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It’s the silly season, so it shouldn’t be surprising that Friday’s headlines were much ado about nothing.  Or, to be more specific, much ado about players who have pretty much been doing nothing.

Owen Hargreaves, who is to match fitness what Diego Maradona is to managing, has apparently been invited by Sven-Goran Ericksson to drop his exercise video start-up and give footy one more try with Leicester City.  Ezequiel Garay, who spent 2010-11 sitting in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout guarding Jose Mourinho’s chewing gum, has apparently decided that Benfica would be more challenging.  Michael Essien, who, over the past eighteen months has morphed into the Ghanaian Owen Hargreaves has apparently done his knee once more and in serious fashion.  Lord Coe, who couldn’t get the 2018 England World Cup bid off the ground is now spending his time attempting to convince Britons that there will be a comprehensive UK team at the London Olympics.  Good luck with that.  Ryan Giggs is hardly comprehensive, unless you’re a female inlaw or into reality television.

Finally, as if Roberto Mancini didn’t have enough problems with vertically challenged footballers at Manchester City, Craig Bellamy has announced that he will not be going out on loan this season, not be training according to his manager’s wishes and not be conceding a single penny from his current £80,000/week wages to facilitate a move to another club.

At the writing, the Italian manager has not had a lot to say about that but whilst we wait on his considered opinion, here is a list of matches, all of which have something to offer on this weekend’s slate.

Women’s World Cup – Quarterfinals

England v France (Saturday) —  Sepp Blatter’s remarks about fashionable kits aside, football shows no distinction between the genders.  Thus, for England, Germany looms in the background whilst their immediate focus in the first knockout round is a strong French squad.  Les Bleus may have been unable to better the hosts in Group A but Hope Powell’s side did enough to top Group B.

The Three Lionesses’back line will focus on stopping the partnership of Gaëtane Thiney and Marie-Laure Delie, who each have two goals in the tournament.   They will have to mind their teammates, as well, considering that three other players have also found the target.

England began slowly with a draw against Mexico, improved by fighting back against the Kiwis for a 2-1 victory and then hit their stride, knocking off second-place finishers Japan 2-0.  Like Les Bleus, Hope Powell’s side spreads the scoring around but they’ve also shown a more resolute defence, to this point.

They will have to continue that discipline to get to the finals.

Brazil v USA (Sunday) — The Americans fell behind early in their final group match against Sweden.  Before they knew what had hit them they were down two goals.  In particular, Amy le Pelbeit will be feeling the anguish as she drew a penalty for tripping Lotta Schelin on the quarter-hour.  Twenty minutes later, her misfortune grew as Nilla Fischer’s free kick ricocheted wildly off her, much to the dismay of goalkeeper Hope Solo.  The US pegged one back but couldn’t find another.

As a result, they now face mighty Brazil in the quarterfinal.  Marta and Rosana lead a Lady Selecao squad that is becoming every bit as impressive as the men.  They swept through the group with seven goals and three clean sheets and fully deserve their role as favourites.  The US will have to hope that their opponents are taken in by their own hype.  Otherwise, it will be a long afternoon in Dresden.

Kashiwa Reysol v Vegalta Sendai (Saturday) – League leaders Kashiwa Reysol had an absolutely horrible day at the office last weekend, dropping a 5-0 decision to thirteenth-placed Cerezo Osaka.  There’s no time to dwell on that performance, however, as Vegalta Sendai, just three points behind them in third, are coming to town intent on adding to the top side’s misery.

Reysol’s tandem of Junya Tanaka and Jorge Wagner need to re-ignite the attack or their season could head south in a hurry.  Shingo Akamine and Naoke Sugai have ten goals between them, though, for the Vegalta club, and they will be well-rested, having not played in eight days, that match a one-goal draw against Nagoya Grampus Eight.

NY Red Bull v DC United (Saturday) — The Red Bulls don’t think much of my compatriot Dwayne de Rosario, and to be honest, I can see their point, but I’ll expound on that elsewhere, over the weekend.  With their squad revitalised by the return of their remaining Gold Cup participants, the Red Bulls traded de Rosario, only just added to the roster this season, to a squad they were scheduled to meet a week later, that being DC United.

Having sent him packing, the Red Bulls didn’t miss de Ro much, hammering yet another of the Canadian’s former employers, Toronto FC, 5-0.  Thierry Henry and the pleasantly surprising Luke Rodgers, who has a similar reputation but hasn’t exhibited the selfishness of de Ro, kick started the party just beyond the half-hour.  Joel Lindpere put the match on ice in the second half and then Juan Agudelo, on for Rodgers, added a late brace.

Meanwhile, de Rosario made a good impression with his newest club, setting up Josh Wolff for the first goal in a 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union, thus helping his latest old side move into the top spot in the East.  Charlie Davies started the match for United but his ankle was still a bit tender and he was brought off just before the hour.

The question is will Ben Olsen sit Davies and hope that the de Ro/Wolff partnership exploits the revenge factor to knock off a second table topper in the space of a week, or has the prolific Davies, with eight goals over eight starts and six relief stints, done enough to hold his spot in the starting XI?  Of course, there’s always the possibility that all three will be in the line-up, which could turn this match into an old-fashioned shootout.

Real Salt Lake v FC Dallas (Saturday) — RSL have games in hand over all three teams that they are chasing in the West, including the Hoops, but they need to start winning for that to be a meaningful statistic.  It pains me to say it, but they haven’t beaten a non-Canadian side since the first week of May when they came out on top against Chivas USA in a 1-0 snoozefest.  In the interim, there have been ten matches, featuring difficult losses on the road to Columbus, at home to Sounders FC, victories against the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps and everyone’s whipping boys, my hometown TFC (thank you very much!) and six uninspiring draws.

Admittedly they opened up in Monday’s Fourth of July match against the New England Revolution.  The 3-3 scoreline set the tone for the post-match fireworks display, but whilst it suggested that RSL were hitting their stride offensively, it was not the typical performance one expects from the league’s stingiest defence.

Normally, this match would represent a chance for payback, with FCD having knocked them out of the playoffs last season.  Instead, Jason Kreis must be more concerned with his side’s current lack of focus.

British Virgin Islands v US Virgin Islands (Sunday) – It’s been the same old story since 1776.  The English just can’t keep the Americans under their thumbs.

Last week, the Catch previewed the first match of this two-legged affair.  The US Virgins - I’ll wait for you to stop laughing – took advantage of their home ground to open a 2-0 lead in the tie, thanks to goals from Alderman Lesmond in the opening ten minutes and Reid Klopp – no relation to Bayer Leverkusen coach Juergen, I’m fairly certain –  just before the hour.

The Brits now have it all to do in the Road Town leg and whatever happens, they can’t afford to let the Americans score again.

Brazil v Paraguay (Saturday) — Speaking of virgins, this is an inviting early match-up in the South American championship, and one which holds an intriguing promise.  All four teams in Group C drew their opening matches without a single goal being scored.  Yet, both Brazil and Paraguay have the players up front to change that.  The Paraguayans came into the tournament confident that they could win it all and if that wasn’t enough, they now have added motivation.

Their number one World Cup fan, lingerie model Larissa Riquelme has promised to pose nude (again) should los Guaranies manage the feat.  The pressure is on Nelson Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz and Lucas Barrios to break through the Selecao back line, then.  It won’t be easy and worse, it will be more difficult still to keep Neymar, Robinho and Pato from ravaging keeper Justo Villar.

I think I need a cold shower.

Argentina v Costa Rica (Monday) – “¡Peligro, Guillermo de Petirrojos, peligro!”

The hosts are lost in space at the Copa America.  Despite possessing the offensive talents of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Sergio Kun Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, Javier Pastore, Angel di Maria, Ever Banega and Esteban Cambiasso, manager Sergio Batista has seen his side collect just one goal in two matches against Bolivia and Colombia.

Where’s Dr. Smith when you need him?

The Albiceleste do have two points from two draws but that is only good enough for third place in the group.  If they do not win their final match against the Ticos, they will need a great deal of help from teams in the other two groups to reach the quarter-finals.  On the face of it, they obviously have the talent to do the job themselves.  All they need do is relax and let their ability flow freely.  Unfortunately, with the tournament on the line in front of their home support, tension seems to be ruling the day.

Fluminense v Flamengo (Sunday) — With their talented triumvirate of Neymar, Ganso and Elano all on Copa America duty, Libertadores champions Santos are near the bottom of the table, and when (if, in Neymar and Ganso’s case) the trio return, the focus will be merely in moving into the top half of the table.

Ronaldinho and his five goals, meanwhile, are not in Mano Manezes’squad and Flamengo is taking advantage by pressing Corinthians for the top spot in the Campeonato.  Fluminense, struggling to find goals in eighth place, is without Fred, leaving Deco one less target to pick out from his place at the heart of the offence.  Thus, it will be two old gunslingers who can still pull off some tricky shooting facing one another on a lonely street, sadly overshadowed by the spectacle of the Copa America.

That’s what happens, however, when it’s well past high noon in one’s career.

See you next week!

Enjoy!

Stoke v West Ham (Sunday) — While Stoke lost 2-0 to West Ham in the League just last weekend – a result which pulls them a little closer to the relegation zone, they will more than fancy their chances to extract their revenge on Sunday. Boosted by the return of Matthew Etherington, Stoke are unbeaten in their last six home games, winning 4 and they haven’t lost a home FA Cup tie since January 2006, an impressive feat by anyone’s standards. Yet, blocking the way to their first ever FA Cup final is the Cup wizard Avram Grant and his West Ham team, who have hit a rich vein of form, beating this self-same Stoke side and Liverpool in recent weeks. – Roger Domeneghetti

Manchester City v Reading (Sunday) – Manchester City are a shoe-in for the semi-finals, right?  Wrong. Firstly, let’s credit their opponents Reading who not only knocked out Everton at Goodison Park in the last round, and did the same to Liverpool in the third round of last season’s competition. Secondly, let’s not forget that City will be playing the game on the back of an arduous trip to the Ukraine on Thursday, where they lost to Dynamo Kiev 2-0. If there is to be a shock this weekend, it’ll come from Brian McDermott’s men at Eastlands. – R.D.

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QPR v Crystal Palace (Saturday) – QPR’s PR department will be getting a lot of attention this weekend, possibly more so than the 11 players that will take the field for Neil Warnock’s side. Well, maybe one will garner some annoyed stares from the Loftus Road faithful.  I’m talking, of course, about the ongoing case of Alejandro Faurlin, the Argentinian midfielder who allegedly was signed from third parties. The FA are keen to move quickly – mainly because of the furore that surrounded the case of his compatriot Carlos Tevez – but won’t take action before this weekend.  Reports of possible point deductions would be harsh on Warnock. As unspectacular as they have been, Rangers have clearly been the best side in the league, meriting their now-comfortable seat at the top of the table and Faurlin’s part in that has been far less than Tevez’was at West ham, where no such penalty was levied.  Still, the whole affair, which has to be a major distraction, gives Palace a chance to take something this weekend, especially coming off the back of a win against Cardiff. They need points, too, to stave off the threat of relegation – which ironically has loomed over them ever since former manager Warnock left. – Tapesh Patel

Scunthorpe v Leicester (Saturday) — After going the first eight League games of the year unbeaten (and winning seven of them) Leicester have hit a wall, losing three of their last four. This has seen them cut adrift from the top six when a play-off place seemed theirs for the taking. Relegation threatened Scunthorpe would seem like the perfect team for Leicester to play to get their season back on track, but they have won three and drawn one of their last four. The Sventertainers will have to turn on the style if they are to get a result. – Roger Domeneghetti

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Rangers v Kilmarnock (Sunday) – Well, it’s the only SPL game on this weekend, so an easy choice. Rangers come into the game after drawing in Holland on Thursday against PSV.  The Glasgow side will want to close the gap on Celtic to just two points, which will put them in an excellent position, still having another game in hand. Killie has been impressive this season under Mixu Paatelainen & sit fourth in the table but will be without influential midfielder Alexei Eremenko, who is suspended. Rangers will be favourites but will need to work hard for any victory! – Scott Johnston

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Lokomotiv v Dinamo (Saturday) – This weekends sees the inaugural round of fixtures in the 2011 Russian Premier League with two of the more prominent clubs, in terms of the off-season transfer market, Dinamo Moskva and Lokomotiv Moskva, meeting each other.  Dinamo, in addition to the attacking talents of Kevin Kuranyi and Andri Voronin have made an astute signing in Zvjezdan Misimović, from Turkish giants Galatasary. It will be interesting to see whether the former Bundesliga winner will be able to recapture his delicate touch and colourful passing in the Russian capital. Lokomotiv, meanwhile, are bare to major losses in their squad as the 2011 season begins. Celebrated manager Yuri Semin, the man who managed to unravel Spartak Moskva’s Russian Premier League clutches, has departed for Dynamo Kyiv and taken his star player, the egocentric and attitude ridden, Oleksandr Aliyev back to the Ukrainian club. Replacing the outgoing Semin is the former Spartak Nalchik manager Yuri Krasnozhan, who successfully managed to push his former side up the table, against the expectations of fans and experts alike. Whilst both clubs have experienced vastly different fortunes in the off-season, they will both be aiming to get the new campaign up and running with all three points. – Eliot Rothwell

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Bayern Munich v Hamburg (Sunday) – It hasn’t been the best of times for Bayern Munich or Louis van Gaal.  Back-to-back defeats in the league have left his position near untenable and, with it being announced he will be relieved of all duties at the end of the season, his final task will be making sure Bayern finish in a Champions League spot, that being imperative. An inconsistent Hamburg side will be the visitors to the Allianz Arena and with 2 wins from their last 5 visits versus only the one defeat, Armin Veh, another manager leaving at the end of the season, might just fancy his chances. – Mohamed Moallim

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De Graafschap v ADO Den Haag (Sunday) — ADO Den Haag is fourth in the table. I’ll repeat, fourth in the table. Their mesmeric rise has defied all expectations and John van den Brom surely is the shoe-in for manager of the year. With only one defeat in their last 9 games, they sit second in the form table, just a point behind Ajax. As for their hosts, it’s been a mixed season for De Graafschap.  Their inconsistency finds them hovering just above the relegation zone, yet the deficiencies of those below them should keep the Superboeren from the relegation play-offs. – Mohamed Moallim

Feyenoord v NAC (Sunday) — Feyenoord’s slow and steady rise up the table has been going under the radar.  Running silently unbeaten in their last 5 league outings sees them sitting in 13th spot just two points behind Sunday’s visitors to De Kuip, NAC Breda. Much of the recent resurgence in form has been attributed to the feel good factor that 18-year-old Japanese wunderkind Ryo Miyaichi has brought. Yet, if Feyenoord’s form has been going in the right direction, then NAC Breda has passed them headed down the opposite path. One win in their last 5 league matches – albeit against champions FC Twente – must surely worry interim managers John Karelse, Gert Aandewiel and Arno van Zwam and having three men in charge where one is needed must surely worry the supporters. – M.M.

