bah Humbug!

I just love the magic of cup competitions.

Its not everyday that we see big teams falling to the less established clubs in Europe's biggest competition. I think it is the do or die, the make or break of such knock -out competitions that the newer teams thrive on as a source of inspiration.

A case in point can be taken from Liverpool. After flying high with a 6-1 drumming of Hull City, they crashed 2-0 to Fiorentina just 3 days later. Amazing dont you think? Stuggurt themselves also drew with FC Urzizeni and Standard Liege drew AZ Alkmaar. Teams havign their debut in this season's competition are showing their mettle against the pedigree clubs, the creme de la creme. But honestly, soccer is soccer and the ball is round so anything can happen. The golden rule would probably be that the team who wants it more will do more to get it.

My main focus tonight would be whether or not Man United can get a good result againsta fired-up Hamburg, German Champs thanks to the prowess of their front attacking pairing. We've seen how in the past weeks, the resurgent Giggs and Scholes have provided inspiration if not the goods themselves and created the wins. But it really is time for the youngsters to step up to their plate and show their real worth with solid steady performances. So far over the last few years, only Darren Fletcher and John O'shea have impressed and proved to be integral to the club. Tonight shall decide one half of the battle between the kings of England and Germany.

One other thing I really feel strongly about would be the damn fact that there isnt any more Champions League soccer on SCV. Its just nonsense that another cable operator has got the rights. Absolute nonsense i tell you. I may just upgrade my internet connectiona nd subscribe to pay-per-view for my sports fixes.

CHELSEA STOPPED

IT has finally happened.. WIgan broke their Jinx against the top 4 sides with a 3-1 victoru over 10 man Chelsea. Take nothing away from Wigan though who went into the half 1-0 up with all 11 players in tact. You know its not your day when Bramble notches one against you as the Wigan defender continues his maturity with better displays by the day.. Been a while since the lessons he learnt in Newcastle have kicked in.

Liverpool and Spurs had big heroes to thank. Namely Torres and Keane who notched 7 goals amongst them. Hull look certain to o down under Phil Brown who cannot deny that he let his good start last term get to him and with the demise of players like Boateng. He hopes Bullard can be his messiah.Burnley as usual are a Home team. All i can say is try keeping your 100% record Mr. Owen as thats the only hope of survivial I can see at the moment. Fortress Turf Moor.

United and Arsenal notched up crucial wins. Giggs turned 18 as he gave away 2 assists while new birds Valencia and Nani failed to impress. Rooney was overshadowed by Scholes as well. Apparently they shud start illegally signing youngsters and start looking at the old folks home. Arsenal grabbed an impressive 1-0 win over Fulham with stand in keeper Mannone looking..dare I say.. better den ALmunia!Where does Arsene get this guys? Toys R us?

BLackburn did well against VIlla down to 10 man and deserve mention as Allardyce's rollercoaster season begins. They are doing very well with limited resources unlike their compatriots like Pompey( tick tock tick tock Mr Hart) and Bolton.

Here are the top 5 performances this week:

1. Wigan(10 points)
2.Blackburn (8 points)
3.Liverpool( 6 points)
4.Tottenham(4 points)
5.Man Utd/ Arsenal (2 points shared)

Chelsea unstoppable?

Are Chelsea on fire or what?,.. Even Platini's efforts are not helping..

This week they face Wigan, who frankly should be an easy 3 points. Losing points here would be taboo. Wigan have looked weak. None of their new signings have yet impressed and they seem to be scraping points rather than earning them. Martinez has a long way to go.. If given such a time. Chelsea would thank the gods for such a start with the African Nations Cup taking away their best players come January.

Only Arsenal and ManUtd face tricky ties away to lesser oppositions with a knack for doing well at home. Stoke made their stadium a fortress for most of the top 4 last season( cue Delap for throw ins) and Vidic was key for United in both games. Arsenal were a tad unlucky but were aweful against Fulham when Hangeland tapped one in. But den again, against Fulham you have to muster your A game. Arsenal should be able to knowing Fulham's form has not been great but United have an uphill task. They were lucky against a resillient Stoke side last term and a Tevez goal late on spared their blushes.

Porsmouth.Blackburn and Bolton face a race agiainst time to collect points. This surely is Paul Hart's las weekend to deliver. He has not done well but will be given time since they sold all their best players(Crouch,Johnson,Kranjcar,Distin,Campbell etc..) and hired less than impressive replacements. Only Vanden Borre has impressed so far and Dindane and O'hara are less than impressive replacements.

We see how it goes but keep an eye out for all the games this week as I sense there will be goals aflowing...........

LAst week's Soccercrazee Top 5

Herez last week's Soccercrazeee top 5:

1. Chelsea(10 pts)
2.Everton(8 pts)
3.Burnley(6 pts)
4.Arsenal (4 pts)
5.Wolverhampton Wanderers(2 pts)

Cheers

BPL Week 7

We're now into the 7th or so match of the 09/10 Barclays Premier League and the big question we have here at Soccer Crazee is whether or not Chelsea can maintain their perch at the top tonight against a flamboyant Wigan side coached by Martinez. Odds on that an on song Drogba and Anelka partnership should see them easily through the fixture. Chelsea also remains the only unbeaten "top" team.

Man Utd face a tricky away fixture to Stoke but after a thrilling derby match last week and a convincing midweek win over Wolves in midweek with a Reserve side with more than a few seniors in it. Ben Foster looks set to get another run out despite a few howlers that almost threw the match against City. I personally think that Kuzchek should get the nod but consistency in goal is most important as well. I believe that Owen might get rewarded with another start and should work well with Rooney.

The London derby between Arsenal and Fulham should be another thriller with lots of goals to come and Arshavin and van Persie look set to start which would add to an already potent swash buckling Arsenal side.

Everton should probably get back some sort of winning rythmn after being bouyoued by their previous win. Moneys on them to win!

Stay tune for our post match report where we will give the low down on this week's matches.

Apologies for the Absence

Dear Readers, First up we'd like to apologise for the Absence. We've been experiences some technical difficulties but no worries because we're back!

Man Utd had managed to go through a pretty tough away fixture in Turkey with a 1-0 win to show for their efforts and nothing like a Paul Scholes header to settle it for us. Over the weekend, more exciting things were to come as it took an injury time winner from ex-scouser Michael Owen to finish it up for us to allow united to win 4-3 after Rooney and Fletcher has twice put us up in front.

In my opinion, the match was a classic derby, possibly the best ever Manchester derby in history yet to come. Rooney had put United up early in the 3rd mon after a whiney Micah Richards reaction. However, it took the hero in Fletcher to give us a brace and override the howlers made by Ben Foster. And in the end, it took the effervescent Michael Owen to come provide us with a goal at the death to give us bragging rights after the double losses from last season.



The talkign points of the match would undoubtedly come from the extra 2 minutes of extra-time played but even then, even manager Mark Huges had little reason to make much noise. More words may be spilt however on the edgy performance put up by Foster. Hes increasingly showing that despite his enormous potential and quick reflexes, he doesnt seem to possess the big game mentality.



The League Cup.



WBA failed to capitalise on the sending off of Fabio for a professional foul midway into the first half. A well rounded united performance with a team consisting of the reserves. In the end, a classy finish from local boy Danny Welbeck provided by Owen gave United a goal to cap off a strong finish. The up and coming youngsters in the team are really impressive and i dare say, we may see a new superstar being born in the near future.






Stay tuned once again for the pre-match updates for the weekend's matches.

LOOK MA! CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2009/2010!

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE IS BACK

HERE R MY TOP 5 MUST WATCH GAMES!!!

