Bleacher Report - Articles by Christopher Potter

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: Ibra Steals the Limelight In El Clasico

Christopher Potter — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:00:38 -0500

Cristiano Ronaldo suffered defeat on his long—awaited return to La Liga action after two months out with a recurrence of an ankle injury.

Barcelona 's big—money summer signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic found the net with a crisp strike early in the second—half to win three points for the Catalan club, as they swapped places with Real Madrid to return to the summit of La Liga.

After Sergi Busquet's red card had reduced the home team to ten players, a late spell of pressure from an organized and technically gifted Madrid got the home crowd on the edge of their seats. But a combination of the vociferous local support and the Blaugranas' ability to stay calm and retain possession left the visitors frustrated and pointless.

With last season's goal fests fresh in the memory and Madrid's outrageous recruitment drive, football fans the world over were expecting an epic encounter.

In truth, the game was high on quality, but low on real chances and controversy.

Pep Guardiola received a major boost before the game when his superstar forward Leo Messi passed a late fitness test.

The Argentine took up his place on the right side of a three—man attack, alongside Andres Iniesta and the bain of the Irish, Thierry Henry.

For the visitors, lone striker Gonzalo Higuain was ably supported by €150 million duo Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.

4—3—3 against 4—2—3—1.

One criticism leveled against Real Madrid in recent years has been that the team is sloppy on defense and suffers from individual errors and lapses of concentration.

Despite the club spending heavily to bolster its attack, Pellegrini has always maintained that the balance of the team was crucial to its success.

This different attitude was evident from tonight's match as Lassana Diarra and Xabi Alonso produced assured performances in nullifying Henry and Messi for most of the match.

And after the Madrid defence had managed to soak up some early pressure, Ronaldo, Kaka and Higuain began to excel in the link—up play and ability to counter—attack at pace. In fact, Ronaldo was twice denied by home goalkeeper Victor Valdes after 20 minutes as 'els merengues' threatened to take the lead. Puyol, inspirational as captain and impeccable in defence, lunged moments later to block Marcelo’s goal—bound effort.

Going in at half—time, Pellegrini was certainly the more contented of the two managers.

Guardiola would need to find a way through a well—organized Madrid defense, who had closed down space well in the opening period and managed to silence the majority of the 98,000 fans who had crammed into Barca's soon—to—be—revamped concrete cauldron in the North—West of the city.

Looking to the bench for winning solutions, it was a tale of two strikers; the imposing figure of Swedish talisman Zlatan ‘Ibra’ Ibrahimovic for the home team, and the precocious talent of French youngster Karim Benzema.

There was no surprise when Guardiola brought off Henry, ineffective and sluggish, after 51 minutes.

Four minutes later, ‘Ibra’ met Dani Alves’ superb center with a sweet left—foot volley past Iker Casillas.

Just as Barcelona looked to consolidate their lead, local player Busquets inexplicably handled the ball in the midfield and was dismissed or his second bookable offence within the space of 12 minutes. Guardiola was not amused!

Moments later, Ronaldo headed Marcelo’s cross over the bar, the last contribution of note from the Portuguese forward.

Benzema replaced ‘CR9’ with 25 minutes remaining. Ronaldo, although targeted by the home crowd, produced a tidy and accomplished display.

Real looked to force the issue with 15 minutes remaining, Raul replacing full—back Alvaro Arbeloa.

Thereafter the game opened up, as Messi and Benzema both came close to scoring a goal.

Lassana Diarra lashed out at Xavi to even up the numbers, consequently easing the pressure on the home defense.

As the referee blew the whistle for full—time, the camera shot to a very contented Puyol, for whom a clean sheet and three points was a just reward for his commanding performance at the heart of his side’s defense.

Barca back to the summit of the league, but as Iker Casillas pointed out in his post—match interview, this was a ‘missed opportunity’ for Real Madrid who, despite conceding territory and possession for much of the match, had enough chances to return south with a result.

Real’s Director General Jorge Valdano was visibly disappointed, but encouraged by his team’s composure and ‘maturity’ in such a context, words which will not provide much comfort for the club’s supporters.

FULL TIME: F C Barcelona 1 (0) – Real Madrid 0 (0)

GOALS: Ibrahimovic 55’

SENT OFF: Busquets 62’ Diarra 88’

POSSESION: FCB 57—43 RM

SHOTS ON TARGET: FCB 3—2 RM

CORNERS: FCB 6—6 RM

FOULS: FCB 17—25 RM

MAN OF THE MATCH: Carles Puyol

ATTENDANCE: 98,000

FIFA World Cup 2010: Looking Out on The Horizon

Christopher Potter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:30:48 -0500

'...And France are going to the World Cup Finals. Huge relief for Raymond Domenech...' After his controversial handball set up William Gallas' undeserving extra-time winner in France's decisive second-leg World Cup qualifying knock-out match, Thierry Henry said he 'considered quitting' international football, after the FFF left him open to a barrage of invectives and viriol in the international press and media. Out in a North African cauldron otherwise known as Omdurman, Antar Yahia's stunning 40th minute strike saw Algeria progress at the expense of their opponents, bitter rivals Egypt under the watchful eye of a 15,000-strong heavily armed and armoured security force. Now that the dust begins to settle after the tempestuous final round of qualifiers, it is right to let bygones be bygones and focus on Soccer City, Johannesburg. For it is here, on Friday 11 June 2010, that South Africa will play host to their first World Cup finals, having beaten off competition from Morocco to host the prestigious and lucrative tournament after much deliberation among FIFA officials. Since that glorious moment, back in Zurich on 15 May 2004, there has been much negativity in the build-up to the tournament focussing on safety concerns and the country's inadequate infrastructure, resources and footballing heritage. South African authorities will be hoping that these prove to be without foundation, and will look to the tournament as a demonstration and celebration of the country's motto 'Unity in Diversity' after many years of hardship and suppression brough about by racial tension and political corruption. In ten venues, over the course of one month, 32 national teams, largely a Who's Who of the most celebrated footballing names, with one or two surprise qualifiers thrown in for good measure, will compete for football's ultimate prize, the Jules Rimet Trophy. Let's focus our attention on which teams and players will light up the sparkling stadia and make the fans party into the balmy African night...

Begin Slideshow

How Fabio Capello Can Lead England to Glory in South Africa

Christopher Potter — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:43:49 -0500

On May 8, 2006, Sven-Goran Eriksson surprised the footballing world by naming inexperienced 16-year-old Arsenal starlet Theo Walcott to his final World Cup squad.

Two months later, Eriksson apologized no fewer than NINE times in a televised post-match interview after England crashed out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage after a sub-standard tournament.

The media vilified the Swede for his tactics, suddenly and inexplicably switching from a 4-2-2 to a 4-1-4-1 formation.

For many fans and observes, England were doomed to failure as soon as the squad for Germany was announced.

Despite being one of only two fit strikers in the squad, Walcott was overlooked, and the inclusion of Jermaine Jenas and Owen Hargreaves in addition to Michael Carrick can only be described as wasteful and thoughtless.

This year, with the exception of Jenas (who this afternoon failed to impress in the 1-0 friendly defeat to Brazil) all of these players will be in Fabio Capello's thoughts as the 2009-10 Premier League season nears its conclusion.

In 2006, Eriksson decided to choose seven defenders, 10 midfielders and three strikers. His squad was largely experienced, and more than of the 23 players were chosen from the Premier League's 'Big Four' clubs.

In 2010, the squad looks to have a similar make-up.

However, the big difference between Eriksson and Capello is the Italian's strong character and steely professionalism.

While it is clear that Eriksson showed preferential treatment to some players, who he was afraid to drop, Capello has made it clear in words (if not yet actions) that he will choose his team based purely on performances.

STRIKERS

Perhaps the biggest criticism he faces is his continued selection of Heskey, who is not scoring goals and who has been left in the cold by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

Capello argues that Heskey's work rate and hold-up play is crucial to the team's success, and that he allows Rooney to play to his strengths.

However, goals win matches. Heskey has SEVEN in 57 international appearances. In contrast, Peter Crouch has scored 18 goals in 38 appearances.

Despite England's prolific goalscoring during the qualifying campaign (their goal difference of +28 was the highest of all European teams) their strength is not their forwards, but rather their options in midfield.

It is for this reason that England need not select more than four strikers for the tournament.

MIDFIELD

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have phenomenal goal-scoring records for club and country.

Lampard's goals to games ratio on the international stage is better than 1:4, Gerrard's is better than 1:5. Under the Law of Averages, England can expect at least two goals during the campaign from midfield.

Combined with Rooney, Defoe and Crouch's impressive ratios, England have plenty of scoring options from central positions.

Nobody has made a compelling case as a first-choice holding midfielder. Capello may not even feel the need for one, if Gerrard and Lampard can continue to work so effectively in tandem.

If the situation arises, Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Tom Huddlestone, and a soon-to-be-rehabilitated Owen Hargreaves will be champing at the bit.

The wide positions are more of a dilemma for Capello. At a glance, the list of options Capello has at his disposal is phenomenal.

On the right side of midfield, he could take two of James Milner, Aaron Lennon, Theo Walcott, David Beckham, or Shaun Wright-Phillips.

On the left side, there is a hungry Joe Cole and Stewart Downing to choose from. Aston Villa duo Ashley Young and Gabi Agbonlahor provide real versatility as an option on either flank or upfront.

DEFENSE

The most worrying aspect of England's qualifying campaign has been their ability to throw away cheap goals through individual mistakes and collective lapses of concentration.

Capello has highlighted this as a weakness of the side, and has focused in team training on eradicating these lapses.

However, the lapse by Matthew Upson and Wes Brown to allow Nilmar to score the winner tonight for Brazil, and the woeful backpass by the latter which led to Ben Foster hauling down Nilmar for Brazil's penalty shows that England players have still not kicked the habit.

Much has been made of Glen Johnson's defensive inadequacies at right-back, but he has proven to be one of the bright sparks in Liverpool's disappointing start to the season.

Finding adequate cover is surely a more pressing issue. Gary Neville's cool head and successful track record may make him the surprise inclusion. Unlike tonight's opponents Brazil, England has a wealth of options at left-back.

NO. 1

Capello has made his mind up already who his goalkeeper will be next summer. The general consensus is that veteran Pompey stopper David James will get the nod.

Far from perfect and prone to inexplicable catastrophes, James is still the best shot-stopper in the country.

Robert Green, Scott Carson and Ben Foster have all been given a chance in goal, but all have shown defects.

Learn from the past

Capello has plenty of options and versatility in his squad. It has greater depth than that of 2006.

For this reason, it is essential that he chooses the best 23 players at his disposal. He must not, and will pick a player on a whim. He has experience of success and he has overseen great progress since he took over from Steve McClaren.

Unlike in 2006, there will be no surprise inclusions in 2012. This time, there can be no excuses for failure.

As always there is huge amount of talent in the national team. The difference is that Capello has the management skills and focus that Eriksson sadly lacked.

England's 2010 World Cup Finals Squad?

GOALKEEPERS: David James, Paul Robinson, Ben Foster

DEFENDERS: Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Matthew Upson, Joh n Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott, Ashley Cole, Gary Neville

MIDFIELD: David Beckham, Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Ashley Young

FORWARDS: Wayne Rooney, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott

Brazil 1-0 England: England Wilt in Doha Heat

Christopher Potter — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:39:57 -0500

England stuttered to an ingenuous 1-0 defeat this evening in humid Middle Eastern conditions in their friendly match against top seeds Brazil at Doha's Khalifa Stadium.

An expertly placed Nilmar header settled the match just seconds after the interval, but Luis Fabiano's later penalty miss only masked the clear difference in quality between the two World Cup contenders.

Such was England's inadequacy and lack of ambition that it was not unit the final quarter of the match that they forced Samba goalkeeper Julio Cesar to make his only save of the night.

