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[Coen]

Has anyone seen Ribery play since the summer? (I haven't.) Just curious if he's been keeping up the quality work on the wing, or if he's slipped a bit. He seemed like a good player during the world cup, but I'm not convinced he's worth the 20 million or so that's been tossed around as an asking price.

Ribery had a disappointing start of the season with all the rumours of a transfer being in the works, but has been reasonable the lost couple of months. He's not worth 20 million though, I'd wouldn't even pay half of that.

I'm surprised to see Wenger and Arsenal fans suggesting guys like Ribery, Babel and Blumer. Sure, they're nice, technical players. They'll give you 3 - 7 goals a season. But Arsenal has a surplus of those kind of players. What they need is someone who makes a lot of easy goals. The type that knows where to stand when a corner gets deflected, who's there to finish Henry's famous rushes, who keeps the central defenders on their tows at all times because he's lethal. Preferably someone strong in the air to, so he can knock the longball down for the fast midfielders.

 

[hadareud]

I'm not that keen on Ribery to be honest. I actually think that Ribery is slightly overrated, he had an ok world cup, I didn't think he was all that special apart from maybe one game against Brazil. Of course, I've only seen him with France and you can't really judge based on that few performances. Dunno.

Today's rumours:

Juventus held talks with the agent of Chelsea star Frank Lampard. (The Sun)

The Italian side are plotting a £70m raid on the Premiership - with Lampard, Arsenal's Gilberto Silva and Manchester United's Gabriel Heinze on their hit-list. (Daily Mirror)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has blamed the club's failure to buy anyone in the January transfer market on owner Roman Abramovich's marital problems. (Daily Mail)

Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko says he has no plans to quit the club and loves working for manager Jose Mourinho. (Daily Star)

Spanish reports have claimed Real Madrid are to go all out to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer and they have a verbal agreement with the Manchester United winger. (The Guardian)

Liverpool are weighing up a summer move for Tottenham's in-form striker Dimitar Berbatov, with Peter Crouch possibly moving back to White Hart Lane. (The Independent)

Liverpool have agreed to pay a six-figure fee to Ross County for 17-year-old midfielder Gary Mackay Steven. (Daily Star)

Bolton and Southampton are interested in signing Dundee defender Paul Dickson. (Daily Star)

Everton are set to sign Swindon teenager Lukas Jutkiewicz in the summer for £500,000. (Various)

Gillingham midfielder Matt Jarvis will join Nottingham Forest in the summer after rejecting a new deal. (Daily Star)

Angry Premiership clubs have threatened to ban promotion to the Premiership if penalty shoot-outs are brought in to decide Football League games. (The Sun)

Fulham manager Chris Coleman will be the surprise name on Manchester City's shortlist if they decide to sack Stuart Pearce. (The Guardian)

Reading manager Steve Coppell will break the habit of a lifetime by signing a two-year contract with the Royals. (Daily Star, Sun)

Manchester United are down to the bare bones for their crucial Premiership tie with Bolton this weekend. (Daily Express)

Defender Rio Ferdinand is an injury worry for United and England as he has suffered a cracked rib. (The Sun)

Manchester United keeper Ben Foster, who is on loan at Watford, will be given a new contract at Old Trafford this summer. (Daily Mirror)

England manager Steve McClaren will have just one full-scale practice session before their crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel. (Daily Express)

Joe Kinnear and Mick Harford have emerged as the favourites to succeed the sacked Mike Newell at Luton. (Daily Mirror)

The Football Association is considering hosting both FA Cup semi-finals at Villa Park this season. (The Guardian)

Arsenal's majority shareholder Danny Fiszman made a £3.9m killing by selling off some of his stake in the club. (The Times)

Fulham defender Franck Queudrue has thrown his hat into the ring for an England call-up - even though he is French. (The Times)

Rangers fans want Osasuna kicked out of the Uefa Cup over the police battering they received in Pamplona. (Daily Record)

Spanish police insist they were right to use batons against Rangers fans in the stand during Wednesday's Uefa Cup tie against Osasuna. (Various)

Uefa delegate Mano Mavrokoukoulakis says Rangers have to stop fans travelling abroad without official tickets. (Daily Express)

Kilmarnock players will receive a club record one-off bonus of about £5,000 per man if they win the CIS Insurance Cup final on Sunday. (Daily Star)

Henrik Larsson reckons Celtic would be more than capable of competing in the English Premiership. (Various)

West Ham's Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has fallen in love with the fish and chips in England. (Daily Mail)

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock, who turned down the chance to manage Chelsea 15 years ago, has admitted he would probably take the job if the Blues decide to look for a new manager this summer. (The Sun, Express)

Warnock called Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon to try to get the club to change their policy of only allowing one mascot for the away team so his son and daughter could move be at Stamford Bridge, but Kenyon did not return his call. (Daily Express)

Hull manager Phil Brown will appear naked in the club magazine after making the pledge in order to help the club win the buy-a-player promotion. (The Times)

edit: wtf? I always thought Queudrue was Australian, not French or English.

 

[hadareud]

Van Persie will not be back until the end of April, while Walcott will have his shoulder surgery soon.

We have no bloody strikers.

 

[nature boy]

West Ham's Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has fallen in love with the fish and chips in England. (Daily Mail)

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock, who turned down the chance to manage Chelsea 15 years ago, has admitted he would probably take the job if the Blues decide to look for a new manager this summer. (The Sun, Express)
.

