Match Preview : Man City vs Aston Villa

City back on winning track lately after mini – slump.

Stuart Pearce side won two in a row and climbed up to the table, they won five games this season and in fact young manager will search for his 10th win in 20 matches since he took over from Keegan.

Poor Villa, they started badly, winning only two games so far and more, they lost three out of last four.They are into one of the worst Premiership starts in their history, so loss tonight at Manchester would be another huge blow.

Last season City doubled Villa, and even Villans have overally better record in history books, they dont like this trip lately.Aston Villa lost five out of last seven visits to City.

Andy Cole and Ben Thatcher will be back for home side, still City is still without likes of Dunne, Sinclair and Reyna.

New problems for Villa, as Baros cant help them and also Bouma and Lee Hendrie are
out,Hughes will face late fitness test.

Final decision will to take Home win, same for AsianHandicap(-1/2)

Good Luck...

Is This the End of an Empire?

Middlesbrough thrashed Manchester United on the back of two magnificent goals from Gaizka Mendieta, one from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and a brilliantly converted penalty by Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

United were never in contention and Rio Ferdinand had a particularly poor game.

So poor Sir Alex Ferguson deliberatley ignored him as he left the field following his 85th minute substitution.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored an injury time goal to save United's honor - but on this performance United have no hope of challenging Chelsea for the title.

And the unthinkable must be thought. Is it time for Fergie to go?

Hearts admit to Ranieri talks

Seems like the way out from English Premier League is to their neighbours...

SPL outfit Hearts have confirmed former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri could well become the club’s new manager, following George Burley’s resignation last week.

Former Newcastle manager Bobby Robson had emerged as the club’s favourite to land the managerial position, but rumours former Valencia and Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri was also in the Edinburgh-based club’s frame quickly spread among the media.

Since then, Hearts have confirmed talks had been initiated with both prestigious candidates, but the SPL club refused to name a favourite in the race for the vacant job.

"We can confirm talks with various applicants, including both Ranieri and Robson. That is in line with the type of pedigree that we are looking for and we are encouraged by the talks so far,” said a Hearts spokesman.

Ranieri has been without a club since last February, following a second spell with Valencia that lasted less than 9 months. He also confirmed to the press he was more than interested in landing the Hearts job.

"I think that could be a good project. The first meeting is important and it was good. I think Vladimir Romanov wants to do something very important and I'm looking for a good project,” Ranieri told BBC.

Spanish Primera Division : Valencia vs Sevilla Preview

This is for those who bet on soccer...

It is one of the most interesting matches of this round of SPL.

Valencia won at Bernabeu, now it is clear they will pose some threat to Real and Barca unlike last season.

After not so good start they stabilised form win also at home vs Malaga. Only defeat so far is suprising failure at Getafe.It will be emotional return to Mestalla for ex Valencia, now Celta gk Palop who has very bad relationship with Santi Canizares.

Sevilla beat Alaves and Bilbao in last two matches, so they are in good streak also, and will try not to lose at Mestalla.

Home side will be complete, while Sevilla miss Canoute,Dragutinovic and Navas.

Most people view that Valencia isnt such favourite as odds suggests and bet that they will not win more than 1 goal.

However, in my own point of view, Valencia will have the capability of doing that. My bet will be to take Valencia -3/4 for asianhandicap.

Good Luck...

Court opens inquiry into match-fixing in Serie A

Prosecutors in Genoa have opened a match-fixing investigation into Italian league soccer games from last season.

The investigation is focusing on seven matches, including the Rome derby between AS Roma and Lazio on May 15 that ended 0-0.

Several Italian newspapers have published alleged phone transcripts of conversations between players discussing that game.

The other matches being examined are AC Milan-Palermo, Livorno-Juventus, Reggina-Lecce, Sampdoria-Inter Milan, Messina-Livorno and Empoli-Genoa in the second division.

All of the games finished in draws except for Inter's 1-0 win over Sampdoria.

The investigation is being led by the same court that opened proceedings against Genoa for fixing its final match against Venezia last season to guarantee promotion to Serie A.

Genoa was found guilty and relegated to the third division.

