Fergie’s Shiny New DB
September 13, 2008
You can’t help thinking that Fergie is relieved that the International break is over as he will be no doubt be dying to try out his brand spanking new signing, Dimitar Berbatov, who has been burning a hole in his pocket (in more ways than one) since the end of the transfer window.
Although, undoubtedly a great signing, it raises many questions as to how he is going to play him and, indeed, whether he will start him. Rooney and Tevez have been busily buzzing around up front so far like a pair of excited chipmunks around a juicy redwood, but, being similar players, they haven’t really produced an attacking display that has had a real cutting edge. However, after Rooney’s creative display for England, especially as it was next to a big man with quick feet, Berbatov will be looking forward to a lot quality ball. I doubt Fergie will worry about showing any restraint against Liverpool by not playing a front three. The y will recycle the responsibility to drop deeper for the ball, although I doubt Berbatov will venture past the half way to many times.
Luck has been a feature of all Liverpool’s games so far and who’s to say they’re not going to get more. Sulky face Gerrard and Man-child Torres have surprisingly returned from injuries, which is a big boost for them, but then again, so have Hargreaves and Carrick for United which equally will provide a good stable platform for the forwards to menace, in my opinion, a suspect back four. Could this game, or at least Liverpool’s attacking flavour, be decided on where Rafa decides to play Keane? So far the wide positions have been awful for Keane and have created many problems when he cuts in to join up with Torres and Kuyt leaving lots of space behind him in the breakdown. If he plays as a second striker he will feel he has a lot to prove and may try to do too much. However, Liverpool’s play has been so lacking in width it’s practically anorexic at the moment, if Babel and Riera play those channels Keane and Torres may get more ball to run on to.
United have a full squad to choose from except for Ronaldo, who is expected to be fit for Villarreal on Wednesday. I expect the starting line up to be Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Hargreaves, Carrick (or Fletcher), Scholes, Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov. The last four names fill me with expectation of industry, creativity, flair and most of all goals, which is what we have been lacking.
Goto Source
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Celtic beat Motherwell 4-2
September 13, 2008
GLASGOW (AFP) – Celtic warmed up for their midweek Champions League match against Aalborg with a 4-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
The game had looked over as a contest at half-time with Celtic racing into a 4-0 lead with goals from Shaun Maloney, Scott McDonald and a double from Georgios Samaras as the Motherwell defence had a nightmare.
Motherwell, whose own European adventure starts on Thursday against Nancy in the UEFA Cup, improved vastly in the second-half and pulled two back through John Sutton and David Clarkson.
But despite dominating possession in the second period the home side could not get back on level terms as Celtic took all three points from the Scottish Premier League clash.
Celtic started the match with a frantic pace and took the lead with just four minutes on the clock. Scott Brown drove into the Motherwell box and his pass across the face of goal found Maloney unmarked at the far post to sidefoot it in.
The Hoops doubled their lead just four minutes later through Samaras. Strike partner McDonald slipped a pass to him and the ball nearly got caught under the Greek striker’s studs.
But he recovered to hold off Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds and slide the ball under the advancing Graeme Smith.
Brown nearly made it three in the 17th minute. McDonald, with his back to goal, held the ball up and played the ball across the edge of the box to Brown whose low drive flashed just past the post.
In the 21st minute Clarkson played Sutton in but the striker’s effort flew across the face of goal with no takers.
Former Motherwell player McDonald made it three with 24 minutes gone. He turned his marker Reynolds in the box from Mark Wilson’s throw-in and chipped the ball over the keeper to send the Celtic fans wild.
Clarkson thought he had pulled one back for Motherwell in the 30th minute when his overhead kick finish from a Stephen Hughes chip over the Celtic defence flew past Boruc but the linesman had already flagged for offside.
Maloney, who had been terrorising the Motherwell defence with his pace, saw his free-kick from the edge of the box rattle the crossbar with Smith beaten in the 37th minute.
Samaras completed the first-half rout after 41 minutes. McDonald neatly flicked the ball into the path of the former Man City player and he raced past the static Motherwell defence to finish low and hard past the helpless keeper.
