Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid, Juventus vs. Monaco, Goals of the Week, Liverpool Beat Newcastle, Head-butts, Lost Teeth and a Dressing Room Fight



Hello. Raheem Sterling played very well yesterday and Liverpool defeated Newcastle. Andy Hunter was at Anfield and filed this report. After last night's match, your Premier League Table looks like this. Run-ins for the top six sides? Here.

The greatest club tournament in the world has finally reached the quarterfinal stage. Today's matches? Oh, just the little matter of a Madrid Derby (along with Juventus vs. Monaco). Here's what you need to know to be prepared:

Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Preview I
Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Preview II
Atlético Madrid vs. Real Madrid: Predictions
Juventus vs. Monaco: Preview I
Juventus vs. Monaco: Preview II
Juventus vs. Monaco: Tevez vs. Berbatov

Now is the time on SSN when we scribe:


Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Head-butts, lost teeth and a dressing room fight: Bundesliga kicks off

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? Must-see Copa Libertadores matches this week



It's Tuesday and that means it's time for Marcotti's Musings. This week Gab is gabbing about Van Gaal gets Man United clicking, Yaya Toure's form, Barca drop points.


Can't forget MLS. Yes, it's easy to, but we shouldn't. Here are the latest Power Rankings.

And finally...let's go inside Ciudad Real Madrid.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:14 AM 0 comments

Monday, April 13, 2015

Manchester City Fall Apart, Sevilla Hold Barcelona, Cesc Saves Chelsea, Lazio Go Above Roma, Monday Night Football

Four defeats in their last six league matches...

Badda Bing Badda Boom! Nowhere else to begin today other than at Old Trafford. It was close for a moment, and then Manchester City shat the bed. They are in chaos at the moment. And United? Suddenly LVG has The Reds ripping and roaring all over the place. Ashley Young!! Ashley Young?? The diving twat has cleaned up his act and is playing out of his head! Let's hit all the weekend action in the Premier League, shall we?

Burnley 0 - 1 Arsenal: Paul Wilson at Turf Moor
Tottenham 0 - 1 Aston Villa: Jacob Steinberg at White Hart Lane
Tottenham 0 - 1 Aston Villa: Three Thoughts
QPR 0 - 1 Chelsea: Dominic Fifield at Loftus Road
Manchester United 4 - 2 Manchester City: Daniel Taylor at Old Trafford
Manchester United 4 - 2 Manchester City: Phil McNulty at Old Trafford
Manchester United 4 - 2 Manchester City: Five Talking Points
Manchester United 4 - 2 Manchester City: Five Talking Points II
Manchester United 4 - 2 Manchester City: Three Thoughts

So. Things are really bad at the Etihad at the moment. Phil McNulty has taken the time to assess each player at City. Who should stay? Who should go?

Down in Spain, Barcelona went up by two goals against Sevilla...and failed to win. Meanwhile, rivals Real had no trouble defeating Eibar at home and the gap at the top of La Liga has shrunk to two points. Here are Five Things We Learned from Spain's top league on Saturday and Sunday. Speaking of Barcelona, the are "More Than A Club, " and perhaps that's best illustrated by the amount of coaches they've produced. Sid Lowe is on hand to dig deeper into the Catalan more than a club's success in cultivating gaffers.


Over in Italy, Roma finally relinquished the second spot in the table, and they won't be pleased that taking their place behind Juventus are hated city rivals Lazio. Elsewhere, Napoli claimed a vital win over Fiorentina. Here's a review - more domani with Paolo.

Time to sell, Silvio...

The United States of America + Canada? Here are Five Things We Learned in MLS this weekend, along with a Round-Up.

There's Monday Night Football today, folks. Liverpool host Newcastle (Preview I, Preview II) and Valencia host Levante. The fun never stops!

And finally...Ouch!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 10:47 AM 0 comments

Friday, April 10, 2015

Serie A Abroad?, Manchester Derby, Marcelo Bielsa, Sherwood Returns to Spurs, Sevilla vs. Barcelona, Napoli vs, Fiorentina

Gianluigi Buffon (with Fabio Cannavaro) at Parma in the late 90s...

