On the surface of things, Manchester United would appear to be in a state of flux as we approach the Premier League’s busy Chistmas period, with clubs playing five matches in little over two weeks. An ignominious departure from the Champions League before the knockout stages courtesy of an FC Basle side, who were more than happy to show their English visitors the door, has been coupled with an eye watering injury list. Nemanja Vidic suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the aforementioned visit to Switzerland and is out for the season in effect. In the last few days Darren Fletcher, an unsung hero of United’s midfield, has decided to take an indefinite break from competitive football in a bid to rid himself of a chronic bowel complaint which has dogged him for much of the last year or so.
However, there are reasons for optimism to grow in the hearts and minds of United fans still. United tend not to be frontrunners as far the league title is concerned, at least at this stage of the season. Often the festive period and the New Year sees United begin to eat into a lead which has been established by another club, or clubs. Something a little more tangible for United to look to is that the frontrunner this season is their near neighbour, Manchester City. City has not won the league in over forty years - they have no recent precedent to look to or experience to fall back upon. In addition to this, their unbeaten record perished under unfortunate circumstances in their last outing at Chelsea. The festive period affords no team the opportunity for quiet reflection and rebuilding. The fixtures will come thick and fast and any team can be buffeted from pillar to post if they lack the experience and resolve to ride out the storm, however insignificant it may seem at the outset. A week ago, City had a five point lead. It is now a mere two points. A buoyant Arsenal are the visitors to The Etihad Stadium on Sunday and City must be on their mettle if that lead is to remain intact as United visit QPR in what is an eminently winnable game for them.
Indeed, the respective fixtures of the two clubs are worth looking at closely because they suggest further opportunities for United to close in on City, and perhaps be at the top of the table come the close of play on January the 4th. Up until very recently, perhaps only three or four seasons ago, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were occasions for a full compliment of Premier League fixtures. This made the two days extra special and a throwback to years gone by when all fixtures kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. Granted, the fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day were staggered, but it was still a pleasant oddity for the modern day fan to see the full compliment of fixtures on the one day. In addition to that, in the already hectic festive period, it at least placed clubs on a more level playing field. However, this tradition has gone by the wayside as with many things in modern football. Television wields an ever increasing share of the power and as such there are now fixtures on the 27th of December, the 30th, the 31st (in fact the lion’s share of the New Year’s fixtures fall on the 31st but this is probably more to do with the 31st this year falling on a Saturday), the 2nd of January and so on.
Further to this, the Premier League has deemed that clubs should have double header home and away fixtures over the festive period. That is to say, for example, Manchester City face Arsenal and Stoke at home before Christmas, and then West Brom and Sunderland away after Christmas but before New Year’s Day. Manchester United have the reverse - QPR and Fulham away before Christmas (a pleasant ten minute walk between grounds removes the potential for any onerous journey) and then Wigan and Blackburn at home between Christmas and the New Year. Now, it’s a very slight advantage to hold, but anyone who has been to a home fixture on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day (Eve in this case), knows that the atmosphere is that little bit more charged with festive good cheer and bonhomie. These are super home fixtures if you like. Manchester United are fortunate to be at home for both games and against extremely friendly opposition from the North West. For City, both their away games look relatively kind on paper, but the festive factor for the home team and supporters in addition to the visit to Sunderland, where Martin O’Neill is in throws of his honeymoon period, makes them trickier than they look.
Perhaps of more benefit to United, however, is the spacing of the fixtures. Both United and City have matches on December the 18th, the 21st and the 26th. However, United then have a five day break before Blackburn and then a four day gap before they visit Newcastle on January the 4th. City have a six day break, rather than five, before they play Sunderland on New Year’s Day and then only a two day break before the visit of Liverpool, who are never a pushover, on the 3rd. The logic behind giving one team six days break and another team five, but then having the former play their next fixture before the latter, is not immediately apparent. However the Premier League, in its endless wisdom, has deemed that this is a prudent course of action to take. It is up to City to prevent United capitalising upon it, but it is a further reason for United to be optimistic.
City have two of the traditional bigger sides, Arsenal and Liverpool, to play over the festive period, although it should be noted that both matches are at the Etihad. By comparison, United’s only top half opponent (City also entertain 8th placed Stoke) is Newcastle. Memories of Philippe Albert may be hard to dispel as United travel to St James’ Park, never an easy place to go, but United has the more pleasing set of fixtures on paper. It is a prime opportunity for Sir Alex Ferguson, a past master at preparing sides for the rigours of the season, to drive his side closer and closer to City, ready to capitalise on any slip ups by the Citizens.
Elsewhere at the top of the table, there are grounds for optimism as a result of Chelsea’s defeat of City on Monday. Starting with the West Londoners, then, they have one tricky fixture in their five when they visit Tottenham on the 22nd. Otherwise, Wigan away, Fulham home, Aston Villa home and Wolves away looks like a chance for twelve points. Similarly Spurs, with the exception of Chelsea at home, have winnable matches, though they would be wise not to underestimate the potential for slip ups during the Boxing Day and New Year’s away fixtures at newly promoted Norwich and Swansea. Arsenal follow their tough assignment at Manchester City with games against Aston Villa, Wolves, QPR and Fulham. Nothing less than twelve points there will keep Arsenal in the title hunt in all likelihood.
Of course, nothing is straight forward at this time of the football season, but Manchester United are primed and ready to strike. We must hope that the events that unfold on the pitches match the potential for Christmas excitement. This is the most special time of the league season and the fate of the crown may be in sharper focus by The FA Cup 3rd round weekend in early January.
Nick Rogerson
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Football: Premier League is Big Winner as Manchester Giants Crash Out
Given the success that Manchester City and Manchester United have enjoyed this calendar year, failing to clear the Champions League group stage hurdle is likely the equivalent of a surprise slap in the face. Both clubs had high hopes to go toe-to-toe with Barcelona and Real Madrid - instead, they are joining Stoke in the Europa League.
For City, falling short in a group that boasted Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal is at least excusable. It looked tough on paper and lived up to that billing, with Napoli in particular playing far better than their league position suggested. Hostile atmospheres in Munich and Naples made those trips particularly tricky. It was also the first taste of Champions League action for the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Gareth Barry. Mistakes were bound to be made - and lessons will be learned.
United, on the other hand, can claim no such thing and next to nothing to put forward as an excuse. Presented with a gift of a group, Ferguson's men were sloppy and complacent throughout their six-game campaign, allowing Benfica and FC Basel - United's conquerors in the final group game - to cash in. As upsets go, this was a big one.
But amid all the talk of disappointment and failure, the big winner was the Premier League. The title race is intriguingly poised at present, with Arsenal surging back into the mix and Tottenham threatening to muscle their way into contention. Now, domestic action will get the Manchester clubs’ full attention – and that can only add spice to a season that has already produced a string of memorable moments.
For City, falling short in a group that boasted Bayern Munich, Napoli and Villarreal is at least excusable. It looked tough on paper and lived up to that billing, with Napoli in particular playing far better than their league position suggested. Hostile atmospheres in Munich and Naples made those trips particularly tricky. It was also the first taste of Champions League action for the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards and Gareth Barry. Mistakes were bound to be made - and lessons will be learned.
United, on the other hand, can claim no such thing and next to nothing to put forward as an excuse. Presented with a gift of a group, Ferguson's men were sloppy and complacent throughout their six-game campaign, allowing Benfica and FC Basel - United's conquerors in the final group game - to cash in. As upsets go, this was a big one.
But amid all the talk of disappointment and failure, the big winner was the Premier League. The title race is intriguingly poised at present, with Arsenal surging back into the mix and Tottenham threatening to muscle their way into contention. Now, domestic action will get the Manchester clubs’ full attention – and that can only add spice to a season that has already produced a string of memorable moments.
Squad rotation is no longer an acceptable excuse for City and United, particularly Ferguson’s men, who are also out of the Carling Cup. Both teams will be well rested, often benefiting from a full week between games, and that should translate into better performances and more spectacular highlights. Mancini and Ferguson have often had their eye on upcoming European games, making their selections for weekend fixtures with that in mind. It is hard to believe that the Europa League will command the same respect.
United’s Patrice Evra all but confirmed this after United's exit in Switzerland. “I'll be honest with you, the way I fell now it is Champions League or nothing but when we start playing in the Europa League we will try to win it,” he admitted. “But of course I play for Manchester United to play in the Champions League. I am not ready for it because it is a new experience. Even if it is [a] friendly, when I pull on United shirt I do my best to win that trophy. But it is embarrassing to be in the Europa League.”
At Old Trafford, even focusing on one competition might prove a challenge. Just to emphasize how the landscape has shifted over the past few weeks, the notion of United failing to finish in the top four no longer seems so far fetched. It would take a brave man to bet against the champions but the problems are mounting for Ferguson. Captain Nemanja Vidic is expected to miss the rest of the season due to the ligament damage sustained against FC Basel, Javier Hernandez is sidelined for at least four weeks and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young have looked out of sorts. In short, United are one bad run of results away from having the FA Cup as the sole potential consolation prize for the 2011/12 campaign.
City, meanwhile, can have few complaints about their league campaign thus far and Mancini will feel confident that by putting more focus on their Premier League title bid, his players can hold off the chasing pack. After all, the realistic goal for City heading into this year was to win the title – that in itself would have been considered an excellent campaign. The Champions League was always going to be a bonus.
So, in theory, the Premier League will get the very best of City and United for the rest of the season. That means David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Rooney, Nani and Phil Jones should be fit, hungry and raring to go week in, week out. For Premier League fans across the world, that prospect is mouthwatering.
Cricket: Australia’s Period of Transition Makes For Exciting Test Cricket
Australia has been involved in two of the most exciting test matches of the last decade or more in the space of three test matches and four weeks. This is in no small part due to the continued period of transition being undergone by Australia's test match side. On the one hand we have a defiant reliance on senior batsmen arguably past their best by a selection panel who cannot quite give up the security blanket of some representation of Australia's golden era in their current side. Unfortunately, selecting the most obvious current representative of those halcyon days (Ricky Ponting) is akin to employing a geriatric in a wheelchair on the door of a busy inner-city nightclub as far as security is concerned. On the other hand we have an all encompassing, "any face will do this week but we reserve the right to completely change the roster next week" approach to bowling selections that would make a drunken bar fly on a twelve hour mission to drink his way through a pub’s entire liquor selection look discerning by comparison.
The continued selection of Ricky Ponting, who hasn’t made a test match century in nearly two years and close to thirty innings is a reward for long service which surely only Steve Waugh was afforded in recent times in his cringe-inducing (to non Australian observers) “tour of the provinces” during the home series against India in 2003-04. Brad Haddin is also bafflingly retained after two of the most irresponsible strokes in recent test cricket, in Australia’s second innings capitulations at Newlands, Cape Town and this week at Hobart against New Zealand. Both situations called for a sensible hand from Australia’s experienced wicketkeeper-batsman but both times Haddin played ugly shots, unable to adapt to the match situation and conditions which dictated the need for some caution at least at the beginning of his innings. Haddin is a product of Australia’s dominance of world cricket in the late 1990s and most of the 2000s, but unfortunately he has neither the talent of his predecessor Gilchrist, nor the savvy to realise that the winds of change have come into play and Australia now cannot simply blast their way through test matches. Both Ponting and Haddin are enjoying carte-blanche as far as the demands of the selectors regarding the performances expected to retain their places in the side are concerned. One passenger, even two passengers, can be carried and this has been the case to a certain extent as Australia has drawn both their last two test series. However, this has largely been down to the recent good bowling from the Australians and not the batting with the exception of Michael Clarke’s marvellous 150 in Cape Town. Michael Hussey, for so long Australia’s pillar of reliability has been able to cover for shoddy displays by Ponting and Haddin in the past, but in the last four tests he averages a mere 11.85. Perhaps the stress of batting for two or sometimes three players is catching up with him.
