England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifying: England Squad

England striker Michael Owen has failed to make it to the England squad once again as he has not been included in the 23-man squad declared by England manager Fabio Capello for the upcoming world cup 2010 qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and Belarus. England will face Kazakhstan at the Wembley stadium on 11 October 2008 and this will be the last home game for England this year. Last month, England started off well in their world cup qualifying campaign with victories against Andorra and then against Croatia. England’s laborious 2-0 victory against Andorra in Barcelona picked up three points but did not impress the fans, but in Croatia, England players outclassed the home side 4-1 with Theo Walcott scoring a remarkable hat trick. All the way, that was a confidence-booster performance against Croatia.

Manager Fabip Capello has brought some changes in the squad. Midfielder Steven Gerrard, who was injured during England’s opening two world cup qualifying matches, has been named in the squad, while winger Joe Cole has been ruled out with foot injury. Manchester City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips has got the reward for his excellent current form as he has been recalled to the England squad. Jimmy Bullard and David Bentley lost their place in the England side. Paul Robinson replaced injured Scott Carson as the third goalkeeper in the squad.

Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch is in the squad alongside Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott and Emile Heskey etc. Both Walcott and Heskey played very well against Croatia. Michael Owen scored 5 goals from six matches so far, but manager Fabio Capello thinks that it is not enough to get a place in the squad. He said that scoring goals does not indicate good form. That means, the manager does not think that Owen is in good form now, even though the Newcastle United captain has been in scoring form. Here, I am giving the names of the members of 23-man England squad from BBC:

England squad: James (Portsmouth), Green (West Ham), Carson (West Brom); Brown (Manchester United), Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Ferdinand (Manchester United), Lescott (Everton), Upson (West Ham), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Chelsea); Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Walcott (Arsenal), Barry (Aston Villa), Jenas (Tottenham), Lampard (Chelsea), Gerrard (Liverpool), Downing (Middlesbrough), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City); Heskey (Wigan), Crouch (Portsmouth), Rooney (Manchester United), Defoe (Portsmouth).

Manchester United Wins against Blackburn by 2-0

It seems that Manchester United have finally been back in their real form. It was an away match win for Manchester United. So, it was an impressive and very important victory. Wayne Rooney got a goal and Manchester United dominated most of the time in the match. With this win, Manchester United is now going to an important position. It seems that they may become the leader in the league table in EPL very soon. Manchester United is also doing well in Europe too. So, their fans would surely start to dream that they can make another double.

However, Manchester United is still at the 6^th position with 11 points from six matches. On the other hand, it seems that relegation is calling Bolton as they are in the 17^th position in the league table.

Related article:

Canadian Press

Arsenal Had a 1-1 Draw against Sunderland

The match took place at the stadium of light on 4 October 2008. It was a match that surprised many people. Many of Arsenal fans expected that it would be an easy win for the club. They had this kind of expectations after seeing that Arsenal demolished FC Porto in Europe in midweek. So, hardly any fan could think that Arsenal would be lucky just to draw the match. In fact, in the 92^nd minute, Cesc Fabregas provided the equalizer for the London club. Before that Sunderland took a lead. I saw the match and I like to say that none of the touring team could dominate in the match. This draw should inspire the fans of Sunderland and players too.

Well, this is a bad result for Arsenal because they will fall down further in the league table. In internet, I could see that whether it is the end of title hope for the London club. I do not think so because it is very early in the league and only 7 matches have been played by Arsenal. So, it is not the right time to jump to any conclusion. Before the start of the season, some people thought that Europe would have been more difficult for Arsenal than English premier league. Now, EPL is becoming more difficult than Europe.

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The People

India vs Australia: Spinner will be the turning point to win the Test Series

Ahead of the four-match test series against Australia, Indian coach Gary Kirsten has said that spin will be the big arm, which can be the series-deciding factor in the upcoming test series between India and Australia. Most of the venues in India favor for spin attack. So, spin will be a key factor in the upcoming test series.

