Objectivo.com

The race for fourth spot could take a decisive turn this weekend as it is derby day on Merseyside while England players look to prove their international form is a mere blip.

The truth is that the Premier League has blossomed due to the continental influence and it will again be in evidence in a packed 10-game programme this weekend.

Fernando Torres has sparkled in his debut season in English football and he will be looking to add to his 20 league goals when Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1. With Liverpool currently two points clear of their local rivals in fourth, the result could help to determine who takes the fourth UEFA Champions League spot this season.

Before Merseyside pride is put at stake, though, there are seven matches on Saturday, including current leaders Manchester United against Aston Villa.

United are seeking a 14th win in a row over Villa in all competitions against a team whose European aspirations have taken a knock in recent weeks.

Arsenal are desperate to return to form after five games without a win, but head to Bolton Wanderers where they have lost their last three league matches.

The bottom two meet at Pride Park and Fulham will be anxious to record a first away success in 18 months to boost their hopes of survival.

In contrast, Derby County's relegation back to the Championship could be confirmed if they fail to beat Fulham and Birmingham City win at home to Manchester City.

Wigan Athletic will be hoping Portsmouth have one eye fixed on next week's FA Cup semi-final against West Brom when Steve Bruce takes his team to Fratton Park.

Sunderland claimed a first away win of the campaign last weekend and will be hopeful of three points at home to West Ham United.

Reading have steadily edged closer to safety in recent weeks, although Saturday's visitors to the Madejski Stadium - Blackburn Rovers - are not giving up in their pursuit of European qualification.

On Sunday, Chelsea will be confident of maintaining the pressure in the title race when they face Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge. While Kevin Keegan secured a belated first win in his second spell as Newcastle United boss last week and heads to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

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Javier Mascherano has spoken of his disbelief following yesterday's dubious red card against Manchester United.

Mascherano picked up his second yellow card just prior to half time, thus leaving Liverpool to struggle for more than half the match with 10 men. The Argentine received his marching orders after questioning referee Steve Bennett's decision to book Fernando Torres for dissent. Television footage clearly showed that Mascherano had merely asked Bennett "what's happening", however the official deemed this sufficient to dismiss the midfielder.

"I asked the referee what was happening. I did not swear, I was not aggressive and I did not confront him. All I did was ask him what was happening, nothing else. So when he showed me the second yellow card and sent me off I could not believe it".

Mascherano apologized to his teammates specifiacally, understanding that his dismissal in the first half, sealed the fate of the match. Liverpool went on to lose the game at Old Trafford 3-0, a result that leaves Man Utd strong favourites to retain their Premier League title.

Yet the true question remains, how much lenience should the referee allow players during a match? Wayne Rooney has done a lot worse during plenty of matches, ask Graham Poll or Rob Winter, two of the referees he has berated. There needs to be a definitive line of discipline assigned next season, so matches of this magnitude aren’t destroyed by the referee.

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Chelsea need the points for their title bid, while Spurs are looking to bridge the gap with 10th place and eventually break into the top half for the first time this season.

Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has an ankle problem and is doubtful for the Barclays Premier League clash against Chelsea. Ledley King has recovered from a calf complaint but Robbie Keane has a knee injury, although Spurs are hopeful of him recovering.

Woodgate, who scored the winner at Wembley against the Blues, said: "It will be a harder game than the final without a doubt and they will want to put that right.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech could be fit enough to return to first team action against Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Cech has virtually recovered from his ankle problem and should be included in the squad.

Chelsea have no fresh injury worries but Grant must decide whether to choose Nicolas Anelka or Didier Drogba to lead the attack. Meanwhile, the Blues coach has taken the pressure off his misfiring strikers by insisting he is unconcerned by the lack of goals from Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Anelka has only scored twice since he arrived at Stamford Bridge for £15million in the January transfer window while Drogba's only goal after returning from the African Nations Cup came in the Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham at Wembley.

