With eight games remaining in the season, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion were both within one point of the relegation zone.Fast forward four matches, and the duo is 12th (Villa – 41 points) and 13th (Albion – 40 points) respectively and eyeing off a top-ten finish in the English Premier League standings.
They will go head to head on Saturday at the Hawthorns.
While Albion are just six points above the drop, the number of teams in between Roy Hodgson’s men and 18th spot means they are all but safe in their promotion season to the English Premier League.
The Villans are seven points clear and will be relieved to have escaped the drop zone’s clutches, but there will be nothing spared when they meet their West Midlands rivals on Saturday.
The club has announced Gerard Houllier will not be back to coach Aston Villa again this season due to health reasons, but he would have reason to feel better with his side four games unbeaten since their humiliating derby loss to Wolves in March.
Albion’s form has been similarly resurgent under Roy Hodgson, with their only loss in their past four coming at the hands of Chelsea.
Win over Liverpool and Sunderland and a draw with Tottenham has virtually ensured the Baggies of Premier League football next term.
Aston Villa won the reverse fixture at Villa Park 2-1 in December, with Stewart Downing and Emile Heskey on target for the victors and Paul Scharner scoring a late consolation for Albion.
Baggies midfielder Graham Dorrans is likely to miss the remainder of the season with an ankle problem, while Pablo Ibanez will be absent with a hamstring injury.
Aston Villa’s only health concern is Houllier, who will be discharged from hospital in the coming days.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has no doubt that he will be handed the England captain's armband again when he finally returns to action.
Fabio Capello turned to Ferdinand after stripping John Terry of the responsibility last season following the Chelsea star's off-pitch antics.
However, when injury prevented Ferdinand playing in the World Cup finals in South Africa, Steven Gerrard was handed the role.
The Liverpool midfielder also skippered the side for this month's two Euro 2012 qualifying wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland and there have been calls for him to be handed the captain's armband on a permanent basis.
Capello recently said: "For me the performance of the player is important, not the armband. It is not a priority for me. The armband is not important."
However, Ferdinand, who is close to returning to action after a knee injury, expects to captain his country for next month's qualifier against Montenegro.
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He told The Sun: "I think Capello said that (I would be captain when I'm fit) a while ago. I think he answered it the last time the squad were together."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Newcastle won on Boxing Day for the first time in a decade beating Bolton 2-0 at the Reebok Stadium to claim their first victory in six games.
The Magpies had failed to win a game since beating Everton at the start of November but proved too much for Owen Coyle’s side with Hatem Ben Arfa and Demba Ba striking within two minutes of each to ensure all three points went back to the North East. It was another hammer blow to the Trotters who’s hopes of survival now look slim after they failing to win at home once again. They now sit four points away from safety and must be wondering where their next win will come from after another drab display in front of their supporters. Newcastle, on the other hand, bounced back from their disappointing defeat against West Brom last Wednesday to end their barren run at the Reebok Stadium and move onto 30 points for the season.
Straight from the first whistle it was clear just what the visitors intentions were with Cheick Tiote and the returning Yohan Cabaye marshalling the midfield from kick off. Jussi Jaaskelainen was the first of the two keepers called into action getting down well to save Ryan Taylor’s curling free kick before Tim Krul did brilliantly to keep out Martin Petrov’s stinging effort. It was the Magpies who looked the more likely to score in the first forty five minutes and they should have taken the lead through Leon Best but the striker could only glance his header wide despite being unmarked in the penalty area. However the sting appeared to have been yanked from their tails after the break as the hosts came out fighting in search of only their second home win of the campaign.
Ivan Klasnic’s attempted dribble through the Newcastle defence saw him fall over his own feet with the Croatian nervously glancing over his shoulder in the hope referee Peter Walton wouldn’t brandish a second yellow card for diving after he was booked in the first half. With the game heading towards a goalless conclusion Toon Army boss threw on Hatem Ben Arfa on the hour mark and nine minutes later the Frenchman struck ghosting in at the far post to convert Taylor’s low cross. Two minutes later it was game over for Bolton as Ba struck for the 14th time this season beating Gary Cahill to get on the end of Gabriel Obertan’s right win cross. Coyle threw Tuncay and Kevin Davies on almost immediately but the duo failed to make an impact as the Magpies returned to winning ways.