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AS Eupen v Anderlecht (Saturday) – For long, Anderlecht has been the dominant power in Belgian football.  A brief hiatus from being league champions in 2008 and 2009 was corrected the following season and it seemed claiming back-to-back championships was on the cards this season. But it looks like there’s suddenly competition afoot in the shape of Genk, who last were crowned champions in 2002.  With near identical records it’s looking more and more likely the league will go down to the wire. Anderlecht will need to navigate past lowly Eupen, which they should do comfortably, but this is football and we are entering squeaky-bum time. – Mohamed Moallim

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Bordeaux v AS Monaco (Sunday) — Both of these sides have vastly underachieved so far this season but a win would go some way towards removing the sting. Jean Tigana, whose Les Girondins resignation was rejected a couple of weeks ago, has seen his side display an overdue run of form since the 5-1 hammering against Lorient which precipitated his attempted abdication.  As Bordeaux attempt to extend their run of wins to three, Monaco will try to snap their run of draws – but in a positive manner.  The principality club are currently three points from safety and would like to widen the margin and avoid the drop in the season of their Prince’s royal nuptials.  It may be down to Korean striker Park Chu-Young to fire them to safety. – Tapesh Patel

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Sevilla v Barcelona (Sunday) — Gregory Manzano is sharing Jose Mourinho’s pain.  The Portuguese has made a great deal of noise in the press this week regarding the uneven scheduling in La Liga, which sees his side play next Saturday, on two days rest, after a Wednesday Champions League decider, while Barça, who secured a place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, have twice as much recovery time before their away clash with the Rojiblancos this weekend at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán.  Manzano’s squad face the well-rested champions in the middle game of a tough 3-game stretch which began badly with a loss at the San Mamés to Bilbao.  Worse, they will be without striker Luis Fabiano, out for six weeks with a knee injury.  Sevilla need to take points from the match to stay within reach of Espanyol in the final European place in the table but with 4 defeats already at home and the Blaugrana undefeated on the road, the stars in the Andalusian night are not aligning for them. – Martin Palazzotto

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Cagliari v Udinese (Sunday) — Roberto Donadoni has quietly transformed the Sardinians into an effective squad since assuming command in mid-November.  During his time, the club has won 9 of their 16 league matches, with last week’s Rossoblu derby against Bologna, their first draw during his tenure.  That has translated into 28 of the club’s 39 points and a steady rise to 9th place.  With Palermo, Juve and Roma, all in free fall just above them, there is real opportunity to make further inroads.   Yet, containing the potent Udinese attack is a difficult task.  After a horrible start to their campaign, the Bianconeri have been one of Serie A’s most dangerous sides, going toe to toe with Milan in a 4-4 draw at the San Siro, easing past Napoli and Inter 3-1 and most recently euthanising Delio Rossi’s living hell as Palermo boss, under Maurizio Zamparini, with a 7-0 thrashing at the Renzo Barberi.  The prime threats are, of course, Antonio di Natale and Alexis Sánchez, who have 22 and 11 goals, respectively, but a half-dozen other players have struck at least twice, levelling the Little Zebras with Milan for second most league goals behind only Inter and bringing them to the cusp of the Champions League.  This one should be a cracker. – Martin Palazzotto

Roma v Lazio (Sunday) — The last time these two met, Lazio were top, Roma were struggling and Olimpia the Eagle, Lazio’s mascot was grounded from her talismanic circuit of her namesake stadium over safety concerns.  To that point, the Aguiles had not tasted defeat at home but Roma force-fed them a  2-0 loss before returning to more moribund form.   This time around, Lazio are clinging to the erstwhile final Serie A Champions League place – which next year will be transferred to the Bundesliga – and Roma are doing well in the league under caretaker boss Vincenzo Montella, having taken 7 of a possible 9 points for him.  Edy Reja’s side are coming off a 2-0 victory over Palermo, which saw the return of keeper Fernando Muslera, from an ankle knock, and Mauro Zarate, from a 3-game suspension for an end-of-match tantrum against Bologna.  The match also featured a brace from Giuseppe Sculli.  A win for the Lupi may rekindle hope in an heretofore lost season, yet Lazio cannot afford to lose with Udinese hot on their heels.  Both teams’seasons are at stake in the second half of this campaign’s Derby della Capitale. – M.P.

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Campeonato Paulista  13th round

Mirassol v Corinthians (Sunday) — This game deserves a little explanation. In our regular state championships, some unusual clubs seem to pop up once in a while to challenge the big leagues teams. In São Paulo we have 20 clubs participating and less than half are in national leagues (top 4 divisions). So huge clubs like Corinthians have to make trips to minnows, like Mirassol. However, this unknown team is the bright star of the small clubs this year, with good results that have pretty much assured them being amongst the quarter-finalists. Corinthians is still rebounding after losing so many key players (Elias, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Jucilei and William), and is relying on some good performances by Liedson. – Fab Presilli

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Campeonato Carioca

Flamengo v Fluminense (Sunday) — In my point of view, this is  the first real test for Flamengo’s Ronaldinho in his quest to re-conquer Brazil. Fluminense has a very good team but has not fulfilled its potential in the Liberadores or the Rio state championship, as yet. In support of Ronaldinho, Flamengo have some impressive new players up from the youth squad, in Negueba and Diego Mauricio, not to mention the threat of Thiago Neves in the midfield, whose threat will provide some room on the flank for his more famous partner. – F.P.

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Argentinian Clausura Round 5

River Plate v Velez Sarsfield (Sunday) — This is an interesting match as River has are enjoying a good momentum, powered by some key players from their youth squad. The Gallinas seem to be following Barcelona’s influence by seeking success in home-grown players. Velez was one of the early favorites, after finishing second to Estudiantes in the Apertura, but are failing to impress over this season.  Certainly, they’ll be looking to rebound into their better form. — F.P.

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Copa Libertadores

Colo Colo v Santos (Wednesday) – Paulo Henrique Ganso is probably going to be back as the maestro for Santos after a knee surgery. Neymar is all fired up and Elano is the same impressive midfielder that somehow failed to deliver at so many European clubs. Both the Paulistas and the Chilean side will be playing for their continental lives after two rounds without a clear favorite in the group. – F.P.

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Monarcas Morelia v UNAM Pumas (Sunday) — Monarcas have been the surprise side entering round 10 in the Mexican Primera División Clausura.  Their play has relegated the Apertura’s dominant side, Cruz Azul, to 3rd place in Group 3 heading into round 10 of 17.  The potent attack team of Rafael Marquéz Lugo and Miguel Sabah have struck for 10 goals between them.  Pumas have a trio leading the way for them, with Juan Cacho, Martin Bravo and Javier Cortés Granado combining for a dozen strikes, but also have a second group of three with a pair of goals each.  UNAM are the group and the competition’s best side but if Monarcas can defend well enough, they can level terms with a victory. – Martin Palazzotto

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See you next week!

Arsenal v Birmingham City, Carling Cup Final (Sunday) – After six years of dealing with the inexperience of youth and an endless parade of injuries, the Gunners come into Wembley this weekend, intent on ending their trophy drought.  While Arsene Wenger still fields a youthful squad, they have begun to show some steel, with big victories against Chelsea and Barcelona.  Birmingham, on the face of it, do not seem nearly as imposing a foe but Arsenal’s parade of injuries continues, with Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott both ruled out.   Add to that an interesting statistic tweeted by OptaJoe.  The Blues lead the Premier League, with over 50% of their goals derived from set pieces, while the Gunners trail the league, conceding over half of theirs from the same.  Given that Alex McLeish’s squad have averaged just under a goal per game and Wenger’s bunch have yielded just over one per match, odds are that the Gunners will need to score two goals without two of their primary attacking options, to come away with some precious silverware.  With the clockwork Oranje of Robin van Persie, an always confident Nicklas Bendtner, a revived Andrei Arshavin and a neglected but eager Samir Nasri at his disposal, look for Wenger to finally end the hex. – Martin Palazzotto

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West Ham v Liverpool (Sunday) — King Kenny’s pass-and-move revolution may have stalled in the Reds’ last two games but Liverpool are still unbeaten in eight, having conceded just three goals in that stretch. The Hammers’ defence, by comparison, is the league’s leakiest and will likely have to make do without injured skipper Matthew Upson. Further up field, things look better, with Thomas Hitzlsperger having crowned his Hammers debut with a goal last weekend and Victor Obinna possibly returning. Former Liverpool flop Robbie Keane is still out, though. Luis Suarez, who now wears the number 7 shirt, is back for Liverpool to provide much-needed options in attack although injury doubts regarding Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Martin Kelly and Daniel Agger could leave Kevin Dalglish scratching his head. He will take heart, however, from the fact that Liverpool have won their last four against the Hammers, scoring three on each occasion. – Kristian Anker-Møller

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Sheffield United v Derby (Saturday) – Having settled into my new flat in town, and watched Sheffield United succumb to relegation rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend, it was easy to see the team’s problems. The display was poor, with few players outside of Lee Williamson and loan signing Bjorn Helge Riise really standing out for the Blades. So I wasn’t all that surprised by the collapse against Scunthorpe that saw them give up a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2. Micky Adams seems to be feeling the pressure of managing his boyhood club. He certainly is not pulling any punches with his players, questioning their will after that defeat. Frustration must be setting in, as he hasn’t won in his 11 games at the helm. Then again, this match may well be his best chance at it. Nigel Clough’s Derby are beleaguered themselves, with no wins in eight. The teams the Blades must overtake in the relegation battle all have games in hand, so there would be no better time for the players to step up and give the Bramall Lane faithful something to cheer especially against one of those relegation rivals. – Tapesh Patel

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Aberdeen v Hearts (Saturday) — This should be the best game in the SPL this week.  It pits two Golden Oldies against each other in the dugouts. Craig Brown has come in & totally turned things around at Pittodrie and Aberdeen now look safe from a relegation dog fight. He managed to get a lot more from his inherited squad than Mark McGhee, while also adding decent players to the pool. Their player to watch is new Scotland international Chris Maguire.  But Jim Jefferies will take his Hearts side up to Aberdeen looking for all three points, as he would love nothing more than to catch Rangers for second place. In fact, a win will take Hearts past Gers, albeit by a point with their opponents having three games in hand. Still, Hearts have been consistent this season, not faltering as many expected. Three key penalty saves has made Slovakian Marian Kello one of the best in the SPL.   Despite that, I’m looking for an entertaining, high-scoring game, with Aberdeen just edging it. – Scott Johnston

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Bayern Munich v Dortmund (Saturday) — The Bundesliga champions will be found this weekend. Anything but a Bayern victory will see Dortmund lay a de facto claim on the Meisterschale for the first time since 2002. Bayern set the best home record in the league against Dortmund’s young renegades, the best away from home. The Bavarians are hanging their hopes on two players.   Arjen Robben has been deadly in his five games in 2011 with four goals and three assists, while the league’s top scorer Mario Gomez will look to add to his 18-goal tally. Dortmund have scored a modest ten goals in 2011 and will rely on their best-in-the-league defence to win the points.  Bayern hold the upper hand in the clubs’ last ten meetings, having scored 21 times to Dortmund’s 12. It’s a title match. Get in. — Kristian Anker-Møller

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Feyenoord v FC Groningen (Sunday) – Feyenoord have been on a resurgence, of late, collecting 4 points from their last 2 games.  That might seem minimal but it’s a stark contrast to their recent form and has given them a chance to avoid the drop.  On the other hand, with only 10 minutes to go and 2-0 up in The Hague, the Rotterdammers conceded twice and dropped what could be 2 valuable points.  Still, their recent performance should give Mario Been confidence for the rest of the season. As for Groningen, any chance of sneaking in to snatch the league has gone, after the disappointing 4-1 defeat to Roda JC, which has also put their European spot in jeopardy. Groningen won the early season game but have not won at De Kuip since 2007. – Mohamed Moallim

PSV Eindhoven v Ajax – This is the game I like to call the ‘National Derby’.  The two most successful sides in Dutch football history clash in Eindhoven.   It’s a contest that promises to be loud and full of fireworks. Even though their last meeting ended in a 0-0 stalemate, it is best remembered for Luis Suárez’impersonation of Dracula, with Otman Bakkal playing Mina Harker.  That incident certainly sucked the bore out of the draw. The last two meetings at the Philips Stadion, however, have seen a combined 15 goals, with PSV coming out on top in both, 4-3 and 6-2.  With 5 points separating the sides, PSV could all but kill off Ajax’s dreams of a 30th crown.  Ajax will have to go back to March 2007 to find their last victory in Eindhoven. Yet, it too was a goal-fest, 5-1 for the visitors. — M.M.

