s bijele točke i s mjesta gdje se izvode slobodni udarci.
Iako nije u ljubavi s izbornikom Marcom van Bastenom, ne možemo propustiti primijetiti da je po karizmi, čak i po crtama lica, usporediv upravo sa svojim prethodnikom.
Zanimljivo je da je tako rasni centarfor kao Van Nistelrooy, kojega jedva možemo zamisliti na nekoj drugoj poziciji, u početku bavljenja nogometom igrao na mjestu stopera. Tek je 1996. treneru Den Boscha palo na pamet iskoristiti njegovu zapaženu brzinu i smisao za finiširanje akcija tako da ga je prebacio čim bliže protivničkim vratima. Rezultat nije izostao te je Ruud u prvoj sezoni kao napadač ubacio 12 golova u prvenstvu. Klub u usponu, Heerenveen, preuzeo ga je 1997. i također se odmah okoristio njegovom navalnom djelotvornošću. S novih je 13 pogodaka zainteresirao najstabilniji nizozemski klub, PSV Eindhoven, koji ga je spario s iskusnim Lucom Nilisom u vršku napada.
Van Nistelrooy je bio senzacija od prvog dana na Philipsovom stadionu. S fantastičnim 31 pogotkom u 34 utakmice (0,95 po utakmici) nadmašio je i učinak Ronalda kad je Brazilac igrao za PSV i u razmaku od par mjeseci postao tema razgovora nogometnih fanatika širom svijeta. Kao nagradu, primio je trofej za najboljeg igrača nizozemskog prvenstva.
(mn) Pogodak po utakmici
Iduće je godine dodatno poboljšao preciznost te je u prva 23 kola zabio čak 29 puta (1,1 po utakmici) i pomogao PSV-u izgraditi nedostižno vodstvo na čelu ljestvice. Manchester United već je "uletio" s ponudom, tražeći nadomjestak za Colea ili Yorkea, no tada se dogodilo nešto nezamislivo. Na treningu 6. ožujka 2000. nespretnim je pokretom potrgao ligamente koljena i ostao 11 mjeseci izvan akcije. Unatoč ozljedi, još je jednom zaslužio naslov igrača godine.
United je ostao vjeran svom izabraniku te mu je obećao ugovor još prije no što se vratio na teren. Napokon, 1. ožujka 2001., malo prije godišnjice ozljede, odigrao je prijateljsku utakmicu protiv Sparte iz Rotterdama, zabivši dva pogotka. Dva dana kasnije, vraćen je među prvotimce protiv Rode u prvenstvu.
U travnju 2001. Manchester je dogovorio s PSV-om transfer Van Nistelrooya za 19 milijuna dolara i svečano ga predstavio na Old Traffordu u srpnju iste godine. Ispostavilo se da ozljeda nije nimalo otupila njegovu oštricu, jer je Ruud u prvoj sezoni podario Vragovima 36 golova u svim natjecanjima, a 2003. čak 44, ovjenčavši se titulom najboljeg strijelca i naslovom prvaka - jedinim u svojoj epohi u Premiershipu. Brojku od 100 golova u dresu Manchestera dosegao je 7. veljače 2004., završivši sezonu s 28 golova i kao pobjednik Kupa FA. Ozljeda mišića umanjila je njegov učinak 2004/05, ali se i od te nepogode oporavio i, kao da se ništa nije dogodilo, prošle sezone još jednom predveo strijelce Uniteda s 21 ligaškim pogotkom
Lukavi Alex Ferguson uvijek nastoji izvući maksimalni profit od igrača tako da ga gurne na tržište dok mu je cijena još visoka. Nije isključeno da su njegovi sukobi s igračima, uključujući Beckhama i Stama, izrežirani zato da bi igrač lakša srca otišao iz kluba. U svakom slučaju, Ferguson je proljetos Nizozemca izostavio s finala Ligaškog kupa, a potom mu nije dao da igra na oproštaju Roya Keanea, još jednog od onih koji su se zakvačili sa zajapurenim Škotom.
Koncem prvenstva postalo je jasno da Van Nistelrooy ne želi ostati na Old Traffordu, što su oduševljeno dočekali Real i - Bayern. Prema medijskim izvještajima, Bayern je čak Manchesteru ponudio više na ime odštete, no Ruud je pritisnuo klupske gazde da ga ustupe Realu. Nakon dugog natezanja oko cijene, Španjolci su platili 15 milijuna eura i sklopili s Nizozemcem trogodišnji ugovor.
