Liverpool vs Villa Preview!

English Premiership
Round 1

Villa Park Aston Villa vs LIVERPOOL

Here we go lads, this is it. After 3 months of speculating transfers and listening out for rumours, the most important and most anticipated day is here.

With the revolving door of Liverpool moving really quickly this summer, there'll be some new faces and also some that have left us, probably unnoticed by you. But that's not the point.

This summer marks a turning point in Liverpool's history and the financially modest club is now willing to spend up to 20million GBP for a player showed the ambition of the club and it's owners.

But what is ambition when Liverpool often fell at the first hurdle, especially in recent times. Fans looking forward to the new season only to be disappointed right from the first game of the season. Last season's escape at Bramall Lane is one fine example.

This time round, it still wouldn't be easy.

Away at the revitalised and rejuvenated Aston Villa, they are a formidable opponents with some key signings in the summer such as Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood, both from West Ham.

Manager, Martin O'Neill, has indeed inculcated a new style for the Villains, who have been slumbering for the past 2 decades or so. Despite winning the European Cup back in the 80s, they never seemed to build on it.

With American owner, Randy Lerner, acquiring the club last season, they have truly reformed and are ready to take the Premiership by storm. They are a bunch of disciplined and hardworking players and that makes up for their inferiority in the technical aspect.

To face Villa away from home in the first fixture is surely not the ideal circumstance to the uphill climb towards the holy grail but with almost no injury problems and new faces, Rafa Benitez has everything at his disposal and he just have to get it right this time round.

Fernando Torres look likely to partner Dutch striker, Dirk Kuyt upfront, leaving former Villa man, Peter Crouch, on the bench. Yossi Benayoun, too, is likely to replace Jermaine Pennant on the right flank after his impressive display in the friendlies.

Most importantly, and the most welcoming news is that Steven Gerrard will claim a central midfield spot.

Villa lost Thomas Sorensen, their goalkeeper, to injury earlier last week and that Stuart Taylor will replace him in goal. New loan signing, Scott Carson, arrives from Liverpool but is ineligible to take part in this game.

John Carew looks set to partner Gabriel Agbonlahor upfront with new signing, Nigel Reo-Coker supporting from central midfield, making his competitive debut.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup: Reina, Finnan, Agger, Carragher, Riise, Benayoun, Gerrard, Mascherano, Kewell, Kuyt, Torres;

Drogballs' Prediction: Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool. An optimistic one, considering how much I rate Villa. But I think we have just enough quality to edge past them and probably win it by a moment of brilliance from someone.

"Kick Out Racism"?

We've heard that over and over again from the corporate bigwigs, whether is it UEFA or FIFA. But reading what FIFA vice president, Jack Warner, said about England, I think these organisations aren't really doing what they're preaching.

In short, just pure hypocritical.

"If the World Cup were to go to Europe, I'm quite sure, with the English luck as it is, they won't get it,"

"Nobody in Europe likes England. England invented the sport but has never made any impact on world football."

These are the quotes, out of the mouth of the vice president of the organisation which encourages anti-racism. Maybe it's good to have a review of the plan and check www.dictionary.com as to what 'racism' REALLY mean.

rac·ism: a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

As you might have notice, racism isn't all about people chanting monkey chants at African players or jeering the black players but rather, having discrimination against certain group of human beings, or marginalised so to speak.

I'm no England fan, but as a football fan, I'm once again truly disgusted as to how such obnoxious people could get into such a high place in a major sporting association. UEFA did it months ago with Liverpool. Now FIFA sounded like the perfect 'daddy' of it all.

No wonder I'm losing interest in it altogether...

The Summer Acquisitions

It has been a very busy summer for Liverpool indeed and those panicky and to be honest, the club sealed those deals pretty effectively this time round with less hassling. Back in June when things were so quiet and us, as fans, got so panicky and scared. But soon, those fears were unfounded.

Here's a quick recap of players who are signed for the first team and will probably appear in the TV near you!


Fernando Torres

The new Liverpool record signing from Athletico Madrid will have to share the goalscoring burden along with Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch for the upcoming season.

Liverpool's problem in recent times had always been scoring goals and the failure to stick the ball into the onion bag cost us titles on countless of occasions.

