Ar You Ready?

Manchester United vs Bayern Munich
UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg
Old Trafford - Wed 7 Apr 2010

Mark van Bommel believes Arjen Robben is the man to fire Bayern into the semi finals on Wednesday. "We didn't have Arjen available in the first game but his pace, skill and presence on the field will strike fear into their defenders." he said. Will the flying Dutchman provide the a-Munich-ion to finish the job on United at Old Trafford?

The Writing's On The Wal?

Barcelona vs Arsenal
UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Second Leg
Nou Camp - Tue 6 Apr 2010

Anyone who witnessed the first leg will be pretty much writing off any hope for Arsenal tonight. The Gunners were completely blown away by brilliant Barca last week, but somehow managed to come out with a draw and super-sub Theo Walcott reckons they can pull off a shock again. “We must believe we can do it.” said the England winger.

Quite Frankly, We Don't Give A Damn!

Man United vs Chelsea
Premier League
Old Trafford - Sat 3 Apr 2010

Man United and England fans alike breathed a collective sigh of despair at the sight of Wayne Rooney lying in a crumpled heap on Wednesday night, but Chelsea won’t mind much. With their own Frank Lampard in blistering form and United’s talisman out of the picture, will they claim a first Old Trafford victory in 5 years and go top?

Things Are A Bit Uns-table...

Napoli vs Juventus
Serie A
Stadio San Paolo - Thu 25 Mar 2010

After yet another poor result on Sunday, Antonio Chimenti must have mis-read what his manager meant by 'strengthen your position in the table.' The veteran 'keeper broke his hand swinging at a dressing room table, and it's lucky that Gianluigi Buffon is back this week, or this wood almost certainly be another uncomfor-table night for Juve.

Let The Gud Times Roll!

Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham
FA Cup 6th Round Replay
White Hart Lane - Wed 24 Mar


Eidur Gudjohnsen got his first goal for Spurs out of the way in Saturday’s win at Stoke, and the Icelander will hope to follow it up by firing his side into the FA Cup Semi Finals this week. “He turned the game around with that goal, it was fantastic.” said his manager after the Stoke game, but will he be feeling as Gud on Wednesday?

Fourth Place Garr-anteed!

Manchester City vs Everton
Premier League
Eastlands - Wed 24 Mar 2010

A win for City on Wednesday night will move them into 4th, and Spanish full-back Javier Garrido reckons Roberto Mancini’s men will be the ones occupying that final Champions League spot come the end of the season. “We are in a good position, and the right frame of mind.” he said. “We have to be strong but it’s in our own hands.”

Gerr-'ard Nut

Manchester United vs Liverpool
Premier League
Old Trafford - Sun 21 Mar 2010


Despite all of his best efforts, Steven Gerrard just can’t seem to land himself an FA ban. First he flicks a rude gesture towards the ref against Wigan, then he goes and clatters Michael Brown with a WWE-style forearm clothesline in Monday’s win over Pompey. If he gets that elusive red card on Sunday though, Betway.com are refunding bets...

Don't Rest On Your Laur-els!

Bordeaux vs Olympiacos
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Stade Chaban Delmas - Wed 17 Mar 2010


A goal to the good heading into Wednesday's second leg, it's expected that French champions Bordeaux will breeze through to the Quarters, but Laurent Blanc insists the job is only half done. "In a cup competition, a lot of things can happen." said the Girondins boss. "We need to play with the same desire we've shown since the beginning."

Hleb If You Can, I'm Feeling Down

Barcelona vs Stuttgart
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Nou Camp - Wed 17 Mar 2010


In one of the more understated re-unions of the round, Aleksandr Hleb seems to be treating his return to the Nou Camp for this game with about as much optimism as actually returning there as part of Pep Guardiola's first team plans. "Against any other team we could put up a fight, but not against Barcelona." He inspiringly said.

We Moscow Through!

Sevilla vs CSKA Moscow
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán - Tue 16 Mar 2010

Sevilla welcome back top scorer Luis Fabiano for this week’s visit of CSKA, and with the advantage of an away goal in their favour, the Brazilian is confident his side can come through Tuesday’s Russian invasion with a result. “Our squad is strong.” He said, “We have the quality to beat them and to start preparing ourselves for the next round.”