Boof! It's Friday, yo. Time to gear up for another wonderful weekend on the pitch. We'd better enjoy it, too. There are not many left. The big one on the calendar is Sunday at 11 a.m. EDT when Manchester United host Manchester City. Hit NBCSN for that one. Hit the links below for all of your Premier League prep.

Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Prediction, Team News, Preview
Manchester United vs. Manchester City: The Key Battles
Manchester derby memories from the men who played in the game

Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine is currently the gaffer at Marseille, but might he make his way to West Ham if Big Sam gets the boot? Barney Rooney is the man in charge of taking a look at this one.

Good news here. Montreal have already sold over 35,000 tickets for their home leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final. Well done, Montrealers! Impactors?


Wait. Who is running out of time to save his job...?

What's up in Italy? Well, for one, Napoli host Fiorentina in a match with Champions League implications. Gigi Buffon goes back to Parma for perhaps the final time. And get this: The Big Whigs of Serie A are considering starting next season outside of Italy. Very interesting...

Down in Spain, Barcelona face a tricky trip down to Sevilla tomorrow. Here's a preview of the La Liga weekend activities, plus an article about Real Madrid's recent struggles.


Remember Michu? Yeah, you do. What's up with him these days, anyway?

We mentioned earlier in the week that MLS signed a deal to broadcast in the UK. Well, they've now done it in Brazil. Tap that global ass audience, MLS!

That'll do it for this week. Keep it tite.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:17 AM 0 comments

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Real Madrid & Barcelona Win, Cup Fun As Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Lazio, PSG Advance

Why always me?

Woop! How is everyone today? Excellent. As expected, the top two sides in La Liga won without too much trouble. Ronny scored his 300th goal for Real and Messi and Suarez were in the money for Barca. Sid Lowe was kind enough to file a special Thursday report with more on the mid-week happenings in Spain.

Cups? Cups. Bayern Munich's treble run is still alive after they edged Leverkusen on penalties in the German Cup. Raphael Honigstein is in Germany and has a look at Bayern here. And down in France, The Zlatan scored a hat-trick to lead PSG to the French Cup final. Meanwhile, over in Italy, Lazio won at Napoli to advance to the final of the Coppa Italia where they will meet Juventus. In England, Liverpool finally overcame a stubborn Blackburn side and earned a trip to Wembley with a 0 - 1 win at Ewood Park. Andy Hunter was there and filed this report. Liverpool will face Villa in their FA Cup semi-final. Richard Jolly was also there, and he came away with Three Observations. Phil McNulty would like to join in, too. He says it's the FA Cup or bust for Liverpool this season.

Here's a nice article about Roma. Read it.

Now, go on.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:15 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, April 08, 2015

Back to the Grind, Blackburn vs. Liverpool, MLS in the UK

The Velodrome in Marseille is back.

Hey there! Wow, that was a nice little Break 'O Spring, if we may say so ourselves. The entire SSN Staff scattered from Headquarters and enjoyed a little time away. It was good. But, it is time to hop back in the saddle. Odd to restart on Hump Day, but it's time to get rolling.

We'll begin with yesterday's Aston Villa/QPR match and Christian Benteke. Remember that guy? Used to score a lot, got hurt, stopped scoring? Well, he's scoring again. It was a thriller at Villa Park that finished 3 - 3. Peter Lansley was at Villa Park and filed this report. Talking Points? Here are Five. So, your Premier League table looks like this. Villa move three clear of the relegation zone and QPR remain in trouble. Here's more on the struggle to avoid the dreaded drop. Back toward the top, Manchester City suddenly find themselves in trouble of not qualifying for the Champions League. Phil McNulty looks at what's gone wrong at the Etihad.

Check this out. Major League Soccer has inked a deal with Sky and will be shown in the UK. At least two regular-season games a week, the All-Star game, and every play-off fixture and the MLS Cup final. Hmmm. We're wondering what sort of attention it will garner. Speaking of MLS, the Montreal Impact have advanced to the CONCACAF Champions League Final. Well done, Impact! Way to represent Canada, eh? Or Quebec. North America? Whatever. More MLS? How about Grant Wahl on Orlando City? And finally...POWER RANKINGS!!

