Muntari linked with Spurs

Former Pompey midfielder Sulley Muntari has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to skysports.com.

Now whether this is lazy journalism or not, Muntari is out of favour under Mourinho and with the Inter fans. With more budget at White Hart Lane, Harry Redknapp could be keen to get him back as financial contraints in his previous management role meant that he had to sell the player.

Could be a good signing for the Lily whites, COYS!

Arsenal will be hoping for a moment like this tonight

We loved the way that ITV cocked up the camera view for Adebayor's beautiful goal against Villareal here shown on Youtube.com. For all fans that think that Adebayor is a one trick pony, they should watch more of the Gunners - his link up play has improved massively and with goals like this Wenger saved a few pennies in terms of not buying Didier Drogba prior to his move to Chelsea.

Liverpool v Arsenal 21st April MATCH PREVIEW

Liverpool v Arsenal 20th April Premier League News

It is difficult to predict whether tomorrow night’s battle between 2 of the most talented Premiership teams will be a thrilling clash or whether instead it will actually turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been playing exciting attacking football of late, however after recent exits from cup competitions both teams must to some extent be licking their wounds. After last week’s defeat in the Champion’s League, the Liverpool squad must feel extremely unfortunate after scoring 4 goals against Chelsea, which in almost any other contest would have give them a decisive victory. Equally Arsenal, booted out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a late Drogba strike gave Chelsea a 2:1 win, must be disheartened and wondering what might have been now that Manchester United has followed them out of the competition after being defeated yesterday by Everton on penalties.

Recent history also suggests that Tuesday’s meeting will not be the spirit lifting goal fest that fans of both sides will be hoping for. 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in all competitions have ended in a 1:1 draw, including the same fixture last season and the meeting of the two sides in December. Liverpool fans who know their stats will however be cheered by the fact that Arsenal have not returned with all three points from Anfield since Ocober 2003, when Pires’ stunning second half strike gave the Gunners victory and contributed towards their title win that year. These football geeks will also be happily aware that there has not been an away win in a fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool in 10 league meetings.

Leaving the stats aside, based on squad fitness it looks like Liverpool will be in the strongest position to take the glory. Although the Merseysiders will be missing their Talisman as with Steven Gerrard remains sidelined with a groin injury, the list of sicknotes handed in by the North Londoners continues to grow. In addition to the gaps in the Arsenal defence, only too noticeable on Saturday, the Gunners will also be without Van Persie and Adebayor as the Dutchman sustained a groin problem in the semi final and his team mate is carrying a hamstring complaint. The only bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Wenger is that Sagna is likely to return at the back and Eduardo should be fit to start.

Liverpool fans will be hoping that a combination of these injuries and a lack of focus from Arsenal will hand them victory. With the Gunners ten points off the Premiership pace, many commentators are suggesting that Arsenal will not have the drive to win at Anfield and will instead be prioritising the Champion’s League, although Wenger denies this vehemently and claims he is determined to cut the gap on the Reds to six points and enjoy a strong finish to the domestic campaign. There is however no disputing that Liverpool has absolutely everything to play for in Tuesday’s match as they are out of all cup competitions and are in hot pursuit of a record 19th English top-flight crown, which would not only be their first in 19 years but would also deny their great rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their 18 titles. A draw would see Liverpool top the table on goal difference and a win would put them two points clear, although United will have 2 games in hand.

Given Arsenal’s injury list I predict a 2:1 victory for Liverpool, which although not the most exciting of scorelines does add a further twist in one of the most exciting title races in recent years.