1. INTERNAZIONALE vs BARCELONA(D-uh)

2.JUVENTUS vs BORDEAUX

3.MARSEILLE VS MILAN

4. PORTO VS CHELSEA

5. STANDARD VS ARSENAL

Internazionale play Barca in what could be the clash of all the superstars. Sneijder,Lucio,Eto'oo come against Henry,MEssi and Ibrahimovic.. ONly Real Madrid have more stars than these teams and with a squad like that Inter must fancy their chances.. Take a bet on them this season? Well we shall see after this game

Juventus are renewed. New signings and a new coach brings new believe and a straying towards youth while Berdeaux are full of playaers trying to fulfill their potentials. Milan reject Gourcufff, Man Utd rejext Bellion and the unsigned despite scoring like crazy CHamakh will be out to prove a point..lets jez hope they don settle for a point..

Marseiile may prove the shock of the week and make or break Leonardo's job. Milan not doing well and Marseille proves a big test... That said Leds Say a big HELLOO! to Milan..welcome back

Porto and Chelsea? Mourinho will be watching this but hu cares bout him? Carvalho will be relishing while Porto who lost all their best players in the summer may just spring a surprise here..hmm..

Standard Leige.. Wad took u guys so long? A great team from Belgium and will give the demoralized(thanks to the MAnchester tours) Arsenal a test... Will they pass it? Or will they fail?..Its time they stop the rot.. I say go crazy Arsenal..

ManUtd,Real Madrid, and Liverpool have easier opponents this time round so I shall not dwell on them but don be too sure.. Surprises usually happen most frequently on day 1..leds see..

Chel setiing sail towards Sea?

So the week ended with Utd.. down to 10 men and a comfortable win over Tottenham who quite frankli were told by Harry Redknapp that they were gonna lose so y bother? Modric was clearly missed But extraordinarily Anderson capped a brilliant game with a goal. Sureli not a world class performance but a stellar one. Nani,Anderson,Park,Carrick and Owen have to be on their toes this season for Utd to have a chance.

Man City 's Adebayor wins the idiot of the day award for his foolishness and brashness. Stamping on Van Persie was shockingly ignored by the referee and going to the rival fans to celebrate is pure disrespect to the team that made him what he is. Arseanal's Wenger got it wrong by taking of Song Billong from where he belonged and the swansong was sang two times for a 4-1 derubbing before a respite to 4-2. Only positive for Arsenal? Rosicky looked like as though he never was injured..

Sunderland were impressive in their 4-1 victory but Chelsea were great to get a 2-1 win awya to stoke? Y? Koz Stoke at home is tough and Chelsea proved themselves in the title race... For now.. Leds see wad happens wen the african cup of Chelsea players starts..

ANyways Guru's top 5 r as shown( I don necessarily agree except for number 1):

1.ManUtd(10)
2.Chelsea(8)
3.Sunderland(6)
4.Liverpool(4)
5 Man City/Aston Villa (2) - tie means 1 point each

Premier Action

Now that England have qualified for the World Cup and France and Argentina have made life miserable and complicated for themselves, we can once again turn our attention to this weekend's Premier League Action.

Buzzword of the day is "Transfer".

Chelsea having been banned for the next 2 transfer windows would definitely have to use their game against Stoke to pin point areas which they can work on building given that the squad can only now be strengthened internally with the improvement of their stars. Its actually hard to consider how much those ageing stars can improve but for others, there is marked progress and amazing talent. It'll be interested to see if Rory Delap has anything to say about another Chelsea win. Really, its to be expected.

Will Liverpool stumble against the giant slaying Burnley? With Glen Johnson on form for England, it may help shore up their defence. But success rests on the shoulders of El Nino, their spanish matador Torres to deliver the goods. I must admit that it would be hard for Liverpool to not win this one.

Arsenal face another trip to Manchester where hopes must be high from the blue-siders for Arsenal to self-destruct again. With Arshavin injured for a fortnight or so, it might prove to be an open game.

And lastly, will Darren Fletcher be the cog in a hard battling midfield where languid Huddlestone faces off with even more languid Berbatov? Its crunch time for Tottenham to live up to their billing of being the best outside the top 4 and challenge for the title. But if Manchester United has anything to say about it, it would be yet again a clash of heads between two veteran managers. On song Rooney will surely demostrate the notion of what it means to carry the club on his back like the Titan Atlas. Only in the modern football world of Red side Manchester, his name is Wayne Rooney. I'm tipping Rooney to nick it for us.

So folks, do stay tuned for an exciting weekend of football and keep your fingers crossed for the team you support.

Oh Come on Ref!

To all Arsenal fans, damn UEFA for that ban on Eduardo for diving after reviewing his dive on camera. It will definitely set a precedent for future controversies. The power vested upon a referee as match official is to allow how to judge a game on his judgement during the moment and his decisions should be final. To have to resort to video evidence for every incident of clouded judgement would be riduculous! Imagine clubs digging up and showing evidences over every little thing and questioning the decision of the man in control. It creates a farce. The referee will lose respect, authority and power. I believe that the governing bodies should really reconsider such things liek allowing video evidence for trivial matters. Eduardo dived, got booked and thats it. He has picked up an offence and that yellow card might inconvenience him in the future. Such petty claims should be limited for the sake of the game else it get so complicated, it removes the passion and beauty of it.

On another note, a transfer ban seems real harsh for Chelsea and potentially Man United over their apparent poaching of young talents. The fact that they can do so stems from their accumulated wealth. Unethical yes, and i fully agree that it does a grave injustice to the nurturing club in terms of potential profits fromt he sale of the player. The game is slowly becoming seedy with the satellite industries bringing the game down into the gutters as they chase for profits wrought from the lives of others. Something needs to be done. Bring on dystopic Orwellian control and fan run companies instead of privately owned clubs, the latest fad amongst the mega wealthy.

I miss and long for the past where passion and loyalty to club ruled the game instead of the passion and hunger for the dollar/pound/euro etc etc.

Was the player's dream to play for the club? Or the money and cash rich status that he gets from playing for the club.

Role Reversals

ManUtd and Liverpool were disappointing this weekend as they both slumped to narrow..well.. Victories!...

ManUtd played terribly at Old Trafford and were dominated in the first half. hardly sniffing out chances, Arshavin put Arsenal ahead when Antonio Valencia seemed to lose his man and he bulleted a shot into the top left hand corner. What a signing he has been. Foster should have done better you would feel but he redeems himself in the second half. Arshavin is proving to be a giant killer..If only he could get his fitness right..

Second half and Arsenal came out flying. Not what you should be doing away to ManUtd and were duly punished. Van Persie forced an unbelievable save from Foster. A through ball to Rooney, brought down, and it was a penalty from nowhere. 1-1. Rooney duly obliges. The ball was going out of play but would Rooney have hit the ball out of play if he wasnt challanged by Almunia. To me, it was not a penalty...

Diaby, a secret 1million pound signing the night before, settled matters with Utd's second from Gigg's delicious freekick. He had to take a bite. Van Persie went gaga on him but frankly he doesnt cut it as a captain. Nani and Berbatov shoudl have settled matters and Bendtner almost caused a stir when he came on. Van persie cannot say anything bout the 95th minute offside goal. Frankly I do not know where the 5 minutes came from!Valencia, Carrick and Giggs had bad games. Arsenal were unduly punished.

Liverpool 2-1 down at a terrible Bolton team came back resiliently to win 3-2 when Bolton went a player down. Benitez has to stop making excuses and start making changes and force his team to perform at their best. Glen Johnson has hit the ground running and Torres is in good form. I still wonder why he chose to sign Kyrgiakos instead of Sol Campbell.. terrible defending by both teams but no one can question the result. Could have been 4-2 or 5-2.