The Italian soccer federation said Monday it had called Sampdoria striker Francesco Flachi to appear before a separate inquiry for his alleged involvement. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Cassano called a liar by Roma

Antonio Cassano's days at Roma could soon be numbered after the club's general manager called him a liar

Cassano spoke earlier this week about his desire to compromise on his demands in order to sign a new deal with the club. But he also said the club were forcing him out and "making a fool" of him.

"He is a liar and our lawyers are evaluating his comments," said Rosella Sensi, Roma's general manager.

"I've said before that the Cassano issue is closed. I am not speaking anymore with someone who is incoherent....he is the one who is making fools of the club and the fans".

Cassano could leave Roma on a free transfer in June when his contract expires but it looks likely that he will be sold during the transfer window in January.

Cassano had said that he had twice made concessions over his salary but that Roma were not prepared to compromise. Sensi denied this version of events. "It is not true that he made two steps back. He has never done that and in fact we made a step forward in the negotations, so he really can't be alllowed to come out with certain things. We have been very patient but he undervalued the importance of our offer," she said.

"Cassano has had all the time that he wanted and his response is only lies." A combination of injuries and the contract dispute have restricted him to just two appearances in Serie A so far this season, and he was not considered for international selection by Italy coach Marcello Lippi.

Ronaldo set to start for United

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been released on bail following an allegation of rape, is set to play against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.

"He's had a difficult time, obviously, but he trained yesterday and will train today so he will be okay," manager Alex Ferguson told reporters.

Police are investing claims that a woman was sexually assaulted in a London hotel on Oct 2. Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has said the allegation was the "product of imagination and fantasy." The 20-year-old Portugal international is required to turn out for a badly depleted United side.

Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane, Gary Neville, Quinton Fortune, Gabriel Heinze, Wes Brown, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis Saha are all unavailable, while Kieran Richardson is a doubt for Saturday's side.

"It's just unfortunate that these things can happen, yet there's no way you can sit down and contemplate picking a team without thinking about winning," said Ferguson. "And that has always been the case at this club.

Tomorrow we have some changes but equally we have the same desire and winning mentality we always have.

"That's the way Manchester United have to be. We are judged not on what the team is, we are judged on the result and the performance on the field.

"Hopefully tomorrow the young players will rise to that and the experienced ones who will be playing will help them."

HENRY THE KING IS BACK!!!

Beware Chelsea & Man Utd, Henry is back!!!

France international striker Thierry Henry has become Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer by overtaking Gunners legend Ian Wright with his double against Sparta Prague last night in the Champions League.

The influential forward, only back from a seven-game long sideline spell last night, showed all his class after only 21 minutes of play, an amazing long-range drive from the outside of his right foot ending up its course in the back of the Sparta net, to the delight of all Arsenal fans.

Henry’s second goal 15 minutes from the end took the Frenchman’s Gunners scoring record to an amazing 186 units, beating the club’s former leading goalscorer Ian Wright, and sending the France international to cloud nine.

"It sounds great to hear 'Thierry Henry, record goalscorer for Arsenal'. Wrighty was a great player and will always be a legend at Arsenal.

To beat his record is tremendous. I wanted to do it at Highbury but if I get the chance to score I'll take it,” said a delighted Henry.

Henry’s double helped Arsenal clinch their third win (out of three) in their CL Group stage campaign.

Match Preview...

2 EPL Match Preview play tonight...

1st Match : Wigan vs Newcastle

Fantastic games between these 2 teams.

Two teams in the form will meet each other. Wigan surprisingly played fantastic football this year, and after two starting defeats they won four and drew one, currently they are eighth on on table. A very respectable results and they want more vs Magpies team which recovered from nightmare start.

After Michael Owen signing Newcastle didnt lose last four games and they hope they can continue in that way.

Wigan will be complete, Paul Jewell has full squad to choose from. On the other hand Newcastle cant count on Dyer, and Emre will face late fitness test.

It looks like low scoring draw or away win, as in my own view, Newcastle have more quality in their books and should prevail.

2nd Match : WBA vs Arsenal

After solid start, WBA faded and saw the worst slump in the table, they lost five out of last six, or win only point out of possible 18. So they didnt learn last season lessons when miracle saved them on last day. Arsenal are yet to win outside of Highbury it is their worst start in the Premiership in many years, but still they won only point this season after failing at Riverside vs Boro and vs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. They managed to draw at Upton Park vs West Ham. So Gunners badly need win, but it will be hard mission as they are without Henry,Campbell,Coll,Van Persie and Hleb and also Gilberto Silva could miss the game.

