The Red Cauldron: 2006-08-13

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Another Poor Showing On Opening Day

We're LUCKY

English Premiership

Bremall Lane
Sheffield United 1 - 1 Liverpool

Scorers:
Sheffield U - Hulse (46min);
Liverpool - Fowler (pen 70min);

Oh yet again another disappointing opening day for Liverpool. It seemed like we're plagued with this problem for years and still it was present today. And also I would like to say well done to Sheffield United and I hope you guys stay up this season. They showed lots of guts and passion throughout the game and I felt we robbed them off a win. But of course a point for them isn't TOO bad for them, but Liverpool will definitely feel that they've dropped 2 points.

It didn't help as well, losing Finnan before ths start and then losing Riise and Carragher as the game wore on. The game on Tuesday against Maccabi Haifa must be on the team's mind as most of the players sometimes lacked concentration. Hyypia and Kromkamp were poor while I've no idea why Rafa didn't replace Fowler with Crouch instead of Pennant.

Maybe this is why football's so beautiful to many. A team like Liverpool might be full of international players, but Sheffield United players showed no fear and full of passion. That was the key to the match as Sheffield played their first Premiership game since they got relegated 12 years ago. They enjoyed themselves much and also controlled the game well.

Something I can't get it is why Hyypia is playing SO many long balls when we're playing Bellamy and Fowler, whom both are not the tallest. It seemed like our midfield was constantly bypassed as Zenden and Sissoko could do little in the game, unlike the way they imposed themselves against Chelsea last week.

Disappointing start for the Reds. I really hope we can kick up the gear for the Maccabi Haifa game and then return to Anfield for the game against West Ham, which again, will NOT be easy. We're lucky to draw this game, so come on and show your title credentials. All the talk and the really sh*tty way of playing doesn't help.

Oh, and I'm concerned with Riise and Carragher.

Player Ratings:

Reina - 7 - Didn't have much to do actually. Can't do much about that goal.
Kromkamp - 5 - Poor. Very poor.
Hyypia - 6 - Poor as well. Looked jaded and off the pace.
Carragher - 6 - Did alright until he got subbed.
Riise - 6 - Same as Carragher.
Gerrard - 7 - Was missing for the first half of the game but imposed himself a little more in the second.
Sissoko - 6 - Poor passing.
Zenden - 6 - Hard working, but lacked composure. Some poor touches.
Aurelio - 6 - Haphazard defending and marking for that goal. But the free kick was pretty good.
Fowler - 7 - Scored the penalty with composure.
Bellamy - 7 - Worked his socks off and ran for every loose balls. Deserved a goal.

Subs:
Agger - 7 - Solid, but a little off paced as well.
Gonzalez - 7 - Showed trickery and pace on the left. Kewell must fear for his place already.
Pennant - Sub him on and for what?

Liverpool Pre-Season Preview Part 2

Yesterday, I introduced the new faces in the Liverpool squad and as I've said, we've improved both attack and defence throughout the Summer transfer window. The new signings ensures that we have the strength in depth as well as Rafa Benitez always said, 'Possibilities'. Now, let's look at what Rafa has done to our squad over this 2 year reign at Anfield.

2004/05 Season:

Dudek / Kirkland

Finnan --- Carragher --- Hyypia --- Traore / Warnock

Murphy --- Gerrard --- Hamann / Diao --- Riise / Kewell / Cheyrou

Owen / Diouf / Cisse / Baros

*Bold = Unchanged

2005-06 Season:

Reina / Dudek

Finnan --- Carragher --- Hyypia / Traore --- Riise / Warnock

Garcia --- Gerrard / Sissoko --- Hamann / Alonso --- Kewell

Crouch / Morientes --- Cisse / Pongolle

Now, see the difference in a season? The deadwood players and the 'clique' are gone. The squad last season was still mostly inherited from Gerard Houllier except for the few Spanish imports. Let's look at our 'POSSIBILITIES' this season.

4-5-1 System

This system will most likely be employed against the 'stronger' teams like Chelsea or ManYoo. We've seen the beauty of it last week against Chelsea. It's not a rigid system at all. It's a pretty flexible system and Rafa has made the players understand their role in this particular system and substitutions will not likely disrupt the system and throw other players into confusion.

Reina / Dudek

Finnan / Kromkamp --- Carragher / Paletta --- Hyypia / Agger ---Riise / Aurelio / Warnock

Pennan /Garcia --- Gerrard/Zenden --- Xabi Alonso --- Sissoko --- Kewell/Gonzalez

Kuyt / Crouch / Bellamy / Fowler

Note that some players can play in multiple roles like Garcia who's more likely to be employed behind the main striker as a shadow striker and Gerrard can play on the right wing.

Basic 4-4-2

The 4-4-2 system actually doesn't differ much from the one above. Just that instead of deploying Garcia or Gerrard as the supporting striker, another striker will most likely takes his place with exclusion of one of the central midfielders. This will be the most played tactics especially in the Premiership.