Motherwell came out transformed in the second-half and pulled one back in the 54th minute. Sutton rifled in a volley from 16 yards out for his third goal in as many games since joining the club.
Clarkson got Well’s second just two minutes later. The forward was played into the box by Steven McGarry and he slipped the ball under Boruc under pressure from two Celtic defenders.
The home side grew in confidence and the chances kept coming. First Sutton’s shot cannoned off the Celtic defence for a corner before Chris Porter headed straight at Boruc when he was found unmarked in the box after 63 minutes.
Boruc had to be at his best in the 78th minute to produce a one-handed save from a Paul Quinn header following a corner. And just a minute later Porter fired wide of the post under pressure from two Celtic defenders with Clarkson screaming for a pass.
But despite the nervy finish Celtic held on to claim victory before the visit of Danish champions at Parkhead on Wednesday.
Written by: AFP
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Babel´s late goal for Liverpool sinks Man Utd at last
September 13, 2008
LONDON (AFP) – Liverpool finally got the better of Manchester United as Ryan Babel’s late goal clinched a 2-1 win over the defending Premier League champions on Saturday.
Rafa Benitez’s side had lost seven of the last eight league encounters with their bitter rivals dating back to 2004, and the Reds fell behind early at Anfield when Carlos Tevez struck for United.
But Wes Brown’s own goal gave Liverpool a first-half equaliser and Babel, on as a substitute just six minutes earlier, grabbed the decisive goal 13 minutes from full-time.
That was enough to hand Benitez his first league win over United and the day got even worse for Sir Alex Ferguson when Nemanja Vidic was sent off in stoppage time for a crude elbow on Xabi Alonso.
Dimitar Berbatov had made an instant impact on his debut by setting up Tevez’s third-minute opener. The Bulgaria striker held off Jamie Carragher and slipped a pass to Tevez, who slotted home his first goal of the season.
Benitez’s side drew level in comical fashion after 27 minutes. Alonso’s shot deflected off Patrice Evra towards Edwin van der Sar, whose weak attempted punch hit Brown and cannoned back into his own net.
Liverpool dominated after that and the pressure finally paid off in the 77th minute.
Ryan Giggs carelessly lost possession on the touchline to Javier Mascherano and the Argentine poked the ball to Dirk Kuyt. His pass found Babel in yards of space and the Dutch winger side-footed home past two United defenders on the line.
Written by: AFP
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Full Time: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester United
September 13, 2008
LIVERPOOL (SW) – For the first time in seven years, Liverpool beat Manchester United in a Premiership game at Anfield Road. The winning goal came from Ryan Babel in the second half.
United had taken the lead after only three minutes as Dimitar Berbatov beat two defenders and found Carlos Tevez in the penalty area. The Argentinian then struck past Pepe Reina to make it 0-1.
But Liverpool soon gained strength, and would be the better side throughout the rest of the match.
Their first reward came in the 27th minute. A right winged cross from Xabi Alonso had Edwin van der Sar wanting to punch away, but the goalkeeper directed the ball onto Wes Brown’s foot instead, after which it bounced back into the goal for 1-1.
Liverpool continued to attack in the second half, and Rafael Benitez brought on Steven Gerrard and Ryan Babel to give his side some more options for the remaining half hour.
The Reds netted their deserved winner at thirteen minutes from the end. Javier Mascherano struggled past two Mancunians at the goal line, and somehow got the ball to Dirk Kuijt. The latter then passed back to fellow Dutchman Ryan Babel, who sent the ball over the heads of several United players and keeper Van der Sar to make it 2-1.
Liverpool hadn’t beaten United in a Premiership home game since November 2001, and it is the first ever Premiership victory over Manchester ever for Benitez.
Written by: Jonathan Roorda
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Half Time: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United
September 13, 2008
LIVERPOOL (SW) – It’s half time at Anfield Road, where Liverpool and Manchester United scored one goal each for a 1-1 score after 45 minutes.
Gerrard and Torres remained on the bench for the start of the match, as expected, while Dimitar Berbatov made his debut with the Mancunians.
Berbatov somehow managed to get past two defenders before finding Carlos Tevez after only three minutes, and the Argentinian did well to slam the ball into the corner of the goal.
