By Stephen Darwin
Kick-off Wednesday, February 10, 2010 – 19:45 GMT
Villa Park, Birmingham
In what is becoming an all too familiar scenario this season, Manchester United take on Aston Villa with the chance of regaining top spot in the Premier League - if only for 15 minutes.
With Chelsea travelling to Goodison Park to tackle Everton in one of the two late kick-off's on Wednesday evening, United can leapfrog Carlo Ancelotti's Blues with a win at Villa Park - a ground that has proved a happy hunting ground for the Red Devils in the past.
Sir Alex Ferguson's charges have won nine of their last 13 Premier League games away to the Villans, although Martin O'Neill's current Villa side are arguably stronger than they have ever been in seasons gone by.
Having picked up the notable scalp of beating the champions at Old Trafford back in December, Villa have only lost two games in all competitions since then and are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run.
United haven't lost in the league since their capitulation at the hands of Fulham in the middle of December and, with an attack spearheaded by the superlative Wayne Rooney, have been in scintillating form of late.
Villa certainly have as good a chance as ever of claiming a Champions League spot this season and victory over United would undoubtedly provide a decent springboard for O'Neill's side to go on and mount an assault on fourth place.
FORM GUIDE
Aston Villa
6 Feb: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
30 Jan: Fulham 0-2 Aston Villa (Premier League)
27 Jan: Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal (Premier League)
23 Jan: Aston Villa 3-2 Brighton (FA Cup)
20 Jan: Aston Villa 6-4 Blackburn Rovers (League Cup)
Manchester United
6 Feb: Manchester United 5-0 Portsmouth (Premier League)
31 Jan: Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United (Premier League)
27 Jan: Manchester United 3-1 Manchester City (League Cup)
23 Jan: Manchester United 4-0 Hull City (Premier League)
19 Jan: Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (League Cup)
TEAM NEWS
Aston Villa
England front man Emile Heskey is a doubt with a groin injury after he limped out of Saturday's 0-0 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.
John Carew is likely to step in to replace the former Liverpool man but left-back Stephen Warnock remains sidelined with a shin problem.
Possible starting XI: Friedel; L.Young, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar; Downing, Petrov, Milner, A.Young; Agbonlahor, Carew.
Manchester United
United continue to have problems at centre-back with Wes Brown and Jonny Evans likely to start at the heart of defence with Rio Ferdinand still banned and Nemanja Vidic doubtful with a leg injury.
Ferguson could call upon experienced duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes having rested the pair during Saturday's 5-0 demolition of Portsmouth.
Possible starting XI: Van der Sar; Evra, Brown, Evans, Rafael; Giggs, Scholes, Fletcher, Carrick, Valencia; Rooney.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Aston Villa - Gabriel Agbonlahor
Agbonlahor seems to enjoy playing against Manchester United far more than most having netted in four consecutive seasons against the Red Devils and he'll be desperate to build on the winning goal he notched at Old Trafford at the back end of last year on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old's hopes of gaining a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for this summer's World Cup are surely fading although a flurry of goals before the season's end may just see him sneak on the plane jetting to South Africa.
Manchester United - Wayne Rooney
Having admitted that he's in the form of his life at present after scoring seven goals in his last four games, Rooney will once again take centre stage at Villa Park on Wednesday.
England's hopes of World Cup glory may just be resting squarely on his shoulders come June but with United pressing for honours both domestically and in Europe, the ex-Everton star's immediate attention will be focused on improving an impressive record that has seen him score five Premier League goals in his last six starts against the Villans.
PREDICTION
Villa's recent record of having lost just once in five Premier League games against the so-called 'Big Four' and given that they have the best defensive record in the league to boot, makes this a really difficult encounter to call.
That said, given that O'Neill's side have failed to score in their last three home games in the league and with Rooney's current form thrown into the mix, United should just come out on top.
Aston Villa 1–2 Manchester United
Big match of 09/10 English Premier League on 29th August 2009. Scorer Arshavin, Wayne Rooney and Diaby.