On the other hand we see Australia’s baffling pick’n’mix approach to their bowling selections. In the past two years perhaps half of the bowlers currently involved in Australia’s domestic competition have donned the baggy green - Australia’s great symbol of test cricket and just half a generation ago fiendishly hard for budding state cricketers to lay their hands on - and represented their country in the test arena. Many have then been dropped after two or three tests in the search for the magical elixir that might restore Australia to test dominance. Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Harris, Johnson, McKay, Starc, Cummins, Copeland, Pattinson, Doherty, Hauritz, Beer, Lyon, Bollinger, George - a mind boggling list. There have certainly been encouraging performances of late from James Pattinson, who was the man of the series in his debut series against New Zealand taking back to back five-fors, and from Pat Cummins, who snagged the man of the match on his debut in the marvellous win at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Cummins needs to be handled with care, given his youth, and is likely to be out of the India series with a stress fracture of the foot, but both he and Pattinson are encouraging prospects. However, it is surely somewhat fortuitous for them both that they delivered immediately; otherwise it seems likely that they would have been thrown onto the scrap heap, joining so many other recent seam bowling selections. Australia’s approach to spin bowling in the post-Warne era requires an article all of its own, but in short Nathan Lyon has also shown promise of late and must be persisted with for at least a dozen tests.
Australia’s Jekyll and Hyde approach to test selections and the quite natural lack of players of comparable ability to the recent retired generation of Warne, McGrath, Langer, Gilchrist, Lee et al has made their recent matches extremely exciting. No longer can Australia be considered immune against sides such as New Zealand as this week’s victory for the latter at Hobart demonstrates. It was the first victory for New Zealand in any test match against Australia since 1993 and the first victory on Australian soil since Jeremy Coney led them to a series victory in 1985-86. The beauty of an Australian downturn in test cricket is that it won’t danger the long term prospect of the longer game there. The Baggy Green is still the ultimate Australian cricketing symbol and, regardless of the insane scheduling of a domestic T20 competition in the heart of an Australian domestic season, the overall drive of Australian cricketing focus will be towards test match cricket. The same is true of England, currently enjoying a period of success in the test arena the likes of which has not been seen since the 1950s. England’s test grounds continued to sell out during their lengthy period in the doldrums. Although Hobart was by no means full for the New Zealand test, it is an Australian cricketing outpost comparable to Chester-Le-Street or Sophia Gardens in England, both of whom also fail to sell out for all but the matches against Australia. Australia being pulled into the pack as far as test cricket goes might spark more of an interest in test cricket in countries like New Zealand, where interest may be piqued by this week's victory. This is to the benefit of test cricket overall - the more countries who prioritise the longer game, or at least start to take it more seriously upon seeing the dominant side of the last twenty years falter, the better.
An unpredictability surrounding Australia’s test match cricket has arisen which is born out by a victory in a test match in the backyard of the number two ranked side in the world, South Africa, followed swiftly by a home defeat to the number eight ranked side, New Zealand. For all Australia’s sporting culture of dominance, and striving to be first in the world, even years and years of the fulfilment of this aim can grow stale for the viewing public. There were signs that the Australian public were tiring of their side’s dominance, largely unchallenged, in the 2007-08 home series against India. This neatly brings us to the next series for the Australians, a repeat of that 2007-08 series, beginning at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day. A new generation of bowlers coming through and earning their spurs will bring the Australian public out in great numbers to see the first test of the series and, it is to be hoped (and expected), in many future test matches. A period of rebirth may be painful at first, but it is also an exciting prospect, and will give a new generation of test cricket followers in Australia a sense of ownership and a stake in the fortunes of this new, young side as they follow their travails and fortunes over the coming years. All that is needed now is for the relics of the top order to be given their cards and money and the metaphorical painting of a Spitfire in recognition of years of long service. Then, truly, the new era can begin. However, if in the meantime we are treated to more test matches of the entertainment (if not quite, quality) of the Johannesburg and Hobart tests of the last month, test cricket will surely be the winner.
Nick Rogerson
The continued selection of Ricky Ponting, who hasn’t made a test match century in nearly two years and close to thirty innings is a reward for long service which surely only Steve Waugh was afforded in recent times in his cringe-inducing (to non Australian observers) “tour of the provinces” during the home series against India in 2003-04. Brad Haddin is also bafflingly retained after two of the most irresponsible strokes in recent test cricket, in Australia’s second innings capitulations at Newlands, Cape Town and this week at Hobart against New Zealand. Both situations called for a sensible hand from Australia’s experienced wicketkeeper-batsman but both times Haddin played ugly shots, unable to adapt to the match situation and conditions which dictated the need for some caution at least at the beginning of his innings. Haddin is a product of Australia’s dominance of world cricket in the late 1990s and most of the 2000s, but unfortunately he has neither the talent of his predecessor Gilchrist, nor the savvy to realise that the winds of change have come into play and Australia now cannot simply blast their way through test matches. Both Ponting and Haddin are enjoying carte-blanche as far as the demands of the selectors regarding the performances expected to retain their places in the side are concerned. One passenger, even two passengers, can be carried and this has been the case to a certain extent as Australia has drawn both their last two test series. However, this has largely been down to the recent good bowling from the Australians and not the batting with the exception of Michael Clarke’s marvellous 150 in Cape Town. Michael Hussey, for so long Australia’s pillar of reliability has been able to cover for shoddy displays by Ponting and Haddin in the past, but in the last four tests he averages a mere 11.85. Perhaps the stress of batting for two or sometimes three players is catching up with him.
On the other hand we see Australia’s baffling pick’n’mix approach to their bowling selections. In the past two years perhaps half of the bowlers currently involved in Australia’s domestic competition have donned the baggy green - Australia’s great symbol of test cricket and just half a generation ago fiendishly hard for budding state cricketers to lay their hands on - and represented their country in the test arena. Many have then been dropped after two or three tests in the search for the magical elixir that might restore Australia to test dominance. Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Harris, Johnson, McKay, Starc, Cummins, Copeland, Pattinson, Doherty, Hauritz, Beer, Lyon, Bollinger, George - a mind boggling list. There have certainly been encouraging performances of late from James Pattinson, who was the man of the series in his debut series against New Zealand taking back to back five-fors, and from Pat Cummins, who snagged the man of the match on his debut in the marvellous win at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. Cummins needs to be handled with care, given his youth, and is likely to be out of the India series with a stress fracture of the foot, but both he and Pattinson are encouraging prospects. However, it is surely somewhat fortuitous for them both that they delivered immediately; otherwise it seems likely that they would have been thrown onto the scrap heap, joining so many other recent seam bowling selections. Australia’s approach to spin bowling in the post-Warne era requires an article all of its own, but in short Nathan Lyon has also shown promise of late and must be persisted with for at least a dozen tests.
Australia’s Jekyll and Hyde approach to test selections and the quite natural lack of players of comparable ability to the recent retired generation of Warne, McGrath, Langer, Gilchrist, Lee et al has made their recent matches extremely exciting. No longer can Australia be considered immune against sides such as New Zealand as this week’s victory for the latter at Hobart demonstrates. It was the first victory for New Zealand in any test match against Australia since 1993 and the first victory on Australian soil since Jeremy Coney led them to a series victory in 1985-86. The beauty of an Australian downturn in test cricket is that it won’t danger the long term prospect of the longer game there. The Baggy Green is still the ultimate Australian cricketing symbol and, regardless of the insane scheduling of a domestic T20 competition in the heart of an Australian domestic season, the overall drive of Australian cricketing focus will be towards test match cricket. The same is true of England, currently enjoying a period of success in the test arena the likes of which has not been seen since the 1950s. England’s test grounds continued to sell out during their lengthy period in the doldrums. Although Hobart was by no means full for the New Zealand test, it is an Australian cricketing outpost comparable to Chester-Le-Street or Sophia Gardens in England, both of whom also fail to sell out for all but the matches against Australia. Australia being pulled into the pack as far as test cricket goes might spark more of an interest in test cricket in countries like New Zealand, where interest may be piqued by this week's victory. This is to the benefit of test cricket overall - the more countries who prioritise the longer game, or at least start to take it more seriously upon seeing the dominant side of the last twenty years falter, the better.
An unpredictability surrounding Australia’s test match cricket has arisen which is born out by a victory in a test match in the backyard of the number two ranked side in the world, South Africa, followed swiftly by a home defeat to the number eight ranked side, New Zealand. For all Australia’s sporting culture of dominance, and striving to be first in the world, even years and years of the fulfilment of this aim can grow stale for the viewing public. There were signs that the Australian public were tiring of their side’s dominance, largely unchallenged, in the 2007-08 home series against India. This neatly brings us to the next series for the Australians, a repeat of that 2007-08 series, beginning at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day. A new generation of bowlers coming through and earning their spurs will bring the Australian public out in great numbers to see the first test of the series and, it is to be hoped (and expected), in many future test matches. A period of rebirth may be painful at first, but it is also an exciting prospect, and will give a new generation of test cricket followers in Australia a sense of ownership and a stake in the fortunes of this new, young side as they follow their travails and fortunes over the coming years. All that is needed now is for the relics of the top order to be given their cards and money and the metaphorical painting of a Spitfire in recognition of years of long service. Then, truly, the new era can begin. However, if in the meantime we are treated to more test matches of the entertainment (if not quite, quality) of the Johannesburg and Hobart tests of the last month, test cricket will surely be the winner.
Nick Rogerson
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
NBA: Battier Narrows List of Suitors
Free agent Shane Battier has narrowed his options to four teams - thought to be Miami, Toronto, Memphis and Indiana.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/12/04/battier-narrows-it-to-handful-of-teams/?ls=iref:nbahpt2
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/12/04/battier-narrows-it-to-handful-of-teams/?ls=iref:nbahpt2
NBA: New Schedule Released Today
The revised 2011/12 season will be released tonight, finally giving fans the chance to put dates in the diary. Cut to 66 games, the season begins on Christmas Day. Check back later for more details.
In the meantime, here are some tidbits that have leaked out thus far:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20111206,0,3081429.story
http://tracking.si.com/2011/12/02/nba-schedule-to-be-released-in-full-dec-6/
In the meantime, here are some tidbits that have leaked out thus far:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20111206,0,3081429.story
http://tracking.si.com/2011/12/02/nba-schedule-to-be-released-in-full-dec-6/
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Football: End of the Bruce Era at Stadium of Light
Steve Kean has been such a clear frontrunner in the "first Premier League manager to be sacked this season" discussion that even the Blackburn boss must have been surprised that Steve Bruce pipped him to the post. Sunderland brought an end to the Bruce era at the Stadium of Light this week, potentially opening the door for Martin O'Neill, Mark Hughes or Rafa Benitez to make a Premier League return.
Bruce paid the price for failing to take Sunderland to the next level. Despite considerable action in the transfer market, the Black Cats never distanced themselves from the mid-table pack, finishing tenth last season and 13th the previous year, and never produced the type of football that wins the hearts of fans. Realistically, the top four was always going to be a very distant dream but chairman Ellis Short had reason to believe that a Europa League place was within reason, given the transfer kitty he was making available.
And Bruce will no doubt believe that Sunderland were on their way to that goal before Darren Bent's acrimonious exit in January, when the team sat sixth in the table. Hope of European football went with him. Even this season, Bruce could point to bad luck with the injury problems that have derailed John O'Shea, his most important summer signing.
But two wins in 13 games tells its own story. Sunderland have been sloppy in the final third all year and the supporters frustrations at the weekend - though over the top - highlighted the discontent over the lack of quality and creativity in the performances.
Bruce paid the price for failing to take Sunderland to the next level. Despite considerable action in the transfer market, the Black Cats never distanced themselves from the mid-table pack, finishing tenth last season and 13th the previous year, and never produced the type of football that wins the hearts of fans. Realistically, the top four was always going to be a very distant dream but chairman Ellis Short had reason to believe that a Europa League place was within reason, given the transfer kitty he was making available.
