Friday, December 17, 2010

Live UEFA Champions League Knockout Round Draw on Friday


Date/Time: Dec 17, 2010, 6:00am
Competition:  Champions League
Live/Repeat: Live


Just a reminder that the draw for the next round of the 2008-09 Champions League takes place this Friday

There are plenty of familiar names in the draw as ten of the sides that reached this stage last season are still in the running. The new faces are Panathinaikos FC, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Club Atlético de Madrid, Villarreal CF, FC Bayern München and Juventus though both Bayern and Juve are well-experienced in this competition.

The draw conditions are as follows:

1. Clubs from the same association must not be drawn against each other.
2. The winners and runners-up of the same group must not be drawn against each other.
3. Group winners must not be drawn against each other.
4. Group runners-up must not be drawn against each other.
5. Group runners-up shall play their first-leg match at home.

Just to recap the group stage, here are the winners and runners-up.
2008/09 UEFA Champions League Round of 16
First knockout round – to be played 24/25 February and 10/11 March

Group winners                                                Group runners-up

A AS Roma (Italy)                                         Chelsea FC (England)
B Panathinaikos FC (Greece)                         FC Internazionale Milano (Italy)
C FC Barcelona (Spain)                                 Sporting Clube de Portugal (Portugal)
D Liverpool FC (England)                              Club Atlético de Madrid (Spain)
E Manchester United FC (England)                Villarreal CF (Spain)
F FC Bayern München (Germany)                 Olympique Lyonnais (France)
G FC Porto (Portugal)                                   Arsenal FC (England)
H Juventus (Italy)                                           Real Madrid CF (Spain)



While England again leads the way with four clubs (tied this season by Spain), I don't feel that the English clubs are playing with the same form as last season. All have had ups and downs in their domestic form and have been dropping points against clubs that they should be defeating. Arsenal are looking the unsteadiest of the bunch though none of the others have impressed in recent weeks. Liverpool has had some great chances to surge ahead in the title race but have dropped points at home to Hull City and West Ham.

Conversely, Barcelona have to be looked at as one of the favourites based on their experience and recent form. They looked good in defeating Real Madrid in El Classico this past weekend and are now unbeaten in 14 league games. Their only loss in the Champions League group phase was in their final match when they fielded a team filled with reserve/bench players.

I also see Juventus, Bayern Munich and FC Porto as clubs to watch for in the next round. However, I will be back on Friday with predictions and commentary once the draw is complete.



Sunday, December 5, 2010

Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United Live Streams Online Kick Off Tv Channels HD Show



Date/Time: Dec 5, 2010, 8:30am (13:30 GMT)
Competition: England Premier League
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: The Hawthorns, West Bromwich (West Bromwich)


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Match Preview:

West Brom

In a week where West Brom ended a miserable run of form which had seen them go their last five league matches without a win before routing Everton at Goodison Park last Saturday, a headline maker if ever we saw one, we are instead talking about the Baggies’ lethargic and starstruck performance during a midweek quarter-final clash with Championship side Ipswich Town, who were in dire form themselves, in the Carling Cup. It was a cold, bitter night at Portman Road, but that was no excuse for why West Brom, to put it simply, lost their cool and froze under the limelight. The defeat may have been by a single goal but it was a scoreline which heavily flattered the Baggies, who rarely threatened and got what they deserved in elimination from a competition which was certainly there to be won considering the majority of the big guns had already been eliminated.

We say it all the time nowadays, but because of the cut-throat nature of the Premier League, English football in general, there’s little time to dwell on missed opportunities. Although, few would envy being in Roberto Di Matteo’s shoes right now, the manager left with the task of somehow lifting his troops ahead of another mammoth league encounter – A fixture they’ve never ran out winners in whilst in the Premier League. That’s eight matches against the Magpies without picking up three points, but they’ll nevertheless fancy their chances after returning to winning ways in such rousing fashion.

