English Premier League Preview: Matchday 2 of the 2011-12 EPL Season

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

(Bleacher Report)The second full weekend of matches in the new English Premier League season is already quickly approaching.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal were all held to disappointing draws by Sunderland, Stoke City and Newcastle United. Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City got a not so warm welcome to the EPL, while Norwich City held their own against Wigan, showing their intent to fight for the 17th spot this season to stay up.

Manchester United have suffered an injury crisis for the time being as both of their star center-half's went down in the second half of their season opener against West Bromwich Albion. Sir Alex is expected to name his two young stars in the squad and their time to prove their worth may be coming sooner than believed.

Arsenal have a lot of questions to answer and they now have at least part of the cash required to give their fans and followers something. The sale of Cesc Fabregas has been a heated topic, but honestly, now that he has left it should allow many to just breath a sigh of relief and move on.

With so much drama already unfolding in the league I cannot wait to see what all happens this coming weekend.

So here we go with this weeks English Premier League Match Previews for Matchday Two of 2011-12......CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SLIDESHOW.

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England's May 21st Doomsday: Preview the Final EPL Match Day of 2010-11

(Bleacher Report) In what has been a fabulous season of English football, it all comes down to the final weekend for a host of teams. Two teams battle for a guaranteed Champions League spot. Two teams battle for the only English UEFA Europa League spot from the standings. The action then gets more heated as five teams are mixed up in a final day desperate bid for survival as points and goal differentials are neck and neck.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

With all that said, lets start with the battles at the top of the table and work down. Manchester City took the fight to Stoke City yet again on Tuesday in a rematch of this past weekends FA Cup Final, in which Manchester City lifted the cup thanks to a second half goal from Yaya Toure.

A three to nil bashing of the Britannia side saw the Blues push past Arsenal into third place, giving them a guaranteed Champions League spot until at least Saturday. The Gunners take on eighth placed Fulham at Craven Cottage. If the cottagers have anything to do with it, they want to end their season on a high note. Despite their 5-2 bashing from Liverpool last Monday, the Cottage has been a stalwart for them with a record of eight wins, six draws and only four losses throughout the campaign.

Manchester City also are away as they travel to the Reebok to face off against a hard fighting Bolton Wanderers, who have had a great season despite dropping to tenth in the last few weeks due to a dip in form. If the Blues win they force the Gunners to fight through qualifying to make the Champions League, while Roberto Mancini's men have a red carpet to the group stages.

The next big battle in the top half of the table is for the one and only UEFA Europa League spot in this years English Premier League table, rewarded to fifth place. Liverpool had the chance to solidify their claim to it at the weekend, but a 0-2 loss to Tottenham at home saw them be forced into a must win game against Aston Villa at Villa park. If Spurs loose this weekend, and the Reds at the least draw Anfield they will indeed enjoy European nights. If both teams loose or Tottenham win the Reds will face an all domestic campaign for the first time in a long time.

Tottenham, however will have their hands full as their fight for survival to achieve a place in Europe will collide head on with Birmingham City as they fight to keep their spot in the top flight. Spurs need a win, but honestly Birmingham City need one just as badly or worse. The Blues may have won the Carling Cup but their League campaign has been in shambles as they sit in 17th place only above Blackpool and Wigan by one and two goals difference.

Birmingham face a must win or must score at least a few goals in the face of Blackpool and Wigan both loosing. Wigan Athletic face off against a battered Stoke City club that will either be an easy win or will be out for blood in their last match of the season. If the Latics pull off a victory they have to score at least three goals and hope that Blackpool and Birmingham both go down quietly.

Blackpool must travel to Old Trafford on the final day to face this season EPL Champions on their home turf. Manchester United took the all time English lead by the tail as their 19th League Championship takes them one above Liverpool. The Seasiders pushed the Champions to the brink earlier in the year, and it will take that much and more from Charlie Adam and DJ Campbell is the Tangerines wish to stay up.

The last two teams fighting for their guaranteed place in next season's top flight are Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. It would not have been any more perfect if it had been planned out this way as these two face each other in what will truly be an exciting match at Molineux Stadium.

Mick McCarthy has orchestrated his masterful brilliance once again to help bring Wolves nearly out of harms way, but Rovers have a chance to rue the day if they upset the home team. However, a home victory and loss for Blackburn could equally be as brutal as the two teams sit equal on 40 points just inches from dropping to the Championship next season.

The only two matches not covered are Everton vs Chelsea and West Ham United vs Sunderland. Both Blues will be playing for pride as neither can really move up and would both like to finish strong. On the other hand West Ham are done in the Premier League for next season, and one last home game in the top flight this year at Upton Park could be another showing of player pride as they will hope to send Steve Bruce and the Black Cats back up north with their tails between their legs as a reminder of what they could be seeing again in 2012-13 if the Hammers go up or the Cats fall down next season.