Yeah I'm sure chelsea would want him :lol :lol

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=blues--fixture-chaos%26method=full%26objectid=18762543%26siteid=89520-name_page.html

BLUES' FIXTURE CHAOS
JOSE ON STRIFE AT THE BRIDGE: CHELSEA BOSS SHOCK ADMISSION
By Martin Lipton 16/03/2007


CHELSEA will have to overcome the biggest fixture pile-up up in Premiership history as well as Manchester United's six-point lead if they are to claim a third straight title.

While the Blues kept up their pursuit by winning at Manchester City on Wednesday, Tot tenham's progress in Europe means seven of Jose Mourinho's side's last nine games will have to be shoehorned into a 26-day period.

And if Chelsea get past Valencia in the Champions League, it guarantees an unprecedented last week. If the Blues or United win Monday's FA Cup replays against Spurs and Middlesbrough respectively, then their Stamford Bridge clash, due for semi-final weekend, will be moved to the last week of the season.

But Spurs, due to visit the Bridge on Easter Saturday, will be in UEFA Cup action on the Thursday night and will exercise their right not to play on April 7.

It leaves Mourinho's men travelling to Arsenal on Sunday, May 6 before hosting United two days later.

Martin Jol's Spurs will be looming on Thursday, May 10, before facing Everton three days later as the season cannot be extended.

Ouch...

 

[psycho_snake]

Lampard could go to Juve. The board have revealed that they are going to give the manager over 105 million euro's in order to build a squad that could potentially fight for the title. Loads of names have been thrown around. Saviola, Gilberto, heinze, lampard, eto'o and other big name players have been rumoured to be on Juve's wishlist. with the funds that they are going to be given, they could sign lampard, but they would end up spending a significant amount of their budget to sign lampard.

 

[hadareud]

Ouch...

life's a bitch, I really feel for them. not. I'd love to be in this situation, in fact, 2 weeks ago Arsenal still were. Arsenal played 17 games between January and the end of February, with plenty of players out for a period or the whole time (Van Persie, Henry, Hleb, Gallas, Djourou, Rosicky, Walcott, Adebayor, Eboue, Hoyte, Flamini, Ljungberg, and I'm sure I forgot someone still). I haven't heard anyone at Arsenal cry about this anywhere near as much as Mourinho was about 2 or 3 players being out and now about the fixture congestion.

Chelsea have enough money to have a big enough squad, I can't say I feel sorry for them. I don't think anyone else is to blame that they only have 3 centrebacks for instance.

edit: I've been meaning to ask for a while, is there any website that keeps track of injury statistics? Not just current injuries like the physioroom, but over the course of the season? This would be quite interesting to see.

 

[Lakitu]

Transfer rumours of the day:

Arsenal & Liverpool to swoop for Lyon star

Olympic Lyonais have put Eric Abidal up for sale, and Arsenal are reportedly in talks with his agent.

The international defender have confirmed that he is looking for a way out of Stade de Gerland in the summer and has told his agent David Venditelli that he would be keen to join a Spanish or an English club.

A host of clubs are chasing the highly rated full-back. In Spain, Barcelona are following the player, but Real Madrid will be looking for a left back in the summer and are likely to swoop for Abidal.

Liverpool have also shown interest in the 27-year-old defender, but Arsenal are reportedly holding talks with the player’s agent and are ready to splash out €15m to lure Lyon.

"We have looked for teams in Italy, but Eric feels that there is too much racism in the game there”, Venditelli told Gazzetta dello Sport

"He would prefer to move to Spain or England.

"Barcelona and Arsenal are currently leading the chase, but Liverpool and Real are also very keen on him."

Newcastle United set to make Nugent bid

Newcastle United Football Club are the latest to be linked with David Nugent.

The Preston North End ace has again been in great form for the Championship side this season, with his goalscoring feats set to make him the first player outside The Premiership to be called up to the England squad since 1999.

A number of clubs have shown an interest in him, including Manchester City, Middlesbrough and Glasgow Rangers, yet Glenn Roeder is determined to bring him to St James’ Park.

The Magpies boss wants a strong compliment of strikers at his disposal next season, and sees Nugent complimenting Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen perfectly.

England manager Steve McClaren has confirmed he would have 'no hesitation' in calling up David Nugent.

Juventus head chase for £8m Tottenham target

Nikola Zigic is again being linked in Italy with a move to the Turin giants

Spurs have been watching the towering Serbian striker closely this season, with Zigic's displays both for his country and his current club Racing Santander catching the eye.

“I know that they are following me,” said the player when asked about the fresh interest from Juventus.

“Am I happy? Who wouldn’t want to play for Juventus?”

New Spanish starlet on Liverpool radar

Daniel Toribio Aquino Pintos is being linked with a move to Anfield

Spanish newspaper AS claims that the Murcia teenager is wanted by Barcelona and Sevilla but that Liverpool have the advantage as their recruitment of some of Europe's top young talent shows no sign of letting up.

Never heard of him.

Ronaldo in no hurry to sign

Cristiano Ronaldo is in no hurry to pen his new deal at Manchester United, his agent has told skysports.com.

Jorge Mendes has revealed that Ronaldo may not look to sign an extension until the end of the season - because he does not want any 'distractions'.

"We have not decided yet," Mendes told skysports.com.