In fact, one of the only positives to emerge from the match was that no England player suffered injury. On the evidence, this may be of little consequence, given the insipid performance of many fringe players.

Fabio Capello had earlier handed the likes of Wes Brown, Jermaine Jenas and Darren Bent a great chance to showcase their qualities.

Brown was only reprieved of a hopeless moment of misjudgement early in the second half by Luis Fabiano's woeful penalty, after the Manchester United full-back inadvertently played Nilmar in on goal with a weak chested pass back to teammate Ben Foster, who subsequently conceded a penalty and a yellow card for his trip on the Brazilian winger.

Netither Jenas nor Bent fared much better. The latter trudged off the field after 55 minutes of chasing shadows as England's midfield failed to provide him with any decent passes or create any space for the Sunderland frontman.

Tottenham Hotspur's Jenas worked hard all night, but his wasteful free-kick in the second half summed up England's offensive performance as Fabio Capello looked on from the touchline in despair.

Both managers fielded teams full of attacking intent.

Brazil effectively played in a 4-2-3-1 formation with former Manchester City playmaker Elano Blumer and upcoming Villarreal forward Nilmar supporting lone striker Luis Fabiano from the flanks. Kaka was given poetic licence in 'the hole' in a fluid tactical system.

Fabio Capello mirrored his counterpart Dunga's formation, with the creative duties handed to new father Wayne Rooney, who was captain for the night.

This formation proved to be the only similarity between the sides.

Despite showing occasional attacking instincts, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner were easily kept quiet by Douglas Maicon and Brazil's makeshift left-back, Michel Bastos.

On the contrary, Nilmar was a nuisance on Brazil's left and caught out Wes Brown on more than one occasion, and his link-up play with superstar Kaka was notable.

In the absence of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick, England's lack of quality and experience in central midfield was telling, and Jermaine Jenas often looked like a goldfish who had escaped his bowl, only to end up drowning in a large pond full of bigger and better fish.

For all of Brazil's incisive passing and keep-ball, the World Cup favourites created only one good first-half chance as Michel Bastos skimmed a shot narrowly past Foster's far post from the left edge of the penalty box after a foraging run by Man of the Match Lucio had exposed England's soft core.

England's threat was nil, and Rooney looked a forlorn figure as he blazed over the bar from far out.

Capello looked to half-time as a chance to regroup and lay out a clear gameplan, which had been either lacking or ineffective in the opening period.

Brazil's early goal was in this context a huge blow to England, as Nilmar expertly met Elano's perfect cross to dink a header over Foster from 15 yards.

Brazil should have won the match minutes later from the spot after Wes Brown misjudged a back-pass.

The game petered out thereafter, despite Lucio thundering a long-range shot against the post and a last-gasp push from the Three Lions, who made several late substitutions to no effect.

Despite fielding a weakened team in unfamiliar and tough conditions against a proficient team, Fabio Capello will be worried by the lack of ambition and drive shown by most of his players.

England fans will expect a lot more next summer—Fabio Capello will have his work cut out over the following eight months if he is to lead them to their second World Cup triumph.

FINAL SCORE: Brazil 1 (0) - England 0 (0)

Nilmar 47'

Ratings:

England: Foster 5; Brown 4, Upson 5, Lescott 7, Bridge 5; Wright-Phillips 6 (Crouch), Jenas 4, Barry 5 (Huddlestone), Milner 6 (Young); Rooney 6; Bent 5 (Defoe 5)

Brazil: Julio Cesar 5; Maicon 5, Lucio 9, Thiago Silva 6; Bastos 6; Elano 6 (Dani Alves), Melo 7, Gilberto Silva 7, Nilmar 8 (Carlos Eduardo); Kaka 8 (Julio Baptista); Luis Fabiano 7 (Hulk)

EPL Weekend Preview: Will the Real Arsenal Please Stand Up?

Christopher Potter — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:13:11 -0500

Saturday

Last weekend, the gulf in class between Arsenal and Spurs was brutal.

Robbie Keane, reportedly at the game, left The Emirates stadium with his tail between his legs after Van Persie's brace ensured that the bragging rights remained in the red half of North London.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp bemoaned defending akin to that which you might see the following morning on Hackney Marshes and the loss of Jermain Defoe through suspension.

The truth was that Arsenal nonchalantly cruised to victory in second gear, oozing class and confidence.

They can continue to build the momentum gained through a run of 12 unbeaten games by grinding out a win against an improving Wolves side which may have enough quality to escape relegation.

Kevin Doyle proved during his last stint in the Premier League that he can score goals at the highest level. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake will need no motivation to do the same, after a slow start to the season for the Manchester United reject.

Tottenham fans will be praying that Aaron Lennon is fit to face Sunderland at White Hart Lane, and the raw pace, skill, and attacking instinct that he and Defoe possess should result in three points, especially in the absence of the robust Black Cats' midfield duo Lorik Cana and Lee Cattermole.

Elsewhere, Manchester City will run riot at the Eastlands against a Burnley team which has proven to be completely toothless on the road. Expect a hatful of goals in this one!

Martin O'Neill has been frustrated by the inconsistencies of his team's performances, but Aston Villa nevertheless remain a real contender for a place in the top six. Gabi Agbonlahor has been in inspired form recently and has five league goals to his name.

While Gary Cahill will let know Villa fans know exactly what they are missing and continue to enhance his reputation under the beady eyes of national boss Fabio Capello, this fixture should bring a maximum return for the Midlands club.

The most interesting tie of the day is arguably Portsmouth's trip to the North West. With eight goals from their last two games, Paul Hart seems to have found the right formula for Portsmouth's mish-mash of players.

Their defence is still shaky at best, and they will need to rely on more goals upfront from Aruna Dindane, and more forceful creativity from the outspoken German Kevin-Prince 'Ghetto Prince' Boateng if their 600-mile round trip is to be worth the effort.

Sunday

The one we've all being waiting for? Not really, actually. Although Chelsea vs. Man United should make any footy fan's mouth froth, Chelsea just seem to have it all figured out. They are just a bit too good for SAF's troopers.

Back the prolific pairing of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka to wreak havoc amongst a United defence that has been dealt hammer blows by Rio Ferdinand's physical frailty and Nemanja Vidic's brain-cell breakdown.

I will cut to the chase for the other three Sunday games: none will inspire, there won't be many goals, and the football will be drab. There should be relief in East London; the only relief at Hull and Wigan will be the half-time and full-time whistles...I do hope the pies are good!

Monday

Everyone, from Alan Hansen to your average non-Scouse loves to rant about Liverpool's shortcomings. It's all getting a bit boring.

To sum it all up: in Rafa, they don't have quite so much faith any more, without Gerrard and Torres, there is no spark, without Gillett and Hicks, the club may be brought back to life.

Hold your horses! Benitez is still a great manager, Liverpool fans will back their team to the hilt, and Liverpool are not done with yet.

Liverpool have only once been outplayed this season, and they can be expected to hand out a severe pasting to Birmingham on Monday night.

Predictions

Aston Villa 2-1 Bolton

Blackburn 2-2 Portsmouth

Man City 6-1 Burnley

Tottenham 3-1 Sunderland

Wolves 1-2 Arsenal

Chelsea 2-0 Man United

Hull 0-0 Stoke

West Ham 1-0 Everton

Wigan 1-1 Fulham

Liverpool 5-0 Birmingham

Winners: Rafa Benitez, London Clubs.

Losers: SAF, Clubs beginning with the letter 'B'

Harry and 'Lotti To Feel Grotty? FA Spanks Fergie's Botty

Christopher Potter — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 07:19:30 -0400

Wow!

Two weeks without a football being kicked in the Premier League, but the tabloids still seem able to light the blue touch paper on all kinds of issues both on and (mainly) off the field.

The last fortnight has seen tax scandals, disciplinary hearings, illegal tapping up allegations, stadium flare-ups, big money takeovers, internal disputes, World Cup qualifiers, looming insolvencies—and that's just a taster!

This weekend sees a return to the real action, with seven games today, another couple tomorrow, and a damp squib of a Monday night game to round off what should otherwise provide all the frills and spills that we have come to associate with the Premier League over the course of its colourful 17-year history.

Three figures who have featured prominently in the media spotlight since the last round of matches will get back to business today.

Harry Redknapp, embroiled in a tax and transfer scandal which seems unending, has vigorously defended his actions in writing in his regular column for The Sun. His high-flying Spurs travel to his old haunting ground Fratton Park.

The ever-vociferous Pompeians are likely to stoke the flames from Redknapp's acrimonious departure last season, whilst also dishing out much more colourful language to three former players who are proving integral to the London club's push for Champions League football.

Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, and Niko Krancjar will all seek to show their former employers what they are missing. The same applies to Portsmouth's Jamie O'Hara, on loan from Spurs, Kevin 'The Ghetto Prince' Boateng, Younes Kaboul and Michael Brown.

Poor old Emile Heskey, who has seemingly been 'misqouted (sic)' in telling the press that he may look to leave Aston Villa in January will hope to have a chance to prove to Martin O'Neill that Capello continues to pick him for England for good reason. Free-scoring Gabi Agbonlahor will continue to do his best to keep his team-mate out of the pans of both managers.

In the North, the FA will be monitoring closely the behaviour of the League's longest-serving manager, Sir Alex Ferguson.

He has been derided in the media for his unsubstantiated (and quite offensive) claims that Alan Wiley was past his sell-by date as a top flight official. Will his champions step up a gear or two and dispatch of Bolton emphatically. Or will questions marks continue to loom over his side's credentials this year?

Elsewhere, expect a real mixed bag, as the League continues to throw up surprises. It is anyone's guess how many goals will be scored and who will be the day's winners and losers.

Two under-performing teams in need of a result are debt-ridden West Ham and newcomers Wolves.

Two teams who will surely come back down to earth from their hot air balloons are Man City and Burnley, with the former soon to discover that money is the often the devil if placed in the wrong hands, and the latter soon to find out that money can often prove useful in the short-term if in the right hands.

Monday night for me is a non-event, with Fulham destined for another respectable, if slightly lower, mid-table finish this season, and Hull for nailed-on relegation fodder.

Hero Of The Week: Paul Hart. Pompey's boss should be able to build on the momentum that has been gathered by his side's first win of the season and an end to the sub-prime Al Fahim's shambolic tenure as owner with a gritty three points at home.

Villain Of The Week : Emile Heskey. Probably won't get off the bench. Definitely won't score. Should try his hand at centre-back or in goal.

Shock Of The Week : Ferguson to keep his mouth shut, albeit with a content grin on his face.

Predictions:

Arsenal 5-1 Birmingham

Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea

Everton 3-1 Wolves

Man Utd 4-0 Bolton

Portsmouth 1-0 Tottenham

Stoke 1-1 West Ham

Sunderland 1-1 Liverpool

Blackburn 2-0 Burnley

Wigan 2-1 Man City

Fulham 0-0 Hull City

EPL Sunday Preview: United to Stuff City, Spurs' Chelsea Hoodoo To Continue

Christopher Potter — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:21:30 -0400

Chelsea welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge this afternoon in confident mood, following five wins from five matches in the League to date this season, including a spirited win at the virtually impregnable Britannia stadium last time around.

Harry Redknapp's men have also started brightly, despite eventually succumbing to Wayne Rooney's brilliance in last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to the defending Champions.

While Tottenham's form against Chelsea has improved significantly recently—they are unbeaten in their last four meetings with their London rivals—they still have not beaten them away from home in the league since 1990.

If Chelsea secures three points today, they will set a new club record of 11 consecutive Premier League wins.

They are likely to be without Joe Cole again, as well as new boy Yuri Zhirkov, Deco, Alex, and Paolo Ferreira.

Tottenham will be looking to get back to winning ways, and continue their fine start to the season, which has seen them score 17 goals from six games, including five at both Hull City in the League and Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup. Conversely, they have yet to keep a clean sheet.