Selectors of India team have called up third spinner, Amit Misra, as back-up for the star spin pair Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh for the first tow Tests. Tourist Australian cricket team will have to struggle hard with just one spinner Jason Krejza when one of their key spinners Bryce McGain left out because of shoulder injury. He was one of few players who could acclimatize with Indian sub-continent condition. Australia should feel the void of leg spinner McGain in the main squad. However,all rounder Cameron White has been named to replace Bryce McGain in the Australian team. It is not sure whether the only one off-spinner Jason Krejza can go over the world strongest batting line-up who are best to play against spin attack.

The pride of India’s strong spin attack comprised by veteran Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh is the cause of aware for Gary Kirsten. Though, he is confident about them because he knows that these bowlers can snatch the win from any condition.

He also urged his team not to raise the controversy which was published last month. He was suspected after asking retirement of five veteran players based on one test series in Sri Lanka who are into their 30s. They are: Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

However, Indian cricket team will try hard to ensure the best use of home condition against top ranked team Australia. Who do you think can win the series: India or Australia?

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SKY SPORTS

Manchester City vs Liverpool EPL 08-09: Preview, Live Score

I think that the match of Manchester City and Liverpool will be an exciting one as there is a lot to play for both of the clubs. It is not only playing for three points or improving league tables. It is more than that. It is mainly playing for honor and prestige. So, I am expecting a tough competition in this match. At this moment, Liverpool is at the second position of league table. One important thing to note about Liverpool is that the club has suffered the least amount of goals. So, Liverpool has got a very strong defense. Liverpool has at this moment 14 points from six matches and is in the second position behind Chelsea only on goal different. Chelsea has the same 14 points but has better goal difference.

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

Date: 5 October 2008, Sunday

Venue: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

Kick off: 15:00 BST (British Standard Time)

On the other hand, Manchester City has an impressive record too. They have scored the highest number of goals from six matches so far. So, it is clear that Manchester City has a very good attacking side. So, the match of Liverpool vs Manchester City will be of the best attacking force vs the best defense. Let us see who wins in this test. For Manchester City, the main concern is the form of their defense. They have some great players at the front. He is from Brazil and he is in splendid form for Manchester City in this season. Of course, you know that many people think that Manchester City is tomorrow’s Chelsea. It was purchased by some wealthy people in the Middle East and they are pouring a lot of money to make this club as one of the top clubs in England and in Europe. So, they have to try a lot and win matches. One of the problems that Manchester City is facing these days is that they are losing too many points. They do not have the killer instincts like big clubs. This is really a big problem for the City. If they want to win the premier league title then they have to do much batter than that. Rather, I think that they should try for a place in Europe next season. For this, they must be in the top four in premier league table by the end of this season.

For Liverpool, it is a good season so far. Their coach has suffered a lot of criticism until a month or two ago. Many fans were very unhappy that Liverpool was not performing in the premier league expectedly and this was something disappointing for the fans. So, they are happy that this season Liverpool is doing very well in England. Liverpool has also been in great form in Europe. So, many fans are dreaming for a double trophy this season.

One interesting thing to me is that Liverpool and Manchester City have started some debate about each other. For example, Liverpool player Dirk Kyut has said that Manchester City might have the cash, but they do not have class. He thinks that Manchester City is not a good team and they are only just wasting money. This kind of psychological warfare is very interesting. It normally happens before the world cup matches. I am excited to see that this kind of psychological exchanges is happening before such a league match in the early stage of the tournament.

You can find live score from some websites and I am giving some names of websites that will cover the match:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

I think that a lot will depend on the performance of Robinho in this match. If Robinho can shine then Liverpool will have a very difficult time to adjust with him. So, let us see what happens in this match.

Related article:

Sky Sports

Setanta Sports

Sunderland vs Arsenal EPL 2008-09 Preview and Live Score

Sunderland is going to entertain Arsenal at the Stadium of Light. The match is going to take place on 4 October 2008.The kick of time is 15:00 BST (British Standard Time) and you can expect an entertaining match as Arsenal players are hungry for more success after their midweek demolishion of FC Porto 4-0. Of course, this comes back after last weekend’s surprise defeat at the hands of Hull City at the Emirates. So, if you look at the current performance of Arsenal then you have to admit that there is a mixed performance from the club in the last one week. At first, they shocked everyone with their disastrous defeat at home against Hull City and then they outsmarted Porto and pleased the fans.

