EPL Preview - Chelsea Vs Stoke City

Stamford Bridge is set to play host to Stoke City, on Saturday, even as Chelsea look ahead to their third win in as many matches in the Premier League.

The champions are on a roll, with a half dozen goals scored, while conceding none, in each of the two matches they have played against West Brom Albion and Wigan Athletic, respectively.

While Chelsea are the only team to have registered victories in both their matches, Stoke City have lost both theirs, by an identical score-line of 2-1, to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur.

But against Spurs, Stoke were unlucky not to have drawn the match, after being denied a goal by referee Chris Foy.

A win in the Carling Cup against Shrewsbury should ensure that Stoke enter Saturday's match in a positive mood.

Carlo Ancelotti would be wary of complacency setting in, after huge wins against weak rivals, and Chelsea would do well not to lose focus, as consecutive matches against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Arsenal loom in September.

Chelsea's defence has been boosted with the return to match fitness of Alex and Cech, somewhat offsetting the team's loss of Ricardo Carvalho.

Didier Drogba, Florent Malouda and Michael Essien will be key to Chelsea's fortunes, this season.

Drogba's four assists in the last game compensated for his not scoring any goals, himself.

While Kalou, Malouda and Anelka play a great supporting role, Drogba's ball skills and goal scoring ability remain the icing on Chelsea's Premiership cake in the baking.

Lampard has been effective, as ever, in midfield, without quite setting the stands on fire.

While Chelsea are unlikely to be tested unduly by their rivals in the next three games, they will be looking to maintain their slender lead, given that Manchester United have dropped a point.

Though, it is early days, yet.

Stoke City must be justifiably disappointed with the dismal start to their Premier League campaign.

Last week's loss to Spurs will rankle, particularly. A goal denied, after it had crossed the line, brought back memories of Lampard's denied goal against Germany in the World Cup, in South Africa.

While defence is Stoke's strong suit, with plenty of choices, in Abdoulaye Faye, Ryan Shawcross, Robert Huth, Danny Collins and Danny Higginbotham, attack isn't quite their forte.

And that was the reason, all of Stoke's industry in the Spurs game did not quite convert into scoring opportunities.

Getting back to defence, thanks to their strength in this area, Stoke have managed to salvage draws in many away matches.

Matthew Etherington is a talented midfielder whose passing is crucial to Stoke's effectiveness, upfield.

Rory Delap, Dean Whitehead and Glen Whelan are all midfielders who can be relied on to tackle hard.

In some bad news for Stoke, Mamaday Sidibie picked up an Achilles tendon injury, in the Spurs game, and that will keep him from turning up against Chelsea.

There's consolation in the form of Kenwyne Jones and Jon Walters coming in to bolster the attack, alongside Ricardo Fueller.

The burly Jones is just what the doctor ordered for Stoke who were low in the away-goals department, last season, and the striker's form could determine whether Stoke move up the table, this season.

As for Saturday's match against Chelsea, Stoke are likely to have their plates too full, in defence, to worry a great deal about any other aspect of their game.

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Kenny Dalglish - Liverpool FC Legend

Never mind Elvis, as far as Liverpool fans are concerned Kenny Dalglish will be remembered as the true King, and for many Liverpool fans, 'King Kenny' will be remembered as Liverpool's greatest ever player.

Kenny Dalglish began his professional football career at Celtic in 1971, and quickly established himself in the first team and becoming a great goal scorer for the club, and securing several major honours for Celtic.

In 1977 Bob Paisley bought Dalglish to Liverpool for a fee of £440,000 which was a British record at the time. Dalglish was remain at Anfield for the next thirteen years, and was part of the most successful team ever at Liverpool, as the went on to win seven league titles, five domestic cups and three European cups.

Dalglish was brought to Liverpool to replace hero Kevin Keegan, who'd moved to Hamburg, and fears that he wouldn't be able to live up to the huge gap left by his predecessor were quickly laid to rest, Dalglish immediately fitted into Liverpool's playing style and finished his first season as Liverpool's top goal scorer with thirty-one goals.