And Bruce will no doubt believe that Sunderland were on their way to that goal before Darren Bent's acrimonious exit in January, when the team sat sixth in the table. Hope of European football went with him. Even this season, Bruce could point to bad luck with the injury problems that have derailed John O'Shea, his most important summer signing.
But two wins in 13 games tells its own story. Sunderland have been sloppy in the final third all year and the supporters frustrations at the weekend - though over the top - highlighted the discontent over the lack of quality and creativity in the performances.
There are various theories on where things went wrong for Bruce. For starters, he signed 30 players over two–and-a-half years at the helm – far too much turnover to build a united dressing room. As a result, Sunderland rarely looked like a “team” in the true sense of the word. When momentum turned against the Black Cats, where were the leaders to haul the side back on track like Bruce the player would have done?
And it is not just the volume of transfers. Bruce’s track record in the transfer market over the past two years is patchy at best. In a bid to lift Sunderland up the table, he gambled on big money signings who failed to make the grade. From Titus Bramble and Michael Turner to Craig Gardner and Asamoah Gyan, Bruce overspent on players that have proved incapable or unwilling to take on central roles, overshadowing shrewd swoops for the likes of O'Shea and Wes Brown.
It is also no secret that Bruce was the epitome of “old school” in his approach, generally preferring to focus on man management rather than the more modern tools available. As more and more data becomes available across all sports, coaching staffs are spending more and more time glued to computer software that tracks every statistic imaginable. But it seems as though Bruce was somewhat out of his comfort zone in this environment.
Tactically, Sunderland have often been outgunned, especially this season. Bruce stuck rigidly to his favoured formations and rarely made game-changing substitutions, as emphasised by the way that Newcastle and Wigan, in particular, outmanoeuvred Sunderland in victories this year. The recent loss to Roberto Martinez's Wigan, one of the few teams to be struggling as much as the Black Cats, was ultimately the final straw.
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/12/01/steve-bruce-pays-sunderland-price-for-transfer-market-prolificacy/53581/
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Football: Premier League 10 Years On
Recalling memories of the 2001/02 season, it is easy to be sucked into thinking that not much has changed in the Premier League over the past ten years. Back then, star-studded squads at Arsenal and Manchester United were in thick of the title race, as were a talented Liverpool team. Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson were in the midst of a great rivalry and the league was attracting more and more of the biggest names from across the globe. Meanwhile, the likes of Everton, Sunderland, Bolton and Fulham were fighting to keep their heads above water in the relegation dogfight. While the Gunners are no longer the powerhouse of the Thierry Henry era, the rest of these recollections ring true in today’s Premier League.
But a closer examination of the league table from May 2002 provides a reminder that the top flight has undergone radical changes over the past ten years, with new challengers emerging and established giants collapsing.
Chelsea, for instance, finished sixth but 24 points behind champions Arsenal and even the most diehard fans at Stamford Bridge would not have classed the squad as future champions. Then came the Roman Abramovich era, lifting the Blues from a top six hopeful to a title contender. Given their success under Jose Mourinho between 2004 and 2006, it is hard to believe that just a few years earlier, Chelsea were battling just to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
What about the teams above Chelsea in fourth and fifth? Few would remember that they were Newcastle and Leeds, who have both endured rollercoaster decades. The late Sir Bobby Robson helped Newcastle surpass all expectations as Alan Shearer, Laurent Robert and Craig Bellamy fired the Magpies to the top of table at Christmas, though they eventually had to settle for a Champions League spot. The mood on Tyneside was jubilant but Newcastle never built on their run in 2001/02, sacking Robson too soon and stuttering before dropping out of the top flight in 2009. Against all odds, Alan Pardew has steered the 2011 squad to an outstanding start.
But a closer examination of the league table from May 2002 provides a reminder that the top flight has undergone radical changes over the past ten years, with new challengers emerging and established giants collapsing.
Chelsea, for instance, finished sixth but 24 points behind champions Arsenal and even the most diehard fans at Stamford Bridge would not have classed the squad as future champions. Then came the Roman Abramovich era, lifting the Blues from a top six hopeful to a title contender. Given their success under Jose Mourinho between 2004 and 2006, it is hard to believe that just a few years earlier, Chelsea were battling just to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
What about the teams above Chelsea in fourth and fifth? Few would remember that they were Newcastle and Leeds, who have both endured rollercoaster decades. The late Sir Bobby Robson helped Newcastle surpass all expectations as Alan Shearer, Laurent Robert and Craig Bellamy fired the Magpies to the top of table at Christmas, though they eventually had to settle for a Champions League spot. The mood on Tyneside was jubilant but Newcastle never built on their run in 2001/02, sacking Robson too soon and stuttering before dropping out of the top flight in 2009. Against all odds, Alan Pardew has steered the 2011 squad to an outstanding start.
Leeds, meanwhile, had a more sudden reversal of fortunes. David O’Leary’s side was buoyant in 2002 with years of success seemingly ahead. Boasting stars like Rio Ferdinand, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka, Leeds even topped the table for the first half of the campaign. But when the big spending caught up with the club, the slump towards League One began. Relegation in 2004 devastated a club that was in the Champions League semi-final only three years earlier. Leeds, contending again this year in the Championship, are clawing their way back but there is still a long way to go.
In total, the 2001/02 season featured eight teams that have since dropped from the Premier League – a staggering statistic that reflects the turbulent nature of life at English football’s top table. Among the other teams to suffer after 2002 are Southampton, who are hoping to return to the top flight this season, Ipswich, Leicester, Derby and West Ham, who finished a respectable seventh that year.
To further illustrate the point, back in 2002, the landscape looked rather different for some of the current Premier League sides. Wigan, for instance, managed a mid-table spot in the old Division Two, with Stoke and QPR fifth and eighth respectively. Plus, spare a thought for Swansea, who finished 20th in the fourth tier of English football and could not have been much further from playing host to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
And then there was Manchester City, who topped the old Division One in 2002 and earned a return to the big time after a spell in the football wilderness. Now, ten years later, equipped with some of the game’s biggest talents, they are the favourites to win the Premier League. What better illustration of the huge shifts that have occurred over the past decade? And what better evidence for the beauty of the promotion/relegation system?
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/28/premier-league-familiar-faces-but-decade-of-change/53374/
Monday, 28 November 2011
NBA: Shaq On The NBA Season Ahead
Shaquille O'Neal might have ended his NBA playing career but his move into a commentary role ensures he will still be a huge part of the game.
In this clip, Shaq looks ahead to the shortened 2011/12 season
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2011/11/26/gt_shaq_intv.nba/
In this clip, Shaq looks ahead to the shortened 2011/12 season
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2011/11/26/gt_shaq_intv.nba/
Football: Slow Progress for MLS Despite Beckham Factor
Presented with the chance to give his MLS adventure a Hollywood ending, David Beckham did not falter. Nor should we be surprised given that Beckham's CV includes assists for Manchester United's two dramatic goals against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final, a last gasp free-kick that sent England through to the 2002 World Cup and a league title in his final season at Real Madrid just as he was being written off.
Beckham was involved in the attack that led to Landon Donovan's MLS Cup-winning goal on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo and put in a typically composed display in the centre of the LA Galaxy midfield. A proud man, it was a night that really mattered for Beckham, as evidenced by his euphoric celebration with Donovan at the final whistle.
But with his five-year contract set to end next month, what next? And where does the MLS stand after half a decade with Beckham on board?
The first question is rather more clear cut than the second. Beckham has refused to show his hand thus far but it would come as a big surprise if he was in a Galaxy shirt in 2012, especially given the interest shown by the likes of PSG and several English clubs. A swansong on a bigger stage seems a more appropriate direction. However, until he confirms his intentions, it is possible that factors like not wanting to uproot his family could sway him.
But the progress made by the MLS is more debatable. First, it should be said that for all the Brand Beckham hype that surrounded his arrival, it was never realistic to think that one player - however famous - could lift the sport to the next level. The market in the US is enormous, meaning that fans are not short of options when it comes to watching sport on a Saturday afternoon.
The NFL remains the biggest business, with the NHL (ice hockey) and MLB (baseball) part of the chasing pack. The uphill battle faced by the MLS has been put into perspective over the past few weeks by the underwhelming reaction of NBA (basketball) fans to the fact that the first six weeks of their season have been cancelled. At the end of the day, there are plenty of other sports - at professional and college level - for fans to turn to.
This is the level of competition that the MLS is fighting against - and the battle is tough for the big market and small market teams alike. Take Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls - yes, the potential is huge for securing a solid fanbase and the funding is there to recruit stars like Henry and Rafa Marquez, but the city also boasts two NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NHL teams and, soon, two NBA teams. Meanwhile, smaller market teams like the Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City face their own challenges. For obvious reasons, the smaller teams are unable to pull off the “designated player” coups to match the big boys.
Since Beckham arrived in LA in the summer of 2007, the average MLS attendance has risen, jumping from close to 15,500 to almost 18,000. Though the MLS has not made major inroads on the greater popularity enjoyed for other US sports, the Beckham factor has certainly proved a talking point and, while the tendency has been to portray the midfielder’s time in LA as either a roaring success or a dismal failure, the truth falls somewhere in between.
His manager Bruce Arena and his team-mates have not been shy about praising Beckham’s contribution, particularly during this season’s playoff run, and further evidence of his value to the Galaxy can be found in the $55M, 10-year TV deal that the club just signed. Make no mistake, that deal does not happen without Beckham. And Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Galaxy’s owners, did not try to conceal that fact.
Beckham was involved in the attack that led to Landon Donovan's MLS Cup-winning goal on Sunday against the Houston Dynamo and put in a typically composed display in the centre of the LA Galaxy midfield. A proud man, it was a night that really mattered for Beckham, as evidenced by his euphoric celebration with Donovan at the final whistle.
But with his five-year contract set to end next month, what next? And where does the MLS stand after half a decade with Beckham on board?
The first question is rather more clear cut than the second. Beckham has refused to show his hand thus far but it would come as a big surprise if he was in a Galaxy shirt in 2012, especially given the interest shown by the likes of PSG and several English clubs. A swansong on a bigger stage seems a more appropriate direction. However, until he confirms his intentions, it is possible that factors like not wanting to uproot his family could sway him.
But the progress made by the MLS is more debatable. First, it should be said that for all the Brand Beckham hype that surrounded his arrival, it was never realistic to think that one player - however famous - could lift the sport to the next level. The market in the US is enormous, meaning that fans are not short of options when it comes to watching sport on a Saturday afternoon.
The NFL remains the biggest business, with the NHL (ice hockey) and MLB (baseball) part of the chasing pack. The uphill battle faced by the MLS has been put into perspective over the past few weeks by the underwhelming reaction of NBA (basketball) fans to the fact that the first six weeks of their season have been cancelled. At the end of the day, there are plenty of other sports - at professional and college level - for fans to turn to.
This is the level of competition that the MLS is fighting against - and the battle is tough for the big market and small market teams alike. Take Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls - yes, the potential is huge for securing a solid fanbase and the funding is there to recruit stars like Henry and Rafa Marquez, but the city also boasts two NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NHL teams and, soon, two NBA teams. Meanwhile, smaller market teams like the Columbus Crew or Sporting Kansas City face their own challenges. For obvious reasons, the smaller teams are unable to pull off the “designated player” coups to match the big boys.
Since Beckham arrived in LA in the summer of 2007, the average MLS attendance has risen, jumping from close to 15,500 to almost 18,000. Though the MLS has not made major inroads on the greater popularity enjoyed for other US sports, the Beckham factor has certainly proved a talking point and, while the tendency has been to portray the midfielder’s time in LA as either a roaring success or a dismal failure, the truth falls somewhere in between.