Enough MLS. We've got an FA Cup Semi-Final Replay on our hands this afternoon (2:45 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 1). Blackburn host Liverpool at Ewood Park after the previous match at Anfield failed to yield any goals. The winner will go to Wembley to face Aston Villa in a semi-final. Here's a preview.

There are also matches in La Liga today. It's tight at the top between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and Guillem Balague wants to have a look at their respective run-ins. It shall be allowed. Today, the Catalans host Almeria while Ronny's Army go to across town to face Rayo Vallecano.

There was some discussion around SSN Headquarters prior to Spring Break about who should be Player of the Year in the Premier League. Tactical guru Michael Cox says it's got to be Eden Hazard. That was pretty much the consensus here, as well.


And finally...former Liverpool player Andrea Dossena was arrested at Harrods on suspicion of shoplifting.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:55 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 30, 2015

Spring Break


Hey Yo! The SSN Staff are headed south. We'll be reporting sporadically over the next 10 days or so. You know where to go to get updates if you want them. Euro Qualifiers, friendlies, etc., are about it for the next several days. If you can make it through this week, you'll find a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of Arsenal vs. Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich, Roma vs. Napoli, Fiorentina vs. Sampdoria, and Marseille vs. Paris-Saint Germain! See you soon.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:24 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 27, 2015

Euro 2016 Qualifiers, Simon Kuper, Crotch Grabbing, Xavi to Qatar

A little Roberto Mancini to start your weekend off right...
Hey. We're at the end of a dull, dull week. Let's just get to it, shall we? Brazil beat France in Paris yesterday, but it was only a friendly, so we don't really care. Tim Vickery does, though, and we like Tim. Here's his report.

There are some matches that actually matter today (and through the weekend) as European nations attempt to book their tickets to France 2016. Let's have a gander.

Spain vs. Ukraine: Preview
England vs. Lithuania: Preview

Sharp Dressed Men

The damage of the international games: What to look out for in MLS. Here's what else to look out for: Crotch Grabbing! Vinnie Jones would be so proud.


Simon Kuper has an article out today. The Soccernomics guru is writing about how football really is a thinking game. We never doubted that. What we did doubt was the use of Wayne Rooney as an example to prove the theory...

Xavi is set to leave Barcelona for the monied shores of Qatar at season's end. Uhhh, good luck?

And good night.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:28 AM 0 comments

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Denmark Defeat the United States, Jonathan Wilson on Argentina


Hello, Friends! It was a pretty classic match in Europe for the USA Men's team yesterday. Shambolic defending (even Nick Bendtner can get a hat-trick against these clowns), another great game from Jozy Altidore (Sunderland fans shaking their heads in bewilderment), and another match where possession was at a premium. Yes, the U.S.A. went down 3 - 2 to The Claire Danes in Aarhuus. Here's all you need on that:

Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Simon Evans at NRGi Park

Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Three Things That Stood Out
Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Five Things We Learned
Denmark 3 - 2 United States: Winners and Losers

Finally, some Argentina news and analysis. We feel like there's been a dearth of coverage from down there lately. Good thing Jonathan Wilson is on the case. Here's his lead: Can Gerardo Martino end Argentina’s cup drought with Copa América glory?

Speaking of Argentina, they're in D.C. to play El Salvador on Saturday. So, of course, they went to watch Les Boullez.

That's all there is, peeps. We'll be back tomorrow with Euro 2016 qualifying crap.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:34 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Denmark vs. USA

Happy Hump Day. It's rather a rather quiet and uneventful one, to be honest. The Yanks play the Danes in Aarhus in what could be described as a 2018 World Cup preparatory game. Or, it could be a 2015 Gold Cup preparatory game. Either way, it's a friendly that will teach us...nothing. But, it might be fun to watch. If you're interested, you can get your kicks at 3:00 p.m. EDT on ESPN. Here's a Preview. Here's another Preview. Also, there's some dude named Cody Cropper on the squad. It says he's a keeper for Southampton. Interesting. Leander Schaerlaeckens is none too pleased about The Diving German's propensity for calling up loads of different guys.

