A night to remember..

This was a night to be remembered, for Ryan Giggs’s record appearance as the all time leading player to representManchester United, for Roanldo’s fananstic header and his 42nd goal of a marvellous season, for Drogba’s stupid red card, for John Terry penalty miss and Edwin Van Der Sarr’s save from Anelka’s spot kick to give Man Utd their 3rd European cup. This was the kinda of european night that all Man Utd fan will remember forever.

50 years ago, a plane crashed in Germany, killing several Man utd players known as the Busby Babes. 10 years since that fatal plane crash, Man Utd won their first European Cup, beating Benfica 4-1 in extra time. In 1999, Man utd beat Bayern Munich 2-1 thanks to 2 stoppage time goals from Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Teddy SHeringham at the Camp Nou in the most dramatic final I have ever seen. 3 years ago, Liverpool staged the most amazing comback in European Cup final coming down 3-0 at half time to win in penalties. I have no doubt Liverpool will win the final that night after scoring the euqualiser. Last night, I have no doubt that Chelsea will win this one in extra time or penalty in the most nail-biting final I have watched so far, after all I’m a Man Utd fan. However, fate put me wrong.

On such a special night, it was fate that won Man Utd the Cup. On the preview of this big match, it was said that Chelsea has the more experience players than Man Utd players but where were them for Chelsea last night? Belletti came off the bench in the last minute of extra so that he can take one of the penalty. Ballack was one of the better player and Carvalho and Mekelele were there. However where were Andriy Shevchenko and Paulo Ferreira? I though Shevshould have take one of the penalty. Rewind to the final between Milan and Juventus few years ago. It was Shev who scored the winning penalty to secure the Cup for Milan. A very big “what if” had Shev took the fifth penalty instead of John Terry. He could repay Chelsea with that single moment and Im quite sure Shev will score.

Now to the 2 individuals that I have said that could decide this match. I said Chelsea would come out top and I think I’m correct. What a way Drogba decide this match ala Zidane at the 2006 World Cup final. It was like Drogba deciding to do what Zidane did for his last match for France and in this case Chelsea. ” I dont want to take the penalty. I dont like the pressure! I’m leaving the club anyway so I dont care. What the fu*k!” he must be thinking so “bang” red card and he strolled away in disgrace. What a relief for him though.

Ronaldo’s a relief man also. After missing his spot kick yet again, he has to thank Terry and Van Der Sarr. After the match, his future is in doubt again. If he does leave, I’m quite sure Man Utd will have a new manager next season. This current crop of Man Utd players has the potential to win many things and Ronaldo’s departure will leave a big gap missing especially since the likes of Giggs and Scholes will not be playing that much next season. Will Ronaldo leave to seek new challenges after being the best player in the world this season or will he stay to win more things with this current batch Man Utd players? We shall see.

Man of the Match: Pete Cech. I was thinking of Frank Lampard too. Lampard was Chlsea best player in this season and he scored a crucial equaliser last night. He even hit the cross bar with a sweet left footed shot. He has been the most consistent Chelsea player, scoring 20 goals for every past seasons. Alot of credit must give to Jose Mourinho who has transformed Lampard into the player he is today. Pete got my nod because he gave a world class performance last night. What a save from Carrick! He kept Chelsea in the match. And he saved from Ronaldo too from the penalty shoot out. In the end its was Terry and Anelka who let him down. Pete Cech no doubt is the best goalkepper in the world and will be for the next decade or so.

Why Man Utd is the European Champion: You could say its luck or fate but I dont care. Man Utd has the better game plan, raiding down Chelsea’s flanks wherever they can, exposing the weakness of Michael Essien but they will not find him there next season as Chesleahas brought a new right back. The second half its was all Chelsea and its was apalling to find Park Ji Sung not even on the bench. After encouraging displays against Roma and Barcelona, he could not received a medal thay he deserved. Park should move to a club that appreciate his efforts more. It was down to nerves in the penalty shoot out and unfortuately, Chelsea had more players that could not hold onto their nerves.

Farewell match: This could very well be the last appearance for some players for their respective clubs. Drogba, Lampard, Carvalho, Mekelele, Belletti are some possibilities for Chelsea and Ronaldo, Van der Sarr, Scoles, Giggs among those playing last night for Man Utd. And of course, both club’s manager.