Reprezentacija - završena priča?
Realov trener Fabio Capello može biti sretan što je njegov novi igrač izgleda ispao iz reprezentativne konkurencije, jer ga Van Basten nije pozvao za prve kvalifikacijske utakmice protiv Luksemburga i Bjelorusije za Euro 2008. Bez naprezanja u narančastoj majici, Ruud će municiju čuvati za samo za nastupe u Realu.
Van Nistelrooy je za reprezentaciju debitirao 18. studenog 1998. u dvoboju s Njemačkom i dosada je odigrao 54 utakmice, postigavši 28 golova. Bio je prisutan na Europskim prvenstvima 2000. i 2004. te na prošlom Mundialu u Njemačkoj, no Van Basten ga je senzacionalno izostavio u osmini finala protiv Portugala, kad je Nizozemska poražena s 0:1.
Izbornikov potez nije nikad razjašnjen, osobito ako se zna da je već ranije otpisao i Bayernovog Roya Makaaya. Mada, istina je i da su na scenu stupili mladi lavovi poput Klaasa-Jana Huntelaara i Dirka Kuyta, koji su pokazali raskošan napadački talent.
Osobna karta
Rutgerus Johannes van Nistelrooy
Nadimak: Van the Man, Lokomotiva
Datum rođenja: 1 srpnja 1976.
Mjesto rođenja: Oss (Nizozemska)
Visina i težina: 188 cm, 80 kg
Pozicija: srednji napadač
Klub: Real Madrid
Klupska karijera
1993/94 Den Bosch 2 0
1994/95 Den Bosch 15 3
1995/96 Den Bosch 21 2
1996/97 Den Bosch 31 12
1997/98 Heerenveen 31 13
1998/99 PSV Eindhoven 34 31
1999/00 PSV Eindhoven 23 29
2000/01 PSV Eindhoven 10 2
2001/02 Manchester United 32 23
2002/03 Manchester United 34 25
2003/04 Manchester United 32 20
2004/05 Manchester United 17 6
2005/06 Manchester United 35 21
2006/07 Real Madrid
Reprezentacija
1998-06 Nizozemska 54 28
Uspjesi
Nizozemsko prvenstvo: 2000. i 2001.
Nizozemski Superkup: 1999.
Englesko prvenstvo: 2003.
Engleski Kup FA: 2004.
Engleski Ligaški kup: 2006.
Najbolji strijelac nizozemskog prvenstva: 1999. i 2000.
Igrač godine u Nizozemskoj: 1999. i 2000.
Najbolji strijelac engleskog prvenstva: 2003.
Copyright Ozren Podnar/Soccerphile/Nogomet
Kako zabija nizozemski topnik
Ruud van Nistelrooy jedan je od onih odabranih igrača koji izvrsno izgledaju u dresu Real Madrida - kao da su za taj klub rođeni. I navijači "bijelih" bili su oduševljeni njegovim dolaskom te su prinovu dočekali kao nekoć Napolitanci Maradonu. Zasad su simpatije obostrane, jer Nizozemac tvrdi da se odlično snašao u novoj sredini.
"Čim sam se priključio momčadi, osjetio sam se potpuno uklopljenim u ovaj klub. Uspjeti u Real Madridu moj je glavni cilj. Ostavit ću srce i dušu na travnjaku da bih osvojio srca Realovih navijača", obećao je pri dolasku i najavio veliku sezonu s dva gola protiv Anderlechta u utakmici za Trofej Santiaga Bernabeua, koju je Real dobio s 2:1.
Svoju je novu momčad ocijenio superlativima.
"Imamo kompletan i ujednačen sastav, koji igra privlačan nogomet. To je vrlo povoljno za napadača. Zajedničkim trudom ostvarit ćemo mnoge uspjehe."
Real je zadnji trofej osvojio u kolovozu 2003., a i tada je to bio samo španjolski Superkup protiv Mallorce.
(mn) Rasna devetka počela kao stoper
"Nema dvojbe da su trofeji najvažniji, no španjolska je liga jako komplicirana, zapravo najjača na svijetu." - ocijenio je Van Nistelrooy, koji je pozorno pratio zbivanja u Primeri godinama prije no što je postao član najvećeg kluba na svijetu.
Koliko je istine u njegovim predviđanjima pokazao je i ligaški debi protiv Villarreala na Santiago Bernabeuu. Mada je Villarreal igrao slabije nego što smo navikli u proteklim sezonama, uspio je izvući bod, a Ruud ni njegovi suigrači nisu zabili ni gola.
