Saturday, May 7, 2011

Pepe Reina looks for Liverpool milestone

Reina is looking for a new Liverpool milestone this Monday as he faces Fulham. The last time Reina failed to feature for Liverpool in a Barclay's Premier League game was back in 2007 against Charlton when he was rested ahead of Liverpool's Champions League final that month. 

Reina looks set to play in his 150th consecutive Premier League game when he plays against Fulham, Monday night. If he plays, which is expected, it will be the 7th longest consecutive streak by any player in Liverpool's history.

Reina became Liverpool's fastest goalkeeper to 100 clean sheets in the league back in December when he broke Ray Clemence's record. He achieved this feat in 198 games league games, 19 games less than Clemence.

WAG of the day!

Amaia Salamanca


We already featured a WAG that belonged to Real Madrid superstar, Sergio Ramos, but once again he out does himself with Salamanca. Amaia is another one of Ramos' former girlfirend's and is a Spanish actress who is best known for her role as Catalina Marcos. I have no idea who her role is but one thing is for certain, she probably looks good playing her. Besides acting, Amaia, works as a model in photo shoots, most likely what she is doing in the above photo. In 2006 she was ranked as number FIVE in Maxim's magazine, "Top 100 Hot List", between Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson. Can't go wrong with that list.

For more images click here

Premier League results for Saturday, May 7th





It's match week 36 and it has so far lived up to expectations. Saturday saw Everton upset Manchester City, Newcastle and Sunderland coming away with 3 points and Blackpool earning a vital point away at White Hart Lane against Tottenham.


Everton 2 - 1 Manchester City:
      Everton came back to upset Manchester City and make them wait to guarantee Champions League football next season. City got off to a great start and took the lead 28 minutes in when Yaya Toure was played in by David Silva and powered the ball into the net past Tim Howard. The host weren't down and out though as they came back in the second half to score two headed goals from Sylvain Distin and Leon Osman within 7 minutes of each other.

Aston Villa 1 - 1 Wigan:
     Wigan earned a very important point away from home against Aston Villa.  The point lifts them out of the bottom three for the time being. Wigan took the lead through their star, Charles N'Zogbia, 10 minutes in when he slotted the ball across the line and into the corner. Villa fought back through Ashley Young, who curled the ball into the opposite corner, just 7 minutes later.

Bolton 1 - 2 Sunderland:
      The story has to be Bolton's poor run of form as they fell at home to Sunderland for their 5th loss in 8 games. Bolo Zenden, former Liverpool player, gave Sunderland the lead as he rounded Bolton's shot stopper, Jaaskelainen, and eased the ball over the line. Fans thought Bolton earned a point when they scored in the 87th minute through Ivan Klasnic but Sunderland found the winner in added time with and own goal from Zat Knight.

Tottenham 1 - 1 Blackpool:
     In a hectic final 15 minutes we seen two penalty's, one penalty save and two goals. Charlie Adam scored for Blackpool from the spot but it took him two attempts as he had his first penalty saved by Gomes but slotted home the second just a minute later. Blackpool looked set to steal all 3 point but Jermain Defoe smashed home the equalizer four minutes from time from the edge of the box.

Newcastle 2 - 1 Birmingham:
     Newcastle came away with the victory at home after their 2-1 win over Birmingham. Newcastle took the lead 35 minutes in when Ameobi scored from the spot after Liam Ridgewell handled the ball in the area. It wasn't long until Newcastle doubled their lead when Steven Taylor headed home just moments later. Birmingham made it interesting by scoring just before half-time but they couldn't find a way back into the game in the second half.

West Ham 1 - 1 Blackburn:
     One team will look at the game as a point gained while the other will look at it as two points dropped. West Ham failed to put in the performance that was expected of them as they fell behind to Blackburn 12 minutes in when Jason Roberts scored from close range. West Ham looked to be sent packing empty handed until Thoms Hitzlsperger scored from a corner just 10 minutes from time. West Ham still sit 3 points from safety as they failed to capitalize on this home game against a struggling Blackburn side.