Whomever is your team it is sure to be a weekend of great action as the final weekend draws nearer. I look forward to the summer and many more transfer sagas to follow before we kick off the 2011-12 season in August.

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Power Ranking the Past 50 English League Champions 1961-2010

The Teams of Old Square off against the Teams of Yesterday

by Thomas Atzenhoffer on The Bleacher Report
April 17, 2011

Alex Livesey/Getty Image

The Past 50 years of England's top flight, whether it was the English Premier League since 1993 or the years prior as the English League, have captivated audiences worldwide. Arguably the most powerful league in the world, it has seen some of the greatest highlights, triumphs, defeats and tragedies in the world of Football.

In order to rank the top 50 teams to win the league over the years of 1961 to 2010, I had to devise a way to rank them without any form of bias. So in doing that, I developed a formula to do so. The formula also had to be able to take into account the changes in the league throughout those 50 years.

The first part of the formula is made up of three numbers. I add the number of points the team had when they won and then add the team's goal differential and the number of points they one the league by.

The second part is made up of bonus points. These are awarded for additional silver ware. 20 points for a Champions League, 15 Points for a UEFA Cup or Europa League, 12 Points for FA Cup, 10 Points for a League Cup, eight points for a Community Shield and some teams from the 21 and 20 team leagues have three to six bonus points added because of not having as many games as teams in the past.

The main changes that had to be addressed were the change over from 22 teams and 42 games down to 20 teams and 38 games during 1986-87 (21 teams) and 1987-88 (20 teams). To do so, I added two wins or six points to the end total

The other main challenge was to align the teams with the same level of points totals. Until 1981, teams earned two points for a win and one point for a draw. After that time, teams were awarded three points for a win. So to keep stats as close to possible to uniform, all teams had their records held to today’s standard. This means the point totals that will be shown are based on today’s scale and will be different than necessarily what they were at the time of winning.

The other main challenge was to align the teams with the same level of point totals. Until the 1981-1982 season, teams earned two points for a win and one point for a draw. After that time, teams were awarded three points for a win. So to keep stats as close to possible to uniform, all teams had their records held to today's standard. This means that the point totals shown will be based on today's scales and will be different than necessarily what they were at the time of winning.

So without further delay, let's get started with a head butt in the right direction courtesy from a current Championship side.....CLICK HERE TO READ MORE AND START THE SLIDESHOW

Liverpool Look to Continue to Strengthen

The Reds continue to be linked with Quality Attackers, Midfielders and Defenders in the Transfer News

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 17, 2011

The papers continue to flood with prospective transfer news for the Reds during the summer. The overhaul of the front line during January shows the intent of the new owners to truly revive the winning heart and soul of Liverpool. Having applied their same business model before, with the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Sports Group has the mindset needed to take the Reds back to the top.

Their strengthening started with the top but now it has turned to the other main areas of the pitch. With width being one of the primary lackings in attack in this season and previous ones it is important to bring in players to create that space. The likes of Maxi Rodriguez and Joe Cole have just not been putting in enough quality on the wings to really create the chances Liverpool would like to see. With this in mind the Reds have been looking to new youthful options to bring in for the two aging 29-year olds.

Matuidi Highly Sought After

Eljero Elia continues to look like the most likely new wide player to arrive in the summer. He was a primary target during January, and is still continually linked with the club through the media. With a mutual admiration believed in the cards, Hamburg will most likely cash in on their young flying Dutchman over the summer.

The midfield and the defense are also in needs of new additions. Christian Poulsen has finally started to show his ability under Kenny Dalglish, but he is not believed to be a true long term replacement for midfield bulldog Javier Mascherano who departed for the Nou Camp at the start season. Damion Camolli has turned eyes to one of his former players in St. Etienne's Blaise Matuidi.

Kranjcar to Bolster Reds Midfield

The French defensive midfielder has been an enforces for his club and Camolli looks to bring in his former clubs man with the belief that he will develop into a top defensive midfielder. He has to potential to be much like Chelsea's Michael Essien at his best, and that kind of driving force from the deep part of the midfield could prove advantageous for the Reds future attacking schemes. He is a hotly tracked by a host of opposing teams. Arsenal is the other English Club poised to move for him, with other major clubs lurking as well in Juventus, AS Roma, Fiorentina, and Schalke 04.


Tottenham's Niko Kranjcar is also being looked into as another midfield bolstering move. With much of his talent remaining unseen in the first half of the season in London due to injury, his recent return has seen him net two winning goals from the bench and the super sub could move north as Tottenham look to add funds for another attacking shopping spree in the summer.

