Uefa Champions League 08-09: Quarter Finals Schedule and Line up

After the second leg match of knock out tournament, it was almost final that which football clubs are going to play the Quarter Finals and the first league matches of the quarter-final will be taken place on 7, 8 April and the second leg matches on 14, 15 April 2009.

 

Here, I am giving the quarter final line up of Champions League 2008-09:

Champions League 2008-09 Quarter Final Line up
Competing Teams
Villarreal (Spain)	Arsenal (England)
Manchester United (England)	FC Porto (Portugal)
Liverpool (England)	Chelsea (England)
Barcelona (Spain)	Bayern Munich (Germany)

 

Top four English clubs are the most exciting parts of the champions’ League. And the other clubs two from Spain and rest two are from Germany and Portugal.

Now, it is also final that which team will play matches each others and what they think about the draw. I found something about the mach conditions and what the teams could do. There is not doubt that the football lovers will enjoy the most exciting events this year.

Cristiano Ronaldo Wants to Stay at Manchester United and Win More Trophies

Cristiano Ronaldo has recently received his European Player of the Year award in France. Manchester United manage Sir Alex Ferguson was also present in the award giving ceremony held in Paris, France. Ronaldo received the golden ball from France Football magazine. Manchester United’s Portuguese star thanked his teammates for their help in reaching him up to this level. 

After receiving the award, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed that he wanted more success with Manchester United. Having spent five seasons at Manchester United, Ronaldo feels United as his home. The 23-year-old clearly said that he was happy at the club and wanted to stay at Manchester United, bruising aside any more thought of linking him with Real Madrid. The youngster was heavily linked with Spanish champions Real Madrid during last summer and he was reportedly interested to join Real Madrid and the club was also ready for a world-record transfer deal for signing Ronaldo. However, that did not happen in the end.

 The Portugal international also said that he was an ambitious man and did not want to stop there. He now wants more success both collectively as well as individually. Ronaldo is happy to have reached at this level, but he thinks, the most important thing is to stay there and keep his development as a player. The player also expressed his wish to win a major title for Portugal national team. Cristiano Ronaldo has become the only fourth player from Manchester United to win the European Footballer of the Year award and the first player in 40 years since George Best won the title in 1968. Earlier, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton also won the award while playing for Manchester United. 

Related article:

Manchester United Pondering a New Five-Year Contract with Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United might offer Cristiano Ronaldo a new contract by which his current scale of salary, £120,000 a week, might increase up to £150,000 a week. Winner of this year’s European Footballer of the Year, Ronaldo still has three years left in his current contract. However, Manchester United wants to secure his future at the club by increasing his salary. The Portuguese winger was instrumental behind Manchester United’s ‘double’ last season. During Summer transfer window, Ronaldo was on the brink of joining Real Madrid who were overly interested to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, having seen his excellent form of last season. Even, Ronaldo himself was reportedly interested to join Real Madrid who were ready to make a record breaking deal to sing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo met manager Sir Alex Ferguson and club chief executive David Gill to discuss about a new five-year contract. If the new contract comes into existence, Ronaldo will be paid £8 million a year by Manchester United.

Telegraph reported:

Ronaldo is currently paid £120,000 a week but should a new deal be struck an extra £30,000 could be added to that, putting him on £8 million a year.

Despite pledging his future to United when Real talks subsided, it seems Ferguson is not happy to take any chances on Ronaldo's current contract which still has three years to run. The Scot is all too aware that Madrid are prepared to spend as much as £50 million on the winger and so ensuring another five years would end all chances of any similar speculation in the near future.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the season with injury and returned to action a bit late. However, the Portuguese star has not yet been as impressive as he was last season. Ronaldo recently said that he was very close to join Arsenal before Manchester United signed him for a £12.24 million transfer deal with Sporting Lisbon. Now, let us see if Manchester United really hands Cristiano Ronaldo a new contract with higher salary.

English Premier League 2008-09: Manchester United will take on Manchester City today and live score

Manchester United will take on Manchester City today in Manchester of the season in their important match. Both teams will face each other with the target of must win as they finished their last two matches goalless. To keep themselves in the competition and get boost, they have no more option except win. As it the home ground of Manchester City so, they will try their best to continue their impressive form over Manchester United. On the other hand, Manchester United will be looking to get back their prime form with the match. This exciting and nail biting will kick off at 13: 30 BST (British Standard Time).

Their recent impressive performance will boost Manchester City to take on Manchester United on their home ground. They defeated Arsenal 3-0 in the same ground. Let us see if they can continue their performance in the same basis or failed to defend ManU attack.