Friday, May 6, 2011

WAG of the day!

Valentina Zambrotta


Valentina is married to World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta who plays for Italian side AC Milan. Despite living in glamorous Milan, she’s no showgirl. She’s an athlete in her own right. She’s a downhill inline skater, which apparently is a real sport. Somewhere. Despite that she certainly knows how to wear a bikini which brings out her huge baps eyes.

For more images click here

Preview of the Premiership





The next 4 days in the Premier League will make or break many teams as they battle it out for vital points. Chelsea play at Manchester United in what looks like a winner takes all match up for the title. While on the other end of the table 5 teams teams will be looking to avoid relegation by picking up all 3 points.

Match of the weekend: Manchester United vs. Chelsea FC
     With out a doubt this has to be the match of the weekend as these to heavyweights battle it out for the crown. Manchester United come into the match on a high after making it through to the Champions League final but had that disappointing loss last weekend to Arsenal. Chelsea on the other hand come in on great form after taking 16 points from a possible 18 in their last 6 matches. However, Chelsea were pretty poor against United in the Champions League last month. I feel a scoring draw will be most likely but I'm feeling bold (and don't want United to win the league).

Match prediction: Manchester United 1 - 2 Chelsea

Liverpool face off against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night in what looks to be a very tight match up. Liverpool are 2nd in the form guide while Fulham are 7th after coming off back to back 3-0 wins. Liverpool need to win if they are to claim 5th spot and keep the pressure on Tottenham.

Wigan travel to Aston Villa and desperately need something out of the game if they are to avoid relegation. Both have been in decent form as of late and Wigan are well capable of putting in a performance if they show up. With the absence of Gerard Houllier, Villa have had a tough month and will have to put in a good display if they are to shut down Charles N'Zogbia and his Wigan side.


Reebok stadium will be home for Sunderland this weekend as the travel to battle with Bolton. Both teams don't have much to play for but this might provide an exciting match up as neither will worry about the repercussions. Bolton have played well all season long while Sunderland have struggled in recent months. This tie could go either way, tough one to call.


Manchester City play twice this match week as they do battle away at Everton on Saturday and face a stern test at home to Tottenham on Tuesday night. These two games are important for City as they can secure their 4th spot with a win. While Everton doesn't have much to play for, they have been in great form of late and could cause an upset to City's party at Goodison Park. Tottenham on the other hand face a struggling Blackpool at home. Blackpool look almost certain to go down if they don't manage to take anything from this game but Spurs will be looking to regain 5th spot from Liverpool and anything less than a win will not do for their fans.


Birmingham City are not safe from relegation but will feel confident in their match against Newcastle. The League Cup winners travel to St. James' Park looking for a win and if results go their way they will be safe for another season at the top flight. Meanwhile, Newcastle will be looking to put on a show for their fans as they have been poor in recent weeks. With rumors their left back, Enrique, could be leaving, they will want to finish as high as possible.


Bottom club West Ham look doomed if they don't win this relegation match up at home. Blackburn sit 6 points ahead of West Ham but only 3 points from the relegation places. Under pressure manager, Avram Grant, will be looking for a performance from his side as they look to fight the drop. Both side will be looking to pull out all the stops.


Another relegation threatened side, Wolves, look to win at home against an in form West Brom side. Mick McCarhty's men will need a win at home if they are to pull themselves to saftey. They currently sit 1 point from safety with 2 games remaining after this. West Brom on the other hand see themselves in great form and have really pushed on since the arrival of Roy Hodgson.


Finally, Arsenal travel to Stoke City in a match that would of held more meaning if Arsenal didn't slip up against Bolton a few weeks back. They find themselves out of the title race but will look to prove their determination against a difficult Stoke City side. Stoke might not be looking at this match with too much importance as they have nothing to really play for in the Premier League, they surely must have the FA Cup final in the back of their minds.