"It is possible that it will not be until the end of the season that he gives an answer to Manchester United about the new deal offered.

"Cristiano is playing at a great level and at this time the key moments of the season are arriving and it is better he has no distractions."

Barcelona and Real Madrid have Ronaldo in their sights and look set to test United's seemingly steely resolve over their Portuguese superstar.

Mendes admits that, through his dealings, contact with Barca and Real is natural, but again he denies any talks.

"Cristiano is not pressured, but he is calm," Mendes continued.

"In our office we have great relations with the two giants clubs, but there is no conversations with them.

"It is normal this player interests many clubs because he is number one in Europe and is having a sensational season."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid captain Raul has told Ronaldo to make the move to the Spanish capital.

"I think it is possible," said Raul on Ronaldo moving to Madrid.

"He is a great player, who as well as getting goals is at a top level.

"He is young and he would be a great signing."

Lampard agent meets Juve chiefs

Frank Lampard's agent met with Juventus representatives on Thursday as the Italian giants entered the race to sign the Chelsea midfielder.

Steve Kutner was pictured with Juve's vice-president Roberto Bettega, and also reportedly met with the Serie A club's general manager Alessio Secco.

But Kutner has denied the meetings were about Lampard, whose future is up in the air after talks over a new contract at Stamford Bridge stalled.

He said: "Roberto and I have been good friends since Juve tried to sign Paul Ince before he went to Inter.

"He has come over to London to attend a series of meetings I have arranged with Premiership clubs regarding potential transfer deals and collaborations. There is no other agenda."

There has been much speculation about Lampard's future in recent weeks as under FIFA rules the England star can buy out the remaining two years of his contract at Chelsea in the summer, paving the way for a cut-price move.

And despite Kutner's denial, the meetings he has held have sparked a fresh round of reports that Lampard's future lies away from Stamford Bridge.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been linked with 28-year-old in recent days and Juve, who tried to sign him three years ago, appear to have now entered the fray.

 

[Shinobi]

It leaves Mourinho's men travelling to Arsenal on Sunday, May 6 before hosting United two days later.

:lol :lol :lol They're ****ed...

 

[Mama Smurf]

I don't think Lampard would go to Juventus. Pretty much every top club in Europe would be after him if he were available, why go to the one not in the Champions League?

 

[Shinobi]

I don't think Lampard would go to Juventus. Pretty much every top club in Europe would be after him if he were available, why go to the one not in the Champions League?

Doesn't make much sense to me either...unless Chelsea wins the whole thing this year and he figures he can afford to miss it for a year. I think Barca's a more likely destination though, if last year's interest is any indication.

 

[Mama Smurf]

That fixture change of Chelsea's could suck for all of us. They were due to play United 5th from last game of the season, where there's a much better chance that the title won't have been decided already.

There's a much greater chance the season will already be over by the time they play now, especially as they're playing Arsenal right before, denying us a lot of the excitement of that potential fixture.

Of course, depending on how things go, the title might actually be won in that game which would be awesome.

EDIT:

UEFA Cup

Quarter-final draw

AZ Alkmaar v Werder Bremen
Bayer Leverkusen v Osasuna
Sevilla v Tottenham
Espanyol v Benfica

(Ties to be played on 5 and 12 April)

Semi-final draw

Espanyol or Benfica v AZ Alkmaar or Werder Bremen
Bayer Leverkusen or Osasuna v Sevilla or Tottenham

(Ties to be played 26 April and 3 May)

Finally, an exciting game for the neutral.

 

[psycho_snake]

I don't think Lampard would go to Juventus. Pretty much every top club in Europe would be after him if he were available, why go to the one not in the Champions League?

I dont see it happening. Id be surprised if Juve actually put in a bid for lampard. Juve will have a lot of money to spend this summer, but they cant afford to spend a big bulk of their transfer budget on Lampard. if lampard does leave chelsea, then he'd end up going to spain. His wife is spanish so thats another reason for him to go there. Im not sure about Gilberto going to Juve either. Arsenal need him at the moment and he hasnt shown any indication that he wants to leave.

I think henize will go to Juve. He could be used in a veriety of positions. At United he's a left back but heinze isnt suited to that position; he;s too slow. Heinze would be a much better player if he's played in centre defence or even in a holding role.

 

[psycho_snake]

The rescheduled fixture list could work out very nicely for us. As long as we win all our games then we could play chelsea having already won the title. Even if we draw a game, we could win the title the game before we play chelsea as long as arsenal can beat them before we play them. In a way I do sympathise with chelsea because its an extremely difficult schedule to cope with, but when you've got as much money as chelsea you should be able top put together a squad that can cope playing all these games. Chelsea have themselves to blame if they cant cope with the fixture list; selling huth and gallas was a stupid thing to do.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Well, the rumour of Lampard leaving this season is generally connected to the possibility of him buying out the last two year of his contract rather than Chelsea outright selling him, in which case he'd only cost about £10m (to pay back Lampard for getting out of his deal).

I've never really rated Gilberto Silva as highly as others, if they can get decent money they should sell (or better yet, try and trade him for Hargreaves to get some money off). Especially with the emergence of Denilson and all their other defensive midfielders. I really don't think he stands above them.