Defeat? No Way, Jose!

Chelsea vs Inter Milan
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Stamford Bridge - Tue 16 Mar 2010

Judging by Jose Mourinho’s recent claims, this one’s already a foregone conclusion. The former Blues boss, who lifted 6 trophies in 3 years at Chelsea insists (in third person, no less) that “Everyone knows Mourinho doesn’t lose at Stamford Bridge.” With that said, will it be another Special night for in London for the Special One?

Rafa's Fire Hazard

Liverpool vs Portsmouth
Premier League
Anfield - Mon 16 Mar 2010

After Lille’s Eden Hazard condemned The Reds to yet another defeat last Thursday, the pressure is really mounting on Rafa Benitez’ once again. Anything less than three points at home to basement boys Pompey on Monday night and the Spaniard might not live to see the end of the season.

Time To De-Lever!

Bayer Leverkusen vs Hamburg
Bundesliga
Sun 14 Mar 2010


Leverkusen passed up the chance to go level on points with Bayern Munich at the top, as well as surrendering their season-long unbeaten record in last week’s loss to strugglers Nurnberg, of all people. How will they respond after the experience of actually losing a game?

The Mess-iah

Barcelona vs Valencia
La Liga
Nou Camp - Sun 14 Mar 2010


Lionel Messi just cannot stop scoring, but despite shooting to the top of the Spanish goal chart with a double at Almeria last week, the disappointing 2-2 result allowed title rivals Real Madrid to knock Barca off the La Liga top spot. Can the Argie ace inspire them back to winning ways?

Roo Do Ron Ron?

Manchester United vs Fulham
Premier League
Old Trafford - Sun 14 Mar 2010


After hitting the 30 mark with a brace in Wednesday’s win over Milan, Wayne Rooney’s team-mates have urged him to go on and smash Cristiano Ronaldo’s 42-goal record. Wll the England hitman continue his hot form against a side they were thumped 3-0 by earlier this season?

Lay Off The Boos

Chelsea vs West Ham United
Premier League
Stamford Bridge - Sat 13 Mar 2010

After John Terry had netted the winner against Stoke last week, Blues assistant Ray Walkins called for the abuse of the Chelsea skipper to stop. West Ham visit this weekend, so don’t count on that happening, but can Chelsea count on 3 points at home to their struggling rivals?

Kop Flops

Lille vs Liverpool
UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg
Anfield - Thurs 11 Mar 2010

Liverpool couldn’t even use the ‘We didn’t have Gerrard or Torres’ line to excuse their ninth league defeat of the season on Monday, but Rafa Benitez is hopeful his side will bounce back for this Europa League clash with Lille. “We have an important game on Thursday and we have to keep going.”

Seize The Da-vies!

Juventus vs Fulham
UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg
Stadio Olimpico - Thurs 11 Mar 2010

Whilst others might complain about 5 huge fixtures within 13 days, Simon Davies, who came close to relegation with Fulham in 2007, calls on his team-mates to embrace these glamour games with the likes of Juventus. “If someone had offered us this run two years ago, we’d have been jumping at it.”

The Joy of Becks

Manchester United vs AC Milan
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Old Trafford - Wed 10 Mar 2010

David Beckham insists he can’t wait to make his return to the Theatre of Dreams on Wednesday. “It was an emotional night for me playing against United in Milan, but going back to Old Trafford is going to be even more so.” Can the former United ace pull AC Beck from 3-2 down in the tie?

A Real Opportunity

Real Madrid vs Lyon
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Santiago Bernebeu - Wed 10 Mar 2010

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he’s desperate to see off Lyon and stay on course for a ‘dream’ Champions League final at Real’s Bernebeu home. “I’m confident that we can turn the tie around” said Ron. “We are going to do everything from the first minute to the last to get through.”

Cesare's Palace

Fiorentina vs Bayern Munich
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Stadio Artemio Franchi - Tue 9 Mar 2010

Having won all of their home games in the Champions League so far, Viola boss Cesare Prandelli is confident his side can come from behind to knock out Bayern at Artemio Franchi tonight. “We ought to give our best in a match which could make history for this club.” He said.