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It is a return to European football this week as the three Premier League clubs fight it out for a place in the Champions League semi-finals. Tottenham are first up with an unenviable trip to the Bernabeu against the might of Real Madrid.
In the papers this morning there is a mixed bag of stories that include Ben Arfa reveals the extent of his injury, Manchester City spurred on by chairman’s team talk, while Randy Lerner is keen to keep Ashley Young at Villa Park.
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Ben Arfa – I could’ve lost leg – Sky Sports
Spurs and Redknapp put £80m price tag on Bale’s head – Guardian
City spurred on by chairman’s teamtalk – Daily Telegraph
Arsenal fans wage civil war over Wenger’s fate – Mirror
Prem interest in Humphrey – Sky Sports
Rooney faces two-game ban for abuse – Guardian
Lerner drive to keep Ashley – Sun
Is Prince Charlie a king in waiting? Adam gets nod for PFA award shortlist – Daily Mail
West Ham promise ‘strong action’ over racism – Daily Telegraph
Arsenal stars are on a knife edge – Sun
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Ancelotti wants to extended Chelsea stay – Guardian
I don’t remember Bobby Charlton doing that! Harry blasts ‘silly’ Rooney – Daily Mail
West Bromwich Albion manager Roberto Di Matteo has backed his players to bounce back from their season-opening rout at the hands of Chelsea.
The Baggies travelled to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening and were outclassed by the reigning champions in a one-sided game.
The newly-promoted side fell behind inside six minutes as former Blues midfielder Di Matteo watched on from the sidelines.
"Playing the champions away on the first day of the season, you know it is going to be a tough day for you but I thought the scoreline was a bit harsh," he said.
"There are not a lot of teams which come away from Stamford Bridge with much.
"We know we will have to learn very quickly, but on the upside, we will not be playing Chelsea every week.
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"Not every team has the quality this one does."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
10) Aston Villa v Birmingham – The Second City derby
The countries second city might be a little further down the pecking order in footballing terms but that does nothing to dampen hostilities between Aston Villa and Birmingham.
The Villains have always viewed themselves in higher esteem than their blue neighbours and when the clubs first met when City were Small Heath Alliance back in 1879, the Villa players described Small Heath’s Muntz Street ground as, ‘suitable only for potholing.’
Relations have gone downhill since then and although over the last half a century meetings between the pair have been relatively limited, that only intensifies the occasions when they do get together.
The two clubs traditional stadiums help create a fervent undercurrent which takes few prisoners – just ask Peter Enckelman.
9) Blackburn v Burnley – The Cotton Mill derby
These two might not be considered big players nowadays but Blackburn and Burnley were big cheese’s back in the day by being founder members of the Football League in 1888.
The rivalry between the Lancashire towns eleven miles apart stretches back to the Victorian age when the mill industry was booming and hostilities were later taken from the factory floor to the football field.
Local issues were hardly smoothed over at the turn of the twentieth century when Rovers allegedly complained about Claret’s ‘illegal number of Scottish players’ and the animosity has remained.
Clashes have been scarce in recent years but when they do meet it creates the inevitably cliché’d ‘hot-pot’ atmosphere.
8. Everton v Liverpool – Merseyside derby
The Merseyside derby is English football’s longest running top-flight rivalry with a game having taken place every year since 1962-63, but this familiarity hasn’t tapered the spice of the contests and meetings between the blue and red halves of the city of Liverpool are often some of the most highly charged contests of the season.
This game has long been coined the ‘friendly derby’ because the opposing sets of fans are said to enjoy a healthy rivalry but on the field it’s anything but.
In the last 30 Premier League fixtures between the scouse giants there have been twenty red cards, scores of bookings and more fight scenes than a Jackie Chan youtube compilation making this particular local fare the most tempestuous football match around. Who needs enemies with friends like these?
7) Manchester City v Manchester United – Manchester derby
The Manchester derby has long been fuelled by one sides dominance over the other. United have been at the forefront of English football for well over half a century whilst City have had to play second fiddle in terms of silverware and prominence.
United fans have revelled in their superior status for decades now and have been afforded the luxury of mocking the blue half of Mancunia for their almost comedic failings as City for long periods strived but largely failed to climb out of the shadows of their near neighbours.