As for the Defense the same two players that were being discussed earlier in the week, Jose Enrique and Simon Kjaer are both still very much on the radar for the Reds.

Kjaer ready for the Move

Enrique has also been linked with Manchester United and Aston Villa. The 25-year old has been a key performer for Newcastle United's left side in their first campaign back int he top flight and he has progressed much since their last premiership stint as he was before looked upon as lacking in ability, but a few years of adaptation to the Spanish game has him much more in demand in the league.

Young Danish center half Simon Kjaer is a prime target for the Reds. His chance to link up with fellow Danish nationals Christian Poulsen, and Daniel Agger hopes to be a selling point for the Reds. Liverpool hope to prize him away from fellow suitors Tottenham, who also lodged a failed bid to take the defender to England from Germany's VfL Wolfsburg during the January window.

The buzz from the January signings and new owners certainly have the anticipations of the Reds future on the rise as a return of the English Title is the top priority for the club as they have yet to actually win a Premiership Trophy.

Weekend Madness Preview in the English Premier League

Article first published as Weekend Madness Preview in the English Premier Leauge on Technorati.
Another Weekend that Could Give Ample Excitement to Top Last Weekend's Drama in the EPL

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 10, 2011

Saha on Form for Everton

Could this weekend possibly top the excitement of last weekend in the Premier League. That would be hard to say, but it is possible. Last week we saw Manchester United, the only undefeated team left, fall to bottom of the table Wolves. Arsenal squandered a four goal lead to Newcastle United in the second half to suffer a shocking draw. Liverpool defeated Chelsea in a masterful display of tactical prowess from Kenny Dalglish to move the Reds to sixth place, and outside hopes of Champions League qualification. Louis Saha scored four goals for Everton as they defeated Blackpool 5-3.

Saturday saw 41 goals scored, the most in a single day of Premier League Football in history, with 2 more goals scored between the two games on Sunday. The drama thickened once again as the top sides nearly all faltered, and the entire table became even less spread. This has been one of the most evenly match Premiership's in recent memory with only nine points separating last place and 8th.

But there is no way this weekend has a chance of topping last weekend right? Wrong. The weekend starts off with the Manchester Derby, and goes from there into another weekend chock full of games that will see teams fighting tooth and nail for every point they can grab onto.

The Games

Manchester United vs Manchester City - The Manchester Derby

The first game of the weekend, and possibly to be one of the most exciting. Carlos Tevez and the Citizens go to Old Trafford to face off against his former club. The Red Devils have only been running in what looks like second gear this season as they have failed to truly take off. Is this the weekend we see Wayne Rooney finally come back to life, or will Tevez and new partner Edin Dzeko silence the Red side of Manchester?

Prediction: United 2 - City 3 - Tevez and Crew take it to his former club.

Arsenal vs Wolves

Can Doyle Top Arsenal Next

Arsenal was struck down to a draw last weekend after loosing a 0-4 lead at St. James Park. Newcastle stormed back to show everyone that the loss of Andy Carroll was not the end of time on the Toon. Wolves upset the only unbeaten team in the league in Manchester United last weekend, and now have a chance to upset another Top Four club to possibly climb out of the drop zone. Will the Gunners drop their guard like the Red Devils last week or will Arsene Wenger have a plan?

Prediction: Arsenal 2 - Wolves 1 - McCarthy's boys needed the home crowd advantage.

Birmingham vs Stoke City

St. Andrews plays host to a battle of mid table scrappers. The Blues came away with a 0-1 victory at Upton Park over West Ham, but it could have gone either way. The Potters gained ground on a faltering Sunderland thanks to their hard nosed never say die attitude. Can Tony Pulis keep them moving up the table and get them into eight, or will Birmingham move three more points towards safety?

Prediction: Birmingham 1 - Stoke 2 - The Potters play stingy defense allowing a solid victory.

Blackburn vs Newcastle

The Rovers suffered another set back as they fell relegation battling Wigan 4-3 while Newcastle showed their heart and soul in a comeback draw against Arsenal. Both teams sit level with 31 Points and only with a victory can Blackburn usurp Newcastle's hold on tenth place in the table for their own.

Prediction: Rovers 1 - Magpies 2 - Newcastle uses last weekend to inspire a second straight victory.

Blackpool vs Aston Villa

The Tangerines have been in a slump lately having fallen to 15th and just two points clear of the drop zone. Despite excellent efforts they just haven't been able to hold off the opposition. Aston Villa have been on a mission since the arrival of Darren Bent to lead the line. Despite a hard fought match against Fulham leading to a late scored equalizer, the Villains are starting to make more sense.