What about Baggies then? They sweat over fitness of key players Gera,Kevin Campbell, Kanu and Kamara. Baggies last time won vs Arsenal in 1973. Of course it was old first league, in the Premiership they won point but at Higbury not at Hawthorns.

I think Arsenal still have too much quality for their opponents and should win it.

For advise of those who are betting, not huge bet as injury list of Wenger side is really frightening.

Hargreaves signs new deal

Owen Hargreaves has agreed to extend his contract with Bayern Munich until 2010. "I am looking forward to the coming years and I am sure that we will have even more success," said the England international. Owen Hargreaves has agreed to extend his contract with Bayern Munich until 2010.

Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the website: "We have agreed a contract extension with Owen until 2010."

Hargreaves added: "(General manager) Uli Hoeness and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have shown great faith in me and that hurried things along.

"I am looking forward to the coming years and I am sure that we will have even more success.

"We have great fans and now we have the best stadium in the world and a team capable of winning the Champions League."

Hargreaves, 24, has won three Bundesliga titles as well as the 2001 Champions League and Intercontinental Cup

Cunningham hangs up international boots

Birmingham City defender Kenny Cunningham has decided to call time on his international career with the Republic of Ireland.

The Irish national team’s elimination from the 2006 World Cup proved to be too much for the 34-year-old player, as he officially announced his international boots were hung up for good.

"It is the end of the road for me, without a doubt. I don't want to dwell on it too much on what is a hugely disappointing night for the entire group. I feel for our supporters and everybody who has got behind the team and I am sorry we have come up short,” confirmed the disappointed Birmingham City defender.

Meanwhile, Matt Holland has hinted he was to follow Cunningham’s example, but the 31-year-old Charlton midfielder decided to give himself more time to ponder his future with the Republic of Ireland squad

Eriksson still has high hope

Eriksson still has high hopes for his squad in Germany despite a barrage of criticism following the underwhelming style of their qualification.

He added: "We have qualified and now let's see what happens at the World Cup. I still believe we are going to do very well out there in Germany."

"Of course it depends on injuries for England as with any country. We will cross our fingers for May and it will be great fun in Germany.''Eriksson has admitted that England did not perform well in this season's opening three games against Denmark, Wales and Northern Ireland.

But he believes that Saturday's much-maligned 1-0 win over Austria was a step in the right direction.

"It's important in that the first three games we didn't play good football,'' he said. "I think Saturday was a big step forward and we'll try to go on with that tomorrow."

"I know we now have five games before the World Cup starts so we have to get on with it.''

FIFA are yet to announce how the seedings for the finals in Germany will be worked out but Eriksson claimed it was just important to try to win every competitive match.

"How important FIFA rankings will be I don't know. We asked FIFA yesterday and they don't know."

"But it's better to try to win two games, I agree."

"The first three games of season we didn't play well as we should. It was a big step forward on Saturday, we played as a team again. We missed that a bit in Denmark and Northern Ireland."I am quite sure they will play their best next summer, I am quite sure about that."

Khan critise toothless Germany

Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn claims the 2006 World Cup hosts cannot excuse their poor
performances by citing the absence of inspirational playmaker Michael Ballack.

The Bayern Munich midfielder missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Turkey in Istanbul through illness and the manner of the defeat led observers to dismiss Germany as a one-man team.

"It cannot carry on like this," Kahn said. "I cannot accept this excuse that Michael Ballack was missing."

"I tried to coordinate things from the back and did everything in my power," added Kahn.


However Ballack was conspicuous by his absence in a disappointing display by Germany. "We cannot hide behind Michael Ballack," declared Germany assistant coach Joachim Low. "He could be injured during the World Cup."

However, Germany Coach, Klinsmann said he is prepared to accept criticism, but remains confident that his team will turn things around by next summer.

"The current criticism is justified, but we won't be burying our heads in the sand," he concluded.

France Have Date With Destiny

Having underperformed in the earlier qualifying rounds, european soccer powers France have a date with destiny on Wednesday 12th October.