His pre-season showing have been mixed and judgment won't made until the time is right. Although it is believed that he'll have to get quickly off his block and score his first goal for the club as soon as possible or the 'Peter Crouch effect' we've seen in the 05-06 season will probably manifest itself again.

As the most expensive player bought by Liverpool in it's long and glorious history, fans are expecting and anticipating something big from the Spaniard. Expectations reap pressure for him but I'm sure he'll handle it well.

Rough Prediction: He'll take awhile before scoring his first goal, like Peter Crouch. But once he find his confidence and momentum, he will come good. Will probably score around 15 goals.


Andriy Voronin

Looking the business there, isn't it?

His move was obviously overshadowed by Fernando Torres' and that he moved into the club almost silently, without much attention.

But from his pre-season friendly performance, many started to sit up and take notice of the man Rafa got for free when he had resources at his disposal. Well you can argue that he got Voronin when the takeover was still in doubt but I believe Rafa had faith in his ability.

He looked perfectly fitted for the hustle and bustle of the Premiership, big, strong and good in the air. What's more, he's the sort of footballer Rafa love. Intelligence on the pitch itself plus hard-work and determination.

But then again, jury is still yet to be out for the man who partnered Andiry Shevchenko in the World Cup. He might look pretty fine during the pre-season but even Bruno Cheyrou looked good back then......

Rough Prediction: Won't make too many appearances but will certainly make some impact, being a surprise player. Will score around 5-9 goals in all competition, optimistic view though.


Ryan Babel & Yossi Benayoun

The reason why I combined both of them into one section is because...they look really good together in the picture...

No, just kidding. It's because I've no idea where they'll exactly play and how they'll fit into Rafa's rotation policy and his formation.

Ryan Babel looked pretty much like an Henry-esque winger cum striker sort of player who always looked to drift into the flanks. He's known for his speed and also his shooting accuracy from range. His shots does pack a punch!

Yossi Benayoun was the playmaker of West Ham in their peak period, when they narrowly lost to Liverpool in the memorable 2006 FA Cup finals. He played a major role in the Hammers uprising and that his ability to create and his creative vision made him the perfect player to replace Luis Garcia, who was offloaded to Atletico Madrid.

Rafa is a long time admirer of Benayoun even back in the days when Yossi was still playing for Spanish side, Racing Santander. He was delighted to finally land his man after such a long time.

Benayoun will probably appear on the flanks more often than not and he will have to fend off competition from fellow wingers, Jermaine Pennant and Harry Kewell and secure a place in the side.

Babel still have got a lot to learn and his inexperience means his appearance will be limited to perhaps some cup games and a handful of league games. Rafa will probably let him develop at his own pace and not rush him in, with still so many players at his disposal.


Charles Itandje

Currently, no official news from Liverpoolfc.tv but most football sites seemed to think the deal is done. He will replace Scott Carson, who will leave on loan to Aston Villa, as Liverpool's number 2.

Not much is known of this goalkeeper but one thing that struck me was his built. He's 1.93m tall and observers who watched the French Ligue One mentioned that despite his built, he's agile and quick.

Will have to wait for the official news to filter through before I start blabbering on and then becoming a fool in the end!


Lucas Leiva

An exciting prospect coming from the home of football, Brazil. Football talents are rolled out year after year without fail yet this is a Brazilian U-20 captain afterall.

Said to be in the mold of Steven Gerrard, a box to box midfielder, his appearance would also be limited as the central midfield are congested with talents such as Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

Despite having so much talent in the middle of the park, Rafa still went ahead to capture the playmaker from Gremio and it speaks about Rafa's faith on Lucas. He's adamant that he will succeed at Liverpool and that's the reason why.


Spending might not be done yet as the Gabriel Heinze saga continues to loom but do watch out for these new blood in Liverpool. let's hope, pray and cross our fingers that our summer acquisitions will turn out to be who Rafa wants them to be and to fully unleash their potential.

Reason Why Lampard Is Still At Chelsea

In the coming months, we'll cover why he's in the England squad. Stay tuned.

Pre-season Friendly?! Pardon?

