Real Madrid Vs. Lyon: Match Preview

The two former heavy weights of European Football come into the match with a very colourful history. Lyon have an excellent record against the Los Blancos and will be wanting to continue its unbeaten streak against them. Both teams come into the match with great momentum and form. Real Madrid won 4-1 against Real Betis where as Lyon beat Nancy 3-1. Gonzalo Higuain is in great form and scored a hat-trick over the weekend for the Spanish Giants. For Lyon, Brazilian Michel Bastos was the key man with 2 goals in their match against Nancy. With a brochure of draws and losses against Lyon, Real Madrid will be looking for a win this year against their bogey opponents in the continental league.
What awaits us is a big fixture with a history of fierce and fiery football.

Previous Historic Results:
2005-06 Season
Lyon 3-0 Real Madrid                Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon

2006-07 Season
Lyon 2-0 Real Madrid                Real Madrid 2-2 Lyon

2009-10 Season
Lyon 1-0 Real Madrid               Real Madrid 1-1 Lyon


Verdict: A action packed game awaits us with a guarantee of exceptional display of football by both sides. Hard to believe that Real Madrid haven't won the Champions League for 7 years now and haven't even made it to the Final 4 stage for an equally long period. Although keeping past results in mind, Real Madrid still look strong and the odds favour them to win this match against Lyon. 

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Historic Clashes

Feisty ones, they are

Manchester United and Liverpool F.C are two of the most successful football clubs in England today. Between them, they have won a total of a 118 honours- 60 for Manchester United and 58 for Liverpool.  Now, pit these two clubs against each other and what follows is the most gripping, nail biting, 90 minutes of football, ever. With both clubs hailing from North-West England, this fixture is known as the North-West Derby or the Lancashire Derby.

Manchester United veteran, Ryan Giggs, once said that Liverpool vs. Manchester United is probably the most famous fixture in English football. We couldn’t agree more. The North West derby is one of the most high profile derbies and is anxiously awaited all season.  Liverpool was definitely the dominant team in terms of the Liverpool - Manchester United rivalry in the 70s and for most of the 80s but it has been all Manchester United for the last 20 years. As the saying goes, he who laughs last, laughs loudest and there has been much laughter and frivolity coming out of Old Trafford at the expense of Liverpool.

This isn’t just another football match as both teams don’t try to win. They try to destroy each other completely. In his autobiography, Steven Gerrard said, "during 90 minutes of football, I want United to die." It’s only obvious then, that these 2 teams have been a part of some of the most memorable football clashes, ever.



FA CUP CLASHES


The 1977 FA Cup Final played on 21 May 1977 at Wembley Stadium, London,and was contested by Manchester United and Liverpool. Liverpool, having just won the league title, knew that winning this game would put them on course for a unique treble as they had the European Cup final to look forward to four days later. At the end of 45 minutes, neither team had managed to take the lead as the scoreboard read Liverpool 0- 0 Manchester United.5 minutes into the second half, Stuart Pearson opened the scoring when he latched onto a long ball forward and drove a hard shot past Ray Clemence. Liverpool equalised 2 minutes later as Jimmy Case turned and hooked a right foot half-volley into the top corner.  Unfortunately for Liverpool, their treble dreams ended when Jimmy Greenhoff scored for United in the 55th minute.

When the 2 sides met again in the 1996 FA Cup Final, United once again managed to emerge victorious as they beat Liverpool 1-0. Liverpool condeded a corner, which David Beckham swung into the box to be cleared by David James, only for Eric Cantona to fire home United's winner.

In 2006, when Liverpool played Manchester United in the 4th round of the FA cup, they won the match 1-0 with the only goal of the match coming from Peter Crouch. The same year, Liverpool went on to win the FA cup as they beat West Ham United in one of greatest finals of the tournament yet.




PREMIER LEAGUE CLASHES


On 26 March 1983, the two sides met for the Football League Cup final. Goals from Alan Kennedy and Ronnie Whelan won the game 2-1 for Liverpool, who collected the trophy for the third year in succession. Norman Whiteside scored United's consolation goal. It was the last of Liverpool manager Bob Paisley's nine seasons in charge (during which Liverpool had dominated the English and European scene) before his retirement, and his players allowed him to climb the 39 steps to collect the trophy from the Royal Box.

On 4 April 1988, Liverpool were 11 points ahead at the top of the league and almost certain of winning the First Division title with barely a month of the league season remaining. United, in their first full season under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, were their nearest rivals. The two sides took to the field for a league encounter at Anfield and with the second half just minutes old the home side had a 3-1 lead with goals from Peter Beardsley, Gary Gillespie and Steve McMahon, with United's only goal coming from Bryan Robson. Robson then pulled a goal back for United, and with 12 minutes remaining fellow midfielder Gordon Strachan equalised to force a 3-3 draw.

Nearly six years after this clash, Anfield was the scene of another 3-3 draw in the league between the two sides, only this time it was the home side who climbed back from the jaws of defeat. On 4 January 1994, in the second season of the new FA Premier League, United took a 3-0 lead at Anfield in the opening 25 minutes with goals from Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin. Liverpool managed to claw back to draw 3-3 with two goals from Nigel Clough and another from Neil Ruddock. It was one of the last games in charge of Liverpool for manager Graeme Souness, who had resigned by the end of the month.

On 1 October 1995, United's Eric Cantona made his comeback to the side after serving an eight-month suspension for attacking a spectator in a game against Crystal Palace. His comeback game was against Liverpool in the Premier League at Old Trafford. United took an early lead through Nicky Butt, only for Liverpool's Robbie Fowler to score twice and give the visitors a 2-1 lead. However, United were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute and Cantona converted it successfuly, forcing a 2-2 draw.

On 14 March 2009, the two sides met at Old Trafford in the Premier League. United were ahead at the top of the league and Liverpool were looking to make a late run to the title which had eluded them since 1990. United went ahead in the 23rd minute with a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty, but Fernando Torres equalised five minutes later for Liverpool, and a Steven Gerrard penalty just before half time put Liverpool in the lead. United had NemanjaVidić sent off in the 76th minute, and their misery was swiftly confounded by late goals from Fabio Aurelio and finally Andrea Dossena, condemning them to a 4-1 defeat - their heaviest at Old Trafford in any competition for 17 years.However, United managed to finish the season as league champions for the third season in succession,with Liverpool finishing second.

The teams last met at Anfield, on 6th March 2011, in the Premier league. Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick fired Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Manchester United. Although, United did manage to score a goal in stoppage time, the home crowd barely noticed and the visitors returned, greatly humbled.