 

[Mama Smurf]

United could win every game before then, as none of them are really tough, but none are easy either. If the Chelsea game goes to the third to last game of the season, then I think I'm right in saying the games United would face before then would be:

H Bolton
H Blackburn
A Portsmouth
H Middlesbrough
A Everton

Only Middlesbrough outside the top half of the table and even they're 12th, the rest should be fighting hard for a UEFA Cup spot. Tricky.

 

[psycho_snake]

Well, the rumour of Lampard leaving this season is generally connected to the possibility of him buying out the last two year of his contract rather than Chelsea outright selling him, in which case he'd only cost about £10m (to pay back Lampard for getting out of his deal).

I've never really rated Gilberto Silva as highly as others, if they can get decent money they should sell (or better yet, try and trade him for Hargreaves to get some money off). Especially with the emergence of Denilson and all their other defensive midfielders. I really don't think he stands above them.

Damn I forgot about lampard buying out his contract. Well that does open up possibilities. Juve will have more than enough money to keep him satisfied, but despite that i dont see him going to Juve. Lampard is in his prime, why would he move from a club that can compete for the CL to one thats not even in it? Wether lampard moves depends on what mourinho does. If Mourinho stays at Chelsea, then i reckon lampard will be persuaded to stay, but if the more likely possability of him leaving does occur, then i can see lamprd quitting and going where mourinho goes.

If Arsenal get hargreaves, then gilberto could be on the way out, but the chances of getting hargreaves are slim. United are able to outbid Arsenal and Hargreaves has been saying he wnats to move to manchester to be close to his family. Arsenal could still sell Gilberto if they found another midfielder, but who else is available. Im sure Wenger could find another youngster, but arsenal need to add quality and experience to the squad rather than someone with potential. Gilberto might lose his place to Denilson, but arsenal dont hav too much back-up for their midfield other than Gilberto.

 

[Mama Smurf]

United are able to outbid Arsenal if all Bayern want is money. However, if they don't want to sell without a replacement midfielder in place, a swap of Silva + cash might be very tempting to them.

You've mentioned Hargreaves wanting to be nearer his family before, do you have a link? I'm not saying I don't believe you, I've just never read that. And even London is a hell of a lot closer than Bayern.

Back ups to Denilson: Flamini, Diaby, Song, other youngsters coming through

 

[Mama Smurf]

England squad for Israel/Andorra:

Goalkeepers:

Robinson
Foster
Carson

Defenders:

G Neville
Richards
Ferdinand
Terry
Woodgate
Carragher
A Cole
P Neville

Midfielders:

Gerrard
Hargreaves
Lampard
Lennon
Parker
Carrick
Dyer
Downing

Forwards:

Johnson
Rooney
Defoe
Bent

Hope you guys like the taste of Phil Neville at left back, as Cole is suspended for Israel and we have no other left back in the squad (Carragher at a push).

Wright-Phillips has been left out which I think he should be, but I would say Parker is probably the only other surprise. I don't really see the need for him with Hargreaves and Carrick there, and Carragher or P Neville able to cover that position if desperate.

Of course, this could all change with fixtures this weekend/Monday.

 

[kaizoku]

United are able to outbid Arsenal if all Bayern want is money. However, if they don't want to sell without a replacement midfielder in place, a swap of Silva + cash might be very tempting to them.

You've mentioned Hargreaves wanting to be nearer his family before, do you have a link? I'm not saying I don't believe you, I've just never read that. And even London is a hell of a lot closer than Bayern.

Back ups to Denilson: Flamini, Diaby, Song, other youngsters coming through

Hargreaves has his heart set on Utd, Munich are almost resigned to losing him, he was (and probably still is) Utd's no.1 priority - its practically accepted that he will be a Utd player.

Only thing which would change that is if Utd change their mind and wont pay. In that case he may settle for another English club.

 

[Lakitu]

How much are Man U paying for Hargreaves again?

 

[kaizoku]

How much are Man U paying for Hargreaves again?

Bayern want in the region of £20m...maybe they'll accept less since he wants to move so badly and wants only one club.

 

[Blablurn]

Hargreaves is going to stay in Munich.

 

[Cornballer]

A couple points here this morning....

Penalty proposal 'horrible' - Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has voiced his opposition to a Football League proposal to introduce penalty shoot-outs to settle drawn games, having seen the system at first hand during his time in Japan. Wenger believes the move would reinforce defensive attitudes having coached Grampus Eight Nagoya in Japan, where extra-time and penalty shoot-outs were used to decide drawn league games.

The Frenchman told Arsenal TV Online: "I'm quite open to discuss any idea that would bring any spectacular action and more offensive attitudes into our game, but I'm not convinced by this one for two reasons. It doesn't change the attitude of a manager who is defensive. It reinforces it sometimes."

He added: "Firstly, people who are cautious and defensive will say `let's wait for the penalties' and `let's not take a risk'.

"The second reason I say that is that I was playing with this system in Japan, and it was horrible when you had battled for two hours and you lost a game on a penalty shoot-out that you didn't deserve to lose, and three days later you have another game where you have even more chance to lose because you have already played for two hours three days before."

Wenger hits back in Henry row
By Patrick Haond - Created on 16 Mar 2007

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit back at France coach Raymond Domenech in their row over Thierry Henry.

Henry's season has been ended prematurely because of groin and stomach injuries, and Wenger pinned the blame on France for over-working the striker.

Domenech said he was 'seriously tired out' by the Gunners boss on Thursday, but Wenger has responded by claiming the France coach is the only national team boss never to contact him.