Speaking before the game, manager Redknapp has insisted that his squad's natural attacking instinct will be key to securing a result, rather than keeping Chelsea out at the other end. Despite this bullish statement, he will hoping that a much maligned Ledley King has a strong showing.

The other key battles will see Wilson Palacios, slightly jaded and below-par last weekend, sparring with Frank Lampard in midfield, and Aaron Lennon will looking to exploit the space left by Ashley Cole's offensive forays, and ensure that Cole is constantly reminded of his defensive duties.

Tottenham sorely missed Luka Modric's ability to unlock defences with intelligent movement and passing, and Chelsea should be too strong for Tottenham again.

Perhaps more exciting yet is the prospect of star-studded Manchester City's trip to nearby Old Trafford.

City, unlike their neighbours United, remain unbeaten in the league, with Emmanuel Adebayor in particular in fine form. However, with five strikers missing—including first-teamers Adebayor, Carlos Tevez, and Robinho—Mark Hughes must privately be dreading today's game.

Man Utd will not be at full strength in defence, as Rio Ferdinand is doubtful because of a groin problem, while Edwin Van Der Sar is still sidelined by injury.

Since their traumatic defeat at Burnley early on, the Champions have shown their prowess recently, with an important win in Turkey in midweek following their impressive victory over Spurs on Sunday.

Although Michael Owen has yet to hit form, Rooney has proved a real handful to every team he has faced thus far, and new signing Luis Antonio Valencia has had some promising displays on the wing.

United, unlike City, have real strength in depth in every area and must be the favourites today.

The Blues will need to show lots of resolve, as Ferguson's men will see a lot of the ball. They will also need to find a way to threaten the United goal. Ferdinand and Van Der Sar's absence will weaken the home team's aerial capabilities, and Ferguson will be wary of the aerial threat that new City skipper Kolo Toure and fellow transfer window signing Joleon Lescott pose.

The key battles will be between Rooney and Toure, Valencia and Wayne Bridge on the flank, and Ireland and Carrick in central midfield.

The Red Devils should prove far too strong for their "rivals" this afternoon, but write off Man City, who will be fired up by Ferguson's 'small club with a small mentality' preseason dig, at your peril.

They day's other games are relatively low-key.

Everton need a win to climb out of the bottom three, and should be backed to brush aside a nondescript Blackburn side at Goodison Park.

Wolves have shown glimpses of quality, but have struggled in the League so far. Roy Hodgson and Fulham should have too much know-how, and their industry will see them win three points at Molineux.

Predictions:

Manchester United 3-1 Manchester City

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Everton 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Fulham

Do Tottenham Hotspur Have the Nerve to Challenge at the Top?

Christopher Potter — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:49:35 -0400

Tottenham Hotspur were flying. They had brushed aside Liverpool, destroyed Hull, and were scoring goals for fun. Then they played Manchester United.

Last weekend's 3-1 home defeat to the defending champions has checked the momentum that the North Londoners had built up with five consecutive wins, and in doing so, abruptly unveiled a harsh truth to many expectant fans that perhaps their team is not mentally prepared for an assault on the upper echelons of the Premier League.

After Jermain Defoe rocked the stadium with a spectacular first-minute goal, Spurs were unable to turn the pressure they exerted on Man Utd's goal into an even greater advantage. And how they were made to pay.

Ryan Giggs' inch-perfect free-kick, and further goals from Anderson and an excellent Wayne Rooney, highlighted the difference between the two sides.

Man Utd always find ways to win football matches; Spurs have yet to master that art. That comes with experience and mentality.

While Tottenham missed Luka Modric's creativity and intelligence in an advanced midfield role, Wayne Rooney and - more relevantly in this case - Darren Fletcher stood head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the pitch.

For all of the stars that the Red Devils have in their squad, it is players such as Fletcher, Anderson, John O'Shea and Ji-Sung Park, who, through perseverance, reliability, and ingenuity, often lifted the side when other higher profile players momentarily lose their spark.

Tottenham have players with these capabilities, notably Tom Huddlestone, Giovani Dos Santos and Roman Pavlyuchenko. But these players do not perform consistently enough on the big stage, and do not inspire the same confidence in Harry Redknapp as United's squad players do in Ferguson.

With this defeat in the past, it is important that Tottenham move forward and perform well at Chelsea and leave Stamford Bridge with a point.

London derbies usually bring out the best in Tottenham - they were top of the London 'league table' last season - and they will know that they will need to be more compact as a side against Carlo Ancelotti's high flyers.

Players such as Modric, currently injured, Defoe, and Lennon cannot always be relied upon to win matches, and other players need to contribute with match-winning tackles, saves, assists, and goals.

Harry Redknapp's Plan A has worked well to date. Tottenham fans will be hoping it his not his only trick. He will find that he needs to rotate his squad and change his tactics from time to time, and he will hope that his fringe players repay his faith in them in times of need.

While White Hart Lane has always been a stronghold, it is important that Tottenham travel with confidence and aggression. It is equally important that they learn to break down sides visiting White Hart Lane with a view to 'frustrate and hit on the break'.

The fact that they are not involved in the Europa League will help, as will increased competition in their squad as the World Cup looms large.

This is especially true in defence, where Ledley King, Michael Dawson, and Johnathon Woodgate can all make late pushes for Capello's World Cup squad once they return from injury.

Tottenham have yet to record a clean sheet in the Premier League. With crucial defenders returning to the fray, this should soon not be an issue. If Tottenham really want to make a statement, keeping Chelsea out on Sunday is a start.

Is Giovani Dos Santos Fighting a Losing Battle at Spurs?

Christopher Potter — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:27:04 -0400

Recognise that fella in the Spurs shirt firing the ball towards goal? No...I thought you might not.

Since his £4.5 million move from Barcelona to Tottenham Hotspur in June 2008, Giovani Dos Santos Ramirez has scored just one goal from 13 league and cup appearances and suffered the ignominy of being farmed out to Ipswich Town on loan. This less than 12 months after scoring a hat-trick in Barcelona's final 2007-08 La Liga match.

Despite impressing in his first preseason, Dos Santos paid a heavy penalty for Tottenham's disastrous start to last season in the Premier League, and the subsequent sacking of Spanish boss Juande Ramos.

Despite impressing during his fleeting first-team appearances, new manager Harry Redknapp decided that the 20 year-old Mexican was unlikely to figure in his immediate plans, ahead of the in-form Luka Modric. As a result, he went on loan to Roy Keane's Ipswich Town in March, where he scored four goals in eight games.

In the offseason, Giovani starred in Mexico's CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph, scoring twice and being named MVP of the tournament. Last weekend, he scored a cracking goal and set up the other two, as Mexico beat Costa Rica 3-0 to continue their fine progress in the qualification stage for South Africa 2010.

Nevertheless, with Luka Modric injured last week, Harry Redknapp decided to raid his former club Portsmouth for the third time in a year with the £2.5 million capture of Croat flyer Niko Krancjar.

Redknapp has stated today that, with a good effort in training and a strong attitude, Dos Santos has a 'part to play' this season for Tottenham. If a runout at the Keepmoat Stadium in the League Cup is what Redknapp is alluding to, Dos Santos should feel aggrieved and insulted, and is likely to look for a January exit.

I believe that the majority of Spurs fans would be deeply disappointed with such an outcome, given the wealth of talent that 'Gio' clearly has.

For me, he is comparable with Aaron Lennon, a player who many are waking lyrical about this season. Both are very quick, excellent dribblers and dangerous given a yard of space. Both still disappoint with their final delivery, and need to baulk up further. Lennon has 15 goals from 171 league and international appearances; Dos Santos has 12 from 63.

In light of these statistics, it would seem that the latter has been unfairly treated, and is a neglected resource.

With the inspirational and influential Modric crocked until Christmas, it is now or never for Dos Santos at Spurs.

How To Win Money Betting On World Football This Season

Christopher Potter — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:16:56 -0400

Burnley beating Man U and Everton at home? Spurs top of the Premier League after three games? Everton and Aston Villa struggling near the foot of the table? Newcastle still undefeated? Bryan Gunn sacked after overseeing a comprehensive victory?

This season has thrown up some serious surprises already.

However, it is already clear to me that there are several outcomes which seem very likely - and serious money to be made if you back your judgement.

Here is what £100 could bring home...

1. Jermain Defoe to Finish as Top Scorer in the Premier League.

With four impressive goals in three league starts - as well as a sharp double on England duty - the striker is in white-hot form, has a manager and fans that love him and back him, and a system that favours his style. He is hungry, and determined to be starting alongside Wayne Roonery in South Africa next summer. His time has come!

Odds 18-1 (William Hill) £15

2. Middlesborough to Win the Championship.

Ten points from four games. Four clean sheets. It is not all doom and gloom at the Riverside. They have a sensible and experienced chairman, a talented manager and a very strong group of players. The likes of David Wheater, Adam 'Jinky' Johnson and, in particular, Tuncay Sanli, are fantastic players at their current level.

Cardiff City and WBA aside, there are no obvious challengers to Boro'.

Odds 7-1 (Ladbrokes) £25

3. Arsenal to Score the Most League Goals in the Premier League

Scoring six goals at Everton is some way to kick off your Premier League season. Arsenal have thus far been at their clinical best. They are now underdogs. Nobody backs them to do anything much this season. Despite this, they have Eduardo da Silva back from injury, some excellent goalscoring options from midfield, and defence (Gallas has three in three!).

Odds 4-1 (Paddy Power) £25

4. Phil Brown Will be First Manager to be Sacked in the Premier League

Having been rejected by a series of lower-profile strikers, Hull City turned to Real Madrid (yes, them) hotshot Alvaro Negredo to remedy their lack of quality up front. Unsurprisingly, he was less than keen on the idea, even on £50,000 per week after tax. Hull were woeful at home to Spurs, but better this weekend. They are, however, still sloppy in defence, weak upfront and have a horrible home record.

Odds 8-1 (VC Bet) £10

5. Chelsea to Win the Champions League

Ancelotto is the boss. His record at the highest level speaks volumes for the Blues' chances of winning the Big One. They have a deep squad full of talented players, lots of goals in them, a strong defence, and a good team ethic.

Drogba and Anelka is a very potent front duo, and Chelsea will have a lot of sore memories to avenge. This is the one they really, really want - more than anyone else, I bet!

Odds 7-1 (various) £25

Five bets, £100 spend, £800 profit. Mouth watering yet?

What are your views? Are there better odds out there? Is it too soon to start mapping out this season?

What Are the Keys To Tottenham Hotspur's Early Premier League Success?

Christopher Potter — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:30:33 -0400

Tottenham have powered to the top of the Premier League following an impressive opening day victory over title hopefuls Liverpool, and a 5-1 demolition of Hull City at the KC stadium last night.

The squad has not changed much since last season's shambolic opening two months, that saw the club finish October in the relegation zone. Coach Juande Ramos was pushed out of the door and replaced by current boss Harry Redknapp.

So what is different this season? And what will be vital to continue the early momentum gained by Tottenham's squad?

1. The World Cup

Tottenham have a large contingent of international players who will be looking to South Africa in 2010. English players such as Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Jonathan Woodgate, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas, and Tom Huddlestone are all in contention for a place on the plane with Fabio Capello and company.

Other internationals who will strive to maintain good form—some aiming to help their national teams qualify for the tournament—include Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Hutton, Corluka, Modric, Palacios, Pavlyuchenko and Keane.

That is almost the entire matchday squad!

2. A Settled Side

The press and pundits frequently accused former coach Juande Ramos of not knowing his best eleven. They can't say the same of Redknapp, who snubbed the expensive David Bentley, Tom Huddlestone, and Giovani Dos Santos for the whole of last season, in favour of the in-form Lennon, Palacios, and Modric.

Redknapp, with the exception of the injury-plagued Ledley King, has started the same team in consecutive games this season. Neither Crouch, nor Pavlyuchenko has had a look in yet. Rightly so. Defoe and Keane have created or scored five of the seven goals that Tottenham have plundered to date!