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United now has the feeling of a big brother – little brother. It's personal, it's tense and it always ends in tears for someone. The stakes are high between the teams as they always put it on the line against each other.

Financial Fair Play: The Complete Picture.

UEFA supremo Michel Platini's plan to implement the Financial Fair Play has been approved by majority of the UEFA and FIFA body members. In layman's language, Financial Fair Play is a plan to make "rich" clubs live within their means and not to spend more than they actually generate in an accounting year. This plan does not stop clubs from spending huge amounts of money in the transfer market but rather limits them to spending that sort of money which the club has generated in revenue. FFP was born out of Michel Platini's desire to curb the spending of many clubs and also to provide a fair financial platform for the 660 clubs playing in 53 divisions of Europe.

Key Points of FFP:
* Three years to ‘break even’
* Clubs will be able to record maximum losses of £39.5m before 2014.
* From 2014 to 2017, the overall permitted loss will fall to £26.3m.
* Owners cannot bail clubs out of debt with personal wealth.
* Clubs could face exclusion from Uefa competitions in 2014-15.
* Newly-created Club Financial Control Panel to ensure rules are abided by.


Clubs likely to be affected (Key Reason):

1. Chelsea Football Club (Spending Habits).
2. Manchester United (High Debts).
3. Manchester City (Spending Habits).
4. Barcelona (Spending Habits and Low Sponsor Income).

Real Madrid are not likely to be affected as they have the highest revenue and spend only a fraction of that amount to buy new players and pay player salaries.

The organization that will head and implement this plan is called the Club Financial Control Panel. This panel consists of 8 members and is headed by former Belgium Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene.

Clauses:
1. The transfer fee will not be included as a lump sum, and will be distributed over the years of the contract that the player has signed.
2. The Fair Play comes into action in the 2013-14 season as of now, therefore giving all clubs ample time to rectify their account books.
3. Clubs do not need to spend till a certain limit. All they need to do is match their balance sheets at the end of the season.
4. Many clubs have signed "big" sponsorship deals which give them a big revenue which can be used to buy players. Clubs can sign "deals" with their parent companies or companies with which their owners have good connections. For example, Manchester City signed a multi-million pound deal with Etihad, whose owners are relatives of the owners of Manchester City.

Liverpool and Manchester United: The bloody red rivalry

Charles Darwin once prophesized that the struggle for supremacy is and will always remain a vital part of human evolution. Well, it is no different in the North-West region of England.  If there’s any fixture that can get as fierce and feisty as La Liga’s El Classico, it’s the North West Derby. Two clubs that define English football, two clubs that have completely dominated the history of English football, go head-to-head in a gripping clash at Anfield. A rivalry of the ideologies, economies, cultures and pretty much everything that separates the two cities. A rivalry so intense that players and managers, alike, get goosebumps by the mere mention of it. A fixture where heroes are made, a fixture where one mistake makes you the villain in the eyes of your own fans.  Let’s rewind back in time, highlighting some of the historic moments that shaped the rivalry.


The root of all the hatred
Believe it or not, it was the industrial revolution (YES, that’s right) that ignited the fire of the hatred that know burns brightly in the heart of every Scouser and Manc. During this time, both were competing with each other for supremacy of the north-west, with Manchester famous for its manufacturing prowess while Liverpool was famous for the importance of its port. Once the Manchester Ship Canal was built, ships could bypass Liverpool and transport goods directly into Manchester. The Ship Canal was an audacious project and upon completion in 1894 it was the longest man-made ship canal in the world. The Ship Canal meant less dues for Liverpool merchants which consequently resulted in job losses at the Port and resentment from the local people of Liverpool. Furthermore, the crest of Manchester United includes a ship representing the Manchester Ship Canal and reflects Manchester's trade roots. Fascinating.


Football adds the fuel to the fire
The best way to test the real extent of human friendship- pit them against each other on a football pitch. With the title of “The Greatest English Football Club” at stake, the already existent foe-lationship got even fiercer. The domination of English football can be represented by a sinusoidal wave, with Liverpool dominating the scene in the 1970s and 1980s winning the league 11 times and the European Cup 4 times. Manchester United’s period of domination began with the introduction of a certain Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986 and has continued till now. Since then, they have won the league title a record twelve times, a European Continental treble (European Cup, the Premiership and the FA Cup) in 1999, two domestic doubles and The European Double of the Premier League and European Cup in 2008.

The teams have met in four major cup finals; the FA Cup in 1977 and 1996, and the League Cup in 1983 and 2003. Both the clubs have shared the spoils, with United winning both FA Cup final meetings in pulsating encounters, and Liverpool coming out on top in the League Cup meetings.


Public Display of Emotions
The players and managers of both teams definitely do not have the word diplomacy in their dictionaries. Their emotions which include, mostly bitterness and despicableness, come out in all forms, be it chants, quotes, banners or gestures.

• With Manchester United winning a record-breaking 19th title this season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous comment comes to mind
   “My greatest challenge is not what’s happening at the moment, my greatest challenge was  knocking Liverpool right off their f**king perch. And you can print that.”

• In 1994, after a thrilling 3-3 encounter between the two, the Kop unfurled a banner that read "Au revoir Cantona, come back when you've got 18 titles". United fans did not forget this. 15 years later, when United equaled Liverpool’s record of 18 league titles, they travelled to Anfield with Cantona masks and beach balls (Mocking the infamous beach ball goal Liverpool conceded against Sunderland)

• Wayne Rooney, being an Everton Youth Academy product, hasn’t refrained from publicly expressing his hatred for the red half of the Merseyside .
  
•  Liverpool’s very own Mr.Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, in one of the documentaries, pointed out that that there were no Manchester United shirts in his collection and that he would never have one of them in his house. Gerrard wrote in his autobiography– “during 90 minutes of football, I want United to die.”

• It got really ugly at times too.
  Kop fans openly mocked the Munich air tragedy in their chant:

“Who's that lying on the ruuunway? Who's that lying in the snow? It's Matt Busby and the boys, making all the fucking noise, cause they couldn't get the aeroplane to go! “

United fans decided to take revenge with their own chant ridiculing the Hillsborough tragedy:

“Who's that choking on their vomit? Who's that turning fucking blue? It's a scouser and his mate, crushed behind the Hillsborough gates, and they won't be singing Munich anymore!”

• In 2006, when a late Rio Ferdinand header gave United a bitter victory over their rivals, Gary Neville celebrated by kissing the United badge right in front of the Kop fans and shouting profanities at them. While Jamie Carragher publicly criticized Neville’s actions and claimed that he ‘crossed the line’, United fans regarded this as an act of loyalty and sang to the tune of ‘London Bridge is falling down’:
  
  “Gary Neville is a red, is a red, is a red. Gary Neville is a red. He hates Scousers!”