Jay Spearing rewared with new deal

Jay Spearing against Real Madrid
The young midfielder has been rewarded for his fine form with a new three-year deal at the club. Spearing has formed a very impressive partnership with Lucas in the center of the park and has capitalized on the absence of his captain, Steven Gerrard, through injury.

Damien Comolli, Liverpool's Director of Football, said:

"He has worked hard and has done very well"

"He won his place in the team on merit and has showed in the last games that he can raise his game to what we need."

This weekend the youngster looks set to make his 14th start for Liverpool's first team this season. Kenny has taken notice as Spearing has put in some very strong performances against Arsenal and Manchester City. In the last month Kenny has injected many youngsters into the team including Jay Spearing, Jack Robinson and John Flanagan.

Spearing was set to enter the final year of his contract in the up coming season but, like another youngster Martin Kelly, he has pledged his long term future to Liverpool with his new contract.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Apparently former Liverpool striker has problems finishing in other fields


Fernando Torres, Chelsea's £50 million signing, who just scored his first goal for his new club last week, is apparently having trouble finishing in another area of his life. Olalla won't be to happy if that is the case and with a lurking John Terry, Torres better watch out.

Kenny interested in German international

Mario Gomez celebrating for Germany
According to Sports.co.uk, Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, is looking into making a move for Bayern Munich center forward Mario Gomez.

Reports have suggested the striker was linked with a move to Anfield in the January transfer window before Kenny opted to swoop for Ajax's Luis Suarez. The German international was also linked to the club last summer when Roy Hodgson was still in charge.

Despite landing Suarez and Carroll in January, and being linked with a number of other strikers, the Liverpool manager is still interested in bringing Gomez to the Merseyside club. Dalglish is considering a summer swoop for the Munich forward having contacted Bayern  regarding the availability of the striker this summer, according to a source close to the player.

After a disappointing league finish for Munich the club looks to be set for an overhaul. Gomez scored 24 goals in the Bundesliga this year and is nominated for the European Golden Shoe, an award most likely going to Messi of Barcelona.

I feel Gomez would be a good signing for Liverpool if he is available at the right price. He is strong in the air and has a decent finish in him. At 25 he certainly has plenty of years in front of him and the Bundesliga is probably the most similar league out there compared to the Premier League so he might be able to adapt easily. There are probably better options available but Gomez could turn out to be a great signing.

WAG of the day!

Melanie Slade


Slade was thrown into the spot light when her boyfriend Tho Walcott (Arsenal) was called up into the English National team for the 2006 World Cup. Just like that she was WAG royalty and spending time with the biggest names in English football, and all this, before she turned 18. Despite WAG status, Slade herself came out and said she did not want to be the typical WAG who is there for a bit of eye candy. She is studying physiotherapy in London and taking part in campaigns against cancer. One things for sure, shes not a bad sight.

For more images click here

Liverpool target Sevilla's £15m star

Sevilla star, Alvaro Negredo, has been a target of Steve Bruce's Sunderland and now looks to be on the radar of Liverpool.

The former Real Madrid striker has scored more than 60 goals in just under 4 seasons and looks set to leave Sevilla after this season. Negredo's recent form has caught the eye of Spanish National team manager Del Bosque and has himself on the brink of a call up.

However, Kenny will look to strengthen the left side of Liverpool's midfield before he moves for any more attacking options. Negredo would be a great player to have to keep Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll on their toes as Liverpool look to bounce back next season.

Liverpool owners John Henry and Tom Werner serve up some hot chocolate


Liverpool owners,John Henry and Tom Werner, serve some free hot chocolate to those who stuck around in the early hours of the morning for a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.

The Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels did battle at Fenway Park in a game that lasted nearly 7 hours because of torrential rain. The game started around 7pm and was soon interrupted in the 5th inning of play. The rain delay lasted nearly 2 and 1/2 hours before play resumed at 11pm.

Those fans who stuck around through the elements were then treated to free coffee and hot chocolate served by, the Red Sox and Liverpool owners, John Henry and Tom Werner.

The Red Sox eventually lost 5-3 in a game that ended at 2:45am.

Photo courtesy of @Linda_Pizzuti

Liverpool FC record £20 million loses in final year of Hicks-Gillett ownership


£20 million - The amount the club lost during Hicks and Gillett's last year of ownership. The losses occur during the financial year starting August 2009 to July 2010. 

Hicks and Gillett bought the club promising a league title and to bring Liverpool back to the pinnacle of English football, where our beloved club belongs. However, these promise were broken, fans accused the two Americans of draining the club of its stature. Hicks and Gillett used the club to offset their borrowing and loaded the club with a mountain of debt. The club, part of it's £20 million loses, was paying close to £13 million in interest payments alone which rose nearly £5 million annually.

The Liverpool Echo exclusively obtained the accounts which reveal the extent of the losses endured. The cost to part company with former manager Rafael Benitez, who constantly battled the owners, and his staff nearly broke the £8 million pound mark.

Hicks and Gillett also promised the club a new stadium in Stanley Park which, unsurprisingly, never materialized.

They continued to suck the life out of a club that millions adored until the inevitable happened. In October 2010 their dark strangle hold of the club was lifted. FSG, an American sports group, came in to safe the club and give it new life, something it has accomplished in its short tenure as owners.

FSG re-payed close to £200 million in outstanding debt to The Royal Bank of Scotland an lowered interest payments to £3 million annually. Suddenly things looked brighter around the club and under Kenny Dalglish the team is flourishing.

A round up of some of today's financial figures:

Club revenue is up by £7 million from £177m to £184m (not including £81m shirt sponsorship deal)
Profit on player return of nearly £23m
Media revenues up by £5m to £80
Administration expenses rose £20m from £162m to £182m (mainly player contract extensions)

 These are just some of the many points carried out in the financial aspect of the club. For more information please refer to the Liverpool Echo.

Ian Ayre, former Commercial Director, said:

“As much as we were well aware of the difficulties surrounding these accounts, everyone in the world is now aware of what has been achieved since.
“The club is now in an excellent position to move forward.”

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The chase for Juan Mata heats up


Liverpool target, Juan Mata, looks set to leave Valencia this summer. Valencia, who had to sell David Villa and David Silva to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, now look set to lose another one of their stars.

It is being reported there is a buy-out clause in Mata's contract believed to be around 23 million euros and Valencia would be forced to sell despite their reluctance. Skysports.com reported Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in the winger as are other clubs including Manchester City and Sevilla.

According to the players father, the player is generating alot of interest.


"The race to sign my son has hit fever pitch and is still increasing," said Juan Mata's father.

WAG of the day!

Abigail Clancy


Peter Crouch (Tottenhan) must be doing something right off the pitch if he can score this beauty, Abigail Clancy. Abigail is a British lingerie model, catwalk model and television presenter. She was born in Liverpool and has been dating Peter since 2006, they are currently engaged. Clancy has been ranked 37th, 55th and 12th in the FHM magazine's annual 100 sexiest women in the world poll.

For more images click here

Maxi looks to stay at Anfield


Liverpool's Argentinian winger, Maxi Rodriguez, says he is happy at the Merseyside club and wants to see out the remaining 2 years on his contract.


Maxi, who has scored 4 goals in his last 2 games, including a hat-trick in Liverpool's 5-0 over Birmingham 2 weeks ago, has been in fine form for the Reds as they push for a Europa League place. With Liverpool's win over Newcastle, thanks to a goal from Maxi, they leapfrogged Tottenham for 5th place, their highest position all season.