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Standard Liège vs. KV Mechelen (Saturday) — KV Mechelen will make the trip to Liège, in what promises to be an intriguing mid-table clash. Only four points separate Mechelen, in fifth, from a lowered Standard and a win for the away side will move them within a point of the Europa League spot currently occupied by Club Brugge. To keep their slim chances of playing European football next season alive, Standard must secure their first home victory since late January. The sides last met in the cup, with Standard Liège coming out on top at home 2-0. — Mohamed Moallim

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Bordeaux v Auxerre (Saturday) — We’re now at the business end of the season, but with both of these sides still languishing in Ligue 1′s bottom half, neither seems ready to cash in. Auxerre’s dramatic fall from grace is well-documented, having fallen from 3rd place and Champions League qualification to their current 16th. A draw against Arles-Avignon last weekend says that this is now a relegation battle for manager Jean Fernandez. Bordeaux aren’t much better, having suffered a 5-1 defeat against Lorient. January transfer target Kevin Gameiro got a hat-trick, which incidentally gives you a fairly obvious hint of the main weakness of manager Jean Tigana’s side.  While both Jean’s could do with a win, Bordeaux’s tally of 10 draws is surpassed only by Monaco, and you guessed it, Auxerre. But what this match may lack in magic, it should more than make up for in meaning. — Tapesh Patel

Lille v Lyon (Sunday) — Not only is this one of the biggest games in Europe this week but yours truly will be in attendance for my first trip to Lille in what has been five years of waiting..but enough about me, you will be able to read my match-day report here next week. Lille were flying high atop Ligue 1 until Montpellier stunned Les Dogues and Younes Belhanda’s 84th minute winner sentenced Rudi Garcia’s men to their first defeat in the league in 13 games. Wins for PSG, Rennes, Marseille and Lyon meant the gap between the top five is only four points. Lyon will be confident.  Their good league form has been accompanied by a spirited display against Real Madrid and they seem to be finally getting Yoann Gourcuff to play in the Claude Puel system. The atmosphere will be red-hot in the Stade Metropole this Sunday, let’s hope the football is as spicy. — Andrew Gibney

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Le Havre v Tours(Monday) – It’s not often that we delve into the world of the French second division but things are really starting to heat up in the race for promotion. It’s as tight as the top flight, with six points between the top eight.  Everyone is struggling to breakaway from the pack and this big Monday night game is between two teams trying to fight their way back into contention. A draw won’t cut it for either side and with both having taken 7 points in their last 5 matches, it’s difficult to separate them. Tours will look to top scorer Gneki Guie to add to his 11 goals so far this season, while Le Havre will hope their fantastic home record holds true. — Andrew Gibney

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Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (Saturday) — With Barcelona travelling to Mallorca and Real Madrid to Deportivo and both of the Spanish giants’opponents in the bottom half of the table, the big match of the weekend is at the Vicente Calderon.  Sevilla are one place from Europe but an ominous three points adrift of Espanyol. Atleti are a point behind their guests.  Here is another match, in the face of a dwindling fixture list, in which a draw serves no one’s interests.  Neither club is at its best; the home Rojiblancos suffered two hard losses against Barça and Valencia before grinding out a 1-0 away victory at Zaragoza, while the away Rojiblancos muddled their way through three winless games before topping Hercules at home by the same score.  Worse, Sevilla were tripped up by Porto, on away goals, this week in the Europa League.  Regardless of their woes, this is a make-or-break match for both sides’2012 continental aspirations. — Martin Palazzotto

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Palermo vs Udinese (Sunday) — The Sicilians have lost two on the bounce, while Udinese, along with Inter have picked up the most points thus far in 2011 (21) and remain unbeaten. However, the visitors come to a ground where they haven’t won in the league for six years. Francesco Guidolin will be itching to get one over Palermo, whose bench he graced at three different periods under the turbulent Maurizio Zamparini. Undermining morale once more, Zamparini has predicted his side only has a “20 per cent” chance of victory. Captain Fabrizio Miccoli joins a long list of absentees through injury and suspension. Abel Hernandez is expected to fill in for Miccoli and form a trident attack with Josip Ilicic and Javier Pastore. Udinese claimed first blood at the Friuli winning 2-1 back in October. The four points which separate the two leave Udinese craving victory to keep Lazio and the Champions League in sight, while the Rosaneri are in danger of falling out of European contention altogether.  – Shaun Best

AC Milan v Napoli (Monday) — First meets second in Monday evening’s potential Scudetto decider at the San Siro. Three points lay between the sides and the same is on offer.  Napoli will have to forget about their disappointing Europa League exit if they hope to maintain a title push. Resurgent Inter lie just two points behind the Neapolitans and will pounce on any slip-ups. For the visitors, Edinson Cavani, Christian Maggio and Paolo Cannavaro should all return to the starting lineup after beginning Thursday’s game at Villarreal from the bench. Talisman Ezequiel Lavezzi is still suspended. Milan full-back Luca Antonini misses out with a thigh strain, but Kevin Prince-Boateng is expected to play some part, after emerging unscathed from last week’s 2-1 victory at Chievo. Milan’s matchwinner in Verona, Alexandre Pato trained for 90 minutes on his day off in an attempt to force his way back into Massimiliano Allegri’s starting line-up. The home side won the last meeting 2-1, back in Week 8, but Napoli have won their last three Serie A games against all comers. — S.B.

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Independiente v River Plate (Sunday) — This is a crucial derby for the promedio (relegation average), as both clubs have slipped to the bottom of the table lately.  Independiente have won some points in the Libertadores and seem to have a good team,with the potential to turn around their fortunes and contend nationally.  River, unfortunately, has a lot of problems, beginning with their lack of money and a young squad which has failed to impress thus far.  However, a derby is always difficult to predict, so expect plenty of  hard tackles but not too many goals. – Fab Presilli

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Club América v Fluminense (Wednesday) — After some pretty interesting results in the first two rounds, this one is a must win for both clubs.  América got a win over Nacional of Uruguay but was then defeated by Argentinos Juniors.  Fluminense can’t find their groove, managing a pair of  draws to date.  The Brazilian Champions are lacking the confidence so evident last year.  Dario Conca is not in his best phase and the lack of a quick, talented defensive duo is really worrying coach Muricy Ramalho. — Fab Presilli

Santos v Cerro Porteño (Wednesday) — Santos is always a club to watch, even when they’re not quite at full strength. Midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso is not ready yet to return but Neymar and the rest of the squad found the rest they needed this week.  They will be sharp against one of the best Paraguayan sides in a long time.  Cerro rely on Argentine wonder Iturre, labelled as the new Messi for the media, no pressure there, and already sold to Porto. – F.P.

Deportes Tolima v Cruzeiro (Wednesday) — Cruzeiro is the best team of the Libertadores so far, winning two matches and scoring nine goals. Deportes Tolima is one of the biggest surprises in the history of the competition, after eliminating Corinthians they’ve already notched a win over Guaraní and changed the face of the group.  The Brazilians have Roger playing well and another gem in Wallyson, uncovered last year at a small northeastern club and who is scoring plenty of goals. – F.P.

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América v Toluca (Sunday) — Before America can put thought to their Wednesday clash with Fluminense, they have a domestic entanglement to sort out.  They are one of six clubs sitting on ten points, only two of which can advance to the Clausura playoffs.  Their point total is only two less than Group 2 leader’s Toluca, so a win at the Azteca would put them in a much better position with the Brazilian champions headed to town.  For their part, Toluca also has more than one iron in the fire, as they have a do-or-die match against Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday. – Martin Palazzotto

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Enjoy the matches!

Due to the region’s geography, altitude and its incumbent cold weather play a more significant factor in the Libertadores than in the Champions League, where the former is almost a non-issue and the latter is quite common.

The cultural cross-section of clubs involved is less varied than in Europe; everyone, after all, is Latin American. Most of the players are homegrown, and if not, are almost exclusively from South or Central America.

Even though Mexico is not in CONMEBOL, their clubs have been welcomed to the tournament for some time.  No Mexican side has ever won the Libertadores but a few, including Chivas de Guadalajara, in 2010, have made the final.

With the steady rise of Major League Soccer, there has even been talk of inviting the Americans.  That isn’t likely to happen in the immediate future, however.

This year, the field is still a little more varied than it has been in some time.  Some major Argentinian and Brazilian clubs, such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, São Paulo and Corinthians are absent.  In their stead, the duo from Porto Alegre, Grêmio and Internacional (the 2010 winners), Brazilian champions Fluminense and Argentinians Vélez Sarsfield, Estudiantes de la Plata and Independiente have stepped into the spotlight.

The two football giants are not the only nations with clubs capable of winning the tournament, though.  Chilean champions Colo Colo always field interesting teams, while Once Caldas of Colombia and LDU Quito of Ecuador both play in grounds that are virtually impenetrable fortresses.  Caracas (Venezuela), Libertad (Paraguay), América (Mexico) and Nacional(Uruguay) are worth noting, too.

So lets get to the 8 defined groups and some of the favorites to advance to the round of 16:

Group 1

Libertad are the early favorites in this group.   The Paraguayan champions are a common threat lately in all the major South-American competitions. Once Caldas won the title in 2004, a major surprise, routing clubs from Brazil and Argentina. The Colombians count on midfielder Dayro Moreno. San Luis, from Mexican Potosí will take advantage of jet-lagged visitors not used to the Mexican heat but will be hard pressed on the road, where the small club’s lack of depth may be exposed.  Peruvian Champions Universidad San Martin, a new club that has dominated the national Championships for the past couple of years are still outsiders on the continental stage.

Group 2

So lucky was their draw that despite having to go through the preliminary round to qualify, Grêmio can still be considered the best club of this group. Peruvians León and Oriente, from Bolivia, are minnows that probably cannot stop Colombians Atlético Junior (also known as Junior from Barranquilla) from claiming the second spot.

Group 3

One of the most difficult groups to preview.  Having a team from each of the three top countries in the Libertadores (Brazil, Argentina and Mexico), levels things up a bit. Nacional has at least two very good players, defender Coates and midfielder Marcelo Gallardo, however they will probably be left out as the competition is so fierce. America is one of the biggest Mexican clubs, featuring a number of players from the national squad and some good foreigners. As well, they play in the fabled Estadio Azteca.  Argentinos Juniors are back at the Libertadores after their first win nationally in 25 years, those two clubs alongside a very talented Fluminense roster will fight for the two spots, I’ve got my money on America and Fluminense.

Group 4

Another interesting group that has Argentinian powerhouse Vélez at the top in a first analysis. The youngsters from Caracas can make an impression again if they can make it to the round of 16, as they often have in the last few years.  Baseball may still be number one but football is growing in Venezuela. However, the smart money says Católica and Vélez should qualify pretty easily to the next round.

Group 5

The rich get richer.  Not only does Santos have one of the most talented squads of the world, the Copa Libertadores draw was kind to them, permitting them to stay at sea level and avoid excessive long distance travel.  Colo Colo has some good players, especially Rodrigo Millar, and Cerro Porteño features some of the best defenders in the world, including goalie Diego Barreto and Joel Silva.  The pair should battle for the second place, behind Santos, with a slight edge to the Chileans.

Group 6

Ecuadorian runners-up Emelec and Bolivia’s Jorge Wilstermann are underdogs here, as holders Internacional have improved their team with the addition of forward Fernando Cavenaghi, on loan from Bordeaux. Mexican side Jaguares Chiapas are not one of the biggest clubs there but the signing of Argentinian Damian Manso may improve their chances, as the small forward has the experience of South American football.