Newcastle v Spurs Premier League Preview 19th April

Until the last half of this season, Newcastle and Tottenham have had a lot in common in recent years. Both are well supported clubs who have threatened to break into the Champions League clique in recent years, but sadly for them have not quite managed it. Both clubs also have an unfortunate habit of the board room over-ruling the managers and then sacking them when unsurprisingly results do not go their way. Finally both clubs have not achieved anything like what they had hoped to achieve this season. However since Redknapp's appointment, the performances and aims of the two clubs have looked very different. This Saturday Newcastle United are aiming for their first win under Alan Shearer's reign to pull themselves out of the relegation zone. In contrast, although Tottenham are not as high in the league as they would like to be, their aim is to consolidate their relatively safe position with a view to potentially catching West Ham and landing a European slot.
Tottenham have been in good form of late and have been particularly impressive at home, where they have only lost once since Harry Redknapp took charge in October. They bounced back well from the disappointing 2-1 defeat at Blackburn to beat West Ham 1-0 last weekend. Wilson Palacios is returning following his controversial red card at Ewood Park and is likely to replace Tom Huddlestone in midfield despite a good performance against West Ham. Jermaine Defoe, nursing a stress fracture to his right foot since January, has resumed full training and is a possibility to play. After scoring the winner last week Pavlyuchenko might also be given the opportunity to start up front alongside Keane. The ingredients are all there for a strong end to Spurs' season.
In terms of Newcastle's squad, the Toon Army will be hoping that Viduka's return will be the turning point they're desperate for. Newcastle have also got another couple of key players about to return as Steven Taylor has recovered from his ankle problem and Peter Lovenkrands should be back after the nasty knock he took at Chelsea. The Black and White faithful will also be hoping that Obafemi Martins' groin injury can be managed sufficiently to get him through the rest of the season playing as well as he did against Stoke. Newcastle's favourite son Shearer has gone on record to say how encouraged he was by the performance of Martins and indeed the whole team and that Newcastle would stay up if they could reproduce the same passion and commitment for the rest if the season. However passion and commitment are only part of the story, results are the only measure that really count. Newcastle are currently four points from safety. People say that say three wins will keep Newcastle up, but as they've only won six of the 32 games played this season, this is a big ask.
My money is on a win for Spurs at Fortress White Hart. This juicy tie kicks off on Sky Sports on Sunday at 1.30. Get the beers in.

Man Utd vs Everton Semi Final FA Cup 19th April

Man U vs Everton Semi Final FA Cup Preview

This Sunday Manchester United and Everton will be competing for a spot in the FA Cup final. Given the talent still left in the competition this year, the Toffees are inevitably viewed as the underdogs, but Everton fans will be hoping for a repeat of 1995, when as underdogs they beat United at the old Wembley thanks to a Paul Rideout winner. Although Everton were the favourites to beat relegation battlers Boro in the last round, by beating Liverpool and Villa earlier in the competition Everton hve already proven they are more than capable of punching above their weight in this competition. Plus this season in the league the Toffees drew at Goodison Park and we were only beaten by a late penalty at Old Trafford, so feel more than capable of nicking a goal at the crucial moment.

A victory over United will mean even more to the Everton faithful as Wayne Rooney is expected to start. Rooney was a passionate Everton fan as a boy and was an Everton player when he first found fame as an exceptionally talented teenager. A big money move to United in 2004 did however sour his relationship with Goodison Park. Although Rooney would claim that there is a big part of him that will remain forever blue, he will not allow childhood loyalty to get in the way of going all out to beat former employers. Rooney has already missed out on one cup final this season, a Carling Cup success over Tottenham, and he is keen to shine at Wembley this time around.

The one note of controversy related to this tie so far is that although many blues are undoubtedly looking forward to their team playing at one of football's greatest stages, David Moyes and others do not share this view as they think hosting the semis at Wembley dilutes the achievement of reaching the FA Cup Final. As is only too common with football these days, this change was due to money rather than sentiment, with a view to this helping to pay the costs of building the new stadium. However venue aside, the tie is likely to be a thrilling emotive encounter. What a weekend of football ahead!