However, the Citizens new found wealth has upset that balance and after ending their long-wait for a trophy and embarrassing the reds on their own patch, this is one confrontation which will only intensify over the next couple of years.
6) Newcastle v Sunderland – Tyne-Wear derby
The Tyne-Wear derby is another inter-city confrontation which has it’s routes through indifference to one another stretching back hundreds of years.
Newcastle and Sunderland – despite being just ten miles apart – fell into different hands following the English civil war and the Jacobite rebellions and although that historical context is largely lost present day, none of the rancor has.
There were 160 arrests in the aftermath of the 1990 Second Division play-off second leg when the Toon fans invaded the St James’s pitch hoping to force an abandonment.
Proceeding games have also fell foul to interruptions and last January, nearly 30 fans were again arrested following clashes in and around the ground surrounding a game which saw a 12-year-old Mackem run onto the turf to push over Newcastle ‘keeper Steve Harper.
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5) Portsmouth v Southampton – South Coast derby
The contentious nature of the south-coast derby gets its origins from the dockyard following centuries old confrontations between the workers from the neighbouring Hampshire ports.
Pompey fans affectionately refer to the Saints as ‘scum’ – an acronym supposedly derived from the South Coast Union Men of Southampton, who supposedly crossed the picket line when Portsmouth dockers went on strike in the 1950’s.
The resentment has always remained and manifested itself onto the football field with clashes between the pair gaining great local and national significance whenever they play.
Games have been sporadic but reignited recently when Harry Redknapp ‘crossed the line’ from Portsmouth to Southampton and back again culminating in an potent tie when Pompey hammered Redknapp’s Saints 4-1 in April 2005 to shove the Dell boys towards Premier League relegation.
4) Leeds United v Manchester United – The Roses derby
There’s little love lost between the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire and their most distinguished football teams.
Initial animosity between the folk either side of the Pennines has its origins in the War of the Roses from over 600 years ago and in sporting terms that has been embraced by Leeds and Manchester United.
The friction was heightened during the hooliganism heyday of the 1970’s and ’80’s when sections of both clubs fans often became involved in brutal pitch battles inside and outside of the ground.
A recent football fans census found that both Leeds and United are ranked within the top three clubs based on the number of clubs that consider them to be their rivals, meaning this tribal clash largely defines just who is the most hated club of all.
3) Millwall v West Ham – East London derby
The rivalry between east London’s two main players is less about on-field competition and more to do with terrace culture with both clubs synonymous with the infamy of hooliganism since its inception in the 1960’s.
The vicinity of the sides in the working class area of the capital has borne an enmity which frequently causes trouble between the opposing fans whenever they meet.
In 1976 a Millwall fan was killed when supporters clashed in the streets and hostilities were inflamed from there on.
The teams have largely missed out on each others presence of late but when they were drawn together for a Carling Cup tie in August 2009, the match was played against the backdrop of some of the worst football violence in recent memory.
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A number of pre-arranged battles took place around Upton Park prior to kick leading to one man being stabbed and things didn’t recede much following kick-off.
Pitch invasions disrupted the game on a number of occasions before a Hammers victory was marred at the final whistle by a full-scale pitch invasion with hundreds of fans from either side swarming the playing surface and overrunning the police in images which conjoured up memories of these two’s dark hooligan days of the 1980’s.
2) Cardiff City v Swansea – The South Wales derby
Although Cardiff and Swansea lie 40 miles apart the fact that these two clubs represent their country by venturing by-weekly into the motherland makes it a matter of national honour and pride.
Wales’s biggest clubs have endured a fairly similar history and regularly pogo past each other meaning there’s a constantly evolving battle for status and supremacy both on and off the pitch.
The South Wales derby is arguably the most volatile fixture in the English league calender and matches are frequently scarred by clashes between the rival factions.
Following widespread violence at the ‘Battle of Ninian Park’ in 1993, away fans were banned from attending games on the other others patch and although incidents have largely decreased with more intelligent segregation and policing, the arrest rate at these ties are still amongst the highest in British football.
1) Liverpool v Manchester United – North-West derby
Both Liverpool and United have fierce rivals within closer proximity but being English football’s two most succesful and best supported sides means this is the countries most anticipated and heated contest.
The two cities are 30 miles apart yet the natives view the divide as much larger and have been involved in long running discords harking back to their differing industrial upbringing.