Group 7

After a shocker win over Corinthians in the preliminary round, Colombians Tolima are grouped up in one of the most difficult Libertadores draws ever. Cruzeiro and Estudiantes decided the title in 2009 and are still very powerful sides.  Paraguayan Apertura champions Guaraní are a worthy team but still underdogs here.  Tolima have killed one giant here but are now faced with three at once.  If either they or Guaraní advance, it will be a huge surprise.

Group 8

This is a very even group.  Peñarol has a marvelous history but their current squad is not at their best.  The same can be said for the whole of Uruguayan club football, despite La Celeste’s performance at the World Cup. Godoy Cruz are unused to play at this level and Independiente and LDU Quito will try to take advantage of that. Champions in 2008, the Ecuadorians have a new squad but always a force to be watched at the Casa Blanca in Quito.

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Internacional, at the end of a long campaign crashed out of the Club World Cup to African champions TP Mazembe.  Don’t be fooled, however, South American football is not fading; the rest of the world is catching up.  The Copa Libertadores doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the richer UEFA Champions League. either, but the football on display is of the highest quality.  If your cable or satellite brings you the Libertadores, don’t miss it!

In Belo Horizonte, we have two major players.

Cruzeiro is going to play the Libertadores at the first semester, and they made some improvements to the squad that finished second in last year’s Campeonato, bringing in seven new players. Midfielder Leandro Guerreiro and Paraguayan forward Ortigoza are the key newcomers and should make the starting XI. The main player here is the aging Gilberto.  The former left back is now playing in the midfield and very well, I may say. However, his contract expires in mid-season and has not been renewed yet, leaving the team with a major hole to fill if they do not re-sign their elder statesman. Forward Thiago Ribeiro and goalie Fabio are the other notables. Cruzeiro are favorites to win the Minas Gerais State Championship and have a tough group at the Libertadores, with Estudiantes and possibly Corinthians.

The state’s other big club, Atlético Mineiro, is rebuilding and has signed a lot of players over the past few years without much success. This season’s most promising new player is Richarlyson (the spelling of some names in Brazil….). After many years in São Paulo, the do-it-all midfielder will try to win the hearth of the fans in Belo Horizonte. Other major players there are midfielder Ricardinho and power forward Diego Tardelli. Coach Dorival Júnior will have to work hard to improve the squad sufficiently to compete against rivals Cruzeiro. Still, Atlético has enough to reach the latter stages of the Brazilian Cup and possibly the top 8 of the Campeonato.

Going down south we reach Porto Alegre, a city divided by red and blue.

Gremio couldn't get their heads straight and native son Ronaldhino went to Flamengo.

The blue side belongs to Grêmio. The most improving team in the last semester of 2010, Gremio managed to escape from relegation to climb all the way up to the top 4 at the end. I don’t believe they will repeat such success because of a lack of new players, having concentrated their efforts and lost the Ronaldinho Gaucho sweepstakes to Flamengo, and my complete lack of faith in the coaching abilities of Renato Portaluppi, aka Renato Gaúcho. The boss’best eleven features goalkeeper Victor and midfielder Douglas. Left back Lúcio and forward Borges, if they choose to stay, are also worth mentioning. A good draw in the Libertadores could help Gremio’s chances but I don’t consider them favorites for any trophy this year.

The red of Porto Alegre is the home of Internacional.  After the shocking Club World Cup loss to African side Mazembe, in Abu Dhabi, some changes were made to the staff and the starting lineup of Inter. The team doesn’t need many new players but Bordeaux’s Fernando Cavenaghi is being shopped there and may turn this side into an even better one. Midfielders Andres d’Alessandro and Giuliano lead the way with Guiñazu, Alecsssandro and Rafael Sóbis a superb supporting cast. Inter will contend heavily for a new Libertadores title and are favorites for the State and National Championships.

São Paulo is the biggest city in the nation, but the 4 big teams that are based here didn’t made only small changes.

The  club which shares the city’s name, São Paulo, is in a bit of a hangover.  After so many titles over the past years, 2010 was a dry year and the first time in almost a decade that the team couldn’t qualify for the Libertadores. The lack of turnover in the team, albeit with the best defenders of the country, Alex Silva and Miranda, is a headline here. São Paulo will try to win the Brazilian Cup or the Sul-Americana to get back to the Libertadores in 2012. Keeper Rogério Ceni is close in his quest to reach 100 goals (scored, yes, you read that correctly) and may very well do so in the next months.

News maker Corinthians also didn’t made many changes to the lineup. Club and World Cup icon Ronaldo’s last year begins with a new quest to win the Libertadores, an obsession for the team. The side lost Elias to Atlético Madrid but still has one of the best squads in the country, with former Galactico Roberto Carlos an ageless force in the back. Ronaldo has the company of Dentinho at the front and midfielder Bruno César is the playmaker. Corinthians are favorites to the São Paulo State and Libertadores titles, and if they can keep their players, the National one also.

Conversely, Palmeiras has only one name attached, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. The additions of last year, midfielder Valdivia and forward Kleber, might be crowds favorites but never made a big impact on the pitch. Cash poor and having lost bids they could afford due to a lack of perspective, this team seem lost, although a place in the 2012 Libertadores would be a reachable goal. The club will need to improve its recruiting with goalkeeper Marcos, having dealt with injuries for the last couple of years, deciding to abandon the game after 2011. His will be a tough loss because he is one of the best guys out there.

Santos' biggest challenge may come from within. Will they be able to keep teenaged talisman Neymar from heading off to Europe?

The main favorites here are Santos. With a stellar cast led by Neymar, the guys from Vila Belmiro can win it all, Libertadores, State Championship and National title. Midfielder Elano is back after many years of being underused in Europe and Paulo Henrique Ganso is coming back from a surgery. Santos also found, in goalie Rafael, another good addition from their youth squad. When Adilson Batista sends out his best eleven, the spectacle is a must see for all football lovers.

Finally, it was Rio de Janeiro where the biggest impact of the offseason was made.

Fluminense has to be dealt with because the National Champions haven’t changed much from 2010. A healthy Fred and the nice touches of Conca make the difference here. Coach Muricy Ramalho will have to overcome his Libertadores drought in the latter stages.

The most improving team of all has to be Flamengo. Not only Ronaldinho Gaúcho but Thiago Neves, as well, was hired to improve the midfield. Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has to fix a defense with a lot of holes. New goalkeeper Felipe will be hard pressed until he does. Anything less than a State and National title will be considered a failure, so Luxemburgo had better start winning good and fast. The addition of Ronaldinho may improve also the attendance at the  Engenhão in Rio, a stadium that is not easy to reach for most of the people who live there.  The club’s usual stomping ground, the Maracanã, is closed for renovations ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

Botafogo and Vasco de Gama are the underdogs here. Botafogo hired Uruguayan Arevalo Rios and Vasco’s top name still is Carlos Alberto. Both teams might make good runs in the Brazilian Cup but , unfortunately, not much more can be expected of them.

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Fab Presilli is WFC’s Brazilian correspondent.  His day job is as a television script writer but his passion is football.  he’ll keep you updated on the best matches from Brasil, all season long, in the Weekend Catch and will also pop up every now and again with a feature on big stories coming out of the land of Carnival.

Michael Meier, of Cologne was actually let go a week ago but news coming out of Germany is that former Bayern and Die Mannschaft keeper Oliver Kahn may be the man to replace him.  On a day when one of their legendary netminders was making headlines, it was bitter irony that the struggling champions suffered defeat after failing to find a way past the current Germany number one.

In Italy, newly promoted Brescia was blanketed by Milan, 3-0, at the San Siro, which led to the sacking of their boss, Giuseppe Iachini, the board replacing him with ex-Siena manager Mario Beretta.  It’s doubtful that the tiny club, made legendary by Roberto Baggio, have sufficient ammunition for Beretta to make any difference.

The biggest surprise, however, was Newcastle severing ties with Chris Hughton.  The club has admittedly been inconsistent in their first year back in the top flight but they sit eleventh.  Rumoured replacements are the Alans, Pardew and Curbishley, as well as Martin O’Neill.  The new favourite, however, appears to be another Martin, as Ajax manager Martin Jol has abruptly resigned his post, just hours ago.

Meanwhile, in a Monday evening battle of unpopular Liverpool managers, the current, Roy Hodgson won out over the former, Gerrard Houllier, now with Aston Villa.  Ryan Babel and David Ngog, of all people, led the way in a resounding 3-0 victory, re-enforcing Hodgson’s recent upbeat remarks regarding his squad’s depth.

What else happened on the weekend, while you were digging the car out from under a heavy drift of snow and carrying packages for the missus, with the Christmas shopping season in full swing?  Here’s the WFC gang to fill you in…

Jude Ellery

Jude Ellery @ Football Farrago

Chelsea 1 – 1 Everton, English Premier League

Nicolas Anelka was lucky to win Chelsea’s penalty. Bear with me here. At first glance it’s an obvious foul, a ‘stonewall penalty’ as some irritating pundits describe them. However, on closer inspection ( slide the control to 3:50) you’ll noticed how Anelka first takes a step as though to go around Tim Howard but then decides to test his luck with the referee, zeroing in on the hapless Everton keeper. Slowed down, it resembles the corridor tango, with two colleagues unable to agree which wall to hug as they pass, finally muttering a ‘sorry’ and scuttling off in embarrassment. Far from apologising, the Frenchman gave Didier Drogba a double high-five and the chance to notch his first goal since October 3.

It was irrelevant, however, as karma righted things in the second period. It was a case of swings, roundabouts and pole-axes when young Seamus Coleman upended Ashley Cole in the area without conceding a foul. Everton’s best two players this season, Leighton Baines and Tim Cahill, then combined to set up Jermaine Beckford, who headed a deserved equaliser. In fact, even though this is the fifth consecutive season Everton have left Stamford Bridge with a point, David Moyes felt they came up short.

The quality of our decisions in the final third probably cost us winning the game. – Moyes thought his club were the better side on the day.

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Andrew Gibney

Andrew Gibney @ The Gib Football Show

FC Basle 3 – 1 Young Boys, Swiss Super League

Basle won easily in the end but it could have been so different.  Xavier Hochstrasser smashed the crossbar after 20 mins and then just before half-time Mousse Doubai put the away side ahead, with a great solo run and powerful finish, leaving the Basle faithful stunned.

Only three minutes into the second half a dubious penalty decision gifted Alexander Frei the chance to level the game, Marco Wolfli guessed the right way and turned the ball round the post. Frei quickly redeemed himself.  When Marco Streller’s chip found him unmarked at the back post, he wasn’t going to miss from a yard.

Streller was the architect for all three Basle strikes.  His strong play in the box set up Xherdan Shaqiri for another tap-in. On the third, Streller fed Wolfli, who made a meal of his shot, luckily spilling it into Frei’s path.  The Basle captain makes his living from cleaning up such messes.

The victory takes Basel joint top of the league with Luzern.

Villarreal 1 – 0 Sevilla, La Liga

The combination of Nilmar and Giuseppe Rossi combined again to secure all three points for El Submarino Amarillo. Rossi slipped in Nilmar with a perfectly weighted pass and the Brazilian nipped in to knock it past Andrea Palop. The win keeps Villarreal in third place, the best of the rest with the gap already 5 points between them and second placed Real Madrid.

PSG 3 – 1 Brest, Ligue 1

Nene is to PSG what Samir Nasri is to the Gunners, no other player in France is going though such a rich vein of form. A quick start from PSG saw them go one up after five minutes, Giuly’s cross was half-cleared, landing on Nene’s left foot, whereupon he stroked it into the net.

PSG couldn’t add to the lead before Nolan Roux silenced the Parc des Princes, meeting Benoit Lesoimier’s cut-back at the edge of the box and firing it home with the outside of his right boot. Urgency reawakened, PSG quickly fired back – Giuly chipped a nice ball into the area and Bodmer met it with his outstretched leg to poke it past Steeve Elana.

Having already set up two, Ludovic Giuly had no compunctions about finishing Brest off. Ceara sent in a high ball which Guillaume Hoarau knocked down for the French playmaker to apply a cool finish. A great win for PSG, enough to see them sit in 2nd place. Brest drop to 5th but still only 3 points from the top.

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Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards’Bundesliga Boünce

Schalke 2 – 0 Bayern München

Could Schalke pull off the unexpected and get their season back on track?  Indeed they could.

The Ruhr has not been a happy hunting ground for Louis van Gaal’s men this season. Back in October they travelled to Dortmund, missed a number of chances and went down to two 2nd half goals, and that’s exactly what happened here. Mario Gomez missed a sitter, Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the woodwork and Manuel Neuer pulled off two magnificent saves to deny Schweini and Toni Kroos, before the Bavarians were once again let down by their shaky defence. First Breno slipped in the area, allowing Raul time to tee up Jose Jurado to put the hosts 1-0 up, then, 10 minutes later Benedikt Hoewedes was left in acres of space to head home the winner.

Game over for Bayern and, if you haven’t already, you have to say their title hopes are up in smoke.