Terrance Boyd is a Yank Abroad. He's plying his trade at Red Bull Leipzig, which is perhaps Germany's least popular club. That can't be easy.

Goals of the Week? Yes, that's probably a good idea. The one by Birtalan Botond in the Gyirmot vs. Bekescsaba match is quite lovely.

That'll be just fine for today. Enjoy.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:22 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Aleksandar Holiga on Davor Suker, Sid Lowe in Spain, Minnesota United, Podcast, Kaká, Juan Mata, Major League Soccer

Milan fans are not pleased with Berlusconi...

What is up? A very pleasant Tuesday to you and yours. We're going straight to the Twin Cities this morning where it is expected that the announcement will be made to tell The World that Minnesota United FC will become the newest Major League Soccer member.

Speaking of The World, it's Tuesday and that means it's time for Scribes!


Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Could Lucien Favre be Pep Guardiola’s future Bayern replacement?

Where? South America. Who? Tim Vickery. What? The man who took the No. 10 shirt off Lionel Messi


Where? Spain. Who? Guillem Balague. What? Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have weaknesses

Where? Croatia. Who? Aleksandar Holiga. What? Davor Suker: is he doing more for himself than for Croatian football?

Marcotti's Musings, people! Gab's gotta gab. Today he's got...Barcelona claim Clasico points; Man United see off Gerrard and Liverpool. Solid.

Podcast! On today's Football Weekly, AC Jimbo is joined by the motley crew - but not the Mötley Crüe - of Jacob Steinberg, John Ashdown and Gregg Bakowski to look back on a stonking weekend in the wide world of football. We start at Anfield, where Louis Van Gaal - and Steven Gerrard - out-tactic-ed Brendan Rodgers to give Manchester United the win and put breathing space between themselves and Liverpool. After analysing the rest of the action in the Premier League, we dial up Sid Lowe to get the skinny on Barcelona's victory over Real Madrid. Finally, we celebrate Bristol City's Wembley triumph, get up to speed with the Championship promotion picture, and even have a (moderately informed) word about Scottish football.

We're entering a period of international football. The doldrums. In Irons. This article might cheer you up. Maybe.

Juan Mata. What's the deal? Why did it take this long for him to get some playing time at United? And why was he dropped at Chelsea? Barney Ronay takes a look at the little maestro.

With all the hoopla surrounding NYCFCYFCYC's genesis, it's easy to forget that other "New York" team that plays down in Harrison, NJ. Apparently, that's fine with them. Want more Major League Soccer? Good, because we've got it. Here's a Weekend Review (of sorts) and here's an article from Jeff Carlisle on the Earthquakes long journey to their brand spanking new stadium and here's an interview with Kaká. Phew!

And finally...how about a European Team of the Week? Nice, right?

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:07 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 23, 2015

Barcelona Win El Clásico, Gerrard Loses the Plot and Liverpool Lose, Bayern Munich Lose Match and Robben

Camp Nou gets ready...
How DO you do? Some fine (and weird) moments over the weekend. Over at Camp Nou, Barcelona won the latest version of El Clásico and now lead La Liga by four points. That guy, Luis Suárez, was the hero on the night for the Catalans. As you might expect, El Sid was at the ground. Let's rock to the beat of everything Barcelona/Real Madrid, beginning with Sid's report(s):

Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Sid Lowe at Camp Nou
Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Sid Lowe at Camp Nou II: Electric Boogaloo
Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: How They Rated
Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Three Quick Thoughts
Barcelona 2 - 1 Real Madrid: Talking Points

There were other matches in Spain's top division. Fernando Torres scored in one of them. Sevilla defeated Villarreal for the third time in 11 days in another. Here's a La Liga Wrap for that ass, as well as Five Things We Learned.

Stevie G's 38 seconds are up...