The 30-mile journey that can’t be made

The rivalry is so intense that there has been no direct transfer between the two clubs since Phil Chisnell, who joined Liverpool from United way back in 1964. In 2007, Liverpool approached United with a bid for Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze and the player had publicly opened the doors for the move. The fans regarded this as an insult to the club and Heinze became a target of hatred. Sir Alex blocked the move and the Argentine was eventually sold to Real Madrid.


The two clubs have arguably the most overwhelming fan-base across the globe , which makes the rivalry global, so it won’t be surprising if you see an Asian United fan and an African Kop fan arguing away to glory. The passion the fans have for their club, it freaks some people out. They take the insults and criticisms personally. Two of my best friends are Liverpool supporters and we manage to remain at peace thanks to an agreement which bans all forms of banter.

-Sagar Malik

Football Finesse Feature: Kilian Jacquet

Football Finesse got the opportunity to have a virtual tete-a-tete with Belgian under-19 prodigy, Kilian Jacquet. He plays for the Belgian club S.V. Zulte Waregam, based in Waregam, West Flanders.  His strengths include a pair of lightning-quick feet. His talent caught the eye of Nike scouts and he subsequently did videos for them. His passion for the game is evident in the fact that he’s the first one on the field and the last out. His speed, coupled with his dedication makes him a deadly prospect for the Belgian National Team. His motto in life is “Multiple workouts. Lots of pain. A few chances. One dream”

(Woah, that’s some deep shit)

We got the chance to ask him a few questions:

FF: What position suits you the best?

KJ: Left-mid, Left Wing and Left-attacking mid.

FF: Which club do you support?

KJ: Real Madrid

FF: So La Liga over the Premier League?

KJ: No, Premier League.

FF: What is your favourite team in the Premier League?

KJ: Chelsea 

(Hm, Madrid AND Chelsea. Interesting)

FF: Which player do you regard as your inspiration?

KJ: Cristiano Ronaldo

(Wait a second. Chelsea, Madrid AND Ronaldo. Tarun, we’ve found your Belgian soul-mate )

FF:  Besides Ronaldo, which other player do you like?

KJ: Sergio Aguero.

FF: Would you rather sit on the bench and win trophies or play first-team football trophy less?

KJ: Try to play good enough to one day win trophies in that team where one would normally sit on the bench. 

(Cesc Fabregas Version 2.0)

FF: Who is the best player that you have played against?

KJ:  I’ve played with and against Romelu Lukaku, he’s amazing. I also had the chance to play with Thorgan Hazard, Eden’s brother.

Football Finesse wishes you the best and tips you to make it big.

Check out his videos, the guy’s got skills.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kilian-Jacquet-The-chance/133208350048573?sk=videos


Interviewed by: Karan Prabhakar

Female Football Fanaticism: 'Cause We Love Alliterations

Every football fanatic has a football story. A chance event that works pretty much the same way as the cliché ‘Love at first sight’. My football story involves my dad’s trophy cabinet, the FIFA World Cup ’06 and the Red Devils.

In the summer of 2004, as I rummaged through the storage room looking for an old book, I came across a box of old trophies. Cups, medals and shields that belonged to my dad. My dad, the football captain. I’d never heard these stories so, surprised, I raced to my dad and asked him. His stories were the beginning, the first chapter, of my affair with the most beautiful game in the world.  The weekend was never the same from that day on.  As I watched match after match of the English Premier league, my dad, sitting beside me, would patiently explain red cards, free kicks, the offside rule and penalties.  I began to understand the game, admire the players and before I knew it, I was in love.  My favourite thing about the game, I quickly realised, is the adrenaline rush, the excitement when the ball rushes into the goalpost. Since then, I’ve never been able to watch a match sitting down.  

Among the things that have moulded my love for football, the world cup in 2006 would be pretty high up on the list.  I have never waited for anything quite like I waited for the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup ’06. This was something special. This was the entire world coming together to celebrate their love for football. Every match built up to a final that I will never forget. France were tied with Italy, 1-1, with goals from Zidane and Materazzi and at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, both sides had failed to score the winning goal. ET produced no further goals and a penalty shootout followed. I cried myself hoarse each time the ball hit the net and when Trezeguet missed, I danced and rejoiced with Italy as they lifted the Cup. Football, the World Cup taught me, is a way of life. It’s the feeling of exultation as your club or country wins a match. It’s the feeling of disappointment and heartbreak when they, when we, lose. It’s who we are. Now I knew, it’s also who I am.

The last link in my story is a 3 minute video I saw on youtube. A clip of the 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich held at Camp Nou, Barcelona. 3 minutes and my heart belonged to M.U.F.C. At the end of 90 minutes, the score was Bayern Munich 1-0 Manchester United. The Cup was theirs, BM knew. Europe was theirs, they were sure. 3 minutes of IT changed it all. Ryan Giggs’ right-footed snap-shot was weak and poorly struck, but it went straight to Sheringham, who swiped at the shot with his right foot, and nestled the ball in the bottom corner of the net. The goal was timed at 90:36. The stadium erupted into chants of “Glory, Glory Man United” and the supporters knew that now, United had a fighting chance. Less than 2 minutes later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer poked the ball into the roof of the Bayern goal for United to take an astonishing lead. The scoreboard now read Bayern Munich 1- 2 Manchester United. At the end of IT, Peter Schmeichel, alongwith SAF, raised the trophy and Manchester United claimed their second European Cup title. This was the most amazing game of football I’d ever seen and I knew right then, I’d wear the colour red, forever, with pride.

This is my football story. Why I love football. And I write a little more of it with every single match I watch. 

Guest Writer: Maanya Sachdeva

Liverpool: No Europe this year. A boon or bane?

After 12 consecutive years Liverpool have missed out on European action finishing 6th in a season of lot of highs and lows.

Lows being the finishing position in the premier league and change of successive managers in Roy Hodgson and the much-loved King Kenny , but after the much needed takeover by the American Sports corporation (FSG - Feneway sports group ) Liverpool have gone and acquired some great players in Stewart Downing , Charlie Adam , Jordan Henderson , Craig Bellamy , Jose Enrique , Alexander Doni and Sebastian Coates . They also did a very good job in losing all the dead-wood who were sitting on high wage bills like Milan Jovanovic , Joe Cole , Christian Poulsen , David N'gog among others.

