Josh McEachran, currently on-loan from Chelsea, is ineligible to play against his parent team. At the start Lukas Jutkiewicz (leg) is really a uncertainty for the overall game, and so Curtis Main is on life to aid Scott McDonald. Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez must carry on with Petr Cech in goal in front of second-choice keeper Ross Turnbull, despite his tendency to rotate goalkeepers in the cup. Ryan Bertrand will probably replace Ashley Cole at left-back, nevertheless, with John Terry established to partner Branislav Ivanovic at centre-back and Cesar Azpilicueta to start out at right-back. Juan Mata is probably to be rested for the tie to give Oscar an opportunity whilst Fernando Torres should also come back to Benitez's group.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Real Madrid primed to spend big in order to snare Bale, reveals ...
The 61-year-old claims his former club are in a healthy economic situation and would be able to match Tottenham's valuation of the in-form winger this summer
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to a host of top European sides this summer and Calderon, who resigned as president of Madrid in January 2009, maintains the Spanish club would be able to match Spurs' valuation for the winger.
"I think he is a fantastic player. He is one of those players you would always like to have in your team," Calderon told talkSPORT.
"It's true we have spent a lot of money in the last three or four years but I think we are in a position to pay the money they are going to ask for.
"There is always a limit but Real Madrid is in a very healthy situation, economically speaking, so it would be in the position to sign him.
"I'm sure it will be a high amount of money because he is a fantastic player. A lot of clubs would like to have him."
Spurs and Real Madrid agreed a groundbreaking "special relationship" last summer following the protracted sale of Luka Modric to the Spanish giants, for a fee that could eventually rise to £34 million.
Te'o ultimately gets possiblity to give attention to baseball
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) a Manti Te'o's first appearance on a soccer field considering that the BCS tournament game did not go as well as prepared Monday. The Notre Dame star and Heisman Trophy runner-up was clocked at 4.82 seconds in the 40-yard dash. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock had said Sunday such a thing faster than 4.7 will be "phenomenal." Any such thing 4.8 or over will be a "concern." The workout came higher than a month after Te'o's highly-publicized online relationship with a girlfriend was exposed as a hoax and he was a target of the hoax. Since then, he's done a small number of 1-on-1 interviews and took questions Saturday in just one of the craziest scenes in NFL scouting mix history. Reporters crowded across the podium, lining up ten deep to listen to Te'o speak one more time in what happened. Some have wondered if the embarrassing story was a distraction leading into the national championship game, in which Te'o and his Notre Dame teammates played poorly in a loss to Alabama. The linebacker said Saturday the joke had no effect on that game. And he demands it has maybe not influenced his preparation for the mix, possibly. But rather of getting those problems to rest with an excellent showing Monday, Te'o fell lacking his objectives again a' and not only in the 40. Te'o participated in five of the seven workouts, looking out of the bench press and 60-yard taxi, and did not end placed among the top five at his position in any of them. His vertical leap was 33 inches, much below Southern Mississippi's Jamie Collins' positional most readily useful of 41A. Te'o got 113 inches in the broad jump. He finished the three-cone drill in 7.13 moments, well off the rate set by Missouri's Zaviar Gooden (6.71). Te'o completed the 20-yard taxi in 4.27 seconds, again behind Gooden's 4.18. Following the work outs, which were closed to the press, Te'o informed NFL Network that he might have done better a' and that he will at next month's Pro Day at Notre Dame. Scouts also have been curious to observe how former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu would accomplish in Indy after getting knocked off his school team last summer and took the whole time off. Mathieu did not prosper Monday, either. He did only four reps on the 225-pound bench press, linked with Appalachian State's Demetrius McCray for the cheapest among all defensive backs. The defensive backs can finish their workouts Tuesday, the closing day of the combine.
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City facing fight for Cavani as Spanish giants Real ... - Daily Mail
Manchester City have been dealt a major blow in their chase for Edinson Cavani after Real Madrid stepped up their attempts to land the Napoli forward.
The Uruguay striker is Roberto Mancini's No 1 target with the Italian desperate for more firepower since losing Mario Balotelli to AC Milan.
Mancini is set for a busy summer in the transfer market but Real have now emerged as serious contenders to land Cavani at the end of the season.
The news provides a major obstacle in City's attempts to sign Cavani, who has a £52million release clause written into his contract.
Sportsmail revealed on February 13 how City had begun negotiations with Cavani's representatives in a bid to strike an early deal.