Gerrard Turns From Hero To Zero, Nearly

Port of Rotterdam Tournament

Feyenoord 1 - 1 Liverpool

Scorers:
FEY - Drenthe
LIV - Gerrard

Goals:

A pre-season friendly tournament that was supposed to prepare the team for the upcoming season nearly became a free for all wrestling match as Liverpool could only carve out a draw at the De Kuip stadium to hold home side, Feyenoord to a draw.

The incident erupted after Royston Drenthe made a harsh tackle on skipper, Steven Gerrard, in the middle of the pitch but the foul was not seen by the referee. Then Javier Mascherano impulsively flew in with a rash tackle to floor Drenthe right after that.

Then it was a real 'handbags' match that involved almost everyone on the pitch. For a sign of respect, Gerrard was 'substituted' for Sissoko but should've been sent off in an actual match.

The game was highly competitive in some ways and that even though it was only a friendly, the referee wasn't afraid to pull out a card or two. Liverpool had 6 players booked and that sort of summed up a pretty frustrating evening for the Reds.

Despite dominating large periods of the game, it was Feyenoord who took the undeserving lead just before half time, with Royston Drenthe scoring from close range.

The Dutch winger, who bore resemblance to a young Clarence Seedorf, gave Liverpool defence a runaround and was a pain in the neck for Alvaro Arbeloa, who looked out of sort throughout the match. He conceded some silly fouls while not looking sharp and ready for the season at all.

Dirk Kuyt, who made an emotional return to his former club, should've scored in the first half but the linesman adjudged that his shot didn't cross the line. Video evidence was pretty inconclusive but we've seen instances where it is given.

But Gerrard was once again, on hand to score the all important equaliser as he powered his way into the heart of the Feyenoord defence before slotting it home from an acute angle.

It epitomises Gerrard's importance in the central midfield position and that Rafa have promised to give him more appearance in the middle rather than on the flanks.

While searching for the winner, it turned into frustration and contempt as the referee made a terrible mistake by rewarding Feyenoord a penalty kick after Drenthe's cross was adjudged to have been blocked by Arbeloa's arm.

Slow motion replays show it hit his head rather than his arm. Even if it did, there's nothing Arbeloa could do to withdraw his hand in time. It was a harsh decision.

It all evens out eventually, even from the penalty spot. Spot kick expert, Pepe Reina, dived to his right to save from the spot.

With the referee making some erroneous and puzzling decision throughout the game, he lost control of the game and soon emotions boiled even though it was only a friendly.

The competitive edge was there and that it was a disgrace that it soon turned into a very un-football-like circumstance.

Liverpool will be disappointed to lose out on another pre-season silverware but it's not important as the kick off for the new season is only 5 days away.

Are we ready for the new season yet? I'll cover it on my next article. To be honest, I was quite disappointed by last night's performance We need something extra to give us the edge next week or it's going to be yet another long season of nothingness in terms of the domestic league.

Torres' First In Reds Victory

Port of Rotterdam Tournament

Liverpool 2 - 0 Shanghai Shenhua

Scorers:
LIV - Torres, Gerrard


Match Highlights:

Liverpool's record summer signing, Fernando Torres, is finally able to put his inauspicious start to the back of his mind after scoring against Chinese Super League side, Shenghai Shenhua, in the Port of Rotterdam Tournament.

It rounded off a pretty lively performance from the Spanish striker after he was put through by another summer signing, Yossi Benayoun, with a reverse through ball in the 12th minute.

It was a calm and composed finish and what impresses the most would probably be his movement in the penalty area and his game intelligence as he shrugged off the offside trap to lift the ball past the goalkeeper into the empty net.

Despite putting out a weakened team with several players making their first start, including Argentinian winger, Sebastian Leto and Brazilian playmaker, Lucas Leiva in the middle of the park, Liverpool were able to display some good football.

The game started off in a training match pace but it only took the Reds 12 minutes before finding the net.

As Rafa is always seemed as a pragmatist, Liverpool were constantly in the driving seat throughout the game with only one or two scares with former 'Boro striker, Hamilton Ricard, causing some concerns for Hyypia and Paletta.

Though dominating possessions, chances were few and far between. Liverpool's controlled and disciplined approach to the game were met with Shanghai's deep lying defence and soon it turned into a game that lacked the sparkle of life.

And it's always this time when the special players show their talents.