3. Manchester City

The frenzied speculation and transfer activity that has enveloped Eastlands has taken much of the focus, and pressure, away from the previously heavy shoulders of Tottenham's players.

Manchester City are expected to finish fourth. Tottenham, they say, should finish anywhere between fifth and tenth, fighting for these third-tier positions with the likes of Aston Villa, Everton and Sunderland.

During last night's stunning victory at Hull, there was more invention, creation and freedom during 90 minutes than the same set of players showed for the majority of last season on their travels.

4. Wilson Palacios

Many baulked at the £12 million transfer fee that Redknapp paid Wigan Athletic in January 2009 to sign the Honduras midfielder; not many are doubting his judgement now.

Palacios has been at the heart of most of Tottenham's best displays since, culminating in a fine goal last night. He tore down the middle of the field for 60 yards to score

Palacios has brawn and brains. He breaks play up, he tackles, he sees passes and then executes them. He is reliable. He is honest.

Tottenham have always had exotic, luxurious players who show glimpses of brilliance. Palacios shows his quality week in, week out...without fail. Come rain, come shine!

5. Defending

The odd, comical Gomes mishap aside (needlessly bringing down Glen Johnson last Sunday to let them equalise), Tottenham are conceding fewer goals per game than the team was under Ramos.

There are fewer lapses in concentration, fewer goals conceded from set plays, fewer rash challenges in danger areas of the pitch, and fewer individual mistakes.

There is no obvious weakness in the team, highlighted by the fine recent form of the previously derided left full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto, whose stunning opening goal against Liverpool helped him an earn an improved, extended contract.

Things are looking good for Tottenham. There are plenty of goals in the team, a good work ethic, a sensible manager, and a healthy optimism filling the boots of the players and the spirit of the supporters.

Fourth should be the goal. Let the season unfold...

How to Get Out of the The Blocks Quickly in The Premier League

Christopher Potter — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 16:42:32 -0400

In October 2007, Tottenham Hotspur sacked Martin Jol after a disastrous opening to the season, culminating in a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United.

In October 2008, Tottenham Hotspur sacked Juande Ramos after six defeats in their opening eight league games.

Both seasons, Tottenham managed to recover and secure a respectable league finish - but only gradually, and after heavy investment in the January transfer window.

Newcastle United started last season very slowly and paid the price as they endured a catastrophic relegation to the ignominity of the Football League.

Hull City raced out of the traps, and were second into November with 20 points from nine matches. Thereafter, their form and results went on a perpetual downward curve. It was only due to their fabulous start that they avoided relegation.

Manchester United took a while to hit top form, but eventually ran out Premier League champions for the second consecutive season.

So, are results in August and September essential to a strong season? Logic says yes, even if there have been one or two exceptions to the rule?

But which ingredients does a football club need to give itself the best chance of gaining early momentum?

Squad

Over the course of an nine-month season, a team can play anywhere between 40 and 65 matches. That's a lot of football. Charismatic ex-Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho emphasized the importance of having two good players for every position on the pitch. Players only have a four-week offseason, followed by a pre-season that lasts six weeks.

If a coaching team is not careful, players can start the season not fully prepared physically for the rigours of a modern-day season. Therefore, it is important that there are sufficient numbers of a good pedigree, should injuries occur to key first-team players. This is particularly important during the busy festive period.

Tactics

The boss must have a clearly-defined Plan A. He must also have B,C and probably D. It is useless having a wealth of great players if there is no strategy, no planning. Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea is reknown to be a great tactician, just as was his predecessor, Guus Hiddink.

Equally, Mark Hughes will need to display his tactical nouse throughout the season, as he juggles his star players week-in, week-out.

Once this plan is clearly defined and implemented, you see players grow into their roles - and the team usually reaps the subsequent benefits.

Ambition

Even the likes of Burnley—the smallest town ever to be represented in the top flight—and Portsmouth, who have seen all of their best players depart to balance the books, must show ambition and play with no fear and no little fight.

Teams such as Everton, Man City, Tottenham and Aston Villa must believe that breaking into the top four is possible. Fulham must look to at least match last season's feats.

Roles

Each player must have a defined role—and know his responsibilites. A player must know where he is supposed to be and when. A forward must be able to curb his attacking instinct and track back if his team is battling to defend a crucial lead, a defensive midfielder must know when he has to cover for a marauding full-back.

Roles on the pitch are important because they give an individual a meaning, and a team an identity, an ethic.

Roles off the pitch are equally important. Players must know how to keep a low profile in their private life and must carry out the social responsibilities given to them with enthusiasm and good will. A club's community profile is essential to the support it receives during matchday—and the image it can present outside the Premier League.

Tension

Nerves are a natural element of the human make-up. In sport, if they spiral out of control, they can prove devastating. If they are channelled and produce a sense of excitement, pride and determination, they can be positive.

Expectation among fans is always high on Day One, whether this is founded or floored. Players and managers have a lot to live up to. Just witness the furore surrounding the money being pumped into Manchester City. If focus and a sense of perspective can be retained, nerves are no bad thing.

Everton players, having been thrashed 6-1 by Arsenal yesterday at home, may be inclined to go into panick mode and hide behind each other, shirking responsibility. They may turn into nervous wrecks, waiting for the next mistake to happen. With perspective, they will realize that that capitulation was just one of many challenges that face them. If they—and the fans—can move on immidately and learn their lessons, they will be back on track.

England-Ukraine: Fabio Capello Relieved after Insipid Performance

Christopher Potter — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:06:43 -0400

Will David Beckham run out of skin to tattoo? Can Frank Lampard and Andriy Shevchenko just get a room? Does Capello actually have emotions? Did David Pleat actually call Andriy Voronin anaemic?

With little by way of notable entertainment during England's World Cup Qualifying home match against Ukraine, I looked in vain for something interesting to analyse.

It was perhaps surprising therefore in this context when the television cameras panned to the England coach punching the air in relief rather than delight after watching his side battle to an uninspiring 2-1 victory over group rivals Ukraine at Wembley.

For all of England's possession and Wayne Rooney's stellar football, Andriy Shevchenko looked to have punished England for their inability to finish off mediocre opponents with an instinctive close-range strike in the closing minutes.

However, man of the match captain John Terry was in the right place at the right time to guide a cushioned Steven Gerrard header into the net from close range in the 85th minute despite a suspicion that it was from an offside position.

Capello resisted the temptation to start icon David Beckham on the right after an encouraging second-half display during the 4-0 friendly victory over Slovakia at the weekend. Lennon started on the right and, with Peter Crouch upfront. The emphasis was to use the full width of the big playing surface to create some space away from the compressed midfield area.

To their credit, the visitors effectively cut off this service to Lennon in particular and were combative in the midfield, none more so than the impressive Anatoliy Tymoschuk. On the plus side for England, this tactic allowed Wayne Rooney to expertly explore the pockets of space that opened up in front of the visitors' defence.

Rooney's effervescence and intelligent movement and vision was comfortably England's biggest threat going forward and, in the 13th minute, he played a fine one-two with Gerrard on the left and skidded an excellent ball to the other side of the pitch, only for a dangerous Lennon cross to be cleared to safety from in front of goal. This was a move that was replicated half way through the first half with a similar result.

England's ascendancy was rewarded in the 29th minute later when Peter Crouch acrobatically turned in a cushioned header from John Terry from yards out despite the best efforts of the onrushing Ukrainian goalkeeper Andrii Piatov.

There was reason for Capello to be concerned shortly afterwards as Gareth Barry, already booked for a clumsy challenge, was fortunate to escape without further punishment after hauling down the tricky striker Milevskiy and David James struggled to keep out Liverpool reject Voronin's seemingly harmless long-range strike on goal.

Capello will have been relatively pleased as the half-time whistle blew as his side were seemingly on course for a comfortable, problem-free victory.

He will not have been pleased by what was to follow as England slowly let their grip on the game slip through a combination of sloppy play in possession and a lack of incisiveness in both their moving and decision-making in key areas of the pitch.

Rooney was the only player whose level of performance had not visibly dropped as he surged past three flailing defenders with consummate ease before scorching a shot past Pitaov's near post.

One player who had flattered to deceive, Aaron Lennon, was replaced shortly into the second half by Beckham. An incident where Lennon aimlessly floated the ball onto the head of a defender after more sumptuous build-up play by Rooney seemed to convince Capello that he had seen enough.

Despite this understandable substitution, what Lennon lacks in quality of delivery he makes up for in pace and Beckham's introduction failed to add impetus to the home side's performance. So much so that it was the Eastern Europeans that levelled the scores when fellow high-profile replacement Shevchenko proved his many doubters wrong by latching on to a loose ball in the six-yard box to fire past a helpless David James.

Game on.

Capello and his staff reacted to this shock by bringing on Shaun Wright-Phillips for a waning Crouch, who had worked tirelessly to deny the Ukrainian defenders an easy route out of defence.

The diminutive Manchester City winger moved to the left-flank, Gerrard slotted in behind lone striker Rooney, and Beckham remained on his favoured right side. While this reduced Rooney's impact on the match, Beckham came to the fore—just in the nick of time.

In similar circumstances to those which led to England's opener, a headed knockdown set up a simple close-range finish, this time for the deserving captain John Terry, who was commanding throughout.

Five matches, 15 points, no more injuries. A good night's work? Perhaps...but Capello will rightly expect more from this talented group of players.

Full Time

England 2 (Crouch '29, Terry '85) Ukraine 1 (Shevchenko '74)

Ratings

England—James 5, Johnson 6, Terry 8, Ferdinand 7 (Jagielka n/a), Cole 5; Lennon 5 (Beckham 6), Lampard 7, Barry 5, Gerrard 6; Crouch 6 (Wright-Phillips 5), Rooney 8

Ukraine—Piatov 6; Yarmash 6, Mykhalyk 6, Chigrinsky 6, Shevchuk 7; Aliev 6, Slyusar 6, Tymoschuk 7, Valyaev 6; Voronin 5 (Shevchenko 7), Milevskiy 5

It's All About...Marsaxlokk F.C.

Christopher Potter — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:24:57 -0400

I am back from the wilderness (it may even be forty days and forty nights since my last instalment) but, as promised, in this article I examine Maltese footballing superpower Marsaxlokk.

As usual, this takes the form of SEVEN facts about the club (all of which you probably didn't know given Malta's low football profile).

Why seven? Why is the world round!

1. Marsaxlokk F.C. was originally founded in 1949 as Marsaxlokk White Starsand the team is also referred to as the Southseasiders and the Blues (strange given that they play in yellow strips).

2. The club's squad, like that of many of its league rivals, is—a refreshing rarity in the modern game—almost entirely composed of nationals, with the addition of only two Brazilians and one Argentinian player. All of the club's permanent outgoing and incoming transfers for the 2008-09 season involved Maltese clubs exclusively.

3. Jamie McDonald Pace, a Hammersmith-born midfielder once of London clubs Barton Rovers and Tooting & Mitcham, earned his keep at Marsaxlokk for four year from 2004, during which time he scored seven goals from 77 appearances. Pace moved to Malta a few years earlier in a bid to play international football.

4. Between 2005 and 2008, former Arsenal midfielder and England international Brian Talbot (pictured) was the club's first team coach. His unexpected stint was highly successful as he guided the team to a first league title and a place in the U.E.F.A Champions League qualifying rounds. He has now accepted a job as the club's technical director.

5. An anonymous Marsaxlokk player was this season approached by crooks with an offer to help throw a match. Despite accusations from local media that other officials and players at the club were involved in the bribe, club officials have denied any wrongdoing and defended the organization's behaviour.

6. The club's performances in European competitions have questioned the criteria for qualification, having been beaten by Slovenians NK Primorjea and Bosnians HSK Zrinjski Mostar and thrashed by FK Sarajevo and NK Slaven Belupo in the last two seasons by eight goals on aggregate on each occasion.