What’s next: Chelsea is going to rebulid. I would like to see Chelsea playing 4-4-2 next season with Essein and Ballack flank by Cole and Malouda. Anelka and a new striker probably David Villa or Klass-Jan Huntelaar. The defence of course consist of Cole, Terry, Micah Richards and Bosingwa with Cech in goal. If Ronaldo leaves, a new winger will arrive. Ricardo Quaresma seems like a good choice. If Ronaldo stays, the midfield should be alright and a new striker and perhaps at least 2 new defenders must arrive especially some defenders will be leaving but expect more of the same from Man Utd.

The Club season is over and now its time for Euro 2008. It quite sad that I will be missing some of the latter matches which most probably pit the better teams against each other due to school. My money is on France and Italy but watch the underdogs and a certain Ronaldo.

The big Match..

So the end is near. Is Moscow going to be a sea of red or river of blue comes tmr night? Its going to be a tight affair. Its Manchester United versus Chelsea in the Champions League Final.

Mindgames has already begun before a ball has been kicked. Rooney and Vidic are using what Rafa Benitez did and how the Liverpool Boss failed. So why did Rooney and Vidic do it again? I guess the best way to distract the opposition team is to distract their best player which is Drogba in this case. It will work either wonderfully or fail miserably. However the spotlight is not only on Drogba, Lampard, Cech, Carvalho, Avarm Grant and a host of Chelsea players are in the newspapers for possible transfer in the summer. How about Man Utd? The biggest news of all is of course Ronaldo but that was the only negative news Man Utd had before this game so Ronaldo was basically putting all the spotlight onto himself so that the rest of his team mates can focus on this game fully. Man Utd 1 Chelsea 0.

Chelsea had more Champions League winners than Man Utd. Man Utd on the whole are still a young team wheras Chelsea had a team full of winners. So advantage Chelsea? No I dont think so. Its useless to have a team of winners if you have a “loser” manager. Avram Grant is not bad but compare to Sir Alex Ferguson? Man Utd 2 Chelsea 0.

Players for players i think both team are on par. Both team has a mean defence and this match could come down to a moment of magic or a moment of foolish-ness. Chelsea looks in danger after they gave Man utd the equaliser from a mistake from Carvalho and Babel also scored from a mistake from Cech. Man Utd’s attacking players can provide a moment of magic anytime anywhere but Chelsea players are more efficient. Therefore, Chelsea having a better squad overall gives them an edge here. Man Utd 2 Chelsea 1.

Hence thats my prediction for this match but dont ever rule out a boring 0-0 draw. Remember that match bewteen Man Utd and Barcelona at the Camp Nou just weeks ago? Buy big on 1,3 goals and 1-1 on the exact score ticket if your hands are itchy. Anything could unfold in this match though.  

who’s in who’s out??

I knew what I’m writing right?? Pls refer to yesterday’s newpaper backpage and my last enrty regarding Ronaldo! He’s staying till Sir Alex Ferguson is gone. haha i can forsee the future.

Here are somemore players that i missed out whom I think are rather hot in this off season transfer.

Peter Crouch: This Liverpool stirker wants first team action and Liverpool is not that club that will give him out. With his England future on the line, he needs to move on. I dont think he wants to move aboard so he will be staying in England. None of the Big Four should be interested in him and Crouch wouldnt be interested in them too. He will join one of these 3 clubs- Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle. However, Pompey is my bet as they are in Europe and they have Harry Redknapp. Defoe and Crouch would be an interesting partnership. Watch out!

Daniel Alves: This Brazilian player is the perfect full back for any team wanting to play attacking football. Regarded as one of the best attacking full back/wing back in the world, he is the next Cafu(my favorite right back). Chelsea though to have him but having signed a new right back in Bosingwa, so Chelsea is out. Alves has a few choices, Barcelona has the biggest chance but Milan and Inter are also on the lookout. Dont forget the 2 Red teams from England though. What a signing he could be for Man Utd! Any club with the cash to splash and looking for a right back should look at this guy from Brazil.

Micah Richards: One for the future. A star in the making. Man City needs to keep him if they are to progress but sacking Sven Goran Eriksson, one of the best managers they had, is not going to convince Richards. He’s replacing Neville at England level already, not why at club level too. However its going to take one hell of courage for him to move to Man Utd so i think Chelsea most probably, espically if Chelsea is to rebulid next summer.

David Villa: Another top striker on the move. He will not come cheap though. He may follow Torres footstep to England but certainly not Liverpool. Chelsea looks his most likely destination in England but a move to Italy or Barcelona is not ruled out too.

Tottenham wants to buy Eto but Eto would rather plays for Arsenal. haha if its true Berbatov is surely leaving just like what I have wrote in my previous entry. It’s just the beginning..     