But after the much needed re-investment in the squad, expectations are very high. A top four position is absolutely necessary as stated by John .W. Henry as he says and I quote " If Liverpool do not finish in the top four I will consider this season as a failure"

As usual there are pro's and con's of not being involved in Europe:

Pro's
1. Liverpool can concentrate on the premier league and Cup-runs. Its been more than 5 years Liverpool have won any trophy the last being the FA cup in 2006 so it would be a good season if they finish in the top four and win the FA or the Carling cup.

2 .Liverpool will play less games compared to their rivals of top four. The champions league games, played in the midweek, will be a boon to the team from the Merseyside as their rivals' teams players will get tired and play at least 6-19 more games than them.

Cons. 
1. All players playing for a club like Liverpool expect European action so it is absolutely necessary to finish in the top four this season. Liverpool fans will never forget why the infamous Fernando Torres left the club for Chelsea only for Champions League action and they are certain that they do not want any others to follow him out the door.

2. Champions League/Europa League gives a club lot of revenue in terms of marketing and sponsors. It is believed 20 million Pounds are generated if a club is playing in Champions league from sponsors , this can be a lot of money for almost every club except the Treating-Money-Like paper Club Manchester City.

3. Not being in Europe means you cannot attract big names. Liverpool spent 35 Million pounds on Andy Carroll , we could have spent that on someone named Sergio Kun Agureo But the only reason we did not is that we knew he would not come the a club who is not involved in European action also that he is a little bit greedy but who cares.

So this season is absolutely vital for Liverpool , having a very good, premier league experienced squad and a great manager in King Kenny. Liverpool need to finish in the top four so that no player demands to leave the club and they can attract bigger names for the upcoming season , not forgetting the extra revenue to handle the exceeding wage demands of modern players.


Contributed by our Guest Writer: Naman Malik.

Match Analysis: Blackburn Rovers Vs. Arsenal

Blackburn and Arsenal, both, came into this game after a series of horrendous performances at the start of the season. Both were desperately looking for a win. Blackburn played Fulham last and drew the match 1-1. Arsenal, also, drew mid-week against German Champions Borrusia Dortmund, 1-1.

Arsenal started the match on a positive note, on the 10th minute mark, with Alex Song playing a beautiful through ball for Gervinho who scored his first goal for the Gunners. New signing Yakubu scored in the 25th minute to make it 1-1. With new signings scoring for both teams, Mikel Arteta could not stay quiet and added another goal for Arsenal on the 34th minute mark. Thereafter, Arsenal's misery started and after the half time, Yakubu, who some claim was offside, added another to make it 2-2 for Rovers in the 59th minute. A Koscienly own-goal in the 68th minute added to Arsenal's problems and Blackburn were now in the driving seat till the 85th minute when Morrocan International Marounne Chamakh scored a powerful header across Paul Robinson to give Arsenal a ray of hope. Chamakh, then missed a chance in the last minute of injury time and thus Arsenal lost 4-3 away to Blackburn Rovers.

Statistics:
Ball Possession: Blackburn Rovers      39% - 61%    Arsenal.
Shots (on goal):   Blackburn Rovers      8(4) - 23(9)   Arsenal.
Corners:                Blackburn Rovers      2 -12             Arsenal.


Verdict:
Arsenal's misery continues even after making so many signings. Although, Gervinho and Arteta scored, the team still lacked chemistry and the defence was unstable even with the presence of Per Mertasacker. Arteta played well and created many chances but the strikers were not at their best and therefor failed to finish. Blackburn Rovers' manager Steve Keane has been given a lifeline by Yakubu and Koscienly (his own-goal and defence helped Blackburn win). His dismissal was imminent before the match but this result may just prove to be a new beginning for him. Venky's owners showed their full support towards Steve Keane after the match and hailed a new start to Blackburn's season. Coming back to the Gunners, Arsene Wenger should be promoted to Director of Football and a new manager should be brought in. Arsenal, who finished 4th last season, are now in danger of finishing outside the top 7 due to competition from Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, who all are playing really well at the moment. Arsenal have lost all their confidence and need a new lease of life if they want to get some results this season. A total change in the team's dynamics and a new outlook can help the Gunners get the desired results. On the other hand, Blackburn now have 4 points from their last 2 games and the future looks somewhat bright if they continue to play like they did today.

Final Score: Blackburn Rovers 4-3 Arsenal.

Match Preview: Manchester United vs Chelsea

Clash of the Titans

2004- The last time a club other than Manchester United and Chelsea lifted the Barclays Premier League trophy. For 7 years now, the two clubs have been dominating English football.. If there had to be an 'El Classico' in the Premier League, it would undoubtedly be this fixture. A packet of controversial goals, a handful of physical battles, a pinch of poor refereeing decisions, one teaspoon of red cards and half a dozen ban-inviting post-match comments- all the ingredients to a typical Manchester United-Chelsea match. Stir well. It's too early to be called a title-decider, but it is surely the biggest fixture of the season so far.

Let's look at the individual battles that will make this match an irresistible one:

Sir Alex Ferguson vs Andre Vilas-Boas
AVB was nine-years old when Alex Ferguson was appointed United's manager. Whilst one has built a Red empire, the other is leading a Blue revolution. An away trip to Old Trafford is always the biggest test for a new manager and the ever-so-patient Roman Abramovich will be watching the clash somewhere and it is AVB's headache to turn that trademark sulk into a smile. SAF has been 'out-managed' by a Portuguese-from-Porto-who-won-in-Europe-and-came-to-Chelsea before, remember the Special One?

Nani vs Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole, who is heavily involved in all of Chelsea's build-ups, certainly won't have the liberty to do that today as a skillful Portuguese man will be waiting to have a go at him in the wings. It will be an amazing contest to watch.

Wayne Rooney vs John Terry
The Premier League top-scorer averaging 2 goals a game, has been Roo-thless in front of goal and will pounce on any momen-Terry lapse of concentration from his English team-mate. But if a team can contain Wayne Rooney at the moment, it is Chelsea. There are only a few better than John Terry when it comes to organizing a defense, which was probably the reason why he was rested in mid-week against Leverkusen.

Chris Smalling vs Juan Mata
The winger has already scored two goals for Chelsea and is in red-hot form at the moment. Chris Smalling has been doing reasonably well at right-back and it will be interesting to see how he handles the Spanish wing-wizard. Will he end up being a devotee of the Mata or will he be able to keep him quiet?

Facts-inating:

• Man Utd have averaged fewer points per game at home against Chelsea than against any other opponent (1.47) and are the only team they have a lower than 50% win percentage against (37%)
  
• Wayne Rooney has scored nine goals in his last five Premier League starts. Ashley Young has a joint-high four goal assists in the Premier league this season. Man Utd have set a new Premier League record of 17 consecutive home wins.
  