His manager Bruce Arena and his team-mates have not been shy about praising Beckham’s contribution, particularly during this season’s playoff run, and further evidence of his value to the Galaxy can be found in the $55M, 10-year TV deal that the club just signed. Make no mistake, that deal does not happen without Beckham. And Tim Leiweke, president of AEG, the Galaxy’s owners, did not try to conceal that fact.
“We don't talk about this deal without David Beckham,” he admitted. “We wouldn't have gotten the Herbalife deal [in 2007, worth as much as $25 million over five year] without David Beckham. We certainly are not touring Indonesia, Asia and Australia without David Beckham, and we're not getting the kind of guarantees we're getting [for the trip] without David Beckham. I don't even think we get Robbie Keane without David Beckham.”
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/24/slow-progress-for-mls-despite-david-beckham-factor/53190/
Saturday, 26 November 2011
NBA: Basketball is Back!
A tentative agreement has finally been reached between the NBA players and owners, with the season expected to start on Christmas Day. The deal still requires a vote from both sides but sources are adamant there will be no problems on that front.
Training camps and free agency are pencilled in to start on December 9, setting up a frenzied fortnight for all teams.
For more details, check out http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7281052/nba-owners-players-get-tentative-agreement
Training camps and free agency are pencilled in to start on December 9, setting up a frenzied fortnight for all teams.
For more details, check out http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7281052/nba-owners-players-get-tentative-agreement
Friday, 25 November 2011
Football: Parker gives Spurs steel on the road
Scott Parker has been the pick of many observers for signing of the season so far in terms of value for money and performances on the pitch. His remarkable mid-late career renaissance has seen him elevated from outsider-looking-in for Fabio Capello's England 18 months ago to one of the first names on the teamsheet as they plan for the Euros next Summer in Poland and Ukraine.
Harry Redknapp, Parker's new club manager at Tottenham, has wondered out loud - as is his wont - how his club managed to sign Parker without facing any serious counter bids from rival sides. The value of Parker as a player can be seen in Spurs' away league results since he signed before Spurs faced Wolves away at the end of August. The report card reads: played five, won four, drawn one. It is true that these five fixtures were against none of the traditional powerhouses of the league, but nonetheless they include wins on the road at Blackburn, Wolves, Wigan and Fulham. Spurs have long been seen as a soft touch at away grounds in the midlands and the north-west, precisely because they have missed a player like Parker. That is to say, someone not afraid of rolling up his sleeves, chasing opposition players and making tackles. Ledley King has remarked that the amount of running he has had to do since Parker signed has been slashed dramatically because of the remarkable shield Parker provides in front of his back four. Yet, it is not only centre-halves who can be grateful to Parker. Luka Modric, nominally Parker's partner in central midfield, has been allowed to roam forward and carry the ball, playing to his own strengths because he has already learnt that Parker can be relied upon totally. Parker himself, though not a major offensive contributor yet for Spurs, is by no means all at sea when in possession of the ball and is well capable of carrying possession and picking smart, short range passes.
As Spurs prepare for a visit to The Hawthorns tomorrow, where they will face West Bromwich Albion, they can be grateful that in putting out a midfield containing the indefatigable Scott Parker, they can look forward to an afternoon's football on the road with much greater optimism than has been typical in recent seasons.
Nick Rogerson
Harry Redknapp, Parker's new club manager at Tottenham, has wondered out loud - as is his wont - how his club managed to sign Parker without facing any serious counter bids from rival sides. The value of Parker as a player can be seen in Spurs' away league results since he signed before Spurs faced Wolves away at the end of August. The report card reads: played five, won four, drawn one. It is true that these five fixtures were against none of the traditional powerhouses of the league, but nonetheless they include wins on the road at Blackburn, Wolves, Wigan and Fulham. Spurs have long been seen as a soft touch at away grounds in the midlands and the north-west, precisely because they have missed a player like Parker. That is to say, someone not afraid of rolling up his sleeves, chasing opposition players and making tackles. Ledley King has remarked that the amount of running he has had to do since Parker signed has been slashed dramatically because of the remarkable shield Parker provides in front of his back four. Yet, it is not only centre-halves who can be grateful to Parker. Luka Modric, nominally Parker's partner in central midfield, has been allowed to roam forward and carry the ball, playing to his own strengths because he has already learnt that Parker can be relied upon totally. Parker himself, though not a major offensive contributor yet for Spurs, is by no means all at sea when in possession of the ball and is well capable of carrying possession and picking smart, short range passes.
As Spurs prepare for a visit to The Hawthorns tomorrow, where they will face West Bromwich Albion, they can be grateful that in putting out a midfield containing the indefatigable Scott Parker, they can look forward to an afternoon's football on the road with much greater optimism than has been typical in recent seasons.
Nick Rogerson
Saturday, 19 November 2011
NBA: Grantland's Take
With no end in sight for the tedious NBA lockout, Grantland breaks down where things went wrong.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7250994/business-vs-personal
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7250994/business-vs-personal
NFL: Week 11 Lines
Time is running out for some teams looking to make the playoffs. Week 11 will go a long way to separating the contenders from the also-rans. Here are the lines - and TSV's picks.
(Last week 9-6)
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Atlanta Falcons...Pick: Falcons
Buffalo Bills (+3) @ Miami Dolphins...Pick: Bills
Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens...Pick: Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) @ Cleveland Browns...Pick: Jaguars
Oakland Raiders (+1) @ Minnesota Vikings...Pick: Vikings
Carolina Panthers (+7) @ Detroit Lions...Pick: Lions
Tampa Bay Buccs (+14) @ Green Bay Packers...Pick: Packers
Dallas Cowboys (-7) @ Washington Redskins...Pick: Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals (+10) @ San Francisco 49ers...Pick: Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks (+3) @ St Louis Rams...Pick: Rams
San Diego Chargers (+3.5) @ Chicago Bears...Pick: Bears
Philadelphia Eagles (+5.5) @ New York Giants...Pick: Giants
Kansas City Chiefs (+15) @ New England Patriots...Pick: Patriots
(Last week 9-6)
Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Atlanta Falcons...Pick: Falcons
Buffalo Bills (+3) @ Miami Dolphins...Pick: Bills
Cincinnati Bengals (+7) @ Baltimore Ravens...Pick: Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) @ Cleveland Browns...Pick: Jaguars
Oakland Raiders (+1) @ Minnesota Vikings...Pick: Vikings
Carolina Panthers (+7) @ Detroit Lions...Pick: Lions
Tampa Bay Buccs (+14) @ Green Bay Packers...Pick: Packers
Dallas Cowboys (-7) @ Washington Redskins...Pick: Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals (+10) @ San Francisco 49ers...Pick: Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks (+3) @ St Louis Rams...Pick: Rams
San Diego Chargers (+3.5) @ Chicago Bears...Pick: Bears
Philadelphia Eagles (+5.5) @ New York Giants...Pick: Giants
Kansas City Chiefs (+15) @ New England Patriots...Pick: Patriots
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Football: ESPN.com's Take on England
England's spirited 1-0 win over Spain last weekend raised the debate once more over anti-football and whether players or tactics are the key to victory.
Here's ESPN.com's take:
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7246328/euro-2012-england-new-greece-michael-cox
Here's ESPN.com's take:
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7246328/euro-2012-england-new-greece-michael-cox
Football: Premier League Newcomers Bucking The Trend
It is easy to see why promoted clubs are always grouped among the relegation candidates at the start of each Premier League season - after all, the history books do them no favours. From Sunderland's woeful 15-point effort in 2005/06 to Derby's pathetic 11-point, one-win campaign two years later, the prospect of top flight newcomers flopping is hard to shake.
Over the past decade, talk of the 'gulf' that separates the Premier League and the Championship has been widespread, targeting factors from spending power to style of play. It is perhaps the toughest step up in world football. And yet there is a growing sense that for just the second time in the Premier League era, all three promoted clubs will survive the drop, bucking the trend in the most emphatic manner possible.
Swansea, Norwich and QPR have all made clear statements of intent over the first 11 games of the campaign. They are not here to make up the numbers, they will not be intimidated and they will play their own brand of football regardless of the opposition. So far, this mindset has worked a treat, with the trio sitting comfortably in mid-table. Fortunes can change quickly – just ask Hull or Blackpool – but all signs point to these three clubs having the belief and quality to survive.
Of course, their odds of beating the drop are aided by the fact that Wigan and Blackburn, in particular, have been in wretched form thus far. One win apiece confirms that both are definite relegation candidates. Wolves, Fulham and Bolton are also visibly out of sorts and have neither the star power nor the squad depth to consider themselves too good to go down.
There is more to the top flight new boys' story than just their points haul. In fact, it is the quality and fearless attitude in their displays - in victory and defeat - that has especially caught the eye. While in the past newcomers have approached away games with the hope of clinging on for a point, Swansea and Norwich, in particular, have embraced the possibility of taking the full three points at every opportunity.
Over the past decade, talk of the 'gulf' that separates the Premier League and the Championship has been widespread, targeting factors from spending power to style of play. It is perhaps the toughest step up in world football. And yet there is a growing sense that for just the second time in the Premier League era, all three promoted clubs will survive the drop, bucking the trend in the most emphatic manner possible.
Swansea, Norwich and QPR have all made clear statements of intent over the first 11 games of the campaign. They are not here to make up the numbers, they will not be intimidated and they will play their own brand of football regardless of the opposition. So far, this mindset has worked a treat, with the trio sitting comfortably in mid-table. Fortunes can change quickly – just ask Hull or Blackpool – but all signs point to these three clubs having the belief and quality to survive.
Of course, their odds of beating the drop are aided by the fact that Wigan and Blackburn, in particular, have been in wretched form thus far. One win apiece confirms that both are definite relegation candidates. Wolves, Fulham and Bolton are also visibly out of sorts and have neither the star power nor the squad depth to consider themselves too good to go down.
There is more to the top flight new boys' story than just their points haul. In fact, it is the quality and fearless attitude in their displays - in victory and defeat - that has especially caught the eye. While in the past newcomers have approached away games with the hope of clinging on for a point, Swansea and Norwich, in particular, have embraced the possibility of taking the full three points at every opportunity.
On the day, Swansea's quality passing and movement put Liverpool to shame – and without spending big money. While Kenny Dalglish started duo Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson on the flanks, who cost a combined fee in the region of £40M, Swansea showed much greater threat through the considerably cheaper pairing of Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge, with Scott Sinclair coming off the bench. Manager Brendan Rodgers has done a masterful job over the past few months and his decision to use Leon Britton in a deep-lying midfield playmaker role has been inspired.
Over at Loftus Road, QPR are reviving memories of the Les Ferdinand era. A spirited win over Chelsea and a narrow loss to Manchester City showcased the improvements made by manager Neil Warnock. Joey Barton has not put a foot wrong so far and the additions of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Anton Ferdinand have had a clear impact. Again, there is no fear of the supposedly ‘bigger’ clubs.
Not to be outdone, Norwich have enjoyed some heroic afternoons of their own. Paul Lambert's side have shown real ambition and were unlucky to leave Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford without a point. A draw at Anfield was a big result and, like Swansea and QPR, results are being earned by outplaying opponents, not simply outbattling them. Flowing football has been a feature of Norwich’s season to date and Lambert has excelled in pairing this with a relentless work ethic.
Of course, all three teams have their weaknesses. Swansea, for all their pace, have often struggled to turn possession into goals. Norwich have been hindered by defensive lapses while QPR are still gelling and have yet to find the best role for the mercurial Adel Taarabt.
Much will depend on how the trio handle the frantic Christmas period, which tests stamina and squad depth. The table can be deceptive at times too, given that Norwich – in ninth, the highest placed team of the three – are just four points better off than Bolton, who occupy a spot in the relegation zone. The solid starts by the newly promoted clubs does not, by all means, guarantee an easy ride over the next six months but it absolutely keeps survival on the table.