3-5-2 Wing Back

I remembered we used this tactic and defeated Newcastle easily at St. James' Park last season. It's kinda experimental in another way, as we're not really sure how well it'll work in the Premiership.

Reina/Dudek

Agger --- Hyypia --- Carragher / Paletta

Finnan/Pennant/Kromkamp-------------------Riise/Aurelio/Kewell/Gonzalez

Gerrard --- Alonso --- Sissoko / Zenden

Kuyt/Crouch --- Bellamy/Fowler

This are the few tactics we might use over the course of the season. But as we know, Liverpool has become a team that not only have the strength in depth, it's also pretty unpredictable. Who'll start and who won't will always keep the opponent guessing and it might just spring a surprise like we did against Chelsea last week. Notice the number of players for each position is at LEAST 2 and that will mean if one player gets injured or suspension, we can be pretty sure there will be adequate cover. It's a system made to make the players play in unison, not a tactic that suits their play.

Fixtures:

I was looking through the fixture list for the upcoming season and discovered that the most crucial period of our season will be before the Christmas period, where we'll have t play against the top teams away from home. It's gonna be tough, but let's take a look.

09 Sep, 2006 Everton (Away)
17 Sep, 2006 Chelsea (Away)
20 Sep, 2006 Newcastle United (Home)
23 Sep, 2006 Tottenham Hotspur (Home)
30 Sep, 2006 Bolton Wanderers (Away)
14 Oct, 2006 Blackburn Rovers (Home)
22 Oct, 2006 Manchester United (Away)
12 Nov, 2006 Arsenal (Away)

That's not all, but that's one whole chunk of tough games and potential banana skin(s). The thing to note is almost all the games above are consecutive, means we'll play ManYoo then Arsenal next, which is never gonna be easy.

So let's hope that we'll start our engine today with a win, a boost in confidence and rythmn will set in naturally. Let's hope that we'll build on that 2-1 victory over Chelsea and remain consistant throughout the season without much blips.

COME ON YOU REDS!

Friday, August 18, 2006

LOL @ Chelski

Okay, now this is funny. Leeds United chairman and former Chelski chairman, Ken Bates recently filed a complain against Chelski for illegal approach for a few of their youngsters (surprise!). So now Chelski, whom are 'kiasu' (scared to lose out), counter-sued Leeds and claimed they said something 'racist'. Look what Mr Bates replied (click for biggy):

Ken Bates: "I haven't laugh so much since ma caught her t*ts in the mangle."

Sometimes, even the chairman are more humourous than those rich Russian moneybags.

Kuyt Signs 4 Year Deal

He'll Be Number 18

Dutch international Dirk Kuyt reflected on his dream move to Liverpool and declared: "It is a special feeling to be here." Rafael Benitez's new signing said he can't wait to get started in a red shirt and revealed he had no hesitation once Liverpool came in for him.

"I think Liverpool is a fantastic club with a lot of great history and it really is a dream to sign for them," enthused Kuyt. "There were other clubs from England interested in me but Liverpool gave me that special feeling to make me want to play for them. I have said all along the only club I would have left Feyenoord for is Liverpool and I'm really happy to be here.

"It really is a big honour for me to play for Liverpool. I watched a lot of Liverpool matches on the television in Holland. I watched the Champions League final which was the most crazy match I've ever seen!

It was great for Liverpool to win it and always when Liverpool play in finals they are crazy matches like the FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2001.

"I have always loved watching Liverpool play. I won't lie and say I have been a fan since I was two years old but this is a special club with a lot of history that I admire very much. It is a dream to play for them."

Kuyt also revealed he won't set himself any personal goal targets but promised he would give his all for Liverpool. "I won't say I'm going to score 20 or 30 goals this season as for me the most important thing is the team wins and I am a player that wants to win trophies with this club," added the new Reds number 18.

"I can make goals as well as scoring them and I don't feel any extra pressure as I'm used to it."

Kuyt + Crouch = Most ugly strikeforce, EVER.

The Liverpool Preview Part 1

Well, the new Premiership season of 2006/07 will start tomorrow with Liverpool kicking off at Bremmal Lane against the recently promoted Sheffield United. Just before everything kicks off, let's take a look at our squad and I'll analyse them as well as the new players that joined us over the summer.

English Premiership

Last Season's Position: 3rd

Total Points: 82points (Highest Points Amassed Since 1988)

Records: 11 Consecutive Wins, Most Number of Clean Sheets

Awards: Pepe Reina - Golden Gloves Awards - 20 Clean Sheets
Steven Gerrard - PFA Player of the Year 2006

Honours: FA Cup 2006 Winner, UEFA Super Cup Winner

Squad:

1. Jerzy Dudek
2. Jan Kromkamp
3. Steve Finnan
4. Sami Hyypia
5. Daniel Agger
6. John Arne Riise
7. Harry Kewell
8. Steven Gerrard (Captain)
9. Robbie Fowler
10. Luis Garcia Sanz
11. Mark Gonzalez
12. Fabio Aurelio
14. Xabi Alonso
15. Peter Crouch
16. Jermaine Pennant
17. Craig Bellamy
22. Momo Sissoko
23. Jamie Carragher (Vice-Captain)
24. Florent Sinama-Pongolle
25. José Manuel Reina
26. Paul Anderson
28. Stephen Warnock
29. Gabriel Paletta
32. Boudewijn Zenden