Chelsea,City and Tottenham are still winning. Tottenham were less impressive this week but sniffed out a win with the new dimension in Peter Crouch. Robbie Keane seems to be struggling with life though. City's defence has been their strongpoint and Chelsea went easy on Burnley at the Bridge..

My aplogies for more talk on The Utd Arsenal match but to be frank it was the game of the week.

This week's points are as follows:

1. Aston Villa (10 points)
2. Chelsea ( 8 points)
3.Everton (6 points)
4.Tottenham(4 points)
5.Man City (2 points)

Pizzagate Part 2?

This is possibly one of the biggest games this season where two rival managers, veterans of the BPL mangerial circuit face off once again early in the season. Winning this fixture this early on in the season would be pivotal for both teams and I am definitely anticiapting an eventful clash of talent and skill. Arsenal lead with precocious young talent that has since lighted up their season. United, having lost 2 important figures also have a balanced squad although a little weak in defence at the moment. I am just looking forward to an exciting late night, characteristic of a Man Utd Arsenal clash.

On another note, there is immense speculation about the internal strife in the United dressing room where Anderson and Carrick are reported to have had a bust up with the manager. While many of us would be glad to see the back of Anderson, many more are yet surprised by the report on Carrick. A somewhat mild mannered hard worker, Carrick's place was never really under threat. However, it must be noted that he does struggle to impose himself in games and this would cost the team a valuable supply line, a characteristic of his excellent passing vision. I believe that the press had deliberately read too deeply into an established squad rotation system as we have to bear in mind Carrick's England participation. The big tie with Arsenal should take importance over the press' wild reports.

Elsewhere, Burnley would face a stern test at Stamford bridge where they face an on song Chelsea side just coming to life and with a budding partnership of two world-class strikers. I doubt that they will be able to maintain their giant-slaying antics. A huge win for Chelsea should be in order.

Liverpool and Tottenham should also win their respective matches against Bolton and Birmingham. But it would be in the prayers of any other supporter that Liverpool stumble yet again. Their manager has immensely weird tactics that can suddenly undermine the stability of a working model. Another bad result would surely have fans baying for Rafa's blood. Contrastingly in London, Tottenham are finally living up to their potential of being the strongest club outside the top 4. They finally have a team that is gelling together and working hard under the maestro Redknapp.

We see Portsmouth take on Man City tomorrow along with Everton vs Wigan and Villa vs Fulham. Man City should win it easily as with Villa especially, both teams have sky high confidence after their last games where Tevez scored for City and Villa trounced Liverpool 3-1. It would be great to see Everton gain some stability with a win against Wigan at home unless their hotshot manager Martinez has anything to say about it.

Top 5 teams week 2

Here are the list of Top 5 teams from this weekend. Do note that midweek games were not included as only 5 games were played..

1.Burnley (10 points)
2.Chelsea(8 points)
3.Man Utd(6 points)
4.Arsenal(4 points)
5.Hull City(2 points)

The intial Reactions

Over the weekend, we saw surprises a plenty but we are getting a clearer indication of the top teams and the bottom few..

Bolton and Portsmouth look way weaker. I was disappointed to hear that one of Portsmouth's main defenders was going to Division 4 just so as to pocket 60 grande a week. I was also very puzzled by the fact that they have signed no replacement and not even a proper manager. Bolton seem to have a problem in the striker department with Johann Elmander prolli leaving his finishing boots behind in Toulouse..

United managed to outclass Wigan by 5. A fair indication? I don think so but Luis Nani has stepped up with 2 assists and 1 goal in 3 games. Anderson on the other hand has been getting more flak with his lack of focus in games and costing us the Burnley game midweek.

Burnley's Turf Moor has become a fortress of somesorts. By some magical spell penalties just don go in there. Everton felt it this time and I am sure many more will feel the same in the coming weeks.

Liverpool without Xabi Alonso means Gerrard plays centre Midfield. The last seasons he played there (All except last season) they won squat. He needs discipline and brains to make the correct runs and position himself well even when attacking to be ready when there are counters. Lucas is utter nonsense at the moment joining the growing list of players like Babel,Alonso,Aurelio and many more who have come with a lot of potential but end up playing best in the substitutes bench. I say sack Rafael Benitez...

Arsenal may have beaten Portsmouth but I am not convinced. Portsmouth are rubbish and if Diaby scores 2 goals in a game.. You know something is really wrong. That said losing Toure and Adebayor has made this team stronger. Gallas scoring in every game so far this season and Eduardo looking good..

Lastly, Chelsea are my pick for the best team this season so far. Defensively sound and looking good in attacking options but will it last? I guess that will be Ancelotti's true test because traditionally Chelsea always start very well.

Our new guest columnist

Weekend number 2 and game day 3. There ahd been so many twists and turns, thrills and spill in such an infant stage. Its been exciting, yes, but not altogether pleasing for the fans of many teams. Inconsistency may now be a result of a stronger league, bereft of stars, the playing field has somewhat levelled.

On to more important matters, in this weekend's pre match, we have a guest columnist who has kindly contributed his take on the weekend's fixtures. Wethinks that they are spot on and he would be an important addition to this blog.

Arsenal Vs Portsmouth

New Pompey boss Paul Hart faces a race against time to get his squad up to the rigours of the premier league. Having lost their best players one by one Pompey are slowly slipping into trouble as news of administration loops. Never a worse time to face an on song Arsenal, which despite losing two key players will somehow not sacrifice their beautiful passing game. Expect Pompey to be chasing shadows as their squad is simply not up to the challenge yet. You know, though they say Chelsea are the real contenders, I feel Arsenal might just nick it this season. No more negative influences in the squad goes a long long way.

Sunderland Vs Blackburn

Sunderland's problem lies in a porous defence. They have been steadily building on their attack with new signing Darren Bent making an immediate impact. However the current team have more experienced legs than pace. Their game play has been easy to counter and are too slow off the ball, allowing Chelsea to exchange no less than 13 passes without touching the ball leading to Deco's goal is a big worry for the entire team. Blackburn, at the very same breath, face the same problems as Sunderland and have a poorer attack to boot. But can the long ball tactics of Big Sam blow a hole in Sunderland's defence?

Wigan Vs Man United

We solemnly welcome Wigan's new boss Roberto Martinez to the foil, don't speak too soon is what you will learn in the EPL. Facing EPL champions Man Utd who are thirsty to get back on track after a morale zapping defeat to lowly Burnley, it will be another lesson for Martinez. Man Utd have problems of their own. Owen is less than match fit and their wing play has frozen out of the danger zone suddenly; keeping passes from the wing back to the centre midfield to try and create something is not very Man Utd. For sure they miss their best player in Ronaldo who easily draws 3 defenders to himself and leave the others free, notwithstanding all his goals and threat from set pieces. Antonio Valencia will be keen to impress on his return to the JJB. A fast pace exciting match awaits, but lets put your hands together than Man Utd convert their chances or suffer the consequences.

Man City Vs Wolves

Who says money can't buy success only have to look at Chelsea and boy do Man City go even further. Though their squad is less than complete, Man City now boost a squad of players who can win games by individual brillance. Think Adebayor and Robinho and there you have a safe pair of hands in Shay Given, probably the best shot stopper in the premier league in my opinion. Wolves is on the other hand bringing an extremely average squad to the Eastlands. Expect Wolves to struggle throughout the season and this game against Man City will kickstart their fortunes.