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Wednesday's top-flight action concerns matters at both ends of the table, as Chelsea look to firm up their title bid and Birmingham and Middlesbrough fight fears of the drop.

Under-pressure Avram Grant will be confident Derby will provide light relief, while Boro boss Gareth Southgate has also endured a week to forget as he takes his side to Aston Villa.

Birmingham hover perilously close to the bottom three but they travel to FA Cup semi-finalists Portsmouth in decent form and buoyant spirits.
Chelsea host Derby aware that their manager's fate could well rest on coming from the outside lane to take the Premier League title on the final straight, from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Villa welcome Middlesbrough to the Midlands fresh and hungry for action having not played since 1st March, when they returned from Arsenal with a creditable 1-1 draw.

Birmingham make the long trip to Fratton Park in fine fettle having routed Tottenham to the tune of 4-1 in their last outing.

Alex McLeish's men sit just a point above the drop zone and while a trip to a strong looking Pompey side looks on paper to be less than appetising, the canny Scot will likely surmise that Harry Redknapp has FA Cup glory on his mind.

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Middlesbrough was beaten 2-0 by League Championship side Cardiff in the FA Cup Quarterfinal match.

Premier League strugglers Boro were poor throughout and went behind on nine minutes when Whittingham curled home. And 13 minutes later Roger Johnson headed in Whittingham's free-kick to leave Boro with a huge uphill battle.

The first goal was scored when Stephen McPhail appeared to handle in mid-air before it fell to Whittingham, who took a touch and fired home. That lead was doubled on 22 minutes after Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink was fouled 30 yards out by Fabio Rochemback. The free kick was taken by Wittingham, who found an open Johnson on the back post to score Cardiff's second.

Middlesbrough was second best the entire match and Cardiff held on to continue an extraordinary weekend of shocks in the FA Cup and book their place in the Wembley semi-finals.

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A penalty kick from Sulley Muntari gave Portsmouth a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in an FA Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday after the Red Devils had one goalkeeper injured and another sent off.

Muntari fired the 78th-minute penalty past Rio Ferdinand. The centerback went in goal after substitute goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, who went on for the injured Edwin van der Sar at halftime, was sent off for hauling down Milan Baros.

The drama came after United missed enough chances to be three goals ahead at Old Trafford with top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo the main culprit. Instead, record 11-time FA Cup winner United is out and Portsmouth, whose only cup win was in 1939, goes into the semifinals, which are being played at Wembley.

Defending champion Chelsea played League Championship club Barnsley in the other cup game later Saturday.

Portsmouth's victory at Old Trafford was its first there since 1957 but the performance of referee Martin Atkinson, who refused to award the home team an early penalty when Sylvain Distin barged Ronaldo over, incensed United manager Alex Ferguson.

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Saturday:

Arsenal v. Aston Villa: Arsenal welcomes Villa to the Emirates on Saturday after a difficult week following the horrible incident that occurred in Birmingham. Arsenal is stretched with many injuries in their team, and Aston Villa will be looking to capitalize on this. Martin O’Neill’s squad has been playing very well this season and of late has been playing some captivating football. Olof Mellberg has gotten back to fitness, and Villa will need his experience against Adebayor. Watch for Theo Walcott, this is his time to shine, and after he scored twice against Birmingham, he is full of confidence.

Schalke v. Bayern Munich: Schalke coach Mirko Slomka, is on thin ice with his chairman after back to back defeats in the last two weeks. Schalke has fallen into fifth position in the Bundesliga, nine points behind their opponent on Saturday, Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich barely scraped out an extra time win during the midweek in a DFB-Pokal match. Luca Toni was sent off in the match, which means Bayern will be without his services as well as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lucio, Miroslav Klose, and Martin Demichelis. Frank Ribery will receive his first start in a month, but Bayern will be lacking in attacking options. This is a great opportunity for Schalke to get a win.