Both nations must win to ensure they participate in the world's biggest sporting event. - The FIFA World Cup.

France let slip their chance of booking their place in the final stages of next year's World Cup by turning in another poor performance against Switzerland in Berne on Saturday night - and now must win against Cyprus in Paris next Wednesday while hoping the Rep. of Ireland beat, or at least hold, Switzerland to a draw in Dublin on the same day.

Israel currently top Group 4 with 18 points - but have played all their ten matches. France and Switzerland have played nine games and both have 17 points, while the Rep of Ireland (played nine), are in fourth place with 16 points.

Switzerland (+11) have a better goal difference than France (+8) and therefore head France in the standings.

Should the Swiss win in Dublin - France would have to overcome Cyprus by at least three clear goals to change that difference.

Cyprus are second bottom of Group 4 and lost 0:2 to France in the reverse fixture in Nicosia - while Switzerland and Ireland drew 1:1 when they met in Basel.

Cisse : "I want to fight for my 1st place!"

Liverpool FC striker Djibril Cisse has revealed he was determined to fight for a regular starting place before leaving Anfield.

The French international striker has been out of favour with Reds manager Rafael Benitez, and media of both sides of the Channel were quick to fuel in rumours the former Auxerre would be on the go.

Repeatedly linked with French outfit Olympique de Marseille since the summer transfer window, sports newspapers suggested the young forward was set to leave Anfield and put a premature end to his Liverpool career, but Cisse officially reassured the Reds fans he was not to leave Merseyside without a fight.

"Following rumours in some of the English press, I want to emphasise that I love being in England and at Liverpool - and I want to stay and fight for my place. I have said all along I don't want to go. I want to stay and I want to play,” Cisse told the club’s official website.

“I enjoy myself here in Liverpool, I feel it is my home and I want my future to be here,” he added.

Deisler Unsure Of Bayern Future

Try to have more soccer news from different countries. Here is one from Germany

Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler says he isn’t sure he will remain with the club after this season, but insisted that as his top priority.

"I'm still convinced that I have the ability to make it at Bayern," Deisler asserted.

Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler says he isn’t sure he will remain with the club after this season, but insisted that as his top priority.

The unfortunate Germany international has had bouts with depression and knee injuries during his FC Hollywood stay, having never established himself as a sure pick.

"I don't know what will happen in the future, but I will be talking to Bayern first," Deisler asserted.

"I'm still convinced that I have the ability to make it at Bayern."

Ajax unhappy with Chelsea interest

Ajax are understood to be angry with Chelsea after the Premiership champions showed an interest in two of their most promising young players.

Chelseaa sporting director Frank Arnesen recently attended the World Under-17 Championship in Peru, and it is believed that he was impressed by John Goossens and Jeffrey Sarpong - both of whom are on Ajax's books.

According to reports in Holland, agent Soren Lerby has been approached by Arnesen, about a potential deal for the duo. Ajax are not happy at all as they realise there is little they can do should Chelsea mount a serious move for the duo, as they are not officially contracted to them. Chelsea can sign both players for just €300,000 each, and Ajax will be poweless to prevent their departure.

"We are thinking about what we can do," Ajax director Arnie van Eijden admitted. "You would think a player's agent would think more about a club like Ajax.

"For us, it is just impossible to give all youth players a contract."

Seems like money is the KING after all in soccer...

Monaco defend Guidolin appointment

Some news from France Soccer scence...

The decision to appoint Guidolin came as a surprise with most observers expecting former Lyon boss Paul Le Guen to be named the next Monaco coach.

"He is a famous coach who has all the needed qualities," said Pastor. "He has signed until 2007 and I hope we will go far together. "

"People ask me why we have chosen Guidolin. But you could also have asked Mr Campora (former Monaco chairman) why he chose Deschamps. "

"We met Mr Le Guen but maybe he doesn't want to quit his sabbatical year. I met Raynald Denoueix and other French coaches but they didn't match what we were looking for. "

Perhaps Guidolin doesn't know Ligue 1 but the most important thing is his desire to have success and he considers Monaco as a quality club." Former Genoa boss Guidolin admits he had no qualms about accepting the position.