Around the world..and summer transfers

Woohoo the Serie A season has ended and what a finish!

Roma was trailing Inter by a single point and they were topping the table until Inter scored late in the second half. If Roma had clinched the title, it would have been the most astonishing comeback i have ever seen since i started watching soccer but too bad its was too little too late for Roma but what an effort!

AC Milan will not be playing Champions League football next season. Fiorentina will be playing though and Milan had the “best” player of the world in Kaka! I forsee major changes at AC this coming summer just like a certain Bayern Munich. Milan to win Uefa cup next season?? Dont buy against it.

There are rumors that Ronaldo will be going to Spain after the Champions League Finals. In my honest opinion, there is no point having a player who have no desire to play for the club so if he wants to go, den please. The money from Ronaldo’s sale could bring in at least 3 world class players and there are quality players out there who can step into Ronaldo’s shoes. However my guy feeling and heart told me that Ronaldo will continue wearing the same jersey he had been wearing for the past 5 season because of 1 man- Sir Alex Ferguson. He will persuade Ronaldo to stay and until Ferguson retires, I dont see Ronaldo leaving at all.

There are alot of rebuilding jobs for some major clubs this off season. Barcelona, Chelsea and AC Milan are the most prominent and I believe these 3 clubs will be trading players. Mourinho buying players from Chelsea so there are a few players who will be leaving. Barcelona’s players who are leaving are good players so those clubs with ambitions should keep a lookout for these players. Therefore it will be a busy off season and below are some players that i think major clubs should look out for.

Gareth Barry: Liverpool is the fore-runner for the Aston Villa Captain and I think Barry definitely needs to leave if he is to reach another level. Arsenal would be a good choice also as he will be guarantee a place next to Fabregas and it will be a dream partnership. Chelsea if Lampard leaves. Man Utd no chance i think.  

Ronaldino: The forgotten man in Barcelona. He was once the best player in the game and I think he’s the major rseason why Barcelona flopped. Any club who can bring the best out of Ronnie will be a force to reckon with. Ronnie almost joined Man Utd in 2002. If he had played under Ferguson, Ithink Ronnie would have shone longer. Any club that buys him will be a risk, but a risk worth taken. Liverpool should consider, but most likely he is going to turn up in Italy next season at San Siro too but not sure which Milan team.

Karim Benzema: A good showing at Euro 2008 should see him leaving for a big club. Any big club should be interested in him if they are looking for a excellent and young striker. He will blossom into one of the great player and he could be the next Torres in the EPL if he chooses to come to England but I think he will end up in Spain at the Camp Nou. I will cross my fingers that he chooses the champions of England.

Klass Jan Huntelaar: Another hot property in Europe just like Benzema. Should join one of the big club too. There is also a possibility that he and Benzema will be playing at the same team next season. I will be the most surprise if both of them choose to stay at Lyon and Ajax.

Samuel Eto: One of the best centre forward in the game. If Drogba leaves for AC Milan, I think he will do better than Drogba for Chelsea. If Adebayor leaves Arsenal, Arsenal’s fans will hope Eto is the new man to lead the Arsenal attack next season. Dont rule out Italy though but definitely he would not be playing in spain next season.

 Dimitar Berbatov: Another player which I think will be playing somewhere else next season. A proven player at the biggest stage, the best player to play outside the Champions League, it will take big shoes to replace this guy. Chelsea and Man Utd will suit him because he will want to win an EPL title before moving aboard for another challenge. Therefore I could see Bertatov playing in England next season. I hope he stays at spurs though so that spurs can challenge the big four next season.

I forsee Man Utd to be the least busy of the big 4, Chelsea to be the busiest, Arsenal depending on the number of players leaving and Liverpool adding quality instead of quantity should be their priority. It’s time to splash some cash man! 

   

Man Utd.. Champions Again!!

Sorry Folks! for the late update. has been real busy with work and stuffs and really tired to update. However as tomorrow is a public holiday, so here am I to roundup the EPL season.

To not many surprises, my beloved Red Devils are Champions in England again, but with some heart-stopping moments such as the Ferdinand’s handball and Scholes almost red carded. Perhaps it was fated, Man Utd won 2-0 to cap a fantastic season with Giggs scoring the second goal on the day he become the equals Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for most number of appearance for Man Utd. Great job guys and now march on to Moscow!