Barcelona v. Atletico Madrid: Barcelona has been flying of late, and Lionel Messi has been a man possessed with the ball at his feet. Although Barca was lucky during the midweek to earn a draw in the Copa Del Rey, they will be visiting a lack luster side in Atletico Madrid. Atletico has been knocked out of both the UEFA Cup and the Copa Del Rey in recent weeks, and Barca will be looking to close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of the table. Ronaldinho will return to the side, after being rested in the midweek and the formidable attack of Barcelona will be on display.

Sunday:

Juventus v. Fiorentina: The game of the weekend in the Italian Serie A has Juventus hosting Fiorentina in the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. Fiorentina, sitting in fourth position, has been losing points in the last two matches with AC Milan nipping at their heels. Fiorentina has lost their leading goal scorer in Adrian Mutu, so it will be up to Christian Vieri to score some important goals. Juventus is very close to both Fiorentina and Milan on points, and they know that this a playoff for the Champions League. Nedved and center-back Chiellini will be missing for the Turin outfit, and if Fiorentina can beat Juve and Milan beat Lazio, three points will separate the three teams.

By: Christopher Chantland

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Carling Cup Final: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea AET

Common You Spurs! That was the cry around Wembley stadium after Tottenham beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final. In a match in which Avram Grant’s team selection has come under fire, for not picking Ballack and Alex, and picking Lampard and Terry, Chelsea was second best on the day. Spurs went a goal down after forty minutes, and looked to be losing the plot a bit until the end of the half. Yet, after the break, Spurs were attacking with menace, and finally got a penalty on seventy minutes. After Berbatov converted the penalty, the match went into extra time. After just four minutes, a ball was swung in and Jonathan Woodgate got a head on the ball that luckily found the back of the net. Cech was found wanting, and Spurs held on to win the match after 120 minutes of play.

Roma 1-0 Fiorentina:

Roma pulled within nine points of Inter Milan in their victory against Fiorentina. Totti equaled the clubs record of 386 appearances, while Cicinho, the Brazilian right back both scored the winner and was sent off in the match. Fiorentina looked the better side in the beginning of the match, yet suffered a large set back when Adrian Mutu was injured and was forced to leave the match. From that point on, Roma was pressing forward and dominated the match until the goal was scored in the fifty-fourth minute. Roma defended stoutly there after until the final ten minutes where Fiorentina headed wide of the target twice and a few long range efforts, which somewhat troubled Doni. But Roma prevailed in the end, and earned the three points.

Bayern Munich 1-1 Hamburg

From the Allianz Arena, Hamburg was able to keep their Championship and Champions League spots alive with earning a draw away from home. Bayern Munich dominated most of the proceedings and most of the possession in the first half of the match. Ze Roberto and Toni both went close in the first half, but the strongest defense in the Bundesliga held. After the break, Bayern kept pouring on the pressure, but when Ze Roberto was caught in possession near his goal, Olic made him pay with a strike that beat Oliver Kahn. But after the goal was scored, “Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man”, when Franck Ribery was put on, and immediately made a contribution by playing Ze Roberto in to score from close range. Van Bommel was sent off in the ninetieth minute, but by then, a draw was seen as a fair result.

Eduardo Da Silva:

Most people have seen the horrific injury that Eduardo Da Silva suffered in the match against Birmingham. He suffered a full compound fracture of his fibula and a dislocation of his ankle from Martin Taylor’s challenge. Silva’s doctor has praised the quickness in which Eduardo was treated because of the severity of the injury he could have lost his foot to amputation. With any luck, Eduardo will be able to sufficiently walk and run again, but his professional career is on shaky ground. My strike partner on one of my squads suffered the exact same injury, and luckily he is still playing today, hopefully Eduardo Da Silva will recover as my friend did.

