Wednesday's Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers has been postponed as a mark of respect following the death last weekend of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) announced on Monday.
SSN is a digest of the day's soccer/football/futbol articles with a focus on the top European leagues and the United States National Team. Below, you’ll find links to articles and video, as well as additional features and commentary. We locate the top news of the day so you can stay updated with ease.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Old Firm postpone clash in memory of O'Donnell
Wednesday's Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers has been postponed as a mark of respect following the death last weekend of Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell, the Scottish Premier League (SPL) announced on Monday.
Norman Hubbard: Worst players of the season... so far
While it is a comment that applies to entire teams, the half-term report card for certain players contains the unwanted words 'could do better'. The only consolation is that the second half of the season presents an immediate opportunity for improvement. But if not, it won't represent a year to remember for the following:
CASL 91 Elite defeats Chelsea at Disney Showcase
The team from Raleigh, NC pulled off an upset that the young players will remember for the rest of their lives with a 2-1 win over the world-renowned Chelsea FC U-16 team.
Figo Set For USA Move?
The Portuguese legend has reportedly signed a two-year contract with the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) worth $3.5m a season.
Luis Figo and his wife Helena Svedin
Select EPL Weekend Reports
Another interesting weekend in England as Ronaldo's penalty miss allowed West Ham to knock United off the top of the table, Arsenal employed long-ball tactics to beat Everton, and Spurs and Reading provided a comedy of errors...West Ham 2 - 1 Manchester United
Lethargic Reds
Everton 1 - 4 Arsenal
Gunners finding new ways to win
Tottenham 6 - 4 Reading
Berbatov nets four in schoolyard contest
Manchester City 0 - 0 Liverpool
Title chances fading fast for Rafa
Birmingham 1 - 1 Fulham
Bocanegra heads in a point for Hodgson
Wigan 1 - 2 Aston Villa
Villians drive toward Europe
The Insider at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle
When cheers turn to jeers
We may have come with the intention of issuing the last rights to Sam Allardyce's troubled reign as Newcastle manager, but a more accurate assessment of the day's happenings may be that this was the beginning of the end of Avram Grant's controversial reign as Chelsea manager.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Just some basics for the moment
I'm bouncing around enjoying my holiday at the moment. Boxing Day was wonderful as I managed to catch three matches at Mom & Pop Sanford's house on the flat screen in front of a roaring fire. Now that's a holiday! I'll be in New York this weekend seeing old pals and have to run to get there at the moment so I've just posted some basic catch-up articles, if you like, below. The derbies in Barcelona and Milan lived up to expectations (Baptista can score in big games) and ManU has taken over top spot in England.Look for normal service to resume on Monday. Cheers, Sanford.
p.s. - Here's what Lawro thinks will happen this weekend in the EPL.
EPL Extra Time: Another case of the blues for Chelsea + Weekend Preview
How do you list the ways in which Chelsea saw its problems mount in a 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on an explosive Boxing Day?
Weekend Preview
Weekend Preview
EPL: Transfer Fever + Table
How Premier League clubs may move in the January transfer window
| Premier League Table | ||
| December 28 | GP | PT |
| Man Utd | 19 | 45 |
| Arsenal | 19 | 44 |
| Chelsea | 19 | 38 |
| Liverpool | 18 | 36 |
| Man City | 19 | 35 |
| Everton | 19 | 33 |
| Portsmouth | 19 | 31 |
| Aston Villa | 19 | 30 |
| Blackburn | 19 | 27 |
| West Ham | 18 | 26 |
| Newcastle | 19 | 26 |
| Reading | 19 | 22 |
| Tottenham | 19 | 21 |
| Birmingham | 19 | 18 |
| Bolton | 19 | 17 |
| Middlesbrough | 19 | 17 |
| Wigan | 19 | 16 |
| Fulham | 19 | 14 |
| Sunderland | 19 | 14 |
| Derby | 19 | 7 |
Roberto Gotta in Italy
Inter Milan 2 - 1 AC MilanInter underline their superiority
| Serie A | ||||||
| CLUB | GP | W | L | D | PTS | GD |
| Inter Milan | 17 | 13 | 0 | 4 | 43 | 28 |
| Roma | 17 | 10 | 1 | 6 | 36 | 15 |
| Juventus | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 35 | 20 |
| Udinese | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 1 |
| Fiorentina | 17 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 28 | 10 |
| Palermo | 17 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 25 | -2 |
| Napoli | 17 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 3 |
| Atalanta | 16 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 22 | 2 |
| Catania Calcio | 17 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 21 | -2 |