Kenny Dalglish was obviously a prolific goal scorer, skilful and had a great 'first touch' but was described as having a great 'footballing brain' his ability to read the game, spot openings and his great passing ability bamboozled teams across England and Europe alike.

Liverpool signed Ian Rush in 1980 and after he established himself in the first team the following year, Rush assumed the role of main goal scorer, many of these being the results of 'assists' from Dalglish, between them they became the most potent strike force in English football.

Dalglish was crowned as 'Footballer of the Year' in 1983 which had followed a similar accolade that he achieved in 1979. During his first three seasons at Liverpool Kenny Dalglish didn't miss a single league game Liverpool, needless to say that he was 'hero worshiped' by the fans.

Kenny Dalglish became player-manager at Liverpool after the retirement of Joe Fagan in 1985, many worried that this would signal the end of his playing career but he played twenty-one games that season as Liverpool won the League and the FA Cup, and he scored the goal against Chelsea that secured the title.

As player manager Dalglish went on to win the League title in 1988 and 1990, with another FA Cup win in 1989.

Inevitably Dalglish was to make fewer appearances as a player and he made his final appearance in May 1990 at the age of forty. In total Kenny Dalglish made 515 appearances and scored 172 goals for Liverpool and many fans were stunned by his shock resignation in 1991.

To this day many Liverpool fans consider Kenny Dalglish to be Liverpool's greatest ever player.

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Premier League Super Match Preview - Manchester United Vs Liverpool

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford this Sunday for a lunch-time kick off against traditional rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool's Record at Old Trafford:

This hasn't been the friendliest venue for Liverpool, in terms of match results. In 18 visits, the Merseysiders have won just four, while the Reds have won 10, with the remaining four games ending without result.

The Red Devils trump the Anfield squad in the number of goals scored, too. Against 27 goals scored by Sir Alex's squad, Liverpool have only managed to find the back of United's net on 15 occasions.

Manchester United's Record at Old Trafford:

United have had a brilliant home record, against all comers; in 77 matches played at Old Trafford, they have won 37, and only lost 15, while scoring 127 goals against just 70 conceded.

Liverpool's Current Premier League Season:

Liverpool haven't conceded a goal in their last two Premier League games, against West Brom and Birmingham. But they have only the solitary win in four matches this season.

United's Premiership Record:

United have not lost a match in their last nine Premiership games; they have won six and drawn the rest.

But if the Old Trafford side are feeling the strain of being four points behind Chelsea on the Premier League points table, the frustration was only compounded in their goalless draw against Rangers in the Champions League, on Tuesday. The Red Devils could yet rue the leads they threw away in the Fulham and Everton games; Evra and Evans in defence were to blame for lapses in concentration.

With Rio Ferdinand's return, Sir Alex will breathe a sigh of relief. Ferdinand has already gone through the paces staying the entire duration of the Rangers game, but the true test of his match fitness will be in the way he stands up to Torres, against Liverpool, on Sunday. I expect Evans to start, with Ferdinand coming in as a second half substitute, late in the game.

United's Team Selection Factors:

Sir Alex chose to rest many of his players in the Champions League game against Rangers, giving players like Smalling, Da Silva and Gibson a start. As a result, players like Scholes, Evra, O'Shea, Berbatov and Vidic who missed that match should find themselves well rested.

So the squad for Sunday's match should be more or less the same as that in the Everton game, last weekend. Wayne Rooney who missed the match at Goodison Park should be back in Premier League action.

A piece of good news for United is that Rio Ferdinand is set to play his first game of the Premiership season. Owen and Hargreaves are not fully recovered from their injuries, and Anderson is also a doubtful starter owing to a knee injury.

United will miss Carrick's ability in pacing and finishing a game. In another jolt to United, they have also lost Valencia to a broken ankle that he sustained in the Rangers game. The Ecuadorian has had the knee operated on, but is likely to be out of football action at least until February.