By: Christopher Chantland

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Saturday:

Bayern Leverkusen v. Shalke:

This is an important match between two sides with Champions League aspirations for next year. Both teams are tied on points in the Bundesliga, and will be hoping to put some distance between one another with a win. It will be interesting to see how both sides respond because both played in the midweek, with Leverkusen just playing yesterday, leaving only 48 hours in between matches. Look for Kevin Kuranyi to try and expose the tired back line of Leverkusen and the second half to become wide open, which should be great for the match.

Sunday:

Carling Cup Final, Tottenham v. Chelsea:

This hopefully will be a proper final at the Wembley Stadium. Tottenham will be looking for their first silverware in some time, and the Spurs fans will be biting their fingernails. Both teams have been playing some attractive football which has been very attractive. Chelsea will probably play a 4-3-3 with Anelka, Drogba, and Cole playing in the front three. Spurs will be playing with the diminutive Berbatov and Keane up front. On the spacious pitch at Wembley stadium, players like Huddelstone and Ballack will be able to spray balls all around the pitch and open up the defenses of both sides, enjoy.

Roma v. Fiorentina:

This is the cracking match in the Serie A this weekend. Roma played fairly well against a great Real Madrid side during the midweek. Totti was absolute quality, and his stringing of passes and controlling the flow of the game looked like a conductor of an orchestra. Although in this match, Roma will be playing against another striker on the peak of his form, Adrian Mutu. He has been missing in the big matches somewhat, and hopefully both strikers will put on a show for the masses.

Bayern Munich v. Hamburg:

This is another great match in the Bundesliga this weekend that puts the top of the league squad against the squad in third position. Bayern are playing at home, although two weekends ago, that didn’t help in the match against Werder Bremen in which they earned a draw. Bayern put on an impressive display against Aberdeen yesterday, while Hamburg traveled to Switzerland in the midweek to advance in the UEFA Cup. By the second half, the game should open up as it will in the Shalke/Bayern Leverkusen match, because of the exhaustion factor. Should be a quality match, with some great players on hand.

By: Christopher Chantland

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Haunted Almunia

If we thought Mad Jens Lehman was a bit bonkers, how about this story about the new number one goalkeeper for Arsenal. Manuel Almunia has claimed that his house in North London is haunted.

Almunia and his wife have been visited by ghosts or different sounds. Ana, Almunia’s wife, saw a monk like figure holding a candle in his hand, while Almunia didn’t see the ghost he was quoted saying he was “s*** scared”. Almunia has heard many sounds such as chains rattling or dragged on the ground. When he and his wife first moved in to the house, the couple was awoken by their stereo being turned on at full volume level.

Almunia wasn’t aware when he first moved in that his house was built on a former asylum. The Leavesden Hospital, which was closed in the 1990’s, housed many insane and mental patients. Apparently, Almunia has been so spooked recently, Arsene Wenger has given him permission to visit his wife at lunch so as to not leave his wife alone.

By: Christopher Chantland

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Yes: 25%
No: 75%

Three quarters of the voters think that the EPL playing abroad for a match is a bad idea. Most of the International community believes that this is a bad idea as well, but why? It seems that every country or region has a specific or different reason why they believe this is a bad idea. The United States dislikes this idea greatly because with the great skill and pace that the EPL possesses, it will draw MLS fans away from their clubs. In England, many people don’t like the idea because a lot of the fans of the clubs are working class or middle class people. These hardcore fans, in most cases, couldn’t fly to America or Asia for a league match, and that takes away from their connection with their clubs.

It's obvious this is a money producing ploy, there is a reason why there is an early match in England every weekend, and it's to sell the league to Asia. There are many other objections and reasons for disliking this idea, what specifically are yours?

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Manchester United 4-0 Arsenal: Wow, Manchester United took Arsenal to the woodshed, and taught the Premier League leaders that the title race isn’t over. Yes, Arsenal didn’t have their first team out on the pitch, and were probably looking forward to their Champions League tie with AC Milan. Yet, Arsenal was second best in every phase of the match, from the first whistle of the match, which is unlike an Arsene Wenger squad.

