Happy Thanksgiving.
As a somewhat patriotic American I feel fairly bad for everyone across Europe that doesn't get to experience the ultimate holiday on the calendar.
That said, it's probably a good thing England doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving even if the participants at the first Thanksgiving had trekked from Merry Old to Plymouth Rock, well, not counting Squanto. (Classic historical second-guess, maybe, just maybe Squanto might have wanted to think twice about teaching the Pilgrims the miracles of maize and pumpkins. Then again, who can fault him for being seduced by pale-faced Englishmen with silly hats? Those buckles do funny things to a man's mind.)
Oh right, who could conceivably play soccer a day or two after gorging on turkey and gravy?
With that in mind, a couple quick-hitters today to help the hangover. Next week when I have a little more time I'll write up some scenarios/thoughts on the up-coming World Cup draw.
* What can really be said about Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League? Is it a deceptively good thing, since now Rafa's men can focus on the Premier League? It would have been if Liverpool wasn't already 13 points in the rear view of Chelsea with five teams in between.
If this were an American pro league -- think the NBA -- Liverpool would be forgiven for punting the season by resting Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, especially in light of the fact their summer breaks will be shorter due to the World Cup in June. Yet, it's not America, so Liverpool needs to continue to push for a top four spot. Would missing the Champions League be the end of the world for the club? It almost happened in 2005, until UEFA made a new rule that defending champions have to be included in the tournament. (Dubious, no?)
As you know, my opinion is that Liverpool might need to bottom out completely if it's ever going to reestablish itself. Unfortunately the weight of expectations from the sustained success the club experienced in the 1970s and 80s, continue to be an anvil weighing down the club.
In short, Liverpool fans might need a program to recognize who's on the field when it parachutes into the UEFA League.
* At least Liverpool's knockout ensures that the Final Four of the Champions League won't be solely an English affair, which is a good thing in my book.
* For all the Manchester United haters, the 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Besiktas was bad, but United are still on track to advance as long as they get a result vs. Wolfsburg on Dec. 8. Even with a loss to the Germans and if CSKA beats the Turks, it would finish in a three-way tie with all the clubs with 10 points. CSKA would have to beat Besiktas by at least two goals to overcome United's goal-difference. Tricky scenario, but it could happen.
* Didn't realize this until Wednesday, but the UEFA Champions League mix on DirecTV is beyond amazing.
* Landon Donovan missed a PK in the MLS final? Hope that doesn't further his move out the door to Europe this winter. (More thoughts on this next week.)
* Paul Hart fired. Avram Grant to the rescue? Did you ever think you'd read that sentence?
* Honestly, with my current pain in my right hand, I think I need a human placenta, or at least horse placenta treatment.
Saturday:
* Blackburn v. Stoke City -- Honestly, could you pick apart these two teams? If they traded uniforms, would there be much difference? ... Blackburn 1, Stoke City 1
* Fulham v. Bolton -- Another one. Swap the white jerseys and how to tell the difference? Neither team is exactly lighting the world on fire this season. (Clint Dempsey did score vs. Blackburn on Wednesday.) ... Fulham 2, Bolton 1
* Manchester City v. Hull City -- (Live, Setanta, 10 a.m.) Wow. Apparently Hull City players must really love Phil Brown, because they are finally showing some signs of life after his firing seemed eminent. Having said that, Manchester City is due for a win. At home they get it. As it stands, the Sky Blues are the league's biggest underachievers at the moment. Doubt they're very proud of it either. ... Manchester City 2, Hull City 0
* Portsmouth v. Manchester United -- (Live, ESPN2, 10 a.m.) Sticking with the Thanksgiving theme, Manchester United knows how to feast on the bottom feeders. Having said that, Portsmouth has given United trouble the past couple seasons. Still, can't see Sir Alex allowing his team to drop points here. Wayne Rooney seems due for a big weekend, doesn't he? ... Portsmouth 1, Manchester United 3