Rutgerus Johannes Martinus van Nistelrooy, zvani Ruud, čistokrvna je devetka, koja vječito lunja kaznenim prostorom u potrazi za slobodnom loptom da je pospremi u mrežu. Njegovo je ubojito oružje udarac glavom, a pored toga i udarac lijevom nogom, s kojom je postigao više golova no s desnom. Neumoljiv je i s bijele točke i s mjesta gdje se izvode slobodni udarci.
Iako nije u ljubavi s izbornikom Marcom van Bastenom, ne možemo propustiti primijetiti da je po karizmi, čak i po crtama lica, usporediv upravo sa svojim prethodnikom.
Zanimljivo je da je tako rasni centarfor kao Van Nistelrooy, kojega jedva možemo zamisliti na nekoj drugoj poziciji, u početku bavljenja nogometom igrao na mjestu stopera. Tek je 1996. treneru Den Boscha palo na pamet iskoristiti njegovu zapaženu brzinu i smisao za finiširanje akcija tako da ga je prebacio čim bliže protivničkim vratima. Rezultat nije izostao te je Ruud u prvoj sezoni kao napadač ubacio 12 golova u prvenstvu. Klub u usponu, Heerenveen, preuzeo ga je 1997. i također se odmah okoristio njegovom navalnom djelotvornošću. S novih je 13 pogodaka zainteresirao najstabilniji nizozemski klub, PSV Eindhoven, koji ga je spario s iskusnim Lucom Nilisom u vršku napada.
Van Nistelrooy je bio senzacija od prvog dana na Philipsovom stadionu. S fantastičnim 31 pogotkom u 34 utakmice (0,95 po utakmici) nadmašio je i učinak Ronalda kad je Brazilac igrao za PSV i u razmaku od par mjeseci postao tema razgovora nogometnih fanatika širom svijeta. Kao nagradu, primio je trofej za najboljeg igrača nizozemskog prvenstva.
(mn) Pogodak po utakmici
Iduće je godine dodatno poboljšao preciznost te je u prva 23 kola zabio čak 29 puta (1,1 po utakmici) i pomogao PSV-u izgraditi nedostižno vodstvo na čelu ljestvice. Manchester United već je "uletio" s ponudom, tražeći nadomjestak za Colea ili Yorkea, no tada se dogodilo nešto nezamislivo. Na treningu 6. ožujka 2000. nespretnim je pokretom potrgao ligamente koljena i ostao 11 mjeseci izvan akcije. Unatoč ozljedi, još je jednom zaslužio naslov igrača godine.
United je ostao vjeran svom izabraniku te mu je obećao ugovor još prije no što se vratio na teren. Napokon, 1. ožujka 2001., malo prije godišnjice ozljede, odigrao je prijateljsku utakmicu protiv Sparte iz Rotterdama, zabivši dva pogotka. Dva dana kasnije, vraćen je među prvotimce protiv Rode u prvenstvu.
U travnju 2001. Manchester je dogovorio s PSV-om transfer Van Nistelrooya za 19 milijuna dolara i svečano ga predstavio na Old Traffordu u srpnju iste godine. Ispostavilo se da ozljeda nije nimalo otupila njegovu oštricu, jer je Ruud u prvoj sezoni podario Vragovima 36 golova u svim natjecanjima, a 2003. čak 44, ovjenčavši se titulom najboljeg strijelca i naslovom prvaka - jedinim u svojoj epohi u Premiershipu. Brojku od 100 golova u dresu Manchestera dosegao je 7. veljače 2004., završivši sezonu s 28 golova i kao pobjednik Kupa FA. Ozljeda mišića umanjila je njegov učinak 2004/05, ali se i od te nepogode oporavio i, kao da se ništa nije dogodilo, prošle sezone još jednom predveo strijelce Uniteda s 21 ligaškim pogotkom
Lukavi Alex Ferguson uvijek nastoji izvući maksimalni profit od igrača tako da ga gurne na tržište dok mu je cijena još visoka. Nije isključeno da su njegovi sukobi s igračima, uključujući Beckhama i Stama, izrežirani zato da bi igrač lakša srca otišao iz kluba. U svakom slučaju, Ferguson je proljetos Nizozemca izostavio s finala Ligaškog kupa, a potom mu nije dao da igra na oproštaju Roya Keanea, još jednog od onih koji su se zakvačili sa zajapurenim Škotom.