If you are die hard fan of football game and any of them is your favorite team then you should not want to miss the chance to enjoy the match. If you are unable to enjoy the match live on TV channels then you can search some websites where you can get updates ball by ball. To get a list of live football score and updates you can visit the link in below-

Manchester United vs Manchester City Preview and Live Score: Nov 30 2008

Liverpool vs Manchester United EPL 08-09: Liverpool Defeated United 2-1

Liverpool pulled off an excellent victory 2-1 over Manchester United and reached top of the table with ten points. Chelsea might replace them within few hours following their evening showdown at Manchester City. However, when Carlos Tevez opened scoring in the third minute of the match to put United ahead in the match, it seemed to be another story of ‘impressive-but-losing’ Liverpool. However, the All reds remained focused throughout the match and clinched two goals to pick up three points from the match.

Liverpool fans always blamed luck as it hardly comes in their favor. However, in today’s match, Liverpool needed a bit of luck to win the match as their equalizing goal came through an own goal by Wes Brown in the first half. Ryan Babel then scored the winning goal for Liverpool just 13 minutes off the time after coming off the bench in the second half. Manchester Uniteds received the last dent in their coffin when Nemanja Vidic was shown red card in stoppage time after being booked for the second time in the match.

This has been Liverpool’s first premier league victory against Manchester United in seven years since November 2001 and Liverpool got their first goal against Manchester United in the match after going through a goal draught for four matches. With this defeat, Manchester United was left with four points from three matches, while Liverpool stands atop the table with 10 points from four matches.

Related article:

Telegraph

Liverpool fans preparing for protest against owners ahead of Manchester United match

A group of Liverpool fans naming ‘The Spirit of Shankly group’ is expected to protest against the club’s unpopular owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett ahead of the high-profile clash with Manchester United. All Reds fans are furious and angry with the owners due to a number of reasons. First of all, the two owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are keeping a clear distance with club manager Rafael Benitez, making a serious impact on the team management.

Since taking over the club, the two owners failed to keep their words regarding a new stadium of Liverpool. Recent reports suggest that the owners are struggling to collect enough funds to initiate a new stadium. Moreover, the club owners are reportedly not funding on player transfer as per the wish of Rafael Benitez. Recently, Liverpool manager Benitez accused the board of failing to secure Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry who was Benitez’s target all through the summer.

Even the relationship between the two owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett has not been as good as it is needed for the well being of the club. Gillett once said that his relationship with Hicks had reached in a position termed as ‘unworkable’. Though he later admitted that his relation with Hicks had improved substantially, the anger and worry of Liverpool fans now seems to have reached at its peak with the clubs looking no improvement in any aspect. Meanwhile, reports also have it that the Dubai International Capital, who had earlier been interested to become the owner of the club, before Gillett and Hicks took over, is still interested to buy the shares of Gillett and Hicks.

Related article:

BBC

Liverpool vs Manchester United EPL 08-09: Preview and Live Score

Liverpool is going to take on Manchester United at home on 13 September 2008 as the fourth week of English Premier League gets underway following a week off due to world cup 2010 qualifying schedule. The rivalry between all reds (Liverpool) and the red devils (Manchester United) is always something special to premier league fans. Ahead of this much heated encounter, fans of both sides are now excited and expecting a mouth watering battle at Anfield stadium.

Match: Liverpool vs Manchester United, English Premier League 2008-2009

Date: 13 September 2008, Saturday

Venue: Anfield Stadium, Merseyside, Liverpool

Kick off: 12:45 BST (British Standard Time)

Live on: Sky Sports 1 Television Channel

It is a very important match for both sides. The match is not only a matter of three points; rather it is a matter of prestige. Manchester United came away with victory from Anfield in their previous two visits. So, Liverpool will look to stop Manchester United’s winning streak at Anfield this time around, seeking to take revenge of their previous two defeats that left a morale-denting mark on Liverpool.

The thing is that Liverpool played better than Manchester United in their home meetings in last two seasons, but still suffered 1-0 defeat on both occasions. In 2006-2007, Manchester United clinched a last minute strike thanks to John O'Shea and United sneaked away with three points from Anfield. Last season, it was Carlos Tevez who scored the winner for Manchester United.

Liverpool recent record against Manchester United is not impressive at all. The All Reds lost five out of their last six home encounters with Manchester United, while the other match was a draw. Moreover, Liverpool has not scored any goal against Manchester United at home for almost five years in premier league. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard thinks Liverpool needs to take some risks to win the early kick off against Manchester United on Saturday. Gerrard says, a victory over Manchester United will provide with huge psychological boost, besides three points.

Reuters reported:

"Over the last couple of years we've gone into games against United and Chelsea very organised tactically - defensive if you like - and still lost 1-0." Gerrard said.