| Sampdoria | 17 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 19 | -3 |
| Genoa | 17 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 19 | -7 |
| AC Milan | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 9 |
| Parma | 17 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 18 | -5 |
| Lazio | 17 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 18 | -6 |
Phil Ball in Spain
Barcelona 0 - 1 Real MadridWhite Christmas
| Primera División | ||||||
| CLUB | GP | W | L | D | PTS | GD |
| Real Madrid | 17 | 13 | 2 | 2 | 41 | 23 |
| Barcelona | 17 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 34 | 19 |
| Espanyol | 17 | 9 | 2 | 6 | 33 | 7 |
| Villarreal | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 32 | 6 |
| Atlético Madrid | 17 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 31 | 12 |
| Racing Santander | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 26 | -2 |
| Valencia | 17 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 26 | -6 |
Barton refused bail, spends New Year in jail
The 25-year-old was arrested in Liverpool early yesterday following an alleged incident in the city centre.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Friday Thoughts From The Editor
It's a good day, then. The holidays are here and that means plenty of matches to keep our focus away from mundane issues like family and yuletide spirit and all that. And what a way to kick it all off: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid, Inter vs. Milan Barcelona Catalonia
Meanwhile, inMilan Milan Milan Milan in Europe (and you don’t), this might just be the year. On the flip side, I cannot see Liverpool getting past Inter. Mancini’s men will be there at the end, I’m certain. Oh, and ManU can’t be too worried about facing a Lyon side that barely beat Rangers. No trouble here for the Reds.
Enjoy, Sanford
Meanwhile, in
Two things in today’s news really piss me off. First: Fulham sack Sanchez. Now, it’s not so much the action of sacking Lawrie that gets me, it’s the fact that they sacked Chris Coleman to begin with. He had them competing and staying in the Premiership year in and year out. How can you expect Fulham to be a top-10 side? You cannot, it’s that simple. They’ll have good years and bad, but Coleman was an expert at getting the most out of very limited resources. And they sacked him. Now they’re screwed and it’s a shame, especially since they’ve got three Yanks in the team. Second: Peter Crouch. What is he thinking? I can’t say anything more – just read the bloody article below. Alec sums up my opinion well so no need for me to repeat here.
Oh, and Everton travel to Old Trafford. That's not bad either.Enjoy, Sanford
The North London Derby: A History
The rivalry between supporters and players at local derby matches often has its roots in the respective histories of the clubs and their communities. The North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is no exception.
Skint Scousers
Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr are checking down the back of the sofa...
Liverpool owners face cash crisis
King hurt, Ramos stressed
Tottenham coach bemoans six injured defenders with Didier Zokora to miss derby after appeal to FA against ban fails
Ramos short of options as King injured
Champions League Draw
Here's the draw for the first knock-out stage of the Champions League:
Celtic v Barcelona
Lyon v Manchester United
Schalke v Porto
Liverpool v Inter Milan
AS Roma v Real Madrid
Arsenal v AC Milan
Olympiakos v Chelsea
Fenerbahce v Sevilla
Champions League: Arsenal draw AC Milan
Last 16 guide
Fulham show Sanchez the door
The former Northern Ireland manager has left the London club after only seven months following a run of bad results. They should have shown more faith with Chris Coleman.
Sanchez sacked by Fulham
What a load of bollocks
This really is a heap of shite. According to Crouchy it's only those dirty conniving foreigners who dive and cheat. Perhaps he should check out his club team mate Steven Gerrard or England team Michael Owen. Of course when they go down too easily and feign injury it's considered being clever. Wanker.
Crouch lays into Mikel and blames 'foreign' fakers
Rise of the two-footed lunge
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Moratti On Calciopoli: I Want My Titles Back
Inter President Massimo Moratti says that the club were robbed of more than one Scudetto prior to the Calciopoli scandal last summer.
Vote for your football highlights of 2007
We've (The Guardian) selected our six best British football moments and personalities of the past 12 months, but which were your favourites?
5) Last-day relegation battle. Carlos Tevez scores at Old Trafford to complete an escape that was as improbable as it was controversial; meanwhile at Bramall Lane, Emile Heskey delivers an immense defensive performance and David Unsworth converts a penalty to relegate the team with whom he began the season. As drama goes, this beats the pants off Hollyoaks.