To read the rest of this article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/15/qpr-norwich-and-swansea-ready-to-repeat-2002-feat/52675/
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Football: De Bruyne on Chelsea Radar
Kevin De Bruyne is making waves and grabbing the attention of a string of big clubs, including Chelsea. This article, by TSV's Matt Oldfield, looks at the youngster's progress and the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge.
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/06/kevin-de-bruyne-brilliance-winning-chelsea-admiration/52150/
http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/06/kevin-de-bruyne-brilliance-winning-chelsea-admiration/52150/
US Sports: BS Report
Bill Simmons, Editor-in-Chief of Grantland, has established himself as the king of sports podcasts. Check out http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/podcast/archive?id=2864045 for a range of great discussions.
His recent two-part podcast with Ric Bucher and Marc Stein sheds more light on where the NBA lockout may go from here.
His recent two-part podcast with Ric Bucher and Marc Stein sheds more light on where the NBA lockout may go from here.
Football: Rio Ferdinand Responds to Blatter Comments
Rio Ferdinand was quick to respond to comments from FIFA president Sepp Blatter regarding racism in football...well worth a read. The BBC Sport story also includes views from Robbie Savage and Jason Roberts.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15766375.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/15766375.stm
Football: Patrick Kendrick Audio Clips
Check out http://audioboo.fm/patrickendrick for clips of Patrick Kendrick on the mic. More clips to come in the weeks ahead.
NBA: Classic Games One Perk of Lockout
The downside of the NBA lockout has been well-documented over the past four months or so - and the situation is unquestionably bleak. But one perk of the break in NBA action has been the steady stream of classic games being televised to fill the void.
Tonight's schedule features the Orlando Magic, with a young, trimmer Shaquille O'Neal, facing the Indiana Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, in Game 4 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic would go on to win the series and reach the NBA Finals, where they were swept by Hakeem Olajuwon's Houston Rockets.
Tomorrow, NBATV takes viewers back to 1990 to see Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in action, as well as Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals (Rockets-New York Knicks).
It hurts not to have the 2011/12 NBA season to salivate over - but the classic games at least provide a slight boost.
Tonight's schedule features the Orlando Magic, with a young, trimmer Shaquille O'Neal, facing the Indiana Pacers, led by Reggie Miller, in Game 4 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic would go on to win the series and reach the NBA Finals, where they were swept by Hakeem Olajuwon's Houston Rockets.
Tomorrow, NBATV takes viewers back to 1990 to see Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in action, as well as Game 7 of the 1994 NBA Finals (Rockets-New York Knicks).
It hurts not to have the 2011/12 NBA season to salivate over - but the classic games at least provide a slight boost.
NFL: Jets-Broncos
For the New York Jets, a trip to Denver hot on the heels of Sunday night's tough loss to New England hardly caps off an ideal week - but Thursday night's game promises to test the playoff credentials of Rex Ryan's men.
The Broncos are riding the Tebow phenomenon and have forced their way back into the AFC West divisional race, bouncing back to 4-5 after a sluggish start with Kyle Orton as quarterback.
But taking down the Jets is a different proposition than seeing off the Miami Dolphins or Kansas City Chiefs. New York needs the win and, with the line at -6.5, represent good value as Week 11 begins in the Mile High City.
* TSV went 9-6 in Week 10, 6-8 in Week 9
The Broncos are riding the Tebow phenomenon and have forced their way back into the AFC West divisional race, bouncing back to 4-5 after a sluggish start with Kyle Orton as quarterback.
But taking down the Jets is a different proposition than seeing off the Miami Dolphins or Kansas City Chiefs. New York needs the win and, with the line at -6.5, represent good value as Week 11 begins in the Mile High City.
* TSV went 9-6 in Week 10, 6-8 in Week 9
NBA: Lockout Could Impact Olympics
NBA commissioner David Stern predicted a ‘nuclear winter’ this week as the league’s owners and players headed to court to resolve their labour negotiations – and the fear for Olympics organisers is that next summer may also be caught in the blast of the NBA lockout.
Basketball was tipped to be a hot ticket at London 2012 but, with the chances of a cancelled NBA season sky-rocketing after the players rejected the owners’ latest offer on Monday, concerns over player insurance could keep some of sport’s biggest stars on the sidelines.
Basketball was tipped to be a hot ticket at London 2012 but, with the chances of a cancelled NBA season sky-rocketing after the players rejected the owners’ latest offer on Monday, concerns over player insurance could keep some of sport’s biggest stars on the sidelines.
Typically, an agreement between FIBA and the NBA has limited the cost of insuring players' contracts in case they are injured playing for their national teams. But the lockout makes that agreement invalid, forcing federations to foot the full insurance bill. For many, that financial burden will be too much to take on.
For Team GB, this is a familiar story. In the early stages of the lockout, they secured sufficient coverage for Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng to play in the Olympic test tournament and European Championships this year – but only after lengthy discussions. For London 2012, Team GB would have to consider insurance for both Deng and Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon, who is still waiting to make his national team debut.
Of course, the US national team would feel the pinch more than most. If insurance issues emerge, the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard and Kevin Durant may not be on the plane to London, no doubt leaving many ticketholders fuming.
US head coach Mike Krzyzewski has already raised that possibility. Krzyzewski, who led the Americans to gold in Beijing in 2008, explained: “If there is no season, I’m sure the players would want to play, but who funds their injury insurance?”
For the rest of this article, visit http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/basketball/1615800-london-2012-olympics-may-be-caught-fall-out-nba-player-lockout
For Team GB, this is a familiar story. In the early stages of the lockout, they secured sufficient coverage for Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng to play in the Olympic test tournament and European Championships this year – but only after lengthy discussions. For London 2012, Team GB would have to consider insurance for both Deng and Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon, who is still waiting to make his national team debut.
Of course, the US national team would feel the pinch more than most. If insurance issues emerge, the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard and Kevin Durant may not be on the plane to London, no doubt leaving many ticketholders fuming.
US head coach Mike Krzyzewski has already raised that possibility. Krzyzewski, who led the Americans to gold in Beijing in 2008, explained: “If there is no season, I’m sure the players would want to play, but who funds their injury insurance?”
For the rest of this article, visit http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/basketball/1615800-london-2012-olympics-may-be-caught-fall-out-nba-player-lockout
Football: MLS Cup Preview
Given David Beckham’s track record, it should come as no surprise that he has pushed the Los Angeles Galaxy to a place in the MLS Cup this weekend, setting up the possibility of a dramatic Hollywood ending to his stint in California. Standing in his way are the Houston Dynamo, cast in the role of villain and travelling to the Home Depot Center, home of the Galaxy, to cut short the farewell party. The 2011 MLS Cup is set to be a classic.
Critics will be quick to condemn Beckham’s five-year spell in the MLS as a failed mission to increase the sports national profile in the US – but Sunday’s final presents a chance for him to bow out on top and pocket the silverware that he has craved since leaving Real Madrid. With a number of European clubs clamouring for his signature – PSG and Tottenham chief among them – all the signs point to this being his final game in a Galaxy shirt.
The former Manchester United man has certainly played his part en route to this decisive moment. The Galaxy’s brushed aside Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls in the opening round, winning both legs of the tie, and then had too much class for plucky Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Final. Beckham took centre stage against RSL, setting up Robbie Keane’s first goal and playing a key role in his second. While injuries and loan spells with AC Milan have derailed the star in previous campaigns, he has barely put a foot wrong this season.
The Galaxy are by no means a one man show, however. Landon Donovan and Keane spearhead a hugely dangerous attack while Mike Magee has chipped in with vital goals in the playoffs. Juninho, who partners Beckham in midfield, is a talented all-round player and the back four have exceeded expectations thus far. This is a group that won the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the regular season top dogs, and has been saddled with the tag of favourites – and the pressure that goes with it – throughout the playoffs. Sunday will be no different.
But Houston are unlikely to back down from the challenge. The Dynamo know their way around the post-season, winning the MLS Cup back-to-back years in 2006 and 2007, and midfielders Brad Davis and Corey Ashe remain from the victorious 2007 squad – as does manager Dominic Kinnear. This wily core has been supplemented by the youthful exuberance of striker Will Bruin, 22, and midfielder Danny Cruz, 21.
While other contenders had top goalscorers with double digit tallies, the Dynamo had three players tied on five goals at the top of their scoring chart – and that sums up the team’s efficient style. Houston finished the regular season with 12 wins, nine losses and 13 draws, scoring 45 and conceding 41. It is not a record that will strike fear into the Galaxy – who managed 19 wins and 18 more points than the Dynamo – but the fact that seven different players scored at least four goals tells the story of a well-balanced team.
A solid performance in Philadelphia, in which Davis showcased his vast talent, went a long way towards securing Houston’s spot in the Eastern Conference Final but they were underdogs in many fans’ eyes heading into their clash with Sporting Kansas City, who had topped the table in the East during the regular season. Instead, the Dynamo produced another disciplined performance on the road, grabbing a 2-0 victory despite an injury to Davis.
To read the rest of this article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/11/15/2011-mls-cup-final-preview-david-beckham-eyes-swansong/52680/
NBA: Lockout Latest
The NBA owners are set for a call on Thursday to discuss their next move.
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/steve_aschburner/11/16/labor-update/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/steve_aschburner/11/16/labor-update/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1
Sunday, 13 November 2011
NFL: Week 10 Lines
More drama ahead today as playoff hopefuls face huge tests...
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals...Pick: Steelers
Denver Broncos (+3) @ Kansas City Chiefs...Pick: Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) @ Indianapolis Colts....Pick: Jaguars
Buffalo Bills (+4) @ Dallas Cowboys....Pick: Cowboys
Houston Texans (-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers....Pick: Buccs
Tennessee Titans (+3.5) @ Carolina Panthers....Pick: Panthers
Washington Redskins (+4) @ Miami Dolphins....Pick: Dolphins
New Orleans Saints (+1) @ Atlanta Falcons.....Pick: Falcons
Detroit Lions (+3) @ Chicago Bears.....Pick: Bears
St. Louis Rams (+3) @ Cleveland Browns....Pick: Rams
Arizona Cardinals (+13) @ Philadelphia Eagles....Pick: Eagles
Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) @ Seattle Seahawks....Pick: Ravens
NY Giants (+4) @ San Francisco 49ers.....Pick: 49ers
New England Patriots (+2) @ NY Jets....Pick: Patriots
Minnesota Vikings (+13) @ Green Bay Packers.....Pick: Packers
(Last Week: 6-8)
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals...Pick: Steelers
Denver Broncos (+3) @ Kansas City Chiefs...Pick: Chiefs
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) @ Indianapolis Colts....Pick: Jaguars
Buffalo Bills (+4) @ Dallas Cowboys....Pick: Cowboys
Houston Texans (-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers....Pick: Buccs
Tennessee Titans (+3.5) @ Carolina Panthers....Pick: Panthers
Washington Redskins (+4) @ Miami Dolphins....Pick: Dolphins
New Orleans Saints (+1) @ Atlanta Falcons.....Pick: Falcons
Detroit Lions (+3) @ Chicago Bears.....Pick: Bears
St. Louis Rams (+3) @ Cleveland Browns....Pick: Rams
Arizona Cardinals (+13) @ Philadelphia Eagles....Pick: Eagles
Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) @ Seattle Seahawks....Pick: Ravens
NY Giants (+4) @ San Francisco 49ers.....Pick: 49ers
New England Patriots (+2) @ NY Jets....Pick: Patriots
Minnesota Vikings (+13) @ Green Bay Packers.....Pick: Packers
(Last Week: 6-8)
NBA: Lockout Update
We are finally rumbling towards the decisive moment of the NBA lockout, with players travelling to New York on Monday for crucial discussions. The owners have presented a new deal that is at least slightly closer to what the players want - but it has hardly been met with optimism in most quarters. The likeliest outcome at this stage is that player representatives will reject the deal rather than putting it to the vote.