• The last three Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Man United all ended 2-1.
  
• Man United have scored with 30% of their shots this term. The Premier League average is 11%.
  
• Chelsea have won more Premier League games at Old Trafford (five) than any other team.
  
• Man Utd have scored in their last 32 consecutive matches at Old Trafford in the Premier League, winning 30 and losing just one of those matches. The solitary defeat was against Chelsea in April 2010.

Odds:

Man United (1.83)

Draw (3.50) 

Chelsea (4.50)

Wayne Rooney to score a third consecutive Premier League hat-trick is priced at 23.00.

Benfica vs Manchester United: Match Report

Still Hungry: Tearing you apart since 1991

               
Satisfactory- The word that best describes this result for the Manchester United team and fans. Some may see this as an important point earned, while others may consider as 2 points dropped. According to me, it's the former as Benfica are in great form at the moment and this was, without a doubt, the toughest group fixture for United. Sir Alex Ferguson had fielded a much-changed side from the one that ripped Bolton to pieces on Saturday, EIGHT changes to be precise. Anders Lindegaard in goal, a five-man midfield, no Ashley Young in the squad and the new away blue kit- it was a match of the firsts for United this season. Let's summarize the 'Positives'  and the 'Concerns' for the English champions after the match:

Concerns:

Central Midfield
For the first time this season, Fergie played a 5-man midfield with Valencia, Park, Giggs, Fletcher and Carrick- going for experience rather than youth. The first half saw Benfica bossing the midfield around, with Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs and even Park uncharacteristically giving the ball away way too easily. Carrick made stupid tackles that could've cost United.

Johnny in Sixes-and-S(Evans)
Nicolas Gaitan provided the assist with a ball from the outside of his foot finding Cardoza who was given the time to turn away from Johnny Evans after chesting the ball down brilliantly, as he fired the shot past Lindegaard. Evans should've done better. Rio Ferdinand did not travel with the team and it was Evans and Smalling in central defence as Fabio played right-back.

Perfection no more
After an impeccable start to the domestic campaign, the expectations from United were sky-high and the Red Devils would've wanted to start their European quest with an excellent away win. Sigh. It wasn't a bad result but had they won this match, their confidence ahead of the crucial Chelsea match would've been at an all-time high.

Positives:

New man Gaarding the goal
Arguably the biggest outcome of the match for United was the emergence of Anders Lindegaard. The Big Dane had an impressive game and has certainly given Sir Alex something to think about in terms of goalkeeping options. Although SAF claimed that it will be David de Gea in goal against Chelsea in the post-match interview, he will surely reward Lindegaard in the future by giving him more game-time in important matches.

Ryan-Oh-Ryan
All those who thought Ryan Giggs is done were made to think again. The only thing that suggests he is 37 years old is the grey hair around the temples. His left-foot screamer saw him breaking yet another record- Scoring a goal in the most number of seasons (16), eclipsing Raul (15). He has proved that he is still a crucial member of the squad and it's not just emotional attachment to the club that is forcing him out of retirement.

Resilience
Even though they had an awful first-half, they literally turned things around by cancelling out a 24' strike with a 42' one. They probably got the hair-dryer from Fergie at half-time, based on their improved second-half performance. While most of the people think they sucked, the away side had 62% of the possession.

Internazionale Vs. Trabzonspor Match Report

Internazionale: Julio Cesar, Andrea Ranocchia, Lucio, Yuto Nagatomo, Jonathan, Esteban Cambiasso, Joel Chukwuma Obi, Javier Zanetti, Wesley Sneijder, Giampaolo Pazzini, Mauro Zarate.

Trabzonspor: Tolqa Zengin, Arkadiusz Glowacki, Remzi Giray Kacar, Marek Cech, Ondrej Celustka, Didier Zokora, Gustavo Colman, Alanzinho, Sertkan Balci, Henriques Paulo, Halil Altintop.


Gian Piero Gasperini did not field a very strong side and this was visible in their performance. Defence, as mentioned in the preview, was weak and scattered, it was totally unorganised and the team as a whole was very disoriented. Strikers were useless and missed a lot of chances. Statistically speaking, Inter had 19 shots and failed to convert even 1 of those chances into goals. Possession was almost equal with the Italians keeping the ball for 52% of the total time. A weak defence, alongwith a unfamiliar attack, was the main reason for their embarrasing 0-1 loss at home to Champions League minnows Trabzonspor.

Coming to the Turkish side, they played decently and had 1 shot on target out of a total of 7 shots. Ondrej Celustka was on the scoresheet with a 76th minute goal. Halil Altintop shot from 12 yards and hit the woodwork before Ondrej Celustka slotted home a late winner for the Turkish team.

A high-intensity game, a total of 6 yellow cards were shown to players from both teams. A good win and a morale booster for Trabzonspor, whereas Gesperini continues to get unwanted results and is in danger of losing his job after only 2 competitive matches.

Verdict:
A good win for the Turkish side. This win and a few home wins could help them advance to the next round of this coveted trophy. However, Inter still look a little unstable and need some changes and a new outlook if they are to win matches in the future. Old players of Inter should now retire and make way for new players in the same way as Manchester United. A new approach should be used for every game and the team chemistry should be restored by a new managerial team.

Final Score Internazionale 0-1 Trabzonspor.

Dinamo Zagreb Vs. Real Madrid Match Report

Dinamo Zagreb: Ivan Kelava, Tonel, Domagoj Vida, Luis Ibanez, Jerko Leko, Adrian Calello, Milan Bardeli, Matio Kovacic, Ivan Tomecak, Ante Rukavina, Sammir.

Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria.



A 10-men win over Dinamo Zagreb away from home is a good start to Madrid's continental campaign. Both teams played exceptional football and the match was of high-intensity with around 36 shots in total, Madrid shooting 2/3rd of them. 59% ball possession by the Los Blancos was a high for the team as they usually tend to have lower possession than their opponents. Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho saw the game from the stands as he has been banned from the touchline. The game started on a high note with both teams making chances but failing to convert them into goals. Ivan Kelava, Dinamo's goalkeeper, made 10 outstanding saves and had an amazing game. Marcelo, the Brazilian wing-back, was sent off after two successive yellows cards, of which one was for diving ( Brazilian wing-backs are known for this trait ).

It was a rough game as 1 red card and 3 yellow cards were shown to the players and Cristiano Ronaldo had to get stitches on his ankle after being tackled by (Jerk)o Leko. Ante Rukavina came close to getting his name on the scoresheet when he chipped the ball but it landed straight into Casillas's hands.
Although the game could have gone either way, Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria made most of his chances and grabbed a goal in the 53rd minute. A beautiful goal by the techincally gifted winger who send the ball into the top left corner.
Lots of missed chances on the catalogue is a concern for both teams who should have finished them with ease given their attacking prowess.