Both clubs golden eras coincided in relative downturns for the other, leading the sets of fans to constantly goad one another during those periods to create a long running historical battle.
The duo have won well over 100 domestic trophies between them leading to a bitter and never ending dispute over who are the kings of the national game.
Dimitar Berbatov scored a dramatic last minute winner to put Manchester United in pole position in the title race. Fergie will be absolutely delighted with the result; although I am sure he will be disappointed with the actions of Jonny Evans, especially given the defensive injuries at Old Trafford
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes the misguided scapegoat of Old Trafford; the creative force that Fergie is crying out for, while Rafael needs to take a leaf out of Neville’s book.
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We also look at the best Man United articles around the web this week.
WAG Weekly: Nani scores an absolute stunner!
Is this the ‘Most Hated’ Premiership XI of all time?
Three BIG Reasons why Fergie doesn’t need a transfer spree
The misguided scapegoat of Old Trafford
Old Trafford or Anfield – what represents the best move for £30m man?
The creative force that Fergie is crying out for?
Who needs Hollywood when you’ve got Hernandez
A warning shot from Manchester to London
Why Sir Alex signing him isn’t such a bad move for Manchester United
United starlet needs to take a leaf out of Neville’s book
Understanding Fergie’s transfer priorities this summer
How long before Fergie takes his wonderkid off the leash?
What is all the fuss about Ravel Morrison?
How do Manchester United stand with regards to UEFA’s pending ruling
Do Spaniard’s comments pave way for Man United move this summer?
*Best of WEB*
Hernández wins plaudits and trust – United Rant
The Red Report: SAF & The FA, should he stay or should he go & POTY – The Busby Way
Are We Asking Too Much Of Chris Smalling Too Soon? – Red Flag Flying High
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Ferguson’s Ban Is Anything But “Fair” – The United Religion
Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham are closing in on Galatasaray’s star man Arda Turan according to reports in Turkey.
However, Turan, most commonly known as Arda, has also been linked with Arsenal recently and has been a long term target of Liverpool. But which club would represent the best move for Arda?
The Turkey international’s agent declared:
“At the moment I have had no contact, unofficial or official from Arsenal or Arsene Wenger. Regarding Tottenham Hotspur there was a small enquiry regarding the player, but I have had no official contact or an official bid for the player.
“So, at the moment Arda [Turan] has two years left on his contract at Gala. And, we are waiting for an official bid for Arda from Tottenham. We will see.”
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Tottenham: Redknapp is seeking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2010/11 season and many believe that the pull of Champions League football could be enough to attract players such as Arda.
Currently Spurs already have the likes of Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon and David Bentley amongst their ranks who can operate in the wider areas, but it is rumoured that Bentley may be sold this summer and Redknapp would like to increase the competition for his current staff by adding Arda.
The 23-year-old mostly operates wide on the left so Bale may be moved back into a left fullback role if the Turkish midfielder joined the club, but he could also be used as an inverted winger (like Arjen Robben is for both Bayern Munich and Holland) as he possesses a decent left foot and can chip in with a few goals.
Chance of going to White Hart Lane: 4/5
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Arsenal: Arda is mainly an out-and-out dribbler who is not afraid to take on defenders and pass them, so he is the sort of player Arsene Wenger will like, but the Gunners already are stocked in the wide positions with Samir Nasri, Tomas Rosicky, Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott.
However, many mooted Arda as someone who could be the ‘next Robert Pires’ for Arsenal as he can kick with both feet and has an eye for goal. Many fans also feel that the club needs to make a few good signs this summer if they are to break their barren spell in regards to winning silverware.
Reports are suggesting that Wenger has lost interest in the player and may pull out of the race to sign him, but he probably suits Arsenal’s playing style more than the other clubs linked with the playmaker.
Chance of going to the Emirates Stadium: 1/5
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Liverpool: The Galatasaray captain has previously stated his intension to play for Liverpool in the past as he is a fan of the club and described it as a potential “dream” move for him, but considering the Anfield outfits financial woes it is starting to look unlikely.
He is certainly a player they could do with though as Yossi Benayoun has departed the club and many expect Albert Riera to follow suit.
But considering Liverpool will not be competing in the Champions League next season, does he need them, or will his affection for the club be enough to convince him to join the Reds?