Steven Gerrard scored an absolute beauty of a curler from outside the penalty box moments after being substituted into the side and even the spectating Feyenoord fans stood up for a standing ovation as an appreciation of his class.

Despite arching his back and the ball seemingly headed out of goal, it bent right in at the nick of time, giving the goalkeeper no chance at all. It was a beautifully taken goal even though there were a few defenders around him putting him under pressure.

Liverpool played the game with safety in their minds but it is encouraging to see the likes of Torres and Benayoun shining.

Lucas Leiva worked hard in the middle of the park and didn't look out of place alongside the more experienced Sissoko while Emiliano Insua and Sebastian Leto, the duo Argentinians, linked up well down the left flank.

As they say, friendlies are all about fitness and there's nothing that pleases you more than seeing players fitter and more ready for the upcoming season.

Liverpool will play Feyenoord, Dirk Kuyt's former club, on Sunday.

Reds To Face Toulouse

Tricky Draws For British Clubs

The draw for next season's UEFA Champions League 3rd qualifying round is out and French first division side, Toulouse, will be Liverpool's opponent for the 07/08 season. They will also be the Red's 100th competitor in Europe, a prestigious milestone for the English club.

To reach the group stage, selected teams must fight it out in the qualifying round where the teams selected are to face off in a two leg tie and the winner for the tie will advance into the main competition itself.

Toulouse came in 3rd in last season's French league just as Liverpool did and they surprised many people with their performance. Notable player is their top striker, Johan Elmander, a full Swedish international striker.

First leg will be on 14 or 15 August while return leg in 28 and 29 August.

Meanwhile, Arsenal too, face a tricky draw against Sparta Prague, hailing from the Czech Republic. A team that has made countless of appearances in the main competition itself, they will definitely be no pushovers for the Gunners.

Celtic will face the toughest of all, top seeded Spartak Moscos while fellow Scottish giants, Rangers, will face either Red Star Belgrade or Levadia Tallinn from Estonia.

As mentioned, it is probably a tricky tie against a surprise team of last season but I feel just as optimistic as always, I'm sure we will go through to the group stage with little trouble.

Liverpool's European pedigree is for all to see and with the squad strengthened several fold in my opinion, the Reds will make it through.

Stay tune for more on the qualifying games!

The Bitter Man - Neil Warnock

Probably Clutching On Staws

It's hard to find a more hated football manager than former Sheffield United manager, Neil Warnock.

Reputed with a sharp tongue and a brain that is unable to work cohesively (might not be true), he has come up with some classics over the years including the spat with the classy Arsene Wenger.

Like all humans, we all turn to others and always the first to point the finger and blame somebody else.

First of all, he was absolutely livid with West Ham for their Harry Houdini-esque escape from relegation in lieu of his team.

He wasn't pleased with West Ham and alleged that they made illegal payments for the signing of Javier Mascherano and most importantly, Carlos Tevez, whose case is still outgoing at the moment and became the most boring talking point of the entire summer.

As deluded as he is, his club chairman and him appealed to the FA as they truly believe that the result will overturn and that they will be reinstated back to the Premiership.

Fat hope.

Next, he blamed ManYoo and Fergie for letting West Ham snatch a surprise victory at Old Trafford that guaranteed their survival.

If you and your Sheffield U could beat Wigan at home, things wouldn't be so complicated, eh? But too bad, you and your men failed to beat them at Bramall Lane.

Here is the clincher. He bet against Liverpool in the Champions League final after he felt that Rafa and Liverpool betrayed Sheffield U by fielding a weakened side against Fulham, in which the Cottagers won and ultimately saved a place for next season's Premiership.

This is how bitter a man can get. Don't let it get you, Neil. You need some help and should stay away from football as long as possible.

An Open Letter From Drogballs

Hey guys!

No, this isn't an announcement that I'm a Newcastle fan boy like what that imitator said on the tagboard but just an apology to you fans out there about the lack of updates on the site.

I can find excuses that it's the football off-season and that there isn't any matches on TV but rather it's down to other commitments outside blogging and of course outside football. As I get busier with work and church, I won't be able to give you people constant updates but I assure you that I'll continue to write once in a while when I have the time or there's something I feel like writing.