In what was arguably the result of the entire weekend, West Brom left the Goodison faithful stunned with their high-tempo performance on Merseyside. Witin half-an-hour, the Baggies, who had failed to score in three of their last five league matches – also going the same period without winning either, were 2-0 up to the dismay of the punters sat at home. I’m sure many of you, like we were, were ripping up your acca’s in disgust at the sluggishnish at which Everton started proceedings. Equally, West Brom were lightening quick out of the blocks and it was this which startled the Toffees. Even a Tim Cahill lifeline before the half-time interval didn’t deter a Baggies team who were playing with the sort of confidence and swagger which once seen them go six matches without losing back in September and October. Then the hosts were reduced to ten men and while some may have rested on their laurels at 2-1 up and boasting a numerical advantage, West Brom instead went for the juggular, seized the initiative and went in for the kill. Come the final whistle they won with something to spare, and in an hugely impressive and encouraging manner, with the final score of 4-1 a fair reflection on a game where the Baggies shown far more attacking endeavour than their lacklustre hosts.

No win is ever in vein as no team in the Premier League can afford to turn their noses up at three points, simply because points nowadays are like gold dust and so damn difficult to earn. However, the manner in which they destoryed Everton on their own turf would count for little should they not continue in the same vein at home to a Newcastle side who are now without a win in the league for four matches. However, and while Sunday’s meeting should be the perfect opportunity to banish an abysmal record of having never beaten Newcastle in the Premier League considering just how impressive they were last time out, their credentials haven’t been boosted by back-to-back defeats at home to Man City and Stoke City, both without scoring, while the latter against Stoke was arguably their poorest team display of the entire campaign, even worse than their pathetic efforts in the Carling Cup in midweek.

If the Baggies can put their forgetable outing in the League Cup on Wednesday to the back of their minds and focus on all the positives which came out of their Everton drubbing, then there in with a shout of turning the form book on its head. However, the goals have dried up, with their stunning four-goal haul at Everton last week just the second occasion in their last five matches where Di Matteo had even seen his side conjure a goal. You would like to think the goals at Goodison will prove the catalyst for bigger and better things, rejuvenated and encouraged by their recent scoring exploits. Unfortunately they’ve been too disappointing in recent weeks for our liking and one shot in the pan result away to an Everton side lacking in confidence isn’t enough to suade us I’m afraid. Although, Roberto Di Matteo’s men are by no means a forlorn hope up against a Newcastle side who lost their last away fixture 5-1.

West Brom – Scott Carson, Gonzalo Jara, Paul Scharner, Gabriel Tamas, Marek Cech, Yousef Mulumbu, James Morrison, Jerome Thomas, Chris Brunt, Graham Dorrans, Peter Odemwingie.


Newcastle United

In the aftermath of hearing England lose out in the bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup in humilating fashion, Magpies manager Chris Hughton was quick to lament his disappointment at the decision which was made by FIFA. And as I’m so convieniently on the subject of disappointing subjects, the same man in question will have been furious with his side’s in their most recent away encounter, when on the wrong end of a Bolton drubbing at the Reebok. However, the response Hughton received from his players was second to none, with Newcastle frustrating former league leaders Chelsea at St James Park last Sunday as Newcastle’s topsy-turvy season continues to leave the supporters on their toes.

Deprived of regular centre-half’s Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini for the second game running because of suspension, Newcastle are aiming to avoid suffering their first ever Premier League defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion this weekend having gone eight games without losing to the Baggies in the top-flight. However, the Magpies failed to beat West Brom home and away down in the Championship en route to clinching promotion last season and even though they will welcome back midfielder Joey Barton from a three-match suspension, it’s the Tyneside’s who arrive at Thw Hawthorns with the more vulnerable form having been smashed 5-1 in their most recent away league encounter at Bolton. Fortunately for Chris Hughton, his players bounced back in style be grounding out a thoroughly deserved point at home to Chelsea last weekend, with striker Andy Carroll adding to his tally with his ninth league goal of the campaign.

Newcastle’s discipline has been called into question in recent weeks. During the 5-1 drubbing they received away to Bolton in their last away match, Newcastle seen one of their players, Coloccini, sent off for a clear elbow on Trotters forward Johan Elmander, while the same forward was on the receiving end of a Mike Williamson headbutt. Both players in question were rightly handed three-match bans and even though the pair are unavailable, Newcastle’s temperment may well come under scrutiny once again away to West Brom on Sunday against an opponent who have received five red cards this season. Add in the midfield duo of Joey Barton and Cheik Tiote, with the former set to make his return to the first-team after serving a three-match ban while the latter has collected six cautions in his last seven league appearances, and Chris Hughton may have a stiff task on his hands just keeping his players in line, let alone plotting a successful outcome at Thw Hawthorns.