This would mean greater pressure on Nani, during this season. The Portuguese player should relish the challenge, as he has begun to gel with the squad.

Liverpool's Team Selection Factors:

The Merseysiders will be without Kuyt, Aurelio and Fabio. Gerrard and Torres, who were absent from the Liverpool side that beat Steaua Bucharest in the Europa League game on Thursday, are certain to start.

Joe Cole has served out his three match suspension after his first ever red card in Liverpool's opening match of the Premiership against Arsenal, and will also return to action against Fergie's men.

Red Devils Vs Merseysiders, Last Season:

Last season, the sides shared a game each, both home games going to the hosts. In the Old Trafford match, United prevailed 2-1, on the back of Park Ji-Sung's winning strike. In the Anfield match, Liverpool were more decisive, winning 2-0.

Game Plan for Manchester United:

Vidic and Evans will play a crucial role in the back-line. Berbatov is sure to start, according to Sir Alex, and should partner Rooney at the spearhead.

Alternatively, United could choose to go with Berbatov the lone striker, allowing Rooney to play a deeper role, in which he proved so effective in the recent Euro qualifiers. In such case, Park could be shunted to midfield, with Giggs manning the left flank.

Game Plan for Liverpool:

Gerrard should start with Poulsen in midfield with the flanks manned by Maxi and Jovanovic. Lucas Levia is an alternative available to Hodgson, if he is so inclined. The key for Liverpool is Torres. If he fails to impress, Hodgson could opt for Ngog, on the hour. Ngog who added a second goal to Torres' first in last year's home game against the Red Devils, at Anfield, is in great form this season.

Starting Elevens:

Possible starting eleven for Manchester United: Van der Sar, Evra, Evans, Vidic, Neville, Park, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov

Possible starting eleven for Liverpool: Reina, Konchesky, Carragher, Skrtel, Johnson, Meireles, Poulsen, Jovanovic, Gerrard, Maxi, Torres

Sir Alex Ferguson Vs Roy Hodgson:

Interestingly, Sir Alex and Roy Hodgson have a personal rivalry going, in which Hodgson has had scant success, with the team under his stewardship winning in just two of nine Premier League meetings with Manchester United.

Prediction:

With the Anfield side recording just one win in their last 11 games, and finding the rival net just eight times during their last 14 matches, it is hard not to go with the Old Trafford side, in this one. United have rarely gone three games without a win. Liverpool would do well if they got away with a draw.

The Last Word:

Rivalries don't get any fiercer in sports than that between Manchester United and Liverpool. Don't miss this potentially explosive match between two teams that will never bury the proverbial hatchet.

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EPL Team Profile - Everton

The formal name of the club is Everton Football Club, and they are popular referred to by the nickname, the Toffees.

Alternatively, they are also called the Blues, the People's Club, and the School of Science.

Founded in 1878, Everton were then known as St Domingos' FC.

Their home venue is Goodison Park, in Liverpool, England. the stadium has a capacity of about 40,000.

The Chairman of the club is Bill Kenwright and the manager, David Moyes.

Last season, the squd finished eighth on the Premier League table.

Everton have spent 108 years in top flight football, in England, more than any other team. They have nine football league titles, the fourth highest.

They were founder members of the Premier League in 1992.

The current season hasn't started very well for Everton, with a loss to Blackburn, and a 1-1 draw against Wolves. However, these are early days yet, and with the talent at Moyes' disposal, Everton should do much better as the season progresses.

Pre-season Preview:

A top six finish is what Everton would aim for, not having accomplished it in the last season.

But last year's failure could be attributed to a high incidence of injury; virtually every player was hit by injury at some point of the season.

Everton are fortunate to have a more than competent manager, in David Moyes, and with a match fit squad, the toffees can be outstanding on their day.