7. Despite competing for the Maltese Premier League title with the elaborately-named Hamrun Spartans and Tarxien Rainbows (no really!), Marsaxlokk will look to win the BOV League and the U*Bet FA Trophy next campaign. It seems that even this idyllic and historic Mediterranean island has not escaped the greedy grubs of corporate fat cats.

Next up...Indian side East Bengal F.C. Stay tuned!

The EPL Awards: Team ff the Year

Christopher Potter — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:20:46 -0400

As we near the end of another gripping Premier League season, packed with brilliant attacking play, atrocious defending, horrendous tackles, inspirational performances, and a lot of surprises, it is time for you fans to have your say.

Spurs, Newcastle, and Middlesbrough have surprisingly been fighting off relegation as poor performances, managerial speculation, and dissenting players have contrived to produce a formula for spectacular underachievement, with the latter two still in real trouble.

Hull, Wigan and Fulham and, to an extent, Stoke, have overachieved with squads completed on a shoestring budget.

Careful planning, studious management, and a foolproof team ethos have been important qualities to success—as shown by Aston Villa's meteoric early season rise to the summit of the table.

Conversely, unstrategic spending and superstar egos have proven to be the downfall of Manchester City and Newcastle United.

It has been the season of the afro, the two-footed lunge, the rare bearded manager, the public team talk, the tantrum and the sulk.

We have seen the emergence of bright young stars, the demise of over-hyped tripe, and the revolving managerial door of doom (which hasn't needed oiling).

Arsenal's renaissance and Liverpool's title surge have been as breathtaking as Hull's decomposition has been foreseeable.

But which players have impressed you the most? Which formation has proved to be the most fruitful, the most adaptable? Which manager has survived the cutthroat environment that he inhabits most admirably?

The deal is as follows: You have to pick a team of ELEVEN players, SEVEN subs, ONE manager, and ONE formation based one this season's pickings.

Feel free to fiercely contest my choices, agree with them or ridicule them:

FORMATION: 4-2-3-1

GK: Edwin Van Der Saar

RB: Valon Behrami

CB: Nemanja Vidic

CB: Phil Jagielka

LB: Patrice Evra

DM: Javier Mascherano

DM: Frank Lampard

RW: Ashley Young

AM: Steven Gerrard

LW:Albert Riera

FW: Nicolas Anelka

SUBS: Robert Green, Brett Hangeland, Glen Johnson, Marouane Fellaini, Lee Cattermole, Robin Van Persie, Kevin Davies

MANAGER: Steve Bruce

World Cup Watch Part Two: Argentina

Christopher Potter — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:48:17 -0400

Argentina is the focus of this second report on the challengers for the prestigious Jules Rimet trophy at next year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

HISTORY

Winners in 1978 and '86, the Albicelestes have a proud World Cup history and won just over half of their 65 matches in the finals tournament. They have a history that is marked by triumph and controversy, flashes of brilliance and insolence, and pride and disgrace in equal measure.

Notable incidents in the past have included legendary winger and current coach Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand Of God' goal and sublime dribble and finish in their 2-1 quarter-final triumph over England in '86 and an ugly brawl at the end of their surprise quarter-final defeat to the Germans in 2006.

SHAPING UP FOR 2010

With just 16 points from 10 games so far in qualifying, they lag SEVEN points behind Paraguay in the CONMEBOL qualification group and are not yet assured a place in next summer's tournament.

The defeats to Venezuela and Colombia were embarrassing for a nation with an unbelievable wealth of talent at its disposal and an impressive football heritage and hard-nosed captain Javier Mascherano and straight-talking coach Maradona will not put with mediocrity for long.

STRENGTHS

The squad has an enviable blend of youth and experience and has a good balance of offensive and defensive players. Superstars such as Lionel Messi, Javier Zanetti, and Javier Mascherano will be vital to the team's success. It is also a squad with real depth, highlighted by the fact that star Genoa striker Diego Milito is fourth choice.

WEAKNESSES

Coach Maradona has almost no experience of coaching football at any level and will have prove himself and impose his character on his team.

The Pumas have been poor so far in qualifying and the players will have to gel on a more regular basis and develop a greater understanding of each other's games if they are to go all the way.

COACH

The appointment of Diego Maradona as national coach over other more qualified candidates was met with surprise by some and vehement opposition by others. Yet, following a friendly victory over Scotland at Hampden Park and an impressive 2-0 defeat of France, it's a case of "so far, so good" for Argentina under Maradona's leadership.

KEY PLAYER

Lionel Messi needs little introduction, especially as he is considered by many to be the greatest footballer on the planet currently. With an incredible 50 goals in 103 appearances for Catalan giants Barcelona and 11 goals in international football already, the diminutive wizard is still just 21 years old.

Will he be able to live up to the hype when push comes to shove?

ODDS

5-1

World Cup Watch Part One: Brazil

Christopher Potter — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:08:27 -0400

The first in a series looking at the teams vying to win the coveted Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa next summer looks at Brazil, a footballing giant with a history of producing outrageously talented footballers and an undying love for the game.

HISTORY

With FIVE victories in eighteen World Cup Finals appearances, Brazil have always been the team to watch. Having first won the trophy in 1958, their most recent success was in 2002 in Asia where Ronaldo excelled with EIGHT tournament goals to take the golden boot award and the team won every game including a 2-0 win against Germany in the final.

They have never failed to qualify for the finals tournament in eighteen attempts and have won 70 percent of all finals matches they have played, scoring 201 goals in the process.

SHAPING UP FOR 2010

Brazil has shown poor form so far, drawing half of their matches to date. This has led to the national media questioning Dunga's coaching methods and team selection. Despite being six points adrift of leaders Paraguay, they should still qualify alongside Argentina and Chile.

STRENGTHS

In the true spirit of Brazilian football, next year's squad will be bursting with attacking talent with pacy, skillful players in usual abundance. They have world-class strikers in Robinho and Alexandre Pato, arguably the strongest international central midfield pairing in Diego Ribas and Kaka and their full-backs Douglas Maicon and Dani Alves would get into any side in the world.

WEAKNESSES

Brazil has never been known for producing reliable defensive players and coach Dunga will have to ensure that he fields a balanced team that is compact in defence and difficult to breach. The team has only lost twice in competitive fixtures under Dunga but have looked unconvincing at times, especially during their qualifying campaign this time around.

COACH

Dunga has been praised and criticised in equal measure since taking over from Carlos Alberto Pareira in 2006. Admired for casting his eye outside the big European sides for potential stars, he has helped bed the talented Vagner Love, Daniel Carvalho, and Dudu Cearense into the squad and will be keeping his eyes open for other potential stars.

He was also praised for leading his team to an emphatic triumph in the Copa America against the much fancied Argentines. But fans will hope that his side steps up a few gears fairly soon if they are to win next summer.

KEY PLAYER

Alexandre "The Duck" Pato has taken Serie A by storm recently with AC Milan, where he has scored 23 goals in 45 matches. Still only 19, the prolific young talisman has scored once for the national team but, with the service provided by Kaka, Ribas, and the marauding full-backs, he could go on to emulate many greats before him.

ODDS

3-1

FIFA World Cup 2010: Are England Contenders Or Pretenders?

Christopher Potter — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:23:14 -0400

Twelve points from four matches. So far so good.

England go into next week's home 2010 World Cup qualification match against Ukraine in buoyant mood and good form.

Despite defeat against Spain last month in Seville and an insipid performance reminiscent of Steve McClaren's reign, all is looking rosy for the Three Lions.

Their dismantling of a fancied Croatian team on foreign soil gave long-suffering England fans a glimpse of an exciting future and hope that, after 44 years of disappointment, 2010 may be their year.

Not only did Capello's men completely outclass and overwhelm the Croats, but also they showed a ruthless streak and focus that had seemed to be lacking ever since their famous 5-1 victory over Germany at the start of the millennium.

This was a different England: Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry dominated in the middle of the pitch, Wayne Rooney seemed to be back to his best and a young Theo Walcott stormed onto the international with a blistering hat-trick.

There was belief, passion, a defined plan that was adhered to and—most encouragingly—pride.

Many felt that, despite his undeniable managerial credentials, impressive aura, strong personality, and legendary no-nonsense approach to football, Fabio Capello would struggle to deal with the invasive media coverage and toxic WAG culture that had stagnated the national sport.

Fast forward 16 months and even Capello's most fierce and stubborn critics have eaten humble pie.

He has not had things all his own way, having overcome several battles already - the club versus country row that has proved so disruptive has yet again reared its ugly head over the last week in the debate over Ledley King's fitness.

But so long as Capello remains focused and continues to receive the support of the players, England will grow from strength to strength and should be expected to fight it out with Italy, Spain and Germany as the strongest European contenders for the Jules Rimet trophy.

Six matches in Group Six remain starting with a home tie against Ukraine next week but, with England so dominant and only two tricky away fixtures to deal with, qualification is a certainty.

Capello will hope to have wrapped up the No. 1 spot by the time Croatia visit in September, and interest will turn not to the results thereafter, but rather to how the squad takes shape going into 2010.

By this time, a new Premier League season will be in full swing and there will be a dozen or so men going hell for leather in an attempt to convince the wily Italian that they should be on the plane to South Africa come the summer.

For players such as Theo Walcott, Aaron Lennon, Joleon Lescott, Gabi Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, the 2009-10 season could make or break their international careers.

For the likes of fringe players Ledley King, Emile Heskey and Robert Green, this could be their last chance to enter an England hall of fame that would feature legends such as Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst.

Coach Capello has made it clear that he will pick players who are fit, focused and in form. The man neither holds grudges nor believes in favouritism.

No player can show any complacency or taken anything for granted, and there may be some surprise call-ups a la Michael Mancienne and Ledley King over the next few months.

This fierce competition for places and the renaissance of steely professionalism that has made a much-needed return to international training camps and preparation for matches means that England are serious contenders, not washed up pretenders as has been the case in the past.

There still remain many questions unanswered, many problems unresolved for English football—there is no genuine No. 1, a lack of world-class strikers and a real fear of burn-out—but if England continue full steam ahead in Capello's safe hands, there is no reason to doubt that this England team has every chance of replicating the triumph of the class of '66.

Bayern Munich to Win the Champions League and Exact Revenge For '99 Heartache?

Christopher Potter — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:03:38 -0400

We've been here before haven't we?

Down to the last eight of the 2008-09 UEFA Champions League and, yet again, English clubs are the flavour of the month.

This year, just as last, half of the qualified teams are English and, for many, it is Barcelona who seem most likely to prise away the trophy from the greedy mitts of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, thus denying them a historic quintuple.

Despite a recent stutter that has given Juande Ramos' Real Madrid an outside chance of snatching La Liga from their grasp, Barcelona has steamrolled their way through this season on all fronts, scoring at will and playing with breathless vim and verve.

On their day, they have torn teams to shred. Sporting Lisbon will be especially glad to see the back of their 'blaugrana' shirts after conceding 18 goals to the Catalan club on the four occasions they have dared get in their way.

Messi continues to draw comparisons with Maradona, Henry still knows where the back of the net is and Eto'o has not lost any of his striking prowess. Add to the mix, two marauding full-backs wreaking havoc and a world class playmaker in Xavi, and you have a pretty decent team I'd say!

However, scoring goals has never been Barcelona's problem.

The club's two encounters with a mediocre FC Basle in the group stage highlighted two key areas where Barcelona will ultimately come unstuck in their quest for glory. Two late goals in the 2-1 away win back in October did not mask the team's defensive frailties. Their home defeat to the same team proved that their squad is not as strong as some may believe.

Their excellent recent form has seen them stuff perennial European underachievers Lyon and smash six past Malaga over the weekend. But their opponents in the last eight, Bayern Munich, will still be on a high after their record 12-1 aggregate defeat in the last round.