Manchester United was very impressive, whilst Ronaldo was sitting in the stands. Nani, Rooney, and Darren Fletcher all scored, but played a quality match in total. Anderson stood out as the player with the most influence on the match playing strong on the defensive end and pushing the ball forward into the attacking third. Manchester United plays Lyon in the midweek, and if they play the way they did on the weekend, they should get an away win.

Juventus 1-0 Roma: In a good match from Turin, an Alessandro Del Pierro stunning free kick from about twenty yards gave Juve the win. Both teams played a good match, and created some great chances, but the strong performance by the home side, allowed for them to take all three points. Totti had a somewhat disappointing game, while Mancini and De Rossi put in strong performances for Roma. Pavel Nedved, Del Pierro and David Trezeguet were dangerous every time they touched the ball, and threatened the Roma goal, testing Doni on several occasions.

Juve haven’t lost in fourteen matches, and have been playing brilliant football. They are now only one point behind Roma, while Roma wathced as an Inter win and their loss opening the gap to eleven points for the title race. Roma have a tough tie against Real Madrid in the midweek, and hope they can get a better result than they had on Saturday.

By: Christopher Chantland

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This weekend doesn’t provide quite the drama that last weekend’s did, yet there are two fixtures that still fulfill your need for great football.

FA Cup Fifth Round

Manchester United 1-2 Arsenal: Whilst my prediction is a blind one, this match still promises to capture the drama that Man Utd./Arsenal always seems to. None of the media members have any idea on what level of squads will be placed on the pitch due to the amount of matches coming up in the coming weeks. Arsenal has to be wary of their midweek clash with AC Milan in the Champions League while Man Utd. visit Lyon. As well, Arsenal is now ahead by five points in the Premier League table, and both teams don’t want to risk injury in the FA Cup. Regardless of all of these points, I still believe it will be a quality match, and live up to the level of football which Arsenal/Man Utd..

Serie A

Juventus 1-1Roma: It’s another clash of the titans in this match on Saturday. Roma sit in second place in the race for the Scudetto, while Juve are in third, and trailing Roma by four points. This is a critical match for Roma because if they want to have any chance of catching Inter Milan, Roma will have to take all three points tomorrow. Juventus, who have been playing well of late, will be looking to gain ground on Roma and hoping they can get into that second spot, so they do not have to play in any Champions League qualifying matches. Hopefully both teams will play very open and let their free flowing attacking players get some space.

By: Christopher Chantland

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They Got Their Wish

Objectivo.com has learned that Dubai International Capital are making an offer to Liverpool's American owners and are confident of an agreement being struck before the end of March.

The Mirror says an outline agreement to transfer ownership of the Anfield giants from George Gillett and Tom Hicks to Dubai International Capital is in the pipeline.

Sources in New York have confirmed that a £460million deal with DIC - the Dubai government's financial arm and headed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum - is now on the verge of conclusion.

The effective sale price is nowhere near the ambitious £1billion valuation that was put on the club by Hicks in November. He and Gillett paid just £219m to take control of Liverpool from David Moores a year ago.

One insider said: "These talks are still ongoing. Tom and George want to make sure they get the right price for giving up the club."

Despite leaving Liverpool with a £350m debt, they will be able to walk away having made a substantial profit.

Please leave your comments about this situation.

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Tuesday, February,12 2008 6-8PM (MST)

Tuesday’s Nights Guests include:

-John Welsch: from Boulder County Force
-Dan Gargan: Colorado Rapids Defender

What’s on Tap for Discussion?

-2nd Annual Boulder Coaches Symposium
-2008 MLS Schedule
- Premier league Plans for Playing in the US
-US Players Past/Present Playing in England
-Juergen Sommer Being Named as Colorado Director of Soccer

Objectivo & FTP Polls:

-Objectivo Poll Result: With AC Milan’s injury woes, will they finish in top four in the Serie A?
-New Poll: Is the EPL playing an extra match abroad a good idea?