Koncem prvenstva postalo je jasno da Van Nistelrooy ne želi ostati na Old Traffordu, što su oduševljeno dočekali Real i - Bayern. Prema medijskim izvještajima, Bayern je čak Manchesteru ponudio više na ime odštete, no Ruud je pritisnuo klupske gazde da ga ustupe Realu. Nakon dugog natezanja oko cijene, Španjolci su platili 15 milijuna eura i sklopili s Nizozemcem trogodišnji ugovor.
Reprezentacija - završena priča?
Realov trener Fabio Capello može biti sretan što je njegov novi igrač izgleda ispao iz reprezentativne konkurencije, jer ga Van Basten nije pozvao za prve kvalifikacijske utakmice protiv Luksemburga i Bjelorusije za Euro 2008. Bez naprezanja u narančastoj majici, Ruud će municiju čuvati za samo za nastupe u Realu.
Van Nistelrooy je za reprezentaciju debitirao 18. studenog 1998. u dvoboju s Njemačkom i dosada je odigrao 54 utakmice, postigavši 28 golova. Bio je prisutan na Europskim prvenstvima 2000. i 2004. te na prošlom Mundialu u Njemačkoj, no Van Basten ga je senzacionalno izostavio u osmini finala protiv Portugala, kad je Nizozemska poražena s 0:1.
Izbornikov potez nije nikad razjašnjen, osobito ako se zna da je već ranije otpisao i Bayernovog Roya Makaaya. Mada, istina je i da su na scenu stupili mladi lavovi poput Klaasa-Jana Huntelaara i Dirka Kuyta, koji su pokazali raskošan napadački talent.
Osobna karta
Rutgerus Johannes van Nistelrooy
Nadimak: Van the Man, Lokomotiva
Datum rođenja: 1 srpnja 1976.
Mjesto rođenja: Oss (Nizozemska)
Visina i težina: 188 cm, 80 kg
Pozicija: srednji napadač
Klub: Real Madrid
Klupska karijera
1993/94 Den Bosch 2 0
1994/95 Den Bosch 15 3
1995/96 Den Bosch 21 2
1996/97 Den Bosch 31 12
1997/98 Heerenveen 31 13
1998/99 PSV Eindhoven 34 31
1999/00 PSV Eindhoven 23 29
2000/01 PSV Eindhoven 10 2
2001/02 Manchester United 32 23
2002/03 Manchester United 34 25
2003/04 Manchester United 32 20
2004/05 Manchester United 17 6
2005/06 Manchester United 35 21
2006/07 Real Madrid
Reprezentacija
1998-06 Nizozemska 54 28
Uspjesi
Nizozemsko prvenstvo: 2000. i 2001.
Nizozemski Superkup: 1999.
Englesko prvenstvo: 2003.
Engleski Kup FA: 2004.
Engleski Ligaški kup: 2006.
Najbolji strijelac nizozemskog prvenstva: 1999. i 2000.
Igrač godine u Nizozemskoj: 1999. i 2000.
Najbolji strijelac engleskog prvenstva: 2003.
Copyright Ozren Podnar/Soccerphile/Nogomet
Thursday, August 24, 2006
A Ferd in the hand is worth two on the box
There’s only one thing in life that’s more enjoyable than an evening with the wife and kids, and that’s an evening without the wife and kids. Whenever I’m lucky enough to be rid of the evil one and her two clones, I like to relax in front of the box with a couple of lagers watching quality television programming.
As the free-view doesn’t kick off until 11:00pm, my programme of choice is ideally football related and entertaining, thus immediately ruling Soccer AM out of the equation. With the exception of the imperious Jeff Stelling show on a Saturday afternoon, other programmes struggle to match my demanding criteria, so you can imagine my unconfined joy when news broke that Rio Ferdinand was set to enter the world of light entertainment.
His wind-up show was a disappointment, the sketch where he ‘murked’ the drug testers by forgetting to turn up was left out, as was the one where he ‘murked’ the Man U board by refusing to sign a contract until their wage offer rose from £100,000 to £110,000 a week. I imagine the sketch where he was going to ‘murk’ Martin Jol by pretending to bid £18m for Michael Carrick was pulled for being too unrealistic.
Rio has been offered another bite at the TV cherry, the premise being that Ferd and his crew will ‘pimp’ up the pads of….fellow millionaire professional footballers. I literally can wait.