Link: FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk - Arsenal Kyiv [Live Football]
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
View matter - Reliability & Balance - Liverpool Hamilton Academical Forum
Let us be candid here, we all knew this season would definitely own it is ups and downs. Next time to but hopefully not on the level we've seen in 2010 and hopefully with an area which will go further in all domestic glass comps and the category. As a group (perhaps not talking of individual people here, different prints could develop talk in discussion of people needed and so on), Rodgers needs IMO to deal with two primary conditions that have hampered us this season. Persistence Arguably the harder task for a manager to rectify because our inconsistency has the majority of the time drop to specific errors and lapses in attention. We may be led by a theory of why inconsistency could have surfaced in to the talk of balance and having less cover our defense have been given with a three man midfield, and an open game plan. Some thing recent Liverpool defenses have not been familiar with. Nevertheless, it really has been the case never the less that numerous individual errors have cost a myriad to us of factors. How a director rectifys these is not really easy IMO, yes, he can drop a defense every now and again on a consistent basis. Skertel in, Skertel out, Enrique in, Enrique out but this IMO is damaging to the understanding and cohesiveness that defenses have to become miserly. That is not to say I do not appreciate the efforts Carragher has done but I don't know when it is right to drop a after a clanger - will Rodgers drop Carra after his back pass to HulKA.. Never the less consistency needs not just can be found fundamentally throughout the security but all around the frequency. Killing teams off etc etc. This may seem the easier of the consistencys to resolve now with the signing of Sturridge, in form Suarez and Coutinhio. The Achilles is the safety and we need to go into next season with this as you of two important goals to sort out in the beyond and summer. Stability Serious problem IMO. The one that I think lends it self to your reliability issue. The Rodgers area (All IMHOOC) looks heavily intended for an assault sort game plan, which is exciting! But, I do believe there's a flip side to the, and that's that it often leaves our safety overexposed with several holes in midfield. It also is attributed to the design of players Rodgers loves to use/buy, the 'more' flairy sort. Where Rafa would buy a workhorse in Kuyt, Rodgers would choose a standard Brazillian in Coutinhio (broadly speaking). Rafa's form of participants might do an effective job in midfield and defense, perhaps way more than within their main position like KuytA. With Rodgers it's another way round and this is excatly why we seem geared up within an attack oriented formation - even though Downing is fast becoming our 'worker' up and down the flanks and to be good he, I believe, recently has helped (in their own way) to balance this top large clothing out. I still think the center of midfield can be an concern. Privately, and depending on how long Gerrard can last, I had choose a monster in the DM place, one who's running, effective and features a little bit of game intelligence, both to simply help Lucas or Gerrard. Lucas for me has almost reverted to type, even though he did have a good game against Zenit, I really do not think he's in a position to hold the fort on his own and he needs help if not an alternative - preferably the former. Rodgers IMO has not got this down pat and used to do not see enough of his Swansea staff to be able to share with whether he's the perspective to address this (that's even when he thinks it is an issue!). We look like a part who claims, you score 2 and we'll score 3 to beat you. Rather than team who's in a position to fully turn teams out for 90 mins and do the industry up one other end. I think they are all OF US issues that could be assisted by possible signings and what not. I don't view every other footie so I don't know who is out there which could fairly help us out. But eventually Rodgers should/could still work on these issues with the people he's got. What say you?
Barcelona drops in AP soccer rankings
LONDON (AP) — With nine goals in one week, Bayern Munich dislodged Barcelona from the top position in The Associated Press global soccer rankings.
And despite scoring 38 goals so far this season, Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was ousted from the top of the player rankings by 20-year-old Stephan El Shaarawy.
El Shaarawy scored in AC Milan's 1-1 draw with city rival Inter on Sunday and played a key role in the 2-0 Champions League victory over the Spanish league leaders.
Several panelists in the AP rankings paid tribute to Bayern, noting elimination from the Champions League could permanently cost Barcelona its dominant position in the rankings.
"The 3-1 win over Arsenal and 6-1 victory over Bremen elevate Bayern to the No. 1 spot, finally. And we probably should have had them there earlier," he said.
Tom Timmermann of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said Barcelona is still the best club in the world, and one loss isn't enough to change that.
"However, if Barca gets knocked out of the Champions League, this is a reality that will have to be addressed, and I'm not sure exactly how," Timmermann said. "Until that happens, they're hanging on to the top spot on my ballot, even with a two-goal loss."
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka, out of form and Jose Mourinho's favor for months, made his first appearance in the top 10 after scoring against Deportivo La Coruna over the weekend.
Paris Saint-Germain, boosted by the presence of David Beckham, came in fifth in the team rankings after the victory over Marseille, a win that took the Parisian club three points ahead at the top of the French league.
Barcelona could only manage eighth place this week, after being a regular leader of the team rankings. Bayern earned 195 out of a possible 210 points from the 21 voters who award 10 points for their preferred team, falling to one point.