5) Last-day relegation battle. Carlos Tevez scores at Old Trafford to complete an escape that was as improbable as it was controversial; meanwhile at Bramall Lane, Emile Heskey delivers an immense defensive performance and David Unsworth converts a penalty to relegate the team with whom he began the season. As drama goes, this beats the pants off Hollyoaks.
The night Wenger decided to let his young stars shine
Arsène Wenger's policy of selecting Carling Cup youth teams buoys his players and points to a bright future.
Milan happy to be away team for derby with Inter
AC Milan will be pleased they are the "away" side for Sunday's city derby with Serie A leaders Inter having failed to win at home in the league this season.
Paul Jewell convinced Derby County can be his pride and joy
Bottom of the league at Christmas? Many a manager would be more likely to reach for the Prozac than ProZone, but Paul Jewell is intent on using the second half of this season to get Derby County up to speed and ready to fulfill their potential.
Rafael Benitez sees red after Chelsea punish Liverpool’s off night
Semi-final draw
Chelsea v Everton
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
First legs to be played week commencing Jan 7
Second legs week commencing Jan 21
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Manchester City Seal Nery Castillo Deal
Manchester City have got their man. Nery Castillo will join on a 12-month loan deal in January, leaving Shakhtar Donetsk behind.
The Ukrainian outfit paid over 20 million euros to Olympiakos this summer for the 23-year-old, who apparently helped wealthy City - bankrolled by Thai magnate Thaksin Shinawatra - pay for his signature.
(What's up with that body ink? Are those his parents? - Ed.)
Top Five Argentine Youngsters (Still In Argentina)
With a young generation of Argentines coming through the ranks - and fast conquering Europe - Nick Dorrington looks at the most promising youngsters (under 20) still in the country.
U.S. to Face Cuba, Honduras and Panama in Olympic Qualifying
The U.S. Under-23s, coached by U.S. National Team assistant coach Peter Nowak, will play three matches in a five-day span between March 11-15, with exact dates and times to be announced by CONCACAF at a later date. Group B will see Canada, Guatemala, Haiti and Mexico square off, beginning on March 12 in Carson, Calif.
The Pornography of Corrugated Iron Sheds
A celebrated poet, and football fan, on the joys of ‘groundtasticism’Glebe Park, Brechin City
One of the most beautiful grounds I’ve seen; go there on a spring morning when the air is as fresh and crisp as only Scottish air can be and marvel at the only football ground in Europe with a hedge surrounding its perimeter. When I went there, a bloke was trimming it with a pair of clippers and I wept with joy. Groundtastic!
Jonny Evans Questioned Over Man United Rape Claim
The multi-millionaire players had booked out the entire four-star hotel on Monday night for the squad Christmas party. They told their WAGs - wives and girlfriends - to stay at home and invited 100 models and dancers, for what one observer described as a "drinking, lap dancing and gambling marathon". (Ummm...classy!!) -Ed.
But the party came to an abrupt halt at 4.15am yesterday morning when the police received a 999 call alleging that there had been a rape in the building.
And Tony Cascarino on Christmas Parties: Scrap Them
Allaying Fears of MLS Foreign Invasion
In theory, by increasing the number of foreigners allowed per team and permitting those spots to be traded, MLS clubs could field rosters entirely made up of overseas players. Such suggestions are bound to anger those who feel the only way forward for soccer in the United States is relentless promotion of home-grown talent, not importing players from elsewhere.
Ashley Cole set to face FA charge over gesture
Ashley Cole is likely to find out today if he faces a Football Association charge for aiming a two-finger salute at Arsenal fans.
The FA have confirmed they are examining all available evidence before deciding whether to take disciplinary action over Sunday's alleged incident.Carling Cup: 10 Men Arsenal and 10 Men Spurs Advance
Blackburn 2 - 3 Arsenal
Eduardo strike wins it in extra-time thriller
Richard Jolly at Ewood Park
Manchester City 0 - 2 Tottenham
100% home record shattered by Spurs
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Lahm to Utd?
This guy is quality, but I can't see Bayern selling him.