Should the Magpies keep their cool for once, the evidence is there to suggest they’re more than capable of registering their sixth league win of the season on Sunday, not least because their record against the Baggies is so impressive. On their previous two top-flight visits to The Hawthorns, Newcastle have left triumphant on both occasions. But then, a lot has changed since Newcastle were regularly doing numbers on the Baggies, with their squad not as potent as it once was. With that said, there have been a number of outstanding performers in the Newcastle ranks this season, none more so than captain Kevin Nolan, who has seven league goals to his name, and lanky forward Andy Carroll, who has an impressive nine to his. Between them, Nolan and Carroll have been Newcastle’s not so secret weapon this season, with either one or the other having scored in six of the team’s last seven league fixtures. In simpler terms, stop these two from playing and the task should be simple. But how do you stop someone as awkward as Andy Carroll, with his aerial prowess making him a defender’s worst nightmare.

Because Hughton is without Williamson and Coloccini, Newcastle will start with Steven Taylor and Sol Campbell at centre-half for the second match running. The two did reasonbly well against Chelsea last weekend at St James’, albeit against a side no longer at the pinnacle of their form right now, and as bizarre as it sounds will probably be in for a more testing 90 minutes up against West Brom’s attacking duo of Peter Odemwingie and Cameron Jerome. Meanwhile Joe Barton could oust Danny Guthrie from the heart of the Magpie midfield as the controversial midfielder returns from a suspension for his unprovoked punch on Blackburn midfielder Morten Gamst Pedersen.


Newcastle – Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Sol Campbell, Jose Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Joey Barton, Cheick Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez, Shola Ameobi, Andy Carroll.

——————————————————————–

Form

West Brom

Carling Cup: Ipswich Town 1-0 West Brom

Premier League: Everton 1-4 West Brom

Premier League: West Brom 0-3 Stoke City

Premier League: Wigan Athletic 1-0 West Brom

Premier League: West Ham 2-2 West Brom


Newcastle United

Premier League: Newcastle United 1-1 Chelsea

Premier League: Bolton Wanderers 5-1 Newcastle United

Premier League: Newcastle United 0-0 Fulham

Premier League: Newcastle United 1-2 Blackburn Rovers

Premier League: Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle United

——————————————————————–



Statistics

West Brom

League Position: 12th

Win/Draw/Lose: 5-4-6 (Home: 3-2-2)

Goal Difference: 20-26 (Home: 8-9)

Form: LDLLW (Home: WDWLL)

Top Goalscorer: Peter Odemwingie (4)


Newcastle United

League Position: 9th

Win/Draw/Lose: 5-4-6 (Away: 3-1-3)

Goal Difference: 23-22 (Away:

Form: WLDLD (Away: WLWWL)

Top Goalscorer: Andy Carroll (9)

Recent encounters between the teams:

2009/2010   Sat 23 Jan     West Brom.         4 - 2     Newcastle Utd.      FAC
2009/2010   Mon 18 Jan   Newcastle Utd.   2 - 2      West Brom.          CHMP
2009/2010   Sat 08 Aug    West Brom.        1 - 1      Newcastle Utd.     CHMP
2008/2009   Sat 07 Feb    West Brom.         2 - 3      Newcastle Utd.     PREM
2008/2009   Tue 28 Oct   Newcastle Utd.    2 - 1      West Brom.          PREM
2005/2006   Sat 22 Apr    Newcastle Utd.    3 - 0      West Brom.          PREM
2005/2006   Sun 30 Oct   West Brom.          0 - 3       Newcastle Utd.    PREM


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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Osasuna vs Barcelona Live Streams Online Kick Off Tv Channels HD Show



Date/Time: Dec 4, 2010, 2:00pm
Competition: Spain La Liga
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: Estadio Reyno de Navarra (Pamplona (Iruñea))


Watch Free Osasuna vs Barcelona Live Stream Online La Liga December 4 2010. This great La Liga game between Osasuna vs Barcelona will be kick off at 20.00 EST December 4 2010 (12.4.2010). So guys If you cannot La Liga Live from your TV, dont worry, you still can watch via internet feed on broadcast online TV Osasuna vs Barcelona online stream from your PC for free only on here. Also, you can watch Highlights, preview, review and live score.Okay Osasuna vs Barcelona fans, dont late to watch live online only on here.