"Bayern were probably the most impressive team of the week," James Porteous of the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong said, "comfortably beating Arsenal in the Champions League before hammering Werder Bremen to continue their remorseless march to the Bundesliga title."
AC Milan was in second place, with 135 points, for its victory over Barcelona and the draw against Inter. Manchester United was third, staying 12 points ahead in the Premier League and holding Real Madrid to a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu in the Champions League.
"Milan almost had a perfect week," Federico Giammaria of Argentina's La Voz daily said. "And Stephan El Shaarawy is the reason why. He was the key against Barcelona and also a star against Inter. It was a great week for the 'Pharaoh' who promises more goals in the second chapter in Camp Nou."
Fourth position in both the team and players' rankings was awarded to the newly promoted Premier League team Sawnsea, which won the League Cup on Sunday with a comfortable 5-0 victory over Bradford. Nathan Dyer, who scored twice at Wembley, was tied for fourth with FC Porto striker Jackson Martinez.
"It's the first trophy in 101 years for Swansea and (manager) Michael Laudrup deserves credit for what he has achieved until now with the Welsh club," Aurelio Capaldi of Italy's RAI Sport broadcaster said. "As well as beating Bradford and winning the Capital One Cup, he made his team play nice football."
Franck Ribery, in ninth, meant Bayern had two players in the top 10, while Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart was voted into seventh after making a crucial penalty save against Chelsea on Sunday. The Premier League champions went on to win 2-0, earning Hart a rare appearance for a goalkeeper in the rankings.
Oxford United Ladies 2 Newcastle United Females 1 - Oxford Mail
3:02pm Sunday 24th Feb 2013 in U's News By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Contact me on 01865 425458 EARLY targets from Katie Stanley and Natasha Caswell found Oxford United to the FA Women's Cup fifh round for the first time. The females' debut at the Kassam Stadium got down to a start, when Caswell found Stanley, who superbly opened the score with a lob on ten minutes. Caswell included a second goal with a shot from the edge of the box inside the opening quarter of an hour. Newcastle, who perform their category football a team higher, were 2nd greatest for the opening 45 minutes, but came alive after the period. Minutes were pulled a goal back six by jess Havelock after they to be got by the restart back in the overall game. But the U's, marshalled by skipper Sahara Osborne-Ricketts, stood firm to keep out the guests. John Anderson, Lauren Allison and Holly Pickett all had chances to produce it 3-1 late on, but it wasn't costly. They are able to now anticipate the sixth round pull, once the Women's Super League sides enter the competition. Oxford Utd: Cox, Chivers, Mobbs (Bennett 90), Osborne-Ricketts, Meade, Caswell, Beaver, Stanley, Pinker (Anderson 71), Pickett, Allison. Unused subs: Smith, Coles, Currie. Newcastle Utd: Wareham, Lock, Wilson, Armstring, Havelock, Purdham (Campion 85), Teasdale (Pyper 56), Potts, Frazer, Gardner, Crooks (Foster 72). Empty subs: Sewell. Attendance: 733.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Le Newcastle sing French anthem - Fox Sports
Football fans have cheekily referred to Alan Pardew's spending spree as his 'French Revolution' at Newcastle United.
But it seems the club has embraced its new cosmopolitan squad mix and taken the joke to the next step - with the Toon Army embracing Le Newcastle United by literally painting St James' Park red, blue and white.
With Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko, Hatem Ben Arfa, Yoan Gouffran, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Romain Amalfitano, Massadio Haidara, Gabriel Obertan and Mathieu Debuchy all in the squad, they were made more than welcome with a rendition of the French national anthem La Marseillaise played before kick-off.
Fans looked dapper dressed in berets that were handed out around the ground, while Geordie folk song 'Blaydon Races' was sung in French.
The feel-good French sentiment even went as far as their opponents Southampton - whose Frenchman Morgan Schneiderlin's mistake opened the scoring for the home side on three minutes.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Birmingham Town Beats Chelsea 2-0 in England's Premier League - Bloomberg
Defending champion Manchester City defeat Chelsea 2-0 in English socceras Premier League today and still trails chief Manchester United by 12 points following the weekendas activities. Newcastle defeated Southampton 4-2. Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez got the goals for City after Frank Lampard, seeking his 200th purpose for Chelsea, saw his fee stop saved by Joe Hart. Recently United won 2-0 at base team Queens Park Rangers. It's 68 points, accompanied by City (56), Chelsea (49) and Tottenham (48). QPR has 17 items, with Reading (23) and Aston Villa (24) in the other two places in the relegation zone. Wigan also offers 24 points and Southampton 27. Newcastle is in 14th location with 30 points. Recently, Arsenal beat Aston Villa 2-1 and Norwich defeated Everton by exactly the same report. Fulham had a triumph over Stoke, Wigan won 3-0 at Reading, and Sunderland went down 2-1 at West Brom. West Ham hosts Tottenham tomorrow. Later currently, Swansea City matches Bradford City in the League Cup final at Wembley. To make contact with the manager responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.