But Liverpool came back thanks to an Edwin van der Sar error in the 27th minute. A cross from Xabi Alonso should have been cleared by the goalkeeper, but was instead punched onto Wes Brown’s foot after which the ball bounced back into the goal.
Written by: Jonathan Roorda
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Ferguson: Man City can’t buy history or glory
September 13, 2008
MANCHESTER, England (AP)—The fact that Manchester City’s new owners might be flush with cash doesn’t alarm its crosstown rival.
United manager Alex Ferguson knows how much more valuable the Red Devils’ tradition of winning is, and he proved it Friday by showing off his newest signing, Dimitar Berbatov.
Man City tried to hijack Ferguson’s yearlong pursuit of Berbatov on Sept. 1 as the transfer window was closing, but the Bulgaria striker refused to be tempted by United’s less illustrious neighbor.
Ferguson, who took charge at United in 1986, knows that his club’s global pre-eminence and history can be as great an incentive to a player as wages.
“What you see here today has not been created overnight,” Ferguson said. “This club has been built up over many years and will be here for a long time.”
City’s new owner, the Abu Dhabi United group, was undaunted about being rebuffed by Berbatov, instead signing Brazil forward Robinho and vowing to splurge its oil wealth on everyone from Liverpool striker Fernando Torres to Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas. It also has an audacious plan to nab Cristiano Ronaldo away from Old Trafford in January.
“I disregard it really because it’s all talk at the moment when it comes down to trying to get players,” Ferguson said. “There’s been a lot of talk about going for Cristiano, which is absolutely absurd. They may find it difficult to get the players they want. As we found with the negotiations with Dimitar, it’s not easy now.
“It depends how much money they want to throw at it to get all the star players they want, but we should not concern ourselves with what people are planning to do because it does not always work,” he added.
City manager Mark Hughes has even boasted that Saturday’s match with Chelsea will be a bigger attraction than the Red Devils’ trip to Liverpool earlier in the day, branding it the “clash of the cash.”
“I had better check what Mark has had for his breakfast because something must be upsetting him,” Ferguson said. “How many games did he play for United against Liverpool? Our game is the biggest. It is a great game.”
The 66-year-old Ferguson has the historical perspective to know you can’t buy success, pointing to Sunderland’s relegation from the top flight in 1958 and the arrival of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich at Chelsea in 2003.
“Sunderland were relegated with the dearest team, every player was bought for astronomical fees,” Ferguson said. “You can buy 11 individuals but you don’t have a team. It’s difficult to say what’s going to happen to City.
“When Chelsea were doing the same thing, we were worried about it because we saw the quality they were bringing in. They got Michael Essien for 27 million pounds, which was a level we could not reach. We thought they were going to be a handful and they were.”
Chelsea’s revolution under Jose Mourinho didn’t rattle Ferguson, he just became more determined to topple the “new kids on the block.” After the Blues won two Premier League titles, Ferguson responded by matching the feat and seeing Mourinho exit Chelsea.
“The great thing about my time at this club has been the challenge, there’s always a challenge for us,” Ferguson said, with Berbatov at his side. “Yes, we’ve bought big players—as we’ve done on this occasion again—but I don’t think it’s a cash cow that you’re seeing from Manchester United in the way that it could happen in other areas the way some clubs are talking at the moment.”
By ROB HARRIS, Associated Press Writer
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Brief Points Before Juve / Borussia Dortmund
September 13, 2008
This one’s going to be quick, both because I’ve already posted some of my thoughts regarding the Juve match, and because my (grad school) semester just kicked into top gear.
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On Juventus
It appears as though my fears regarding their roster were not unreasonable, as pretty much anyone who was injured (minus Chiellini, which helps a bit) is back in action. That means that they’re likely to start Trez, possibly accompanied by Old Man Del Piero up front, and a full clip of midfielders behind them (Nedved, Camo, Sisssssssssoko and Zanetti are all in).
