That's On Point: The Web Site

Premier League game during the week! What's next dogs and cats living together in harmony?

Anyway, to cleanse the pallet, enjoy this goal from Lionel Messi this weekend. You know I'm not huge on embedded video, but wouldn't it be nice to be this good this easily? (Note: The video that once appeared here was taken down by the YouTubes, go figure.)

(On the other end of the age spectrum, Alessandro Del Piero continues to marvel. Is this a sublime touch or what?)

Tuesday

* Portsmouth v. Aston Villa -- (Live, FSC, 3 p.m.) Emile Heskey, eh? One thing to consider about Aston Villa, its final month of fixtures is v. Fulham, at Fulham, at Middlesbrough, v. Newcastle United. If they can win a game like Tuesday's, it might be calling the shots for fourth place come May. Portsmouth did sign a guy that goes by Pele, that's got to count for something, right? ... Portsmouth 0, Villa 2

* Sunderland v. Fulham -- Nice job by Sunderland, via addition by subtraction and selling Pascal Chimbonda back to Spurs. That should help the Black Cats dressing room, though they still clearly lack a leadership presence. Something to consider for Fulham -- the Cottagers in three matches in January have allowed more goals (6) than they did in November and December combined (5). ... Sunderland 1, Fulham 0

* Tottenham v. Stoke City -- (Live, Setanta, 2:45 p.m.) At this rate before the transfer window closes Spurs will re-sign Jurgen Klinsman and Glenn Hoddle. If I were another team in the League I'd make an offer for every player on the Spurs roster, because you can eventually sell them back in a few months for profit. (The Cudicini signing is a good move.) ... Spurs 2, Stoke 1

* West Brom v. Manchester United -- A funny thing happened to Manchester United, in their pursuit to retain first place they're going to have to rely on the old (Scholes and Giggs) and the super young (Walbeck, etc.). Looks like a perfect time for the Ronaldo show. ... West Brom 1, Manchester United 2

Wednesday

* Blackburn v. Bolton -- Ding, ding, ding. Let's keep it clean and come out boxing. ... Blackburn 1, Bolton 1

* Chelsea v. Middlesbrough -- The hits keep a coming for Jon Obi Mikel, this time it's drink driving. Well done. Middlesbrough are usually decent against the good teams, but not here. ... Chelsea 3, Middlesbrough 0

* Everton v. Arsenal -- (Live, Setanta Broadband, 3 p.m.) Everton are holding it together with duct tape and bubble gum and probably won't have Mikel Arteta. It likely boils down to which Arsenal team shows up, as a win here by the Gunners would be a big statement. Imagine where Aresnal would be in the table if they gave Everton's effort each match? ... Everton 1, Arsenal 1

* Manchester City v. Newcastle United -- (Live, Setanta Broadband, 3 p.m.) Better episode title -- Shay Given, this is your future team? or Where in the world is Robson de Souza? (Robinho) ... City 2, Newcastle 0

* West Ham v. Hull City -- West Ham continues it's thoroughly non-descript season, as it flounders around the middle of the table. The one thing to note is who's still around by next Monday. Hull made a nice coup, signing Jimmy Bullard. It's hard to fathom Fulham couldn't agree to a contract for the player that nearly single-handily saved their collective asses last year. That's the game, I guess. Bullard gives the Tigers another option if Geovanni is off his game. ... West Ham 1, Hull 1

* Wigan v. Liverpool -- (Live, FSC, 2:30 p.m.) Fernando Torres, we've missed you. Liverpool is certainly happy to not be paired against a team wearing solid blue jerseys. Of course teams like Wigan, which like to defend, have caused Liverpool fits all season. Fans better hope Torres and Gerrard didn't use up all their magic on Sunday in the FA Cup. ... Wigan 0, Liverpool 1

Last time: 5-5
Season: 95-119

Labels: Prem Picks, Premier League, Soccer