Loaned Out:
20. Scott Carson - Loan (Charlton Atl.)
34. Darren Potter - Loan (Wolves)
Chris Kirkland - Loan (Wigan)
Danny O'Donnell - Loan (Crewe)
Djibril Cisse - Loan (Marseille)

2006/07 Transfers:

Out:

Antonio Barragán, Ramon Calliste, Bruno Cheyrou, Robbie Foy, Dietmar Hamann, Paul Lancaster, Carl Medjani, Fernando Morientes, Michael Nardiello, David Raven, Djimi Traore, Zak Whitbread, Paul Willis, Calum Woods;

In:

12. Fabio Aurelio (Brazil)

Position: Left-back/Left Wing-back

Fee: Free(Bosman)

Previous Clubs: Sao Paolo, Valencia

- The first ever Brazillian to play for Liverpool, Aurelio came as a free agent after rejecting a contract from Valencia. He's a player with a wicked left foot and unlike Riise who strikes ball with venom, he's the Beckham-esque curler of the ball. I've seen some free-kicks he scored as a Valencia player and I must say I'm impressed. Albeit a little too injury proned, he's a fantastic player down our left wing and will certainly provide competition to both the left-back slot and the left-wing.

11. Mark Gonzalez (Chile)

Position: Left-winger

Fee: 4.5million GBP

Previous Clubs: Albacete, Real Sociedad(loan)

- Joined us a year ago, but was not eligible to play due to work permit problem. Already making impact by scoring the winning goal against Maccabi Haifa, 'Speedy' certainly will provide much width and pace to the Liverpool forward line as well as his shooting prowess and dribbling ability we lacked. Only 22, he'll certainly grow into an exciting player.

? Dirk Kuyt (Netherlands)

Position: Wing Foward / Center Forward

Fee: 9-11million GBP

Previous Clubs: Utrecht, Feyenoord

- A goal scoring machine back in Holland, the hero of Feyenoord might just be the final piece in the puzzle for Rafa, who have been tracking him for two years already. Have not officially announced his arrival, but expect the news to be made known within this few days.

17. Craig Bellamy (Wales)

Position: Forward

Fee: 6million GBP

Previous Clubs: Norwich, Coventry, Newcastle, Celtic, Blackburn

- A Welsh striker just like Ian Rush was, he came to Anfield with a reputation of a bad boy. Will he change or will he spend more time in jail than on the pitch? It's a big gamble that Rafa has bidded in, but we are certain that this player is talented and to me, he's a raw gem. Just need some polishing and discipline, he MIGHT just be our new Ian Rush (hopefully).

16. Jermaine Pennant (England)

Position: Right-winger

Fee: 6.7million GBP

Previous Clubs: Notts County, Arsenal, Leeds, Birmingham

- Yet another bad boy, the journeyman of football spend years on loan and off field problem stagnated his career. But after a dream move to Liverpool, will he prosper and grow under the guidance of Benitez? Provides width and pace like Gonzalez and stats tells us that he put in the most number of cross in the Premiership last season. With a pole like Crouch to aim at, shouldn't be much of a problem for him. Still have the 'Arsenal' way of playing, which is pretty entreprising.

29. Gabriel Paletta (Argentina)

Position: Centre-back / Right-back

Fee: 2million GBP

Previous Clubs: Banfield

- No nonsense defender ala Jamie Carragher. He's bought in to act as cover for Carra as well as for the future. Now we have two perfect fitted backup for Hyypia and Carragher. Won the FIFA U-20 tournament in 2005 with Argentina, the tough-tackling defender is in Roberto Ayala mould and he'll hope to replicate the success of Benitez's former stalwart over at Valencia.

Tomorrow, I'll let you have a look at the tactics of the squad and the possibilities with almost 2 players in every positions. Cheers.

Have Some More...

Thanks alot for your jokes mate. Much appreciated :D

An Army Ranger was deployed to Afghanistan. While he was stationed there he received a letter from his girlfriend. In the letter she wrote that she had slept with two guys while he has been gone, she wanted to break up and requested that he send back her picture.

The soldier did what any squared away soldier would do. He went around to all his buddies and collected all the unwanted photographs of women. He then mailed about twenty five of the pictures to his girlfriend with the following note:

"I'm sorry I can't remember which one you are, but please take the one that belongs to you and send the rest back."

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A man dies and goes to Hell. The devil greets him
"You may choose which room you wish to enter. Whichever you choose, the person in that room will switch with you. They'll go to heaven and you'll take over until somebody switches with you. So go on, pick a room."

The devil leads him to the first room where someone is tied to a wall and is being whipped. The second room has someone being burned by a torch. The third has a man getting blown by a naked woman.

"I choose this room!" the man says.

"Very well," the devil says. He walks up to the woman and taps her on the shoulder.