Back in England, the match at Anfield is dominating the headlines. Steven Gerrard, as you might expect, is getting a lot of the ink due to his substitution stamp. Elsewhere, Chelsea almost contrived to blow it at Hull, QPR are in real trouble, Sunderland couldn't get a win for their new Dick, and Tottenham almost lost at home to Leicester. Go:

Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United: Phil McNulty at Anfield
Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United: Barney Ronay at Anfield
Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester United: Five Talking Points
Ben Lyttleton: There He Goes Again
Newcastle 1 - 2 Arsenal: Louise Taylor at St. James' Park
Newcastle 1 - 2 Arsenal: Three Thoughts
Hull City 2 - 3 Chelsea: Richard Gibson at the KC Stadium
Hull City 2 - 3 Chelsea: Three Thoughts
Tottenham 4 - 3 Leicester City: David Hytner at White Hart Lane


Neymar arrives at the stadium...

...and poses with his teammates after the win. Ahem.

Major League Soccer! It's certainly off and running now, folks. Here are Five Things We Learned from the weekend, including the fact that the New York Red Bulls now show signs of life after Henry. Oh, and the Chicago Fire suck.

Sticking with the U.S. for a moment, there are friendlies (yawn) coming up and The Diving German has named his squad. Check it.


Bad news for Bayern Munich. Yes, they lost a match. No, that won't keep them from winning the Bundesliga. What's more worrying for the Bavarian Giants is the injury to Patrick Stewart Arjen Robben. He'll miss more than one Champions League clash, it would appear. More Germany? Check out these numbers.

Down in Italy, Carlos Tevez scored again to give Juve another victory, and Lazio won their sixth on the trot. Here a Serie A Wrap for that ass. More domani with Paolo.

That's solid for the start of the week! We're all caught up. Until tomorrow.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:19 AM 0 comments

Friday, March 20, 2015

Champions League Draw, El Clásico, Liverpool vs. Manchester United, Manchester City Overhaul, 2022 World Cup

Daniel De Rossi hears it from the Roma faithful after the loss to Fiorentina...

There goes another one, SSN Peeps! It flew into oblivion on the back of some great mid-week matches. It's now time to prep for the weekend, and that means...El Clásico! As always, it's of great import, with both Real and Barca battling for the Primera Liga crown and only one point separating the two sides. Before we roll into previews, however, let's take a second and check out the results from the Europa League. Everton were humbled by Dinamo Kiev, Fiorentina embarrassed Roma, Wolfsburg beat Inter, and Sevilla defeated Villarreal. Here is a Review of all of the action from last night, along with the Final Eight Draw.

Ooof. We almost forgot. The Champions League Final Eight Draw was this morning, and it begs the question, how many red cards will there be in the Atlético/Real tie? Check it:


OK! Let's move on to all of that Clásico hoopla. Perhaps the best place to begin is with the U.S. television información: It's Sunday at 4:00 p.m. EDT on beIN Sports USA. Now, then...

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: El Clásico Tactical Preview
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: El Clásico's Greatest Moments

Just so you know, there are other matches in Spain's top division this weekend. Here's a Preview. Likewise in Serie A. Do it.

Word on the street is Manchester City are looking to replace a LOT of dead weight, and soon. This will be their first year without a trophy in a decade. Jamie Jackson takes a look at how the squad will change in an attempt to take it to the next level and actually be competitive in Europe. A lot of people are saying they may freefall and fight for a top-four spot. First up as they try to turn things around are West Brom at home. Here's all your Premier League Prep:

Liverpool vs. Manchester United: Key Battles

So, David Ospina has quietly taken over the Number One spot at Arsenal. Here's an interview with the Colombian keeper.

And finally...it's official...the 2022 World Cup will take place in November and December and the final will be on December 18. Bloody Hell. SPECTRE just gets better and better...

Onward.