The interesting thing to note from the Udinese side of the equation is the inclusion of Domizzi, the last-minute defensive transfer from Napoli. Apparently, Marino thinks the new player has acclimated himself sufficiently to Udinese’s system, which is promising, although with no *real matches* under his belt for any team this season, we won’t know for sure until Sunday. (I’m skeptical, in case you haven’t guessed; I like Domizzi, but not the circumstances.) Felipe and Zapata are both still hurt, although the back four seemed to do OK without them last time… but Palermo and Juve are different animals entierly. Anyway, even if we ignore the fact that it’s basically trial by fire for Domizzi, this would still be *the* true test for the Zebrette defense.
That’s the bad news.
The good news is that Strike Force Udinese is locked and loaded. Expect Di Natale, Quagliarella, and Pepe up front, supported by Inler, D’Agostino and Isla. Basically, it’s the best-case scenario, and if Juve don’t take our ragazzi seriously, they will pay. On a related note, Di Natale says that he and Quags often joke that they’re not really even acknowledged as one of the big-name strike partnerships in Serie A, but that’s fine with me. Stealth is good. Speaking of which…
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On Borussia Dortmund
This is great: Marino sent a “spy” (his word, not mine) to Germany at least half a month ago to gather intel on this squad.
If that doesn’t give you some idea of the level if importance being placed upon the UEFA competition this year, I don’t know what will. This match is scheduled for Thursday the 18th, which means that our Zebrette have three days (Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday) to lick their wounds before this match, although travel’s going make that feel like two days.
I have to admit that I’m a little concerned; to follow Juve with this isn’t going to be easy, especially for a team that hasn’t yet played in Europe since before the Marino era. Hopefully, Borussia Dortmund knows as little about Udinese as I do about Borussia Dortmund, although with Antonio “I score braces” Di Natale’s celebrations on the front page of every Italian newspaper, I doubt that’s the case. Let’s just hope everyone comes through this weekend injury-free.
Goto Source
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Liverpool vs Man Utd LiveBlog on Premier League Offside
September 13, 2008
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Tags: English Premier League
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Real and Barcelona desperate for victory
September 13, 2008
MADRID (AFP) – Real Madrid are 40 million euros better off after selling Robinho to Manchester City, but his loss leaves the Spanish champions short of firepower in their quest for a third successive title.
Real coach Bernd Schuster was so concerned by the Brazilian’s exit that he made two last-ditch offers for Valencia striker David Villa, top-scorer at Euro 2008, before the transfer window shut but the player decided to stay put.
“I was really happy when Valencia rejected the offer because it was a true gesture of confidence and I felt really wanted,” said Villa.
“They preferred me to stay than to take all that money.”
After failing to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United it represented another huge setback for Real but they must overcome it ahead of Sunday’s home match against newcomers Numancia.
Real are looking to register their first points of the season after an opening 2-1 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna a fortnight ago.
Numancia defeated Barcelona 1-0 in their opening fixture and are targeting a second giant killing on their return to the top-flight.
Valencia started with a 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca and new coach Unai Emery returns to his old club Almeria on Sunday hoping to build on the good start.
Emery spent two seasons at Almeria winning promotion and guiding them to eighth in the table last season – the highest ever finish in the club’s history – before jumping ship to Valencia in the summer.
Emery has been given an early season headache with the news that David Silva, courted by Manchester United in the summer, could be out for out for two to three months due to surgery on his left ankle.
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola had a nightmare start to his regime with a 1-0 reverse at Numancia that mirrored the problems of last season.
Guardiola stuck with the 4-3-3 system – with French international Thierry Henry again on the left wing – and the team again looked out of sorts.
“We were too desperate to win and maybe that let us down,” explained Brazilian right back Daniel Alves.
“It is better to make these mistakes now rather than in two months.”
Barcelona are at home – where they are far stronger – against Racing Santander on Saturday looking for a first win of the new campaign.
Neighbours Espanyol got off to a winning start but the departures of Albert Riera to Liverpool and Javier Zabaleta to Manchester City could be felt later in the season.
Veteran Irish full back Steve Finnan has come in from Liverpool and could come into contention for Sunday’s match at Recreativo Huelva.
Real Betis hope to parade their new signing Spanish international Sergio Garcia – a ten million euro capture from Real Zaragoza – in Sunday’s trip to Getafe.