Wenger is refusing to back down on his feelings towards national team call-ups, and specifically insignificant friendly matches.

"It is not unreasonable that I play Henry after a match with the French team," he told L'Equipe.

"Thierry Henry is a player being very well paid by his club. If the French Federation paid Henry, I would then ask Domenech's opinion.

"Do I have to set the working programme of a player to match with the French team's dates? Anyway, we often gave him some rest.

"My feeling is it's just crazy, and when I speak up against the use of players during friendlies, I believe I am within my rights.

"The latest example is the friendly against Argentina. Was it essential to play Henry for 90 minutes, while we have a crazy period of matches with Arsenal?

"The real problem is the lack of communication. The national coach never calls me.

"He draws on clubs that make the players improve, and he looks down on the clubs, without paying any attention.

"Is it too much to have a phone call to get news about a player we see every day? If there was that behaviour there would be no problem.

"The other national coaches contact me, we talk. The only one who never calls is Domenech."

C'mon Domenech, all he wants is a phone call

Spoiler

you twat.

Regarding Gilberto - I think he's been pivotal in holding the young Arsenal side together this season. I know he may not rate with the greatest defensive midfielders out there (though I think he's a good player), his contribution as a steadying influence and a leader have been very important. I don't know of any other senior player that has provided that this season. Lehmmann is insane, Toure started the Chelsea brawl (but has been good otherwise), Henry has been out for a lot of the season, etc... If Gilberto left along with Baptista, I'd also get concerned about Denilson looking for the door. Being a young Brazilian alone in London may not sit well with him - and now at least he has a couple older players to look after him.

 

[Mama Smurf]

It's the age old club vs country debate which I'm generally pretty neutral on, but ever since Domenech called up Makelele who had announced his international retirement and refused to back down over it, which would have led to a suspension at Chelsea if he'd refused, I've hated the bastard.

As for the penalty thing...I don't think it'll go ahead anyway, but I like the idea of the Premiership banning Football League clubs from winning promotion if they go ahead with it. We wouldn't even necessarily have to have a closed off Premiership, teams could get promoted from the Conference (the first league below the Premiership out of the Football League's control) instead. They wouldn't be able to compete, but they would get a crapload of money from TV rights and the chance to face the big sides.

It wouldn't come to that though, with no prospect of promotion the Football League would cave in...oh, I give it 20 seconds.

 

[Shinobi]

I've never really rated Gilberto Silva as highly as others, if they can get decent money they should sell (or better yet, try and trade him for Hargreaves to get some money off). Especially with the emergence of Denilson and all their other defensive midfielders. I really don't think he stands above them.

As much as I love Silva this season, I'd give a lot of thought to selling him. Denilson's already good enough to start regularly for this team in my view, and Diaby already was a year ago, who I consider more a middle of the park player than a winger. And as MS mentioned, we've also got Flamini, Song and the apparant 'next Fabregas' Merida (there's something really, really ****ed up about that proclaimation :lol). Shit, even Beast can play mid, though it's still 50/50 that he sticks around. Frankly we're overloaded in the middle of the park. They could use the cash to help fill out their needs elsewhere (young keeper, fox in the box striker, proper winger and another defender).

A Hargreaves for Silva & cash swap would be interesting though...if nothing else it'd get another (Canadian) English player on the team, in case this idiotic EU rule ever comes into play. I'm not sure if Hargreaves is dead set on Man U or bust...I think it's more EPL or bust, and Man U happen to be the (only) team that's gone after him aggresively. But I do think Man U are the favourites, and will probably be his destination.

"Thierry Henry is a player being very well paid by his club. If the French Federation paid Henry, I would then ask Domenech's opinion."

:lol You tell him. It was amusing hearing his rebuttal to Wenger, then seeing that idiot Platini (who I can already see is going to be as annoying as Sapp Blatter) defending this clown. ER HOW DID A FRIENDLY IN AUGUST INJURE HIM NOW LOLZ. Shit builds up over time...Walcott's shoulder injury is something he had when he was in Southampton and got progressively worse. Also, it wasn't just August...as Wenger stated he played 90 minutes in a meaningless game against Argentina a couple months ago, and far as I know he played full minutes in the other France fixtures. Which is remarkable considering Henry got subbed out during the World Cup final. :lol

Also this is the same clown who's kept bringing back Makalakaelele even though he quit the team a year ago. So how anyone can defend this maggot is beyond me.

 

[psycho_snake]

United are able to outbid Arsenal if all Bayern want is money. However, if they don't want to sell without a replacement midfielder in place, a swap of Silva + cash might be very tempting to them.

You've mentioned Hargreaves wanting to be nearer his family before, do you have a link? I'm not saying I don't believe you, I've just never read that. And even London is a hell of a lot closer than Bayern.

Back ups to Denilson: Flamini, Diaby, Song, other youngsters coming through

I cant find the exact quote saying that the move is because of his family, but I remember reading somewhere that he said he wants to move to United because his family live in bolton.

As for the denilson back ups, they're ok, but it could do with strengthening. Without Gilberto its an inexperienced and rather average group of players. Arsenal have relied so heavily on Cesc. Fabregas could have done with a good rest midway through the season, but arsenal didnt have anyone to replace him with. Maybe diaby will prove to be good enough, but its difficult to say since he's been injured and we've seen much of him. A cesc and denilson partnership will turn out to be one of the best in the world with a bit of time, but arsenal do mneed someone who has got the experience and leadership to help those two.