Prediction: Blackpool 2 - Villa 2 - Despite it all the Seasiders stave of another successive defeat.

Liverpool vs Wigan

Wigan pulled off a victory last weekend to keep their hopes alive of staying up. However, it was the Reds that managed the most impressive victory of the two with their tactically sound dismantling of Chelsea. Four straight victories and four straight clean sheets have the Reds pushing for a chance at Champions League action despite all the odds this season.

Prediction: Liverpool 3 - Wigan 0 - The Reds stay on a role achieving Five Straight under Dalglish.

West Brom vs West Ham

The Baggies and the Hammers face a must win for both teams. If the Baggies win they stay out of the drop for now, but a victory for the Hammers could see them move out of the relegation zone and put their opponents in it. Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge need to start earning their keep if there is hope that the Hammers will survive to play premiership football in their newly appointed stadium some day.

Prediction: West Brom 1 - West Ham 2 - Keane makes it happen and Avram Grant finally gets to feel some pressure taken off his shoulders for at least five minutes till he realizes his next game is against surging Liverpool

Sunderland vs Tottenham Hotspur

Steve Bruce has been reeling in the two recent defeats of his squad as he has seen Chelsea and Stoke City take two straight from his side in the previous week. He is still holding onto seventh and a chance to see his Black Cats play across the Chanel in the Europa League despite the recent poor form. Harry Redknapp's Spurs grabbed a late winner over Bolton to stay level with Chelsea at 44 points and hold off Liverpool who are knocking at their door even though six points back.

Prediction: Sunderland 2 - Tottenham 2 - The Stadium of Light does the home team well and they hold off Gareth Bale and company to secure they hold their place one more week at least.

Bolton vs Everton

The Wanderers suffered a late loss to Tottenham thanks to Niko Kranjcar last weekend, however Daniel Sturridge gave a fine showing in his first appearance on loan from Chelsea. Owen Coyle has a knack for getting the most out of loaned in youngsters. Remember Jack Wilshere last season? David Moyes has been praising the recent contribution of believed post prime Louis Saha whom netted four goals last week and five in his last two.

Prediction: Bolton 3 - Everton 2 - The Wanderers find their lost form and edge past the Toffees at the Reebok to stay in eighth in the table.

Fulham vs Chelsea - Another West London Derby

Can Chelsea Get it Right?

After their disappointing loss to Liverpool, and the failure of Fernando Torres to make a sound contribution in his debut, the Blues will have to go back to the drawing board. Their narrow play was just not enough to break down anything at the weekend. Clint Dempsey continues to lead Fulham and their resurgence as Mark Hughes has them finally turning the corner. A little faith in their new manager has seen promise as his tactics are beginning to take hold.

Prediction: Fulham 2 - Chelsea 1 - Another defeat follows for the Blues. Didier Drogba's comments of loss of belief after last weekends loss pretty much pave the way for Ancelloti to get the sack from Roman Abromovich.

There you all have it. Two Derby upsets, a lot of possible moving and shaking in the table, maybe a manager sacking, whats not to love as we get set for another weekend of action across the pond.

Liverpool looks to Youthful Future

Article first published as Liverpool Looks to Youthful Future on Technorati.
The Reds Look at Signing Three Young Starlets to Bolster their Future for Success

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
February 9, 2011

Anfield is again alight with transfer rumors as the latest reports have the Reds looking to add another three youngsters to their squad as the look to fulfill the new owners philosophy of developing talent into the squad.

Swapping Pink for Red?

23-year old Palermo starlet Josip Ilicic has been linked with Liverpool following the latest reports from givemefootball.com. The news brings to light that he is a prime target identified by Damien Camolli, the Reds Director of Football Development.

The young Slovenian has scored 8 goals this season in 23 appearances in Palermo pink. He is also being tracked by Chelsea, AC Milan, and though it is said Tottenham have also inquired about the midfielder, Ilicic's agent has yet to say Spurs have made any contact with them regarding a move to White Heart Lane.

Ajax Amsterdam also looks to be the target of another Liverpool transfer as the Reds have been eying up a 10 Million offer to take Danish international midfielder Christian Eriksen to Anfield.

Danish Acquisian

The Dane was the youngest player to feature at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa at only 18 and has 10 caps for his county. This season he has made 30 appearances for the Ajax first team scoring twice for the Dutch giants this campaign.

It is thought that Ajax manager Frank de Boor is more likely to let Eriksen leave his club now, than perhaps allowing the departure of any of his other current starts such as Gregory Van Der Wiel, while still being able to help his club balance their books.

The other youngster on the radar for the Reds has already turned down a move to Merseyside this summer. 19-year old Real Madrid signing Sergio Canales has made 4 appearances for Los Blanco's this season.

