The Red Cauldron: 2006-09-10

Saturday, September 16, 2006

'GRAND SLAM' SUNDAY - Predictions

Premiership Saturday:

Charlton vs Portsmouth

Pompey, oh Pompey, the only team in England not to have conceded up till this point, I don't mean just in the Premiership, but across all the leagues. Boasting the likes of David James and Sol Campbell, their results have been good so far, especially that 4-0 win over Middlesbrough. But they won't go through the whole season not conceding and I can see Darren Bent scoring against them in this.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-1

Bolton vs Middlesbrough

Bolton have strengthened their squad with 'Le Sulk' Nicolas Anelka over the summer and he's probably a better striker than Kevin Davies will ever become, so scoring goals might not be the problem, especially against a pretty leaky Boro defence. But Boro too have welcomed Jonathan Woodgate, whom I thought is world class, into the defence and shown that he is up to the task. Their performance against Arsenal was commendable, but I still see Bolton winning this one.

Drogballs' Prediction: 2-0 to Bolton

Everton vs Wigan

Will Everton continue their red hot form against Paul Jewell's Wigan? Probably so, to me. Everton's home form have been great so far and Wigan has had a stop-start first few games and struggled a little to find consistency, so I can't see them stopping the Toffees.

Drogballs' Prediction: 2-1 to Everton

Sheffield United vs Reading

Both the newcomers from the Coca Cola Championships will meet this weekend. Reading had a better start to their season, winning their last game against Man City and I'm also impressed by the way they came back from 2-0 down against Boro to win it 3-2. Sheffield Utd on the other hand, have not found their gear and is struggling to keep pace with the rest of the pack. But this game will be a tight one and I'll sit on the fence.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-1 Draw

Watford vs Aston Villa

Aston Villa looked set to continue their revival under Martin O'Neil when they face newly promoted, Watford. Watford too, like Sheffield Utd, struggled to kick start their campaign while Villa is in fine form, despite drawing with West Ham last week. I've been impressed by O'Neil's side because of the way the team move, the fluidity in play and defensively organised. I see Villa nicking a win with an odd goal.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-0 to Villa

'GRAND SLAM' SUNDAY

Chelsea vs LIVERPOOL

This is probably the duller affair of the two 'grand slam' matches. Familiarity breeds contempt and this two teams know each other inside out. Chelsea have beaten Liverpool on their last four league meetings while Liverpool remained unbeaten by Chelsea in all cup games. Liverpool drew first blood after defeating Chelsea in the FA Community Shield, but struggled to find form in the league after a draw with Sheffield United on opening day and the heartbreaking defeat to Everton last week.

Chelsea too have not been at their best, but effective to say the least. Their home form have been immense, haven't lost any since Jose took charge two years ago. They'll be without Joe Cole this time, but Robben should be available. So is it Jose's Blues, or Rafa's Reds?

Drogballs Prediction: 1-1 Draw. Even as a Liverpool fan writing this, I must be realistic and I think a point is the maximum we can get.

Man Utd vs Arsenal

The mouth-watering encounter, more tasty than the pizza that got slammed onto Sir Fergie's face. I for one believe that Arsenal cannot afford to lose this game and must take the game to United. They've so far struggled to score goals in the league and Henry isn't in his best shape, physically and also mentally. Their home form is poor and their away form...horrid.

ManYoo on the other hand have been on fire and they're having thier best league start since 1985. Giggs have been the catalyst to their success but might not be available for the game. But the suspended duo of Rooney and Scholes will be back and I think it'll certainly boost the confidence of the Red Devils, which is already sky high at the moment.

Drogballs' Prediction: ManYoo 2-1 Arsenal. You can't write Arsenal off, but from what I've seen from them lately, comparing it on ManYoo, it's difficult to see them getting anything out of it. Okay, maybe a goal...

Blackburn vs Man City

Both team suffered from the poor start. Nothing between this two teams and I'm sitting on the fence.