American Soccer Question of the Week:

In the 1984 Olympics, what was the US record in the three matches they played?
(First listener to email support@objectivo.com, wins a free football inspired t-shirt from Objectivo Apparel).

Be part of the Radio Colorado Network, call the show at these numbers:

Call us here at:
- 800-531-3815 -on air
- 303-485-2152 -on air

Listen on: AM-1060 in Denver
AM-1580 in Colorado Springs
AM-610 in Vail
AM-1450 in Buena Vista
www.radiocoloradonetwork.com

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Manchester City 1-3 Manchester United: This promises to be the best match of the weekend. Firstly, it’s the Manchester Derby, always a great fixture, and normally with lot's of goals. Secondly, Manchester United will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the “Munich Air Disaster”. Both sides will be dressed in kits that don’t have any sponsors, and will all be wearing black boots to commemorate the memory of the people who lost their lives. Thirdly, the fans hate each other, and it will be interesting to see if the minute silence will be observed in good nature. Manchester United, in trying to ease tension, has apparently taken down a banner that reminds City fans that they haven’t won any silverware in thirty-two years. This match can be seen on Setanta, on Sunday at 8:30 AM ET.

Liverpool 1-2 Chelsea: This fixture always promises to be nuts. Liverpool will be without Fernando Torres, which is a shame to the match, and the reason I picked Chelsea to win. Michael Ballack has been unstoppable of late, and so has the form of Chelsea. Stamford Bridge has been a fortress for Chelsea as well, and it will be rocking as they welcome their "new rivals", since they have seen Liverpool so frequently, to London. This fixture can be seen on FSC on Sunday, at 11 AM ET.

Barcelona 2-2 Sevilla: Barca goes into Sevilla without seven first team members. They have closed the gap to six points between Real Madrid and themselves, although Sevilla are a good side. Sevilla are looking to maintain their Champions League spot, and will look to take Barca to task without some of their key squad members. This match is on Gol TV, on Saturday, at 4 PM ET.

Werder Bremen 1-1 Bayern Munich: Now here is a tasty fixture. Bayern will be without the services of Ribery, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that this is number one against number two in the table. This promises to be a heated affair and is definitely worth a few hours. Quality players on both sides, and in the Allianz Arena, which promises to have a great atmosphere. You can watch this match on Gol TV on Sunday at 11 AM ET.

Egypt 3-0 Cameroon: The African Cup of Nations final has the winner of the last tournament Egypt against Cameroon. Egypt is coming off a huge win against the Ivory Coast, in a match that they dominated. Cameroon barely scraped by the host’s Ghana, and it will be a difficult match for them. It will be a difficult game to watch if you haven’t already subscribed to watch the entire tournament, but try to find someone who can tape it, because this should be quite a spectacle.

By: Christopher Chantland

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Eddie Johnson Joins Clint Dempsey at
Fulham

Yes: 60.34%
No, they Were never going to stay up: 24.14%
No, the addition aren't enough: 15.52%

Well most people believe and hope that Fulham will stay up in the Premier League. It is quite important for the future of American soccer that Fulham stays up in the Premier League now that five play on the side. After a good win at home against a strong Villa side, they have another “six point” match against Middlesbrough at the Riverside. If Fulham, whom haven’t won away from home in more than a year, get all the points away from home, it would go a long way in staying up. The good news is Brian McBride and Jimmy Bullard look fully fit, and with their new signings, Fulham have a better chance now than many.

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Some Great EPL Matches

On Saturday morning the matches come thick and fast starting at 7:30 AM ET on Setanta, with the Arsenal going to Eastlands to take on Manchester City. Man City has yet to lose at home, and this will be a big test with the mighty Arsenal starting to find their true form. If the match is too early for you on the west coast, I would recommend you TiVo the match because usually this fixture provides some entertaining stuff.