* West Ham United v. Burnley -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) These teams could conceivably trade jerseys and few would notice, what with the similar colors and all. West Ham has to figure out a way to win this game. At least last weekend at Hull they figured out a way to score without Carlton Cole. ... West Ham United 1, Burnley 1
* Wigan Athletic v. Sunderland -- Look, I want a refund after watching Wigan. It will be fascinating if that 9-1 shot-stomping at the hands of Spurs galvanizes Wigan, at least for one week. Steve Bruce won't have any sympathy for his former club. His current club, though, is in a clear lull. ... Wigan 1, Sunderland 1
* Aston Villa v. Tottenham -- Second most important match of the weekend. Will Spurs stay hot? Can Jermain Defoe continue his blazing form? Not sure how much an all-time performance carries over from week-to-week. Spurs certainly won't catch Aston Villa off guard. One thing to consider for this two clubs, currently fourth and fifth in the table. Aston Villa, we've seen, is a competent club that is decidedly above average. With performances like last weekend, Spurs might possibly be able to be very good. Villa is usually more consistent with Spurs being a rollercoaster week-to-week. Wonder which wins out in the long run. I'd give the nod to Spurs since Harry Redknapp seems to know what he's doing. ... Aston Villa 1, Spurs 2
Sunday:
* Wolves v. Birmingham City -- After the last couple weeks, Wolves are currently the worst team in the league. Birmingham is the perfect recipe to get back on track, but the Brum are decidedly not that terrible and have gotten better in recent weeks. ... Wolves 1, Birmingham City 1
* Everton v. Liverpool -- (Live, Setanta, 8:30 a.m.) Wonder what goes down smoother for Liverpool fans? A Champions League knockout or a loss to Everton? Having said that, Everton...we keep waiting for the Toffees to hit their stride. I have a stinking suspicion that they'll finish closer to the drop zone than the top four when its said and done. Sometimes seasons just never come together and its looking that way for Everton. In this match, Liverpool's love for the dramatic probably helps. They'll find a way to pull Rafa's feet a few inches away from the fire. ... Everton 0, Liverpool 1
* Arsenal v. Chelsea -- (Live, FSC, 11 a.m.) This isn't hyperbole. This is the most important match going forward in the league. It's not unrealistic to think if Arsenal are to be taken seriously, it has to win this match, especially since its at the Emirates. If the Gunners don't slow down Chelsea, the Blues might be able to run away and hide with the league. (Arsenal is eight points behind, with a game-in-hand.)
I admit it, I thought Arsenal had turned the corner this season. I thought that the seeds planted by Arsene Wenger had finally borne fruit. It'll be fun to watch if the free-flowing one-touch football, that can marvel at times, can work against a powerful, discipline and downright talented Chelsea squad.
For Arsenal to have a chance, it needs Cesc Fabregas to be at his box-to-box best. Problem is, Chelsea doesn't need one guy to step up. The Blues have plenty of players that can carry the water.
One thing we still haven't seen is if William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen can marshall the Arsenal defense against a good team. They'll be under pressure all day from the Chelsea attack, which one way or another is going to get a goal.
There's a slight chance Arsenal has one of those days where everything is clicking and they run the doors off Chelsea, but with the critical injuries (RVP, Bendtner, etc.) I don't see how this happens. Even without Frank Lampard, Chelsea has enough depth in reserve to counter whatever action Arsenal brings to it.
Barring a miracle placenta cure for the Dutchman, it's hard to see a way Arsenal gets a result here. ... Arsenal 1, Chelsea 2
Last week: 8-4
Season: 69-59
As a somewhat patriotic American I feel fairly bad for everyone across Europe that doesn't get to experience the ultimate holiday on the calendar.
That said, it's probably a good thing England doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving even if the participants at the first Thanksgiving had trekked from Merry Old to Plymouth Rock, well, not counting Squanto. (Classic historical second-guess, maybe, just maybe Squanto might have wanted to think twice about teaching the Pilgrims the miracles of maize and pumpkins. Then again, who can fault him for being seduced by pale-faced Englishmen with silly hats? Those buckles do funny things to a man's mind.)