FA Cup Semi Final Chelsea vs Arsenal 18th April

Chelsea vs Arsenal Semi Final FA Cup 2009

Despite the upbeat noises, there is little doubt that Arsenal are limping slightly into their FA Cup semi final clash with Chelsea. Reading like the excuses from a Sunday league side in cold weather, goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is out with a bad ankle, Gael Clichy has a bad back and Gallas and Djourou have bad knees. Sagna and Kieran Gibbs are also concerns. Lucasz Fabianski, who has played excellently in the last few fixtures, will stand in in goal, but filling the left-back role is a little more tricky, although Wenger has the option to play Sagna or Silvestre in that position, The good news for the Gooners is of course that Arshavin and Eduardo are available for Saturday. Wenger will be hoping that these two will be able to penetrate the Chelsea defence as effectively as Liverpool did on Tuesday, whilst at the same time being able to maintain a strong defence against the blues despite all the Arsenal injuries at the back.

Chelsea have had an extra day to recover since their Champion's League thriller against Liverpool and despite the excitement over their stunning victory, they are now fully focused on the FA cup and are hungry for success against Arsenal. Memories of Wenger's men coming from behind to triumph 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League earlier in the season with what many claimed was an offside goal are fresh in the minds of both players and fans and knocking their north London rivals out of the cup would be the sweetest revenge. With the talented Hiddink at the helm and after Tuesday's success, many Chelsea fans feel they are invincible. It's going to be a stunning match - roll on Saturday!

UEFA Cup Semi Final Result Man City 2 Hamburg 1 (aggregate 3-4)

UEFA Cup Semi Final Result Man City 2 Hamburg 1 (aggregate 3-4)

Manchester City started with great spirit and determination, with their awesome fans making the right noise for this UEFA Cup tie. It was Guerrero that in the 12th minute tried to ruin the Eastlands party on the break with a cool finish to make it 1-0 to Hamburg.

Ireland, Elano and Robinho definitely gelled in the first half with slick passing moves getting them into the right areas to push on. Elano scored the equaliser as a result of a handball in the Hamburg box, the Man City forward finished emphatically to get the home team to 2-4 on aggregate.

It was Elano who threatened Hamburg again in the first half with a spectacular 20+ yard free kick, which ricocheted violently against the cross bar sending the ball away from goal. All in all, a good half but boss Mark Hughes will be desperate for the goals.
City started the second half well and then moved up a gear to made when Caicedo made it 2-1 with a neat bit of manoeuvring to get himself a bit of space to coolly steer the ball into the bottom left corner.
Then...unbelievable – Elano hits the word work yet again. This time he rattles the post with a Beckham type free kick that just curled a fraction too much; it left the ‘keeper standing like a spectator. Man City kept piling on the pressure, Caicedo skied the ball from point blank range, Robinho came close also as the home team bossed the game in an attractive, attacking manner. Caicedo was then correctly judged to have been in an offside position when he dribbled around the Hamburg keeper and put it into the net.

Captain Richard Dunne plays the game hard, after riding his luck in the first half received a second yellow card which knocked the stuffing out of Man City. Instantly Hamburg soaked up more possession and created some decent chances.

Micah Richards had a pretty decent chance from a rampage from his right back position, the England defender played upfront for the last 5 but it wasn’t enough and its Hamburg that clinch the UEFA Cup semi final spot.

As a Spurs supporter, I did feel a little chuffed for the well liked Martin Jol – a real gentleman of football who in my opinion can get success at the highest level.

UEFA Cup News 16th April

Ex Premier League manager Martin Jol returns to the UK as visitors Hamburg look to build on their 3-1 lead on Manchester City at Eastlands tonight in the UEFA Cup quarter final second leg. Jol’s German team are third in the Bundesliga, only 3 points off of top, so his objective will be the winning the double. They’ll fancy their chances against an off form Manchester City, that’s for sure.