 

[Cornballer]

Does anyone know what's going on with Baptista's injury? I heard he had a "bad back injury", but I haven't heard anything since then. He isn't listed on the injury summary for the weekend. Apparently this was also the reason for the Wenger-Baptista argument on the sideline Wednesday, as well.

 

[Mama Smurf]

As for the denilson back ups, they're ok, but it could do with strengthening.

I think Denilson and Diaby are at least as good as Silva, Flamini and Song maybe slightly behind but you'd expect that when getting down the order.

Without Gilberto its an inexperienced and rather average group of players.

Inexperienced, sure, but not average. Fabregas was just an inexperienced not too long ago. Denilson has been the captain of all the Brazil age groups he's played in and has already made the actual squad, there's no way he could be called average.

Flamini has been called up to the France squad before, Diaby is in the current squad for their next two French qualifiers. Song has been starring for Chalrton...I know it's just Charlton, but he's still been the man to watch.

I do agree they should go for experience though, but that experience has to come with top quality as well which I just feel Silva lacks.

Arsenal have relied so heavily on Cesc. Fabregas could have done with a good rest midway through the season, but arsenal didnt have anyone to replace him with. Maybe diaby will prove to be good enough, but its difficult to say since he's been injured. Denilson has shown a lot of promise, but is he good enough to play 30-40 games consistantly throughout a season?

I don't think Fabregas has played so much because there's no one to replace him with. He was one of the few first teamers who played in the League Cup games, a definite time he could have been rested if Wenger wanted to. And Baptista/Rosicky can play that position (I think Hleb played there at his last club too), it was definitely possible to rest him, they just didn't feel the need to. I haven't noticed any drop in his performances either.

 

[hadareud]

just listened to an arsecast interview with a guy from France Football. The guy spoke to Henry and Henry admitted that he blames Domenech for his rotten injury luck this season too.

The Arsecast is highly recommendable by the way, the guy that's doing it is quite funny. And I can't help but love the Irish accent.

edit: interestingly enough - Domenech has not watched a single Premiership game in person so far. Wenger has not even got to personally talk with the guy yet, as Wenger confirms in above interview. What kind of person is this?

 

[Cornballer]

The Arsecast is highly recommendable by the way, the guy that's doing it is quite funny. And I can't help but love the Irish accent.

Yeah, I need to check that out. I keep on forgetting to listen to it over the weekend.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I'm hoping Blackburn will be joint 8th by the end of this weekend.

We have West Ham at home on Saturday, and I can only hope their loss to Spurs in such a crappy way will have disheartened them rather than made them realise that if they put the effort in, they could win games. Aside from the long term injuries our squad is looking ok, though Nelsen might have to be rested 'cos of a slight injury, and Mokoena is suspended.

I'm not at all certain we'll win, but hopeful.

The teams above us and within grabbing distance are Portsmouth, Spurs, Reading, Everton and maybe just about Bolton.

5 Bolton 29 0 47
6 Everton 29 11 43
7 Reading 29 5 43
8 Tottenham 29 -3 42
9 Portsmouth 29 5 41
10 Blackburn 29 -4 40

Bolton are away to Man Utd and will hopefully lose. Everton are at home to Arsenal and again, hopefully lose. Reading and Portsmouth are playing each other, so I'll hope for a draw, but whatever happens we should at least move up to level points with one of them. Spurs have Watford at home to that should be a Spurs win.

5 Bolton 30 -1 47
6 Tottenham 30 -2 45
7 Reading 30 5 44
8 Everton 30 10 43
9 Blackburn 30 -3 43
10 Portsmouth 30 5 42

That's my realistic hope anyway, well within striking distance of Europe. If Reading were to beat Portsmouth, which they may very well, that'd make things harder.

 

[psycho_snake]

I do agree they should go for experience though, but that experience has to come with top quality as well which I just feel Silva lacks.

Gilberto isnt as good as someone like vieira, but i still rate him highly. The only thing he's got going against him is his age. Silva has been good this season, but he wont have many more season like this. After thinking about it denilson and diaby are better options than gilberto. They're about as good as he is and and they've both got long futures ahead of them. Maybe it is worth selling gilberto. Considering United have had a very successful season wityh carrick and scholes in midfield with fletcher and o'shea as back-up, arsenal could manage with cesc, denilson, diaby and flamini. They might be better off without song; they dont really need him. The only probelm is that there is a lack of experience, but Cesc has matured very qucikly and he can take the next step up and become a leader in midfield.

I don't think Fabregas has played so much because there's no one to replace him with. He was one of the few first teamers who played in the League Cup games, a definite time he could have been rested if Wenger wanted to. And Baptista/Rosicky can play that position (I think Hleb played there at his last club too), it was definitely possible to rest him, they just didn't feel the need to. I haven't noticed any drop in his performances either.

I really thought that baptista would be revalation, but he's been a disappointment this season. Hleb has been a disappointment too. Wenger could take Cesc off, but he'd have to put an inferior player like baptista or hleb on. Hleb and baptista are not good enough. Rosicky could play instead of cesc in certain and i think he should have done so. Cesc has looked tired and has lacked a bit of sharpness in a couple of games. Giving him a bit of a rest would have helped him.

 

[Mama Smurf]

I think he just had poorer games a couple of times rather than being tired, like any player.