Well, I had most on my money on Chelsea winning comfortably and they made me red-faced. I cant blame them though. They had put up a good fight to bring the title chase to the final day of the season. So good job too Chelsea! You deserved a pat and cheers from all soccer fans.

I learnt one important lesson though- never bet on the last day of the EPL season. You never know what’s going to happen. Who could predict that Boro would thrash Man City 8-1?? Unless the team are fighting for something, never bet on those with nothing to play for. Well I will keep that in mind for next season. Nonetheless, its heartening to see  pull out a major escape. They need to maintain their end of season performance or else they will be in trouble again. I like Birmingham and reading though but they really have themselves to blame. They could have stay out of trouble with Fulham and Bolton seemingly going down, perhaps complacency played a major part. If they can keep their squad together i think they can get back top again.

Hence the EPL concluded with Man Utd players celebrating yet another title, I could see a totally different season come this August to next May. The title race could be closer, some players will leave, some will arrive but i hope the Cup stays in Old Trafford.    

fla”money”??

As the EPL goes into the final week, some clubs or rather players have already decide to move on even before the final ball is kicked. Let me share my view on some of the transfer news this week.

Arsenal

All the media light was on Wenger’s team as news of Mathieu Flamini moving to Milan for better money dominated the soccer scene. Flamini has been a key player for Arsenal this season as he formed a formidable partnership with Cesc Fabregas in the heart of Arsenal midfield. The question is,” is he that good?” If Wenger sees him as an important player why not offer him an extra $10000 pounds per week? Surely Arsenal is not that poor right. In my opinion, Flamini is not an untouchable for Wenger. Wenger wants to bulid his Arsenal team around Fabregas. Wenger can partner someone more experienced who can teach Fab a thing or 2. Gattuso or Gareth Barry would be a great choice and Wenger needs to add someone whom is world class or else the like of Helb, Adebayor would be leaving a club whom they think is declining. Mind you Arsenal had not won any silverware for the past 3 seasons and players want to win things. I think it would be make or break for Arsenal next season and i think Helb is leaving too which mean Wenger had a lot of rebuliding to do. However, the good news is that he has plenty of money to do that.  

Man City  

So is Sven Goran Eriksson staying or leaving? Rumours are that he will be joining Benfica and Scolari will be taking charge of Eriksson next season. If this happens, I forsee that Scolari will do an Arsenal next season and Scolari will be replaced by maybe Mourinho. What is success to Thasksin then? If doing the double over your city rival and maybe soon to be Champions(maybe double Champions) and achieving a top half finish is not for a side firting with relegation just last season, then that is?? If Micah Richards has not been injured i think Man City can fight for 5th spot a least. Therefore in many eyes including mine, Eriksson has been a major success. Give him more time and more money and he will definitely do much better. If Scholari takes over, I dont think he will fare badly but there will be alot of “what if” in Man city next season.

Barcelona

News have just spread that Frank Rijkaard will be replaced by Josep Guardiola at the end of the season. Is this really the right move? I think so. Rijkaard is losing the plot. With so many stars in this Barcelona team, who would predict that they will finish 3rd in the la liga. Barcelona needs major changes. Those who do not play to play soccer at the Camp Nou shall just leave(you know who i mean). This Barcelona is playing with a lack of desire, passion and teamwork. Alot needs to be done before they can challenge Real Madrid once again. With this, it means that Rijkaard can join Chelsea next season. Its just like a movie script.

Beginner’s luck? No WAY!

The title suggested how bad i did, but the other tipsters did not fare better as our predictions are pretty similiar. Let see how I did for my rookie week.

Man utd vs West Ham(1×2, HT/FT)= 10 points

Fulham vs Birmingham= 0 points, well 3 points was the most and i came in join 3rd!!

Bolton Sunderland(1×2)= 5 points

Aston Villa vs Wigan(1/2 goal)=2 points

Total points= 17 points

heh i came in 2nd! behind tipster 1, any prize for guessing who will win the contest?? better luck next time. =D

 

EPL weekly roundup-06/05/2008

Time for the weekly roundup for this week EPL matches. There are a fewresults which surprised most of us and what a suay week for me at the betting shop, shall talk more about it later.

The biggest shock of this week results was no doubt Aston Villa vs Wigan. Villa was chasing Everton’s tail for 5th spot but they lost shockingly to a Wigan side who has the 2nd poorest attack in the EPL behind you-know-who. Villa lost not only by 1 but by 2 clear goals. Many punters have gone for a 2-0 win but they did not expect the reverse result. However they could collect on the total goal ticket.