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:02 AM 0 comments

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Barcelona Oust City, Juventus Advance, Europa League, Barney Ronay on Arsenal, Pereira Wants A Threesome


And there you have it. For the second time in three seasons, no English clubs in the Final Eight of the Champions League. Ouch! As you might expect, they're freaking out in the UK over the current ineptitude of English sides in Europe. Barcelona beat Manchester City 1 - 0 at Camp Nou, but it could have been much more. City were so, so poor, yet again. In the night's other game, Carlos Tevez led Juventus to an easy win over Borussia Dortmund. Let's hit the fallout, beginning a quick wrap, followed by a report from El Sid, who was at Camp Nou to witness a Messi Masterclass...


Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City (agg 3-1): Sid Lowe at Camp Nou
Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City (agg 3-1): Andy West at Camp Nou
Barcelona 1-0 Manchester City (agg 3-1): Five Talking Points
Graham Hunter: Messi Stands Apart

Dortmund 0-3 Juventus (agg 1-5): Three Thoughts


Oh, dear. Now this: Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira offered a student £10,000 for a threesome with him and Old Trafford team-mate Paddy McNair, it was reported on Thursday.

Is this what 19-year-olds do?
Well, well, well. Someone is optimistic about Arsenal, and it turns out it's none other than Barney Ronay. Do, tell, good sir, why there is hope.

The matches just don't stop. You know that. If not, you better recognize. Today it's the Europa League. Here's what to watch, including Fiorentina vs. Roma, Inter vs. Wolfsburg, and Dynamo Kyiv vs. Everton. Of course, the debate continues. Is this competition bad for clubs?

Hey! That's all right. We'll see you tomorrow with weekend previews and more!!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:21 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Monaco & Atlético Madrid Advance, Barcelona vs. Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus, Ronny to MLS?

"Come on, lads. There's no way Arsenal come back and win this. Let's go make another shitty record."

Is it Hump Day already? Holy Cow. Let's get to it. As expected, Arsenal made a go of it, but came up just short. Groundhog Day, anyone? Yes, their naivety in the First Leg was simply too much to overcome. In the other match, Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen went to penalties before the Spanish side advanced. Here's the fallout!

Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Daniel Taylor at the Stade Louis II
Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Henry Winter at the Stade Louis II
Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Alistair Magowan at the Stade Louis II
Monaco 0-2 Arsenal (3-3; Monaco Advance): Five Talking Points
Adam Bate: Typical Arsenal
Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 B. Leverkusen (Atlético Advance): Jonathan Smith at the Vicente Calderón
Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 B. Leverkusen (Atlético Advance): Zach Woosley's Report

Don't get too comfortable, now. There are a couple more matches on the menu this afternoon, and both have the potential to be excellent. Check it:

Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Preview
Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Preview II
Barcelona vs. Manchester City: Preview III
Squawka.com: Pellegrini is Doomed
Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus: Preview
Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus: Preview II

We mentioned the pitch invasion following the Reading FA Cup win yesterday. There was some racism, as well. Here's more on the Madejeski Madness. Speaking of racism, Les Ferdinand is speaking of racism.

And finally...as if our country didn't have enough problems already, Ronny wants to come here in 2018.

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:21 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Liverpool Edge Swansea, Sampdoria Rock Roma, Fiorentina Top Milan, Scribes, Champions League, Dick in at Sunderland, Reading Advance, Another Pitch Invasion

Good times in Reading...

Good Morning! Liverpool got, how shall we put this...a bit lucky yesterday and won at Swansea 1 - 0. The Next Gerrard scored off a deflection to set the stage for Sunday's clash with Manchester United. Juicy. Here are Three Thoughts from the match, as well as a Report, provided by Stuart James, who was at the Liberty Stadium. So the Premier League Table looks like this. It's quite tight once you drop below Chelsea. Should Liverpool defeat Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, things will get nutty.

Similarly in Serie A, once you drop below Juventus, you've got Roma, Lazio, Napoli, Fiorentina, and Sampdoria all within five points and competing for two Champions League spots. Shit's this tight thanks to last night's results.

Back to England, where the semi-finals of the FA Cup are now almost set. Reading ousted Bradford 3 - 0 to book their date with Arsenal. And it'll be either Blackburn or Liverpool against Villa in the other one. Oh, there was a pitch invasion at the conclusion of the Reading/Bradford match, don't you know?