Record profits may fund Manchester United move for Philipp Lahm
Eboue takes out Terry
Its amazing how many people hate Arsenal, and I am not just talking about Spurs fans. When you ask them why, more often than not the answer will be something along the lines of 'I like the way they play, but they're just so many dickheads in the team'. Well there seems to be another with Emmanuel Eboué. He goes down at the brush of a feather and moans like a spoilt child when things don't go his way. But above all he has a mean, vicious streak that should have seen him sent off against Boro and Chelsea. His snide, over the top tackle has put John Terry, who committed a similar tackle during the game, out for 6 to 12 weeks.
Terry faces up to three months out with broken bones in foot
Carling Cup goes all Harry Potter
The Blackburn boss wants his team to ignore Arsenal's mind games in tonight's quarter-final
Discount 'dark arts', warns Hughes
Borgetti Considering MLS Move
If he plays as well as he did at Bolton, he'll fit right in...
"We have already talked to Kansas and Colorado, looking at what possibilities we have - anyway, I won't pick up the first offer that appears."
Phil Ball in Spain
Señor Ball is eagerly looking forward to this weekend's Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid...
Americans in England: Howard Helps Continue the Streak
Goal.com USA's Matthew Braine runs down the happenings of the Americans in England this past weekend.
Carling Cup Tuesday Previews
England: Splashing the Cash in January
Updated: With time running out before the transfer window opens, clubs are already busy planning their shopping lists for the New Year. Speculation has been rife for the past month over who will end up where after Christmas, so here's a breakdown of some of the major transfer talk.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Burning down the Mestalla
After another crushing defeat for Los Che, Rubén Baraja's suggestion that unhappy fans should 'burn down Mestalla' looks like a red rag to a bull. Señor Lowe reports.
Valencia feeling the heat after Barça humbling
Italy: Serie A Reports
Inter extend lead as Roma are held by Torino, Juventus win at Lazio and Samp and Fiorentina draw...REPORTS
If the Cap fits...
Any interest in Capello? Well, if you've got a life, probably not. But if you do...
Fabio Capello to bring 'pride' back to England
Back to basics for Boca
After defeat in the Club World Cup final, Boca Juniors must turn their focus to more mundane activities - such as appointing a manager, writes Marcela Mora y Araujo.
Back to the drawing board for Boca
Richard Jolley on the Race for the Premier League Title
Jolley breaks down the chances of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool as we head into the congested winter schedule.
And then there were three...
Bavarian Blunderers
Ottmar Hitzfeld's tactical shortcomings with Bayern Munich are in danger of making him a lame duck manager. Herr Honigstein reports:
General struggles to inspire troops as Bayern flounder again
Milan takes the Cup, Maldini takes a rest
AC Milan's Paolo Maldini said shortly after winning the Fifa Club World Cup that he will retire at the end of the season.
Milan crush Boca 4-2 to win Club World Cup
AC Milan great Paolo Maldini to retire
EPL Table
| Team | Pts | GP | W | D | L |
| Arsenal | 40 | 17 | 12 | 4 | 1 |
| Man Utd. | 39 | 17 | 12 | 3 | 2 |
| Chelsea | 34 | 17 | 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Manchester City | 33 | 17 | 10 | 3 | 4 |
| Liverpool | 30 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 2 |
| Everton | 30 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 5 |
| Portsmouth | 30 | 17 | 8 | 6 | 3 |
| Aston Villa | 28 | 17 | 8 | 4 | 5 |
| Blackburn | 26 | 17 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Newcastle | 25 | 17 | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| West Ham | 22 | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Tottenham | 18 | 17 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| Reading | 18 | 17 | 5 | 3 | 9 |
| Middlesbrough | 17 | 17 | 4 | 5 | 8 |
| Birmingham | 15 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 10 |
| Bolton | 14 | 17 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| Sunderland | 14 | 17 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| Fulham | 13 | 17 | 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Wigan Athletic | 12 | 17 | 3 | 3 | 11 |
| Derby | 6 | 17 | 1 | 3 | 13 |
Gallas goal gives Gunners glory
The first 45 minutes at the Emirates suggested we were going to see more of the crap served up by ManU and Liverpool, but not so. The 2nd 45 may have lacked a touch of quality - at one stage it seemed the teams were competing in a private miss of the season competition - but was not short on excitement. At the beginning on the season I said I thought the Gunners would rely a great deal on Gallas, but I never thought it would be through his goal scoring ability.
William Gallas delivers killer blow for Arsenal
Ghost of Jose Mourinho comes back to haunt Chelsea
Terry injury changes game and may sway Capello
Cole Could Face Disciplinary Action
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