It was a day of dramatic in English Premier League yesterday as Man United clinched their 17th league title. It is 10th under Sir Alex Ferguson and also number 10 for Ryan Giggs. And Giggs also got an honour after equalling equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances for the club.
It has been 3 days I am not writing here and a lot of football action happen especially in top league in Europe.
English Premier League
Man Utd beat West Ham 4-1 and last night Chelsea beat Newcastle 2-0 to take the title decider to the final day. On the final day Man Utd will face Wigan who defeat Aston Villa recently and Chelsea will face Bolton. Chelsea will become the winner on the final day if they level the point and win with big goal margin.
Spanish Primera Liga
In the Spanish Primera Liga, Real Madrid who defeat Osasuna retaining their trophies for the second consecutive year. Villareal who make good fight this season claiming second spot in the league. For Barcelona, the will end the season without any trophy in hand.
Italian Serie A
Last week game focus on Inter versus AC Milan. The game won by AC Milan and they open the path to UEFA Champions League next season. A goal from Fillippo Inzaghi and Kaka put Milan in front before Julio Cruz struck Kalac nets to make it classic Italian game.
Let's finish the season with enjoyment and EURO 2008 in June will make this year a great year for football.
Chelsea still put a fight in Barclays Premier League title chase after beating Man United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Michael Ballack got the header in the first half and cancelling Rooney goal with a spot kick after foul conceded by Michael Carrick in the dying minutes of the game. It was a morale boost for Avram Grant men as they will face Liverpool in the second leg of UEFA Champions League on Wednesday at the same pitch.
Man United currently in some stage of pressure as they need to win the last two games against West Ham (home) and Wigan (away) to ensure the BPL championship. Before that on Tuesday have uphill task, facing Barcelona in the second leg of UEFA Champions League. They need to win that game also if they still want a double championship this season.
The line up for Man United yesterday is not the best. Sir Alex Ferguson leave Ronaldo and Tevez at the bench maybe to give room for both player prepare for the midweek match. However the plan was not well as Sir Alex lost Vidic and Rooney after both of them out by injuries.
The Blues seems very confident in putting a fight for both BPL and UCL trophies. They might win those trophies or Man United will lost both.
Futsal UEFA Cup
This week I got a chance to watch my Futsal UEFA Cup semi final matches which has been held in Moscow, Russia. First semifinal match was not very interesting to watch. But for me, the
match between El Pozo Murcia (Spain) and Dinamo Moscow (Russia) was much more appealing to watch. The game ended after El Pozo win the penalty decider.
The final match is between Russia club (don’t know it’s name) versus El Pozo. Unfortunately, I don’t know when the game will be played.
PES 2008
Last week I bought PES 2008 DVD. It has been a long time I am not playing console. Hopefully I can play it this week at my nephew’s house. Actually I don’t have a console. I am only game supplier for my nephew.
Setelah mengharungi 4 perlawanan liga UTP, pasukan Staff FC pada tahun ini tidak layak ke saingan suku akhir. Menurut wartawan ia adalah pencapaian terburuk setelah beberapa tahun beliau mewakili pasukan staf. Walaupun pasukan staf mempunyai pemain-pemain mantap di beberapa posisi ditambah dengan pemain import, tetapi persefahaman di kalangan pemain dilihat masih kurang serasi.
Dengan keputusan seri yang dicatat
Kini persaingan suku akhir hampir berakhir. Liverpool dan
Source: Soccernet
Chelsea have confirmed that manager Jose Mourinho has left the Stamford Bridge club by 'mutual consent' after three trophy-laden years at the helm.
A club statement claims that the decision was reached after the launch of a new Chelsea documentary - Blue Revolution - at the Vue cinema in Fulham on Wednesday night, where an emotional Mourinho refused to talk to the press.
