England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifier: Gerrard and Lampard Together?

England manager Fabio Capello will definitely face the dilemma when he has to settle England’s midfield line up for the upcoming world cup 2010 qualifier against Kazakhstan. Most importantly he has to decide if he wants to play both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard together or pick up any one of them in the opening line up. Capello is not the first person who is facing this dilemma. In fact, since the reign of Sven Goran-Eriksson as England manager, this has been a constant debate in the English media.

Both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are star midfielders and have been in excellent form. Steven Gerrard is the captain of Liverpool, while Frank Lampard plays for Chelsea in premier league. So, you might be thinking that what is the problem with playing both of them together?

Well, the thing is that whenever they play together they can not show their best. No, do not think that they have personal ego or any kind of personal problem, but the fact is that they do not fit together in the English midfield. Even statistics also prove it. That is why, the issue of playing both of them together becomes headline. Yes, I also admit that their performance together was not impressive for England, but I think, Capello should play both of them in the starting line up for the home match against Kazakhstan.

To be honest, Kazakhstan is definitely underdog against England. So, England manager can hand both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard another chance together in the match because Fabio Capello may not get an easier match than this one in the near future at home. In fact, the match against Kazakhstan will be England’s last home match this year. Moreover, both Gerrard and Lampard have been matured as a footballer and perhaps they are at the peak of their career. So, this is high time to hand them another match together so that Gerrard and Lamprad can prove the potential of their tie up for England.

Related article:

Reuters

England vs Kazakhstan World Cup 2010 Qualifier: John Terry Misses the Match

England Captain John Terry will miss England’s world cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday. Terry missed a closed-door practice match arranged for England national team yesterday as he was suffering from back problem and it is pretty sure that the star centre midfielder will not be part of England squad for the match against Kazakhstan.

John Terry picked up the back problem during Chelsea’s Champions league match against CFR Cluj. So, he did not risk himself by participating in the practice match at the London Colony training ground of Arsenal. England squad was divided into two teams and played against each other. This is not the first time that Chelsea star is suffering back problem. In fact, John Terry missed England’s two important Euro 2008 qualifier matches against Russia and Croatia and England eventually missed out on Euro 2008 final tournament.

In the absence of John Terry, England manager Fabio Capello now has to look for replacement among Joleon Lescott, Wes Brown and Matthew Upson. Joleon Lescott started England’s opening qualifier against Andorra as Capello opted to give Rio Ferdinand time for recovery before the Croatia match.

Emile Heskey also missed the practice match yesterday. However, he is expected to be back in training in time and will be available for the match against Kazakhstan. John Terry is even doubtful for next week’s world cup qualifier against Belarus.

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Independent

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