He could score with his right foot, left foot, head, backheel and his tigh(some said stomach). He is of course Cristiano Ronaldo! He took his goal tally to a whoppering 40 goals and he has 2 more matches to add to that. ’ bet against him doing that but the goal of the week must belong to Carlos Tevez. He showed that he can do better than Scholes, the strike was quite similiar dont you guys think so. And where the heck was the West Ham defence when Carrick”walk with the ball” and shoot, not that i’m complaining though. What a lousey actor Nani was too. He dontdeserved to play in the Champions league finals which that kind of display. Go home and watch more movies on tv!

Reading did themselves no favour too with the lose against spurs. I though they would be able to score once against the king-missing spurs defence but how wrong am i. Reading had not score in 5 matches now i think andi think they are going down. They might as well go down withpride with a any-other-score results against the boys from pride park on survival sunday.

No surprises for other results as Arsenal, Liverpool won in front of their own fans for the last time this season. Bolton escaped from the relegation battle with a  2-0 home win against Sunderland. I hope they can take something out of their last game against Chelsea although they are almost guarantee preimer league status due to their superior goal diffenence. Seems that goal difference are making a big diffence this season. Aston Villa could yet overtake Everton for 5th spot on goal diffence you know that. 

How did the hell Derby managed to score against Blackburn i don’t know but there is never a doubt Blackburn would pick up all 3 points. Santa Cruz scored again, with a brace. He is definitely the best buy of the season. If Chelsea had picked up a different player from Bayern Munich at the start of the season, I think they would be champion already. What a pick from Mark Hughes!

Chelsea won at St James to take the title challenge to the last day. Ballack is on hot form now. Man Utd better watch out for him at Moscow! This match also showed that Chelsea can dictate play at their own will. The first half they are just happy to defend and in the 2nd half, they came out all guns firing. I thought they look good when playing 4-4-2 with Drogba and Anelka upfront. 

Oh yah how could I forget about the big match of the week! Fulham absolutely deserved the win but i think both fulham and Brimingham are going down. Reading has the easiest fixture. Blackburn and Porstmouth are not easy oppenent but with pomey distracted by the FA cup final, Fulham has a chance. Anything can happen, remember the saying,” the ball is round”? Man utd beware!    

A trip to pools..

Well i was at the Singapore pools outlet just now and i though i would like to try my luck this week. The rule is that never bet against teams involved in a relegation battle and i think this rule is quite correct. Therefore i would normally leave out the bottom few but this week i bought mainly on those few.

Fulham vs Birmingham

There’s a high possiblilty that this game will end up draw so i decided to put my money on 1-1($6) and 2-2($11). If i’m at live betting, having a small sum at odd goals would save some money if the result go either way.

Reading vs Tottenham

Reading could win here but they are up against a Spurs side capable of scoring.  A draw(3.20) looks a good bet but i missed out 1-1(6.50)

Blackburn vs derby

The question here is how many goals can Blackburn score. I think its 2 so 2-0(5.70) is my bet.

I left out man utd match because the odds is really not good and (1/2) is -2 1/2 goals so man utd have to win by 3 clear goals to collect money which i think may not happen.

Best Bet

I would put all my money on a blackburn win but the payout is a measly 1.20 which i think is not worth it. Most value for money is actually Fulham vs Birmingham at 2-2($11). The opening odds was $13 by the way. I’m banking on this result to collect my winnings too. I actually bet on Newcastle and Chelsea too. Chelsea 1-0($6.50) and 2-1($7) but i will be more than happy not to collect money on this result. I think i’m going for 2 goals also.  

How i wish i can enter the contest..

hmmm i have been quite interested in the newpaper reader vs tipster challenge every week so i’ll be challenging them here whenever i can. Since nothing is at stake except “face”, you guys can join mi as well. =)

As i have reviewed the matches earlier, i should not elaborate alot on my predictions then.

Man utd vs West Ham

Man utd have the firepower and they will want to settle this quick. Man utd 2-0, H-H

Fulham vs Birmingham

A draw is on the card for these 2 evenly match teams. 2-2 draw with the match at 1-1 at half-time.

Bolton vs Sunderland

Bolton have more desire to win. 1-0 win with the tie goalless at half time.

Aston villa vs wigan

Villa to win 1-0, goalless at half time as wigan will be defending like mad.

My predictions are pretty much similar to the tipsters except for the match between villa and wigan. I think Tipster 1 will win though. Lets see who come out top, beginner’s luck maybe haha