A product of Racing Santander's youth development program Canales he earned 32 appearances for the La Liga first team and 28 for second tier Racing B scoring a total of 10 goals.

Merseyside for Madrid

As one of Spain's up and coming U-21 national team players it will be interesting to see if the Reds can pry him away from Madrid and Jose Mourinho. But who is to say the Portuguese manager will survive till next season.

These three targets continue to back the new owners philosophy at Anfield to buy youthful talent to develop into stars the Liverpool way, and allow bigger spending in one or two key positions of need over time allowing more players to be created in the image of Reds football.

FA Cup Round 4 Round-Up

Article first published as FA Cup Round 4 Round-Up on Technorati.
The 4th Round Brought Some Surprises and I reflect on the Matches to Watch and other Interesting Happenings.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 31, 2011

The road to the FA Cup gave the weekend some much needed action aside from what has been going on in the transfer window. On Friday I posted up my matches to watch, and although my predictions were not all spot on, some results were, and some were complete surprises.

Games to Watch

Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers
Predicted 2-2  -  Result 3-1

Former Arsenal playmaker and Premier League veteran Robert Pires got his Aston Villa career off the ground with  a goal against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park on Saturday. The match played out to the Villans as they advance on to the 5th Round. Their opponent is not yet known as the full draw has not been completed for the 5th Round due to Re-plays.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford United
Predicted 1-2  -  Result 4-1

What I thought to be a possible upset proved to be none the later as League One side  Sheffield Wednesday whom had endured a dip in recent form compared to opponent, put League Two side Hereford United to the sword at Hillsborough. Wednesday will travel to St. Andrews to face Birmingham in Round 5.

Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur
Predicted 2-1  -  Result 4-0


I truly thought Harry Redknapp's Hotspur would have put up more of a fight, however, Mark Hughes truly has Fulham firing on all cylinders as the Cottagers steam rolled their London rivals in this London Derby in the FA Cup. A penalty brace from Danny Murphy followed by goals from Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembele saw the Cottagers rout 10-man Spurs after Alan Hutton and Michel Dawson, whom received a Red Card for his involvement against Dembele in the box, proved culprits to Spurs demise. That is perhaps the worst first half Spurs will play this season, if not this decade. Fulham will take on the winner of the Bolton and Wigan Replay.

Bolton vs. Wigan Athletic
Predicted 3-1  -  Result 0-0

A cagey match at the Reebok provided no goals and little excitement as the Wanderers and Latics will go at it again in their Replay. Bolton fresh of a beating from Chelsea looked to still be licking their wounds rather than back on the attack. Owen Coyle will be sure to remedy this. The winner will face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Everton vs. Chelsea
Predicted 0-4  -  Result 1-1

The Blues and the Blues were stalemated on the night and will face a replay against one another to decide the result. David Moyes will be happy to have earned another chance to progress while Carlo Ancelloti will continue to rue this season as he looks to be out in my opinion if he doesn't at least bring some sort of Silverware back to the Bridge this season. He will at least be buoyed by his club's attempts to bring in Fernando Torres.

Wolverhampton vs. Stoke City
Predicted 1-0  -  Result 0-1

A great last 10 minutes plus stoppage time gave us the action and drama that the FA Cup is so rich with. John Carew caused problems for Wolves in his Stoke debut but did not bare fruit thanks to the efforts of Marcus Hahneman. Robert Huth headed home a free-kick from winger Matthew Etherington to give the Potters the lead with hopes of advancement on the 81st minute. However, Wolves would have their chance as Robert Milijas lined up to take a penalty on the 90th minute. But, it was not to be as Thomas Sorenson saved the shot to let the Potters advance to host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Britannia in Round 5.

FA Cup Round 4 Preview

Article first published as FA Cup Round 4 Preview on Technorati.

FA Cup Matches to Watch during 4th Round Jan 28/29 2011

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 28th, 2011


The transfer window has the folks on Merseyside in a frenzy. Luis Suarez and Charlie Adam occupy the lips and tongues of those that usually stand on the Kop. Ryan Babel has flew the Liverbird coup with possible others on the tips of his wings as Milan Jovanovic and Paul Konchesky both look to possibly be on their way out. "And wishers of a nameless fear," to steal lines from Tolkien himself, would only be appropriate with the recent threat of Fernando Torres being poached away by the Chelsea Blues.

With the players fresh off back to back wins against Wolves and Fulham, Kenny Dalglish will hope the weekend can bear fruit in the transfer market just before the deadline and provide some fresh spice to his reinvigorated pass and move Liverpool offense.

