Weekend Thoughts From the Editor

This whole China spying on Denmark prior to their opening match is too much. And then the underdog hosts go out and snatch a victory. The spying episode (I guess there were two) reminds me of when Mrs. Sanford was in Beijing back in April. She was in a bad mood and having trouble dealing with the passive/aggressive nature of some of her hosts. Let’s just say that she sent me an email (I was Stateside) that was none to complimentary of her situation, and punctuated her distaste with plenty of four-letter words. Hours later, her internet was cut off. Oh, she still had access from her apartment to the server in the hospital where she was working, but for some reason she simply could not get online. When she mentioned the problem to her hosts, there were shrugs. Then, exactly 24-hours later, her internet access returned. Let’s just say meddling in the affairs of Johnny Foreigner is considered standard operating procedure over in The Middle Kingdom as far as I can tell.

So now Eddie Johnson wants to go to the EPL. Why not before? Derby not good enough for you, EJ? I tell you, this kid has a lot to prove. In my eyes he’s played well in the MLS and that’s about it. He’s been decent at times for the Nats but his poor showings have outweighed anything positive he’s produced. I find him annoying. Until he actually makes a move and proves himself in England he’ll continue to be a lame-o in my book. He's had too many opportunities to step up for the national team that he has not taken. Speaking of lame-os, Deuce used to be one. The blog, the attitude, the lingo = lame. But now? Deuce can play. He’s not lame. I like him. You score? You play well? You enhance the reputation of American soccer abroad? You’re not lame. I like you, Deuce. You have stepped up. Word. Tite. Foh Shizzle.

OK, on to the weekend action. Everton and Manchester United at Goodison. Mr. Burns twiddles his thumbs (I had to add the photo in order to keep up with Alec’s theme for the day). This should be a cracker. Or at least feature some cracked bones. I wonder if Rooney will play any role. Perhaps a spot on the bench but I doubt he’ll see any action. How will JMcP play after his emotional high in Paris? If I were David Moyes I’d be inclined to start him on the bench in fear of a letdown. It should be a fun one, regardless.

Another match of note is Blackburn’s visit to Stamford Bridge. Teams don’t usually get much when they go to that corner of West London, but with Lampard and Drogba both doubtful, Rovers could steal a point. Worth keeping an eye on, I say.

And of course, the North London Derby. Tomorrow’s edition is at White Hart Lane and features a surging Arsenal side versus a Spurs squad that has failed to live up to high expectations. Berbatov has had a frustrating start to his campaign and he had some gross misses in his qualifying matches this past week. Keano had a tough Wednesday as well. The good news for Spurs is the return of Aaron Lennon and Darren Bent. A new-look side with that much pace could throw the Gunners off.

No real mega-clashes in Italy or Spain, but in Germany Schalke and Bayern Munich square off. If anyone can stop the Bayern march to the title, it’s probably Schalke. Even this early, the match could have some critical repercussions.

Enjoy the weekend.

-Sanford