Scribes! Time to go around the world with our favorite writers and see what is up. 



Where? Germany. Who? Raphael Honigstein. What? Huub Stevens and Stuttgart stick to double-negative path in Bundesliga


Where? Brazil. Who? Tim Vickery. What? External shock could re-shape the calendar


Where? Spain. Who? Graham Hunter. What? Simeone should consider his Atletico Madrid future

Where? Germany. Who? Nick Bidwell. What? The good, the bad and the ugly in Berlin

Stade Louis II: Monaco

Sunderland? Guy Poyet is out. Dick Advocaat is in.

As with most weeks, Gabriele Marcotti has some musings. This week, Gab is gabbing about...Tired Chelsea, Ibrahimovic's rant, Van Gaal's discovery, Bale-Ronaldo, more. Enjoy.

Let's get to today's Champions League activity. Arsenal have a mountain to climb in Monaco (3:45 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 1), while Atlético Madrid try to overturn a 0 - 1 deficit at the Vicente Calderón against Bayer Leverkusen (3:45 p.m. EDT on Fox Sports 2). Here are your previews.

Monaco vs. Arsenal: Preview
Monaco vs. Arsenal: Preview II
Monaco vs. Arsenal: Preview III
Picture Special: Wenger Returns to Monaco
Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview
Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview II
Atlético Madrid vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview III

You asked for them. Now you've got 'em. Deal with it!  Major League Soccer POWER Rankings !!!

That's rather solid for a Tuesday, right? Keep it tite!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:12 AM 0 comments

Monday, March 16, 2015

More Fun With The Zlatan as PSG Lose, Burnley Beat City, United Trample Tottenham, Southampton Hold Chelsea, Bayern & Barcelona Cruise, Napoli Lose, Poyet Sacked, Monday Night Football

Gus is gone...

Hey Yo! Another fabulous weekend of footie is in the books, and another quote from The Zlatan is in the headlines. And The French are none too pleased. "F--ing wake up -- we're not playing in the amateurs. Wake up! I have never seen that in 15 years in my career, such a referee in this s--- country. [You] don't even deserve PSG to be in this country." As you might imagine, xenophobic bigot Marine Le Pen wants The Zlatan out of France. Overreact much! Fools.

As expected, Sunderland gave the old, "You're Fired, " to Gus Poyet today. One win in 12 matches was enough for the Black Cat Brass to cut the Uruguayan loose. Best of luck to Gus.

Right. Back to the action on the pitch. Here's your lot from the Premier League!

Arsenal 3 - 0 West Ham: Barney Ronay at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal 3 - 0 West Ham: Three Quick Observations
Burnley 1 - 0 Manchester City: Paul Wilson at Turf Moor
Chelsea 1 - 1 Southampton: Dominic Fifield at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 1 - 1 Southampton: Three Thoughts
Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham: Phil McNulty at Old Trafford
Manchester United 3 - 0 Tottenham: Three Quick Thoughts

La Liga is getting really hot, and we like it. Messi grabbed (yet) another double, Valencia are up to the third, El Clásico is on the horizon, and Gareth finally scored again (Ronny wasn't terribly excited about it). Here's a look back at the weekend action in Spain, along with a Review. More tomorrow with Scribes.

Serie A? Not so hot. Juventus have got the title wrapped up and the also-rans (Napoli, Inter) keep flubbing their lines. Here's a Review. More tomorrow with Scribes.

The top Stateside league is underway and there was a full slate of matches over the weekend. Here's a review of all of that. Apparently, NYCFCYCFC played their first home match at Yankee Stadium and David Villa played quite well. So, great. Also, here are Five Things We Learned over the MLS weekend.

Monday Night Football! There are a couple matches of note today. Fiorentina host struggling Milan, Liverpool look to continue their surge down in Swansea, and Roma host Sampdoria.

Woop! We out!

Onward!!

-SSN

Posted by The Editor at 11:27 AM 0 comments
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