Chelsea FC prompted to dump Fernando Torres come july 1st - Crunchsports.com
Chelsea need to reduce their losses and promote Fernando Torres this summer, in accordance with former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright. Torres has generally fought since joining Chelsea from Liverpool two years back for an archive A50million, and wasted a number of good possibilities all through Thursday night's pull with Sparta Prague, including two in the opening fifteen minutes. The Spaniard, who had been on the bench for Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Premier League, has obtained just one purpose in his last 15 activities - that coming against Brentford in the FA Cup. And with Blues manager Rafael Benitez failing continually to support his countryman go back to form, Wright thinks the west London membership should finally write off the once-feared striker. He toldAThe Sun: "I think Chelsea have been very, very patient with him. aWhen you begin to see the number of odds he'd against Sparta Prague on Thursday, you only wonder whatas occurred. "For me, itas that way film Space Jam when somebody has arrive and nicked his skill! You've to think about whatas gone wrong, with a few of the odds heas lacking. "At Liverpool, he was definitely terrifying. But at Chelsea, heas not just a shadow of himself. "Itas sad to see among the greats - who was a, proper forward - go through this. Heas definitely unselfish together with his play, nevertheless when you spend A50million for a youare not paying for him to set others up. "You want him inside scoring goals and he only isnat somebody that scares me anymore such as a Luis Suarez or Robin van Persie. He is because type but heas dropped some thing somewhere and you donat know what it is. Itas unfortunate to see." Should Chelsea forget Torres? Have your say below!
City to open discussions with Yaya Toure? - Manchester City
ToureAwill have couple of years left on his current contract in the summertime and the Daily Star promises the Blues are more than eager to secure his services long term. aNo conventional talks have been designed with Toure, who has only returned to the Premier League after almost per month absent on African Nations Cup duty,a writes Steve Millar. aBut he has keep coming back completely focused on City, with the midfield maestro happy to stay at the Etihad Stadium. aBoss Roberto Mancini would is in undoubtedly of the Ivory Coast staras value to the club.a and love to utilize Toureas energy and abilities for the next five years Meanwhile, the exact same source has fuelled speculation that Everton are seeking City winger Scott Sinclair. aThe former Chelsea and Swansea vast man has did not break through at City after having a A6million move from the Welsh team last summer,a reports Paul Hetherington. aHe was closed as a substitute for Adam Johnson, who was sold to Sunderland for A10m. aSinclair, 23, will be available this summer when Everton a' have been enthusiastic about a mortgage option in the January shift screen a will decide whether to produce a firm bid. aAnother player along the way out at City a' experienced opponent Kolo Toure, 31 a' can be attracting interest.a Finally, before todayas Premier League clash, Chelsea employer Rafa Benitez has been speaking about his need to complete above defending champions City. aChelsea will fight to complete as high while they could in the Barclays Premier League,a reviews Mark Bryanas of the Daily Mail. aThe Blues go second-placed Manchester CityAknowing the gap will be closed by a win on the reigning champions to a single point. Benitez said: aWe'll attempt to finish 2nd if we can, there is a constant know - this is a huge game, therefore let's see where we're at the end. Before a week ago, we possibly may be fighting each other.a Area in last chance saloon White predicts City FA Pot progress
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Poulter, Mahan on collision course at Match Play
MARANA, Ariz. (AP) — The stars are gone from the Match Play Championship. Still remaining are Ian Poulter and Hunter Mahan, the best in match play over the last couple of years.
Poulter added to his reputation as one tough customer Saturday when he beat Steve Stricker with one big putt after another, raising his record in match play to 19-3-2 over the last four years. Mahan outlasted U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson in 18 holes, leaving him two matches away from joining Tiger Woods as the only repeat winners of this World Golf Championship. Mahan has gone 151 holes at Dove Mountain without trailing.
Matt Kuchar had no trouble against Robert Garrigus. He plays in the semifinal against Jason Day, who beat Graeme McDowell.
More Info: Hertha BSC Berlin - 1. FC Kaiserslautern [Live Football]
Casillas healing from surgery wants with winning a championship title this year
Iker Casillas says his recovery from a broken bone in his hand is certainly going much better than expected and he might be right back involving the Real Madrid articles the moment late March.
Casillas' finger was broken by a random end from his team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa throughout Madrid's Copa del Rey quarter-final game at the Mestalla on January 23.
It absolutely was feared he would face three months on the sidelines, and the club moved quickly to sign Diego Lopez for 3.5 million from Sevilla to perform in their likely season-defining games against Barcelona in the Copa and Manchester United in the Champions League.