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Tapesh Patel

Chunneling with Tapesh Patel

Nottingham Forest P-P Bristol City, The Championship

Damn the English snow!  The English sporting schedule was completely decimated over the weekend – Blackpool’s televised clash with Manchester United had to be called off, while 5 matches were postponed in the Championship. In League One and League Two, only two matches went ahead. On the bright side, the lack of football action did allow me to get some Christmas shopping done earlier than normal.   Usually, I can be found running about madly at the last-minute on Christmas Eve, like Manchester United seeking that equaliser or game-winner in added time.

Anyway, no future date has been set for this fixture as yet, but the fact remains that this will be a fascinating encounter between two under-achieving sides.

Arles 1-1 AS Nancy-Lorraine, Ligue 1

In the end, this match between two of Ligue 1′s lesser powers was the dud everyone but myself thought it would be. Nancy manager Pablo Correa even admitted, “We were terrible.”  Luckily, his side still managed to scrap through to a draw against Ligue 1′s bottom side , despite a display completely lacking in confidence.

Arles suffered a similar problem and even when Franck Dja Djedje put them ahead in the 8^th minute, they didn’t seem to have the belief to score the second. Youssouf Hadji therefore equalised for Nancy and although Arles dominated, they couldn’t convert their superiority into goals.

With 7 points from 16 games burying them at the bottom of the table and the countryside thickly blanketed in snow, Arles ‘Great Escape’is on hold in every sense.

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Fab Presilli

Fab Presilli From The Latin

South America can call this one a Championship Sunday!

In Uruguay, Defensor are the champions, keeping historical clubs like Peñarol and Nacional one more year without a title.  In Paraguay, Libertad are once again title holders, with traditional powerhouses Cerro Porteño and Olímpia no longer able to keep up.  It’s safe to say then, that it isn’t just the Big 5 in Argentina falling by the wayside.

Chile saw Universidad Catolica confirm the title in the last round, with Colo Colo and Audax Italiano following.

Brazil had a Sunday to remember.

Fluminense won their game and with it their first national title since 1984.  During the match, the anxiety of being so close was evident but Emerson finally got them on the right track with a title clinching goal in the second half.

Some of you might remember last August, when coach Muricy Ramalho turned down the invitation to take the Brazilian bench.  For him, it appears to have been the correct choice, as he now has four national titles in five years.  Big Phil may be back and Mano Manezes leading the Selecao but for me, Ramalho has shown he is the best of the lot and can be successful whenever he goes.

Cruzeiro and Corinthians saw out their matches to be confirmed, if not as champions then at least as participants in the upcoming Copa Libertadores.  Grêmio bested Botafogo 3-0 and secured fourth place in the table. It’s not often a Brazilian club will be rooting for an Argentine squad but if Independiente cannot make up their two goal deficit to Goias in the second leg of the Copa Sud America, fourth place will not be good enough for Gremio and the relegation bound Goias will take their place in the continent’s premier competition.

♦   ◊   ♦

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto’s Fast Footy Diet

Burritos

Mexican Primera Division, Apertura Championship 2nd Leg

Monterrey 3 – 0 Santos 5-3 on aggregate

Heading into the weekend, I noted that El Rayados had everything to do, having gone down to Santos in the opening away leg of the title tie.  Well, they did it.  Their talisman Humberto Suazo, brought them level with his first goal of the match just prior to the half hour.  The bullet headed forward, having beaten a knot of defenders to a loose ball in the crescent at the top of the box, let loose a low drive which had too much pace for a diving Oswaldo Sánchez to push to the outside of the left post.

Santos proved worthy opponents, however, and despite a vigorous back and forth neither side could gain the advantage until well into the second frame.  Finally, in the 72nd minute, the narrow difference in quality between the sides showed, as Jose Basanta rose, unmarked, in the box to head home a corner kick and put the home side ahead.  On a side note, I think my woeful Spanish is improving because I’m fairly certain the announcer agreed with my assessment of the man-marking on the set-piece.

Finally, with Santos now desperately pushing forward, Suazo made a lengthy run through the middle of the pitch, slanted to his left and cannoned another volley, against the grain, past a helpless Sanchez.

Monterrey joyfully go into the holiday break as Apertura champions for the 3rd time, to go with a Clausera crown and a full-season title from 1986.  Santos Laguna can only look forward to February, when they resume their CONCACAF Champions League campaign against Cruz Azul.

Shrimp on the Barby

Wellington Phoenix  2 – 1 Adelaide United, Australian A-League

On Friday, the Melbourne Victory lived up to their name, in the moral sense at least, by securing a 3-3 draw against the Brisbane Roar, who have been head and shoulders the class of the league.  It was an opening for second placed Adelaide, the only side with a realistic chance to catch the top side, to close to within 4 points.  Instead, despite scoring an early header from a set piece, they gave ground.

The Phoenix, using their psuedo homefield advantage with the match being played in Christchurch, equalised.  Less than a minute past the restart, Nick Ward dissected the Adelaide defence with a perfect through ball for Ben Sigmund.  Sigmund ran it down at the touch-line and crossed into the middle of the box where the charging Tim brown one-timed it into the back of the net.

For the remainder of the match, the Phoenix had the better of play, almost taking the lead only to be denied by the bar with  quarter-hour on the clock.  In the end, a dubious red card from the official to the Adelaide captain, Travis Dodd, afforded the home side a ten minute man advantage.  They would use  all of that and the extra time before Ben Sigmund would head home a last gasp corner  to send Wellington on a short drive home from Christchurch, winners.

For an update on the Serie A, look for the next edition of Spaghetti Western Theatre, later in the day.

♦   ◊   ♦

See you on the weekend!

Last week, we posted an article detailing the past dealings of incoming Liverpool owner John Henry.  The folks over at Facebook’s LFC-TS pounced upon it like a flock of seagulls fighting over a single crust of bread.  You’d think that would be a good thing, from our point of view, but unfortunately our little crust crashed like Pete Doherty coming down off a 12 day binge.

All we can say is thank the deity of your choice that it was an international weekend and with England only playing on the Tuesday, to boot.  It took us several days but the mess has been sorted and we’ve got a spiffy new bit of cyber-space to call our own.  We’ll have to apologise in advance for any inconsistencies you might find, if you go rummaging through our archives.  They were jostled quite a bit in the move and videos need to be re-calibrated and text re-aligned, and departed authors reunited with their work.

Rumour has it Hicks & Gillett will be hiring celebrity doubles, due to security concerns, for the official handover of the club, at the Merseyside Derby.

Needless to say, with current events like Chilean miners emerging from a forced retreat after 7 weeks, Serbian hooligans sabotaging a Euro fixture in Genoa, and Tom Hicks thinking that Liverpool is located somewhere in Texas, not to mention our writers having these things called day jobs, unpacking all the boxes and effecting the necessary repairs will be a long slow process.

But out with the old and in with the new!  We hope you like some of the features available on our new site.   The Vodpod video box will be constantly re-stocked with fresh footy action and outtakes, Undercurrents will display any comic or offbeat flotsam and jetsam that we may come across out in the cyber-verse and if you’re really, really bored, you can follow one of the WFC writers’Twitter feeds, right here on the site.

As well, Matty Dalton will be arriving back from holiday, on Saturday,with a new edition of the Scouser Report delivered just in time for the Merseyside Derby.  So keep an eye out for that.

In the meantime, here’s the first (New) World Football Columns’Weekly Catch, to point you in the direction of some other interesting matches taking place over the weekend.

The Gib

Andrew Gibney @ The Gib Football Show

The Scottish Premier League returns this week after Scotland’s encouraging performance against Spain, and we have two bumper games to welcome back club football, first versus fourth and second plays third.

Rangers v Motherwell, Saturday

Motherwell travel to Ibrox as the home side try to keep their 100% record alive.  It won’t be easy, as Motherwell are four games without defeat in the league.  Their impressive 2-0 victory at Tynecastle was a great result for Craig Brown and his team.  With only six goals conceded, the Steelmen look very hard to beat.  Combined with the inconsistency of the other Europa League hopefuls, it has been a fantastic start for the Lanarkshire club.

Rangers’boss Walter Smith will hope there is no International hangover from Tuesday’s efforts at Hampden.  Five of the six Rangers in the Scottish XI played for 90 minutes. Only Lee McCulloch was replaced, at half-time by Charlie Adam, and he is one doubt Smith has for Saturday.

Can Motherwell keep the impressive start going or will the Champions mantain their 100% record?

Dundee United v Celtic, Sunday

After a shaky start, The Arabs have finally gotten their season underway.  Forgetting the 4-0 defeat to Inverness and their Europa League elimination, they now sit 4th, with Motherwell in their sights, only two points ahead.  Dundee boast three wins in their last four games, with only the defeat at Ibrox blemishing their record.  David Goodwillie and Jon Daly are in great form, each weighing in with three goals. Goodwillie is one of the most promising youngsters in Scotland, starring for the unfortunate Under 21’s this week against Iceland.  If he can find goals against the League leaders, his stock will rise even more.

Celtic were upset by the news that Scott Brown could miss up to 10 weeks of the season, Midfield is one of Celtic’s strong point, however.  With Ki Sung-Yong, Efrain Juarez, Joe Ledley and Marc Crosas all fighting for the central spots, the healthy competition can only be good for the team. Up front, Neil Lennon will have to decide on three from the quartet of Giorgios Samaras, Gary Hooper, Anthony Stokes and Shaun Maloney.  All four are in form and scoring goals.

Both teams are brimming with striking talent, Tannadice could be the place to find goals this weekend.

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards on the Bundesliga

Schalke 04 v VfB Stuttgart, Saturday

Stuttgart head to the Ruhr for a crucial bottom of the table clash, now under the leadership of Jens Keller, the former assistant to the ousted Christian Gross, who, in turn, has become the Swabians’3rd  managerial casualty in as many seasons. For Vfb, it is hardly textbook preparation for such an important game, but managerial changes have tended to act as a catalyst for their players in recent years.

Schalke’s boss Felix Magath, whose 3-year stint in charge of Stuttgart makes him their longest serving manager, since practically the dawn of time, will be in no mood to do his old club any favours however. The ‘Konigsblauen’are in desperate need of points themselves if they’re to put themselves back in European contention.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto’s Weekend of World Domination, Part I

Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion, Saturday…The Premier League

There is blood in the water.  Wayne Rooney has denied being injured at any point during the season and the England physio backs him up.  Never mind that Alex Ferguson has been playing up his beleaguered star’s maladies in an attempt to buy him some time to get his head straight.  It’s hair dryer time and, in case you haven’t noticed, Rooney doesn’t have the necessary accoutrements to require said device, in the traditional manner, at least.  The world will be waiting to see what happens on the United bench, this weekend, but no one more-so than a certain former Liverpool poacher.

On the other side, the question is can the Baggies pull off another monster result.  Their confidence has been boosted by that instantly classic Emirates performance and with Rooney and Fergie reinventing cosmetology, Nemandja Vidic still smarting from his Genoan holiday and Anderson making noises about a return to Portugal, Roberto di Matteo’s club may be thinking they can tiptoe in and out of Old Trafford, unnoticed in the chaos, with three points safely tucked under their arms.

Real Salt Lake v FC Dallas, Saturday…Major League Soccer

Neither of these sides can be happy about the timing of this matchup.  Sitting second and third in the standings, with homestanding RSL just two points to the good, neither side can afford anything but victory, if they are to catch the suddenly resurgent Galaxy.  Salt Lake, ranked number one both offensively and defensively, are happy to be at home but the visiting Hoops have only lost twice, over the entire campaign.

And a Double Dose of  the Mexican Primera Division

The Mexican league goes en fuego on Saturday, with two compelling encounters:

Cruz Azul v Santos Laguna

Cruz Azul, the number one club, overall, and runaway leaders of Group 3 play host to the number 3 side.  Santos need points if they are to keep pace with Monterrey, who they trail by just one point in the battle for either the second or fourth Apertura playoff berth.  Los Cementeros have been very stingy in conceding results thus far, however.

Monterrey v Toluca

Toluca have reclaimed the precarious perch atop Group 2 and need a result to hold off Club America and a suddenly hard charging Pachuca.  On the other hand, Monterrey have Santos nipping at their heels.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann @ The Equaliser

Barcelona v Valencia, Saturday…La Liga

The biggest game in Europe over the weekend sees Spanish league leaders Valencia travel to the Camp Nou to take on Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.

 

Eliot Rothwell

 

Eliot Rothwell’s East Wind

The match represents a stern challenge for Mircea Lucescu’s Shakhtar, seeking to continue their fine run of form and pull further away from their challengers at the top of the table. The former Arsenal striker Eduardo has scored the winner in Shakhtar’s last two Ukranian Premier League matches but it remains to be seen whether he will be rested ahead of the emotional Champions League match, upcoming against his former club.

This could be a make or break week for the Miners.

Tapesh Patel

Chunneling with Tapesh Patel

Queens Park Rangers v Norwich, Saturday…The Championship

First-placed promotion favourites QPR welcome third-placed and newly-promoted Norwich City to Loftus Road. If the Canaries are to take three points home with them, they need to navigate past a defence that has conceded just three goals all season.  Norwich certainly have the credentials, with the likes of Wes Hoolahan and Simeon Jackson ready to spear the attack.