Birmingham Vs Stoke

Both have made decent starts to the season and are still in the midst of adding to their squad. Birmingham do have a slight edge here as their defence has seem less shaky thus far. Stoke will need to boost their strike force or they will have problems overcoming mid table team's defence. Birmingham has an extra edge going forward too with Christian Benitez and James McFadden threatening and a midfield of experienced legs.

Hull Vs Bolton

Hull have been trying to add to their strikeforce and have loaned one time highly rated teenage striker Altidore. There are still rather weak in other areas and may struggle to put through dangerous balls should star player Geovanni gets mark out of the game. Expect Bullard and Hunt to string some moves together to try and break through defences. Bolton have added another South Korean to the Premiership ranks in Lee Chung Young but don't expect some instant miracles in what is a simple, stable and hard to break Bolton. Perhaps it is time for Elmander and Davies to contribute more goals to push Bolton further.

West Ham Vs Tottenham

Both teams now have the squad to push for Europa places with Tottenham making a fantastic start to the season under veteran manager Harry Redknapp. What a turnaround having suffered a torrid start to the season last year. Both good squads well placed with gifted and steady players. It will be an interesting battle to watch. Tottenham could just push along with City this season for all we know.

Burnley Vs Everton

A team doesn't turn bad overnight and they showed their mattle with a good game in the Europa league. Expect motivating boss Moyes to rally his players to respond to their dismal start on the domestic front. Lescott has proven to be a distraction but with his imminent departure Moyes faces gapping holes in defence with Jagielka still to return. But with players like Fellaini, Arteta, Cahill and exciting prospect Rodwell; a strike force of Jo and Saha, it is time to get started. Burnley enjoyed a dream return to the premier league by beating the champions. Giant slayers they are, all seems to be gone when they face the average teams. Let wait and see.

Fulham Vs Chelsea

Chelsea's centre midfield is simply strong. One of the best if not the best from Portugal, Germany, Ghana and England. Now stepping into the frame is master tactician Carlo Ancelotti. Chelsea's new diamond formation seems to have exposed their defence a little but so far they always come back to win in a stylish fashion. It has been an impressive start to the season and I think they should continue. Fulham is a tough cookie at home and have added Duff to their ranks. Fulham has been traditionally hard to beat at the cottage but there is no stopping Chelsea so soon, as they keep their momentum with their hearts on their sleeves.

Cross your hearts guys for another mouth-watering clash!

Lets get this started.

The first weekday clash for the season and this really excites me. Wolves beat Wigan 1-0 (who beat Aston Villa 2-0 over the weekend) and Chelsea again came back from 1-0 down to beat Sunderland 3-1. This really sets the tone as the supposed bottom tier clubs are going for wins against the more established teams and winning matches against each other. The tone is thus set for a really exciting season in England, at least now theres fun all over instead of just looking at which of the regular top 4 teams will win it.

Manchester United travel to face newly promoted Burnley and while they may appear to be whipping boys, we should bear in mind the narrow 1-0 win on Ssunday against the yoyo-ing Birmingham. They had their chances and did not do too badly themselves. As much as i would like to see a goal fest, caution should not be thrown to the win. On-form Rooney should be sharp enough to complete his century of goals and i'll be eagerly watching tonight.

Two other fixtures worth looking at tonight would be Stoke vs Liverpool and Hull City vs Tottenham. Stoke had drew Liverpool 1-1 last season in the same fixture and being biased, i would definitely like to see that happen again, but objectively speaking, there is immense pressure on pool to add weight to their title claims with a win against surprise survivors Stoke. Tottenham, having beat Liverpool despite a couple of blips should look to continue their fine form unless Hull City can capitalise on their chances. They were decent against Chelsea on Saturday, but they would need to get results. All that matters is just results.

Surprise performers Arsenal have once again shown us what they are capable of with a comfortable 2-0 in Scotland despite it being touted as a tough fixture. We shall continue keeping tabs on them for interest's sake.

Till kick off in 12.5 hours time, i'll be getting excited.

The big Kick..Sorry Lift off..

For all the class shown on the football pitch, Arsenal showed the ultimate class act by their tribute..Thumbs up we say!

The season kicked off with a bang! Debutants had a good day. Darren Bent,Stephan Hunt,Seb Bassong,Vermaelen and Adebayor getting on the scoresheet. However it is only day 1.

The match of the week had to be Chelsea vs Hull. Hull gave a good account of themselves while chelsea showed glimpses of brilliance. Both teams fought very hard and it was an ideal way to start the season. Chelsea won it by Drogba's class while Hull's game finished when the ref awarded 6 mins of extra time. Turner turned away and Didier obliged.

Manchester United do not look very impressive come day one but Nani stepped up once again to provide an assist for Rooney's goal. Berbatov and Rooney still have issues to work out while Valencia seemed unconfident and lost. Evans was brilliant in central defence and overall with Scholes' beautiful passing a well deserved victory but not title winning quality. Birmingham had a few plus points. New signing Chuco looked good while Larrson ran his socks off and Mcfadden looked a brilliant player. barry ferguson was surprisingly rubbish while Roger Johnson will have to up his fitness

Arsenal battered Everton so badly they looked like badly moulded toffees all puns intended. Fellaini didnt look the player he was and Bentner and Fabregas did well for the Arsenal. Wenger delighted as even Denilson got a goal while Arshavin was purely unstoppable.. Eduardo getting on the scoresheet showed that without Adebayor the parnership of Eduardo,Arshavin,Bendtner and Van Persie looks,well, more scary!

Liverpool sorely missed midfield link Xabi Alonso. There was no midfield for them vs Tottenham. Lucas was horrible. Mascherano had no ability to split any defence. Higher chance of splitting an atom. The lack of creativity was shown when Benitez brought Gerrard back to centremid to try to inspire. Alas he could not. That said, missing Riera,Aquilani, and Benitez not starting Benayoun caused a bit of a problem.Benitez to be blamed. Spurs had Modric and Palaciios to thank. Both had brilliant games and if Keane had more luck the game could have been 4-0 at half time. Gomes still the weak link but the undoubted man of the match was Ledley King.

Heres a new feature. The Soccercrazee top 5 teams of the week. Every week,we will choose top 5 teams. No.1 gets 10 pts, No. 2 gets 8 etc.. till No. 5 gets two. It will be decided on performace of the team with regards to opposition and how they do. This can provide us with the more consistent teams. here are my top 5 for this round:

1. Arsenal(10 pts)
2.Tottenham (8 pts)

3.Wigan Athletic (6 pts)

4.Sunderland (4pts)

5.Fulham (2 pts)

Special credit to Hull who almost got in.. Till midweek.. see ya crazeeeeeeeeeeee

*drumrolls* And Manchester United Kick off!

The anticipation is heavy for us Man Utd fans to see how they would begin their title defence this season in the post Ronaldo era. Blah blah blah. While it is doom and gloom for some, we here at Soccer Crazee personally think that it would be an excellent opportunity for the new generation to step up and show us what they're capable of as well as the unearthign of some new fine gems. What do you, my dear reader think about this?

The season kicks off with the first round of games tonight and we have already seen Chelsea concede a goal in their 2-1 win over Hull City. An expected result against a team we deem to be relegation battlers unless their new striker Stephen Hunt has anything to say about it. Drogba will be challenging Anelka to the golden boot given his brace. At the time of writing, Aston Villa have slumped to a 2-0 deficit against Wigan which is a real shock as i have expected them to improve on last year's performance. They must be really hit by the departure of Barry, leaving a gaping hole in central midfield.