Couldn't Hit A Cow's Arse-nal!

Arsenal vs Porto
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg
Emirates Stadium - Tue 9 Mar 2010

After a missing a hatful of easy chances in Saturday’s win over Burnley, Nicklas Bendtner really can’t afford a similar horror show in tonight’s crunch match with Porto. Despite being 2-1 down and without Cesc Fabregas there to bail him out, can he Nick the victory for The Gunners?

We're Raf-ter Fourth!

Wigan Athletic vs Liverpool
Premier League

DW Stadium - Mon 8 Mar 2010

Liverpool have the chance to re-take fourth spot tonight, and whilst most assume they’ll comfortably claim it, Rafa Benitez politely reminds us of his side’s proneness to inconsistency. “We have the experience of [losing to] Portsmouth so we know we have to concentrate for this game.”

Wembley's In The Eye Of The Law

Chelsea vs Stoke
FA Cup 6th Round

Stamford Bridge - Sun 7 Mar 2010

Stoke’s Liam Lawrence insists his side are not in fear of the holders heading into Sunday’s FA Cup Quarter Final at Stamford Bridge. “It is a massive game for us.” said the Ireland international. “You have got to fancy that we can go there and maybe cause an upset.”

White Hart Pain?

Fulham vs Tottenham Hotspur
FA Cup 6th Round

Craven Cottage - Sat 6 Mar 2010

Fulham full-back Stephen Kelly is planning on shattering his old club’s dreams of a ninth FA Cup when the London rivals meet in the Quarter Finals on Saturday. “Tottenham in the FA Cup this weekend is special for me” said the Irishman. “Especially if I can get one over on them.”

Life's A Breeze

Bordeaux vs Montpellier
Ligue 1

Chablas Delmas - Sun 7 Mar 2010

The LFP’s recent decision to reschedule Bordeaux’s clash with Le Mans, called off due to extreme winds, right in the middle of an already packed fixture pile-up has got Les Girondins in a bit of a fluster. Can they steal a march in the title race by blowing away Montpellier?

Roo's The Wayne Man

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester United

Premier League

Molineux - Sat 6 Mar 2010

With Wayne Rooney scooping both the England Player of the Year and PFA Fans’ Player of the Month awards this past week, it seems everyone’s in agreement with the striker’s own recent claims that he is ‘unstoppable’ at the moment. Will Roo run riot at Molineux on Saturday?

We'll Ron Away With It

Real Madrid vs Sevilla
La Liga

Santiago Bernabeu - Sat 6 Mar 2010

Despite being two points behind Barcelona at the top of La Liga, Cristiano Ronaldo is still convinced the title will be coming to the Spanish capital. “I’m sure we will win the league” said Ron. “We only have to worry about ourselves and continue doing as we are now.”

Pato's Crock Shock

AS Roma vs AC Milan
Serie A

Stadio Olimpico - Sat 6 Mar 2010

AC boss Leonardo must be cursing his luck that in the week that his side face a crucial Serie A clash in Rome before heading to Man Utd in the Champions League, hot-shot striker Alexandre Pato goes and gets himself injured. Without him, can The Rossoneri even contem-Pat’ a victory?

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Le Hand of Frog

France vs Spain
International Friendly

Stade de France - Wed 3 Mar 2010

Thierry Henry will be looking to er, pick up where he left off and lead the French to another memorable victory at the Stade de France. Spain however, didn’t lose a single game in qualifying (even without the use of underhand tactics) and might just be a little too hot for Les Bleus to handle tonight.

You're No Great Shakes, Terry

England vs Egypt
International Friendly

Wembley Stadium - Wed 3 Mar 2010

It’s been another bad week for John Terry. Visibly shaken during Chelsea’s defeat to City on Saturday, visibly not shaken prior to it, the former England skipper doesn’t seem to be coping well with all the recent allegations. Can he raise his game in Tuesday’s affair with the African champions?

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Carling Cup Final 2010

Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Carling Cup Final

Wembley Stadium - Sun 28 Feb 2010

Man United defend their trophy against a side whose last Wembley appearance was in the last final held at the old stadium. They lost that day, but since the League Cup’s return to the new-look Venue of Legends, the holders have reached the final but lost. An omen for O’ Neill?