I like Hleb, but he really needs to be aware of giving possession/stupid free kicks away. I think Baptista is a good 4th choice forward, but he certainly hasn't shown anything to suggest he should be ahead of Van Persie or Adebayor. We've rarely seen him from midfield so I can't comment on that.

EDIT: Do you think Barcelona would sell Messi? I mean, does he have a price, or is he like Kaka at Milan where they're just not going to sell him? Barca tend to have lots of talent coming through in those sorts of positions, maybe they'd cash in.

I think he'd be a much better buy for Arsenal than Eto'o. So would Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, but I figure they're even harder to get than Messi. That goalscoring winger is one of the key elements to taking Arsenal back up to the top, but they're hard to find. I'm not sure if Robinho or Ribery would do it...they'd be good players, but will they get 10+ goals a season from the wing? Maybe, but I think it'd be smarter to try and get players you know will.

 

[Cornballer]

I don't think Barcelona have any interest in selling Messi. Not that I have good information this or anything - I just haven't heard any news of him being unsettled or any other team sniffing around him. Not even rumors.

Of interest - a goalscoring midfielder is almost always necessary to really put your team over the top. I think the team that won the Premier League the past 6-8 years (at least) has always had the leading midfielder scorer in the league. It was Scholes once, Pires and Ljungberg, Lampard, and now it looks like Ronaldo will do it for ManU. I read this stat a few years ago, and it seems to hold. It'd be nice for Arsenal to find someone that can put a few in from midfield.

Wenger - Baptista puts the team ahead of himself
By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has praised Julio Baptista for putting the needs of the Arsenal team ahead of his desire to secure a permanent move to Emirates Stadium.

The burly Brazilian attacker is on loan from Real Madrid and his manager told Arsenal TV Online on Thursday that the next 10 games would decide whether he stayed in the summer or went back to Spain.

With Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie out in the long term it would seem Baptista will get an extended run in the side from now until the end of the campaign. But, Wenger argues, the 25-year-old is taking an altruistic approach.

“Julio has a good spirit and, after Eindhoven, we are more concerned to get good results back than about individual performance,” said Wenger. “He is right in that frame of mind and he will work hard for the team even if it damages his efficiency.”

“[His future] depends on Real Madrid as well. It is linked [with Reyes, who is on loan at the Bernabeu]. He is injured at the moment with a knee problem. Spain finishes later than us they end in June so I don’t know what they will decide.

“Jose wants to stay in Spain and Julio enjoys it very much with us. The passion, the spirit and the fact he plays in the team. He is very positive about his experience here.”

Not sure what to read into this in terms of Baptista's future at Arsenal. Wenger does like him, eh?

Wenger - Gilberto is going nowhere
By Richard Clarke

Arsène Wenger has slammed the door shut on the possibility of Gilberto moving to Juventus.

The story surfaced recently in the Italian press but was flatly denied when the Arsenal manager spoke at his usual Friday press conference.

“He is under contract, we have had no offer so the subject is closed,” said Wenger.

“Let him go to the end of his contract and then we will see. But we might well extend because he is an important player for us.

“To be honest I have never heard the story. In the Italian newspapers they talk about him, the German newspapers talk about Lehmann, the Spanish newspapers talk about Baptista and the Swedish papers talk about Ljungberg. I simply can not control all that.”

 

[hadareud]

I don't think we can get Messi, I'd love it though.

I think Gilberto is underrated. His play is very deceptive, you hardly see him - but he does the majority of the defensive work in midfield. In a word, he is a very important for this team and I think he can do a great job for another year or two. The young players like Denilson and Diaby can learn a lot from him and they will slowly take over from him. I'd rather sell Flamini to be honest.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Of interest - a goalscoring midfielder is almost always necessary to really put your team over the top. I think the team that won the Premier League the past 6-8 years (at least) has always had the leading midfielder scorer in the league. It was Scholes once, Pires and Ljungberg, Lampard, and now it looks like Ronaldo will do it for ManU. I read this stat a few years ago, and it seems to hold. It'd be nice for Arsenal to find someone that can put a few in from midfield.

2006/07 so far - Man Utd?

Ronaldo 16 (2)
Lampard 11 (3)
G. Silva 8 (3)
Arteta 8 (4)
Barry 8 (5)

2005/06 - Chelsea

Lampard 16 (4)
Gerrard 10 (2)
Pedersen 9
Nolan 9
Giannakopoulos 9
Ronaldo 9
J Cole 8

2004/05 - Chelsea

Pires 14 (1)
Lampard 13 (3)
Cahill 11
Ljungberg 10
Wright-Phillips 10
Boa Morte 9
Scholes 9*
J Cole 8*
Garcia 8*
Solano 8*

2003/04 - Arsenal

Pires 14
Lampard 10 (2)
Djorkaeff 9 (1)
Scholes 9*
Nolan 9*
Boa Morte 9*
Juninho 8*

2002/03 - Man Utd

Kewell 14
Scholes 14
Pires 14 (1)
Duff 9
Giggs 8*
Dunn 8*
Sinclair 8*

(0) penalties
* maybe took penalties, stats weren't just there and couldn't be bothered checking

It almost works.

We'll see what happens in the last 10 games, but I'm kind of disappointed by the midfielders this season, except Ronaldo and Lampard.

 

[Cornballer]

Thanks for looking that up. I guess it doesn't work every single time, but it seems like the influence of a goal-scoring midfielder is pretty important.