Talking of pimping, Wayne Rooney misses United’s match against Watford due to the FA upholding a ridiculous ban for a red card in a friendly. Rooney’s agent hit back by threatening to withhold Wayne’s image rights; I can only guess that Rooney suggested ‘upping the ante’ and Stretford misunderstood. United have won their last six against Watford, the Mancs are the weekend nap at 2/5.
With Rooney banned, best pal Cristiano ‘more dives than Glasgow’ Ronaldo should be backed to net the opener. Ronnie’s been priced up at 15/2, a price so big I almost fell over.
Watford were absolutely robbed by the ref at Goodison Park, they’re now playing Man U, they’ll be lucky if they’re awarded a throw in. Watford won’t score, take 21/20 about a United win coupled with a clean sheet.
Arsenal have treated Man City in recent years like Ben Thatcher treats Pedro Mendes, they’ve pounded on them unmercifully. (Mendes is not the first person to be unable to work thanks to Thatcher.) Arsenal have left Manchester with all three points on their last eight visits, you’ve got to fancy the Gunners at 8/11 to reach number nine. Someone’s going to take a pommeling at the hands of the Wenger boys soon, there’s a decent chance it’ll be Thatcher’s mob.
Blackburn players do enjoy a challenge. The wild Rovers had two players sent off on the opening day, that’s virtually a friendly for Savage & co. Chelsea were turned over at Ewood Park last season, a repeat is out of the question. A wounded Chelsea are a great bet at 4/7 to make amends for their Boro bashing.
I had my fingers burnt by Liverpool last week, but the Reds can make amends at home to West Ham. Liverpool’s attacking options were limited when Stevie G snatched the FA Cup from the Hammers’ grasp in May, but now they have three quality marksmen and Peter Crouch competing for a start. The Pool should be backed at a healthy 1/2.
Fulham look a promising investment at home to Sheff U at 10/11. Chris Coleman’s battlers won the same amount of home matches as Manchester United last season, only a disastrous campaign on the road ensured a 12th place finish. I’m a little worried about the Malbranque situation, Chris Coleman appears to be cutting off his nose to spite his face; that’s only a good idea if you’re Iain Dowie. If the Cottagers come anywhere near replicating last season’s home form, we’re venturing towards decent stake territory.
David O’Leary’s lackadaisical attitude ensured the Villa team rolled over and died away at Arsenal in a 5-0 defeat just four months ago, yet under Martin O’Neill, the same group of players were able to fight like the wife ‘when the decorators visit’ to nick a commendable draw. The Villa are worth a bet at 7/5 at home to Newcastle, simply because of the O’Neill factor.
I’m a great believer in positive thinking. There’s an old saying that I hold dear, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, then Paul Jewell will probably buy you’. You shouldn’t kick a dead dog, but I can’t help but feel that the signing of Heskey will prove disastrous for Wigan. Reading have started the season well, they’re worth a second look at 3/1 to leave the JJB with three points.
The acc of the week:
The accer this week is so certain, that even under extreme torture it would refuse to budge. Liverpool, Fulham, Tottenham, Arsenal and Aston Villa are the good things, you’re looking at a payout of 17/1.
The weekend specials:
“A little Camp?” - Ivan Campo to score with a header 20/1
“A professional Fowl” - Robbie Fowler to score a penalty 6/1
“Bull's high” - Jimmy Bullard to score with a header 14/1
“A very dirty Vid” - Mark Viduka to be sent off 20/1
The quote of the week:
“He’s not intelligent.”
Jose ‘all tact’ Mourinho, when asked about Michael Essien.
The lay man:
Sheff Utd are begging to be laid at 10/3 for their trip to the Cottage, this is possibly how the expression ‘easy money’ originated. Help yourself at Betfair, Backandlay or Betdaq.