Next is the visit of the Manchester United to White Hart Lane. This match has some great potential with the form that Manchester United is in, and the new signings that Tottenham’s has obtained. Although the Red Devils dominated Spurs up at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, this promises to be a better match.

Chelsea visits the ruckus crowd of Fratton Park when they take on Portsmouth. This match is live on FSC at 10AM ET, so TiVo this match for later as well. Chelsea has won nine on the trot yet has been struggling with injuries and with missing players because of the African Cup of Nations. While Chelsea is losing players, Pompey has added Jermaine Defoe to their striking arsenal, and will be looking to beat one of the” big four”.

The nightcap of great Premier League matches is Everton’s visit to Ewood Park. This will be Brad Friedel’s 300th match in the Premier League, and an important one at that. Blackburn sit in eighth place only five points behind Everton who sit in fourth and on a Champions League spot, thus this match is a big one for two teams with European aspirations. This match is on Setanta at 6:00 PM ET

Sunday:

Middlesbrough visits Newcastle in the Northeast derby. Kevin Keegan is still looking for his first three points after being re-appointed as Newcastle manager. The fans at St. James Park are starting to sweat, and Keegan will as well if he doesn’t gain all three points in this match. Keegan’s counterpart, Gareth Southgate is still on the hot seat, and will be hoping to get one over on his rival. Catch this match on Setanta 8:30 AM ET.

AC Milan is playing at Fiorentina in the big match in the Serie A. AC Milan is sitting in sixth place seven points adrift of Fiorentina and an all important Champions League place. Adrian Mutu has been on a terror for Fiorentina, whilst AC Milan is reeling from the news that Gattuso will be out for two months. This should be a great match. Catch it on FSC 2:30 AM ET.

By: Christopher Chantland

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Well the main and most important issue in the Democratic race for President of the United States has been answered; Obama is a Hammer, while Hillary is a Red Devil. According to the Telegraph, Obama apparently visited England five years ago and fell in love with East London club, which has a notorious following, and often watches the Hammers matches when he has time.

"Common You Irons"

Although no one has any idea how involved Obama is in watching and supporting his club, I’ve gained a lot more respect for the man. If he was in England five years ago, West Ham weren’t even in the Premier League they were in theCoca Cola Championship division. Following a club in the Championship is still hard here in the States, let alone how hard it was five years ago.

Here’s a list of question’s I’d love to ask Obama:

Is Green Street Hooligans your favorite movie of all time? Do you know all the chants that the faithful sing at Upton Park? Is Dean Ashton a better option up front for England than Peter Crouch? If West Ham wins the FA Cup or any silverware while you’re in office, will you invite them all to the White House? Finally, is Jonathan Spector your favorite Hammer?

By: Christopher Chantland

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I love the commentary from the great Alan Parry. "He is truly a gift from Heaven, whatever he touches turns to gold."

Where does this free kick rank in the best free kicks of all time. It might not be a Roberto Carlos effort, but is it close to it?

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Good Luck Eddie!

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Eddie Johnson is the new addition to Fulhamerica over in the English Premier League.

Eddie Johnson on the Move

Johnson now makes the fifth American on Fulham’s books, and looks to be another American about to be playing in the Championship. Fulham are sitting nineteenth out of twenty places and have only taken fifteen points out of twenty three matches, and hasn’t won an away match for over a calendar year. Yet, it isn’t an entirely bad situation for Eddie Johnson, nor was it a bad move for Eddie to make the jump now.

If Fulham is relegated into the Championship, Soccer by Ives has released information that the club will not be shy in spending money next year and push for the club to be promoted the year following. Johnson also is great friends with Clint Dempsey and if they can form a good strike partnership, it will benefit not only Fulham but the US National Team as well.

So what’s your opinion on the Johnson transfer ?

By: Christopher Chantland

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