Drogballs' Prediction: 1-1 Draw.

Tottenham vs Fulham

Everyone touted Tottenham as the most likely team that will break into the top four this season but their early season form doesn't suggest so. 3 losses in 4 is certainly not very encouraging while Fulham has been alright till the point, losing Bullard will be a huge, huge blow. Is their away form still as stinky as ever? Perhaps..

Drogballs' Prediction: 2-1 to Spurs.

West Ham vs Newcastle

I can see a high scoring and entertaining game in this one. Newcastle being really sh*tty at the back will certainly let in goals while West Ham is an entertaining team to watch. Their acquisition of Tevez and Mascherano have yet to yield anything, but they're class and it wouldn't be long before they start showing it.

Drogballs' Prediction: West Ham 3-2 Newcastle.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Paint Job By The Forummers

Liverpool Losing 3-0 To Everton

My word, look at the details! You have Reina red faced. You have Andy Johnson, and a bunch of blues with laughing faces. You have PETER CROUCH with that disgusted face and of course Robbie Fowler...who looked...fat. Oh and Rafa + Moyes.

Ashley 'They Didn't Cheer For Me' Cole

"My worst fears were confirmed when, as Thierry and I sat in the centre circle after the final whistle, his name was sung from the rooftops while my contribution was recognised by a deafening silence."

HAHAHAHAH

Now You Know Why...

I Love F365 So Much...

They're so fantastically sarcastic, from the headlines to those below. Brilliant...

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Help The Poor Men....

DIVING, DIVING. STILL DIVING!

There were controversies again during last night's Champions League matches involving the two British teams, I meant ManYoo and Celtic of course, Arsenal...African? Okay anyway first thing first look at the following two videos:

Conclusion: Van Persie Dived. Ryan Giggs Dived. What are they gonna do about it? Nothing, continue to cheat. What are the referees gonna do? Nothing, continue to be blinded. All I can do is, sit here and write about this. How pissed.

Ballack Can't Afford A House In London!

Michael Ballack says he can't afford a house in London, despite earning more than £6million a year at Chelsea.

The Germany skipper has moaned about property prices in the capital, despite the fact he's paid a whopping £130,000 a week by the Premiership champions.

Ballack moved to Stamford Bridge from Bayern Munich on the summer on a lucrative Bosman free transfer.

But according to The Daily Star, he's told a German newspaper that his huge income still doesn't enable him to get his dream house.

He's believed to have initially set his heart on a six-bedroom home with a pool, either in the capital or near Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, Surrey.

But after being told it would cost him a cool £4million, he settled for renting instead.

He said: "London is extremely expensive. It's better to rent. My family and I have found a house in Wimbledon."

Ballack also complained about the number of speed cameras on British roads.

But he added: "Luckily I have found out where they all are near me."

Drogballs: So, the whinging disease spread on from Mourinho to Ashley Cole and now another new signing, Michael Ballack, caught it as well, how unfortunate, MUST BE ARSENAL'S FAULT. Sometimes you wonder other then playing football what else do they do and do these footballers suffer from depression or something. They complain non stop about things and I must say, just stuff those roubles into your mouth will ya.

Rafa Offers Olive Branch To 'The Special One'

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has extended the hand of peace to Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho ahead of their Premiership meeting on Sunday.

The two managers' relationship has been strained since Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final two years ago on their way to winning the competition for the fifth time.

It further deteriorated last season, most notably when Jose Reina was sent off for pushing Arjen Robben after a theatrical dive from the Dutchman.

Benitez had previously claimed that Chelsea were "scared" of Liverpool after the two sides drew in the Champions League group stages, prompting Mourinho to demand "more respect" after Chelsea went nine points clear at the top of the table by thrashing Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield a few days later.

The frosty relationship was further underlined after Liverpool's victory in this season's Community Shield, after which Benitez neglected to shake Mourinho's hand.