However, the R’s will want a win, especially with a tough away fixture coming up, on Tuesday, against a Swansea side who have been strong at home all season.

Toulouse vs Paris St. Germain, Saturday…Ligue 1

After losing 3-1 to Rennes last week, Toulouse face a stern test of their credentials. Having not won since the end of August, they face a PSG side that have remained unbeaten during the same period. On that basis, one would expect les Parisiens to edge this one, but they remain one of the soap operas of Ligue 1. This time, violence in the stands, between rival Paris SG factions,has led chairman Robin Leproux to prevent the renewal of around 13,000 season tickets in the problem areas of the Parc des Princes.

The rowdies shouldn’t deter the squad away from home, though. so expect the impressive forward pairing of Guillaume Hoarau and Mevlut Erding to breach a Toulouse goal devoid of regular keeper Yohann Pele, who is out for at least six months after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto’s Weekend of World Domination, Part II

The Brasileiro Campeonato has two interesting matches, both on Sunday

Fluminense v Botafogo

This one is a heavyweight tilt between the second and sixth ranked clubs in the table, at the Jornalista Mario Filho.  Deco, and Washington lead the way for the Tri-Color, while Uruguayan Sebastian Abreu remains the man for the Panteras, although his scalding form is showing signs of cooling.  Botafogo need the result to close on the leaders but homestanding Fluminense have to simultaneously keep Cruzeiro within sight and Corinthians at bay.

Sao Paolo v Santos

The fish swim upstream to the Morumbi, to take on inland rivals Sao Paolo.  Whatever you may think of Neymar’s attitude and ego, he is certainly bringing it on the pitch.  Santos are poised on the bubble, in 4th, with little margin for error and, although their big city rivals are languishing midtable, this has never been an easy match for the coastal side.  The youngster is going to be put to the test on Sunday.

In the Serie A, it’s time to sort the men from the boys, with three matches that could prove to be milemarkers in their participants’chase for the Scudetto.

AC Milan v Chievo Verona, Saturday

The Veronans began the season smoothly but the cracks are beginning to show.  Leaving the San Siro with a result is always a big ask but Chievo need to halt their slide.  A key factor could be the health of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who hasn’t trained with Milan due to a stomach virus.

Bari v Lazio, Sunday

Bari held a steady pace last year and surprised everyone with a midtable finish in their return to the top flight.  The Galletti also began this campaign strongly but have disappointed of late.  This match is their opportunity to reassert themselves.  Lazio, like Sampdoria last year, have sprinted to an early lead in Serie A but must be feeling the pressure with both Milan clubs and Napoli all lurking just two points off their pace.  Lazio cannot afford to falter, even once.

Brescia v Udinese, Sunday

Another club that’s managed some shock results, Brescia have started to look more mortal, as well.  They are very tough at home but Udinese’s season is already at critical mass.  With the offensive firepower the Little Zebras possess, the bottom of the table is not where they should find themselves.  Much like 2009-10, they’ve been abysmal in their own half and fully deserve to be rooted in the relegation zone.  If they can’t get a result and in impressive fashion against the newly promoted Sons of Baggio, Francesco Guidolin may be visiting the Job Center on Monday.

Ξ   Ξ   Ξ

If none of these matches, not to mention the Battle of Stanley Park appeal, then you must be Tom Hicks, Jr.  As for the rest of you, don’t forget to TIVO and enjoy the weekend!

I don't know why everyone's so upset that I won't sing along. Green Day's version is much better.

See You On Monday!

On Tuesday, the most brilliant performances came from a pair of Eastern European sides but the two English clubs also shone.  Others of the big boys found the going a bit tougher, however.

For Luiz Adriano and Shakhtar, there may be a rock but they've yet to be stuck in a hard place.

Groups G & H find Chelsea, 2-0 winners over Olympique de Marseille, and Arsenal, 3-1 victors at Partizan Belgrade, atop their respective tables but neither is alone in their perfection.  Shakhtar Donetsk traveled cross-continent, with their 3-0 manhandling of Braga making the trip worthwhile.  Luiz Adriano doubled for the Ukrainians.  Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow defended Luzhniki Stadium against the invasion of MSK Zilina, again by a 3-0 count.  It was Ari who had the brace in this one.  Who says Brazilians can’t play in the cold weather?

Spartak’s 6 point lead over OM may not be as healthy as it looks, however.  The Russians face back to back encounters with Chelsea, while the French champions will look to take out their early frustrations on the lowly Slovakians.  Spartak will find it much more difficult to steal a result at Stamford Bridge than they did at the Velodrome.

The good side and the bad, for Bayern. (You can tell who's who by the shoes)

In Group E, Bayern remained perfect, with a 2-1 victory over FC Basel.  The Bavarians did have to come from behind, on the back of Bastian Schweinsteiger’s brace, after Alexander Frei had put the Swiss champs in front, early in the match.  Roma, fresh from their win over Inter, handled CFR-Cluj by the same 2-1 score.  They left it late, though, peppering the Cluj goal but unable to break through until Phillipe Mexes finally beat a stalwart Nuno Claro, on 69 minutes.  Super-sub Marco Borrielo, then struck, just 2 minutes after Mexes, but Ionut Rada pegged one back, with a 12 minutes still on the clock, to make it a nervous finish for the Italians.

The Group of Legends, aka G, is promising to be one of intrigue.  Real Madrid have staked an early claim to the top place but still struggled to find the goal, on this particular night against AJ Auxerre.  Cristiano Ronaldo was denied twice and Gonzalo Higuain saw a defender  turn back his close range effort, which had a beleaguered Olivier Sorin beaten.  Finally, with less than 10 minutes remaining, Angel di Maria struck a left footed volley which, mercifully for the Spaniards, found the far corner, beyond Sorin’s reach.  Until Los Meringues begin to finish with regularity, however, questions will continue to be asked of them.

Perspective is a funny thing. Ibra didn't look such a giant with Barca.

The other match in the group was played out at the Amsterdam Arena.  Luis Suarez gave the AC Milan defence fits all evening but his wonderful play, splitting Alessandro Nesta’s wickets and then laying off for Mounir al Hamdaoui to finish, gave Ajax the early lead.  Robinho had two chances to put the Rossonerri on the board but failed to finish both times.  It was Zlatan Ibrahimovic, proving with every match that last year’s struggles at Barca weren’t down to him, who brought Milan even.  His finish was pure and graceful power, as he chested a wild Clarence Seedorf delivery and, when the ball refused to settle, leapt into the air, to thunder it home.

In the late going, Robinho would again misfire, denying his club what would have been an important victory.  Unlike Ibra, it’s beginning to look like the Brazilians problems at previous clubs are solely of his own making.

On Wednesday the fireworks went off in Group A, while in Group D, Barca fizzled.

The other half of that famous deal has stepped up, as well.

Earlier in the week, Rafa Benitez found himself assuring the panicky Italian media that there was no crisis at Inter, after the club lost to Roma.  For once, Rafa didn’t cite facts.  Had he done so, he’d have simply pointed out that last year he was plying his trade in Liverpool, so if you want to talk crisis, well, there’s a way to go yet at the Giuseppe Meazza. (Just give him time.) After Samuel Eto’o had bagged himself a hat trick and set up Wesley Sneijder, with a perfect through ball, for another in a 4-0 pasting of visiting Werder Bremen, the managerial deathwatch in the Serie A was forced to look elsewhere for a potential victim.

Tottenham had an equally prolific evening, although the wealth was spread around a bit more judiciously.  Harry Redknapp played it wide open from the start and after some early threats, FC Twente proved unable to take advantage of a loose Spurs defence.  Rafael van der Vaart had a rather schizophrenic evening, missing an early penalty, one of three on the night gifted to the home club, then making amends with a splendid left footed volley to put his side ahead, before taking a second yellow, after arriving late to a mid-air collision with Rosales Roberto.  Even a man down, however, Spurs were not to be denied, with Roman Pavlyuchenko making good on his pair of PKs, on either side of a Nacer Chadii strike for the visitors.  Gareth Bale would wrap things up, charging in from the left, on 85 minutes to blaze one past Nikolay Mihaylov.

Enyeama does a lot of this for both club and country. Oh, and did I mention he takes PK's as well as stopping them?

In Group B, Schalke took their time in breaking down Benfica, at the Veltins-Arena.  Raul was running rampant all evening but couldn’t find the finishing touch.  Finally, Jefferson Farfan did.  To the right of goal, in the 73rd minute, he buried his chance to put the Germans on top.  Unrelenting, Raul would lead one more charge, sending Klass-Jan Huntelaar in alone to insure the victory.  In Israel, Vincent Enyeami, the Nigerian keeper put in another yeoman effort but was unable to stem the tide for an overmatched Hapoel Tel-Aviv.   The 3-1 defeat to Lyon belied his efforts, especially considering one of his own defenders clattered into him as he came out to smother a loose ball, leading to the final French tally.  Whatever his contract status, if he continues this display throughout the group stage, after a splendid World Cup, he may find himself the subject of much courting in the January window.  Rumours have it Arsenal are looking for an alternative to Manuel Almunia.

Just in case 6 officials aren't sufficient, Little Pea indicates where he has placed the ball.

As the Spanish night wore on, it looked as though neither Valencia nor Manchester United would capitalise on any of a handful of chances and United would continue on their run of scoreless draws.  Then, in the late going substitutes Federico Macheda and Javier Hernandez combined.  Macheda driving from the right sent a pass skittering across the top of the box, which Chicharito ran onto and lashed back against the grain, to give United all three points and a share of the group lead.  Rangers struck much earlier at the Ibrox, with James Naismith running in to flick in a stunning half volley on 18 minutes.  Although, they never looked to be in much danger, the Glaswegians wasted too many chances to put the game beyond doubt.  Still, they share top billing in the group with United ahead of a home and home with the Spaniards.

In the biggest surprise of the competition, it’s FC Copenhagen who find themselves atop Group D, with a perfect record.  After sneaking by Rubin Kazan, in Denmark, the Danes came to Athens, unintimidated by the big names their opponents could boast.

Tzorvas' tirade against his line translates into "pot, kettle, black."

Dame N’Doye, not to be confused with Dames Helen Mirren or Judi Doench, chased down a long ball, just before the half hour, arriving well before an adventurous but misguided Alexandros Tzorvas, the Panathanaikos net-minder, who, for some reason, thought he could get there first.  A well struck chip, from N’Doye, curled over the sliding keeper and bounced happily into goal.  Not ten minutes had passed when Martin Vingaard scorched the turf with his free kick.  Somehow, it found its way under the wall and past a surprised Tzorvas.  His angry remonstrations brought him some cold looks from his defenders; no wonder, given his own gaffe, earlier.

Noboa and Rubin Kazan have the Catalans' number

Barcelona, meanwhile, will have work to do against the Danish champs, having once again failed to deal with Russian holders, Rubin Kazan.  Each side converted a penalty, like clockwork, Christian Noboa on the half hour and David Villa on the hour but no one stepped up at the death to decide this one.  Every Goliath has a David and for Barca it would seem to be Rubin Kazan.

Once again, time and space demand that we give the Europa League results the Siskel & Ebert treatment.  So without further ado…

Thumbs up to Lech Poznan (2-0 Red Bull Salzburg), topping Group A with 6 points, Juventus (1-1 at Man City), Sporting Lisbon (5-0 Levski Sofia), BATE Borisov (4-1 AZ Alkmaar), Zenit St. Petersburg (4-2 AEK Athens) and CSKA Moscow (3-0 Sparta Praha).

Thumbs down to Atletico Madrid (1-1 Bayer Leverkusen), a tough match to be sure but the holders needed to take all 3 points at home to get out of the cellar.  Also, were Liverpool (0-0 at FC Utrecht), Napoli (3-3 at Steaua Bucuresti), Getafe (0-2 at Young Boys) and Dynamo Kiev (0-2 at Sheriff Tirsapol).

And with that, on to the weekend fare:

Andrew Gibney

Andrew Gibney

Scottish Premier League

Hearts v Rangers

After a great European result midweek Rangers will look to continue their run when they visit Tynecastle for this weekend’s early kick-off. A win for Hearts could give their inconsistent season the kick start it needs. It’s been wo years since Hearts last routed an Edinburgh invasion by the Glasgow giants.  To do so, on Saturday, stopping Kenny Miller from adding to his ten league goals must be their priority.

St. Johnstone v Hibernian

John Hughes’Hibs side travel to Perth, in what is a must win game for the underachieving Edinburgh side.  Anything but a win could see Hughes out of a job and his team languishing dangerously near the foot of the table. A decent performance against Celtic last week will give the Hibees hope.  St. Johnstone sit 11th in the league and in need of some hope of their own.  Three points would give them a healthy dose.  Last week’s defeat, to Dundee United, had followed a good run of two wins, both at McDiarmid Park, so the home crowd will be in full throat, to restore their side’s momentum.  English forward Sam Parkin will be looking to add to his two league goals and pile the pressure on John Hughes and the Hibernian board.