Verdict:
All in all, a good match with lots of shots and misses. Real Madrid should convert these chances if they want to go ahead and win the Champions League. Dinamo Zagreb on the other hand played well and keeper Ivan Kelava was their best player. He should be taken seriously as he can stop big players from scoring goals. All the best to both teams for their future group fixtures.

Final Score: Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Real Madrid.

Champions League Preview: Internazionale Vs. Trabzonspor

Internazionale have had 3 managers and an unstable period since The Special One, Jose Mourinho, left the club for Read Madrid. Rafa Benitez, Leonardo and now Gian Piero Gaspirini have come close to achieving what the Portugese did during his tenure with the I Nerazzurri. Under a new manager, Inter did not perform really well in the friendlies and lost their first Serie-A match to Palermo 4-3. Transfer victim Wesley Sneijder did not leave the club and is an imporant asset for the team who could turn things single-handedly. Goal-Machine Samuel Eto'o left the club for Russia and Giampaola Pazzini is unfit as of now but may feature in the European clash. Although with the addition of Diego Forlan and current form of Diego Milito, the team look strong on the attacking front but the team chemistry has broken down due to successive managerial changes. Veteran players are now older than ever and should retire immediately. Young players should be bought to give the team a new dimension. Coming to the team from Turkey, Trabzonspor are now serious title contenders in their domestic league and have had a good pre-season along with a great last season. With the likes of Paulo Henrique andTeofilo Gutierrez, the team can pose a threat to former champions Inter Milan. Not much can be said about the team from Turkey as they have had not made any big signings and have not created any news in a long time for their performances on the field. Although, they can be a team that can cause an upset at home against big teams due to their big fan following in their native land. Having drawn their first match in the domestic campaign, Trabzonspor are only known for their strikers and their defence is not one to be applauded. Burak Yilmaz, their in-form striker, could score a goal or two and will be a player to watch out for. Wishing the Italian and Turkish side all the best for their respective domestic and continental campaigns.


Men To Watch:
Internazionale: Diego Forlan, Andre Rannochia, Wesley Sneijder.
Trabzonspor: Paulo Henrique, Teofilo Gutierrez, Burak Yilmaz.

Odds:
Internazionale 1.27
Draw 4.55
Trabzonspor 8.00

Prediction: Internazionale 3-1 Trabzonspor.
Diego Forlan should be on the score sheet given his hunger for goals. On the other hand you could expect a goal from the Trabzonspor because of Inter's defensive problems.

Champions' League Preview: Benfica vs Manchester United

I, had the form of my life, and I've never felt this way before
and I swear, this is true, and I owe it all to you 

Manchester United begin their quest for European supremacy against Portuguese giants Benfica, who are without a doubt, their toughest opponents in the group in a clash which should be their toughest test in the group stage (with all due respect to Basel and a little to Otelul Galati too). United and Benfica have given Europe some memorable moments. The English Champions share a love-and-hate relationship with the Portuguese side.

Three clashes that shaped the clubs' history: 

Once upon a time at Wembley

Ten years after the catastrophic Munich tragedy, Sir Matt Busby, the legend that shaped Manchester United’s glorious history, set out a team with two survivors from the Munich air crash- Bobby Charlton (captain) and Bill Foulkes.  It was hyped as the clash between two of the greatest footballers of their generation – Portuguese wonder Eusebio and Man United’s very own George Best. United had to play in the untraditional blue kit as Benfica wore Red. The game was rough and was interrupted by stoppages as both teams looked to establish their superirioty. Both teams went into half-time tied at 0-0. Inspired and revitalized by Sir Matt’s pep-talk, the Busby Babes took the lead 8 minutes into the second half, when Bobby Charlton produced a great header that ended in the back of the net. But the Portuguese side equalized 10 minutes from time through Eusebio (1968’s top-scorer). The match headed into extra-time and the Busby Babes rose to the occasion. ‘El Beatle’ George Best gave United the lead once again, rounding the keeper and putting the ball in the back of the net, a moment that brings happy tears to every Red Devil’s eyes. 19-Year-old birthday boy Brian Kidd added the third and as though it was written in the stars, the iconic skipper Bobby Charlton rounded off the scoring with his second of the game. That was that, Manchester United had become the first English team to be crowned the Champions of Europe.

AET: Manchester United 4-1 Benfica

"He's lost the plot completely"

Chelsea’s rise on the domestic front was coincided by arguably Sir Alex’s worst spell as United’s gaffer. United had come third in the League the season before and had qualified for the Champions’ League after beating Debreceni in the play-offs. The Red Devils’ group included Villareal, Benfica and Lille. United had 6 points on the board, tied second with Lille with Villarreal on top just a point ahead. Benfica where rock bottom, although just a single point behind United. SAF’s men took the lead via Paul Scholes and the away fans went berserk. Their joy was however, short-lived as the Portuguese side equalized through Geovani. The fans feared the worst and it came true, as Beto scored on the 33rd minute. Manchester United had been knocked out of the Champions’ League in the group stages for the first time since the 1995-96. The aftermath included headlines like “Fergie has lost the plot” and many pundits saw this painful defeat as the end of the Old Trafford Empire.

FT: Benfica 2-1 Manchester United

The Saha-shank Redemption

How Fergie would’ve laughed after the draw. As fate would have it,  he got an opportunity to redeem his United side the very next year. Man United drew Benfica yet again in the group stage along with Celtic and Danish opposition Copenhagen. Having failed with a customary 4-4-2, Sir Alex set out with a more measured and defensive 4-5-1 formation in Lisbon. It was a rather cagey affair as both teams lacked the cutting-edge. Ferguson’s purpose was to play the opposition out and get a goal on the break. And he got hit spot on as Louis Saha scored with a moment of inspiration to give Manchester United their first away win in the Champions’ League for nearly three years. Sweet revenge.

FT:  Benfica 0-1 Manchester United

Trivia:

•  The two sides have met 7 times in Europe with the Red Devils coming out on top on 6 out of 7 occasions. #Nemesis.
  
•  United's record in Champions League's first group stage matches- Played-16, W-9, D-6, L-1. The only defeat came to Juventus 14 years ago.
  
•  Manchester United's last 5 CL defeats have been to teams with 'B' as their first letter: Benfica,  Barca, Besiktas, Bayern & Barca. #‘B’ollocks.
  