The Madrid club chief told reporters on Thursday night, at the opening of a new club shop at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, that the initial timeframe had only been a worst-case scenario.
"I am feeling quite positive," Casillas said. "The doctor gave me the worst-case scenario, he said it might take 3 months. But when the splint was removed the other day, I was told I had four weeks left. Now I am doing effective exercises to have flexibility and energy in the finger."
Casillas said he'd been spending so much time at Madrid's Valdebebas education facility to get straight back playing as soon as possible.
"Until now I've not had much energy in it, but I am receiving it back little by little," he explained. "We have reached the halfway point of the damage. I've still got a month to go. I will need to work more and experience more to get back the flexibility of before. I'm looking towards returning. It's worse being off the pitch than on it."
The event was also joined by Casillas' team-mates including Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria, Jose Callejon, Nacho and Kaka, while coach Jose Mourinho was absent.
Alonso told reporters that he didn't know yet whether he would cure his groin issue over time for next Tuesday's Copa semi-final second leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.
"I am in the restoration stage," the midfielder said. "I am looking to get better as soon as possible, to get reduce the discomfort and get back in top form. Plenty of people ask when I'll be ready. I aspire to manage to perform against Barca, but I do not have an answer right now."
Former Liverpool person Alonso said that, with the link balanced at 1-1, whoever scored first in the Champions League last 16 reunite game at Manchester United on March 5 would be favourites to progress.
"They will have the help of the fans," he explained. "It is going to be considered a concern. The side that results first will be favourites. Old Trafford is a good floor and it is the sort of match most of us like to play. The tie is extremely open."
Di Maria said that it may fit Madrid to be playing abroad in both of the future, potentially season-defining, activities.
"Things are getting well and hopefully to carry on this way," he explained. "We know that we have to have major matches in both games and that it will maybe not be easy. Since we prosper when things are against us perhaps playing away is likely to be inside our favour. We've had this week to work with the easiest way to approach the activities. I hope everything goes well."
Benzema, who remains question for Saturday evening's La Liga sport at Deportivo La Coruna, said he wasn't concerned about his current bad form in front of target.
"I hope than I have up to now that I score more goals, but the important things may be the team and to win the future matches," he explained. "We need certainly to work together to get. We have an excellent team and we are all in good form."
Kaka executed terrific in the game against Deportivo La Coruna
"From the very first moment of the second half we saw a big change of attitude. We did not win because of the substitutions, that have been made in the twelfth second of the second half, but because of the change we made. It absolutely was the attitude of all the players that sparked the comeback.
"It is true that actually he [Kaka] is playing well. He is helped by his state of mind and this is very important to the team, that he's playing well and that he is another alternative. That is usually positive.
Kaka's performance also earned the reward of assistant coach Aitor Karanka, who was simply pleased about the result of the squad after planning behind to a Riki strike on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us as an opportunity to change their fortunes. In the second half we increased our play, we scored two goals and we could actually just take the three things house with us."
Before Blaugrana edged out Sevilla afterwards Saturday night, the gain moved Real to within 13 points of league leaders Barcelona. Regardless of the border remaining the same, Kaka feels victory over Depor can increase Real's odds of claiming wallpaper this period.
"I am much better. What we have around the corner is interesting and it is the major part of the time and if the director wants me to play I'll be there to help in those matches."
"The team is playing well and things are receiving better for me also. In soccer everything changes rapidly and I am very happy to support the team win.
"[It was] a significant success in a very difficult match. In the first half we were a little anxious and we made a couple of errors. In the 2nd half we improved and we won three points which are important for us and for what is ahead over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officials site.
Real originated in behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the visitors. After enduring a spell with minimal sport time, Kaka now feels he can help his staff as they look to hold their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed joy at his new change in fortunes, as the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback win over Deportivo Manhunter Coruna.
Kaka executed excellent in the game against Deportivo La Coruna
"From the very first minute of the second half we saw an alteration of attitude. We didn't win because of the substitutions, which were made in the twelfth minute of the second half, but because of the change we made. It absolutely was the attitude of all players that sparked the comeback.
"It holds true that honestly he [Kaka] is playing well. His mind-set assists him and this is necessary for the group, that he's another alternative and that he is playing well. That's usually good.
Kaka's performance also received the praise of assistant mentor Aitor Karanka, who was simply pleased about the result of the squad after planning behind to a Riki hit on 35 minutes.
"We knew that Deportivo were not playing well and saw us as an chance to change their fortunes. In the next half we improved our play, we scored two goals and we could actually just take the three things house or apartment with us."