However, the English Premier League and Liverpool take a break this weekend as the FA Cup resumes with round 4 action. There are 32 teams remaining including 15 sides from the Premiership. That being said there will be at the least 4 of these teams eliminated as 4 matches will put these top flight sides to test against one another.

In the spirit of keeping with my admittance to covering things aside from Liverpool, though it is difficult, it does provide me a voice for the weekend as I take the next two days off to relax and take in the cup ties from the outside as with no one to cheer for I can only hope to witness some great games from the eyes of neutrality.

Top Games to Watch

Aston Villa vs Blackburn Rovers

The Arrival of Darren Bent at Villa park has seen the Villains pull of a pair of back to back wins including a surprise 1-0 victory over Manchester City where Bent was the culprit to score on his debut. Manchester City have just loaned Rogue Santa-Cruz back to Blackburn, whom the Citizens purchased him from two seasons ago, and the arrival of on loan American Jermaine Jones has also been sparking the Rovers back to confidence.

Blackburn have been on the rise and are now in 8th place, right behind also climbing Liverpool, since the controversial sacking of Sam Allardyce and the appointment of Steve Kean. The surprise departure of Martin O'Neil from Villa in the summer saw the appointment of former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier. This looks to be a tightly contested battle between two teams searching for their identity. I look to see this game go to a replay 2-2.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hereford United

Hillsborough was the site of perhaps the worst disaster in Liverpool's history as 96 fans were crushed to death in the 1989 FA Cup Semi-Final against Nottingham Forest. That site will be the host to this weekends FA Cup 4th round clash between nPower League One side Sheffield Wednesday and nPower League Two Side Hereford United.

Sheffield have been on a down turn in their last three matches as they have a loss and two draws from their last run of play. Hereford on the other hand have been on a tare with 3 straight victories. The dip in form from the League One side looks to allow an opening for Hereford to continue their cup run into the 5th round with a 1-2 victory.

Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur

The Cottagers though having just lost thanks to an own goal have been in fine form, and more than likely feel "Hard done by," in the words of Kenny Dalglish in the post match press conference. Clint Dempsey and Danny Murphy put in masterful performances and the former was denied on several occasions for brilliant strikes.

Harry Redknapp has his Spurs in a bit of a lag in form after two straight draws, but they will still be the favorite side in this FA Cup London Derby. Rafael Van der Vaart and Gareth Bale will hope to continue leading their side to victory. I look for a lively match if Fulham play anything like they did against the Reds on Wednesday night, and I believe they might just catch the Lilly Whites off their guard. Fulham to start brightly and carry through to a 2-1 upset in front of their home fans.

Other Matches of Note

Bolton vs. Wigan Athletic

Fresh off of a crushing defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Bolton will want to reassert themselves with revenge against a weaker opponent. Wanderers stroll to the next round 3-1.

Everton vs. Chelsea

Chelsea will want to continue their cup run, and David Moyes' faltering side will be less of a challenge this season than in the previous years. Blues cruise 0-4 in front of, and to the horror of the Goodison crowd.

Wolverhampton vs. Stoke City

Wolves need something to fight for besides not being relegated and a victory over a strong mid table side like Stoke City will to them good after their 0-3 loss to the Reds last weekend. Wolves take it in a boring drudgery of a game on Molineux's horrid pitch, 1-0.

What Comes Next for Liverpool? The Reds by the Numbers

Article first published as What Comes Next for Liverpool? The Reds by the Numbers on Technorati.

The King has the Reds on the Rise, But Just How Far Can We Go From Here

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
January 27, 2011

Its 7th Heaven for the Reds for the moment after a second straight win under Kenny Dalglish has propelled the club into the top half of the table. The Reds finished 7th last year and booked a UEFA Europa League spot, but knowing the King he will be aiming higher than that. Champions League Qualification is still a possibility believe it or not because of how crazy this season has been in the English Premier League. With the club finally mounting a climb in the table I thought it would be interesting to see just where the Reds could possibly end up based on a couple different situations.

Champions League?

I know it seems like a long shot but there is still that chance for the Reds. This year confined to the UEFA Europa League, which we reconvene on February 17 in Prague against Sparta Praha in the first leg of our Round of 32 knockout stage tie. Dalglish has the team and fans reunited, but can they push their new found confidence enough to challenge Sunderland, Tottenham, and Chelsea ahead of them for 4th.

Qualifying for the Champions League domestically will take even more effort but it is still possible. Liverpool sit 7th in the table with 32 points from 9 wins 5 draws and 10 losses. If the Reds win out the last 14 games of the season we would have a total of 74 points. That is the highest we can manage no matter what we do. However, if you look at the past five seasons the average number of points needed to place 4th or higher was 71. So it is possible. The highest total of the past five was 76 points which Liverpool amassed in the 07-08 season.

