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Liverpools 12th man - the fans Apr 06

Preceding the Champions League clash next week, there seems to be a murmuring of discontent around north London, but Arsenal's players might just be happier playing in the melting pot of an Anfield European night than at Ashburton Grove - to steer clear of the pressure generated by some of their hyper-critical supporters.

Well, that’s what Cesc Fábregas suggested in the wake of Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the home leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Talking to Antena 3, the Spanish television station, Fábregas comments on the contrast between the two supports. 'It is incredible the passion with which Liverpool fans live their games,' he said. 'Even the smallest cup game has a great atmosphere there; it is as if they played with 12 men.’

We know that Rafa's side like to frustrate more talented sides, and when their opposition over-commit they then pick them off. He is calling to Liverpools supporter to work with the team who will no doubt aim to repeat such tactics. 'The fans must be key for us,' Benítez said. 'In terms of pushing the team and also to understand how we play.'

This – “hold, hold, attack” style is one that regularly frustrates Arsenal and Benítez has admitted to taking notes. 'We knew they would have possession, so we needed to control, regain and play counterattack. Aurélio, who nullified the threat of Emmanuel Eboue and Theo Walcott in London, expanded on the group defending required to frustrate Arsenal's passing.

Next weeks clash is going to be yet another thrilling contest between a side of 11 vs. a side of 12 men, the extra being the Anfield supporters.

Steve0

Apr 06, 2008 | Add Comment

Cheltenham ‘08 - Day 1 Mar 11

It’s that time of year again when the five quid flutter on the nags turns into a £40 Yankee and a fist full of place pots. The time where all your problems fly out of the window and your prepared to sit in the cold with no heating, shouting at the wireless for your horse, egging on him/her for that little extra up the famous Cheltenham hill.

The richest and most anticipated U.K. meeting of the year looks all set to be a battle against the elements. Early reports are that the storms will pass the venue before the opening race but this will affect the running and the types of horses who are now being viewed as potential champions. I feel if the running stays soft through the meeting a few surprises will pop up and line the bookies pockets even more.

The whole meeting is geared up for the big ‘Gold Cup’ clash, with two stable mates Denman and Kauto Star going head to head and having punters and tipsters 50 / 50 throughout the board.

I will run through a few of the races I’ve taken a look at and some of the horses I’m looking to put in a back for the festival.

Day 1

The opener of this festival as always is the Supreme Novices Hurdle with the 50,000 strong crowd letting out the all famous roar to send the first set of runners on their way. The strong Irish contingent will all be keeping a close eye on their main hope Captain Cee Bee in the opening race. A very strong contender from Ireland, comes off the back of 2 out of 2 wins and with a strong team behind him lead by his owner J P McManus, this horse will be well prepared for the battle ahead. Floating around at a nice price, I can’t see much else in the field to really get excited about.

One of the biggest attractions of Day 1 at the festival is the Grade 1 race, the Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase. It is very hard to look passed the heavily backed favourite Noland. He runs with class and it really does not look like he can be caught in this race. However I have always kept an eye on the Irish entry, Clopf. He will require a good ride and may need a little help up the hill but a horse that has always rides with his head up, ears pinned back and looks the type that will not let themselves be left behind the front pack.

The other main attraction for day one is the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy and this year is hopefully one of the tightest races of the festival. Much of the money and tips are heading in the way of Sizing Europe and this horse was at the top of my list for a long time, but many of the horse’s just behind in the betting can give this champion a good run. Sublimity and Osana will fancy their chances if they can keep up with the early pace and with outsiders Straw Bear and Blythe Knight have both won their share of large races. I still see Sizing Europe as the main horse and the one to beat in this race but an outright win bet on him may have you on the edge of your seat as there are a few contenders to worry about.

Mar 11, 2008 | 2 Comments

Weekend Preview for the Premiership Title Challengers Feb 29

At the moment the league table suggest a two legged race for the finish with Arsenal and Manchester United only separated by 3 points at the top. With Chelsea chasing down a 9 point gap with a game in hand and for any football fan who has kept an eye on football since the Russian revolution at the bridge they will know that this is still clearly three teams in the hunt.

Over the last two weeks only one team in Manchester United has shown the composure and experience to finish the job. Chelsea has all the experience needed in their squad but the backroom staff has not been happy or consistent from the start of the season and this will effect the squads confidence and composure. Where as Arsenal have all the confidence and team spirit to take them all the way but the lack of a real commander and the lack of experience is starting to show.

This weekend’s fixtures bring up some interesting test but in my opinion all should walk through with maximum points.

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa. (Sat, 1 March Kick off: 15:00)
Fulham Vs Manchester United (Sat, 1 March Kick off: 15:00)
West Ham Vs Chelsea (Sat, 1 March Kick off: 15:00)

TomA

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Feb 29, 2008 | Add Comment

Arsenal Vs Aston Villa. Feb 29

(Sat, 1 March Kick off: 15:00)

Being a beloved Gunner myself I will be walking to this game with an appetite for solid victory. The last few outings have bought little reward for the boys, and has started some unrest in the supporters camp even know we have a three point lead on the challengers. Aston Villa will bring a good test to Ashburton Grove as they try and keep it a three way battle for the illustrious fourth Champions League place.  Hard to beat on their travels Villa play quick ball out wide and are very fast on the break utilising ‘big’ John Carew up front and an industrious midfield lead by the England pairing of Barry and Reo –Coker. The latter having one of the best engines ever seen in the premiership. He just screams the new Ince to me. Feel free to shout me down but I like what I see from the former crazy gang captain.

Even with the injury problems I still fancy Arsenal for this one, the back four have been solid and we are scoring at good times at home but if we concede it always seems to be at the worst time, but one thing we are sure of is goals. I see this game ending 2-0 or 3-0 Arsenal. I expect a reaction from last week and I think we will see it. Having Mr. Wenger in your ears for the whole week drilling the words ‘quatre-vingt-dix minutes’ just to remind his team how long the game is played for.

A draw will help neither team here in their long term battles in the premiership but Villa will still feel like a point won if it does occur. The game should be played at a great pace and easy on the eye and both teams with something to play should get even the most neutral of football fan something to watch on match of the day.

TomA

Feb 29, 2008 | Add Comment

Fulham Vs Manchester United Feb 29

(Sat, 1 March Kick off: 15:00)

The pressure keeps on mounting on a free falling Fulham side. Two managers later and an injection of a half the Northern Irish international team into their squad and they find them self’s 4 points adrift of safety. Where as the confidence flowing from their opponents is something to be hold, their last 2 games on English soil have produce 9 goals and at the cost of just a single goal. These results following their defeat in the Manchester derby. United’s last opponents Newcastle went down with out much of a fight and played most of the game in oar of the football the Manchester side were playing.

Fulham’s less then stable defence will struggle like many defences before them with United’s movement up top. Playing in such a way where the front four can all interchange their positions and play out wide or down the middle. For a back four this is the worst type of attack to contain. At every moment someone is trying to drag you out of position to create space for someone else to move into. You need a back four of teachers with eyes in the back of their heads to stop this potent attack.

I can’t see Fulham walking away with anything from this game, with an all time low confidence in the dressing room, even the players may feel their hamstrings and claim a games rest may do them wonders. In my opinion this is another 3-0 or maybe even a look at the 4+ goals market to find value.

Manchester United to walk away with all three points and to maintain the pressure on Arsenal is the only out come I can see for this game.

TomA

Feb 29, 2008 | Add Comment