Here's some key pointers that you people should note:

1) As of next season, I will NOT be covering post match reports for SATURDAY matches as I have commitment on Saturday evenings. Instead, there will still be pre-match and of course, post match THOUGHTS instead.

2) Sunday would still be feasible. I still want to watch football and I still enjoy writing.

3) I will stop writing for a long period of time due to this thing called 'National Service' here in Singapore where I have to serve the nation for 2 years and within that 2 years, God knows how much time I have spare to come back on here to write.

So yes, we're going into transition and there'll be changes but I just want to thank the lot of you for your support for this past year and a half. You people are one reason that kept me writing for so long.

It has been a long journey thus far and I really hope to continue. And now, you'll understand my reasons. Thanks guys!

Drogballs

Former Red Steals The Limelight

James The Hero In Penalties

Barclays Asia Trophy

Portsmouth 0 - 0 Liverpool
(Portsmouth win 4-2 on penalties)

Once a custodian for the Liverpool side back in the late 90s, David James faced his former club over at Hong Kong at the Barclays Asia Trophy and pulled off a strings of saves to stop the Reds from claiming the cup, which they probably deserved a little more.

Prior to the game, James spoke about his disappointment as to how he left the club but turned on style to help Portsmouth edge out Liverpool in a thrilling game which was concluded by penalties.

Asian Liverpool fans were given a treat on Tuesday night as the Reds managed to beat the home side, South China FC while Portsmouth defeated Fulham 1-0 to set up a mouth watering encounter.

The Hong Kong Liverpool fans turned up in droves and flooded the Hong Kong National Stadium like a sea of red. Their passion was never in question as they screamed in awe when the tannoy announces the starting line up. Captain, Steven Gerrard, probably got the loudest cheer of the night as he made his way into the field in the closing minutes of the game.

But it was the small portion of fans in blue that gone home a little happier as the Barclays Asia Trophy finally ended with an anti-climatic feel to it.

Despite dominating and carving out a couple of clear cut chances, Liverpool were unable to finish the game off just as how it has been all of last season. Finishing was poor at times and the Reds were punished albeit being only just a friendly cup that matters little.

But one has to wonder what effect it has got on newer players such as Yossi Benayoun and most importantly, Fernando Torres, who will assume the role of a goal getter for Liverpool in the upcoming season.

Both mentioned missed penalties and the effect on their morale could affect their confidence.

Yet if the others managed to bury their chances earlier on, it could've been a totally different outcome. Dirk Kuyt had a hosts of chances to put Liverpool in the driving seat but his finishing was once again a suspect while David James was constantly tested yet stood firm.

Portsmouth did well to neutralise Liverpool's attack while they themselves did carve out one rare chance for themselves which was probably the best chance of the game.

Gary O'Neill's late run from midfield caught the Liverpool defence static and with only Reina to beat, his shot hit the Spanish goalkeeper's leg and missed a wonderful chance to put the team from south coast ahead.

First half was fast and furious as Liverpool pressured Pompey high up the pitch and David James was nearly caught out by the alert Ryan Babel, who pounced on the goalkeeper's poor first touch but was unable to capitalise.

As the match wore on players started to tire out and fatigue seeped in. The game lost its pace and rhythm despite fresh legs brought on from both sides. It was probably due to the marketing campaign in which the players had to embark on as an ambassador from the club.

It's always disappointing to lose a game but it's a friendly cup game after all. Still, there are room for improvement and finishing is one such aspect which Rafa Benitez will have to look into.

Martin Tyler commented about he can't see where the goals are coming from and that's probably one big reason why we're struggling in the league.

But there are some promising performance from Momo Sissoko, Steve Finnan, Jermaine Pennant and Xabi Alonso. Sissoko's energy, passing and movement for this game is excellent and probably silenced those obnoxious 'fans' who booed him on Tuesday.

Xabi Alonso's passing has been up to the mark in recent friendlies and hopefully bringing his form into the upcoming Premiership season. Finnan is solid as ever on the right back position while combining well with the player ahead of him, Jermaine Pennant.

It's probably a disappointing outcome for most Liverpool fans there but probably, success comes off the field with all the media spotlight and attention all on the club. As Liverpool embark on a new journey towards winning the Asian market, the tour could prove to be invaluable in the days ahead.

One small step but it could mean something big regardless of the results on the pitch.