However, the rumours of his departure began earlier in the day and claimed that billionaire owner Roman Abramovich called crisis talks following Tuesday night's disappointing 1-1 draw with Norwegian minnows Rosenborg in the Champions League, at which the fractious duo had a furious falling out.
Mourinho is believed to have informed senior players of his departure following training on Wednesday and one of those players insists that the manager has not resigned but has been sacked by the Blues.
Mourinho's rocky relationship with Abramovich was public knowledge and despite an apparent thaw in relations last season the duo were again at odds over the role of £30million striker Andrei Shevchenko and the Blues' dour style of football even before Tuesday's result brought events to a head.
The Portuguese manager, who has won the Champions League with Porto and two Premier League titles as Chelsea manager, was the subject of continual scrutiny last season and hinted at an exit last summer when he admitted he 'was a bit fed up with certain things' at the club.
After three-years at the London club the self-styled 'Special One' is expected to attend training for the final time on Thursday, when he will say good bye to his players.
Chelsea lost their title to Manchester United last season and have started this campaign with some lacklustre displays.
Their last two Premier League games ended in a defeat at Aston Villa and a 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers, leaving them fifth in the table.
Tuesday's draw with Rosenborg Trondheim in the Champions League was watched by just 25,000 fans.
Chelsea's next match is against Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Chelsea have confirmed that manager Jose Mourinho has left the Stamford Bridge club by 'mutual consent' after three trophy-laden years at the helm.
A club statement claims that the decision was reached after the launch of a new Chelsea documentary - Blue Revolution - at the Vue cinema in Fulham on Wednesday night, where an emotional Mourinho refused to talk to the press.
However, the rumours of his departure began earlier in the day and claimed that billionaire owner Roman Abramovich called crisis talks following Tuesday night's disappointing 1-1 draw with Norwegian minnows Rosenborg in the Champions League, at which the fractious duo had a furious falling out.
Mourinho is believed to have informed senior players of his departure following training on Wednesday and one of those players insists that the manager has not resigned but has been sacked by the Blues.
Mourinho's rocky relationship with Abramovich was public knowledge and despite an apparent thaw in relations last season the duo were again at odds over the role of £30million striker Andrei Shevchenko and the Blues' dour style of football even before Tuesday's result brought events to a head.
The Portuguese manager, who has won the Champions League with Porto and two Premier League titles as Chelsea manager, was the subject of continual scrutiny last season and hinted at an exit last summer when he admitted he 'was a bit fed up with certain things' at the club.
After three-years at the London club the self-styled 'Special One' is expected to attend training for the final time on Thursday, when he will say good bye to his players.
Chelsea lost their title to Manchester United last season and have started this campaign with some lacklustre displays.
Their last two Premier League games ended in a defeat at Aston Villa and a 0-0 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers, leaving them fifth in the table.
Tuesday's draw with Rosenborg Trondheim in the Champions League was watched by just 25,000 fans.
Chelsea's next match is against Premier League champions Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United come out with the late winner earlier today and this is the third consecutive win. In 83rd minutes Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic to score a vital goal at Goodison Park to send his side level on points at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have struggled for form and goals over the first month of the season, appeared to be heading for their third draw in six matches as Everton matched them for long periods at Goodison Park. Everton put a good fight as midweek hero James McFadden partnership with Andrew Johnson to test Van De Sar at the back line.
With Ronaldo back in the squad after serving a three-match suspension for head-butting Portsmouth's Richard Hughes last month, Manchester United still struggling upfront even though they got Tevez.