•  Twice as good after 4 games:
   League position: United-1st, Benfica-2nd
   Goals scored: United -18, Benfica- 9      
  
• .Rooth-less: Wayne Rooney averages 2 goals a game this season, scoring 8 in 4 matches.

Football Finesse Verdict: United have brushed aside everyone thrown at them so far and have been scoring goals for fun and this is down to, in no uncertain terms, the form of Rooney, Young and Anderson. Benfica may not be a European powerhouse but they certainly can’t be underestimated. Players such as Nolito, Aimar and Saviola will ensure that United do not rest up in Portugal. This will be a good test for United’s young defence and players such as Phil Jones and Ashley Young will be making their CL debuts. Dimitar Berbatov has warmed the bench enough for food to be cooked on it and is desperate to get a start. The team will be set out by Sir Alex keeping Sunday’s Chelsea encounter in mind. It will be interesting to see if United can replicate their impeccable domestic form in Europe.

Prediction: I've predicted like a practical fan this season and they're proving me wrong time and again. So I'm gonna be ambitious now and go for a 0-4 United win.

FC Barcelona vs. AC Milan Match Report

Possession doesn't win matches. Goals do.

FC Barcelona: Valdes, Alves, Mascherano, Busquets, Abidal, Keita, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa, Pedro, Messi (Fabregas, Puyol, Afellay)

AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Nesta, Silva, Zambrotta, Van Bommel, Boateng, Seedorf, Nocerino, Cassano, Pato (Ambrosini, Emanuelson, Aquilani)

This match saw FC Barcelona and AC Milan, one of the most celebrated teams in European football history go head to head at Camp Nou in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2011.

The game begun with a shocking 23” second goal by ex-wonder-kid Alexandre Pato. The fifth fastest goal in Champions League history. Pato saw Barcelona’s two centre-backs coming in to activate an offside trap and ran for a through ball which he finished with great style and coolness. Barcelona weren’t too quick to absorb the shock. They weren’t being able to dominate possession as Milan were trying to capitalize on their early goal. Pato was threatening in the early stages of the game as Barcelona’s defense just couldn’t co-ordinate as well as it would’ve liked to. The Barcelona players were being bullied by Milan and got a couple of free kicks but couldn’t capitalize on them. Messi’s unending persistence paid off in the 36th minute and he pulled off a move, only a handful of players can, cutting the whole defense and crossing the ball into the box which left an open goal finish for Pedro. Milan had almost two defensive lines by the end of the first half but they looked a better team than they were last season against Tottenham.

At half-time we still had a contest at hand but Barcelona were certainly looking like favorites. They had 80% of possession but Milan also had their fare share of shots on goal. The start of the second half saw pure Barcelona domination. Barcelona were awarded a free kick when Busquets was pushed by Cassano. David Villa stood up to the task and scored from about twenty five yards outs. The free kick was taken with great technique and precision and was truly unstoppable. But FC Barcelona wouldn’t stop at a one goal lead. They continued to dominate possession and push harder for a third goal. The Barcelona players made great runs but Alessandro Nesta was like a wall in the defense. He would put any thirty five year old centre-back to shame with his performance in this game. Barcelona continued to push forward and dominate possession to no avail. In the 90’+2’ minute, AC Milan were awarded a corner and equalized. Thiago Silva was the goal scorer at the death and the goal not only meant a draw for Barcelona but also a new high in frustration.

Verdict

Barcelona enjoyed (not really) 75% of the possession in this tie but possession does not win matches, goals do. First of all, Guardiola shouldn’t have played Busquets as centre-back. Abidal does a great job at that and could’ve played Maxwell or Adriano as left back. Milan defended well and took their chances up front, sure they were the second best team in the match but it’s the result that counts and as far as the result is concerned, they were as good as Barcelona. For Milan, the result was great and they can only get better. But for Guardiola, this match should act as a wake-up call whose morale would be on a season low.

Champions League Preview: Dinamo Zagreb Vs. Real Madrid

Spanish Giants versus the Croatian powerhouse is a match to watch out for. Los Blancos have had a good season till now and have already scored 10 goals in La Liga in 2 matches. Big Daddy Cristiano Ronaldo continues his scoring streak from last season and is all set to start the European season with a victory over Zagreb. Zagreb should try and mark him using all their 11 players (Although, I doubt that would make a difference to the beast.). Real Madrid are currently on top of the table in their domestic campaign. Dinamo Zagreb have won 6 out of their 7 matches and drew the other one, having conceded only one goal in their domestic campaign so far. The team is on a high and haven't lost at home for a long time now. With Sammir and Mario Situm in their strike force, Zagreb should be able to score a goal against Real Madrid. Ivan Kaleva, keeper of Dinamo Zagreb, is in great form and has hardly conceded any goals this season. Real Madrid should field a strong playing 11 as they do not have a tough fixture on the weekend as they play minnows Levante. Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema are in form and All in all, both teams are strong and Dinamo Zagreb are known for their performances at home, we are expecting a high-intensity match with either team could win. Had it been at the Bernabeau, the match would have been easily won by Madrid but as it is in Croatia at Dinamo's home ground, it could be a tricky fixture for the Whites.

Men To Watch:
Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Karim Benzema.
Dinamo Zagreb: Ivan Kaleva, Sammir and Mario Situm.

Odds:
Real Madrid: 1.23
Draw: 5.75
Dinamo Zagreb: 12.00 (Really?)

Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 1-4 Real Madrid.
Although Zagreb could pull a victory with all their might and home advantage, Cristiano Ronaldo could bash the living day lights out of their players.

Champions League Preview: Chelsea vs. Bayern Leverkusen

Chelsea's Biggest Threat

Yet another English team against a German team in the Champions League as Chelsea’s Andre Villas-Boas starts his Champions League campaign trying to emulate or even better his former mentor José Mourinho . Even though this may not look like an instant classic this match could well be a close one as both teams sit in their respective top four's and have had decent starts to the season. Chelsea are looking a lot like Mourinho's Chelsea with the only focus being winning matches without any thought of the scoreline. Unlike last season, Chelsea has not demolished any team 6-0 or 5-0, a feat that is all too common in both sides of Manchester, but they still have won three out of their last four games with one draw and are unbeaten in the last ten games. Robin Dutt’s Leverkusen has achieved the same feat as Chelsea in the last four but an opening week loss pegs them back a little. Chelsea who have a tough (yes, I’m being modest) fixture against a rampant, brilliant and downright ruthless Manchester United will really be thinking of the league just as much as this fixture. Chelsea wo managed a 2-1 victory at Sunderland would be a little weary of Dortmund who came back from 1-0 deficit to win 4-1 against FC Augsborg. Chelsea who will probably start Fernando Torres after putting him on the bench to make way for Sturridge, who scored a cheeky back-heel goal against Sunderland, will hope that he finally shows he’s worth even 5 million of the 50 million spent on him. Leverkusen would be hoping Ballack has the key to open up the Chelsea defence as he has played over 100 matches for The Blues in a successful period for the club.