Rodriguez arrived in January of 2010 from Athletico Madrid and has two years remaining on his current deal, two years which Maxi plans on seeing out. With rumors of a clear out in the Liverpool squad, many feel Rodriguez could be one of the many to go.



“I am really happy here,” said Maxi.
 “The people have treated us really well. The type of life we have here, the way of life, is very different to what we were used to after nine years in Spain but I am enjoying everything.
“How can you not enjoy it? I am at a great club and it is great to play here.”

If Maxi can maintain his current form for the remainder of the season I see no reason why Liverpool wouldn't finish 5th. It also couldn't hurt Maxi's case to stay beyond this season. Despite not making a huge impact since arriving from Athletico Madrid, Rodriguez has been in some good form during patches of the season.
With Liverpool looking to rejuvenate the squad this summer, and wide players a high priority, time will only tell what the future holds for Maxi.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

WAG of the day!

Yésica Toscanini


Yésica Toscanini is a professional Argentina fashion model. Toscanini is currently dating Juan Román Riquelme who plays for the Argentina giants Boca Juniors. She has appeared in multiple catalogs and magazines such as, the 2006 and 2007 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues and Abercrombie & Fitch catalogs. Some might even recognize this beauty from Enrique Iglesias's music video for his song "Do You Know?", she played his high school sweetheart.

For more images click here

Juventus could pull out of Aquilani deal

According to Sky Sports Italia, Juventus are believed to have told Liverpool they are unwilling to pay the buy-out fee of £14.2 million agreed apon last summer when the Rossenaries took the player on a season long loan.

As expected, Juventus have been unwilling to pay a price they feel is to high. Aquilani, who was signed for around £20 million from Roma in 2009, has been arguably one of Juventus' best players this season as he has put in some stellar performances.

The general manager for Juventus, Giuseppe Marotta, said:

"There is a buy-out clause that has to be activated by May 15. We'll try to reach an agreement before the deadline.

"I can certainly say we will not sign Aquilani for the sum set by Liverpool."

I personally feel the fee is a just price for a player who has played well for the majority of the season. As talked about a few days ago, AC Milan could also make a move for the player as they look to replace Andre Pirlo. If Juventus are unwilling to pay the fee agreed upon last year then Liverpool should keep the player. I would gladly welcome the lad back to Anfield and hope he can make an impact as Liverpool look to break back into the top four next season.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Sami Hyypia retires at the age of 37

Liverpool legend, Sami Hyypia, announced his retirement from professional football and brings an end to his wonderful playing career.

Sami has always held a special place in the hearts of many Liverpool fans after a decade with the Reds. Signed from Willem II in 1999 for a fee of £2.5 million, Hyypia made his name as a dominant figure in the Liverpool back line. While he never won the league with Liverpool, he has won plenty with the club. He was apart of the historic treble winning team in 2001 and the amazing Champions League win in 2005. He also captained the club for a spell from 2001 to 2003 before Steven Gerrard took over that role.

"The decision to retire grew during the season,"

"I had no interest any more to go elsewhere to play.

"There are no regrets. Thanks to all those who have helped during the course of my career and to my relatives a big thank you, without family and friends it would not have been possible."


Sami has now set his sights on coaching as he looks to get his coaching license

"I must get a coaching licence and then I get the experience of Leverkusen and the national team coaching.

"I'm really happy about this. All who know me know I put myself fully into it. It is 100% or nothing."

Read More http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9473124.stm

Kenny to be given job on permanent basis


According to The Daily Mail, Dalglish looks set to secure the managers job on a permanent basis this week.

Since Kenny's return to the club, Liverpool have seen a resurgence around Anfield. Liverpool are unbeaten at home this year under Kenny and now find themselves back in a European qualification place after their 3-0 win over Newcastle, Sunday morning. While the Europa League is not what the club really wants, it should provide as a stepping stone to reclaim their place back in the Champions League next season.