"You can go now. I've found you're replacement."

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A couple were invited to a swanky family masked fancy dress Halloween party. The wife got a terrible headache and told her husband to go to the party alone. He, being a devoted husband, protested, but she argued and said she was going to take some aspirin and go to bed and there was no need for his good time to be spoiled by not going. So he took his costume and away he went.

The wife, after sleeping soundly for about an hour, woke without pain and as it was still early, decided to go to the party. As her husband didn't know what her costume was, she thought she would have some fun by watching her husband to see how he acted when she was not with him.

So she joined the party and soon spotted her husband in his costume, cavorting around on the dance floor, dancing with every nice "chick" he could and copping a little feel here and a little kiss there. His wife went up to him and being a rather seductive babe herself, he left his new partner high and dry and devoted his time to her. She let him go as far as he wished, naturally, since he was her husband.

After more drinks he finally whispered a little proposition in her ear and she agreed, so off they went to one of the cars and had passionate intercourse in the back seat. Just before unmasking at midnight, she slipped away and went home and put the costume away and got into bed, wondering what kind of explanation he would make up for his outrageous behaviour.

She was sitting up reading when he came in, so she asked what kind of time he had. "Oh, the same old thing. You know I never have a good time when you're not there." Then she asked, "Did you dance much?"

He replied, "I'll tell you, I never even danced one dance. When I got there, I met Pete, Bill Brown and some other guys, so we went into the spare room and played poker all evening." "You must have looked really silly wearing that costume playing poker all night!" she said with unashamed sarcasm. To which the husband replied, "Actually, I gave my costume to your Dad, apparently he had the time of his life."

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An autopsy professor was giving an introductory lecture to a class of students. Standing over a corpse, he addressed the class. There are two things you need to make a career in medical forensics. First, you must have no fear. Having said that, he shoved his finger up the corpses anus and licked it. Now you must do the same, he told the class.

After a couple of minutes of uneasy silence, the class did as instructed.

Second, the professor continued, you must have an acute sense of observation. For instance, how many of you noticed that I put my middle finger up this mans anus, but licked my index finger?

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Jokes To Brighten Your Day

#1:
Three turtles set out for a picnic one fine summers morning. They walk for 15 days and finally get to their location. they all rest their little legs in their shells as andrew the turtle opens up the picnic basket.

In the basket is 3 bottles of lucozade, 3 cans of stella and some sausage rolls. Andrew and James turn to Peter and start shouting at him as he has forgotton the sandwiches and try to make him go back. Peter says no way cos when I get back all the food and drink will be gone. After an hour arguing peter agrees to go back and get the sandwiches but only if they promise not to eat the food.So he sets off and goes back home

15 days passed:
James says shall we have a sausage roll I am starving but andrew says no we've got to wait.

30 days pass and still no Peter. at this point the other two are starving but stick by their word and dont eat anything as they know he should be back soon

Another 15 days pass and they give up and decide that they will have a sauage roll as they are so hungry. so they pul it out the basket and take a bite.

At this point peter jumps out from behind a bush and says "I knew you would eat the food there is not a chance i am going now"

#2:
A worldwide survey was conducted by the UN. The only question
asked was:"Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the
food shortage in the rest of the world?"
The survey was a huge failure...
In Africa they didn't know what "food" meant.
In Eastern Europe they didn't know what "honest" meant.
In Western Europe they didn't know what "shortage" meant.
In China they didn't know what "opinion" meant.
In the Middle East they didn't know what "solution" meant.
In South America they didn't know what "please" meant.
And in the USA they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant

#3:
Two woman go into a Chinese restaurant and order their selection.
Fifteen minutes later, a duck approaches their table with two roses and says "your eyes are sparkling like diamonds tonight"

The women, perturbed, call over the waiter The first women remarks " I'll think you'll find that we actually ordered an aromatic duck!"

#4:
Two fish in a tank.
One turns to the other and says,

"How do you drive this thing?"!

Laugh at your own peril!

Now The English Tabloids Will....

Name England As Favourites For Euro 2008 Again!

Friendly

England 4 - 0 Greece

Scorers:
ENG - Terry(14), Lampard [Deflection](30), Crouch (35, 42);

If you think I'm gonna do a match report again, nah, I'll save some energy for Saturday instead. Anyway the new England under Steve McClaren got off to a great start by thrashing European 'Champions' (chumps more likely) 4-0 with our Liverpool lad Peter Crouch scoring a double. It's life without Beckham for the first time since the World Cup exit at the hands of Portugal.

Bt as you would have expect, the English newspaper will now have a field day on how good the team is and how they're surely going to win the Euro 2008. Then the journalist will start hailing Peter Crouch the new Alan Shearer and how he's gonna save England. Scoring 7 goals in 12 appearances for England is fantastic for the lanky lad, but he'll never dethrone Rooney and Owen unless one gets injured, the latter more likely.

Sven got off to a great start as well, so don't take this England performance as a yardstick on how they'll perform in the future. They played fast pace football last night and I'm pleased to see them defend the 'Liverpool way' by putting extra pressure on their defenders as they defended from up top. But we'll see. It's still early days for McClaren.