Elsewhere, Man City are still far off from their target as their team have yet to gel despite having new boy Adebayor score a nice goal in the 3rd minute of his debut. Blackburn, in my opinion should be able to nick one from them and draw the game. Their only obstacle would be Shay Given, arguably one of the best, experienced and most consistent keepers around in the Premier League. Its a pity that his clubs stink. It would be interesting to see how Arsenal's youngsters deal with Everton's grit and physical prowess and should prove to be an interest watch. Liverpool and Tottenham tomorrow night would be a it of a bore given Torres' taunt that he will settle for nothing less than being a champ. Who gives a damn right?

The highlight as usual is on Manchest United and their match again the newly promoted roller coaster that is Birmingham. The players would be raring to go and would definitely want to vent the frustrations of the defeats against Barcelona and more recently, Chelsea on a poor Birmingham side. I would personally like to see a goal fest in the region of 3-0 or 4-0. Nani's injury scare has also been laid to rest which is a tremendous relief and with Owen hungry to play for England again, Rooney on form and Berbatov wanting to prove his critics wrong. Man Utd possess a blood thirsty frontline supported by a stable supply from their wingers and guarded by the Fletcher and the usual almost water-tight defence. It looks to be an exciting title defence. Only worry i have would be in goal. Foster has of late been a bit of a clown and should have done better last weekend.

Glory Glory Man Utd!

Uncharitable Shield

For 90 minutes on Sunday night, we were treated to good football. Free flow and maybe at times we saw players being human afterall with their lack of match fitness showing from time to time. Players like O'Shea,Lampard and Drogba( to name a few) did not look sharp and were coming in and out of he game

The referee chris foy foiled what would have been a good game. He foiled it. Double standards were shown when ManUtd were breaking and he stopped play to attend to an injured Michael Ballack and did not do the same when Evra was clearly fouled by Ballack himself. Terrible. I wouldnt disagree that Man Utd's second goal was offside but to me it was justice served for such terrible refereeing.Ferguson furious and rightly so. Ancelotti calm as ever and Evra steps up and its Chelsea's Shield

Evra has had a tough pre-season but his lack of assists and goals in his time in United seem to be affecting him. After all, his defending is very effective for United but Ferguson would need his wing backs to contribute more in attack with the loss of Ronaldo. It is probably why Evra has been asked to take penalties in the last 2 games and his terrible misses vs Huangzhao Greentown did not help.

DId Chelsea deserve it? Did United deserve it? I think a draw was a fair result but Chelsea may have won this battle but the war is very much still on

It Finally Begins...and our Weekends are Saved!

This harks the beginning of entertaining weekends again. Finally! Formula 1 honestly just isnt a suitable substitute.

This year, Manchester United are pitted against rivals Chelsea and while the match is considered a friendly on paper, there is much pride at stake and this year, the match seems to hold more tension to it. The performances would mark the pace, desire and hunger of the winner and it will be a show for the competition out there, stating the intentions of the respective teams. And i say, "Let the show Begin!"

Manchester United will be going into the match with a bit of a crisis at the back. No. 1 goalkeeper is out injured and Ferguson will have a selection headache choosing from the 2 excellent backups. I believe that Foster will get picked. Wes Brown's curse has returned to haunt him once again and Vidic is still out. That leaves Evans and O'shea to deputise and this would be an area that CHelsea would hope to capitalise on. In the other departments, UNited are looking really sharp with their attackers in good form and the youngsters making contributions in pre season.

Chelsea are looking as stable as ever at the back and with their captain Terry highlighting his desire to remain with the london club, they couldnt be stronger at the back. Their addition of Yuri Zirkov will adda new attacking dimension as with Ancelotti's Diamond formation. But would Anelka and Drogba blend as well as Owen and Berbatov or Rooney? we shall find out tonight.

Our pick is on a game with 2,3 goals that would either go 2-1 either way or end with a draw. Whatever outcome after would be dependent on who lady luck wishes to favour.

In Wild Anticipation, We Await the Genesis of 09/10

"Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!"

Just like the highly charged start to a motor race, we here at SoccerCrazeee have been eagerly awaiting the commencement of the coming 09/10 season on the back of the post/pre season drama involving Real Madrid, Club talismans and a whole load of money that rivals economic stimulus packages.

We shall not gloss over what you already know about the transfer market soap operas, but we will now offer your our Guru's top picks for the coming season.

England.

The country with the best league in the world. But is it still? Following the departure of Liverpool maestro Xabi Alonso and Christiano Ronaldo to warmer climes, it seems to have lost much of its lustre. The only main action in the transfer market seems to be the Blue side of Manchester dangling juicy carrots in front of greedy soccer players only to have a few bites. Its a tad boring now aint it?

So anyway, the odds are for a transitioning Manchester United to gun for a 4th title win with fierce competition from Chelsea whose team are looking more established than last season. Liverpool honestly have lost too much quality and possess little depth. Imgine them without Torres or Gerrard, no bite eh?

Arsenal seem most vulnerable in the top 4 with limited experience in the side, but you never know with Wenger, he does have many rough uncut diamonds in his gradually maturing side. I am a keen admirer of his belief in youth, and it'll be interesting to see how Arsenal fend off the challenge from a Redknapp Tottenham with a stabilised squad eager to fulfill their billing as a strong team.
Man City honestly have a long way to go even though they have spent so much on so many. Would 150 grand a week really create miracles? There is only so much they could do and i would definitely enjoy their waste of money.

Lets also not forget about Villa and Everton to push for Europe. AT the other end, relegation battlers on my mind could be Hull City and the newly promoted sides. It'll be a stern test in the cauldron of fire where the gap between the Championship and Premier League is a very wide one.

Over to Spain.

Real Madrid have bought the world's stars from the major footballing countries to add to the already start-studded lineup that they had before. It'll be a mammoth task to manage all those egos but they would have high expectations to meet after their multi hundred million sprees on mortals. My bet is for Barcelona to retain their title while Real hopefully dont do themselves in.

In Italy,

Inter Milan and Juventus should fight it out for top spot while AC Milan try not to end up too low given their history and tradition of winning. Losing Kaka in a somewhat ageing team puts them at a severe disadvantage. We shall see how they fare domestically and in Europe.

Champions League Picks.

Our picks of the top teams in the Champions League would probably be the same as last year but i would not rule out Inter Milan in the final against Manchester United or Chelsea. Real Madrid are definitely serious contenders if their stars can gel together and operate as one. Im really keeping my fingers crossed for Manchester United's young stars.

Let up now await the kick off for the season opener which is the Charity Shield tonight.

A new beginning signals a new End

Let me first start with an apology as the soccercrazee team has been away from our computer for a bit but we are back... and hopefully our posts will be better than ever..

A new Season brings new challanges,hopes,aspirations,hunger and drive and most of all... romance of football..

But heres to last season

It would be wrong to talk about last season witholut the mention of barcelona. Oooh Ahh Catalonia they say. Sublime football and really they insulted the footballing fertinity without even breaking sweat. A class apart any other footballing team they were last season. Alas The champions league victory sealed it but one couldnt help wonder what made the difference. Samuel Eto'o's goals? Pep Guardiola's "Pep" talks? Xavi and Iniesta's brilliance or was it simply Lionel Messi?.. Thrashing teams with ease they waltzed into a soccer heaven people have dreamt of since 1999 but noone thoght possible. The treble.

But like a true fairy tale.. Eto'o gone. Real Madrid's anger shown by money splashing. Will it be this season?