Before the Blaugrana edged out Sevilla later on Saturday evening, the win moved Real to within 13 points of group leaders Barcelona. Despite the profit remaining exactly the same, Kaka believes success over Depor may improve Real's likelihood of claiming wallpaper this phrase.
"I am better. What we've nearby is fascinating and it is the important part of the time and if the manager wants me to play I will be there to simply help in those matches."
"The team is playing well and things are getting better for me too. In football anything changes rapidly and I'm pleased to help the team win.
"[It was] a significant success really difficult match. In the very first half we were only a little anxious and we made several problems. In the second half we improved and we won three points that are important for us and for what's ahead over the next few weeks," Kaka told the club's officials site.
True originated from behind at the Riazor, with Kaka scoring the equaliser before an 88th-minute winner was scored by Gonzalo Higuain for the visitors. After putting up with a spell with limited game time, Kaka now thinks he is able to help his team as they turn to keep their La Liga and Champions League hopes alive.
Kaka has expressed pleasure at his recent change in fortunes, as the playmaker starred in Real Madrid's 2-1 comeback victory over Deportivo La Coruna.
Bayern Munich versus. Werder Bremen: Final score 6-1, Bayern eliminate...
Jupp Heynckes changed over fifty percent the staff from the club's Champions League match midweek, however it did not issue as Bayern continued their torrid speed in the Bundesliga with a mauling of Werder Bremen. Bayern Munich continued their torrid speed in the Bundesliga with a 6-1 knocking of Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. Jupp Heynckes created six improvements to the starting eleven from Bayern's match on Tuesday against Arsenal in the Champions League. The turn was necessary this weekend with a big DFB Pokal fit against Borussia Dortmund this week. After controlling the temp for the initial 25 minutes, Bayern won two in rapid succession prior to the half hour mark. Arjen Robben pulled in a combination from Philipp Lahm, and Javi Martinez headed in a totally free end from Robben. In place of getting back the match with a target before halftime, Bremen decided to ensure it is more challenging on themselves by heading down to five men. Sebastian PrAdl was sent off for a on Mario Gomez in the 44th minute building a return all but unlikely. Bremen compounded that error by PrAdl with one by Theodor Gebre Selassie, when the defender's settlement wound up in the rear of his own web just after halftime. Now it was 3-0 Bayern, and there was no looking back. It absolutely was 4-0 before Bremen can blink. Franck Ribery played a to Mario Gomez, and the big man quickly done. The guests were able to take one in the minute through Kevin De Bruyne. Aleksandar Ignjovski intercepted Dante's clearance and handed to the Belgian who completed very properly. Unfortunately for Bremen, it absolutely was 4-1. Bayern coasted for the remaining of the match, nevertheless they were not done scoring goals yet. Ribery and Gomez obtained in the 86th and 89th minutes to complete the path and make 6-1 to it. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen don't play until tomorrow, so Bayern have an 18 point guide atop the table until then. Bremen have dropped to twelfth in the dining table. Follow @SBNationSoccer on Facebook
Like SB Land Soccer on Facebook a Unted, Arsenal drain relegation battlers a All roads lead to Milan in Italy a Barcelona look to expand cause in Manhunter Liga a Benitez faces Mancini in battle of dead men walking a Champions League is changing
Friday, February 22, 2013
(Video) Chelsea 1-1 Sparta Prague: Europa League Highlights ...
Deposed European champions Chelsea had to settle for a home draw against Sparta Prague having won the away leg 1-0 after Eden Hazard's late effort cancelled out David Lafata's opener.
Chelsea captain John Terry said: "We're delighted to go through, it wasn't our best performance but we're through and that's all that matters."
Man United Target Juventus Defender as Sir Alex Ferguson Looks ...
Manchester United are reportedly interested in adaptable Juventus defender Martin Caceres according to Italian source CalcioMercato.
Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt be considering making defensive changes this summer having seen his side struggle at the back all season. Indeed the Scot will be all too aware just how crucial his strike-force has been in overcoming goals conceded to help the club challenge for a treble of triumphs.
fanatix tickets- Sunderland vs Manchester United tickets are on sale from £27 for the match on March 30th at the Stadium of Light.
Martin Caceres is an adaptable defender who is most commonly used as a centre-back but is also able to ply his trade at both right and left-back.
Caceres moved to Juventus on a permanent basis last summer having impressed during a loan spell in which he helped Antonio Conte's side to clinch the Serie A title.
Caceres is by no means a first team regular, making just ten Serie A starts out of a possible 25, and would certainly be tempted by a move to Old Trafford but presumably only if he felt it likely to bring with it a more regular taste of the action.
Martin Caceres is an experienced campaigner who spent five seasons in La Liga prior to his permanent Italian switch.