More On The Kuyt...

Please Pronounce 'KOWT'

Holland international Dirk Kuyt tonight revealed he believes a move to a Barclays Premiership club is close.

Liverpool is understood to be the Feyenoord player's preferred destination, although several other clubs have been linked with the striker.

Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder was in Dublin on Wednesday to see the striker on the winning side as the Dutch won 4-0 against the Republic of Ireland.

Smiling, Kuyt told Sky Sports News: "There are a few clubs interested - but only one is my dream club.

"I don't want to say anything about that - but I think we can say more in a few days."

I personally saw the interview by SkySports abouT his move. It was after the Holland game and basically, he just smiled throughout the interview, looks very pleased. Then asked if the club he wants to go is Liverpool, he just grinned and said "we'll see, we'll see in a few days" but as the reporter pressed on, he then say "yea, you could say that".

Hope this doesn't backfire and he joins the Geordies! That would be kinda..weird you know, I'll have to eat my words then. But some reliable sources on the forums suggests that he will be unveilled on Saturday morning, before the game against Sheffield United.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Liverpool Flying 'Kuyt'

Dirk Kuyt To Sign In The Next 24 Hours?

Dirk Kuyt is expected to be a Liverpool player in time to make his debut against Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Dutchman has apparently made it clear to Feyenoord that he wants to move to Anfield and the club will either have to accept a player-exchange deal involving Jan Kromkamp or staggered payments if they stick steadfastly to their £10m asking price.

The Liverpool Echo seems certain that a deal will be done this week, despite Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder's continued interest.

Uhm, certainly not a big name like Shevchenko or van Nistelrooy, but Liverpool has never been a club that purchase over the odds and getting big stars in. Dirk Kuyt, my personal opinion of him during the World Cup is he did tried hard and was being played out of position. But doesn't seemed to impress me at all. But which star player actually performed during the World Cup?

The Dutch league seemed to have surplied some gems and duds over the years. For every van Nistelrooy, you have a Kezman. But if Rafa really thinks he's worth 10 million GBP, then fair enough, I'll reserve my judgement. But since the official website still hasn't confirm the news, we'll just wait.and.see. But of course we really need a striker now as we only have Fowler, Crouch, Bellamy and Sinama-Pongolle in that position. Signing Kuyt would mean that Crouch will have a competitor for the 'target-man' position. As Rafa always say, he needs possibilities and cver for every position. It's indeed nice to see 2 players covering for every position at the very least and this will keep players on their heels as they will know that there's another player waiting on the wings, waiting to deputise.

When You Score Goals....

But At The Wrong End Of The Pitch

NOTE: The video and audio will stop halfway through, so adjust the slider and it'll continue from there on without sound. Thanks for the info!

And Finally Djimi Gets His Honour...

Bloody 'ell, that goal still gave me nightmares! Liverpool 0-1 Burnley doesn't sound good, right?

First Thing Terry Did Was....

Saying England's Not Good Enough

England captain John Terry has branded his team as "not a good side" ahead of tonight's friendly against Greece.

Terry said: "Forget everyone saying we're a good side, we're NOT a good side.

"It's a chance to put on a great show and lift the fans after a disappointing World Cup."

True, he was honest. But if I'm a captain and I knew my lot were rubbish, I'll prefer to ENCOURAGE fellow players rather than saying that ugly truth. Yes, truth hurts. But sometimes putting it bluntly isn't the right way I guess. Very 'inspirational' captain indeed...

'Everyone Supported ManYoo Because They're Winning Things !'

Talking about his first game as England captain being at Old Trafford "yeah it will be a bit special because I was a Man United fan as a kid, everyone was because they were winning things"

A Chelsea player, saying that! I bet he knew how it feel to support Chelsea nowadays eh. To be honest, I'm sympathetic with those Chelsea fans that were around when Abramovich wasn't. Heard a lot of news a lot gave up their season tickets because of the way the club handled things and 'ruining' football.

Chelski player admitting to glory-hunting. Ha ha ha.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Watch This Space

Early Season Predictions:

Well, we'd better get the round of people saying 'Chelsea' out of the way. Who will win the Premiership?

Drogballs - Call me stupid. Call it blind faith. But I believe this is the season we'll finally win our 19th League title. I might be disappointed in the end (hope not), but I'm sure we'll put up a better fight this time round. LIVERPOOL FOR ME!

Who will finish second?

Drogballs - Chelsea. Heh. I think we won't beat them by a huge margin, perhaps it will all be decided on the last match day or something like that.

Who has the best chance of splitting the top four?

Drogballs - Without a doubt, Tottenham. I think they're about as strong as any of the top 4 with a really good manager in Jol. Perhaps the squad is a little too inexperienced, the main downfall.

Who will be the first team to beat Chelski?

Drogballs - We'll be the first team to beat them. About damn time, sc*ms.

Who will score most goals - Ballack or Lampard?

Drogballs - 7 goals apiece.