It was a lucky point for Manchester United as Nani's corner headed by high climbing Vidic and break the deadlock.
by FourFourTwo
1. Kaka (AC Milan/Brazil)
2. Ronaldo (Man Utd/Portugal)
3. Ronaldinho (Barcelona/Brazil)
4. Henry (Barcelona/France)
5. Messi (Barcelona/Argentina)
6. Gerrard (Liverpool/England)
7. Eto'o (Barcelona/Cameroon)
8. Rooney (Man Utd/England)
9. Buffon (Juventus/Italy)
10. Cannavaro (Real Madrid/Italy)
In October issue of FourFourTwo Magazine, they have picks 100 finest footballers for 2006/2007 season. List above is the top 10 footballers. Kaka deserve to be chosen as number one as Ronaldo trailing behind. Top quality performance by Ronaldo and Rooney which instrumenting Man Utd for last season English Premier League is superb. However, both of them unable to help Man Utd for Champions League throphy.
There are four Barcelona players in the top picks, so we should expect how Barca will perform this season. Even though Ronaldinho seems to be faded last season, he might be make a come back this after brilliant performance last week.
Two Italian players is there maybe for their magnificent performance in World Cup 2006, and achievement in club level. Buffon; prove his loyalty to Juventus, and Cannavaro is the Best Player in the last World Cup.
The only African players in the top 10 list is Samuel Eto'o. Still to prove he is the best African players in the recent season.
You'll love this picks? Please vote at FourFourTwo.
| Middlesbrough | 2 - 0 | Birmingham City | 01 September 2007 | |
| Liverpool | 6 - 0 | Derby County | 01 September 2007 | |
| Bolton Wanderers | 1 - 2 | Everton | 01 September 2007 | |
| Manchester United | 1 - 0 | Sunderland | 01 September 2007 | |
| Fulham | 3 - 3 | Tottenham Hotspur | 01 September 2007 | |
| Reading | 0 - 3 | West Ham United | 01 September 2007 | |
| Newcastle United | 1 - 0 | Wigan Athletic | 01 September 2007 | |
| Aston Villa | 2 - 0 | Chelsea | 02 September 2007 | |
| Blackburn Rovers | 1 - 0 | Manchester City | 02 September 2007 | |
| Arsenal | 3 - 1 | Portsmouth | 02 September 2007 | |
| Derby County | 1 - 2 | Birmingham City | 25 August 2007 | |
| Everton | 1 - 1 | Blackburn Rovers | 25 August 2007 | |
| Aston Villa | 2 - 1 | Fulham | 25 August 2007 | |
| Sunderland | 0 - 2 | Liverpool | 25 August 2007 | |
| Arsenal | 1 - 0 | Manchester City | 25 August 2007 | |
| Chelsea | 1 - 0 | Portsmouth | 25 August 2007 | |
| Bolton Wanderers | 3 - 0 | Reading | 25 August 2007 | |
| West Ham United | 1 - 1 | Wigan Athletic | 25 August 2007 | |
| Middlesbrough | 2 - 2 | Newcastle United | 26 August 2007 | |
| Manchester United | 1 - 0 | Tottenham Hotspur | 26 August 2007 | |
Source: Yahoo! Eurosport
It's the worst ever start by the defending champion, Man Utd. Losing four points form three games. They dominated most of the game possession and got all the corner kicks, but the sting of finishing is not there. And the beautiful deflected strike by Geovanni demolished the champion. Carlitos Tevez is not really a target man; he can play better as supporting striker or maybe he still yet to adapt to Utd playing style. There are a lot of crosses by the flanks that should be converted to goal, but credit also given to City defender and their goalkeeper.
Good to see Owen Hargreaves filled the gap as defensive midfielder and Michael Carrick should move forward to help faded Paul Scholes.
Just wondering what are the next steps from Sir Alex. They should realize all the team in the league are getting better. They lost Rooney for two months and Ronaldo for three match; golden boys for United last season seems not showing their character yet.
The question is, can United bounce back or keeping fading in the most competitive football league in the world?
For me, this is very good season opener for both team. Very nice goal from Ryan Giggs and Florent Malouda. I believe Malouda and Ben Haim is worth summer signing for Chelsea. The only new signing on the pitch for Man Utd yesterday was Nani. I just wait for a moment he score and do a backflip. Hopefully, we can see many more action in English Premier League (EPL) this season.