Given Rio Ferdinand's age, and the fact that the 34 year old is yet to be handed a new contract, and Nemanja Vidic's continued injury concerns, a move for a player like Caceres may be a wise one to consider.
More Info: Leixoes - SL Benfica B [Live Football]
Skidmore College Cancels Mens Spring Soccer Season Because of ...
Skidmore College, located in Saratoga Springs, New York, has canceled its men's soccer Spring season because of a hazing incident. The incident took place on November 30th on "Rookie Night." Twenty eight students were disciplined, including 24 of the 28 members of the men's soccer team. You would think canceling an entire season would be severe enough, but the school seems prepared to keep going into the Fall. From Skidmore.edu:
"In addition to our cancellation of the men's soccer spring season, all athletes found to have participated in this incident will be barred from participation in any spring sport. A number of the team members face suspensions for significant portions of the fall season, and all students are subject to further disciplinary review as part of the student conduct process."
What exactly happened is a mystery, but alcohol was involved. Though, as Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach notes in his statement, "Fortunately, no students were hospitalized or suffered lasting injury."
Update: Skidmore has turned over a "packet" of information to the Saratoga Springs police department. Via The Saratogian:
"More of our focus will be on who was providing the alcohol and the off-campus properties where this allegedly took place," he said, adding that early indications are there may have been members of Skidmore's lacrosse team involved, as well.
Simon Mignolet observed by Arsenal and Manchester United - Sunlight
Manchester United and Arsenal are both monitoring the Sunderland keeper, who has experienced 12 weeks of superb form. He'll receive the North-East Football Writersa Associationas Player of the Season this week-end, whipping Newcastle pair Hatem Ben Arfa and shotstopper Tim Krul in to third and second. Mignolet, 24, has appeared as one of the best small keepers in the Premier League and is battling to be Belgiumas No 1 with Chelseaas on-loan Atletico Madrid ace Thibaut Courtois. David Bruce closed Mignolet for A2million in June 2010 from Sint-Truiden when he penned a five-year deal. Strategy employer Arsene Wenger is understood to be in the market for an owner and Mignolet created a string of beautiful stops in the Gunnersa 1-0 get at the Stadium of Light this month.
Phil Jones injury: Man Utd expert set to miss Real Madrid conflict - The Sun
The opponent suffered a leg injury throughout Mondayas FA Cup conquer Reading. And he's undergoing treatment in the hope to be readily available for the Old Trafford knowledge. United employer Alex Ferguson said: aWe are working very hard. He's an outside opportunity for Real Madrid a' a maximum of that. Amazement must see and wait. It is a couple of weeks away and a lot can occur for the reason that time. aHe is a son who was a bit off-balanced and went into a handle also daring. aHe truly wonat be fit for the weekend.a Ferguson has unveiled he sees a number of United tale Bryan Robsonas model in Jonesa game. He added: aPhil has got the courage and determination to handle. Bryan Robson was the same. Danger is seen by abryan couldnat and neither can Phil. That's a lot to do with the courage they've. "You aren't planning to take that out of these. I wouldnat even try that. aHe did an unbelievable job against Real Madrid. aThe best part Phil has is that he doesnat care who he's playing against. aThere is no fear about playing against anyone." United are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League going in to Saturday's clash with strugglers QPR. Ferguson added: aThe only way we could approach it is by caring for each sport and in the course of time we run out of matches. aI could comprehend from Manchester Cityas point of view why they're referring to us dropping things. aBut the actual fact of the problem is they will drop them as well.a
McClaren not willing to give up Eredivisie title chase | bettor.com
The FC Twente boss has stressed that he will continue fighting to challenge for the title, but has also insisted that the players must also develop a winning mentality if they are aiming to become Dutch champions.
FC Twente Enschede head coach, Steve McClaren, has stressed that he will not give up Eredivisie title ambitions despite his side's abysmal performances since the start of the second-half of the 2012/13 season.
The Tukkers were bossing the league table before the winter break, but three draws and a defeat has forced them to drop down to fourth position in the Eredivisie standings, four points behind the current leaders, PSV Eindhoven.
However, the former England manager has made it clear that he will not give up fighting to challenge for the Eredivisie title.
"I will keep on fighting. If all the players are fit and available, we have still got a good team that can compete for the Eredivisie title", McClaren was quoted as saying to Voetbal International.
The English trainer, who managed to guide the Tukkers to their first ever league title in the 2010/11 season during his earlier spell at De Grolsch Veste, went on to insist that his players must also develop a winning mentality and aim to become Dutch champions come the end of the ongoing campaign.
"At the moment, there is an inexplicable fear in the group. All the players have this week to decide whether they want to go in. Do they want to continue, or quit", McClaren concluded.