Guidolin told Corriere dello Sport: "Monaco contacted me a week ago. I went there and I immediately understood it was the right chance. "I'm pleased they have bet on me to earn good results. I've been on a list with other important contemporaries and I won. "

"I hope to be equal to this task."

Owen not wanted to move abroad again

England striker Michael Owen revealed that he will not play club football abroad again in the future.

The 25-year-old signed for Newcastle United for a club record 17 million pounds after spending just one season with Spanish giants Real Madrid.

And he insisted that he had enough of life abroad to last him a lifetime.

"I very much doubt I will go abroad again," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I wanted to see what it was like. I have opened my eyes to it now.

"But I love living at home. I knew I would always be coming back to the Premiership, it was just a matter of how many years.

"I was open-minded about going to Spain but I always knew that the Premiership was where I wanted to come back to," he added.

"I had a good time in Madrid, both on and off the pitch but I missed the UK weather, I missed the food, the Premiership and being around English people.

"It is where I was born and brought up and where I have always played my football.

"I was looking forward to getting back and now I'm back I'm enjoying every minute of it."

Owen expects to be fully fit for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Austria after a dead leg kept him out of Newcastle's match at Portsmouth on Saturday.

Perrin is safe

News from my favourite club, Portsmouth. Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin has had his job assured by chairman Milan Mandaric.

“For the record, Alain Perrin has the support of everyone at the club and has brought in players who I, and he, fully expect to click and gel so they can raise the team as a whole up the league,” declared the chairman.

“The players are behind him in that and the spirit is solid to climb up the table.

“We have had a rocky beginning but are not the first team to do that, nor will we be the last.

There are 34 games remaining so talks about dismissing the manager is ludicrous but it’s not coming from us.

“I read a report after the very first game against Tottenham and it was clear that from day one there are those for some reason who want us to fall.

“They want to bring us down to their level and see the club fail and fall because it mirrors their own outlook on life.

“All it does is give me a greater determination to succeed.

“We just have to get on and prove these people wrong. We have done it a few times before and just have to do it again.”

Portsmouth had just gain a draw with NewCastle last Saturday and will be travelling to Sunderland on their next match.

Ruud’s agent does u-turn on Real link

The agent of Manchester United and Netherlands international striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has played down the rumours linking his client to Liga big guns Real Madrid.

The player’s agent had initially hinted his client could be on the go and off to Real Madrid at the end of the season, but he came back on his words and confirmed the Dutch striker was totally happy at Old Trafford.

"Ruud is happy at Manchester United. He's in the process of buying a house in Manchester. Previously he had rented but now he's buying. Why would he buy a house if he wants to leave the club?,” Linse told Manchester Evening News.

Van Nistelrooy’s Red Devils contract is now due to expire before June 2008.

Juentus face 1st real test

Serie A leaders Juventus face their sternest challenge of the season so far when 2nd placed Inter Milan visit them tonight.

Title holder Juventus are on 15points, 3 ahead of Inter and four clear of surprise package Livorno.

"Its our 1st real test" said Juventus' French Striker Trezeguet, scorer of the 1st goal in Tuesday's 3-0 Champions League victory at home to Rapid Vienna.

"At the moment, they are our main rivals. Compared to last season they have something extra. They really seem united and they have the quality to the squad with Luis Figo & Walter Sammuel".

Inter can replace Juve as leaders if they win.

Ronaldino wants top 3 crowns

Fifa player of the year, Ronaldino has set his sights high this season, vowing to retain the Spanish Primera Liga title, win the Champion League with Barcelona and help Brazil to lift a sixth World Cup in Germany.

"They are 3 very important competitions. I am trying to take each one at a time. Mt priority is to win the Champions League, which is top club football competition, something that any player wants to win" he said in an interview with Reuters.

Critics have been saying that Barcelona have lost the winning touch and it is clear that opponents are used to their style now. Ronaldino said the team needed to be more inventive.

"It is logical that at the start of the league, we feel a little bit slower than our opponents.But we have a very good long term master plan that is working all right"

The agressive strikers declares his loyalty to the club, but admits that in football, the future is always uncertain.

"Today, I do not see myself at any other club, wearing any other shirt apart from Barcelona. Maybe in the future,because in the world of football, sometimes it happens this way."

"