Weekend Betting:
Liverpool v West Ham Saturday 26th August 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Liverpool 1/2
Draw 10/3
West Ham 15/2
Get on: Liverpool
Match Special:
Bellamy to score two or more goals 5/1
Charlton v Bolton Saturday 26th August 15.00
Charlton 6/4
Draw 9/4
Bolton 9/5
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2
Fulham v Sheff Utd Saturday 26th August 15.00
Fulham 10/11
Draw 9/4
Sheff Utd 3/1
Get on: Fulham
Match Special:
Papa Bouba Diop to score with a header 10/1
Tottenham v Everton Saturday 26th August 15.00
Tottenham 4/5
Draw 12/5
Everton 4/1
Get on: Tottenham
Match Special:
Berbatov and Keane both to score 13/2
Watford v Man Utd Saturday 26th August 15.00
Watford 15/2
Draw 10/3
Man Utd 2/5
Get on: Man Utd
Match Special:
Ronaldo to score direct from a free-kick 8/1
Wigan v Reading Saturday 26th August 15.00
Wigan Evs
Draw 9/4
Reading 3/1
Get on: Reading
Match Special:
Lita to score the only goal of the game 50/1
Man City v Arsenal Saturday 26th August 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Man City 9/2
Draw 13/5
Arsenal 8/11
Get on: Arsenal
Match Special:
Henry to score a hat-trick 25/1
Aston Villa v Newcastle Sunday 27th August 14.00 Live on Sky
Aston Villa 7/5
Draw 9/4
Newcastle 2/1
Get on: Aston Villa
Match Special:
Angel to score with a header 6/1
Blackburn v Chelsea Sunday 27th August 16.00 Live on Sky
Blackburn 6/1
Draw 11/4
Chelsea 4/7
Get on: Chelsea
Match Special:
John Terry to score at any time 5/1
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Monday 28th August 20.00 Live on Sky
Middlesbrough 5/4
Draw 5/2
Portsmouth 11/4
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Boateng to be booked 6/4
As the free-view doesn’t kick off until 11:00pm, my programme of choice is ideally football related and entertaining, thus immediately ruling Soccer AM out of the equation. With the exception of the imperious Jeff Stelling show on a Saturday afternoon, other programmes struggle to match my demanding criteria, so you can imagine my unconfined joy when news broke that Rio Ferdinand was set to enter the world of light entertainment.
His wind-up show was a disappointment, the sketch where he ‘murked’ the drug testers by forgetting to turn up was left out, as was the one where he ‘murked’ the Man U board by refusing to sign a contract until their wage offer rose from £100,000 to £110,000 a week. I imagine the sketch where he was going to ‘murk’ Martin Jol by pretending to bid £18m for Michael Carrick was pulled for being too unrealistic.
Rio has been offered another bite at the TV cherry, the premise being that Ferd and his crew will ‘pimp’ up the pads of….fellow millionaire professional footballers. I literally can wait.
Talking of pimping, Wayne Rooney misses United’s match against Watford due to the FA upholding a ridiculous ban for a red card in a friendly. Rooney’s agent hit back by threatening to withhold Wayne’s image rights; I can only guess that Rooney suggested ‘upping the ante’ and Stretford misunderstood. United have won their last six against Watford, the Mancs are the weekend nap at 2/5.
With Rooney banned, best pal Cristiano ‘more dives than Glasgow’ Ronaldo should be backed to net the opener. Ronnie’s been priced up at 15/2, a price so big I almost fell over.
Watford were absolutely robbed by the ref at Goodison Park, they’re now playing Man U, they’ll be lucky if they’re awarded a throw in. Watford won’t score, take 21/20 about a United win coupled with a clean sheet.
Arsenal have treated Man City in recent years like Ben Thatcher treats Pedro Mendes, they’ve pounded on them unmercifully. (Mendes is not the first person to be unable to work thanks to Thatcher.) Arsenal have left Manchester with all three points on their last eight visits, you’ve got to fancy the Gunners at 8/11 to reach number nine. Someone’s going to take a pommeling at the hands of the Wenger boys soon, there’s a decent chance it’ll be Thatcher’s mob.
Blackburn players do enjoy a challenge. The wild Rovers had two players sent off on the opening day, that’s virtually a friendly for Savage & co. Chelsea were turned over at Ewood Park last season, a repeat is out of the question. A wounded Chelsea are a great bet at 4/7 to make amends for their Boro bashing.
I had my fingers burnt by Liverpool last week, but the Reds can make amends at home to West Ham. Liverpool’s attacking options were limited when Stevie G snatched the FA Cup from the Hammers’ grasp in May, but now they have three quality marksmen and Peter Crouch competing for a start. The Pool should be backed at a healthy 1/2.
Fulham look a promising investment at home to Sheff U at 10/11. Chris Coleman’s battlers won the same amount of home matches as Manchester United last season, only a disastrous campaign on the road ensured a 12th place finish. I’m a little worried about the Malbranque situation, Chris Coleman appears to be cutting off his nose to spite his face; that’s only a good idea if you’re Iain Dowie. If the Cottagers come anywhere near replicating last season’s home form, we’re venturing towards decent stake territory.