Oh right, who could conceivably play soccer a day or two after gorging on turkey and gravy?
With that in mind, a couple quick-hitters today to help the hangover. Next week when I have a little more time I'll write up some scenarios/thoughts on the up-coming World Cup draw.
* What can really be said about Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League? Is it a deceptively good thing, since now Rafa's men can focus on the Premier League? It would have been if Liverpool wasn't already 13 points in the rear view of Chelsea with five teams in between.
If this were an American pro league -- think the NBA -- Liverpool would be forgiven for punting the season by resting Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, especially in light of the fact their summer breaks will be shorter due to the World Cup in June. Yet, it's not America, so Liverpool needs to continue to push for a top four spot. Would missing the Champions League be the end of the world for the club? It almost happened in 2005, until UEFA made a new rule that defending champions have to be included in the tournament. (Dubious, no?)
As you know, my opinion is that Liverpool might need to bottom out completely if it's ever going to reestablish itself. Unfortunately the weight of expectations from the sustained success the club experienced in the 1970s and 80s, continue to be an anvil weighing down the club.
In short, Liverpool fans might need a program to recognize who's on the field when it parachutes into the UEFA League.
* At least Liverpool's knockout ensures that the Final Four of the Champions League won't be solely an English affair, which is a good thing in my book.
* For all the Manchester United haters, the 1-0 loss at Old Trafford to Besiktas was bad, but United are still on track to advance as long as they get a result vs. Wolfsburg on Dec. 8. Even with a loss to the Germans and if CSKA beats the Turks, it would finish in a three-way tie with all the clubs with 10 points. CSKA would have to beat Besiktas by at least two goals to overcome United's goal-difference. Tricky scenario, but it could happen.
* Didn't realize this until Wednesday, but the UEFA Champions League mix on DirecTV is beyond amazing.
* Landon Donovan missed a PK in the MLS final? Hope that doesn't further his move out the door to Europe this winter. (More thoughts on this next week.)
* Paul Hart fired. Avram Grant to the rescue? Did you ever think you'd read that sentence?
* Honestly, with my current pain in my right hand, I think I need a human placenta, or at least horse placenta treatment.
Saturday:
* Blackburn v. Stoke City -- Honestly, could you pick apart these two teams? If they traded uniforms, would there be much difference? ... Blackburn 1, Stoke City 1
* Fulham v. Bolton -- Another one. Swap the white jerseys and how to tell the difference? Neither team is exactly lighting the world on fire this season. (Clint Dempsey did score vs. Blackburn on Wednesday.) ... Fulham 2, Bolton 1
* Manchester City v. Hull City -- (Live, Setanta, 10 a.m.) Wow. Apparently Hull City players must really love Phil Brown, because they are finally showing some signs of life after his firing seemed eminent. Having said that, Manchester City is due for a win. At home they get it. As it stands, the Sky Blues are the league's biggest underachievers at the moment. Doubt they're very proud of it either. ... Manchester City 2, Hull City 0
* Portsmouth v. Manchester United -- (Live, ESPN2, 10 a.m.) Sticking with the Thanksgiving theme, Manchester United knows how to feast on the bottom feeders. Having said that, Portsmouth has given United trouble the past couple seasons. Still, can't see Sir Alex allowing his team to drop points here. Wayne Rooney seems due for a big weekend, doesn't he? ... Portsmouth 1, Manchester United 3
* West Ham United v. Burnley -- (Live, FSC, 10 a.m.) These teams could conceivably trade jerseys and few would notice, what with the similar colors and all. West Ham has to figure out a way to win this game. At least last weekend at Hull they figured out a way to score without Carlton Cole. ... West Ham United 1, Burnley 1