Chris Mann

Chris Mann

League One

Southampton v Bournemouth…Saturday

An underrated rivalry, passions will be running high when Southampton and Bournemouth meet at St Mary’s Stadium this weekend. Although Nigel Adkins’side will start the game as favourites, The Saints have had an indifferent start to the campaign and, should Eddie Howe’s high-flying Bournemouth continue in the excellent fashion in which they’ve been playing, there’s no reason why they can’t take all three points. It will be a highly-charged game on the South Coast.

La Liga

Real Madrid v Deportivo La Coruna…Sunday

The pressure on Jose Mourinho has been ramped up in the last few days with a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Levante last weekend, a shaky 1-0 win over Auxerre in mid-week and an ugly spat with midfielder Pedro Leon, so the onus is on Madrid to produce a good performance against Deportivo on Sunday night. Depor, however, are in an even stickier situation than their illustrious opponents, languishing in 19th place and yet to register a win in the league despite a smattering of quality throughout the squad. Madrid should win this game, particularly at the Bernabeu, but should they somehow contrive to miss out on victory the pressure on their coach will reach torturous levels.

Fabricio Presilli

Fab Presilli

Campeonato Brasileiro 27th round

In Brazil most of the games will be played Saturday because we will have presidential elections Sunday.

Cruzeiro v Atlético Paranaense

Two smoking hot teams. Cruzeiro are trying to keep pace with leaders Fluminense and Corinthians, while Atlético needs a win to get closer to a top three spot.

Botafogo v Flamengo

A derby in Rio. Champion Flamengo is dangeroulsy close to the relegation zone, not a good season for them.  All year, they’ve struggled to find forwards. Botafogo is favoured but history shows they don’t usually deliver against rivals.

Argentina Apertura 9th Round

San Lorenzo v Estudiantes…Sunday

Estudiantes took the lead, in the table, with a win this week.  San Lorenzo are sitting third. If Juan Sebastian Veron’s club get the win they’ll be a confortable distance ahead of chasers Velez and River. At stake are places in the next Copa Libertadores.

Geoff Edwards

Geoff Edwards

Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich…Sunday

At times, during their midweek Champions League victory at Basel, Bayern were unplayable, a shining example of high class, possession football. But the problem remains, Bayern are struggling to create enough chances to see off more limited opponents, and, when you have defenders prone to mishaps, that can prove very costly. It will be interesting to see how Louis van Gaal approaches the game. Will he stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1, or go with the 4-4-2 that brought about victory in Switzerland?

There are no such problems for van Gaal’s opposite number Juergen Klopp. Dortmund are settled in their system and personnel and are in top form. They will not be downhearted by their unlucky midweek defeat to Sevilla and, roared on as always by the ‘Yellow Wall,’ will prove a stern test for Bayern.

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

The MLS Weekend

As the US top flight enters the final month of the regular season, the top spots, in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are up for grabs.

In the east, on Sunday, the Red Bulls host the Kansas City Wizards.  KC, even if they can pull off the improbable, will need some help from Columbus, who welcome the San Jose Earthquakes to Crew Stadium.  The ‘Quakes sit in the last playoff spot, 6 points ahead of the Wizards but, more importantly, the home side are just 1 point ahead of the Red Bulls for the top seed in the east and can’t afford to slip up.  These two matches have the potential for being defining moments in the season for each of the clubs involved.

Champions Real Salt Lake journey to the Atlantic coast, on Sunday, to take on New England.  The down and out Revs’pride might motivate them to put a dent in RSL’s plans for overtaking the Galaxy.  FC Dallas, still very much in the frame for top honours, host the slumping Chicago Fire.  The big money moves (by MLS standards) for Freddie Ljungberg and Nery Castillo haven’t paid immediate dividends and the Fire’s playoff aspirations have been smothered.  The Hoops aren’t the type to take wounded prey too lightly, however.

On Monday, it’s the Super Clasico.  The front running LA Galaxy are technically visitors, in their own stadium, as they take on Home Depot Center tenants, Chivas USA.  The Goats, in the ersatz relegation zone, will definitely be up to playing the spoiler role.

Mexican Apertura

Group 2 remains the main battleground in the Primera Division.  With one playoff berth available to three teams, there are no off weeks for the sides involved.

Santos Laguna v Toluca…Sunday

Los Diablos Rojos top the group but face a tough test against Santos, who have fallen into the wildcard spot, one point behind Monterrey.

Cruz Azul v Club America…Sunday

A capital city derby.  America will have an even larger challenge than Toluca, as Cruz Azul are running away with Group 3.  already a point behind their rivals, the Blue and Gold absolutely must get a result.

San Luis v Tigres…Sunday

The Gladiadores are hanging around, just two points behind Toluca, and have the easiest of the three matches this weekend.  As well, they’re the only ones at home.  Tigres may be out of the race in Group 1 but they aren’t pushovers, having 12 points to San Luis’13.

Serie A

Internazionale v Juventus…Sunday

Could there be any other match to highlight the Italian top flight this weekend?  Not only is this a fierce rivalry, furthered by the continuing investigation into the influencing of match officials, now focused on the Nerrazzurri.  Both sides are coming off big results in Europe, Juve drawing at Man City and Samuel Eto’o, enjoying the purest of form, personally dismantling Werder Bremen.  As well, Inter will be intent on returning to winning ways on the domestic front, after their Roman holiday, last week, turned sour.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

The Premiership

Chelsea v Arsenal…Sunday

This one’s the pick of the bunch this weekend. Both sides have made solid starts to the season, and although the Chelsea bandwagon had more momentum a week ago, the brakes have been applied after defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle were followed by a stuttering win over a struggling Marseille outfit. The Gunners have also suffered in the league of late, having failed to complete a seemingly impossible comeback against West Brom.

Although it’s still early days, both sides know the importance of this one and, as such, this will be a tightly contested affair.  These two have scored 37 league goals between them this season, however, and with so much talent on show, it’s a match that shouldn’t be missed.

West Bromwich Albion v Bolton…Saturday

Strange things are happening at West Brom. Those in the know are mentioning the Midlands club in the same breath as ‘survival hopefuls.’Manager Roberto di Matteo seems to have brought out the best in his squad at the moment, and striker Peter Odemwingie currently looks to be the Premiership goal-scorer that the Baggies have lacked in recent years.

Up at Bolton, Owen Coyle has changed the mentality of his side, and boasts a surprise striker himself, with Johan Elmander starting to justify his hefty transfer fee. The Trotters like to please the fans,  too, which should make this a good spectacle.

The Championship

Preston v Reading…Saturday

Preston have struggled mightily this season, but followed up a win against Coventry City, last weekend, with a remarkable 6-4 fight back against Leeds, on Tuesday, having been 4-1 down. North End will hope to maintain their goal-scoring threat against an in-form Reading side possessing a miserly defence; the Royals have kept four clean sheets in their last five games.

Ligue 1

St. Etienne v Marseille…Saturday

Marseille, having won the Ligue 1 title last season, are looking to repeat this time around. After a poor start to the season, they’ve managed to recover and are now unbeaten in five matches. Didier Deschamps takes the plaudits for this but, now, must attempt to reverse Tuesday’s poor display against Chelsea.

OM are up against a Saint-Etienne side sitting proudly atop the league, fresh off defeating local rivals Lyon, last weekend. They will certainly be a tough nut to crack if that match was anything to go by.  Dmitri Payet, whose stock is quickly rising in French football with seven goals in the first seven games, leads the way for Les Verts.

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It’s certainly going to be a busy weekend, so catch what you can and join us back here on Tuesday to review whatever you missed.  In the meantime, here’s another quick lesson for the kids.  Soccer is played with a big round ball.  Keep your eye on it.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjvYj56JLow

And there’s a lesson for Alex Tzorvas.  Your teammates are your friends.  Sometimes an apology and a high five are more effective than screaming at them.

See you on Tuesday!

We’ll start off with some quick injury updates.

No, Arsene, we don't care what Pep says, they're not holding hands.

In the Premier League, Cesc Fabregas placed his shin directly in front of an attempted Sunderland clearance.  The good news: the ball caromed off the Catalan’s leg and into the goal to give the Gunners a temporary lead.  The bad news:  the impact caused a mild twinge in Cesc’s hammy, which will see him miss the next three matches.  First van Persie, now Fabregas… another Arsenal season following the usual script.

In Spain, a tense battle between Barcelona and Atleti almost turned ugly when los Colchoneros midfielder Tomas Ujfalusi stomped on Lionel Messi’s ankle.  That drew the offender a second yellow and an early trip into the bowels of the Vicente Calderon.  Reports out of Barcelona, today, are saying that it’s merely a light sprain and the Argentine will only miss two games.  Like as not, Pep Guardiola will be sending Messi back to London, to play a little backgammon with Cesc and remind him, for the 7,931st time, how he really should be playing at the Nou Camp.

Well, &%$@ing himself was an apt description.

Thankfully, Arsene Wenger has been distracted from losing his star player yet again, having been charged by the FA for spewing vitriol at the fourth official when Kenwyne Jones equalised at the death.  The Frenchman was incensed that the match was still running at 94:15 when only 4 minutes had been put up by Martin (don’t call me Bean) Atkinson.  On the one hand, it seems silly to quibble about 15 seconds but when you consider that United escaped a final attack-in-progress against the Toffees last week, when the ref , to the fury of David Moyes, blew his whistle exactly on the mark despite 2 goals having been scored in added time, Wenger does seem to have cause.  Ultimately though, the Gunners’boss has been around long enough to know that Premier League referees have always applied the rules of the game with the consistency of a David Beckham hairstyle.

Bouncing back to Spain again, it turns out that Jose Mourinho will be devoting his full concentration to Real Madrid.  While FPF president Gilberto Madail did feel out the Special One, to see whether he’d be interested in helping out the national cause until a permanent replacement for the sacked Carlos Queiroz is found, he seemed unwilling to follow up with Real president Florentino Perez.  Mourinho was quoted as being honoured to be asked and willing to help out but morally incapable of asking the Real board for permission to moonlight, even temporarily.  Madrid, for its part released a statement indicating that, as neither the FPF nor Mourinho had approached them, as far as they were concerned the matter was closed.

So, if all accounts are to be believed, the Madail/Mourinho meeting went something like this:

Gilberto Madail:  I’m so glad you’re willing to help.  Do you think Senor Florentino Perez, your president,  will accommodate us?

The Special One:  I can’t say for certain, my friend.  You will have to ask him and get back to me.

GM (swallowing nervously):  Umm…. well, yes.  I was sorta, kinda, really hoping you would ask him.  He’s a very scary person.

The S1:  Well, I would really like to do that for you but it might undermine my position here, very badly.

The 300lb gorilla in the room.

GM: Yes, I can see that…( looks over his shoulder at a rather cross looking 300lb gorilla, standing there silently, wearing a sports coat with a Real crest and a name tag which reads El Prez)…but he really is very, very frightening.

The S1:  I’m am sorry you feel that way, my friend, but there is nothing I can do.

GM:  Yes, yes, I understand. Well I guess I should get back to Lisbon.   Thank you anyway.

Madail gets up and makes for the door, which the gorilla, now smiling, opens for him and then offers…

FP:  Let us get you a taxi, Senor.  Please come back to visit us any time, once you have found a new coach, of course.

And while a disappointed FPF president, still without a manager, makes his way home, let us fill you in on the best matches of the week.

We're happy Geoff is back from holiday but we hear he's already planning his next trip!

Geoff Edwards

Schalke 1 – 3 Borussia Dortmund — Bundesliga

Schalke were soundly beaten by a well organised and youthful Dortmund team, on Sunday, to heap even more pressure on boss Felix Magath. With Shinji Kagawa and Mario Goetze excellent in the 1st half, Dortmund dominated proceedings and cut open the Schalke defence at will. If it wasn’t for a Sven Bender goal incorrectly disallowed for offside, some poor finishing and a couple of good saves by Manuel Neuer, BvB could have gone in 5 or 6 goals to the good at half time.

As it was, Dortmund took just a 1 goal lead (through Kagawa) into the dressing room, leaving the door slightly ajar for Schalke to find a way back into the game. It was not to be however. They made a better fist of things in the second half, but the sending off of centre-back Nicolas Plestan and the concession of two more criminally soft goals meant Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s first goal for the club was in vain.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlTjtrpLZKk

Has Felix Magath bitten off more than he can chew with his ‘revolving door’summer transfer policy?

