Archive for December, 2010

What We're Watching

What We’re Watching this Weekend

With the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A on break, England, Scotland, and Spain play host to our attention as 2011 begins. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to hold that attention. Here’s what we’ll be watching this weekend.

England

Liverpool v. Bolton (Sat. 10:00 AM ET): Any guesses as to Roy Hodgson’s New Year’s resolutions? The Red’s boss needs a spectacular 2011 if he’d like to keep his job at Anfield. Stuart Holden will be absent for Owen Coyle’s side, who will look to get back to winning ways.

Tottenham v. Fulham (Sat. 10:00 AM ET): Fulham are back in the relegation zone following Wigan’s draw with Arsenal on Wednesday. Interest in Clint Dempsey has continued to rise, but with Bobby Zamora still recovering from injury and no one else consistently scoring, Mark Hughes will be reluctant to part with the American during the January transfer window. Fulham will face Spurs away in a London derby hoping to claim only their second away win of the season.

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News in brief

FRI Dec 31 (PM): Onyewu, West Ham, Macheda, and More.

After struggling in Milan American defender Oguchi Onyewu is close to a move to play in Switzerland. FC Zurich is the club that is looking the most likely to pick up the American. Onyewu has struggled to find playing time with AC Milan and it did not help that last year he was out for the year with a knee injury. The move would be good for all sides and will allow Onyewu to see the pitch a lot more.

West Ham is currently at the bottom of the table and are struggling to score goals, but they could receive some help. Michael Owen is rumored to be a target of the club with the former England International returning from injury. The only problem with Owen is his fitness as he has been plagued with injuries over the past few years. (more…)

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News in brief

FRI Dec. 31 (AM): On EPL, MLS, Transfers, and Managers

Precious few hours remain in 2010, which means the January transfer window will soon be upon us. While some moves have already been agreed to, plenty of hypotheticals still remain that could play a major part in how the European seasons finish. With that, here’s your Friday news.

Struggling to find the back of the net, Aston Villa may turn to an MLS Champion, who is currently on trial with the English side.

Frankie Hedjuk and the Los Angeles Galaxy have completed a one-year deal, adding the veteran defender to the title hopefuls.

Reports link Brad Guzan, whose European career has amounted to rare field time as he sits behind Brad Friedel on the Aston Villa depth list, to a loan move to Championship side Hull City.

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News in brief

THURS Dec.30 (PM): Celtic, Edu, Rapids, Fabregas, and EPL

Celtic is snagging MLS talent left and right. The Scottish club held, technically illegal, training sessions with Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario – although that’s being resolved – and has signed former Chicago Fire DP Freddie Ljunberg.

Rangers midfielder and U.S. international Maurice Edu will likely be sidelined for the club’s derby this weekend against Celtic. According to a club spokesperson, Edu still hasn’t partook in a training session and is “doing his workouts in the gym.”

Rapids’ mystery player, Chelsea, Fabregas, and a furious Ferguson after the jump (more…)

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News in brief

THURS Dec 30 (AM): Hodgson, Bale, Buddle, Nilmar, and Generation adidas

When you’re down on your luck as a manager, the best thing to do is attack your loyal fans. Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool side fell 1-0 to Wolves and the manager complained about a lack of support from the Kop faithful. Maybe not the best idea, Mr. Hodgson. Well, at least if you want to keep your job.

Elsewhere in the English Premier League, Gareth Bale would like to win the title. Wouldn’t we all now? The Telegraph takes a look a those with a chance to come out on top and sportingly includes Tottenham. (more…)

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United States

Serie A Awards

ANTHONY MANNINO- The Serie A season is almost half over and there been numerous disappointments and surprises. Even with a strike looming twice, it has not stopped a great first half of the season. The parody of the league is present this season with numerous teams fighting for the top spot and the nowhere near to being decided. Here are the awards for the first half of the season.

The most surprising team: Lazio

After struggling last year Lazio was close to relegation and no one was expecting the Roman club to come out this strong and contend for the Scudetto. (more…)

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United States

Wed Dec. 29 (PM): Holden, Ronaldinho, and Bale

American midfielder Stuart Holden put in another impressive effort for Bolton, but alas Chelsea was able to pull out a controversial victory. Striker Didier Drogba looked to be offside when he received a pass from Michael Essien. The linesmen kept his flag down and Drogba was able to pass the ball to Florent Malouda, who easily scored. Holden had two chances at the end of the game when his header was tipped over the net by Petr Cech and had a shot blocked by John Terry’s arm that was not called for handball.

Winger Gareth Bale who has been impressive this year for Tottenham believe his side can win the Premier League this season. Tottenham are currently in 5th place and will need some help if they are going to win the Premier League.

Fabio Cannavaro has offered Ronaldinho to join him in Dubai. The Brazilan has been rumored out of Milan to numerous different clubs

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News in brief

WED Dec. 29 (AM): On Chelsea, EPL, FIFA, and MLS

With pressure growing on Carlo Ancelotti as his side dropped yet another league match Monday, rumors of a Guus Hiddink return have been rubbished by the manager’s agent.

Chelsea are in their worst form of the last decade over their last seven league matches, and face Stuart Holden and Bolton today (2:45 PM ET) in a match that could launch the Wanderers back into 5th place while dropping the reigning champions to 6th in the league table.

Arsenal look to build off Monday’s crucial win against their London rivals when they take on Wigan Athletic. Arsene Wenger hailed the victory, saying:

“We are not bullied any more. That is for sure. I feel we have matured over the last two years… Of course we want to be consistent and we have to respond straight away at Wigan on Wednesday.”

Arsenal kickoff at 2:45 PM ET today, followed by Liverpool v. Wolves at 3:00 PM ET.

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United States

TUES Dec.28 (AM): EPL, Beckham, and Cummings

American goalkeeper Brad Friedel had a tough day at work, as his Aston Villa club was pounded in a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City. Mario Balotelli provided City with a hat trick, while Joleon Lescott scored a goal too. The defeat is Aston Villa’s sixth loss in the last seven league games.

In other Premier League action, Chris Baird had two goals to give Fulham a 2-0 victory over Stoke City.

More EPL news and transfers for Omar Cummings and Beckham (?) after the jump (more…)

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News in brief

MON Dec. 27 (PM): Messi, MLS, EPL, Celtic, Kaka, Serie A, and Schalke’s stadium

Two days after Christmas Day, Lionel Messi confesses that he asked Santa for a Copa America title. Argentinians everywhere are hoping Messi wasn’t on the naughty list.

Off-season transfer rumors mount, as the Colorado Rapids’ Omar Cummings may be headed to the Premiership on a loan deal. Despite reports linking Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario to Celtic, “Dwayne is not going on trial with Celtic or any other club,” said Toronto GM Earl Cochrane.

However, Celtic did get a hold of one MLS player, as the Seattle Sounders’ Freddie Ljunberg is training with the Scottish club.

Ronaldinho, Kaka, Inter, Man U, and Schalke’s (caved-in) stadium after the jump (more…)

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