David O’Leary’s lackadaisical attitude ensured the Villa team rolled over and died away at Arsenal in a 5-0 defeat just four months ago, yet under Martin O’Neill, the same group of players were able to fight like the wife ‘when the decorators visit’ to nick a commendable draw. The Villa are worth a bet at 7/5 at home to Newcastle, simply because of the O’Neill factor.
I’m a great believer in positive thinking. There’s an old saying that I hold dear, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, then Paul Jewell will probably buy you’. You shouldn’t kick a dead dog, but I can’t help but feel that the signing of Heskey will prove disastrous for Wigan. Reading have started the season well, they’re worth a second look at 3/1 to leave the JJB with three points.
The acc of the week:
The accer this week is so certain, that even under extreme torture it would refuse to budge. Liverpool, Fulham, Tottenham, Arsenal and Aston Villa are the good things, you’re looking at a payout of 17/1.
The weekend specials:
“A little Camp?” - Ivan Campo to score with a header 20/1
“A professional Fowl” - Robbie Fowler to score a penalty 6/1
“Bull's high” - Jimmy Bullard to score with a header 14/1
“A very dirty Vid” - Mark Viduka to be sent off 20/1
The quote of the week:
“He’s not intelligent.”
Jose ‘all tact’ Mourinho, when asked about Michael Essien.
The lay man:
Sheff Utd are begging to be laid at 10/3 for their trip to the Cottage, this is possibly how the expression ‘easy money’ originated. Help yourself at Betfair, Backandlay or Betdaq.
Weekend Betting:
Liverpool v West Ham Saturday 26th August 12.45 Live on Premiership Plus
Liverpool 1/2
Draw 10/3
West Ham 15/2
Get on: Liverpool
Match Special:
Bellamy to score two or more goals 5/1
Charlton v Bolton Saturday 26th August 15.00
Charlton 6/4
Draw 9/4
Bolton 9/5
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Match to finish 1-1 11/2
Fulham v Sheff Utd Saturday 26th August 15.00
Fulham 10/11
Draw 9/4
Sheff Utd 3/1
Get on: Fulham
Match Special:
Papa Bouba Diop to score with a header 10/1
Tottenham v Everton Saturday 26th August 15.00
Tottenham 4/5
Draw 12/5
Everton 4/1
Get on: Tottenham
Match Special:
Berbatov and Keane both to score 13/2
Watford v Man Utd Saturday 26th August 15.00
Watford 15/2
Draw 10/3
Man Utd 2/5
Get on: Man Utd
Match Special:
Ronaldo to score direct from a free-kick 8/1
Wigan v Reading Saturday 26th August 15.00
Wigan Evs
Draw 9/4
Reading 3/1
Get on: Reading
Match Special:
Lita to score the only goal of the game 50/1
Man City v Arsenal Saturday 26th August 17.15 Live on Premiership Plus
Man City 9/2
Draw 13/5
Arsenal 8/11
Get on: Arsenal
Match Special:
Henry to score a hat-trick 25/1
Aston Villa v Newcastle Sunday 27th August 14.00 Live on Sky
Aston Villa 7/5
Draw 9/4
Newcastle 2/1
Get on: Aston Villa
Match Special:
Angel to score with a header 6/1
Blackburn v Chelsea Sunday 27th August 16.00 Live on Sky
Blackburn 6/1
Draw 11/4
Chelsea 4/7
Get on: Chelsea
Match Special:
John Terry to score at any time 5/1
Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Monday 28th August 20.00 Live on Sky
Middlesbrough 5/4
Draw 5/2
Portsmouth 11/4
Get on: Draw
Match Special:
Boateng to be booked 6/4
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Summer Sales In Korea
After the excitement of the World Cup, it is back to business in the Land of the Morning Calm though the K-League doesn’t restart until August 23rd.
Instead fans are treated to the ‘K League Cup’ – a 13-game competition in a league format that separates two 13-game stages of the K-League - a rather pointless exercise but it’s football nonetheless.
FC Seoul are about to win the thing and only need a point from their last two games in order to do so. They should get that at Suwon on Wednesday night as the Bluewings have been in foul form in 2006.
All has not been too well at the Big Bird Stadium recently. After a disappointing first stage to the K-League, Suwon coach Cha Bum-keun decided to leave his team to fend for itself in the early stages of the cup by heading to Germany to commentate on the World Cup. He was joined in the commentary box (I saw him often in Germany and it is a desk not a box) by son Cha Du-ri the now FC Mainz star who was excluded from Advocaat’s final list of 23.