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Preview of The Big Match

Barcelona have the opportunity to go temporarily top of La Primera Division on Wednesday evening, when they will tackle Osasuna at Camp Nou, 24 hours before title rivals Real Madrid travel to neighbours Getafe for a testing clash.

Though the chance to reach Spain’s summit is there in midweek, all the paper-talk surrounding the Blaugrana has revolved around Lionel Messi, whose form of late has been simply sensational. The Argentine has scored eight goals in his last three games, with a disproportionately high percentage of them wonder-strikes.

After helping Barca dispose of Valencia 3-0 around ten days ago, Messi has since struck a brace against Stuttgart and another hat-trick against Zaragoza. Understandably, such awe-inspiring form has drawn praise from all quarters, including Camp Nou legend Johan Cruyff.

While Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has described his charge as “the best player in history”, it is perhaps Barcelona ‘B’ coach Luis Enrique who has best summed the phenom up.

“He does what we did when we were young in the plazas,” he told Marca. “We would take the ball and dribble past the six worst players. He does it against professional players.”

Even when not scoring, Messi cannot help but draw praise and admiration for his actions. The 22-year-old showed his generosity by allowing struggling forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic to score from the penalty spot on Sunday; Messi’s form cannot go on like this forever (surely?), so it was a canny move to boost the morale of his team-mate.

Against los Rojillos on Wednesday evening, there can be little doubt upon whom most eyes will be turned.

Looking Over Their Shoulder

While Barcelona continue to wage a war upon Real Madrid at the summit of the table, Osasuna are slowly coming around to the fact that they will be dragged into the relegation battle if their form does not quickly improve. Situated 14th in the Liga table, los Rojillos command an eight point cushion on the drop zone at present, but this is quickly being whittled away because of the team’s inability to pick up points.

Over the course of their last six games, Osasuna have acquired just two points, earning draws against Valladolid and Getafe at home. Otherwise, they have toiled since a four-game winning streak at the start of the year, which seemed to have decisively pushed them away from the bottom three, was broken.

A journey to Barcelona is certainly not the most desired prospect for a team in such a perilous position, though Osasuna can boast that they have already picked up a point against their opponents this season. It proved to be a nightmare Hallowe’en 2009 for Barca defender Gerard Pique, who scored a last minute own goal to allow los Rojillos to claim a 1-1 draw in Pamplona after the visitors had been forced to work hard to take the lead through Seydou Keita.

Jose Antonio Camacho’s side have not displayed quite the same resolve in recent times, but they will have to be at their strongest defensively to hope to gain anything against Barca in Catalunya.



FORM GUIDE

Barcelona

WON 4-2 (a) Zaragoza (Liga, March 21)

WON 4-0 (h) Stuttgart (Champions League, March 17)

WON 3-0 (h) Valencia (Liga, March 14)

DREW 2-2 (a) Almeria (Liga, March 7)

WON 2-1 (h) Malaga (Liga, February 27)

Osasuna

LOST 3-1 (h) Racing Santander (Liga, March 21)

DREW 0-0 (h) Zaragoza (Liga, March 14)

DREW 0-0 (a) Valencia (Liga, March 8)

LOST 2-0 (h) Almeria (Liga, February 28)

LOST 4-0 (a) Barcelona (Liga, February 20)

TEAM NEWS

Barcelona

Gerard Pique, Eric Abidal and Xavi have all missed training early this week and seem liable to miss out on Wednesday evening. If any of the trio are passed fit, it is likely that a bench role will be calling.

Probable Starting XI: Valdes; Dani Alves, Puyol, Milito, Maxwell; Toure, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Ibrahimovic, Henry

Osasuna

The last thing the guests needed before this trip was a glut of injuries, but that’s exactly what they’ve got. Strikers Walter Pandiani, Carlos Aranda and Dady are all missing, leaving canterano Jorge Galan as their only option in attack.