I had hoped that one of the Arsenal midfielders would step up and bag 10+ goals this season, but it hasn't happened. Maybe Rosicky can fill that role next season.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Those are just Premiership goals btw.

Note Gerrard's disappointing absence from all but one of those seasons.

 

[kaizoku]

I didnt mean its Man Utd or bust for Hargreaves, but its like the Beckham situation. He wanted to leave Utd, he had offers from all over but he went to Madrid for a relatively cheap price - because he demanded Madrid. Hargreaves may not have that option because his contract still has time and Man Utd wont wait for it to run down.

So its whether Munich will accept Utd's max valuation, we WILL go in for him again in the Summer, he WILL be desperate to move and it will be his last chance imo. But will the club's valuation match? If Man Utd wont match Bayern's asking price, I dont think anyone but Chelsea would.

As for Messi - I would bet good money on him staying at Barca for life. He will be their Raul. and its hilarious for Arsenal to be looking at players of that stature :lol Kaka may leave Milan in the Summer imo.

 

[Mama Smurf]

Why is it hilarious? They have Gallas, one of the best defenders in the world. Fabregas, one of the best midfielders and Henry...probably the best striker. Eto'o says he'd like to play for Arsenal, he's no lower stature than Messi. They just haven't had the money to make such big moves before.

Liverpool are probably richer than United now, you know? Your stadium is keeping you in it, but their investment is huge and they've got their own stadium on the way. They apparently have a £150m warchest for signings this summer, and if that's true they could outbid you on Hargreaves and still be left with a bigger transfer budget than you'd have in 3 years together. I don't know if they want Hargreaves though.

I don't think it's his last chance either. It's a position he could play at the top level up to 35, and his contract with Bayern runs out when he's 29. And if they don't want to lose him on a free, he could be available at 28.

 

[Ryck]

As for Messi - I would bet good money on him staying at Barca for life. He will be their Raul. and its hilarious for Arsenal to be looking at players of that stature :lol Kaka may leave Milan in the Summer imo.

God your an idiot...

 

[Yazan]

Kaka may leave Milan in the Summer imo.

Real Madrid and the assholes Calderon and Mijatovic can always dream about buying him, but IF (never gonna happen) we sell him, he would hopefully go to either Barca or Chelsea

 

[psycho_snake]

EDIT: Do you think Barcelona would sell Messi? I mean, does he have a price, or is he like Kaka at Milan where they're just not going to sell him? Barca tend to have lots of talent coming through in those sorts of positions, maybe they'd cash in.

I think he'd be a much better buy for Arsenal than Eto'o. So would Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, but I figure they're even harder to get than Messi. That goalscoring winger is one of the key elements to taking Arsenal back up to the top, but they're hard to find. I'm not sure if Robinho or Ribery would do it...they'd be good players, but will they get 10+ goals a season from the wing? Maybe, but I think it'd be smarter to try and get players you know will.

My dad told me that there were rumours in the italian press regarding Inter making a bid for messi. Apparently Inter are prempared to offer 30 million euos plus adriano and samuel. Thats one hell of deal if its true, but I reckon even if it is true barca will reject it.

Ofcourse its smarter for Arsenal to try and buy someone like messi, but its very unlikely to happen because he's going to be very very expensive. If the rumours are true about ronaldinho leaving then barca will definately not sell him.

Liverpool are probably richer than United now, you know? Your stadium is keeping you in it, but their investment is huge and they've got their own stadium on the way. They apparently have a £150m warchest for signings this summer, and if that's true they could outbid you on Hargreaves and still be left with a bigger transfer budget than you'd have in 3 years together. I don't know if they want Hargreaves though.

Where the hell did you read that!?

 

[psycho_snake]

Fergie has won manager of the month and Giigs has won player of the moneth. Its difficult to believe that before this season Giggs had never won a player of the month award.

 

[Mama Smurf]

My dad told me that there were rumours in the italian press regarding Inter making a bid for messi. Apparently Inter are prempared to offer 30 million euos plus adriano and samuel. Thats one hell of deal if its true, but I reckon even if it is true barca will reject it.

That's a terrible deal, £20m plus Adriano who's been out of form forever and Inter don't even play most of the time plus the ridiculously overrated Samuel? I'd spit in their faces for even making the offer.

Where the hell did you read that!?

All over the place. Search google for £150m warchest and you'll get plenty of results. Whether true or not, I don't think anyone but Chelsea will be able to outspend them this summer, and maybe not even Chelsea depending on how Abramovich is feeling.

 

[bud]

Question: which teams in the premier league play in a 4-3-3 system?

 

[Mama Smurf]

I think Villa and Bolton are the only two who do more often than not.

 

[Wes]

Question: which teams in the premier league play in a 4-3-3 system?

I don't think any teams regularly play only that formation but from what I've seen this season both Man Utd and Chelsea do on many occasions, basically because of the quality of their players they can afford to push forward.

I don't really like to call it a 4-3-3 because essentially it's a 4-5-1 but with the wingers insanely far forward (an example being Arjen Robben at Chelsea, always down the left hand side but usually so far forward he could be described as a forward).

My opinion at least.

 

[Ryck]

Yeah it's a 4-5-1 or 4-3-2-1 with the wingers in attack.. its rarely if ever a true 4-3-3 ( with three true fowards)

 

[bud]

thanks