The father and son act was a huge hit during the competition in Germany and broadcasters MBC were left smiling as rival networks KBS and SBS were left standing.
Suwon fans weren’t quite so happy as the team continued to struggle and questions were naturally asked why their coach would spend a month overseas when there was obvious work to be done just south of Seoul. Only in the tenth game of the cup did the Bluewings manage a win and if matters don’t improve in the second half of the league, Cha’s head will roll.
However, things are looking up as the three-time champions have recently signed FC Seoul’s international midfielder Baek Ji-hoon – whose boy band-like features have earned him the nickname ‘Flower Handsome Guy’. Baek is a promising midfielder with 12 caps to his name. The $1.5 million signing had a seat on the plane to Germany but continued to sit on the bench for Korea’s three games.
Baek will be joined by ‘The Outstanding Technician’ – Lee Kwan-woo of Daejeon Citizen who cost a similar amount of money. Suwon have always had problems defeating Daejeon so have taken the Citizen’s talisman and best player in order to try and end the jinx. Lee, 28, is a skilful playmaker and impressed Advocaat the first time he saw Daejeon play - though not enough to feature in any of the squads.
Always in the reckoning was one of Advocaat’s favourite players, Kim Dong-jin of FC Seoul. As the Dutchman left his home of eight months in north-west Seoul, he took the wing-back with him to Zenit St. Petersburg. To soften the blow for Seoul fans, the LG-backed team recruited one of his international team-mates.
Midfielder Lee Eul-yong spent the last two years in Turkey with Trabzonspor but the 30 year-old has decided to come home. His stated reasons were that his wife was ready to leave the Black Sea port and he was concerned about his son’s education though the more cynical of reporters mutter that a lack of interest from England were the reasons he returned home. There had been rumours that West Ham and Wigan were interested in the tough-tackling Turkish Warrior but the reality is that he is back in the Korean capital and was introduced to the crowd before Seoul’s clash with Incheon United.
United have struggled in the cup but claim that they are focusing on the resumption of the league. In contrast to most K-League teams who go Brazilian when they look for outside talent, last season’s runners-up have connections in the Balkans and have added a couple of new players from that region.
Dragan Mladenovic is a former Serbian international who Rangers fans may want to forget as he failed to impress in Glasgow. After joining the Scottish giants in the summer of 2004, he was loaned out to Real Sociedad just six months later. However, if the tall ex-Red Star Belgrade midfielder settles on the west coast of Korea, he may find the K-League more to his liking. Even more so if he can become friends with the headline writer’s dream that is Blaze Ilioski – a 21 year-old Macedonian international striker.
Champions Ulsan Hyundai Horang-I have seen a few changes but unfortunately for fans of the Tigers, they have not been welcome ones. The exciting title-winning team is slowly being stripped of its talent.
The midfield has gone. Hyun Young-min left for Zenit St.Petersburg long before Advocaat did but he has now been joined on the banks of the Neva by national team star Lee Ho – another of the Dutchman’s favourites. That followed the departure of Kim Jung-woo who went to Japan and Nagoya Grampus Eight at the start of the year.
To make matters worse, 2005 K-League MVP Lee Chun-soo is planning to return to Europe in August. The scorer of Korea’s first goal against Togo in the World Cup claims that Ajax have approached him as well as two unnamed “medium level” Premier League teams- a term that has nicely described Aston Villa and Manchester City who, according to the Korean media, are the interested parties.
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma are the favourites to take Ulsan’s crown after winning the first stage at a canter. So it is bad news for the league’s other teams that the six-time champions splashed out a million dollars to pry former Romanian international Adrian Naega from Chunnam Dragons’ claws. The ex-Steaua Bucharest star impressed last season on the south coast but has found goals a little harder to come by this season – however, he is still a quality act.
It is unfortunate for Seongnam fans, though perhaps not for the others, that he will not be able to link up with Brazilian striking sensation Mota, who will miss the rest of the season with a broken ankle.
Jeju United couldn’t find the net in the first stage of the league so they have signed Bosian international defender Nikola Vasiljevic who recently in Korea. He played the last three minutes in the Seoul friendly between Korea and Bosnia the day before the Asian team left for Europe.
Copyright © John Duerden and Soccerphile.com
Korean soccer
Tags
soccer korea k-league fc seoul Cha Bum-keun
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