The following players comprise the squad:

Howard, Distin, Baines, Jagielka, Neville, Cahill, Arteta, Osman, Pienaar, Saha, Fellaini, Hibbert, Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, Heitinga, Gueye, Beckford, and Rodwell.

When there was speculation about Cesc Fabregas' leaving Arsenal, Everton's Mikel Arteta was spoken of as the most likely to replace the Arsenal midfielder.

Fortunately, for Everton, Fabregas did not leave Arsenal, and Arteta, in his turn, stayed on with Everton, and, in fact, signed a new deal.

Mikel fitness is key to Everton's showing on the Premiership, this season, and if they have the Spanish midfielder in peak condition and playing to his potential, the toffees could even aspire for a top 4 spot, on the League table.

Irish right back, Seamus Coleman, could be a trump card, too. Coleman, 21, has only played a few matches for Everton but has already made his mark. Last season, he was on loan to Blackpool, where his performance was impressive.

During his time at Blackpool, he signed a new long term contract with Everton and its looks as though he is very much part of Moyes` plans.

Moyes has managed to get Coleman to commit himself to the squad for a longer term, and the young Irishman is definitely on top of the team manager's agenda.

Another summer signing that holds promise is Jermaine Beckford, from Leeds, who has come in on a free transfer.

Keeper Jan Mucha from Slovakia, Joao Silva, and Magaye Gueye are other entrants, while Dan Gosling has departed, all on free transfer.

While Everton are not cash rich, a talented team and a great manager should hold them in stead.

Rather than a top four spot, they should try and finish among the first six, as an immediate priority.

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Premier League Preview - Birmingham Vs Wigan

Birmingham City are set to host Wigan Athletic at St Andrews, on Saturday afternoon.

On Alex McLeish's watch, Birmingham have had successive good seasons. And barring an unexpected loss to West Brom, they have had a reasonable start to the current season under Roberto Di Matteo's helm.

Both teams are coming off mid-week wins in the Carling Cup. Birmingham had a 3-1 scoreline in their favour against MK Dons, while Wigan prevailed 2-1 over Preston.

But the mid-week matches could leave both teams jaded with Birmingham getting an additional day of rest.

Birmingham should view their Carling Cup win as some consolation for the West Brom loss, and should have bossted their morale ahead of their home match against the Latics.

Birmingham have had a 17-match unbeaten streak at St Andrews, including matches against the likes of Manchester united, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool. They will be hoping to make it 18, on Saturday.

In their two home matches in the ongoing season, Birmingham came from behind to beat Blackburn, while Pepe Reina between the sticks ensured that the Blues had to remain content with a draw in the game against Liverpool.

In their away loss to West Brom, Birmingham were actually 1-0 up, before conceding the three goals that led to the final 3-1 score. In another Premier League away game, Birmingham visited the Reebok Stadium, and took a 2-0 lead over Bolton before frittering away the advantage; that game eneded in a draw.

Wigan's premiership campaign has been relatvely inconsistent. After losses in their first two games, Wigan steadied their ship with a 1-0 win against Tottenham followed by a 1-1 draw aaisnt Sunderland.

Last week, they were back to losing, this time against Man City. Curiously, Wigan have done well in their away match at White Hart Lane, and that should put Birmingham on their guard.

However, last season's match at St Andrews went the Birmingham way with the hosts prevailing 1-0. In fact, Wigan's away record was bad, and the Tottenham match was preceded by a six away-match losing streak.

Wigan beat Bolton and Everton in back to back matches in the 2006-07 season, and they have never had back to back wins since. That is another stat that should cheer Birmingham up ahead of the Latics game.

Wigan's real weakness is in defence, and they have conceded goals owing to poor defending and marking rather than any credit accruing to rivals' attacking skills.

Given these facts, I am inclined to giving the edge in this match, however slight, to Birmingham.