The story of the year is undoubtably Wolfsburg. A Brilliant victory as bayern were collecting the best players in Germany, Wolfsburg went for class. Zaccardo and barzagli strongholding their defence. Once World Cup Champions I might add. The masterful Dzeko and the deadly Grafite in attack. Oh How Bosnia has risen. And players like Dejagah so promising and coming in the ranks where their less significiant players like Khedira seem masterful as well. Well earnt and best of all they have not committed a footballing sin by selling themselves like Supermodel whores. They built their status but kept their virgins away from the grasps of the real wolves howling to take the likes of Dzeko away.

Bayern have responded with great signings like Olic,Tymoschuk and Gomez but losing the likes of Lucio a great leader.Quietly teams around are also building slowly but surely this is becoming the most competitive league out there right now..

Manchester United. Champions of England. 3 in a row. Some say it was all Ronaldo. He was the saviour. Freekicks deft. last ditch goals but it takes 11 men to win a game. Nemanja Vidic consisted of another 12.A defender to take the plaudits he deserved it. Liverpool were at their best last season. Playing good football and taking chances and killing opposition and getting their defences sorted. Alonso was a masterful player and Gerrard found his new support striker role a marriage that was untried but oh so blissful..

United lost tevez and Ronaldo but with Valencia and Owen in have they made it up? With the lost of Xabi Alonso will Liverpool still be the same team as next season?But quietly some corner Chelsea are surely snickering and wondering when people will realise they have formed a team with the teamwork that the other 2 may not have come next season as they adapt to change..Man City's money? Can it buy the league or will Wenger's nursery kids upset money. I say this is a season where all the soccer myths will be unveiled..

Internazionale got the title last season in Serie A wothout much of a fuss. Italy is in turmoil and noone is rising up. At least not yet. They got the title without a story and with just Mourinho hogging headlines for his spats...

AC Milan are weakened. Juventus have remade a new team. Genoa, Fiorentina and Sampdoria hopeful but is it just to easy for Inter after the scandals. Money seems to be in their pockets and football has been for gajilion of years. For the sake of Serie A shake ups must happen..

Wad a season lets sit back for a new 1

Money Money Money...

Look at all that hype and fussReal Madrid is kicking up.
80 million pounds for Ronaldo (christiano), 65 million pounds for Kaka and more to come! Possibly 50 million for Ribery and 40 million for David Villa. How astronomical these figures are. Is this soccer my friends? It seems a bit like cattle trading to me.

For one thing, Ronaldo will not be no.1 freekick or penalty taker and he will be limited to a left wing role or at most as second striker. No more number 1 status. Money really does make the world go round. On the other hand, soccer seems to be the only industry that bucking the downturn trend and is in fact profitable. Maybe thats because its the only thing we cash strapped individuals are actually looking forward to now. But how i miss the days when loyalty was first for players and managers.

Clubs should be for the fans and not be owned toys for the rich!

BEST MANAGER 2008-2009

Our Winners for Best Midfielder 2008-2009 were as follows

1st place: Cristiano Ronaldo (MANUTD) - 45%

2nd place: Steven Gerrard (LIVERPOOL) - 36%

3rd place: Frank Lampard (CHELSEA) (By virtue of ACTIM) -9%

Hmm.. Intresting results. Seems that his current form may have influenced his win. Anyways thats done and now the winners for the best Manager 2008-2009. I have limited this one to those who exceeded expectations rather than anything else. This is how it goes:

1) Tony Pulis (Stoke) - They are in the BPL. They still are in the BPL. Holy cow.. They not goin at all!. Yup. He made Stoke into a fortress to go to and the hardest place to claim points from. Just ask Liverpool and Arsenal. His peculiar tactics like the Rory Delap throw it 1 is also somethin to entertain. Good job. and Good entertainment.

2) David Moyes (Everton) - Plagued by insecurity over his future at the start of the season. He rushed together a few buys in the last 5 days of the summer transfer windows and who did he get? Saha,Fellaini,Jacobsen etc.. All of whom are now important team players. Furthermore he saved the team in all its insecurity and brought them up to 5th boayed by a result vs ManUtd (1-1 draw). Surely deserved more. This manager is one of those you can truly respect. Kudos.

3) Roy Hodgson (Fulham) - Did a good job last season to keep them up and what did he do this term? 1 better. He made them a top 10 team for the first time in ages. Finally someone knows what to do with Al Fayed's money. Finally replaced Van der Sar with a brilliant Schwarzer and offloaded Bullard, an indisciplined and injury prone midfielder and rebuilt his squad to make a chance forthe all new Europa League. Kudos.

4) Harry Redknapp (Tottenham Hotspurs) - Juande Ramos was shite. Pure Shite. Bought an F load and sold the others. Harry shut up the F load and brought back the others. And from 20th they are now chasing Europa League places.Kudos to that. Beating Liverpool in that process is also a big point as only 2 have ever won there in the BPL this season.

5) Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) - This man wins everything all the time and anytime. Everyone less ManUtd fans must be sick of him. Won the BPL,World Club Cup, League Cup, FA cup unbeaten semifinalist, Champions League finalist and I heard he is submitting the team to play the martians next season.. Nuff said..



Vote on Crazee..

Auld lang sighhhhhhh

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ?

HELLL NO IF UR A GEORDIE!

for the first time in a looooong time one of the biggest clubs in English football are facing relegation. The last time was probabbly Blackburn rover's remarkable downfall. The factor that seemed to have been uniform for both this clubs was a certain Alan Sherer. He left..They fell..Hmmmm..talk bout a talisman

So dats prolli wad Ashley was thinkin when he put on Shearer to save the magpies from becoming maceroni pies.. rite.. well lets see what happens there ,like..

Hull,Sunderland and Boro.. ALL these clubs if u can remember were trying to get relegated for quite sum time now. and they r doing a good job. All 3 could not muster anythin last weekend and Sunderland, and their "Ricky Sbragia is beter than Keano" thoughts are fading. The lad could be rubbish for all i noe. Last weekend they shud have confirmed safety vs Portsmouth. I am stunned they lose a game against a few players like Armand Traore who just wanted to prove a point. No drive and a terrible team choice n selections. Chelsea this weekend could win them in 2nd gear but expect youngsters.

Boro, less Tuncay deserve to go down. Alfonso Alves has become a hate figure in my book and lets face it Mr Southgate was made to sell everyone else for him. The cattermoles,woodgates,schwarzer was not kept(Don ask me how come) and so on. Southgate made terrible replacement signings and either then Sanli I think they will still struggle vs West ham this weekend with their hungry loan signings like Kovac(wad a goal last weekend btw) and Stanislas and Tristan.

Hull have the easy task they say. ManUtd away. ManUtd nothing to play for. But seriozli. Even Utd's reserve team can surely win this. This boys drew with Everton in an FA cup semi and won the League cup! Gibson,rafael,tosic,macheda,welback,evans,Kuzczak. 4 of em are alreadi internationals. Plus Manucho the man for Hull's last known victory to man kind is unavailable. Ronaldo may even wanna a run out for golden boot.

Overall I expect Sunderland to stay but Hull may just offset Newcastle..lets wait n see...

MANCHESTER UNITED- CHAMPIONS 08/09

ONCE AGAIN MANCHESTER UNITED ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND

For those who missed the celebrations due to TV probs.. Heres a sampler:

Manchester United-Arsenal Celebration Premier League Winner
Uploaded by BradGX - Check out more sports and extreme sports videos.

KUDOS TO THE WHOLE TEAM AND GLORY GLORY MAN UTD AS THE REDS FO MARCHING ON ON ON ...to Rome.. and beyond?

:>:>

If ur free you might wanna check this out.. A bit of after partying:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXeVNTQT10I

The time is now.