Coach Jurgen Klinsmann has started at Bayern where he left off as German National Coach and his confident and attack-minded approach to the game has rubbed off on his charges. German footballers have a knack of pulling off unlikely victories and this double-header will prove too much too soon for the inexperienced Guardiola.

Elsewhere, Manchester United and Arsenal's progress to the last four is in little doubt. The holders face a Porto side who cannot rely on the genius of Jose Mourinho or the quality of Deco and Bosingwa to repeat their 2004 triumph. Arsenal will have a tougher time against the ever-improving Villarreal but the Spaniards have too many 'off' days to overcome a side which is unbeaten in 16 in the Premier League.

Chelsea's clash with Liverpool is perhaps the most difficult tie to predict and if anyone can mastermind a victory of Benitez's title-hunters it is Hiddink. If Anelka, Lampard and Terry find their form at the right, they could spring a surprise with Liverpool's mind on their pursuit of domestic honours.

It is Manchester United's for the taking but revenge for Bayern Munich's supporters would be so sweet after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer broke their hearts in extra-time ten years ago.

Quarterfinal Aggregate Predictions:

Man Utd 5-1 Porto

Villarreal 2-4 Arsenal

Barcelona 3-3 Bayern Munich (aet)

Liverpool 2-3 Chelsea

Lennon and Keane Crucial to Tottenham Hotspur's Surival

Christopher Potter — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 18:21:25 -0500

Lennon was a threat throughout, Keane was clinical when it mattered, Spurs got a crucial point that they deserved to continue the momentum they have been building in recent weeks.

"I was delighted to see the cross going to Robbie because he is a such a good finisher," enthused Harry Redknapp. And whilst his mood was one of general optimism, his demeanour betrayed caution.

For all of Tottenham's possession and territorial domination after a slow start against Sunderland at The Stadium Of Light on Saturday afternoon, it was a largely frustrating 90 minutes for Redknapp and the travelling supporters.

After going behind to an impressive solo effort from tricky winger Kieran Richardson in the third minuter, Tottenham struggled to get a foothold in the match. Indeed, it was the home side's complacency and sloppy passing that allowed the visitors to gradually find their stride.

But Redknapp was left fuming in the dugout after Darren Bent blazed over when he should have capitalized on Dean Whitehead's stray pass, and as Aaron Lennon continued to disappoint with his final delivery.

Chances came and were squandered by both sides, before an emphatic finish from an in-form Robbie Keane rescued a point for the Londoners, who have now secured a healthy return of seven points from their last three matches—important points given that they must travel to Villa Park and host Chelsea in their next two fixtures.

When Redknapp took charge at White Hart Lane, his sole aim was to keep Tottenham in the top-flight, usually a simple task with a talented squad and healthy capital at his disposal you would think. However, as Redknapp likes to point out, usual circumstances they were not.

With two points from eight games and a "[scary] mish-mash of players" to organize into a coherent squad, he had taken on his greatest challenge yet, with relegation at once unthinkable yet increasingly possible.

After seeing his players nearly surrender a three-goal advantage in the semi-final of the Carling Cup, he lambasted the resilience and mentality of his charges.

He must be pleased with the response that has followed, as deserved victories over rivals Hull and Middlesbrough have sandwiched a spirited performance at Wembley in the Carling Cup final.

The addition of Wilson Palacios, Jermain Defoe, Carlo Cudicini, and Pascal Chimbonda in February has increased competition for starting spots and given the club a lift but it is the return of Keane and the return to form of England hopeful Aaron Lennon that has made the difference in recent weeks.

On Wednesday night against Middlesborough, Keane had a hand in all four goals and Lennon was a defender's nightmare as he zipped down the wings and weaved and jinked past his helpless opponent countless times.

Yes, Luka Modric is becoming increasingly influential in the midfield, Heurelho Gomes has shown that he might yet prove to be a capable No. 1, and Michael Dawson has, at times, been heroic at the heart of the defence, but it is Lennon and Keane’s energy and enthusiasm that has been Spurs’ heartbeat, their quality and creativity that will be a saving grace.

Redknapp has two of the five wins that he targeted before last week’s visit to Hull City, and must hope that his side is on top form in the club’s three most winnable remaining fixtures, home ties against West Ham, Newcastle, and West Brom.

Even now, were Blackburn to win their game in hand, there would be just four points separating Tottenham from the danger zone from which they had worked so hard to escape.

After the 2-1 Carling Cup final victory over Chelsea last season, Tottenham won just twice in eleven games but, with a high-profile cull of players expected in the summer and with the threat of relegation still at the back of the players’ minds, there is plenty at stake.

Tottenham fans can expect to see Premier League football at White Hart Lane next season—but be careful not to assume this for it may yet make an "ass" out of "u" and "me."

The 2012 Olympics: Out Of Dark Comes Light

Christopher Potter — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:46:22 -0500

Finding great photos for articles—a dilemma that many fellow Bleachers share I am sure.

You have researched the article, prepared your angle, structured the article, and finished a finely tuned piece of writing with a cunning title.

What's missing? A really great photo that is suitable, symbolic, striking.

Since B/R introduced the photo search engine, this has not been as big an issue thankfully, and it was with glee that I stumbled upon the above photo, which perfectly encapsulates and symbolises the thoughts that I wish to express in this article.

Here's hoping that although a picture is often worth 1,000 words, words can also be powerful and meaningful to different people in different ways in their own right.

Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell lit the blue touch paper recently when she suggested that London would "probably not have [bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics]" had British authorities been aware of the extent of the pending economic recession.

Now, more than three years on from the joyous bid victory celebrations, the Olympic outlook is decidedly more bleak.

The estimated cost of the Games is now £9.345 billion, more than quadruple the original figure. The £2.7 billion contingency fund is being whittled down each day. Major tier one sponsors are probably wishing that they had not put their money where their mouths were.

Today, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted that the economic recession would be more brutal on the pleasant pastures of Britain than in any other developed country worldwide.

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) has an uphill struggle ahead.

It will look to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and acknowledge the praise heaped upon the Chinese for a green, safe, and, above all, exciting Games, but it will take heed from expert predictions that the Beijing legacy will be indiscernible, the economic and social impact of the event, negligible.

It will look to replicate the success that Greek authorities enjoyed in transforming beyond recognition the infrastructure of Athens' transport system, but will hope to avoid letting its venues fall into a similar state of disrepair, which is costing Greek taxpayers £500 million per annum.

This lack of foresight is unlikely given the fiasco of The Millennium Dome, for many years a costly and embarrassing ''White Elephant'' for the British government.

The committee will also find inspiration in the Barcelona success story.

Before 1992, Barcelona was a grey, industrial city struggling to recover from the Civil and World Wars and the repressive policies of General Franco, which robbed them of their identity, the Catalan culture and language, for many years.

The Olympics was a catalyst for the regeneration of the city's infrastructure, the rejuvenation of Catalan culture, and the relocation of Barcelona on the world map—from a drab industrial sprawl to an exciting tourist hot-spot.

Led by JA Samarranch and President of the Generalitat (local government) Joan Maragall, Barcelona recreated itself and redefined its image.

Authorities endeavoured to open up miles of stunning beaches and coastline on the southeastern side of the city, give the city a port to be proud of, and focus the attention of the world on Barcelona's thriving modern culture and architecture and proud sporting history.

This impact was not ephemeral: Barcelona was, all of a sudden, a serious player.

In fact, economists estimate the overall economic impact of the '92 Olympics at a figure greater than that effected by contemporary host cities Seoul and Atlanta combined.

Barcelona also profited from a general feel-good factor that was borne out of the end to Apartheid and the destruction of the Berlin Wall. 1992 was also, incidentally, the first time in 20 years that the Games had not been boycotted. The Games seemed to inspire unity.

London is, unfortunately, in a different boat. There is little prospect of favourable political or economic circumstances propelling the Games forward.

London will have to do it the hard way.

In a recent article for The Economist's annual preview "The World in 2009," mayor Boris Johnson spelled out the problems facing Londoners, in particular expressing his fear that the government's fiscal policy and regulation of the banks may deter FTSE 100 companies from keeping their headquarters in—or moving them to—London.

Importantly, Johnson also noted that a legendary British resilience in the face of adversity will be vital to the success of the Games.

London still has a lot going for it, British athletics even more so.

The success of British athletes in Beijing—where they achieved a record medal tally—has stimulated enthusiasm and interest in many disciplines, a phenomenon that the British government has encouraged with numerous local and national schemes and training programs for young children and aspiring athletes.

2012 offers an opportunity to regenerate the ailing London Docklands and East End and to build world-class facilities and amenities for the city's ever-expanding population.

So, back to the photo.

Will the sun set on London as a prosperous and vibrant modern city or will the light from the Olympic torch dispel the encroaching darkness and with it the doom and gloom that 2009 may bring?

It's All in the Mind: Playing the Relegation Game

Christopher Potter — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:27:46 -0500

What a season it's been at the KC Stadium.

Back in October, Hull City AFC were living the fairytale dream. They were the slumdog millionaires.

A rags-to-riches story had seen Hull transform itself from a club contemplating relegation to The Conference 10 years ago to a team that were on course to qualify for the Champions League, after securing 20 points from its opening nine Premier League fixtures.

As happens with many newly-promoted teams, their low-profile squad of British journeymen—hungry young guns and little-known foreigners—rode their luck at times and their fearless, free-flowing football titillated their fans and win over their initial cynics.

They seemed destined to prove that they could repeat the triumphs of Steve Coppell's Royals of 2006-'07. The attacking verve of Geovanni, Dean Marney and Daniel Cousin impressed no less than the resolute barrier to their goal that Boaz Myhill, Kamil Zayatte and the inspirational Michael Turner had constructed.

But where once there were Tigers, now there are cubs. Their defeat at home to fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur—an average side, at best, on their travels—meant that they have picked up just eight points from a possible 51 and have suffered humiliating defeats against Sunderland and Manchester City.

So miserable was their performance during the first half of the latter that Phil Brown felt the need to drag his players into the centre circle for a halftime dressing-down.

At the same time that Hull were flying high on top of the league and the world, Tottenham were in the doldrums, virtually dead and buried. After Monday night's victory over sinking Hull, it seems only a matter of time before they reach the sandy shore of survival.

Johnathan Woodgate's soaring 83rd minute header epitomised the energy and belief which has emerged amongst the Spurs squad as they have surged through the cup competitions.

In truth, a revival of their league fortunes would have come sooner did their players not have a disposition to switch off late in matches.

Hull have not shown the quantity it takes to win games for a long while and are likely to join West Brom back in the Championship next season.

So, one relegation place remains and none of the other bottom 10 sides are safe.

Upwardly mobile Newcastle and Tottenham should survive by dint of their superior squads and finances—and their healthier goal differences—and Sunderland and Bolton should already have secured enough points to ensure that they are not sucked in.

This leaves Portsmouth, Stoke, Blackburn, and Middlesborough.

Portsmouth and Blackburn, although fragile defensively, have attacking options which should ensure their survival: Peter Crouch and Roque Santa Cruz have more goals in them.

Middlesborough and Stoke, like Hull City, have endured a torrid 2009 and have found league wins increasingly difficult to come by. Yet, last night's demolition of a capable West Ham team showed that Middlesborough have the quality it takes, especially if wing wizards Stewart Downing and Adam 'Jinky' Johnson can continue to wreak havoc with their pace and trickery on the flanks.

Stoke are one-dimensional and too reliant on their home form to stay up.

My predictions

Relegation

20. West Brom

19. Stoke City

18. Hull City

Key Match Days

Saturday, 4 April

Blackburn v Tottenham; Bolton v Middlesborough; Hull v Portsmouth; West Brom v Stoke

Sunday 24 May

All teams, with the exception of Blackburn, have very difficult fixtures and a pluck draw could make all the difference.

Key Players

West Brom: Johnathan Greening

Middlesborough: Stewart Downing

Blackburn: Roque Santa Cruz

Stoke: Scott Carson

Portsmouth: Peter Crouch

Newcastle: Michael Owen

Tottenham: Robbie Keane

Hull: Geovanni

Are Harry Redknapp's Youngsters Actually Any Good?