The statistics give us an outside chance on averages but it is still a long shot. Chelsea is currently in 4th place on 41 points with a game in hand. That means the Reds currently have a 9 point swing to make up for, if the Blues win the missing match it will be a 12 point swing. Best case scenario we start by beating the Blues for the double over them at Stamford Bridge on February 6th.

As much as I want to see Liverpool in the Champions League next season I truly don't know if we can over come the gap, nor keep Tottenham from beating us in that same race. If the planets aligned just right I see Liverpool getting out of the next 14 games with 9 wins 3 Draws and 2 Losses. That would bring our points total to 62.

The Lowest 4th place finish in the last ten seasons belongs to Liverpool from the 2003-2004 season where we finished with 60 points, and Everton Finished 4th on 61 Points the following season. So numbers wise if we can obtain at least 60 points we have 5/1 odds on a Champions League spot. Given as upside down as this season has truly been who is to say we cant still make it.

Transfer Impacts?

The final say in whether Liverpool add some extra ability to increase the likelyhood of such a push for the 4th spot in the table remains to be seen. The controversies surrounding all the transfer targets of the Reds is increasing, and with every waking moment the window is closer to being shut as there are only 4 days left. If deals are going to be made they need to be made now.

Luis Suarez is still the top target along with Charlie Adam. Stephen Warnock is still on the cards to replace Paul Konchesky, if the later does indeed return to Fulham, and the cash and time is available to complete a move for the former Liverpool Academy starlet.

Other outside transfer targets in and out of the media have been Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Ashley Young and Stewart Downing (Aston Villa), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), David Bentley (Loaned to Birmingham City), Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan), Matt Jarvis (Wolves), and even Ronaldinho was linked with both Liverpool and Blackburn before he marked his return to Brazil. Also Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich) and Danial Sturridge (Chelsea) were mentioned looking at loan moves before the opening of the transfer window in January, but neither ever seemed to have carried any weight.

At the rate it is going I truly don't see many moves being completed, and the King will have to take what he has and mold it to his pass and move offense to get the best finish possible.

UEFA Champions League Draw

Bayern vs. Inter, Spurs vs. Milan, Barca vs. Arsenal, What an Interesting Round this shall be.

by Rhydon Atzenhoffer
December 17, 2010
 
The Knock Out Stage of the 2010-2011 UEFA Champions League Draw is over and the results are in. The most startling match up to come out of the draw hands down goes to defending Champions Inter Milan, under new boss Rafael Benitez, whom will face Bayern Munich in a rematch of last year’s final. The Italians will look to fend off Bastian Schweinsteiger and company as the Germany giants surely will be out for blood after last year’s scintillating final.

Another match up that will have all eyes watching is Pep Guardiola's Balugrana of Barcelona vs. Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. What looks to be a tie of epic proportions should the two side truly have a go at one another, which I cannot see Not happening, will most likely produce some of the fanciest footwork and passing artistry of the round. Cesc Fabregas, possibly the most coveted player by Barcelona, and his midfield partner Samir Nasri will be plying their trade against arguable the world’s best midfield duo in Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. The back-line of Arsenal is what I most likely foresee as the undoing of the London club and I expect Barca to send the Gunners packing.

The Special One's, Jose Mourinho's, Los Blancos of Real Madrid will take on Olympique Lyonnais of France. Although not league champions in several years the French Giants will be looking to upset the European Legends. Karem Benzema has finally started to stake a claim to his spot on the Real front line, and he will no doubt relish the reunion with his old club. The Spanish Giants look to continue their strong run of form and advance on to the next round.

Tottenham Hotspur were a revelation in the group stage with Gareth Bale helping to propel the Lily Whites forward. The London club may be new to the Champions League as of late but they made a statement early on with their dominance over Inter Milan and a Group A winning start to their UCL campaign. Harry Redknapp will be looking to continue the progress of his club and a victory over the Rossoneri in a two-legged tie would do even more to stamp Tottenham's ticket for success. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and company will be searching for a renewed vigor after a mediocre group showing that only produced at the height a draw against Real Madrid thanks to a now injured Filippo Inzaghi. It will be an interesting tie to say the least.

Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United take on French side Olympique Marseilles. Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola feared the French club for their ability to be physically dominant. However, I have never seen Sir Alex Ferguson to fear anyone or anything, and I fully expect the wiring ole Scot to take the fight to the boys from the Mediterranean coast. It will be a hard fought battle but I look to see the Red Devils in the next draw.