After crushing Malaga 4-0 in their league opener Atletico Madrid have had the honour of sitting top of the standings for the first time in four years and defend top spot when they travel to Valladolid on Saturday.
Argentine Ever Banega, part of his country’s Olympic gold winning team, is hopeful of making his bow after joining from Valencia on a season-long loan.
“I am not going to rush things because I want to be in the best form possible,” said Banega.
“However, I can’t wait to make my debut in the Atletico shirt.”
Elsewhere, Real Madrid’s conquerors Deportivo face another title candidate on Sunday with a trip to Villarreal.
Fixtures
Saturday
Valladolid v Atletico Madrid, Barcelona v Racing Santander (1900 GMT), Sevilla v Sporting Gijon (2100 GMT)
Sunday (1600 GMT unless stated)
Malaga v Athletic Bilbao, Recreativo v Espanyol, Getafe v Real Betis, Villarreal v Deportivo La Coruna, Real Mallorca v Osasuna, Real Madrid v Numancia (1800 GMT), Almeria v Valencia (2000 GMT)
Written by: AFP
Tags: LA Liga
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Celtic striker McDonald desperate to prove fitness
September 13, 2008
GLASGOW (AFP) – Celtic striker Scott McDonald is desperate to prove his fitness and play some part in Saturday’s game against his former club Motherwell.
The Hoops travel to Fir Park wanting to put the memory of their Old Firm defeat behind them by claiming all three points in the Scottish Premier League clash.
Celtic have fallen behind Rangers in the race for the championship and manager Gordon Strachan knows he has the chance to temporarily put the pressure on their rivals if they claim a victory in their early kick-off game.
And McDonald, who has been forced to miss the last two games through a groin injury, knows he has to play a part in the match against Motherwell if he has a chance of starting in their Champions League opener against Aalborg on Wednesday.
“It’s a massive few days for us. We have a tough game at Motherwell and then we face Aalborg on Wednesday. Both matches are huge,” said McDonald. “Things are going well. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go with the Australia squad this week but that’s allowed for a better recovery time for me.
“I’ll be doing my best to prove my fitness ahead of the Motherwell game and hopefully I can be involved at some point. If I make the Motherwell match, I’ll be doing everything I can to play my way into the manager’s plans for Aalborg.
“That’s such an important match for us. The first UEFA Champions League game is always crucial and the fact we’re at home makes it even bigger.”
Gordon Strachan will be without Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink for the match at Fir Park after his red card in his last outing against Rangers in the Old Firm derby.
Motherwell manager Mark McGhee has ordered his players to put their UEFA Cup game against Nancy next Thursday out of their minds.
John Sutton, who has scored in both his outings this season, is expected to lead the Motherwell attack.
Later on Saturday there is a top of the table clash at Ibrox as league leaders Rangers take on Kilmarnock. Defender David Weir should be fit after recovering from a groin injury but the fitness of Kevin Thomson and Kyle Lafferty remain in doubt.
Aberdeen could welcome back Zander Diamond and Scott Severin for the visit of Hamilton. However Jamie Smith has been ruled out for two weeks with a calf injury.
Derek Riordan aims to begin his second spell at Hibernian against Dundee United at Easter Road following his transfer from Celtic. Dundee United, looking for their first win of the season, have been boosted by the news winger Craig Conway has signed a two-year contract extension.
Hearts travel to Falkirk without full-back Robbie Neilson after he underwent an operation on a persistent ankle injury. Winless St Mirren face the long journey north to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Fixtures (1500 GMT, unless otherwise stated)
Saturday
Motherwell v Celtic (1230)
Aberdeen v Hamilton
Falkirk v Hearts
Hibernian v Dundee United
Inverness CT v St Mirren
Rangers v Kilmarnock
Written by: AFP
Tags: premier league
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Rob is going to be LiveBlogging today’s north-west-tastic Premier League game between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield. United will likely be fielding Dimitar Berbatov and Liverpool apparently have Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres available again after injury.
Kickoff is 12:45 pm GMT (7:45 am US Eastern) and Rob will be doing his thang from noon onwards. Click the link below to join him:
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