Reports in Italy suggested that Porto boss Andre Villas Boas would be appointed in the summer and that he had rejected a move to manage Roma because he has already signed a contract with Liverpool.

However, Villas Boas has recently rejected these claims and it has always looked to be Kenny's job for the taking. It's unsure how long the contract could last for but it should prove vital to help stake a major claim next season.

WAG of the day!

Elisabeth Reyes


Reyes has dated Real Madrid and Spanish superstar Sergio Ramos. She is a Spanish model and was voted 2006 Miss Spain and has posed in several catalogs. Unfortunately for Ramos, he no longer has this beauty around his arm. She is currently with Valencia's center back Alexis Ruano.

For more images click here

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Premier League results for Sunday, May 1st


 Birmingham 1 - 1 Wolverhampton:
     Birmingham held on with 10 men to take a point out of a match the visitors dominated in. Fletcher gave Wolves the lead 7 minutes in from the penalty spot to give the relegation threatened club a great start. However, the lead didn't last long as 20 minutes later Larrson evened the scoring for Birmingham. Joy didn't last long though as Gardener found himself seeing red 2 minutes after Birmingham were back to level terms. Wolves dominated the majority of the game and surely feel its 2 points dropped rather than 1 point gained.

Manchester City 2 - 1 West Ham:
     Manchester City edged closer to sealing their Champions League place with a hard fought victory at The Eastlands. City got off to a great start by finding themselves 2-0 up after 15 minutes. A 30 yard thunderbolt from Nigel De Jong and an own goal from Lars Jacobsen gave West Ham a mountain to climb. Demba Ba gave West Ham hope after pulling a goal back but City were to strong for them in the end. West Ham still remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table as relegation draws closer.

Arsenal 1 - 0 Manchester United:
     Arsenal put in a great performance that seen them run out 1-0 winners at The Emirates. Aaron Ramsey put a dent into United's title hopes after finishing his goal well just before the hour mark. In a game that held more importance for Chelsea rather than Arsenal, after their 2-1 defeat to Bolton last week, we seen Arsenal dominate the possession and bounce back. The door is now wide open for the title with Chelsea 3 points behind Manchester United. Next week's game now holds even more importance as Chelsea and United do battle in what looks like a winner takes all match.

WAG of the day!

Andreea Raicu

 


This Romanian beauty dated Christian Chivu who currently plays for Italian team, Inter Milan. Andreea was voted as the sexiest Romanian woman twice and has won modeling competitions. She has also gotten herself involved in television by hosting Big Brother in Romania.

For more images click here

Reds ease past Newcastle to move into 5th spot

Liverpool continued their strong run of form under Kenny Dalglish with a comfortable 3-0 win over Newcastle at Anfield.

Liverpool came into the match knowing a win would move them up into 5th, ahead of Tottenham after their 2-1 loss at Stamford Bridge Saturday afternoon. Goals from Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt and Luis Suarez sealed the three points and ensured Liverpool moved into the final European qualification place.

Liverpool started well and were rewarded with a goal from Maxi, 10 minutes in, as it took a deflection off a Newcastle defender and into Tim Krul's net. Kuyt stretched Liverpool's advantage just after the break by slotting home from the spot.

 Man of the match, Luis Suarez, made sure of all 3 points when he took his goal well after playing a few passes with Dirk Kuyt and gliding the ball under the diving Krul from 10 yards out.

Andy Carroll, who didn't start, came on with 20 minutes left to play in front of angry Newcastle supports who where left disappointed after his departure. The only thing that was missing, from Liverpool's impressive 3-0 victory over Newcastle, was Andy Carroll's name on the score sheet against his former club.

Despite Newcastle's advantage in possession, they couldn't create any chances to trouble the Liverpool goal. Pepe Reina only had one save to deal with all afternoon as Newcastle couldn't find the target.

Liverpool now look to be favorites to take the final European place despite Tottenham's game in hand.