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Top 5 Highest Paid Football Players Europe

European football commands a huge fan following. These leagues are also some of the most lucrative football associations in the world. Naturally, football leagues in Europe have also some of the richest athletes in the history of sports. Here are some of those footballers that made it to the recent Forbes' list of the wealthiest active stars in the European leagues:

1.) Ronaldino of Serie A Milan. This great Brazilian footballer is currently making at least £6 million a year with Milan. Upon coming over to Europe, he was initially offered by Barcelona a €32,250,000 transfer contract which he eventually accepted. He stayed with the Catalan club for 5 years before joining the Italian Serie A Milan.

2.) David Beckham of Los Angeles Galaxy. Known throughout the world as the husband of the former member of the famous Spice Girls Victoria Adam, David Beckam has also solidly built his own reputation as one of the top grossing football stars in Europe and America. Although he is currently playing for Los Angeles Galaxy in the US, Beckam was a key player of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Milan before coming over of the US. As such, he is considered to be one of the richest football stars to date due to team contracts, endorsements, and other revenue sources. His value is worth over US $300,000 million.

3.) Ronaldo of the Corinthians. Like Ronaldino, Ronaldo also hails from Brazil and is considered to be one of the richest athletes in the world. He played for Milan and Real Madrid in his lengthy career, excluding his time spent on his country teams. His offer for Read Madrid was recorded to have reached €39 million. Due to injuries, he grew out of favor with Real Madrid's manager and decided to transfer to Milan. He was acquired by Milan after an agreement of €7.5 million transfer contract.

4.) Wayne Rooney of Manchester United. Many fans and media analysts like him for his demeanor in the field, and most especially for his strong performance as a role player in the team. He formerly played for the youth team Everton but was offered by Manchester a £25.6 million transfer contract in 2004. he played well together with his other famous co-stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes which endeared him greatly to the fans of the club, and hence, adding to his value as a great footballer in the league. He is said to command just well below £100 million mark on his next contract.

5.) Michael Ballack of Bundesliga. This outstanding German footballer is also one of the top grossing players in Bayer Leverkusen league in Germany. He was offered a €4.1 million contract in 1999 for a transfer to his current team. Bayern Munich offered another €12.9 million. He then moves to the Premier League by joining the Chelsea in mid-2006 where he won his first English honors. He again moved back to his former team, Bayer by signing a two-year contract for an undisclosed amount.

These players are undisputed league leaders in their own right as they have the stats to prove it. Each of them has played, at one time in their career, in the Premier League. Together, they are the epitome of the best of the European football has to offer.

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Promotion and Relegation in Football

In domestic football leagues all over the world promotion and relegation happens at the end of the season. Teams move between the respective divisions based on how well or badly they have performed over the course of the season. The better teams get promoted while the poorest sides suffer the heartache of being relegated.

You will not find two more contrasting experiences in football than promotion and relegation. Promotion allows a football club to play at a higher level against bigger clubs. From a players, point of view they have the opportunity to test themselves against a better standard of player.

Promotion is great for the supporters and is the perfect way to end a long football season. Fans always want to see their team do well and promotion represents the ultimate success in league football. The euphoria of winning promotion lasts for several months until the new season gets underway.

When a club wins promotion revenue increases as a result. There are higher season ticket sales, lucrative sponsorship deals and a bigger share of any television rights deal. Crowds will increase because the club will be playing at a higher level against better opposition. This means new fans are picked up and existing ones who may have become disillusioned return.

Relegation is a terrible experience for everyone connected with a football club. It usually takes time to come to terms with the reality of knowing that the team was not good enough to survive. After the dust settles there, can be doubts over whether players will remain and play at a lower level. In some cases, players will ask for a transfer to another club.

When a football club is relegated there is usually a big drop in revenue. This is down to several factors but the main ones are lower crowd attendances and a significant fall in sponsorship revenue. There is also less money available to the club from any television deals.

Promotion and relegation in football usually involve the top and bottom three teams. The top three are promoted while the bottom three is relegated. There is also a play off competition where the top two teams win automatic promotion and the third, fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams play each other until a winner is found. The winner of the play offs takes the third promotion spot.

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