"I was on the pitch from the last whistle until the moment Liverpool received the cup," complained Mourinho.

Benitez had apparently been riled by Mourinho's failure to greet him before the game, but insists he is holding no grudges in advance of this weekend's game.

"We'll go down there and be his guests on Sunday," said the Liverpool manager.

UEFA Champions League Round Up

Group A

Chelsea 2 - 0 Werder Bremen
(CHE - Essien, Ballack)

Barcelona 5 - 0 Levski Sofia
(BAR - Iniesta, Giuly, Eto'o, Puyol, Ronaldinho)

Fantastic results for the defending champions. They played with style and blew their opponets away.

Group B

Sporting 1 - 0 Inter Milan
(SPR - C.A. Caneira)

The 'Special' One mentioned Inter will win this time. But the performance and results doesn't suggest so.

Bayern Munich 4 - 0 Spartak Moscow
(BAY - Pizarro, Santa Cruz, Schweinsteiger, Salihamidzic)

Group C

PSV Eindhoven 0 - 0 Liverpool

Galatasaray 0 - 0 Bordeaux

Group D

Olympiacos 2 - 4 Valencia
(OLY - Konstantinou, Castillo)
(VAL - Morientes x3, Albiol)

Why Morientes, why can't you score that many for us. Sigh sigh sigh!

Roma 4 - 0 Shaktar
(ROM - Taddei, Totti, De Rossi, Pizarro)

Group E

Dynamo Kiev 1 - 4 Steaua Bucharest
(DYK - Rebrov)
(BUC - Ghionea, Badea, Dica x2)

Lyon 2 - 0 Real Madrid
(LYO - Fred, Tiago)

HAHAHA. Eat that you bunch of overpaid Galacticos! I enjoyed every minute of it especially those defensive blunders from who else but Cannavaro. Seriously did they buy Paolo Cannavaro instead? And the return of Jose 'whingy face' Reyes brighten my night.

Group F

FC Copenhavn 0 - 0 Benfica

ManYoo 3 - 2 Celtic
(MAN - Saha x2, Solksjaer)
(CEL - Hesselink, Nakamura)

Group G

Porto 0 - 0 CSKA Moscow

Hamburg 1 - 2 Arsenal
(HAM - Sanogo)
(ARS - Gilberto, Rosicky)

Group H

AC Milan 3 - 0 AEK Athens
(ACM - Inzaghi, Gourcuff, Kaka)

Anderlecht 1 - 1 Lille
(AND - Pareja)
(LIL - Fauvergue)

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

The Seal Generator...

Have some fun with this:

SEAL GENERATOR

I made some myself heh, heh.

These are just random creations alright. Clicking around the emblems and thinking of what I could do with it. Go on and try it!

Money Doesn't Make Everything Goes Round..

Barca Took Up Sponsor Finally, But With No Money Involve

I would like to dedicate this post to my favourite Spanish team, Barcelona. It's more like I dislike Real Madrid more than anything, but they've done something that I think everyone that loves football should stand up and applaud them. We all know that Barcelona is one of the VERY few teams that doesn't have a sponsor on their shirt because it's some sort of their practice and yesterday, they appeared in the Champions League game against Levski Sofia with something we've not seen before, a sponsor on their blue and red stripe shirts.

Upon closer look, it was UNICEF's (United Nations Children's Fund) logo. I was pretty pleased to say the least, that a team like Barca is promoting stuffs like this with the influence they have and their efforts of making this world a little better. Searched around and apparently, they have agreed to donate 0.7% of their annual income to the fund for the next five years.

In this world of football, where money runs the game, it's a nice touch from those at Barca and perhaps, there are still a good bunch somewhere. I salute you.

Tags: FC Barcelona, UNICEF, Sponsor

LOL

This Is Probably What You Get From Lady Referees

Was surfing around and saw this video on Brazilian Football and The Offside. Was curious so clicked play and boy, did it make me chuckle a bit.