Trivia 

• Chelsea has never lost to German opposition in the Champions League. 
• Leverkusen have won just two out of their last fifteen games against English opposition. 
• Bayer Leverkusen will be competing in the competition for the first time in seven years and their last appearance was a defeat to Liverpool in the last sixteen knockout stage.
• Chelsea have won seven out of their last nine opening UEFA Champions League matches. 
• Andre Villas-Boas is the youngest manager in history to claim a major European championship.

Odds
Chelsea: 5/2
Draw: 10/3
Bayer Leverkusen: 8/1.

Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Bayern Leverkusen
As much as we all love an upset, I don’t see one here. Chelsea should beat Bayern Leverkusen quite easily if they can hold off Ballack and Sam.

Champions League Preview: FC Barcelona vs. AC Milan

Pato vs. Messi

FC Barcelona, will be going into the first game of their UEFA Champions League with a low morale as they drew their last league game due to complacent football. Their rivals, AC Milan, aren’t doing so well either drawing their last league game. Barcelona and Milan, two of the biggest sides in European football will hopefully produce an entertaining and, probably, interesting match. Milan would be looking to recapture this lost glory. The most memorable game between these two giants being the 1994 UEFA Champions League final where Milan beat Barcelona four goals to nil making it one of the most prolific victories in the competition.

Factually Speaking

• Barcelona are defending champions. 
• Barcelona have already won the Spanish and European Super Cup. 
• Milan are Serie A champions. 
• The Red and Blacks are the second most successful team in Europe. 
• Milan have won a little less than double the number of European championships that Barcelona 
• Regardless of the outcome of this match, the two teams will remain favorites to advance from their group into the knockout stages of the tournament. 
• The two teams have met eleven times previously, winning four matches each and three stalemates. 

Milan Team News: The team is probably one of the best in Europe with world class players like Pato, Ibrahimovic, Nesta, Ambrosini, Boateng, Aquilani, Robinho and more. Mexes and Robinho will be unavailable due to injury and Gattuso will because he’s out on a four match ban (for his antics against Tottenham). Latest news is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic won’t be featuring in the game because of thigh injury and this could prove as a big blow to the Italian side.

Barcelona Team News: Barcelona’s team is nothing but world class. The weekend saw new signing Alexi s Sanchez out for eight weeks and centre back Pique will also be out. The team has got a boost as veteran captain Carles Puyol is back in the side and this is a very good thing for the Spanish side. 

We have an interesting match ahead of us. Let’s hope the Red and Blacks don’t use negative tactics and play football which is too defensive and frustrating to watch. We do not see AC Milan winning this one with their star strikers, Ibrahimovic and Robinho, out with injury and veteran Gattuso out with suspension added by the fact that captain Puyol is back and fit to start.

Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 AC Milan

Champions League Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal

Super Mario

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund go head to head in the wee hours of Wednesday, both in need of some hope for their timid starts to the season. The German champions who look nothing like German champions this season sorely miss Nuri Sahin who left for Madrid during the summer also Julian Koch who injured his knee hasn't played since February and Barrios who was key player last season hasn't played this season with a tear in his thigh muscle. This seems a weakened Dortmund side but strong enough when compared to Arsenal who lost Clichy, Nasri and Fabregas this season. Wenger has got Arteta on to fill the midfield void but who are we kidding he is not Fabregas. Mertesacker who time and again has been called a hit and miss player can bring some experience playing against Borussia Dortmund as he has played against them numerous times in the Bundesliga . Mario Goetze also comes back after being banned in the last match where Borussia Dortmund were shocked by Hertha Berlin in a 2-1 defeat.

Trivia

• The German champions as well as the gunners have had uninspiring starts to the season with both sitting in 11th place. 
• Also, the last time the two teams met, Borussia Dortmund were German champions coming from a great 2001/2002 season just like they are now. 
• Franz Beckenbauer has called Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Goetze the next Lionel Messi. His finishing ability has also been compared to Klose. The youngster was a target at Bayern but Borussia Dortmund somehow kept him. 
• Nuri Sahin’s replacement, Gundogan, also has a lot to prove. The young Turkish-German has showed great promise, making the German champions sign him.

Odds:

Borrusia Dortmund 11/10
Arsenal 5/2
Draw 12/5

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Arsenal
I'm with the Borrusians here. Arsenal whose midfield's heart had been ripped out will not be able to cope against Goetze and his crew.

Stoke City 1-0 Liverpool

Stoke City: Begovic, Upson, Shawcross, Wilson, Huth, Whitehead, Delap, Etherington, Pennant, Crouch, Walters (Wilkinson, Jones, Palacios)

Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Agger, Enrique, Skrtel, Adam, Lucas, Downing, Henderson, Suarez, Kuyt (Carroll, Bellamy, Johnson)

Liverpool travelled to the Britannia Stadium for this Premier League clash. They have never won away to Stoke City and couldn’t do anything to better that statistic.

The teams were evenly matched at the start of the game but Liverpool started gathering momentum. The first and only goal of the game came through a penalty awarded to Stoke for a foul on Walters by Liverpool defender Carragher. In the 20^th minute, a simple ball was played to Walters and the marker, Carragher, was out of position. Carragher, who turned 33 this January, tried to rectify his mistake by taking possession back from Walters but ended up pulling him down. The penalty was taken by Walters who scored with a perfect shot with great power and accuracy towards the centre of the goal. Pepe Reina, who dived to the right, stood no chance. From this point onwards, Liverpool started pushing harder for a goal.

The second half saw Liverpool dominating more than 70% of the possession and getting numerous opportunities in front of goal. Jordan Henderson was involved in a one-on-one with the keeper which was saved brilliantly. The half saw some great crossing from Downing but the finishing was awful. Suarez missed a simple finish at the death and Liverpool lost their first game of the season leaving Stoke unbeaten.

Verdict: Liverpool didn’t deserve to win this one but did deserve a draw. It is evident that Liverpool are a long way from winning the league. They would have to convert loses into draws and draws into wins if they want a shot at Champions League football next season as they are competing against teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal. As far as the players are concerned, Carragher needs to be dropped from the first team as he’s become old. Skrtel, Agger and new man, Coates look like better options. Johnson’s brief appearance in the game showed that he’s still not completely fit to play in his right back position. All in all, it’s a long and hard road ahead for Liverpool if they want to work their way to the top.