Here's the latest:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7220959/nba-lockout-players-unlikely-accept-owners-proposal-sources-say
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/33240/finally-the-real-fight
Here's the latest:
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7220959/nba-lockout-players-unlikely-accept-owners-proposal-sources-say
http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/33240/finally-the-real-fight
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Football: Premier League Predictions - Lawro & Ricky Hatton!
Well worth a look, though Hatton's City prediction seems a stretch! http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/football_focus/15573320.stm
Football: MLS Playoffs Down To Final Four
The MLS playoffs have not disappointed thus far. With three of the four Conference semi-finals providing tight ties, the league gave itself a great shot at capturing some of the sports fans disillusioned by the continuing NBA lockout.
Our predictions for the Conference semi-finals were solid (3 out of 4 - http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/28/beckham-vs-henry-the-highlight-as-mls-playoffs-get-serious/51621/). Now it's time to look at the last four.
Eastern Conference Final
Sporting Kansas City v Houston Dynamo: Sporting Kansas City have been a remarkable story this season, moving into their new stadium part way through the campaign and then surging into top spot in the East. They encountered few problems in seeing off Colorado in the last round. Houston Dynamo had too much strength for Philadelphia Union in the semi-final round but travelling to Kansas City for a one-off game is a different proposition. Look for the home team to prevail.
Western Conference Final
LA Galaxy v Real Salt Lake: Real Salt Lake showed that end of season form counts for little by hanging on for a 3-2 aggregate win over Seattle in the semi-finals. This is a gritty, hard-working group who will not be intimidated by the trip to LA. The Galaxy, though, are tough to stop when David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane are on song. And Mike Magee is also in fine form. LA have too many weapons and will reach the MLS Cup.
Our predictions for the Conference semi-finals were solid (3 out of 4 - http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/28/beckham-vs-henry-the-highlight-as-mls-playoffs-get-serious/51621/). Now it's time to look at the last four.
Eastern Conference Final
Sporting Kansas City v Houston Dynamo: Sporting Kansas City have been a remarkable story this season, moving into their new stadium part way through the campaign and then surging into top spot in the East. They encountered few problems in seeing off Colorado in the last round. Houston Dynamo had too much strength for Philadelphia Union in the semi-final round but travelling to Kansas City for a one-off game is a different proposition. Look for the home team to prevail.
Western Conference Final
LA Galaxy v Real Salt Lake: Real Salt Lake showed that end of season form counts for little by hanging on for a 3-2 aggregate win over Seattle in the semi-finals. This is a gritty, hard-working group who will not be intimidated by the trip to LA. The Galaxy, though, are tough to stop when David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane are on song. And Mike Magee is also in fine form. LA have too many weapons and will reach the MLS Cup.
Football: Ronaldo Threatened By Barcelona Shadow
Sometimes, timing is everything in sport – from being in the right place at the right time to falling victim to a golden era. The examples are all around. Plenty have profited, from Kenny Dalglish moving into the Liverpool job at the perfect time with nothing to lose and everything to gain to Vicente Del Bosque winning the 2010 World Cup after inheriting a Spanish team packed with stars.
On the flipside, how many good players were overlooked during Manchester United's dominance in the 1990s? How many great basketball players suffered the curse of playing in the Michael Jordan era? And what about all the talented golfers that suffered the bad luck of running into Tiger Woods at the peak of his powers?
Cristiano Ronaldo has experienced both scenarios. Rewind to 2006, Ronaldo was fresh off a World Cup in which he played a central role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal in the England-Portugal quarter-final. With Brazil, Argentina and Spain all crashing out earlier than anticipated, he used the tournament as a career launch pad as Portugal narrowly missed out on a spot in the final.
Then, cast as the villain, the winger returned to Old Trafford, facing a make or break season. But, just like at the World Cup, events fell his way. Ruud van Nistelrooy had left during the summer, Rooney’s temperament was fragile and, over at Stamford Bridge, the relationship between manager Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich was gradually deteriorating.
Ronaldo seized the moment, scoring 23 goals during the 2006/07 season and propelling Manchester United to the Premier League title and the Champions League semi-final. A year later, he built on that momentum, grabbing a staggering 43 goals. There was no shortage of world class performers elsewhere in English football during Ronaldo’s unstoppable three-year breakout – but all paid the price for emerging at the same time as the Portuguese star.
However, since moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, after one of the most protracted transfer deals in recent memory, Ronaldo has been given a taste of his own medicine. One glance at the statistics confirms that his productivity has increased but his brilliance has been somewhat smothered by the magic being produced week in, week out in Barcelona. After two full seasons at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo has a sole Spanish Cup winners medal to show for his efforts.
On the flipside, how many good players were overlooked during Manchester United's dominance in the 1990s? How many great basketball players suffered the curse of playing in the Michael Jordan era? And what about all the talented golfers that suffered the bad luck of running into Tiger Woods at the peak of his powers?
Cristiano Ronaldo has experienced both scenarios. Rewind to 2006, Ronaldo was fresh off a World Cup in which he played a central role in Wayne Rooney's dismissal in the England-Portugal quarter-final. With Brazil, Argentina and Spain all crashing out earlier than anticipated, he used the tournament as a career launch pad as Portugal narrowly missed out on a spot in the final.
Then, cast as the villain, the winger returned to Old Trafford, facing a make or break season. But, just like at the World Cup, events fell his way. Ruud van Nistelrooy had left during the summer, Rooney’s temperament was fragile and, over at Stamford Bridge, the relationship between manager Jose Mourinho and owner Roman Abramovich was gradually deteriorating.
Ronaldo seized the moment, scoring 23 goals during the 2006/07 season and propelling Manchester United to the Premier League title and the Champions League semi-final. A year later, he built on that momentum, grabbing a staggering 43 goals. There was no shortage of world class performers elsewhere in English football during Ronaldo’s unstoppable three-year breakout – but all paid the price for emerging at the same time as the Portuguese star.
However, since moving to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, after one of the most protracted transfer deals in recent memory, Ronaldo has been given a taste of his own medicine. One glance at the statistics confirms that his productivity has increased but his brilliance has been somewhat smothered by the magic being produced week in, week out in Barcelona. After two full seasons at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo has a sole Spanish Cup winners medal to show for his efforts.
Let's go back to the Michael Jordan comparison. During Jordan's glory years, many great players caught the eye, earned big contracts and dominated playoff series. But, ultimately, Jordan's shadow has engulfed almost all of them. Likewise, Ronaldo is in danger of being blanketed by Barcelona's shadow.
Running into a player of Lionel Messi's calibre is incredibly bad luck for Ronaldo but reaching his peak at a time when not only Messi but also Xavi and Andres Iniesta are fighting for the tag of world's best player is almost mind-boggling.
Ronaldo has been unrelenting with his heroics since first putting on the famous Real Madrid shirt. In his first season, he netted 33 goals in 33 games, only to watch Barcelona take the plaudits as La Liga champions. Last year, Ronaldo again carried Real with countless sublime performances, upping his game to score 53 goals in all competition. Yet, despite the Portuguese landing a significant blow with the winner in the Spanish Cup Final, Barcelona hogged the spotlight again with a La Liga and Champions League double. Messi, meanwhile, matched Ronaldo with a 50-goal campaign of his own.
NFL: Week 9 Lines
Week 8 brought some surprising results in the NFL, with the St Louis Rams earning their first win of the season against the highly-rated New Orleans Saints while the Dallas Cowboys slumped to a feeble 34-7 loss in Philadelphia. Week 9 features more big games. Lines are below:
Atlanta Falcons (-6.5) @ Indianapolis Colts....Pick: Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccs (-8.5) @ New Orleans Saints....Pick: Saints
Cleveland Browns (+10.5) @ Houston Texans....Pick: Browns
New York Jets (+2.5) @ Buffalo Bills.....Pick: Bills
Miami Dolphins (+4) @ Kansas City Chiefs....Pick: Chiefs
San Francisco 49ers (-3) @ Washington Redskins....Pick: 49ers
Seattle Seahawks (+11) @ Dallas Cowboys....Pick: Cowboys
Denver Broncos (+7) @ Oakland Raiders....Pick: Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals (+3) @ Tennessee Titans....Pick: Bengals
St Louis Rams (+3) @ Arizona Cardinals....Pick: Rams
New York Giants (+9) @ New England Patriots....Pick: Giants
Green Bay Packers (-5.5) @ San Diego Chargers....Pick: Packers
Baltimore Ravens (+3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers....Pick: Steelers
Chicago Bears (+7.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles....Pick: Eagles
Atlanta Falcons (-6.5) @ Indianapolis Colts....Pick: Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccs (-8.5) @ New Orleans Saints....Pick: Saints
Cleveland Browns (+10.5) @ Houston Texans....Pick: Browns
New York Jets (+2.5) @ Buffalo Bills.....Pick: Bills
Miami Dolphins (+4) @ Kansas City Chiefs....Pick: Chiefs
San Francisco 49ers (-3) @ Washington Redskins....Pick: 49ers
Seattle Seahawks (+11) @ Dallas Cowboys....Pick: Cowboys
Denver Broncos (+7) @ Oakland Raiders....Pick: Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals (+3) @ Tennessee Titans....Pick: Bengals
St Louis Rams (+3) @ Arizona Cardinals....Pick: Rams
New York Giants (+9) @ New England Patriots....Pick: Giants
Green Bay Packers (-5.5) @ San Diego Chargers....Pick: Packers
Baltimore Ravens (+3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers....Pick: Steelers
Chicago Bears (+7.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles....Pick: Eagles
Monday, 31 October 2011
Football: Big Four Becomes Big Two….And Slightly Smaller Four?
Just a week after Manchester City’s mauling of their more illustrious neighbours at Old Trafford set many tongues wagging about a changing of the guard at the top of the English game, came arguably a more noteworthy result - Arsenal beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
In successive weeks Chelsea losing away at QPR and at home to Arsenal - the weakest Arsenal side on paper since the beginning of Arsene Wenger’s reign - has pulled the Blues away from the Manchester clubs. With the aforementioned Arsenal being stripped of many of their prized assets in the Summer, the big four (regardless of make up) has become a big two, and a new quartet of teams seems to have formed on the next rung down the ladder.
This quartet of teams (Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea & Liverpool) jostling for 3rd and 4th places (and thus money spinning spots in the Champions League) arguably find most common ground in their capacity for shipping goals. Arsenal travelled to Manchester United and leaked eight, Spurs welcomed City to The Lane and Edin Dzeko helped himself to four goals all of his own, on Saturday Chelsea allowed Arsenal to plunder five at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool travelled to Spurs and conceded four.
Equally all four have irresistible offensive weapons, although this is rather more to be expected of any prospective top six team than their leaky defences. Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie has picked up the baton from Cesc Fabregas and raised his game to the extent that he has now scored 28 goals in 27 league games this calendar year and 10 in the current season. Gervinho has settled well on the wing and has built up a rapport with Van Persie already, while Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey are capable of opening up most defences. Spurs have their very own “Van The Man”, in the shape of Rafael Van der Vaart who is just one shy of equalling the club record for scoring in the most successive premier league games (six) as well as laying on many goals as well. Emmanuel Adebayor’s scoring has tailed off since his initial three in the first two matches since he joined on loan from Manchester City but he remains a useful outlet and target man. And Gareth Bale and Luka Modric combine to make up around £70 million worth of creative quality. Chelsea, of the four, are the side with the least obviously totemic figure in an attacking sense currently, as Fernando Torres still hasn’t settled yet. However Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are both proven goalscoring options and remain class acts despite a slight drop off from their absolute primes, while Daniel Sturridge shows plenty of promise and Juan Mata already looks a canny signing. At Liverpool, the prolonged absence(albeit with a brief return) of captain Steven Gerrard is somewhat made up for by the performances of the Kop’s newest icon, Luis Suarez.