The red team put the ball out and a goal kick was awarded to the yellow team. Now WATCH THE GUY IN THE GREEN BIP.

And a goal was awarded. I think there's not a more bizarre incident other than this. But oh well, there's nothing new under the sun, probably happened in amatuer leagues.

Tags: Santacruzense, Atlético, Sorocaba, Copa, Silvia Regina Aceitou

Who Remembered All These Incidents?

Paulo Di Canio Mafia Style Featuring Paul Durkin

I remember I saw this when I was around 9 or 10 and I was pissing myself when I saw the referee's reaction. I think he deserve the Oscar more than Cristiano Ronaldo. Ha ha ha.

Roy Keane's 'Ave it ya c**t' Featuring Alf Inge Haaland

Couldn't remember the incident until he brought it up on his autobiography.

Highbury Tunnel Incident Featuring Paddy Vieira & Roy Keane

If you can understand any of their conversation apart from 'asking him to shut his f*king mouth, then you deserve an award. Oh and Vieira actually squeezed the Neviller's hands! That bermused look on his face, priceless!

Reds Held To Goal-less Draw

Stopped The Rot And Better Performance This Time Round:

UEFA Champions League
Group C

PSV Eindhoven 0 - 0 Liverpool

The post was all that seperated Liverpool and three points, after Steven Gerrard crashed a half volley onto the post in the 89 minute. Fans of both sides gasp in awe as the skipper collected Dirk Kuyt's loose pass and spectacularly smashed it in a volley, leaving PSV 'keeper Gomes with no chance, but was unlucky to hit the foot of the post and bounce clear.

Liverpool rung changes following the painful 3-0 derby defeat by Everton. Hyypia, Alonso, Gerrard, Crouch, Fowler and Luis Garcia were dropped to the bench. Agger started alongside Carragher while Stephen Warnock replaces Aurelio, who played on the left wing position. Zenden started in central midfield and both Kuyt and Bellamy played up front.

PSV sounded their intention after Ivorian striker, Arouna Kone used his pace to shurg off Carragher before unleashing a powerful drive that went past Reina, but denied by the cross bar. That certainly sounded the alarm and Liverpool did seemed to wake up to that call.

Liverpool played a more conservative game with Kuyt as the target man and Bellamy the shadow striker, with his mobility and pace. It was clear that Benitez wanted to use the passing ability of Aurelio together with Bellamy's speed and hit PSV on the break. Liverpool certainly did have some opportunity, but chances were scarce, only a couple of half chances.

PSV stepped up a gear in the second half, left little space behind the defence for Bellamy to run at and therefore, Liverpool seemed to have little options but to aim long ball at Kuyt and hope for Bellamy to get onto the knockdowns. PSV found some gaps between the defence and midfield and there were occasions where pacy players like Farfan and Culina were allowed to run at the defence line while Zenden and Sissoko went missing.

But the introduction to Xabi Alonso brought a little more orderliness to the team and therefore, the awkwardness in that partnership of Zenden and Sissoko were clear. I personally think they're not suitable to play with each other. Sissoko was often dragged out of position due to Zenden's poor positioning and therefore, there were gaps. Thankfully, nobody exploited it and other than that one or two saves, Reina had a pretty quiet game.

It was clear that PSV was playing for a draw and I believe both Ronald Koeman and Rafa Benitez would not be too unhappy about the result. To me, I thought we could've won it if not for some wasted opportunity, poor team work and understanding and as well as the luck factor.

I thought we should've changed Gerrard for Pennant instead of Bellamy. Pennant seemed subdued and constantly losing possesion in midfield while Bellamy, althought a little quiet in the second half, looked lively throughout and deserved more time to get playing time together with Kuyt.

I must say the back four of Finnan, Carragher, Agger and Warnock were pretty solid throughout and a HUGE improvement compared to Saturday's game. Carragher did looked knackered at the end, but did his job well while Agger continued his good form and this is certainly not a good news for Sami Hyypia. Kuyt was industrious and could've scored from that long range effort while Bellamy done well, albeit his chronic lack of positioning sense.