Chance of going to Anfield: 3/5
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Arda has made a total of 172 games for Galatasaray the Turkey international has made 67 assists and has scored 37 goals.
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The Galatasaray man burst onto the scene during Turkey’s Euro 2008 campaign scoring two goals helping his side progress into the semi-finals of the competition. His first goal was a vital 92nd minute winner against Switzerland. Arda’s second goal came in the 75th minute against the Czech Republic as Turkey mounted a late comeback against their opponents who led 2-0, but ended up losing 3-2 as Turkey advanced into the next round of the tournament.
Is Arda Turan the type of player that you would like to see at your club and where do you think he will end up?
A youtube video dedicated to Arda Turan:
[youtube 24zicTWcmGE]
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Click on image below to see the PORTUGAL babes at the World Cup
Since Wayne Rooney broke into the Everton first team aged just 17, dozens of players have been played up as being the next big thing to break through in English football. Some players, such as Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere have made the grade and become Premier League players, but plenty more have hardly been heard of since their youth days.
Connor Wickham arrived at the Stadium of Light from Ipswich Town in the summer for a staggering £8million that will eventually rise to £12million depending on appearances. There were rumours that Liverpool may be interested in the English striker, but Steve Bruce got his man and Wickham has made 9 appearances so far this season, scoring once.
With lots of interest in the youngster over the past few years, you would think that we had a superstar on our hands, matching Rooney’s young talent and breaking straight into the Premier League with a bang. But this has not happened so far at Sunderland and it may be time for people to stop talking about the young lad and actually give him a chance to prove himself.
The Hereford-born striker made his professional debut just 11 days after his 16th birthday and has played and scored for the England Under 16’s, 17’s and 19’s as-well as recently featuring for Stuart Pearce’s Under-21’s. But I feel that there is already too much pressure on Wickham at a very young age and that could be the reason for him not making it as a world class footballer in the future.
The tag of a future England star is going to be especially hard for a striker as they are going to be judged on their goal-scoring record and very little else. It is especially hard for a youngster; similarly to Walcott; who was sold for a large price and thrown into Premier League football. Walcott took three years to really adapt to life in the big time and that may be a learning curve that Wickham will go through in the next few seasons.
Putting a £12 million price- tag on an 18-year-old is ludicrous and he would surely have benefitted from staying in the Championship and becoming a prolific striker at that level, before making the step up. If a player does not play well for a long period of time, if he does not score anywhere near enough goals, can it all be blamed on his age? Should he be there if he is too young in that case?
Sunderland supporters were beginning to warm to Wickham before he got injured at Old Trafford two weeks ago and when he returns from his spell on the sidelines it will be time to start scoring goals and putting critics like myself to shame.
For a player that has only scored 16 career goals, surely it is fair to say that he has not played up to expectations so far in his short career, but Wickham has time on his side without doubt, there are not many out-and-out young strikers coming through at the moment and there is a chance for someone to break into that mould to lead the line for England, something that must be an aim for the former Ipswich striker.
It is unfortunate that so many youngsters are hyped up before they have actually proved their worth in men’s football. Players such as John Bostock and Freddie Sears were built up as being the future of English football when they were breaking through their respective youth systems, but they have failed to produce. It is time for youngsters to get a chance to show what they can do before multi-million pound transfer deals and expensive contracts are drawn up, otherwise more and more players will fall flat on their face in the top division and disappear from the limelight.
Before accepting large wage offers and splashing the cash on new cars and houses, is it unrealistic of me to expect a player to focus more on football than the lifestyle? Perhaps, but time will tell if Wickham made the right decision.
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The trials and tribulations of Liverpool Football Club over the past few decades has certainly meant that the club has had its fair share of players that have adorned cult hero status. But what is a ‘cult’ hero though? It’s a difficult thing to define, but more often than not, it’s a player that rarely meets expectations yet is adored by the terraces for the rare occasions that he reminds us that he’s still a professional footballer. Full-blooded commitment to the cause, eccentric characters and the ability to do something unexpectedly and inexplicably out of character in its importance are often essential ingredients in making up a cult hero.
Here are a list of 10 that plied their trade for Liverpool at one time or another in no discernable order. If there is anyone that you think is more deserving of a place on this list than the ones that I’ve chosen? Post your comments below.
Click on the image below to see the Top 10 Liverpool Cult Heroes
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