Arsenal is now at the fourth position in the league in English premier league. In fact, Arsenal has got 12 points from 6 matches. The London based club has lost two matches and won four matches. The have impressive goal difference of 8. Only Chelsea has one goal better than that. So, it is clear that Arsenal strikers are at good form and they have been scoring decent number of goals.

On the other hand, Sunderland is lying in the 13^th position in the league table. From 6 matches they have just scored 7 points and they have goal difference of -2. So, this is an important game for both of the teams. If Arsenal can win the match then they can go at the top of the table. Of course, Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa all of them are ahead of Arsenal and can go at the top of the table too. On the other hand, Sunderland can jump a lot too as they have only 2 points different with the no. 8^th ranked Manchester City at this moment. So, there is a lot to play for both of the teams.

Arsene Wenger has got angry and sad at the last week’s defeat to Hull City. Now, he wants his players to play their best and continue the momentum gained by the impressive win against Porto in Champions League. He expects that he will be able to inspire his players to play their best and totally destroy Sunderland. Well, I think that Arsenal again needs a lot of mental strength in order to overcome Sunderland. Yes, Sunderland is not a very strong team but you have to take some lesson from the defeat to Hull City.

Many fans think that Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor are the key to success for Arsenal this season.  In fact, it is needed that Robin van Persie can stay injury free. Last season, the injury of Eduardo in February caused Arsenal too much loss and many fans feel that because of this injury Arsenal could not win the premier league title, despite being the leader for most of the season. Robin van Persie was injured for a substantial time in last season. This season, he looks to be fit until now. It is true that Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor are a deadly combination. Robin van Persie is an important player for Netherlands national team. Adebayor is also one of the rising stars of African football and he plays for Togo national team. Adebayor feels that the presence of Robin van Persie in the field is important and he is a great striking partner to play with. Yes, I think that Adebayor is right and in this match, Robin van Persie and Adebayor combination should get some goals. In the last match against Porto in UEFA Champions League, both of them scored two goals each.

What is very impressive is to see that Arsenal has got a good midfield. They have got two excellent players in the midfield who are influencing a lot. On the one hand, there is Cesc Fabregas. Cesc Fabregas is a world class player and he can be very impressive and influential in midfield. He is a good playmaker and he is like a leader at the age of 21 to all the other young players of the club. On the other hand, you have to think of Theo Walcott. Walcott is now a big sensation for the London club. Walcott has also England fans with his impressive performance for England national team. It seems that Walcott is going to cost David Beckham’s position in England national team’s midfield. He has also become an important player in the Arsenal line up. So, in the match against Sunderland, I think that both Cesc Fabregas s and Walcott will be in top form.

What is disturbing at this moment to me is that there is a lot of talk going on about Walcott coming to play for England U-21 national team. This is not a good sign because Walcott has already been playing for the national team and going back to the U-21 team is not a good sign. It will make him more tired. Well, I think that Walcott should at this moment take a strong decision and he should inform the FA that he wants to play only for national team and for his club. He is only 19 and he has a many years to go.

One player I would like to discuss about is Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia. He is now the first goalkeeper for the club. He joined Arsenal in 2004 and last season, he impressed Arsene Wenger. Manuel Almunia has been outstanding in this season. What I am worrying is that Arsene Wenger should think of a second goalkeeper who has the same caliber like Almunia.

Sunderland players are now expecting too much from the match. In fact, Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has already warned his teammates that Arsenal can take the match seriously and he has asked his Sunderland teammates to be ready for a possible Arsenal backlash. It shows that Sunderland players are mentally prepared for this clash. Well, I think that Sunderland players should try to get some encouragement from Hull City players. The good thing that Hull City players did was that they never felt threatened or outclassed by the Gunners. This positive attitude helped them. In that match, Hull City could keep the score goalless and in the second half suffered the first goal, but they kept their nerve intact and came back with two goals and won the match. So, this is the strategy that Sunderland players should follow.

The good thing about Arsenal players at this moment is that they are not suffering from the tragic defeat to Hull City. I think that they are a lot more confident after defeating Porto in UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night. So, I am expecting that Arsenal will easily win the match. Of course, you can never predict what will happen in English premier league.

You can follow the live score of the match in some websites. I am giving an a list of websites’ name here that you can follow the match live:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

 

So, who do you think will win in the match? I think that Arsene Wenger will have the last smile.