At the beginning of the season, after two defeats and a goal difference of minus seven, it was thought that Spurs would finish in 6th place at best. However five wins in six league games have followed. A little later, Arsenal’s defeat away at Blackburn and at Spurs as well as that disastrous visit to Old Trafford left them in the bottom half of the table and pencils were being sharpened in readiness for Arsene Wenger’s managerial obituary. However seven wins in eight games in all competitions, capped off by the thrilling win at the Bridge have raised expectations in that corner of North London. Chelsea have been sucked into the pack by their most recent defeats and by virtue of their inability to keep a clean sheet in the league all season. Liverpool has been the most consistent team of the four this season, without the thrilling highs that the other three have shown but with the most clean sheets of the four and having mostly been in the 5th and 6th positions since the season’s beginning.
Quite what will unfold over the course of the season for the quartet is anyone’s guess as they continue to confound with their swashbuckling football and disregard for frugality. However with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal having played 10 games apiece and having 19, 18 and 16 points respectively, Spurs, with 19 points from their 9 games, have a chance to capitalise. In addition to their game in hand, their next six fixtures read: Fulham (A), Aston Villa (H), West Brom (A), Bolton (H), Stoke (A), Sunderland (H). Only one of these teams currently reside in the top half of the table, and that team is Aston Villa, in 9th position. At White Hart Lane that fixture would be seen as a potential three points by Harry Redknapp and his men and there is a real chance that these six fixtures could yield anything between twelve and the full eighteen points. In the same period of games, all three of the other teams play Manchester City, the current runaway leaders and Chelsea and Liverpool square off at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool and Spurs, without the distraction of European football at the top table, have an opportunity to force Chelsea and Arsenal out of the top four by the end of the season for the first time in a decade, but there will surely be many more twists and turns in this story before that time. Did someone say Newcastle United......?!
Nick Rogerson
In successive weeks Chelsea losing away at QPR and at home to Arsenal - the weakest Arsenal side on paper since the beginning of Arsene Wenger’s reign - has pulled the Blues away from the Manchester clubs. With the aforementioned Arsenal being stripped of many of their prized assets in the Summer, the big four (regardless of make up) has become a big two, and a new quartet of teams seems to have formed on the next rung down the ladder.
This quartet of teams (Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea & Liverpool) jostling for 3rd and 4th places (and thus money spinning spots in the Champions League) arguably find most common ground in their capacity for shipping goals. Arsenal travelled to Manchester United and leaked eight, Spurs welcomed City to The Lane and Edin Dzeko helped himself to four goals all of his own, on Saturday Chelsea allowed Arsenal to plunder five at Stamford Bridge and Liverpool travelled to Spurs and conceded four.
Equally all four have irresistible offensive weapons, although this is rather more to be expected of any prospective top six team than their leaky defences. Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie has picked up the baton from Cesc Fabregas and raised his game to the extent that he has now scored 28 goals in 27 league games this calendar year and 10 in the current season. Gervinho has settled well on the wing and has built up a rapport with Van Persie already, while Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey are capable of opening up most defences. Spurs have their very own “Van The Man”, in the shape of Rafael Van der Vaart who is just one shy of equalling the club record for scoring in the most successive premier league games (six) as well as laying on many goals as well. Emmanuel Adebayor’s scoring has tailed off since his initial three in the first two matches since he joined on loan from Manchester City but he remains a useful outlet and target man. And Gareth Bale and Luka Modric combine to make up around £70 million worth of creative quality. Chelsea, of the four, are the side with the least obviously totemic figure in an attacking sense currently, as Fernando Torres still hasn’t settled yet. However Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard are both proven goalscoring options and remain class acts despite a slight drop off from their absolute primes, while Daniel Sturridge shows plenty of promise and Juan Mata already looks a canny signing. At Liverpool, the prolonged absence(albeit with a brief return) of captain Steven Gerrard is somewhat made up for by the performances of the Kop’s newest icon, Luis Suarez.
At the beginning of the season, after two defeats and a goal difference of minus seven, it was thought that Spurs would finish in 6th place at best. However five wins in six league games have followed. A little later, Arsenal’s defeat away at Blackburn and at Spurs as well as that disastrous visit to Old Trafford left them in the bottom half of the table and pencils were being sharpened in readiness for Arsene Wenger’s managerial obituary. However seven wins in eight games in all competitions, capped off by the thrilling win at the Bridge have raised expectations in that corner of North London. Chelsea have been sucked into the pack by their most recent defeats and by virtue of their inability to keep a clean sheet in the league all season. Liverpool has been the most consistent team of the four this season, without the thrilling highs that the other three have shown but with the most clean sheets of the four and having mostly been in the 5th and 6th positions since the season’s beginning.
Quite what will unfold over the course of the season for the quartet is anyone’s guess as they continue to confound with their swashbuckling football and disregard for frugality. However with Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal having played 10 games apiece and having 19, 18 and 16 points respectively, Spurs, with 19 points from their 9 games, have a chance to capitalise. In addition to their game in hand, their next six fixtures read: Fulham (A), Aston Villa (H), West Brom (A), Bolton (H), Stoke (A), Sunderland (H). Only one of these teams currently reside in the top half of the table, and that team is Aston Villa, in 9th position. At White Hart Lane that fixture would be seen as a potential three points by Harry Redknapp and his men and there is a real chance that these six fixtures could yield anything between twelve and the full eighteen points. In the same period of games, all three of the other teams play Manchester City, the current runaway leaders and Chelsea and Liverpool square off at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool and Spurs, without the distraction of European football at the top table, have an opportunity to force Chelsea and Arsenal out of the top four by the end of the season for the first time in a decade, but there will surely be many more twists and turns in this story before that time. Did someone say Newcastle United......?!
Nick Rogerson
Football: Stoke-Newcastle
How long before Newcastle can be considered genuine top six contenders? Alan Pardew's men have made an impressive start to the season despite losing three key men over the summer. Remarkably, a victory over Stoke tonight would see the Magpies leapfrog Chelsea into third place, just a single point behind Manchester United. The campaign passes the quarter mark with this fixture and, with other contenders stuttering, Newcastle are poised to finish a lot higher than many pundits predicted back in August.
But a trip to Stoke, currently 11th, has become the acid test for top six hopefuls. Tony Pulis' men have already beaten Liverpool and earned draws with Chelsea and United at the Britannia Stadium this season - so Newcastle's resolve will certainly be tested.
It has all the makings of a thrilling contest - tune in tonight at 8pm BST, 4pm ET.
But a trip to Stoke, currently 11th, has become the acid test for top six hopefuls. Tony Pulis' men have already beaten Liverpool and earned draws with Chelsea and United at the Britannia Stadium this season - so Newcastle's resolve will certainly be tested.
It has all the makings of a thrilling contest - tune in tonight at 8pm BST, 4pm ET.
NFL: Eye-Brow Raising Week 8
With the undefeated Green Bay Packers, the revived New York Jets and several other talented teams on their bye week for Week 8, there was a sense heading into the weekend that it might be one of the less gripping days of the season.
Think again. From the St Louis Rams' shock victory over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints to the Philadelphia Eagles' thumping 34-7 win over divisional rivals the Dallas Cowboys, Week 8 served up a real feast. The Pittsburgh Steelers also enjoyed a memorable Sunday, beating the much-hyped New England Patriots 25-17.
These results have made life particularly interesting in the AFC, where the Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals all sit on a 5-2 record. The Steelers are 6-2 while the Jets are 4-3 and look ready to put a run of wins together. The Bills deserve a special mention, considering that a year ago they made a woeful 0-8 start to the year. But Sunday's 23-0 win over the Washington Redskins in Toronto kept Buffalo well and truly in the playoff picture.
Week 9 promises more unmissable action. Game lines will appear later in the week.
Think again. From the St Louis Rams' shock victory over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints to the Philadelphia Eagles' thumping 34-7 win over divisional rivals the Dallas Cowboys, Week 8 served up a real feast. The Pittsburgh Steelers also enjoyed a memorable Sunday, beating the much-hyped New England Patriots 25-17.
These results have made life particularly interesting in the AFC, where the Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals all sit on a 5-2 record. The Steelers are 6-2 while the Jets are 4-3 and look ready to put a run of wins together. The Bills deserve a special mention, considering that a year ago they made a woeful 0-8 start to the year. But Sunday's 23-0 win over the Washington Redskins in Toronto kept Buffalo well and truly in the playoff picture.
Week 9 promises more unmissable action. Game lines will appear later in the week.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
NFL: Bills Continue Playoff Push With Thumping Win Over Redskins
Buffalo Bills 23 Washington Redskins 0
The Buffalo Bills felt very much at home on their annual visit to Toronto, battering the injury-ravaged Washington Redskins and keeping their playoff surge firmly on track. Tight end Scott Chandler caught two touchdown passes and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 262 yards while the Bills defense kept Washington off the scoreboard with their best afternoon of the season.
And so the Bills’ run goes on. Heading into the season, expectations were understandably low after a 0-8 start last year on the way to a disappointing 4-12 record. But the Buffalo players have been reading from a different script, making the trip across the border really significant for the first time since the Bills Toronto Series began. The atmosphere outside the Rogers Centre was telling, with a real air of expectation – entering Sunday with a 4-2 record, Buffalo fans are dreaming big.
This was a must-win game for the Bills, given the remaining obstacles in their schedule, including two clashes with divisional rivals the New York Jets and trips to the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, another AFC East powerhouse. And on their second drive of the game, the Bills took the lead with an eight-play, 80-yard drive, featuring two fine catches from receiver David Nelson and a 20-yard touchdown pass from Fitzpatrick to Chandler.
The Redskins’ recent injury woes have been well documented, with Tim Hightower, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley all sidelined. It has left head coach Mike Shanahan with limited resources to work with – and he got little production from any of the remaining offensive weapons.
Quarterback John Beck threw for just 66 yards in the first half and the ground attack – 24 total yards – was equally well snuffed out by the Bills defense. The Redskins best opportunity came after a Fitzpatrick fumble presented Beck with excellent field position. But Washington failed to cash in as Graham Gano’s field goal attempt was brilliantly blocked by Buffalo’s Spencer Johnson.
Lindell extended the Bills’ lead with a 37-yard field goal midway through the second quarter, sparking the thunderous sound effects that greeted each Buffalo score. The thunder was back just before half-time as Lindell struck again – this time from 44 yards – to stretch the score to 13-0. But for a London Fletcher interception in the end zone, the first half damage would have been worse. Fletcher pulled off a timely diving catch to pick off a pass intended for Stevie Johnson.
Things quickly got worse for the Redskins in the third quarter. The impressive Fred Jackson added to a strong first half performance with a 43-yard run, taking his rushing tally for the season past the 1,000-yard mark. That set up Fitzpatrick within striking distance and he made no mistake, finding Chandler alone in the end zone for his second touchdown of the afternoon.
The Redskins’ desperation was crystal clear in Shanahan’s decision to throw the ball on 4th down with almost four minutes remaining in the third quarter. It proved a costly error as the Bills defense sacked Beck, who finished with 208 passing yards and two interceptions. One possession later, the Redskins quarterback was picked off by free safety George Wilson.
With Washington incapable of mounting any kind of comeback, the game fizzled out in the fourth quarter. Beck threw another interception with 7:48 to go – this time finding the Bills’ Jairus Byrd – and Buffalo iced the win with another Lindell field goal.
For the Redskins, this was a day to forget in a hurry and perhaps an ominous sign for the next few weeks. The Bills, however, mean business. At 5-2, they are level with the mighty New England Patriots at the top of the AFC East and look genuine playoff contenders. Exciting times await.