Chelsea take on FC Kobenhaven from Denmark. The Danish side is through to the Round of 16 in their clubs second time in the Champions League. Their first foray into Europe was the UCL in the 2006-2007 season where they did not get past the group stages. With what was deservedly a winning performance, resulting in only a draw, against Barcelona at home in the group stages, the Danes hope to garner some confidence, and the poor run of domestic form of the Blues lately may just give the Lions the little they need to pull off an upset.

The Final two match-ups seem to be the least popular but could turn out to be two of the more highly competitive ties. AS Roma will try to continue their march by taking a bite out of Ukrainian Champions FC Shakhtar Donetsk. If the Wolves can get an edge on the away leg they should be able to hold of the Ukrainians at the Olimpico. Ranieri will have to buckle down and pull his squad together because they are in desperate need of some more results as a struggling league campaign is turning around as they find themselves only four points away from second place in a tightly packed group at the top of the Serie A table.

Germany's FC Shalke 04 has been falling to shambles in the league but have been dominant in the Champions League topping Group B with only one loss. Making the trip to the Veltins Arena will be Spain’s Valencia. Despite the loss of both David Villa and David Silva Los Che have their stride at the perfect time as they are dancing around the UCL spots of La Liga in fifth place, and are in the last 16 of the Champions League with the other Spanish giants. The Shalke strike duo of former Real Madrid front men Raul Gonzalez and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will look to use their knowledge of Valencia from the past in order to strengthen their clubs chances of advancement.

With the stage set for the next round it looks to be as exciting a knockout stage as ever. Their will be chants of glory, chants of rage, and tears of agony as the UEFA Champions League is now ready to return to action February 15, 2011.

UEFA Champions League Knockout Stage is Set

The Top 16 Teams from across Europe look to Square of and await the Knockout Stage Draw on December 17, 2010

By Rhydon Atzenhoffer
December 9, 2010

The last 16 of the UEFA Champions League have been decided. Some squeaked by, others dominated, and some surprised even the most hopeful in their campaign towards Europe's most elite club championship. With all the teams from Europe's three biggest leagues, English Premier League, Spain's La Liga, Italian Serie A, advancing the remaining qualifiers will be tested once again by Europe's finest clubs.

Tottenham Hotspur and Internazional Milan battled it out in Group A with the Lilly Whites taking the top spot in the group. Many did not predict this, nor did many predict the mercurial form of Gareth Bale to step into the spotlight in such a fashion. With the help of Spurs newcomer Rafael Van Der Vart, and midfield maestro Luka Modric, the London club look to continue their demolition of competition in the next round. Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez led his new charges at Inter to the second place spot and will look to continue marching on despite his squads injury problems at the back.

Despite their horrid domestic form, German Bundesliga's Shalke 04 took top honors of Group B. The club will look to continue their European success in the light of a struggling league campaign despite the ranks of Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, legendary Raul, and captain fantastic goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. French side and prominent Champions League club Lyon continue onto the knockout stages through their second place finish.

Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils of Manchester United cruised through to the second round atop of Group C. The Rooney saga of the early season seemed to have little affect on the wildly successful Scot's charges. Spainish side Valencia also had a relative dominant group stage and advanced by a margin of five points ahead of third place Rangers whom will have to ply their trade in the Europa League.

Barcelona and FC Copenhagen were the advances from Group D as both moved on with comfortable margins. The Danish club were nearly able to shock the dominant Spanish side but only managed a draw that was not deserved by the Catalonian Giants in any form, and Copenhagen will have to put up that same kind of challenge against whomever they face over their two legged tie.

Group E produced some fine matches and out of the frenzy. German Champions Bayern Munich advances in first place while Italian slumpers AS Roma side the coattails of success into the knockout stages. Chelsea crushed nearly all in their path on the way to winning Group F while Marseilles and Spartak Moscow fought till the final day to see whom would move on with the French side taking the honors and Moscow dropping to the second tier Europa League.

Spanish Giants Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho obliterated Group G with a draw against AC Milan thanks to Mourinho's only fear, Fillipo Inzaghi. The Serie A table toppers took the second prize with an 8 point gap behind the Madrid wrecking crew, barely staving off Ajax Amsterdam. They will hope for better performances in the Knockout Stage or else they will be set for a quick return home to the peninsula.

Group H saw Shakhtar Donetsk advance from the top stop while Arsenal had to punch their ticket to the next round on the very last day. Arsene Wenger's men are in fine form at the moment and with the timely return to health of Robin Van Persie, whom captained their 3-1 win over Partizan Belgrade to see them through, the London club may be hitting health and form at the right time.

The draw for the knockout round is set for December 17th and we will await the match-ups with great anticipation. It will be very interesting to see what happens with the draw and this could prove to be one of the best knockout stages of the last few years.