Enough said. All eyes on whether United can retain the Legue title after some heart stopping breath taking moments. Its a classic United vs Arsenal match tonight with Arsenal trying to save themselves some dignity and United trying to maintain their glory. Let the match speak for itself. Seriously, nothing else matters for now.

So diz is it den?

Just a reminder to Tevez on why Berbatov is kinda 30millionish

The only significant thing that happened in terms of changing places in the league table was Newcastle putting one over their riverside neighbours and all of a sudden Geordies Believe. Hull are in shock but Hey! thats the BPL for u. Hull with aweful form recently are showing that they are genuine division 1 favourites. They will also be praying ManUtd have an easy run in versus Arsenal and Wigan in order as to survive their last game v them. Cue West ham v Sheffield Utd and West ham's last game v ManUtd

A Liverpool fan told me. "Hey I Think Utd will lose to City this week"

After a 3-0 win.. Liverpool for the 1000000th time this season thought.. My oh MY! we are top of the table we gonna win the league yadda yadda yabba dabaa doo.. den came Carlos Tevez. He decided he didn wanna end up playin for a team like Liverpool so went to a derby to prove a point. Boy o Boy did he prove a point. The arguement still stands. Is he worth 30mil. If u ask me. I think Berbatov was the focal point that day. Bringing defenders towards him as if he was about to show them a magic trick. As they observed his trickey he passes the ball to Tevez to score. That said I have always been critical of Tevez's lack of striker instincts but his har work and ability is unquestinable. Its just a matter of whether or not Ferguson needs him right now.

I said, " I think Liverpool may win this week..maybe even next...but OMG i don care as much as you do.."

Arsenal has their lives sucked by Utd. Now they r just lifeless souls who either go clubbing, think they are too good for the team, still have their manager change their diapers, and still atre under the illusion that they can play sexy football in diapers. All who watch em are ,thus, kinda paedophiles.

Talking bout Paedophiles, Chelsea did their job right. Came back from heartbreak to break young little hearts. They raped arsenal like horny cockroaches at the gabbage disposal place at Zirca on ladies night.

Lets see what happens next..

Man Utd not champions yet..nowhere close.. Arsenal and Hull are tough fixtures and Liverpool with the easy peasy lemon squeezy run in make this an intresting battle and I feel that Liverpool just might be able to.....be suckered into spending more by Rafa" I need more money" Benitez who apparently would onli like working with Bill Gates or the London mint. Torres after all cost him 2 million. and Aurelio,Arbeloa etc.. were 10 cents a pop. right...

BEST MIDFIELDER 2008-2009

First of all a big congratulations to Edwin Van der Sar who bagged the best Goalkeeping award. I guess beating records kinda did it for him. Here are the eventual winners:

1.Edwin Van Der Sar -Man Utd- (41%)

2.Mark Schwarzer- Fulham Fc- (16% by virtue of Actim index)

3.Jose Reina -Liverpool Fc - (16% by vitrue of Actim Index)

Kudos to all.

Now the time has come for the Best Midfield general in the league this year. A very close fight and hard to seperate them by Actim Index as many play improper amount of names but here are the deserving few:

1) Cristiano Ronaldo (ManUtd) - But of course the best player in the world. Gets it good for his "diving" antics but its usually just a case of sour grapes for a player so talented. Goalkeepers have tried diving like him to save his freekicks but to no avail. He has added more freekick techniques to his game and has become better as the season progressed. Not as good as the last but hey top scorer of the BPL from midfield is something huh?

2) Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - Liverpool's captain fantastic or their "get out of jail free" card. has rescued the team time and time again single handedly and has been a fan favourite for ages. Loyal and very hardworking he also has notched up a staggering 15 goals from midfield this season. Assists as well, this boy just loves his club.

3) Luca Modric (Tottenham) - This may surprise a few but after a shaky and terrible start to his season, he has clawed up the ACTIM charts with his brilliant assist rate and his knack for scoring goals. He seems to be getting better and better as the game goes on and the boy who rarely smiles may start smiling more next season if things go on like this.

4) Frank Lampard (Chelsea) - Hardly misses games and also wears his heart on his sleeve. Top of the midfielders ACTIM scores, this boy is Chelsea's MR. Reliable and has notched many a time crucial goals for the team. A player that is a role model to many he also wants to win the lot more than many in the league.His assists freekicks and corners have also been a massive influence fot the team.To think he was signed before Abramovich.

5) Stephen Ireland (Man City) - Captain Underpants here is whack. Seriously the boy is crazy but that probably what makes his so good this season. While his teammates were performing poorly expecting to be sold. He put on his fav undies and notched up goal after goal. A few neutrals that came to a game actually though he was Robinho. 30 million like play. Robinho can learn a thing or two. Rep of Ireland's best player since the o'shea and Robbie Keane era.If only he can keep his shooting shorts on..

6) Ashley Young( Aston Villa) - For the first half of the season he was undeniably the best midfielder/winger in the league. His crosses turned into goals. His pace was electrifying but he has died off like a china branded battery in the last quarter of the season. Has to work on his shooting and has proved wasteful. Not quite in the same class as the messis and Ronaldos but with a bit of work lets hope this boy does better. A victim of a team with little midfield options.

7) Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) - My oh my this boy has probably been the heartbeat of Liverpool this season. Soft spoken and underrated he has risen from the ashes to become a major strong point for Liverpool this season with his pinch perfect passing and his occasional love for scoring very important thunderous goals. One of the players that has make the BPL home. Truly.To think they wanted to sell him start of the season. kudos to the lad

Vote on crazeeeee......

Its not me.. Its my new German Accent

"Look MA! A trophy" - Ballack came in second in the German Accent competition. Finally proper silverware for the lad.

YA.. I mean Yesh, U she i mean seee i beensh learningsh german reshently and thush beensh ushing more ssh in my langusghe so pleashe try to forgive me.. Danke..

Firsht up we shall talk bout Mancheshter United Vs Mancashter Shitty. I mean Shitty.. ShSHHSHsHSHH CITY. Shorry. And I don mean Nicky Shorrey I mean Shorrey as In Shor..ah Shrew it.. I mean..Nvm.. Mancasheter Shitty is Away where they sheem to be shitty but in this game their in the same city..WOW! I didsh it I said Shitty..crapsh.. Battle between tradition and wealth. Both teamsh have shomething to play for above europe and the title. Pride. U Shee pride is what runsh derby games. I don mean derby county games I mean derby games. Derby County gamesh are just shad.Bashicly I am sho hoping for a good game with fireworksh and A United winsh. I hate Shitty I mean SHitty..demmit.. koz they just put the game is disrepute and Im a Utd fan. Mosthly koz their owners pee oil. Hopefully Ronaldo v Robinho turns up to be a battle but is important to note that the lasht time thish two met Rafael did a great job on robinho. Letsh hope for goalsh for thish one. United need goalsh jezt in cashe of a pointsh leveler wif Liverpool.

Arshanal play Chelshe. Arshavin'sh back and Arshanal are playing for pride if I think bout it. Adebayor will be hoping to get a goal while Bendtner may not be able to make it ash he hash plans at the opening of a new club in London.Kieran Gibbsh shtill in depresshion will one to show his worth vershus Cashley Cole,Malouda and friends. Esshien and Didier " I keel u ref,I make love wif Mourinho" Drogba will want revenge. Fire in the eyes of the two opponents. Sho much anger and frushtrathion over their mid week woes. There will be hunger. There will be frushtration and there will be Ballack who finished shecond plashe in a German accent competittion which took palsh last week againsht me. The judgesh shaid that she I mean she..nvm she wasnt relli winning material.