* Wigan Athletic v. Sunderland -- Look, I want a refund after watching Wigan. It will be fascinating if that 9-1 shot-stomping at the hands of Spurs galvanizes Wigan, at least for one week. Steve Bruce won't have any sympathy for his former club. His current club, though, is in a clear lull. ... Wigan 1, Sunderland 1
* Aston Villa v. Tottenham -- Second most important match of the weekend. Will Spurs stay hot? Can Jermain Defoe continue his blazing form? Not sure how much an all-time performance carries over from week-to-week. Spurs certainly won't catch Aston Villa off guard. One thing to consider for this two clubs, currently fourth and fifth in the table. Aston Villa, we've seen, is a competent club that is decidedly above average. With performances like last weekend, Spurs might possibly be able to be very good. Villa is usually more consistent with Spurs being a rollercoaster week-to-week. Wonder which wins out in the long run. I'd give the nod to Spurs since Harry Redknapp seems to know what he's doing. ... Aston Villa 1, Spurs 2
Sunday:
* Wolves v. Birmingham City -- After the last couple weeks, Wolves are currently the worst team in the league. Birmingham is the perfect recipe to get back on track, but the Brum are decidedly not that terrible and have gotten better in recent weeks. ... Wolves 1, Birmingham City 1
* Everton v. Liverpool -- (Live, Setanta, 8:30 a.m.) Wonder what goes down smoother for Liverpool fans? A Champions League knockout or a loss to Everton? Having said that, Everton...we keep waiting for the Toffees to hit their stride. I have a stinking suspicion that they'll finish closer to the drop zone than the top four when its said and done. Sometimes seasons just never come together and its looking that way for Everton. In this match, Liverpool's love for the dramatic probably helps. They'll find a way to pull Rafa's feet a few inches away from the fire. ... Everton 0, Liverpool 1
* Arsenal v. Chelsea -- (Live, FSC, 11 a.m.) This isn't hyperbole. This is the most important match going forward in the league. It's not unrealistic to think if Arsenal are to be taken seriously, it has to win this match, especially since its at the Emirates. If the Gunners don't slow down Chelsea, the Blues might be able to run away and hide with the league. (Arsenal is eight points behind, with a game-in-hand.)
I admit it, I thought Arsenal had turned the corner this season. I thought that the seeds planted by Arsene Wenger had finally borne fruit. It'll be fun to watch if the free-flowing one-touch football, that can marvel at times, can work against a powerful, discipline and downright talented Chelsea squad.
For Arsenal to have a chance, it needs Cesc Fabregas to be at his box-to-box best. Problem is, Chelsea doesn't need one guy to step up. The Blues have plenty of players that can carry the water.
One thing we still haven't seen is if William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen can marshall the Arsenal defense against a good team. They'll be under pressure all day from the Chelsea attack, which one way or another is going to get a goal.
There's a slight chance Arsenal has one of those days where everything is clicking and they run the doors off Chelsea, but with the critical injuries (RVP, Bendtner, etc.) I don't see how this happens. Even without Frank Lampard, Chelsea has enough depth in reserve to counter whatever action Arsenal brings to it.
Barring a miracle placenta cure for the Dutchman, it's hard to see a way Arsenal gets a result here. ... Arsenal 1, Chelsea 2
Last week: 8-4
Season: 69-59
Labels: English Premier League, Prem Picks, Soccer
I'm certain Benitez will treat the Europa league like Arsenal treats the Carling cup. Liverpool however doesn't have the stable of young talent that Wenger does. It is just too grueling to challenge for and not ruin your chances in the league.
I think Hull pulls an upset. Remember this is the fixture last year Brown pulled his stunt of chewing out his team on the pitch at half time. I don't think they can win, but these stories just play out karmically like that.
If Villa-Spurs ends 0-0 can we just eliminate the fourth spot altogether? It seems no one wants the spot since all the pretenders lay an egg whenever they face a game where the credentials are being shown. See Chelsea-Spurs, LFC-Man City, Villa-City, Arsenal-Spurs.