Christopher Potter — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 06:39:50 -0500

Tonight should be of even more interest than Sunday afternoon for Tottenham's long-suffering supporters.

Injuries, suspensions, dodgy league form, and a suffocating schedule have conspired to hand the club's fleet of youngsters a chance to take off and propel themselves into genuine contention for a place on the bench at Wembley on Sunday afternoon—and a place in Redknapp's masterplan to recover the mess Juande Ramos left.

Much was made of schoolboys Dean Parrett and John Bostock's moves to Spurs from the youth ranks of QPR and Crystal Palace respectively. Tonight they can show eagle-eyed fans that they can usurp the under-performing Jenas and Zokora in the heart of Tottenham's current crop of no-hopers.

Redknapp was credited for helping turn Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, and Frank Lampard into outstanding Premier League performers at the turn of the century. He would love to give Mr. Capello a few more before he hangs up his boots for good.

Ironically, this may only truly be possible were Spurs to drop leagues at the end of the season. For too long the club's hierarchy has shown too little patience, with an unhealthy disposition to thoughtlessly throw money at the problems that have arisen from a culture of mediocrity.

It is difficult to see a way into the team for the likes of Bostock, Parrett, and Taarabt (pictured) and strikers Ryan Mason and Johnathan Obika so long as high-profile players such as Bentley, Modric, Dos Santos, Pavlyuchenko, and Bent are forced to justify their hefty price tags.

Unfortunately, with the exception of a handful of players, it is not a lack of effort that has undermined Tottenham's campaign this time around, but rather more worryingly, a lack of quality and an inability to concentrate—neither of which are likely to be solved by introducing inexperienced youngsters.

The only chance for some of these players to prolong their Tottenham careers will be to beat Shakthar Donetsk comfortably tonight and prove to Redknapp that, if they can help defeat seasoned Champions Leaguers, they are more than ready for the Premier League.

Tonight could prove to be a crossroads for Chris Gunter, Gareth Bale, Giovani Dos Santos, Fraizer Campbell, and Adel Taarabt. These are players who, despite being expected to make the grade, have let many hopeful supporters and club officials down with inconsistent and/or forgettable performances.

Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Shakthar Donets

D-Day: Dos Santos, Campbell, Taarabt

Jury Still Out: Bale, Gunter

Have Time on Their Side: Bostock, Parrett, Townsend, Obika, Mason, Smith, Jansson

It's All About...Columbus Crew

Christopher Potter — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:39:39 -0500

We have been to Europe, we have ventured to Asia and Africa and ended up via Oceania and South America at the home of ''soccer'', the United States of America.

And when better to wax lyric about the MLS than the day that the country inaugurated its first black president ever, a momentous day in the history of a changing nation.

This change has manifested itself not only on the social and political scene, but also on the sporting front.

Yes, the NFL, NBA and MLB still dominate the covers of the sports pages and bulletins but football is, all of a sudden, a big deal—something not to be laughed at.

We were told that much of the thinking behind David Beckham's ''super-transfer'' to play for the L.A. Galaxy was to help promote the MLS and raise its profile throughout the world. Yet, even before Posh and Becks arrived in L.A. amidst all the glitz and glam, (Association) football had already made great strides in the credibility stakes.

Indeed, when the Women's World Cup had to be moved to the US from China following a deadly outbreak of SARS, many American cynics were hooked by the unexpected success of their country's sportswomen as the hosts powered to an impressive third place. Following on from the '99 Women's World Cup—also a commercial and sporting success—crowds continued to burgeon, with as many as 35,000 showing up for group matches.

This brings me on nicely to my featured side for today's episode in this series, Columbus Crew, whose stadium hosted several games during the aforementioned tournament:

1. Columbus Crew's team was lucky enough to play regularly in America's first purpose built soccer stadium, the imaginatively named Columbus Crew Stadium, in 1999.

2. Columbus Crew, formed in 1994, has three principal supporter groups, namely The Crew Supporters Union, The Husdon Street Hooligans and La Turbina Amarilla, reflecting the club supporters' varied demographic.

3. In the lead up to last season, the Columbus Crew executives looked at possible new sources if revenue and decided to build a stage in the stadium that would be suitable for hosting concerts and other events away from the football.

Build a purpose-built soccer stadium only to transform part of it less than a decade later into a stage? Confused? So am I.

4. Prior to these works, the club's three supporter groups had been dispersed in different parts of the ground. Recently however, they have joined together in the north corner of the stadium and call themselves the ''Nordecke'', a German word meaning ''North corner'' thus celebrating the German heritage of Columbus.

5. The club's record attendance still stands from a game in September 1996, with nearly 32,000 supporters witnessing the Crew defeat the Metrostars 2-0.

6. In July 1998, Brian McBride became the first Crew player to be named MVP of the MLS All-Star game, as he registered a goal and two assists in the first half of the MLS USA All-Stars' 6-1 victory over the MLS World All-Stars. The ex-Fulham and Everton striker has since gone on to become the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 62 goals.

7. On June 16 1999, the first-ever Buck-A-Brat night took place at Crew Stadium: Crew fans devoured 14,659 bratwurst. Two years and two months later, the Crew sold its 125,000th bratwurst. Neat!

More weird and wonderful facts next time around about the Maltese giants FC Marsaxxlok.

It's All About...Colo-Colo

Christopher Potter — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:15:53 -0500

Before I started this piece, I asked myself what I really knew about South American football. Unsurprisingly, the three words that came to the front of my mind were Pele, Maradona, and Brazil in no particular order.

Then, three more words came to me. Three words that are maybe even more revealing about football in South America.

H A N D O F G O D

For, despite all of the wonderful Latin American skill and flair that we are privileged enough to have seen ever since football came to our television screens, and the passion with which Latin Americans embrace the game, controversy eternally looms on the horizon and with it, damnation.

Nobody better encapsulates this enthralling, yet ultimately tragic story of success and sin than Diego Armando Maradona, the golden boy of Argentinian football.

The story goes:

Young boy with immense talent rises to fame, has the world at his feet, dazzles and inspires millions with outrageous skills, lets his success go to his head, hangs around with the wrong people, goes from hero to zero and, finally, is rehabilitated and reborn.

In the same way, Latin American football has soared to dizzy heights and then, moments later, plunged to depths to which only Latin American football can plunge.

Nowhere are fans so passionate about football, stadiums so full, football so high on the agenda of the people. So much so that Phil Scolari recently explained that "Pressure was when I was coach of the national team as everyone in Brazil is a coach."

Too often, the excitement and expectation of so many is destroyed by a sense of rage and folly.

On the one hand, this manifests itself in a commendable desire to win and a competitive nature that can lead to players overstepping the mark and becoming involved in gross sporting misconduct.

On the other hand, it is revealed by a passion and fervour that, in the heat of the moment under the scorching equatorial sun, flares over and often ends in tragedy.

Is this commonplace view of Latin American football a grotesquely sweeping, misunderstood preconception? I hoped to put this to the test with an admittedly microcosmic - but microscopic - study of Chilean side (Corporación Club Social y Deportivo) Colo-Colo:

1. Colo Colo was founded in 1925 in the Macule commune of Chilean capital city Santiago, where the club plays its matches at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano, named after one of its founding fathers.

2. Aforementioned Arellano led the club on what was the first tour of Europe by a Chilean football team. Unfortunately, the trip was to end in tragedy as Arellano suffered a fatal case of peritonitis, the inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, following a challenge during an exhibition match against Real Valladolid.

3. The club badge (above) depicts the Mapuche Indian chief ('cacique') Colo-Colo, after which the club takes its name. The chief symbolised and embodied courage, strength and wisdom.

4. The club colours are also symbolic. White represents pure principles and intentions in victory, black represents a commitment and determination to always fight loyally for the cause.

5. A powerful earthquake in 1960, combined with a lack of support from Chilean governments unhappy about the private running of the club, conspired to delay the building of a proposed super-stadium with a capacity of more than 100.000 spectators throughout the 1960s.

However, transfer fees received from the sales of several key players allowed the stadium to be completed in time for its inauguration in 1975.

Yet the precarious state of the poorly irrigated pitch and the inadequacy of the stadium's facilities meant that the club were forced to abandon their home for years as it was restricted to hosting training sessions.

That was until another player sale (Hugo Rubio to Bologna in 1981) facilitated the reconstruction and completion of the stadium more than 20 years after the plans were originally drawn up.

6. Gen. Agusto Pinochet, the infamous Chilean dictator was named honorary Club President after his successful 1977 military coup and is, to an extent, responsible for the club's modern success (and even existence) having bankrolled Colo-Colo in times of near bankruptcy.

7. Despite not being renown for producing world-class individual players, Colo-Colo has, thanks to an unshakeable team spirit and work ethic, dominated Chilean football ever since its conception, with 28 league titles and numerous other honours to its name.

An intriguing story of success, albeit disappointingly lacking in controversy.

Next to the home of "soccer." Perhaps, my wish will come true as I travel directly north and cross the border into equally unknown territory.

Stay with me as I coincidentally shed some light on Columbus Crew FC. Ha ha! It's a small world...

It's All About...Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club

Christopher Potter — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:14:59 -0500

Today's episode in this series focuses our attention on the African football scene.

Although many talented players such as George Weah, Jay-Jay Okocha and Majed Abdullah, as well as many of the biggest stars currently lifting crowds to their feet in the Premier League, have blessed the world football scene with their sublime skills, hunger to succeed, and raw power, Africa still lacks a club or national side prepared to compete with the best around.

Just as is the case with Asian football, African clubs have remained cut off from the international scene. The reasons for their failure to penetrate the confines of the prestigious international club stage appear to be threefold:

First, Africa is a vast continent with a limiting landscape. It is difficult to travel both within Africa and to and from the continent to other parts of the world. This lack of international exposure means that an extra competitive edge is often lacking.

Second, despite the effort, time and money that has been expended in improving the sporting infrastructure of the continent, it is still a comparatively under-developed continent in this respect.

African players know that they can earn a better living if they migrate to Europe in particular. This exodus of players is only being accelerated by private investment.

Finally, the relationship between sport and politics continues to impeach or, at least, slow progress. African football depends on funding from FIFA, CAF (Confederation Africaine de Football), and also from national government.

Yet CAF has been widely criticised for its lack of initiative in recent years, especially in the case of the recent demise of Kenyan football. Many accuse CAF of showing bias towards Western African and Francophone football associations.

Despite this, African football is clearly on an upward trend. This will culminate in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in South Africa.

It has yet to be seen whether the African sides can mount a challenge for the greatest trophy in world football.

Despite constantly producing batches of world-class players, prestigious and successful African clubs are few and far between.

Clubs in northern states, such as Al Ahly, westernmost clubs like Accra and those in southern countries, like Orlando Pirates, tend to fare better. In between, in Central and Eastern Africa, is where the problem lies.

One Western African club that has a fascinating history of success and struggle, sometimes simultaneously, is Ghana's Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club.

So what of this intriguingly-named club?

1. Accra Hearts of Oak (''Accra Hearts'') - the oldest club side in Ghana - was formed 99 years ago by a group of young men in Ussher Town, a district in Ghana's capital and most populous city, Accra and soon became rivals of The Invincibles, Accra's first football club.

2. One of the founding members of the club, was J.T.O Ankrah, father of ''Black Flash'' Roy Ankrah, the first West African Commonwealth featherweight boxing champion.

3. The Hearts decided to change their club colours to the current ''rainbow'' colours: red, yellow and blue. After this change had been fully sanctioned, club officials ordered their new strips from Manchester, England.

4. The club is 19-times national league Champions, nine-times Ghana Cup winners, and also won the African Championship in 2000, followed by success in the African Super Cup the following year.