Since their 0-3 win over AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion on December 22, the Tukkers have failed to claim all three points. After cruising to goalless stalemates against RKC Waalwijk and Feyenoord Rotterdam, the Enschede giants suffered a humiliating 2-4 defeat at the hands of FC Utrecht at De Grolsch Veste before going on to secure a hard fought 1-1 draw against PEC Zwolle on February 10.
FC Twente will lock horns against Willem II Tilburg in their upcoming Eredivisie clash at De Grolsch Veste on Saturday, February 16. McClaren would be hoping that his side return to winning ways to remain in the Eredivisie title hunt.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
(Movie) Chelsea 1-1 Sparta Prague: Europa Category Shows...
Get the CaughtOffside iPad app. Obtain the number 1 Free Activities Application from the App Store. Most of the latest footie news and much, much more. A late Eden Hazard spared Chelseaas blushes whilst the Blues book their location within the last 16. Check in to Manchester City versus Chelsea Deposed European champions Chelsea had to be in for a property draw against Sparta Prague having gained the away leg 1-0 after Eden Hazardas late energy cancelled out David Lafataas opener. Chelsea captain John Terry said: aWeare pleased to go through, it wasnat our most useful efficiency but weare through and thatas all that matters.a
Liverpool Vs Zenit St Petersburg Preview: Europa League Team ...
Three-time UEFA Cup winners Liverpool will need to overturn a two-goal deficit against 2008 UEFA Cup winners Zenit St. Petersburg to prevent a premature end to their European campaign at Anfield.
Fresh from Sunday's 5-0 battering of Premier League rivals Swansea City, Spanish defender Jose Enrique hopes Brendan Rodgers' side can replicate that performance on Thursday.
"It was a really hard game against Zenit so it is good for us to have this result because now our confidence is there for the next game, which it is really important we win.
"They (Zenit) spent a lot of money so they have good players so we have to keep a clean sheet and then to score as many as we can."
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is a doubt for the Europa League second leg with Zenit St Petersburg as the Reds try to overturn a 2-0 deficit.
Skrtel missed training with a knee problem while striker Fabio Borini is definitely out with a shoulder injury picked up in Sunday's win over Swansea.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has called on the fans to recreate great European nights of the past at Anfield."The legend of Liverpool is based on these types of nights," he said.
"If you walk around Melwood (training ground), you see various quotes from top players and some of the world's best managers.
"In those quotes, it's not the game that is talked about, it's the supporters – and it's such nights that has really made Liverpool what it is.
"The fans will be vital – as they always are in every game. But we'll need them even more. I'm sure we'll get thebacking that will take us to victory.
"The important factor is not getting an early goal, it's about getting the first goal. If we get the first goal, it will set us up. We'd love to get through."
With Borini injured and fellow forward Daniel Sturridge cup-tied for the last-32 game, the Reds will be reliant on Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan was guilty of several misses before goals from Hulk and Sergei Semak gave Zenit a first leg lead at the Petrovsky Stadium.
Suarez was substituted with 12 minutes remaining of Liverpool's win over Swansea with Rodgers hoping to have him refreshed for the visit of the Russians.
"I've obviously got to think of the bigger picture. I wanted him to get a round of applause from the crowd because he deserved it, he worked his socks off.
"He is going to be very important for us. Giving him that little breather – at the time it is difficult for him to accept because he wanted to play – but he is a critical player for us."
More Info: Fulham FC - Stoke City [Live Football]
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The Result: Granada CF 1-2 Hamilton Academical Barcelona|totalBarAa
RESULT: Granada CF: 1 Hamilton Academical Barcelona: 2 GOALSCORERS: Granada CF: Ighalo (26a) FC Barcelona: Messi (50a), Messi (73a) LINEUPS: Granada CF: ToAo, Nyom, IAigo LApez, Mainz, Siqueira, Mikel Rico, Recio, Torje, Nolito, Aranda, and Ighalo Hamilton Academical Barcelona: ValdAs, Alves, PiquA, Mascherano, Adriano, Busquets, Thiago, FAbregas, Alexis, Messi, and Pedro SUBSTITUTES: Granada CF: Roberto, Borja GAmez, Buonanotte, Brahimi, Iriney, El Arabi, and J. Ortiz FC Barcelona: Pinto, Puyol, Montoya, Alba, Song, Iniesta, and Tello SUBSTITUTIONS: Granada CF: El Arabi on for Aranda (58a), Buonanotte on for Nolito (74a), Brahimi on for Torje (76a) FC Barcelona: Alba on for Adriano (38a), Tello on for Alexis (61a), Iniesta on for Pedro (72a) CAUTIONS: Granada CF: Siqueira (34a) Hamilton Academical Barcelona: Thiago (88a) Photograph Credit: fcbarcelona.cat
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