Wonderful ties like Evertonsh av Tottenhamsters. To ten hamsss htr..demit.. Diz is aweful People are gonna shay im biashed.Den there are mammoth ties like Hull vs Shtoke.zzzzzz Sorry I am confushed how the hellsh ish diz not a divishion 1 tie again . Speakin of Division 1 tiesh The devil himself will den bring some poor hell slaves to Watch Middleshbrough vershus Newcashtle. Hu should be No cash le come next season if relegated and Middlesbrough will be raishing funsh with a new Circush act that is driving rivershite.. I mean Rivershitee... (D'oh.. Nvm all teams from there are pretty shite anyways) wild. Yesh. The Alfonsho alvesh hit the back of the net trick. He will actually skore a goal every time 12 million ish raished againsht a choice div 4 reserve gk. Quite a godd return rate. But i got a bad feeling he'll missh still.

Am Shorry for my terrible Acshent. Don ashk me why but I just think all my lessonsh were worth it shince i can call Mancashter Shitty.

Shoccergundu as I am.

Out.

And the Reds go Marching On! On! On!

And the Final match up is out! Hot news! It wont be the widely predicted all English Final which is a replay of last season's final but it is going to be a mouth watering clash between the English and Spanish Champions. Spanish dazzle versus English grit and industry. Who will prevail?
Stay tuned for the Match of the season between FC Barcelona and Manchester United.

With an emphatic 4-1 aggregate win over teenage Arsenal, United have once again shown their European pedigree and domination. Early goals by Park and a Ronaldo sizzler stuck the nail in Arsenal's European coffin and swift counter attacking football sealed their fate in the 61 first min courtesy of Ronaldo and Rooney coupled with good work by Park. It was a pity that the referee made a harsh decision to send off Darren Fletcher causing him to miss the final. But that said, Man Utd have produced a vintage performance with all players on form and exposing a injury ravaged inexperienced Arsenal side. Van Persie had given them a consolation goal from the spot. Ronaldo was really impressive as he appeared all over the pitch to wreck havoc onto Arsenal. Wayne Rooney as always was a fantastic pain in Arsenal's behind. 3-1 to United and they are on their way to defending the title in Rome! And the Reds go Marching On! On! On!

Barcelone were very lucky to have made it through at the death with Iniesta cancelling out an excellent Essien goal early in the first half during injury time. Chelsea are majorly disappointed by the referee's blindness but in actual fact, they deserved to be in the final. After 2 superb displays against the free scoring Barcelona side, it was luck that undid them. But ot be frank, they wouldnt be in their position had they been more clinical in front of goal. That was something that United have finally found after 3/4 season and they are firm favourites to be the first team to retain the Champions League in its current form.

Lets stay tuned for an awesome final. Till then, do check back on Saturday for our weekend preview!

The Final Champions League Semi-Final

Alrighty folks, the long awaited 2nd leg of the Champions League Semi-finals are here and its now do or die for the 4 remaining teams in the competition. Barcelone face a trip to Stamford Bridge and im sure it'll be a tough away fixture. Based on what i saw the last match, it really looks like it would be a full on Barcelona assault or else it would be another all English final. (Boring!). Can the likes of Messi, Eto'o and Henry deal some damage to Chelsea? Following their 6-2 rout of local rivals Real Madrid, i think its highly possible. But we should not discount the quality in Chelsea's side. Terry, Lampard and Essien form the backbone of the Chelsea side that would surely do all they can to win it at home. Drogba, Malouda and Kalou would surely add the firepower to win it convincingly for Chelsea at home. So the big question remains, who will make it through? Barcelone just need to make it at least a 1-1 draw to qualify. The questions remain, the action is about to unfold.

In the more importantly regarded fixture here at Soccer Crazee, we see our pet team Manchester United travel to the Emirates where Arsenal are at their strongest. However based on the pretty one-sided first leg performance, this tie is Man Utd's to lose. They just needa remain focused, disciplined and try to kill off the game fast. Do not doubt Arsenal's potential, especially with live-wire Van Persie back. We can expect more end to end football which is characteristic of the long standing 115year rivalry between the sides. Do not discount the deep respect the two sides have built up in recent years for a mellow match. Arsenal can still twart Alex Ferguson's dream of being the first team to become back to back European Champions and the quest for the premier league glory coem the final game of the season.

One of the most exciting Champions League seasons is drawing to a close but the climax is just approaching. Any of the 4 teams here can still progress. But which two will be able to? Will it be another all English Final? Or would it be a replay of the same fixture last season? Could history remain? Or would it be another record in Sir Alex Fergie's CV? All will be made known over the next 50 odd hours. Stay tuned.

Relegation fight??? or too much courteous teams?

I tell you what this weekend that passed was about. It can be summarized in this talk between Portsmouth,Hull,Newcastle,WBA,Blackburn,Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

Boro : It seems we are in the relegtion zone

WBA: We live there

Newcastle: Oye! What am I doin here?

Portsmouth : Been a while but I think I feel at home here

Hull: Wow! I'm in the premier league!

Blackburn: We Inced I mean Inched our way here..

WBA : We usually take a train to and fro this league. Its called the yo-yo express.

Newcastle: Yea You guys are Shite

WBA: Oye.. Shut it Geordies! We may still survive

All: AHAHHAHAHHAHAHA.. You know how far away u guys are from safety

WBA: We live there

Sunderland: We kinda thought Keano was screwin us but I think we were wrong. Sbragia's quite a donkey

Hull: We are too poor to rent dressing rooms in away games. Phil Brown tends to give his HT teamtalks on the pitch

Boro: We had money. Den someone suggested we sign some Alfonso Alves dude

Hull: I say we deserve to go.. We'll lose this week

Sunderland: Same 'ere. We probably gonna go down to Ipswich next season and ask Keano stuff.

Blackburn: We got Big Sam.. We measured ourselves during his medical. Its big i tell you...

All:.....

Liverpool: Hey Little Sam is here with us.. But.. Holy shite u are right

Awkward silence

Newcastle: Aye! Anyway I don wanna go down!

Boro: Nah.. Yall are jez Shite But We will lose too. Touched by your self sacrifice there Hull and Sunderland.

Portsmouth: Hey we make it interesting. U guys dont fight. We will outdo you guys. We will not only lose. We will get hammered by Arsenal! HAH! So who gonna go down now?

Hull: Oooo BIG deal We will freakin lose to Villa.. After a gajillion years since they last recorded a win!

Boro: We got ManUTd. We will just turn up.

Sunderland: Everton are playing for Europe. We will give em what they want

Newcastle: You do that guys. We wanna stay here next season

All: But you guys are Shite!

WBA: haha.. yea u guys kinda bad

Newcastle stunned. Attempts to kill itself using a 5.56mm "Shearer Geordie" bullet.

Rest don give a rats ass..

Boro,Portsmouth,Hull,Sunderland : May the best team go down..

Man City: Your goin down in four minutes
Down in four Minutes
Your goin down in four minutes.

BlackBurn: Ah Shut it! We'll send Diouf there to spit on yea!!

WBA: HEy you guys selling Robinho?

BlackBurn: We all are diced. Sam Allardyced?..ahhaha

Awkward Silence

Boro: Southgate will steer us South.

Hull: We are in the Premier League!

Sunderland: Wonder if the boy Ferdico Macheda and Welback are available. HEck we want their whole reserve squad demmit. Div 1 will be easier

Portsmouth:Ill give you guys 10 bucks if you can name our current manager?

WBA: Cya next next season guys..Cya next season NEwcastle..BWahahhaaahha

Blackburn: We won the Premier league before you know

Awkward Silence

Its about time they start fighting more for their lives and less about giving each other hope. Worst performance by a relegation group in ages..