"It's important a few risks are taken to try to score that goal against these teams because it gives you such a psychological boost."

However, Liverpool has got to contend with some major injury woes ahead of the much-waited showdown with Manchester United. Two of the key players: Captain Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres- are doubtful for the match as both of them are out of action with injury. Steven Gerrard has undergone a surgery to shake off his hamstring injury and missed England’s opening two world cup qualifiers. However, he is not yet confirmed for the match because it might a bit early to feature him in the heat of premier league. However, Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said he would need to take a last-minute decision on this regard and he is not worried about the injuries of two important players of the squad.

Bleacherreport reported:

"Clearly we have enough quality in the squad, so it is always important to look to the other players and sometimes they can give more to you than the big names."

"They can have the same quality and passion and they also have a lot to prove to the supporters."

"He [Gerrard] is progressing as for Fernando [Torres], He wants to play but I've been told it would be risky so it will be a last minute decision."

New signing Robbie Keane will be there to lead Liverpool attack looking to find his first goal for new club since his Summer move from Tottenham Hotspur to Liverpool. Striker Fernando Torres is mot likely to miss the Manchester United match as he could not yet shake off his hamstring injury. In the midfield, Ryan Babel will play behind Keane, while Xabi Alonso will continue his job as a holding midfielder for Liverpool.

Well, Manchester United is also missing their star winger Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest scorer of last season, ahead of the away game in Merseyside. However, it will not be a big problem for United as they have a number of effective options in Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and newly signed Dimitar Berbatov. However, the good thing is that Ryan Gigg is expected to be back in action after recovering his hamstring twinge that he picked up during United’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at home last month in their opening match in premier league this season. Rio Ferdinand is also fit for the match after shaking off his neck and back injuries that kept him out of England’s opening world cup qualifier against Andorra, but the United defender took part England’s 4-1 stunning victory over Croatia.

Fox Sports reported:

Giggs has been suffering with a hamstring twinge since the Newcastle match on August 17. The 34-year-old Welshman came off against Kevin Keegan's side when he felt a tightening in his hamstring to limit any damage.

Carrick had to pull out of the England squad after he suffered an ankle injury in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle, but is now expected to be available.

Liverpool picked up seven points from three matches and currently stands right behind leader Chelsea on goal difference. Manchester United did not have a good start as they could manage to clinch 4 points so far with a match at hand.

Online Live Score and Updates

Here, I am giving some online live score websites from where you can get the live score and updates of the exciting match:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

Liverpool vs Manchester United is always a big match which offers a lot for the football fans. Lots of things are at stake now ahead of the match. So, it is not easy to predict who is going to win the match at Anfield. However, I think, Liverpool will have a slight edge over the visiting side in the match, considering Liverpool’s spirited display in the opening matches of the season. However, Manchester United has a long squad and Alex Ferguson has a number of quality options to choose his best eleven for Liverpool encounter. So, it would not be fair to write off Manchester United. I just expect to see a hard-fought match between Liverpool and Manchester United.

Dimitar Berbatov, A Successful Spell at Manchester United

After a series of turns and twists, Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov has joined Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspur. Lots of dramas were staged around this high-profile transfer deal in Summer. Berbatov was one of the major targets for Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson all though the summer, but United found a number of bids rejected by Spurs during the transfer window, despite Dimitar Berbatov was eager to move to Old Trafford to participate in Champions League.

There were some other clubs who were also in the line up to sing the Bulgarian striker as he was linked with Manchester City as well as Chelsea for a possible move. However, it is believed that Dimitar Berbatov was desperate to join Manchester United. After all these extravaganzas, Dimitar Berbatov put his pen to paper at the last moment of the summer transfer window.

Now, the question is whether he will be able to replicate his Tottenham form at Old Trafford. Actually, Manchester United’s star-studded line up has a number of quality options in each and every position, giving a much-needed depth in the squad. Will he be given enough chances to cope up with Manchester United life?

Manchester United has some star strikers like Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, besides excellent winger Cristiano Ronaldo. So, their attacking line up is already enough to create fear among opposition defense. Now question is that where Ferguson would play Berbatov. Will he just remain as a big-budget cover?

Well, I think, he might prompt an always-welcome competition among the United players, specially among the attacking players including wingers, strikers and playmakers. In the presence of Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United strikers will find it tough to hold their regular place in the starting line up. Moreover, he is very tall with 6ft 2 ½ inches which is conducive for a striker. His ability to hold the ball, control the ball, cut inside or outside creating space, and most importantly excellent shooting target would help him make his presence felt at Manchester United. So, I see a good future for Dimitar Berbatov with Manchester United.

Related article:

Goal.com