Strange season for Manchester City really. Loaded with their new owners, Mark Hughes perhaps wouldn’t have rushed into Brazilian virtuoso Robinho who doesn’t look happy. It has been suggested that he is an ‘icing on the cake’ player, that he would have been more suited to a well established team like Chelsea. That said, he is more than capable of wondrous footballing feats, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he scores a goal or creates one tonight. Stephen Ireland has probably been their player of the season and Hughes has bought well but City aren’t performing right now. Defensively, Man City could be exposed tonight and Hamburg in the last half hour will look to counter attack but overall will be looking to stifle the home fans by regimented German defending and playing the possession game.

Hamburg have captain David Jarolim back strengthening the German side that lost on the weekend without him. I think this could be a draw.

FA Cup News

Unless you've been living in a cave, you'll know that last night's Champion League action has set the scene nicely for an all English semi final. Looking at the stats, the two legs of the tie, on 29 April at Old Trafford and 5 May at the Emirates, will be the first time the two fierce rivals have met on the European stage. However in all other competitions the 2 managers have met 37 times, with the spoils split pretty much evenly (United 14, Arsenal 15, draws 8). Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-1 at The Emirates earlier this season, and the teams will meet at Old Trafford on the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season. Both teams are currently playing well in the FA Cup and the League, with cup semi-finals 10 days before the Old Trafford encounter and challenging end-of-season run-ins.

Arsenal's next match is at Wembley on Saturday, when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals and they are also playing Liverpool and Middlesbrough in the league before they face Ferguson's team. Both these matches are likely to be tough, with Liverpool desperate to catch Man United at the top to secure some silverware this season and Boro fighting for sheer survival. Arguably United have the slightly easier run in, meeting Everton this weekend in the last four of the FA Cup before facing Portsmouth and Tottenham in the league.



Currently both teams and managers are professing their pleasure at meeting domestic opposition in the Champion's League and are very complementary about each other. However as we approach the ties, I'm sure that the niceties will be replaced with the usual media warfare. Unfortunately the 2 clubs also have a history of conflict on the pitch, with large fines and bans being handed out to Arsenal in Autumn 2003 after certain Gunners decided to rough up Van Nistelrooy for his part in getting Viera sent off. The following year saw "Pizzagate" (also known as "battle of the buffet") when allegedly a slice of Pizza was thrown in the tunnel at Ferguson. Over the years the 2 managers have also let their emotions spill over, but as Wenger once said "What would I do if Sir Alex wasn't around? I would have no one to keep me on my toes or to fight. I enjoy our rivalry. It is good for Arsenal, good for Manchester United and good for both of us."



It is certainly good for the neutral!

Champions League results 15th April Porto 0 Manchester United 1

Despite all the pre-match negativity, Ronaldo silenced his critics and the hostile Porto fans after just 5 minutes by scoring a thunderbolt from 40 yards to give Man U the perfect start. Exquisite!! From that point on Man United looked strong affording Porto very few attempts on goal. Just before half time it should have been 2-0 to United with a John O'Shea flick on from Ryan Giggs' corner, however Vidic shot over the bar from five yards. The defender understandably held his head in his hands. Just as at the Emirates, United were controlling the match in the first half but appeared to lack urgency.

Throughout the second half the Porto substitute Mariano caused problems for United, pushing Evra into a number of unnecessary errors. 10 minutes in, Porto had a decent chance as Mariano jumped between John O'Shea and Rio Ferdinand to connect with a deep Raul Meireles cross, which fortunately went wide. Two minutes later Patrice Evra was booked for clattering into Mariano. A nervous Evra again failed to close Mariano down at 85 minutes but fortunately Lopez sidefooted Mariano’s cross straight to Van de Sar. These were tense times for United fans, with both teams painfully aware that United’s lead was very fragile with a single goal from Porto being enough for the home side.

However Manchester United managed to hold on to set up a mouth watering all English semi with Arsenal. For the fifth season in a row English football is guaranteed a representative in the final, which is further evidence of the quality of the beautiful game in our green and pleasant land. If only more of the players in our top clubs were English, but that is a debate for another time ...