NFL: Bills leading Redskins in Toronto
The injury-hit Washington Redskins have been dealt more pain in the first half against the Buffalo Bills in Toronto, with a Scott Chandler touchdown and two Rian Lindell field goals putting the Bills up 13-0 at half-time.
This was a must-win game for the Bills, given the remaining obstacles in their schedule, including two clashes with divisional rivals the New York Jets and trips to the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots, another AFC East powerhouse. And on their second drive of the game, they took the lead with an eight-play, 80-yard drive, featuring two fine catches from receiver David Nelson and a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to tight end Chandler.
The Redskins’ recent injury woes have been well documented, with Tim Hightower, Santana Moss and Chris Cooley all sidelined. It has left head coach Mike Shanahan with limited resources to work with – and two sluggish, scoreles quarters suggest that the weeks ahead will be tough for Washington supporters.
Quarterback John Beck threw for just 66 yards in the first half and the ground attack - 24 total rushing yards - was equally well snuffed out by the Bills defense. The Redskins best first half opportunity came after a Fitzpatrick fumble presented Beck with excellent field position. But Washington failed to cash in as Graham Gano’s field goal attempt was brilliantly blocked by Buffalo’s Spencer Johnson.
Lindell extended the Bills’ lead with a 37-yard field goal midway through the second quarter, sparking the thunderous sound effects that greeted each Buffalo score - and added another from 44 yards with the final play of the half. Those sound effects are sure to reappear in the second half as Fitzpatrick looks to press home his team's advantage.
With Beck taking a pummelling at the hands of the Bills linemen, the 13-0 lead looks like a mountain to climb for the Redskins in the second half.
Monday, 24 October 2011
NBA: Hunter Talks to Bill Simmons About NBA Lockout
There is still no sign of the 2011/12 season starting but this podcast with Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBPA, sheds more light on the situation.
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/7491/b-s-report-billy-hunter
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/7491/b-s-report-billy-hunter
Football: Ferguson Shattered as City Soar into Pole Position
As afternoons go, Mancini can have enjoyed few better and, as post-game bottles of wine go, he can have enjoyed few sweeter. Ferguson, however, has plenty to address and little time to do so before a tough trip to Goodison Park at the weekend. While Johnny Evans’ dismissal contributed heavily to the humiliationg scoreline, familiar problems reared their ugly heads during the defeat.
Chief among them is the lack of creativity in midfield, where weaknesses from last season remain glaringly obvious, particularly with the phenomenal David Silva pulling the strings in City’s midfield. Silva, who produced the pass of the decade to Edin Dzeko for the sixth and final goal, was once on United’s radar and Ferguson must rue not pulling the trigger on a deal for the Spaniard.
Anderson and Darren Fletcher have both been solid performers for United but as a partnership it just does not work – the recent victory over Norwich was a perfect example. Both harry and chase but neither is suited to taking control of a game. On Sunday, once City settled, Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure and Silva took charge, exploiting Ferguson’s decision to take on the visitors’ three-man midfield with just two central midfielders. Meanwhile, the energy and vision of Tom Cleverley has been missed during his injury layoff but, while his return will be a boost, United cannot rely on a 22-year-old for all their midfield guile.
Ferguson must also decide on his first choice strike pairing for the biggest games on the fixture list. Selecting Danny Welbeck over Javier Hernandez was a surprising choice given that the Mexican’s pace and movement causes nightmares for defenders and his partnership with Wayne Rooney is firmly established. It is all the more perplexing when you consider that Hernandez has played a total of 39 minutes across the last two league games – at Liverpool and home to City – and United failed to score in either game until he came off the bench. That is simply not enough playing time for one of the Premier League’s deadliest finishers.
A manager with as much experience as Ferguson has earned the right not to be openly questioned but he completed a hat-trick of head-scratching decisions by giving Evans the nod at centre-back ahead of Phil Jones, a more mobile and composed option. United fans feared the worst when Evans’ name appeared on the teamsheet, flooding cyberspace with predictions of impending doom – and with good reason. The Northern Ireland international put his team on the back foot by giving away possession, setting up a City counter attack, and then allowing Mario Balotelli time to slot home the opener.
Evans’ red card was another reminder that he remains at sea at the very highest level. For a physical tussle at Stoke or Bolton, a case could be made for him as the most suitable replacement for Nemanja Vidic, but against a team as technically gifted as City, it was a huge gamble. With Rio Ferdinand also looking off the pace, Jones’ confidence would have been a real asset.
But take nothing away from City, who were committed, organized and ruthless. The trio of Silva, James Milner and Micah Richards led the race for Man of the Match honours but several others were not far behind. In contrast to some of Ferguson’s blunders, Mancini was spot on with every tactical move – from putting faith in Balotelli’s temperament to leaving Samir Nasri on the bench in favour of the more industrious Milner. United were not only outplayed but also outcoached.
To read the rest of the article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/24/ferguson-must-address-man-utd-failings-as-man-city-run-riot/51379/
Friday, 21 October 2011
Football: United-City Title Race Locked In For Next Decade
"All derbies are big now, that is the nature of the landscape."
It has taken just six weeks of the Premier League season for a consensus to emerge that the battle for the title will be a two-horse race between Manchester United and Manchester City. Noisy neighbours no more, Roberto Mancini's men have made the expected step up this season, matching United stride for stride, win for win and goal for goal.
With the Manchester derby more hotly anticipated than ever before, the rivalry has huge potential. The combined star power is mind-blowing. City have dominated the transfer headlines over the past few years by splashing out more than £150M on the quartet of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez, with plenty more arrivals also boosting the club’s trophy hunt. But it is easy to forget that United's big guns Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Nani, Jones and improving goalkeeper David De Gea did not come cheap either over the years.
And closer examination of the two squads and the two transfer budgets confirms that their title scrap this season will not be a one-off. Neither club is fading off the map any time soon - if anything, both will be stronger next year and even stronger the year after. With Chelsea unquestionably aging despite their solid start, Arsenal forced into an overhaul of their squad and Liverpool still one or two stars short, the future looks distinctly red and sky blue.
United provided a glimpse of the future in the second half of the Community Shield when Ferguson turned to his youngsters and sent out a team with an average age of 22. Young, at 26, was the oldest player in a red shirt until Dimitar Berbatov came off the bench late on.
Phil Jones, 19, has adjusted so seamlessly at the centre back that Rio Ferdinand is struggling to regain his place for club and country. Chris Smalling has proved that he is an option at both right back and centre back, Tom Cleverley is the closest United have come to a Paul Scholes replacement and Danny Welbeck has forced his way ahead of Berbatov and Michael Owen in the pecking order with his lively displays. This second coming of the Fergie Fledglings has caught England boss Fabio Capello’s attention too.
Over at the Etihad Stadium, City also have a youthful look, with goalkeeper Joe Hart showing maturity beyond his years, Aguero having the biggest impact of any summer signing and even Mario Balotelli producing displays that suggest he is growing up. Throw in Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson, who are both just 24, and Mancini has a core group that could lead the City charge for at least the next seven or eight years.
To read the rest of this article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/20/man-city-and-man-utd-set-for-decade-of-premier-league-domination/51183/
It has taken just six weeks of the Premier League season for a consensus to emerge that the battle for the title will be a two-horse race between Manchester United and Manchester City. Noisy neighbours no more, Roberto Mancini's men have made the expected step up this season, matching United stride for stride, win for win and goal for goal.
With the Manchester derby more hotly anticipated than ever before, the rivalry has huge potential. The combined star power is mind-blowing. City have dominated the transfer headlines over the past few years by splashing out more than £150M on the quartet of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Carlos Tevez, with plenty more arrivals also boosting the club’s trophy hunt. But it is easy to forget that United's big guns Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young, Nani, Jones and improving goalkeeper David De Gea did not come cheap either over the years.
And closer examination of the two squads and the two transfer budgets confirms that their title scrap this season will not be a one-off. Neither club is fading off the map any time soon - if anything, both will be stronger next year and even stronger the year after. With Chelsea unquestionably aging despite their solid start, Arsenal forced into an overhaul of their squad and Liverpool still one or two stars short, the future looks distinctly red and sky blue.
United provided a glimpse of the future in the second half of the Community Shield when Ferguson turned to his youngsters and sent out a team with an average age of 22. Young, at 26, was the oldest player in a red shirt until Dimitar Berbatov came off the bench late on.
Phil Jones, 19, has adjusted so seamlessly at the centre back that Rio Ferdinand is struggling to regain his place for club and country. Chris Smalling has proved that he is an option at both right back and centre back, Tom Cleverley is the closest United have come to a Paul Scholes replacement and Danny Welbeck has forced his way ahead of Berbatov and Michael Owen in the pecking order with his lively displays. This second coming of the Fergie Fledglings has caught England boss Fabio Capello’s attention too.
Over at the Etihad Stadium, City also have a youthful look, with goalkeeper Joe Hart showing maturity beyond his years, Aguero having the biggest impact of any summer signing and even Mario Balotelli producing displays that suggest he is growing up. Throw in Samir Nasri and Adam Johnson, who are both just 24, and Mancini has a core group that could lead the City charge for at least the next seven or eight years.
To read the rest of this article, visit http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/20/man-city-and-man-utd-set-for-decade-of-premier-league-domination/51183/
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Football: Ferguson Team Selection Dents Rivalry Claims
Kevin Keegan has been known to let his emotions run wild at times over the years, from his outburst against Sir Alex Ferguson on Sky Sports in the heat of the 1996 title race to the low points of his stint as England manager. But when Keegan claimed Manchester United’s team selection at Anfield on Saturday was an insult to Liverpool, it was easy to understand his dismay. With one teamsheet, Ferguson had shot down the hype surrounding the clubs’ rivalry and, with it, the notion that Liverpool were once again a force to be reckoned with.
The decision to leave Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Nani on the bench was perplexing at best. While Ferguson can point to Rooney’s questionable mindset after confirmation of his three-game international ban and Hernandez’s draining trip to represent Mexico against Brazil, surely the bottom line is that the United boss would have picked both if he had felt the need to. Instead, he took the calculated gamble that an under-strength team would still have the quality to outduel Liverpool – and that will have been a tough reality check for Reds fans.
This was a game that had received plentiful hype in the build-up, with Ferguson taking the surprising step of claiming it was a notch above Real Madrid-Barcelona as a rivalry. Such a boast was rendered ridiculous after the 90 minutes on Saturday and the fact that Rooney, in explosive form throughout the first two months of the season, spent close to 70 minutes on the bench.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were in no mood to rest star names, handing Steven Gerrard a first start of the season after recovering from a groin injury and unleashing Luis Suarez as the spearhead of their attack. The popular opinion on Merseyside is that a top four finish should be the minimum expectation this season, particularly after the vast sums spent this calendar year, but, again, Ferguson seemingly did not assess the threat to be so high.
On the one hand, picking Ji-Sung Park, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher could be taken as a compliment to Liverpool’s up tempo style of play. After all, Ferguson usually places his trust in this trio for games against Chelsea and Arsenal. But why at the expense of Rooney, Hernandez and Nani? It would have been possible to play a 4-5-1 formation that featured at least five of these key men. And the experiment of playing Phil Jones in central midfield for the first time this season was another move that hardly suggested the game was “do or die” in Ferguson’s eyes.
Predictably, once United sent on the attacking cavalry, the game swung their way. It took Hernandez just five minutes to make his mark, heading home from Nani’s corner. If Ferguson’s plan had been to contain Liverpool for 70 minutes then go for the jugular in the latter stages, it almost paid off. But that does not exactly mesh with his description of a fixture worthy of “El Clasico” comparisons.
Read the rest of the article at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/17/fergusons-man-utd-team-selection-dents-liverpool-rivalry/51017/
Read the rest of the article at http://www.insidefutbol.com/2011/10/17/fergusons-man-utd-team-selection-dents-liverpool-rivalry/51017/
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