Could have been better, a win. But I pleased for the draw and the result isn't too bad. Away games are always difficult yet we didn't put ourselves under much pressure, certainly an improvement. Steady the ship and now, bring on Chelsea!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Stevie G....When He Was A Kid...

A Bluenose? Or Red From Start?

Over the weekends, I'm sure some of you noticed the banner put up by the Everton fans claiming Gerrard was an Everton fan. No idea what's the deal about that, moreover Carragher, Fowler, McManaman and Owen are Bluenose since young. But it got me into some 'investigation' and found out he's a Liverpool fan since young. The picture below:

According to him, his uncle's an Everton fan and won some sort of a price to Goodison Park. He got him to wear the Everton shirt and posed for the picture above. Anyhow if your mam asked you to wear a shirt when you're 8, do you care how sh*t it looks? No, not really. So yea, most probably he was forced to.

Then I found this!

Heh heh.

And that's Gerrard, behind a more mature looking Michael Owen. How times have changed and it's Gerrard looking more mature than the baby faced Owen.

The New European Campaign Starts Tonight

Champions League Preview:

PSV Eindhoven vs Liverpool

I'm sure the picture on the left will make all you Reds fans out there a little happier after we've been humbled 3-0 by rivals Everton over the weekends. We will again mount the challenge for the European crown, for the sixth title and tonight is the night where it definitely holds some significance.

After being 'humiliated' by Everton, Liverpool will now have to recover fast to face the Dutch giants, who could've met Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League final if luck were on their side, playing against mighty AC Milan. Since then Guus Hiddink has left and it's already not the team it used to be. They are currently 6th in the Dutch Eredivisie table and will take heart that Liverpool didn't have the best of starts and key players are not on top form and conditions.

John Arne Riise is the only senior Liverpool player who didn't make it to Eindhoven due to the injury he picked up over the weekends and Rafa will most likely ring changes to the squad following that painful defeat. Dirk Kuyt seemed likely to start as he is set to face off with his former team's rival. It'll definitely hold some significance if he managed to score tonight, as it'll be his first goal for Liverpool, in European competition and of course back in homeland, Netherlands.

Bellamy who was not even in the 16 on Saturday, will most likely be the partner of Kuyt upfront. His pace will be the key. The Dutch that just left Liverpool 3 weeks back, Jan Kromkamp, will make his debut against his former team and Patrick Kluivert looks set to start for the first time after signing on for PSV.

PSV coach, Ronald Koeman is certainly no stranger to Liverpool fans, as he's the one that masterminded Benfica's double victory over Liverpool in last season's Champions League. Can he manage to defeat Rafa Benitez's Liverpool once again? Tonight, we shall see.

As a Liverpool fan, I hope that we can pick up the pieces and get going tonight. I don't wish for a 4-0 or 5-0 thumping, but just a decent and effective performance will do. Get the results, get the 3 points and most importantly, I hope we keep a clean sheet, defence kept solid.

We need to bounce back, hopefully tonight is the night.

Other Fixtures:

Barcelona vs Levski Sofia

Chelsea vs Werder Bremen

Bayern Munich vs Spartak Moscow

Sporting Lisbon vs Inter Milan

Galatasaray vs Bordeaux

Olympiakos vs Valencia

Roma vs Shaktar Donetsk

At Least I Got To Beat Them...

Alright, that made me feel a little better...but still it's no 3-0 and comeback failed. Ah, the heartbreak...

Monday, September 11, 2006

L'Arse, You Got Rid Of A Tool...Good Job

Cashley Cole Whines Again

England full-back Ashley Cole has revealed how Arsenal's favourable treatment of Thierry Henry was one of the reasons why he wanted to leave the club for Premiership champions Chelsea.