 

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Times Online

Telegraph

The Press Association

Sky Sports

 

 

 

 

Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester United EPL 08-09: Preview, Live Score

Manchester United travels to Ewood Park on Saturday to face Blackburn Rovers in a tricky premier league encounter. On the back of a 3-0 Champions League triumph over Aalborg BK away at the Energi Nord Arena in Denmark, the Red Devils is expected to come out full of confidence against Blackburn Rovers away at Ewood Park. Home side Blackburn Rovers will also try to build on their recent performance that saw the Rovers seeing off Everton 1-0 in the league cup and pulled off a 2-1 victory away at Newcastle United. So, both the sides are playing some of their good football at this moment.

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

Date: 4 October 2008, Saturday

Venue: Ewood Park

Kick off: 17:30 BST (British Standard Time)

Manchester United started their title defense campaign poorly. However, the defending champions are gradually coming back to their prime form. From the drawn match at Chelsea, Manchester United has been getting better with time progresses. However, it is noteworthy that the Red Devils are still at the 11^th position with eight points from five matches. So, Alex Ferguson boys can not afford to lose any more points at this stage of the competition as the difference with leader Chelsea has already gone up to six points with United having a match at hand.

For Blackburn Rovers, it is going to be a hard game, considering Manchester United’s recent good form. However, Blackburn also has some good reasons to go all out against Manchester United. They can take inspiration from the fact that they could settle for a point against United in last season’s corresponding fixture thanks to a 1-1 draw at Ewood Park. So, the Rovers will look to build on last season’s home success. Moreover, Paul Ince’s side has been in good run since their 4-0 humiliation to Arsenal at home. Since that defeat, Blackburn Rovers won over Fulham 1-0 at home, knocked out Everton 1-0 in the league cup and recently, they pulled off an excellent 2-1 away victory over Newcastle United. So, Blackburn Rovers seems to have enough reasons to be confident before going into the match.

Manchester United also has something to cherish on ahead of the visit to Ewood Park. In their last five matches in all competitions, Manchester United won three and drew the others without suffering any defeat. In their last three outings, Manchester United scored eight goals, while conceded only one. In the league cup, United defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 at home, then picked up an easy 2-0 home victory over Bolton Wanderers and after that came the emphatic 3-0 victory over Danish champions Aalborg BK in the midweek.

Manchester United has some other things to count on. First of all, their record summer signing Dimitar Berbatov found his scoring form for his new club, scoring two goals in Manchester United’s 3-0 Champions League victory in Denmark. Wayne Rooney has also found his scoring form back and played very well in the last couple of games. Last but not the least, their ace attacking player Cristiano Ronaldo is also back with his prime form. So, manager Sir Alex Ferguson seems to have no worry ahead of the trip to Ewood Park. However, the truth is that bad news is also there around the corner. Manchester United will reportedly be without their experienced midfielder Paul Scholes for up to ten weeks, as the player suffered knee ligament damage during United’s 3-0 Champions league win over Aalborg BK in Denmark.

Blackburn Rovers is also missing their no. 1 goalkeeper Paul Robinson who suffered an injury during their Carling Cup victory over Everton and was limped off during the match. Reserve goal keeper Jason Brown help Bolton keep it clean sheet and ensure a victory. The Wales goalkeeper got his much-awaited first premier league start against Newcastle United, ending his two year’s wait for a place in the starting line up for a premier league encounter. He did not take too much time to impress his boss Paul Ince, saving an important spot kick taken by Michael Owen that eventually helped Blackburn picking up a 2-1 away victory. Jason Brown is now gearing up to face Manchester United.

Ahead of the match against Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers boss asked his players to come out with killer instinct. Though Blackburn won three points against Newcastle, the manager is not quite happy as his players, he thinks, should have pulled off a convincing win over Newcastle United.

Online Live Score and Updates
Here, I am giving some names of the online live score websites from where you can get the live score and updates of the match:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

As I mentioned earlier, it would be a tricky match for Manchester United with Blackburn Rovers looking to settle for at least a draw and enjoying their recent good form. If both sides can continue their recent form and go into the match full of confident, then it is going to be an excellent match at Ewood Park.