Who will be crowned the Players' Player of the Year?

Drogballs - Thierry Henry.

Who will be the first manager to go?

Drogballs - Personally, I think Gareth Southgate will not stay on for too long. He lacks experience. Perhaps Neil Warnock is in for a shout as well. We'll see..

How many points will Sheffield United amass?

Drogballs - Around...27-30 points.

Who will be bottom at Christmas?

Drogballs - Watford

Which three teams will be relegated?

Drogballs - Watford, Sheffield Utd, Reading. Sadly, the 3 new-comers look short of quality.

Which player will be the surprise over-performer?

Drogballs - Peter Crouch. No idea why, but I think he'll have an excellent season.

Who will be top scorer?

Drogballs - Thierry Henry. One or two goals more than Andriy Shevchenko.

Name Steve McClaren's first-choice eleven at the end of the season.

Drogballs - Robinson, Neville, A Cole, Carragher, Terry, A Lennon, Gerrard, Hargreaves, J Cole, Rooney, Owen;

Other Predictions?

Drogballs - Wigan will struggle this time round. Middlesbrough will MERELY survive. Michael Ballack will leave Chelsea next summer because of his constant whinning and getting drop in big games. Crynaldo to leave for Real Madrid by end of season after rumours of him not getting along with..surprise, Wayne Rooney.

Well, these are just predictions. We'll dig this up and have a look at the end of the season. For the time being, this will be kept in the time capsule..somewhere..

SOME SAY...

That Chelsea is a club that can be supported by both young and old. Oh yes perhaps they're absolutely spot on when they say the 'young' are able to support the Moneybags as well. Let's take a look at this and you'll truly understand...

Gosh, this is embarassing! I mean, even my secondary school could come out with better chants than this one! Now everyone knows why they say the 'young' could be a Chelsea supporter. That's because the songs are as easy as ABC!

So, Let Me Teach You A Song

F**k Off Chelsea FC!
You ain't got no history!
5 European Cups and 18 Leagues!
THAT'S WHAT YOU CALL HISTORY!

now that's what I call a proper chant!

Monday, August 14, 2006

YOU FANS WERE BRILLIANT

Tribute To The '12th Man'

You fans were great last night. Singing throughout the match, drowning out a certain Andy Gray. And another interesting fact is that the 23,000 tickets allocated to Liverpool were sold out whereas Chelsea only sold half the number of the tickets allocated to them. You fans were simply brilliant and YNWA.

COMMUNITY SHIELD VIDEOS GALORE!

FA Community Shield '06 Highlights:

Riise's 'BOOMBASTIC', Sheva's Calm Finish & Crouchinho's Stooping Header:

Post Match Celebrations:

Mohammad Sissoko's 'WELCOME TO ENGLAND' For Big Nosed Ballack!

ANOTHER PIECE OF SILVERWARE IN THE ROOM!

Crouch Heads In The Winner As Reds Triumph Over Moneybags

The Millenium Cardiff, Wales

LIVERPOOL 2 - 1 CHELSEA

Scorers:
LIV - Riise (9min), Crouch (80min);
CHE - Shevchenko (43min);

Liverpool - Reina, Finnan, Carragher (Capt), Agger, Riise, Pennant (Gerrard 63), Sissoko, Zenden (Alonso 63), Gonzalez (Aurelio 56), Luis Garcia (Bellamy 66), Crouch (Sinama-Pongolle 89);

Chelsea - Cudicini, Geremi, Carvalho, Terry (Capt), Ferreira, Robben, Ballack, Lampard, Essien, Drogba, Shevchenko;

Bloody hell, I typed this whole thing once and everything just went awry and disappeared. I'm pissed, but I'll still type it anyway. Give me some bloody credits, will ya.

Another trophy in the bag and another victory over rivals, Chelsea. Community Shield might not mean much to some, but this victory over the so-called 'best team in the world' is more than just a victory on the pitch, but it's a way to build confidence, belief and also a bragging right for the fans. This will also send a clear message to Chelsea that we are NO PUSHOVERS and will be serious contender for the Pemiership tite, that had been eluding us for the past 16 years. You can write us off at your own peril.

This will also be an encouragement for the other 18 Premiership teams that Chelsea ARE BEATABLE on any given day. They are not unbeatable and hopefully, this will make the upcoming season more interesting.

Liverpool came to this match with odd selection choice for the first eleven, considering that they'll be playing in a crucial Champions League qualifer match against Maccabi Haifa next week. Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Sami Hyypia were relegated to the bench while Pennant, Gonzalez and Zenden start for Liverpool.

There were also surprise inclusion of Daniel Agger and Fabio Aurelio in the squad. Both were thought to be out with injury, but made it in the list. Chelsea meanwhile, started both their superstar signings, Michael Ballack and Andiry Shevchenko. Gallas was missing and Ferreira played in the left back role.

Liverpool started brightly as they gained the control of the game while Chelsea players struggled to hold on to the ball and organise attacks. The opening 10 minutes of the game were not as cagey as everyone expected and it didn't take Liverpool too long to find the net.