Henry, Arsenal's captain and talisman, eventually agreed to stay at the club but Cole felt like the "invisible man" as he had not been treated in the same way by Gunners officials or fans.

The 25-year-old left-back also revealed how he 'haggled' over £5,000 after Arsenal had dropped from their original weekly salary offer, and had his loyalty questioned by the club's backroom staff.

However, in an extract from his book serialised in The Times, the difference in how he was treated compared to Henry appeared to be one of the main reasons for him to seek a transfer.

He said: "The club made Thierry feel wanted and special, wooing him, wining and dining him, speaking in public about how much they want him to stay, going on a deliberate charm offensive.

"But me? I didn't have one dinner, one meeting or one phone call from anyone. That's not sour grapes, it's just a sad truth. The truth is that the Gunners had done nothing all season to hold on to me."

He added: My worst fears were confirmed when, as Thierry and I sat in the centre circle after the final whistle, his name was sung from the rooftops while my contribution was recognised by a deafening silence.

"As his chants faded away we waited for mine. And we waited. And there was nothing. 'They're not bothered about me', I said, resigned to the fact. It was like I was the invisible man."

Cole was offered a new £60,000-a-week deal in 2004 but when negotiations opened, the figure had dropped by £5,000, with the defender adding: "At a board meeting held two days before our 1-0 away defeat at Bolton in January, it was decided the maximum offer should be £55,000 a week.

"I don't believe the board gave a damn about keeping me. It preferred to haggle over a difference of £5,000."

Cole's relationship with the club deteriorated to the point of fitness coach Tony Colbert questioned whether he was telling the truth about a thigh injury.

He added: "That's when he said it, 'what do you expect me to do, Ash, when you tell me you're okay and then come in here like you've just been shot? Be honest with me, are you just making out that it's worse than it actually is because you've got an eye on the World Cup?'

"That was it. I blew my lid. 'What!' I shouted, barely able to keep a lid on it, 'I need to play for Arsenal to go to the World Cup, so why would I hold back? The more I hold back, the less chance I've got of going to Germany! And you are insulting me'."

"For me it was one more person at the club doubting my loyalty. And it was the final straw."

Drogballs: So this is what you get for nurturing him into one of the finest left back in the football world. Turned around, stabbed you in the back and snigger at you lot for not being able to shoot and finish opponents off even in the Emirates stadium.

My first qualm would be, why on earth does he need to write an autobiography? He's only 25 and other than winning the Premiership with 'that slut next door' and FA Cup, he's done nothing of note and contributed nothing but disloyalty and some mercenary-like qualities. Has he won the World Cup? Has he won the Champions Leaugue? Nope, so whatever he wrote on that book is rubbish and maybe only the Chelsea fans are interested.

Then he turned on Henry, saying Arsenal treated him better. Oh whinge on kid. How OLD are you? Mummy loves my brother more and I'm pissed. You're 25, MARRIED TO CHERYL TWEEDY and might become a DAD soon. I can imagine him filing divorce 5 years down the road claiming Cheryl helped to change his kid's diapers and not his.

Chant your name? For f*'s sake, why does Arsenal fans wanna chant your Cashley name when you set out to meet Peter Kenyon in a restaurant?

And the last lines sum it up all. He didn't play for Arsenal because he felt the responsibility to, but he wanted to get into the England team. For that, he got paid an unbelievable amount of money and yet he still complained about it.

Footballers, if everyone's like Jimmy Bullard or Domiano Tommasi.

Get Well Soon, Jimmy....

Liverpool losing 3-0, a friend passed away and now what, Jimmy Bullard getting his knee-cap popped? Well, I'm really having a weekend from hell. Bah, anyway it was pure accidental so hold no grudge against Newcastle's Scott Parker alright. It was during Fulham's 2-1 win over Newcastle.

WARNING: If you have a weak heart, or you're eating something now, DON'T click PLAY.

Sigh. Get well soon, Jimmy. You're the man and you're one of the reason why football is still beautiful. YNWA.