Sergio Fernandez won’t be risked and Ludovic Delporte is still missing too.

Probable Starting XI: Ricardo; Azpilicueta, Josetxo, Miguel Flano, Monreal; Vadocz, Nekounam; Juanfran, Masoud, Camunas; Galan


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Barcelona

While Lionel Messi has produced what must be considered one of the all-time bursts of form over the last fortnight, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has slipped into the shade. The tall Swede started life at the Blaugrana brilliantly, but his form of late has been questionable to say the least. Had it not been for his Argentine cohort sympathetically allowing him to take a penalty at the weekend, ‘Ibra’ would surely have gone goalless in a match in which he had several clear-cut opportunities.

Osasuna

Jorge Galan is set for a baptism of fire in Primera Division football. Though he has previously played in 15 encounters, he has accumulated a grand total of just 287 minutes, and none of these have been as a starting player. A frequently starter this season in the Copa del Rey, the task at hand on Wednesday is a huge one for the 21-year-old forward.

PREDICTION

Though Messi is in top gear, Barcelona are not at their best at present. If they can get all of their top players firing they will be a truly fearsome side with the diminutive Argentine in such form. Even a couple of levels from their peak, Barca will be too good for Osasuna, who are really toiling at present. Los Rojillos will be doing well to keep this one close.

Barcelona 3-0 Osasuna


Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has told his players to forget about Monday's brilliant 5-0 win over fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Barca outclassed their biggest rivals with a fantastic exhibition of attacking football in the 'Clasico' and the comprehensive victory saw the champions return to the top of the table after 13 rounds of matches.

After the game, Guardiola said everyone at the club would "enjoy the result for a few days", but the Catalans' attentions now turns to the away game against Osasuna.

Midfielder Jeffren Suarez, who came on as a late substitute to score the fifth goal for Barca on Monday, says all talk of the 'Clasico' has been banished from the dressing room.

"He (Guardiola) has told us to forget about it because we have a difficult match at Osasuna on Saturday," he said.

Jeffren is confident his side can match the level they showed against Madrid on a regular basis.

"It was a great performance and for me personally it was a great feeling to score in a 'Clasico', but now we have to keep it up," he said.

"This team is always anxious to win, though, and there will be more performances like that."

Lionel Messi is expected to shake off a knock picked up in the 'Clasico' to be fit for the trip to Pamplona, but Gabi Milito remains sidelined.

Barcelona now lead the table by two points from Madrid, who are at home to Valencia.

Osasuna have been unable to use their training ground due to heavy snow in the north of Spain this morning.

The pitch at the club's Reyno de Navarra stadium was also covered in thick snow, but ground staff are working hard to clear the surface for the game, which is not thought to be under threat at the moment.

Osasuna were unlucky to lose out to a late goal in last weekend's match against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames.

The Pamplona-based side remain five points clear of the relegation zone ahead of the match.

Goalkeeper Ricardo Lopez is looking forward to facing Barcelona, even though he is likely to be kept busy by the free-scoring Catalans.

"I've never been scared in football," he said.

"It's exciting - I'm looking forward to playing against the best team in the world."

Dejan Lekic and Masoud Shojaei are doubtful, while Carlos Aranda, Ruper and Damia miss out through injury.

Better news sees striker Walter Pandiani return after missing the last six league games.




Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Manchester City vs Salzburg Live Streams Online Kick Off Tv Channels HD Show

Manchester City vs Salzburg online live stream Match
Manchester City are joint leaders and play host to Red Bull Salzburg knowing victory will have them on the brink of the knockout stages. Salzburg need a win to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

Date/Time: Dec 1, 2010, 3:05pm
Competition: UEFA Europa League
Live/Repeat: Live
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium (Manchester)




Emanuel Adebayor has scored four goals in only three games for City and look set to lead the line in this game while Carlos Tevez is rested.

Dusan Svento has netted Salzburg’s lone goal in Group A play so far, and the Austrian’s could struggle against a City back line that has been breached only twice in five games.


So, Don't miss this game only on live soccer tv