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Robbie's Bhoy-Hood Dream!

Rangers vs Celtic
Scottish Premier

Ibrox - Sun 28 Feb 2010

The only thing that could better playing for the club you supported as a boy must be to bang in a goal against their bitter rivals. For Robbie Keane, that didn’t quite happen at the first of his ‘boyhood clubs’, but can he prove Celtic’s golden Bhoy in this weekend’s Old Firm Derby?

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A Bridge Too Far

Chelsea vs Man City
Premier League

Stamford Bridge - Sat 27 Feb 2010

Wayne Bridge will be out to get one over John Terry after the Chelsea skipper’s recent ‘actions’ forced the City star to quit the England team, declaring his position as ‘untenable and potentially divisive.’ Can Bridge turn the tables on his old pal and score on JT’s home ground this weekend?

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Amau-ntain To Climb

Juventus vs Ajax
UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg

Stadio Olimpico - Thu 25 Feb 2010

Ajax face a mammoth task in turning around a 2-1 deficit away at Juve this Thursday, after Brazilian Amauri had put the 1992 UEFA Cup winners to the sword in the Amsterdam first leg with a stunning brace. Can Martin Jol’s men ‘do a Bayern’ and grab a shock victory in Turin?

Off The Cuff Comments!

Inter Milan vs Chelsea
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

San Siro - Wed 24 Feb 2010

The ever-controversial Jose Mourinho landed himself in the dock after suggesting his side were being ‘victimised’ in Saturday’s draw at Sampdoria. He now faces a 3-match ban, but won’t miss this week’s visit of Chelsea. Will The Special One take no prisoners over his old club and get the win?

No Mour, No Less

Inter Milan vs Chelsea
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

San Siro - Wed 24 Feb 2010

In typical Jose Mourinho fashion, the Nerazurri boss insists he’s cool as a cucumber heading into Inter’s clash with the club he lead to six trophies in three years. “This is the really big game of the last 16 but, for me, there’s no extra pressure, no extra incentive.”

You're Not Luis-ing Me Yet!

CSKA Moscow vs Sevilla
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

Luzhniki Stadium - Wed 24 Feb 2010

With all the talk surrounding the supposed interest in Luis Fabiano from England’s big guns, Sevilla fans will be pleased to hear the striker’s heads in the right place, for now at least. “We are just thinking about the Champions League and La Liga where we still have a lot to play for.”

Sick as a Dog

Stuttgart vs Barcelona

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

Mercedes-Benz Arena - Tues 23 Feb 2010

Thierry Henry won’t be expecting much of a role in Tuesday night’s game after admitting he doesn’t deserve a place in the side anyway. “Currently there are better players than me”. said the Frenchman. “I will go on fighting and working like a dog during training sessions.”

Back To Real-ity

Real Madrid vs Villarreal

La Liga

Santiago Bernabeu - Sun 21 Feb 2010

Real will look to put Wednesday's European defeat in Lyon behind them and keep up the heat on Barca in the league. Manuel Pellegrini's men have won every La Liga game at the Bernabeu so far this season, will they continue their 100% home record this weekend?

Lead By Ex-Samp-le

Inter Milan vs Sampdoria

Serie A

San Siro - Sat 20 Feb 2010

Despite surging into 5th place thanks to a 4-match winning streak, Luigi Del Neri urges his men to keep their feet on the ground ahead of this visit to the San Siro. "The Champions League? Thinking about this can harm us." Said the Samp boss. "We have to stay calm."

Hell's Bels!

Manchester City vs Liverpool

Premier League

Eastlands - Sun 21 Feb 2010

Just as we were thinking he'd turned a new leaf, Craig Bellamy's only gone and fallen out with yet another manager. Reports claim that Mancini has told him: "I want you to leave now", and if true, there's not much hope for the Welsh star making Sunday's crucial clash with Liverpool.