Eliot Rothwell

Eliot Rothwell

Everton 0 – 1 Newcastle — Premier League

The match itself was the usual high tempo, hot tempered affair that typifies northern Premier League football. The one moment of magic (on the pitch, anyway) came from Toon debutant Hatem Ben Arfa. The Frenchman collected the ball, around 30 yards out, and proceeded to unleash a devilish whack in the way of Tim Howard’s top right corner. Everton then spent the majority of the game contriving to either miss fantastic opportunities (I’m looking at you Mr. Fellaini) or squander countless percentages of possession (step forward Leon Osman.)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikTF_65rdbU

I must admit, the main attraction for me came, not on the pitch, but in the press lounge and the press box. I found myself, on my debut as a Premier League journalist, conversing with the likes of Phil McNulty, chief football writer for the BBC and Tony Barrett, The Times’man on Merseyside.  The subject of conversation? Anything from the attacking credentials of Yakubu to the excellent food available in the Goodison Park press lounge. Full time brought the mad rush back into the press lounge to await the arrival of the managers, David Moyes and Chris Hughton. As people plugged in their notebooks and collected yet another complimentary bottle of diet coke, Moyes walked in. Needless to say he was not happy with his team’s performance and left quite sharpish. Hughton, however, stayed a tad longer to offer us some soundbites, although his imagination didn’t exactly stretch far, repeatedly praising the “team performance” when asked about golden boy Ben Arfa.

Onwards and (sort of) upwards to Bloomfield Road for Blackpool v Blackburn next week. Expect more of the same.

Fabricio Presilli

Fab Presilli

Campeonato Brasileiro- 23rd round

Botafogo 2 – 2 Cruzeiro

Maybe the best game of the season so far, with both teams searching for the goal and a great display by Argentinian Walter Montillo, who has increased his bid to run for best player of the Championship. Uruguayan Sebastian “Loco” Abreu also gave a good effort, scoring a penalty kick goal.

..

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtDrHPFC7xo

São Paulo 2 – 0 Palmeiras

A cold Pacaembu saw the tricolor winning their first game after two losses.  Newcomer Lucas shone with a goal. Big Phil’s work might not be yielding points or wins but he is sure making headlines, after arguing with the refs and being expelled once again.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgROxLCCCDI

Another great game on Sunday was the Fla Flu in Rio, a 3 goal draw which allowed Corinthians (having beaten Prudente 3-0, on Saturday) to take over first place from Fluminense.  Flamengo, well out of the running, will take satisfaction from having a hand in unseating their rivals.

Tapesh Patel

Tapesh Patel

St. Etienne 3-0 Montpellier — Ligue 1

St. Etienne winger and Ligue 1 top scorer Dmitri Payet grabbed two goals to propel his team to victory, with promising youngster Emmanuel Riviere heading in the other. Les Verts now sit happily atop the table, which really just shows how bonkers French football can be sometimes!

Bordeaux 2-0 Lyon — Ligue 1

Yoann who?

Gourcuff, the former poster boy of Bordeaux, had little to no impact on this one and it showed on the scoresheet. Lyon never truly got themselves into the contest and duly paid the price. A glancing header from captain Alou Diarra gave Les Girondins a deserved advantage, and Jussie wrapped it up in stoppage time with a superb solo effort.

Ipswich 2-0 Cardiff — The Championship

This was a good win for Ipswich against a depleted Cardiff outfit. The first goal will be the subject of nightmares for Cardiff’s Adam Matthews, who headed the ball clinically into his own net under no pressure. Despite all of the attacking talent boasted by the Welsh side, Town’s Connor Wickham (of England Under-17 fame) was the real star of the show and a constant thorn in the Bluebirds side. His fellow striker Jason Scotland sealed the three points, and the Tractor Boys move above Cardiff, into second place.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNbg2F4VRvQ

props out to Samuel DeCoy for the great highlight reel!

Martin Palazzotto

Martin Palazzotto

Toluca 2 – 1 America — Mexican Apertura

For a match with such a huge impact on the table (a win for Toluca would thrust them into the Apertura playoff picture atop Group B and knock America off that same perch, while a loss would put their season very much in doubt), neither side really seemed interested in getting after it.  Hector Raul Mancilla got Los Diablos off the mark on 24 minutes, turning and firing from just outside the box.  Lackadaisical marking, with the defender just waving a foot at Mancilla, rather than closing him down, was the primary reason for the goal, although it was the sort of powerful and accurate strike any forward would love to make when afforded time and space.  Just after the restart, Vicente Vuoso equalised for the Super Eagles, running under a perfectly lobbed cross and heading back it into the far corner.  Again, poor defending was to blame as his marker simply ran alongside, content to just admire the skill on display, rather than do anything about it.

The decider, from Zinha in the 76th minute, was a well struck set piece, it’s trajectory just too high for his forward to redirect, although the effort likely froze the keeper long enough for the ball to find the twine.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1jwJPYhKVs

Bari 0 – 0 Cagliari — Serie A

As well as Bari have been playing to begin the new campaign, this was just not their day.  They dominated possession and had many chances but simply couldn’t hit the target.  It’s a result but Giampiero Ventura is more likely to view this as two points lost than one gained.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw between AC Milan and Catania saw an absolutely brilliant strike, putting to shame Hatem Ben Arfa’s Newcastle winner, which required  several touches to get off, as Ciro Capuano‘s opener, from a similar distance was struck in mid-air.   Have a look!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae7ApKgvW-Y

Whether or not Inzhagi was onside for the equaliser, is debatable but there’s no good angle on offer, proving the trap was sprung properly.

Unfortunately, our own Chris Mann is one of those unfortunates who has found himself temporarily cut off from all satellite communication.  So, while he gets settled into his new flat and waits for the cable guy to show up, I’ll fill you in on the results of his weekend picks.

West Bromwich Albion 3 – 1 Birmingham City — Premier League

Chris was dead on with his assessment of the match.  While the Hawthorns’crowd was mostly silent after the first 45, due to a Cameron Jerome goal which put the visitors ahead, they found their voice in the second stanza.  Under pressure, Blues defender Scott Dan conceded an own goal and then Peter Odemwengie, feeling much more at home in the Midlands than the Motherland, put the Baggies on top.  Jonas Olsson would seal the deal minutes later and, with the ink not yet dry on a contract extension for manager McLeish, Birmingham chairman Carson Yeung must be reaching for the antacid.

Elsewhere in England, there was apparently a rather heated and supposedly historic rivalry being played out once more at Old Trafford.  Dimitar Berbatov was the hero on the day, doubling his goal total for United, this season, with a hat trick.  The second middle goal of the trio was a sensational overhead bicycle thingy, which kicked Sir Alex Ferguson into full gloating mode.  Fergie was almost forced to eat crow when a penalty and then a free kick, both taken by Steven Gerrard drew the Reds level.  But Berbatov, apparently mindful of his final year at White Hart Lane, was not going to let glory slip him by on this day.  In very un-Berbic fashion, exhibiting unexpected grit, power and hustle, he rose up over Jamie Carragher and headed home a John O’Shea.  The result kept United within reach of still perfect Chelsea, who had themselves dispatched Ian Holloway’s Blackpool 4-0.

Atletico Madrid 1 -2 Barcelona

As easily as Barca have handled Real in the past two seasons, the have truly struggled at the Vicente Calderon, losing their last three matches there.  With their frorm on the rise and Atleti’s on the wane, based on their midweek continental adventures, this seemed the perfect time to rid themselves of that particular monkey.  Lionel Messi saw to that rather quickly, beating David de Gea in the 12th minute.  Raul Garcia’s header, from a Simao corner,  equalised for the Rojiblancos on 25 minutes but the Catalans were undeterred.  It was Messi again, delivering a perfect corner for Gerard Pique to chest down and smash home, at the far post.  Barca dominated the play from there, although they could not get past a fiercely determined de Gea from that point onward.  Ujfalusi’s frustration at the death may have dampened Pep Guardiola’s enthusiasm for the result, temporarily, but with Little Leo only out for two matches, Pep must be whistling while he works, today.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFhYWGj42iI

Elsewhere in La Liga, Michael Laudrup earned his first victory as manager of Real Mallorca, when the islanders dropped Osasuna 2-0, and in a Real battle, Madrid held off Sociedad, 2-1, during which Jose Mourinho had a small tantrum and chewed a large amount of gum.

Congratulations, Eliot!

..

Before we leave, we have to admit that we gave a lot of stick to Eliot Rothwell, on Friday,over his ascendance into (possibly) paying journalism.  Still, he took it very well and his spirit remains unbounded.  We hope his fortunes and enthusiasm stay on the rise, even though that means we’ll be losing his services someday.

Before that happens, though, we’re happy to post a snapshot of his first Premier League press credential, a souvenir that he should hang onto for a long time, no matter how many more come his way over the years.

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See you on Friday!

Fluminense is considered the club of aristocracy in Rio, mainly because some big shots that rule the game in Brazil are supporters of the “Tricolor”, including João Havelange. The club from Rio was having a bad season, with a last place stand on the table. When October came, Fred’s game started to show up in Maracanã, and Fluminense is now two points behind rival Botafogo, in a fight against relegation, with consecutive wins, some of them against some top placers like Cruzeiro, Atlético Mineiro and Palmeiras.

As far as Palmeiras is concerned, they also are having a year to remember. During half the championship they held on to the first place, and as a consequence, looked like an easy pick to win it all at the end. However, a single win out of the last seven games, plus losses to all four teams currently at the bottom of the table, simply shattered the dream of the “palestrinos” that now have got to see São Paulo and Flamengo battle for the title, with just three rounds before a champion is crowned.

In the same manner that Fred is currently one of the main reasons for Fluminense’s surge, Vágner Love’s poor performance is always mentioned by Palmeiras fans. Midfielders Diego Souza and Cleiton Xavier are being accused by teammates of focusing exclusively upon transfers to European clubs by the end of the year. Nonetheless, Palmeiras’ bad moment can be credited mainly to the defensive players’ performance. Also, the inconsistency of the team managed by Muricy Ramalho hurt their chances beyond recovery. At the other end, Fluminense’s sub-20 star Maicon is proving he is worth all the hype and talented midfielder Dario Conca is the ‘maestro’ of this year’s cast.

In common, these teams have only one thing: ups and downs. This means that now Palmeiras has to pick up the pieces and try to stay among the top four by the end of the Championship to get a place in next years’ Copa Libertadores. Meanwhile, Fluminense is still battling relegation; they will play the finals of the Copa Sudamericana, on a vengeful match against Ecuatorians’ LDU, which beat Fluminense last year in a thrilling Libertadores’ final at Maracanã.

2009’s Campeonato Brasileiro has been an emotional roller coaster ride. Some fans are disappointed, some are relieved, some are hoping for the best: São Paulo’s fans are pretty chatty these days as they look forward to getting one more trophy added to their gallery. Or not. Adriano’s Flamengo may grab the title after all. As someone else has already said, “The game isn’t over until it’s over”.

Photo by www.fluminensefc.com.br.

A couple of reasons “helped” the competition along the way. São Paulo’s change in management and slow start gave the chance that rivals were waiting for over the last three years to finally end their winning streak.

Almost all teams changed coaches during the competition, giving some clubs the opportunity to regroup halfway through the tournament. Some clubs, like Palmeiras, Internacional and Grêmio learned São Paulos’s lesson and maintained the majority of their players from last year, with some important arrivals such as Vágner Love and D´Alessandro.

Palmeiras is at the top of the table. They hired Muricy after his dismissal from São Paulo, they have the best midfielders in Brazil (Cleiton Xavier and Diego Souza), a fierce defense and a couple of good strikers, not to mention their captain and most important player of all time protecting the goal: Marcos. Palmeiras is managing to get points even through the most difficult games, like some weeks ago when they got a victory in Santos and at Mineirão, over Cruzeiro.

Internacional had great expectations for this year. The Colorado side is having a season to forget though. And yet, they managed to hold a top 5 place at the table all year long.
This season surprises are Goiás and Atlético Mineiro (from the state of Minas Gerais), both teams were considered candidates for relegation and are fighting for a top 4 spot, a place that could give the club the classification to Libertadores next year.

Last decade’s downside has got to be the clubs from Rio de Janeiro. Fluminense and Botafogo are in the relegation zone, or real close to it, with Vasco already in the second division, comfortable to come back next year, and Flamengo always struggling politically. Maybe we will never see again rooters like the ones they had in the 80s, competing head to head with the greatest clubs in the country.

Nonetheless, this year’s championship remains one of the all-time greatest. Some intense rivalries, rallies for all important places and a fair amount of good players in the league.
Here are some games to keep an eye on, should you be able to catch them on TV or over the internet be aware that those dates can change:
17/10 – São Paulo x Atlético Mineiro
18/10 – Palmeiras x Flamengo
25/10 – Santos x São Paulo
25/10 – Internacional x Grêmio
25/10 – Botafogo x Flamengo
28/10 – São Paulo x Internacional
29/10 – Palmeiras x Goiás
31/10 – Flamengo x Santos
01/11 – Palmeiras x Corinthians
01/11 – Náutico x Sport
04/11 – Grêmio x São Paulo
08/11 – Atlético Mineiro x Flamengo
08/11 – Fluminense x Palmeiras
14/11 – Cruzeiro x Grêmio
14/11 – São Paulo x Vitória
22/11 – Grêmio x Palmeiras
22/11 – Flamengo x Goiás
22/11 – Botafogo x São Paulo
22/11 – Flamengo x Goiás
29/11 – Corinthians x Flamengo
29/11 – Palmeiras x Atlético Mineiro
29/11 – Goiás x São Paulo
06/12 – Flamengo x Grêmio

Picture by Rubens Chiri