Shevchenko had a great chance, but he was well-watched by Steven Finnan and a corner was given. The resulting corner fell to Riise, who found himself in an unfamiliar position down the right. As a left-footed player, he took the ball from his own box and ran almost 40 yards towards the Chelsea defence, who kept backing off. The midfield anchorman went missing as Riise took the ball nearer and nearer to the Chelsea goal. He then blasted his trademark cannonball shot and it went in like...a cannonball! Went past Carlo Cudicini and nearly broke the net from 30 yards out.

Ballack, who had a pretty poor game for his standard, limped off with an injury and a pretty bad debut compared to his counterpart, Shevchenko. The Ukranian showed why he's currently the best striker in the world by latching onto Lampard's long ball, and beautifully placing it past Reina, who had nothing to do until then. So Chelsea back on level terms and I feared that it might have been the turning point of the game and Chelsea might just nick it, but the Liverpool defence fended off Chelsea very well and stifled them successfully.

To be honest, a lot of Chelsea players just went missing and were pedestrians at the match. Robben, Drogba and Lampard were all annonymous as Sissoko and Zenden kept them at bay.

Chelsea came out the second half a tad stronger than they did in the first. They controlled the tempo of the match and had the slight majority of the possesion. But you always feel that Liverpool were in control despite handling the initiatives over to the Blues. They actually didn't do much with the ball while Liverpool had a pretty easy job defending.

After a pretty uneventful second half, Liverpool threw on the big guns and Rafa thinks it's appropriate time to have a go at Chelsea, who had tiring legs out there. On came Steven Gerrard, Alonso and Bellamy.

Bellamy, treading on his home grown in Cardiff, made an impact after coming off the bench. He was lively and operating behind Crouch looked effective. He was unpredictable and his running off the ball was decent.

The then found spaces down the Chelsea's right, before sending a perfect cross for Peter Crouch, who had no problem heading home from 6 yards out. Where was John Terry then? Right infront of Crouchy, BALL-WATCHING.

It's fantastic to see Crouch getting off the mark early this time round. He struggled to score goals early last season and took him a long while. This goal will certainly boost his confidence and self-belief. He had a rather quiet game to be honest, but when it mattered, he was there.

New signging, Fabio Aurelio had a run out as well and NEARLY putting Liverpool further ahead, but his reaction weren't that fast and probably miscued it but still got it on target, making Cudicini scrambling it away.

Memories of Chelsea being whiskers away from scoring the equaliser then came flooding in when the 88 minute approaches. Joe Cole and Gudjohnsen's misses from the last two meetings will always be 'haunting' us, but this time round, we ended the game in a more comfortable fashion and went on to lift the 15th FA Community Shield.

As a Liverpool fan, I'm pleased that we've beaten them once again. Bearing in mind that this match is just a start and what we will be doing in days to come will be far more important that this victory, but I feel that today, the winner was football, not money.

We've shown that under Rafa Benitez, we can build an excellent, balanced and organised team with lesser money. Whoever said that with money, glory and honour could be achieved. Yes, it can be done, but how long will these things last. Benitez has groomed a team of 11 players playing in ONE system, ONE unison. Each individual players understand their role in the team and gave their best. They complimented each other's shortcomings and brought out each other's strenth.

It's disaapointing to concede that goal, but players have just been reaching the uphill slope in term of physical fitness and players have just recovered from the 'post World Cup' syndrome. Give the lads some time and the offside trap wil be as effective as ever. A great win and certain a boost in the confidence for everyone. Hope this will bring a spring in the steps of the players in the forthcoming games and we'll maintain this standard for days to come.

The Premiership is NOT race. It's a marathon. Hope we can be consistant and the title that has been eluding us for years, will be back in our hands.

Drogballs' Man Of The Match: MOHAMAD SISSOKO

This guy has been immense, for this match as well as the last match against Maccabi Haifa. Is it me or do I think that he actually showed much more composure now and his passing is A LITTLE more accurate than the past. He's been a colossal figure in the team, breaking up the attacks and added some pace at the back as well. Being in the Patrick Vieira mould, the midfield 'destroyer' had Lampard for lunch and made several fantastic tackles. He deserves the praise.

Hats off Momo, you're still young and you can improve beyond this level.

Player Ratings:

Reina (7) - Was a virtual spectator throughout, but when needed, he pulled off a few stunning saves.

Finnan (8) - At fault for the Shevchenko goal, but his shackled Robben and kept him really quiet. Good job, Stevie!

Carragher (Captain) (7) - Also at fault, but commanded the backline fantastically. Given his all as usual.

Agger (7) - Not really troubled by Drogba strangely, but had a good game. Nothing much to do other than making some clearances. Great to see him back!

Riise (8) - What a fantastic goal! An absolute belter from the Chelsea-jinx once again. Defensively OKAY, but nothing too spectacular. Was very hardworking and looks much sharper than he did few days back.

Pennant (7) - Didn't make much impression, but tracks back well and help defended against Robben together with Finnan. They have formed a great understanding!

Sissoko (9) (MoM) - Look above my comments.