King Louis

Everton vs Manchester United

Premier League

Goodison Park - Sat 12 Feb 2010

After a Louis Saha double gave The Toffees a 2-1 win over Chelsea last week, David Moyes says he’s “looking forward to Louis now getting a bundle in the next few games”, perhaps neglecting the fact that it’s the champions up next, who are in frightening form at the moment.

The Monster Masch

Liverpool vs Unirea Urziceni
UEFA Europa League Round of 32

Anfield - Thurs 18 Feb 2010

Javier Mascherano is willing to put his side’s forgettable Champions League showing behind him and has set his sights on the Europa League. “I want to win something with Liverpool.” said the Argentine. “We have the chance to do that in the Europa League.”

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Mutu's Fed Up

Bayern Munich vs Fiorentina
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

Allianz Arena - Wed 17 Feb 2010

Maybe Adrian Mutu had just a little too much hunger for this Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, feeling the need to dabble in the banned appetite supressant, sibutramine. Despite The Viola’s claims that UEFA are making a meal of it, Mutu will play no part in the tie.

Bruno's Cesc Appeal

FC Porto vs Arsenal
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

Estadio de Dragao - Wed 17 Feb 2010

Porto skipper Bruno Alves reckons that his side must stifle the threat of Cesc Fabregas over two legs if The Dragons are to stand any chance of repeating their 2004 Champions League triumph. “He is, without doubt, Arsenal’s most valuable player. So we have to negate him.”

Ron-ning Scared

Lyon vs Real Madrid
UEFA Champions League Round of 16 First Leg

Stade Gerland - Tues 16 Feb 2010

The Bernebeau faithful might be feeling a little worried over Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent comments that he is “missing Manchester United”, but maybe not as much as the Lyon defence, who have the undesirable task of containing the Champions League’s top scorer this week.

Beck To The Future

AC Milan vs Manchester United
UEFA Champions League - San Siro - Tues 16 Feb 2010

It will be an emotional evening for David Beckham, who faces his former club for the first time since leaving Old Trafford in 2003. “It is one of the biggest games for me personally.” He said. “But the most important thing is the team going through, which I hope we do.”

Daylight Robbery

Napoli vs Inter Milan
Serie A - San Paolo - Sun 14 Feb 2010

Following a foiled plot to burgle his Lake Como home this week, Jose Mourinho has been advised by Italian police to step up his security. He may also want to do the same with his team this Sunday, who travel to a Napoli side out to nick 3 points in their push for the top 4.

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Spurs' Love A-FA-ir

Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur
FA Cup 5th Round - Reebok Stadium - Sun 14 Jan 2010

Tottenham put their faltering top 4 challenge to one side for this Valentine’s Day FA Cup trip to The Reebok. Spurs are a club with a long-term love affair with cup competition, but having won just once in 12 visits to Bolton, Harry Redknapp’s side might find this a rather taxing tie…

Southern Discomfort

Southampton vs Portsmouth
FA Cup 5th Round - St. Mary's - Sat 13 Feb 2010

Thumped by United last week, bottom of the league, edging closer towards administration… if things aren’t depressing enough for Pompey fans, then being dumped out of the FA Cup by south-coast rivals Southampton this weekend will surely do the trick.

The Pre-Ferd Choice

Aston Villa vs Manchester United
Premier League - Villa Park - Wed 10 Feb

The news that John Terry had been axed as England skipper will have pleased fans that feel his ‘alleged’ behaviour is not befitting of a national captain. And so begins the Rio Ferdinand era, who tonight enters the first of a four-match suspension for violent conduct.

Liv By The Sword

Arsenal vs Liverpool
Premier League - Emirates Stadium - Wed 10 Feb 2010

Oh how we laughed when Rafa Benitez ‘guarunteed’ his side a top 4 finish having just lost to The Gunners back in December, but with only one defeat in the 9 league games since, his premonition doesn’t seem quite as ridiculous now.

A Terry-ble Mistake...

No-nonsense England boss Fabio Capello boss has yanked the armband off of John Terry over fears that the now not-so private ‘allegations over his private life’ could have a negative effect on the team’s chances in South Africa. With the Chelsea star now free of commitments such as England leadership, his marriage etc, Who’ll lead The Three Lions out in their World Cup opener against the USA in June?

England Captain vs USA on June 12