5. Last season, Kumasi Asante Kotoko striker Eric Bekoe accused Hearts players and also referee Cecil Fletcher of nearly causing his death during a league encounter.

Following a two-hour struggle for his life, Porcupine Warrior Bekoe told national journalists that Accra player Kofi Gari (''Coleman'') warned him that he would stop him by any means, fair of foul.

After the match, he suddenly collapsed on the team bus after complaining of feeling dizzy. The team goalkeeper led prayers in Islam in an attempt to revive the player, but they were to no avail.

The player was rushed to hospital, where several scars on his body from the match were revealed. But no plausible medical explanation for his near death was proposed.

6. In what is the most devastating sporting tragedy that Africa has ever experienced, 126 fans were killed during a stampede in 2001 during the match at Accra Sports Stadium against Asante Kotoko.

Witnesses say that the trouble started when Kotoko fans started throwing their seats onto the stadium's running track. The police responded by launching tear gas canisters into the stands and all hell ensued.

Most fans were trampled to death, while some were reported to have died from wounds caused in armed conflict.

7. On a less tragic note, the club has produced many noteworthy players such as former Juventus star and current Tottenham Hotspur trialist Stephen Appiah and Rosenborg SK midfielder Anthony Annan.

Tomorrow, I present to you...Chilean giants Colo Colo as I continue on my clockwise geographical journey around the fascinating world of football.

It's All About...Newcastle United (Jets)

Christopher Potter — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:11:53 -0500

No. Not The Toon, The Barcodies, The Magpies. Whatever you want to call them.

Today, the club that will enter into the illustrious annals of Bleacher Reportdom is none other than Newcastle United Jets of Newcastle, Australia.

The A-League team has only been around for eight years but, as with Christmas in this age, new things are often more exciting...

So, to the facts.

What can I possibly tell you about the Jets that will make you think to yourself 'Wow! I never knew that' or 'Would you believe that?.'

Here we go...

1. The Jets were originally founded by businessman Con Constantine (no con!) in 2000 but later renamed in keeping with jazzed-up image the A-League creators wished to create—and also to avoid confusion with their eponymous English counterparts (or, perhaps, embarrassment at the association—oops...now in trouble with the Geordies!).

2. During a jittery start to their life in the A-League, the club swapped managers twice as Richard Money fell on hard times and Nick Theodorakopulos was all name and no game. Their current coach, Gary Van Egmond's efforts have not been scrambled just yet. Each pun intended—I am not going to apologize!

3. The side's biggest star was the hugely prolific 35-year-old Brazilian striker Mario Jardel once of Bolton. He scored 130 goals in 125 games for Porto at the end of the last millennium. Sadly for the Jets, Jardel failed to net in 11 games during his one-year stint with the club.

4. In a remarkable turnaround from their previous disappointments, The Jets won the A League final in 2007-08 thanks in part to an awful mistake from former Middlesborough Rangers and Cardiff City stalwart Tony Vidmar, who was playing in his last game in professional. That's one way to be remembered!

5. This year, however, proved to be an anno horibilis for the Jets. They lost four key players during the preseason and plunged the depths in an embarrassing attempt to sign has-been Dwight Yorke as their 'marquee player'.

To add to these problems, owner Constantine (see No. 1) refused to budge on his tough stance on adhering to a limiting salary cap and coach Van Egmond came to blows with the authorities were storming onto the pitch during a match.

6. Their core supporters are known as the squadron (clever!) and their most popular chant is as follows:

"Oh when the Jets come flying in, I wanna be in that squadron."

Not so clever!

7. The Squadron's Bebo profile has been viewed 827 times—presumably 826 times by the same guy and then I came along...

Next up is the magnificently named African team Accra Hearts of Oak.

That's all for now folks.

It'a All About...Gamba Osaka

Christopher Potter — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:59:05 -0500

Round Two of my new feature, "It's All About..." focuses on the growing impact of Asian football on world football.

Manchester United's recent trip to Japan for the 2008 World Club Cup brought several Asian clubs into focus for many football fans across the world.

While British critics furiously debated what impact this foray would have on the club's Premier League campaign, it was, for many of us, an exciting opportunity to gauge how far Asian football has come since South Korea's inspiring 2002 World Cup campaign and, earlier, Saudi Arabia's memorable 1994 World Cup performances.

Despite Asia's sporadic—many would say dubious—contribution to world football as we remember it over the past century, there are many clubs steeped in tradition, with many stories to tell and many triumphs worth reminiscing upon proudly.

The English champions were pitted against six other less prestigious football teams from less developed footballing continents and eventually crowned champions, following an entertaining 5-3 victory over Japanese side Gamba Osaka. It was not, however, as easy as many would have envisioned.

While Man Utd eased off towards the end of their semi-tie with one eye already on the final to come, the Japanese team won many plaudits for their attacking verve and high levels of skill.

So, what else can I tell you about this J-League Division One side?

1. The club's name has its origins in the Italian word 'gamba' (meaning 'leg') and the Japanese word 'gambaru' (meaning 'hold firm').

2. Gamba Osaka's players certainly held firm and used their legs to great effect when defeating Adelaide United 5-0 on aggregate in the final of the 2008 AFC Champions League.

3. The club is continuously financially handicapped by its location outside of Osaka's city limits and has to live in the shadow of the baseball team. Crowds at the beginning of the millennium dropped to a near all-time low of 9,000 and now average double that figure.

4. The club was originally founded in 1980 as Matsushita Electric Industrial Corporation (Panasonic)Limited Soccer Club in Nara Prefecture (MEICLSCNP...hardly rolls of the tongue!), but changed its name in 1991.

5. Famous former players include Fulham cult hero Junichi Inamoto and Cameroonian man-mountain Patrick Mboma.

6. The side ended this season with a 1-0 victory in the Emperor's Cup final thanks to injury-plagued forward Ryuji Bando's 117th minute strike, thus ensuring that the club will be able to defend their Asian Champion's League crown next year.

7. Their star player is former Brazilian youth international striker Lucas Severino, who has played for Samba giants Cruzeiro and Corinthians and, at one point, commanded a transfer fee of €21 million when moving to French side FC Rennes.

Next up...Hyundai A-League's defending champions Newcastle United Jets.

It's All About...FC Barcelona

Christopher Potter — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:55:36 -0500

As of today, I will be bringing you my fellow football enthusiasts here at B/R a brief insight into different football clubs from across the globe, both big and small.

These findings will come in the "10 Things You May Not Know About..." format.

Yet these articles will differ from the average hurried-together factfile you may find in The Sun the day before Tottenham taken on the mighty Anorthosis Famagusta or Chelsea travel to Botev Plovdiv.

And, for the sake of being different (and also because I dread the thought of having to find ten things to write about FC Marsaxlokk of Malta), there will be SEVEN fascinating facts.

The facts will be informative for the most part, often humorous, and utterly ludicrous.

I hope to offer you an oversight of the history of each club and insight into moments that have shaped the clubs' fortunes and history.

Please feel free to share your knowledge or ignorance on all matters related to the club in question. I look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy what would be describe in the film industry as a featurette.

Where do I start?

Well—first up is FC Barcelona. I may as well start at the top...

1. FC Barcelona was formed by a young group of Swiss, British and Catalan footballers led by Hans Gamper in 1899.

2. There are many legends about the choice of the club's iconic "Blaugrana" (blue and grain) colours.

One states that Gamper adopted the colours of his favourite team FB Basle, for whom he played professionally. Another (surely more plausible) legend claims that the colours were inspired by a pen that one of the founding members fixed his eyes on at the first club meeting.

3. The club's fans are affectionately—and rather inappropriately—named "els culers"(which translates literally as "those with the bums"). This name originates from the fact that the first stadium that the club played its matches at was not fully enclosed and passers-by were often treated a rather cheeky view if you know what I mean.

4. The club anthem, composed in 1974 to commemorate its 75th anniversary, is sung with passion and pride:

Tot el camp (All of the stadium)
és un clam (is a clam)
som la gent blaugrana (we are the Blue and Grains)
Tant se val d'on venim (it doesn't matter where we come from)
si del sud o del nord (whether from the south or north)
ara estem d'acord, ara estem d'acord, (now we are united, now we are united)
una bandera ens agermana. (by a flag which brings us together like brothers)
Blaugrana al vent (strength with the Blue and Grains)
un crit valent (bravely we chant)
tenim un nom el sap tothom: (we have a name that everyone knows)
Barça, Barça, Baaarça! (Barca, Barca, Baaarca)

Jugadors, seguidors, (Players, fans)
tots units fem força. (together we are strong)
Son molt anys plens d'afanys, (for many years we have been earnest)
son molts gols que hem cridat (many goals we have cheered)
i s'ha demostrat, i s'ha demostrat, (and we have shown, we have shown)
que mai ningu no ens podrà torcer. (that nobody will ever tear us apart)
Blaugrana al vent (strength with the Blue and Grains)
un crit valent (bravely we chant)
tenim un nom el sap tothom: (we have a name that everyone knows)
Barça, Barça, Baaarça! (Barca, Barca, Baaarca)

5. Franco's dictatorship intervened when it was understood that the Catalan giants had signed the legendary Argentinian forward Alfredo Di Stefano from River Plate. In an attempt to slow Barca's meteoric rise to the top of Spanish football, the government demanded that Di Stefano played for two seasons for Real Madrid as well as two with The Blaugrana.

6. Barcelon'a current stadium El Camp Nou ('The New Field') is due for a makeover by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster, who will construct an outer shell of colourful Gaudiesque tiles whose sparkle will lead the club into the modern era...at an estimated cost of €250 million!!!

7. FC Barcelona also boasts successful rugby, basketball, hockey, ice hockey, ice skating, volleyball, baseball, roller hockey, handball, and five-a-side football clubs.

The Premier League: A Geographic Anomaly

Christopher Potter — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:01:07 -0500

This season's Premier League comprises six teams based in the Northwest, six in London, four in the North East and just four in other parts of England (Aston Villa, West Brom, Stoke and Portsmouth).

This is a geography that has little changed since the inauguration of this prestigious competition 16 years ago.

This anomaly whereby football clubs from the North West of the country and from London have dominated English football's top flight is puzzling.

While it is true that many of these clubs - Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham for example - have glorious pasts and numerous successes that stretch back into the last century and even the one before that, it is also true that many others have lost their way.

On the one hand, Yorkshire, a proud county of four million people with a history of sporting prowess (think Leeds United, Rugby League and Headingley), now has one solitary top-flight representative where it once had three.

On the other hand, Greater Manchester, a far less populous county than Yorkshire, has four representatives.

London is of course a slightly different case, with a large catchment area of wealthy fans from both the South East and South West and greater financial clout.

But what about the rest of England? The Midlands? Two sides. The South? One side.

So - why do clubs that have to compete for fans with nearby rivals tend to fare better?

Leeds United is, for example, a bigger and more historic club than Blackburn. Sheffield Wednesday is a bigger club than Fulham.

You can be sure that both Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday would have no problem selling out their satdium week in, week out were they to revive their fortunes.

Likewise, you can be sure that Blackburn Rovers will continue to be handicapped financially from falling attendances and that Fulham will forever live in the shade of their more illustrious Blue neighbours. But they will fight - and they will stay up because...well...just because that's what happens generally.

Perhaps teams such as Ipswich and Norwich, Coventry and Derby felt lonely - they had no bitter rivals and, as such, no fight in them?

Is it a money matter? Does money create and maintain success? Surely not given Fulham, Blackburn and Portsmouth's prolonoged presence.

Is it that people in the Midlanders are mad about their mares, that Yorkshire folk are too busy admiring their yorkers? Are East Anglians are too busy angling? Is the Black Country a sporting black hole?

Probably, I'm reading too much into it and should put down my Atlas and my population censuses and just accept the fact that good sides stay up and bad ones go down.

It doesn't seem to me that other top-flight European leagues suffer from the same geographic lopsidedness.

Can anyone out there offer other possible explanations for this peculiarity?