Zenden (7.5) - Industrious, hardworking. Lack some technical ability, like miscueing that great chance, but made Lampard looked rather ordinary. Fought hard.

Mark Gonzalez (8) - A good game for the new signing. Made some run and put in one or two great crosses. He's pacy, but needs more maturity to go into the next level.

Luis Garcia (7) - After all his antics against Chelsea, they actually kept him pretty quiet. But still had good chances to put Liverpool ahead with his magic. Worked his socks off as well.

Peter Crouch (7.5) - Was poor for most of the match, but he was there when it all mattered. Running around to help out in defence as well.

Sunday, August 13, 2006

FA COMMUNITY SHIELD PREVIEW

LIVERPOOL VS CHELSEA

(FA Cup Winner)
vs
(English Premiership Champion)

Yea, it's THAT game again. I think everyone already started to get bored of another episode of Liverpool vs Chelsea. Same with me too, actually. If I'm not a Liverpool fan, I wouldn't have bothered anyway. This will be the 9th time this two sides meet in only 2 seasons. Familiarity breeds contempt and once again, this game will be down to perhaps individual brilliance or a moment of magic. Both teams likes to stifle their opponents and suffocate them instead of playing the outrigt flowin football, so neutrals, I can't guarentee any entertainment.

Preview:

Honours:

LIVERPOOL - 14 TIMES Charity/Community Shield Winner
CHELSEA - 3 TIMES Charity/Community Shield Winner

Yea, maybe you're wondering why Liverpool's list is SO long compared to Chelsea's. Oh, yes. That's because we have HISTORY unlike them, who's formed in...oh I think 2003.

TEAM NEWS:

The new England captain and vice captain, John Terry and Steven Gerrard will lock horns once again as their teams will fight to get the psychological edge over their rivals. These two teams are favourites among betters and pundits for the 06/07 English Premiership title and will fight for the bragging rights as well as a psychological edge.

Chelsea will be without Joe Cole as he struggles with a knee injury. First choice goalkeeper, Petr Cech, will also miss out and Carlo Cudicini will deputise. New signings Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack looks likely to start as they will come out to impress the manager and fans alike. William Gallas will join Cole and Cech, who are not in the squad, as he missed the pre-season trip to the US.

Liverpool, meanwhile, will not risk Robbie Fowler and new signing Fabio Aurelio, as the duo suffers from injury. The other 2 players that will not be present will be Daniel Agger and Harry Kewell, as they are recovering from injuries.

TEAMS:

Chelsea (from): Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Carvalho, Terry (C), Bridge, Mikel, Ballack, Diarra, Essien, Lampard, Wright-Phillips, Shevchenko, Drogba, Robben, Kalou.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Riise, Luis Garcia, Gerrard (C), Alonso, Sissoko, Pennant, Bellamy, Zenden, Crouch, Dudek, Paletta, Gonzalez, Kromkamp, Warnock, Sinama-Pongolle, Peltier.

Probable Line-up:

Chelsea (4-4-2) - Cudicini, Ferreira, Terry, Carvalho, Bridge, Makalele, Ballack, Lampard, Robben, Shevchenko, Drogba;

Liverpool (4-5-1) - Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Xabi Alonso, Sissoko, Gerrard, Zenden, Pennant, Crouch;

I GOT MY LIVERPOOL JERSEY!

Went down to town to grab the brand new Liverpool 06/07 seasn jersey by Adidas. Well, it looked class and I love how they actually STITCHED the club crest onto the jersey instead of the cheapo way of ironing it on by Reebok. Here are some pictures taken:

Taken at the Adidas shop over at CityLink

The Liverbird at the back of the shirt! Interesting look. It's nice that Adidas actually took time to print it at the back.

And they stitched the club crest on the shirt.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the quality of the jersey. It's quite comfortable and it does look nice with the collar. Oh, and I got it at Sing$90 instead of the $108 some told me. Maybe I got it at a bargain price. Cheers!

A Day Out At The Fireworks Festival

Shall Take Break From Football Stuff Today

It's a post-National Day celebrations over at the Marina Bay. Missed the last few days of fireworks and decided not to miss this one last 'performance'. So headed down to Marina Bay and guess what, it was PACKED.

Well, this doesn't show that it was packed, right? Nice view though, along with lotsa hot babes! Woops...

Okay now, this is actually take from a traffic junctio and supposedly filled with cars, but everyone couldn't give sh*t anyway, so it was packed with humans ALL over the place.

When you have a one last performance + weekends, it's a guaranteed 'people mountain, people sea' situation. Enjoyed it though, shot everything down with my not very advance handphone. A little amatuer and shaky, but you could at least see SOMETHING.

Videos:

This is actually just a small part of the videos I've taken. There are five parts and if you're interested, then head down to YouTube and search for it under 'Singapore Fireworks Festival' or even 'savio87'.

There're many stuff in our lives that are like fireworks, they are beautiful and spectacular. But it only last for awhile. Well, cherish what you have, then! Before the sparkles run out and life might just become bland and boring again.