We're Nearing the End, Yet it's Still Anyone's Game

Football fans around the world wait for this weeks games concerning big teams within best leagues. Manchester United sit six points ahead on Chelsea on the top of the Premier League table. Both teams face a great challenge that would cause harm to their current positions if they fail to find victory.

Today, Saturday April 30th, Tottenham Hotspurs visit Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Since both teams were knocked from the Champions League during the Quarterfinals, as well Tottenham on the fight for fourth place and their Champions League Qualification, you can expect this game to be a clash worth watching.

To Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, victory against Tottenham is of the most importance. He understand that Tottenham are a strong team but he wants his team to remember that they need to "keep it open in the Premier League until the last minute."

Chelsea also heavily rely on the result of the Manchester United hosting Arsenal. If Arsenal were able to defeat the Red Devils, and Chelsea able to win against Tottenham, they would have the chance to win the Premier League.

Manchester United will bring striker Dimitar Berbatov back into action for this weeks Premier League match against Arsenal. If he is able to score against the Young Gunners, not only can his team win, he would also be improving his chances of coming out number one of goals scored within the EPL this season.

Alex Furgeson had a good few things to say in regards to the Premier League games ahead of United. "Two months ago, everyone was looking at these matches as league deciders - and they probably are, but we are going into them in good form so why can we not win them? Teams are going to drop points on the run-in, including Chelsea. Hopefully we get to a point where we need to win our last home game - against Blackpool - to win the league. I would take that."

It seems the United manager is ready for anything to result from the game against Arsenal, however due to Arsenal's inability to beat Bolton last week, I'm sure he and his team are in good spirits to win. Before the last game, Chelsea must also defeat United if they plan to win. I'm sure if United can win against Arsenal, they won't have a problem doing just as they did to Chelsea during the UEFA Semifinals.

With only four games to go after this week, the race for Premiership and qualifications for UEFA will be neck and neck with some of the best clubs in all of Football.

UEFA Champion's League Semifinals
The first leg of the semifinals ended with results favoring 2-0 for each game. Manchester United defeated Schalke 04 at home in Germany, and Barcelona did the same against Real Madrid.

United's game was real cut and dry, with little to no drama during the game. Schalke 04 was unable to continue the four year tradition of knocking United out of the semifinals due to German opposition.

The team knew they would have a great challenge before them once they knew United were to face them, however they can not be considered unable to retaliate. They face United this week at Old Trafford. One would call it irony if the German team was able to stop United at home, causing a first home defeat in a long time, though the odds are not in their favor.

The two goals made by United came from two of United's legends, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. Ryan Giggs made the first on the 67th assisted by Wayne Rooney. Two minutes later Rooney was able to make a well placed strike thanks to the clever pass made by Hernandez.

On a different note, the Real Madrid against Barcelona game had more drama then your average soap opera episode. Both teams were given numerous yellow cards, as well both had one red card shown. This game was constant shoving and accusing against the teams more then well played football. However fortunate enough for Barcelona, Lionel Messi was able to make two goals late within the second half.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was escorted off the touch-line after a comment he made towards officials. He had claimed all through the game he was seeing favoritism for Barcelona by the match referees.

UEFA has confirmed that they will begin disciplinary proceedings against Mourinho, who refused to directly respond in concerning their decision.

A video was taken showing the challenge made by the Real Madrid player who was sent off. It showed that no contact was made by the player to the other, almost proving the player had forced himself to fall to make it look like an intentional, harmful attempts to gain possession.

"An image is worth more than words, and now there are so many images making their way around the world that I have nothing more to say," as stated by the Real Madrid manager. He claimed his players were not to blame for the defeat to Barcelona and scoffed when he was asked if his aggressive style of play had anything to do the send off. Afterward, Mourinho stated his devotion to keeping with Real Madrid, stating "I am ever more motivated to continue at Madrid, for its white colors and their meaning,"

Stated on Foxsoccer.com
Barcelona announced on Thursday that it was reporting Mourinho to UEFA for his accusations that the Catalan side had received help from UEFA referees in recent years.

Madrid countered with its own request that UEFA look into the alleged "unsportsmanlike behavior" of Barcelona's players.

The two teams face off for the fourth time in less than three weeks next Tuesday, in the return leg at Camp Nou stadium.

Madrid, which beat Barcelona 1-0 to win the Copa del Rey last weekend, is eight points behind Spanish league leader Barcelona with five rounds to play.

Though Manchester United manager Alex Fugeson claims he would be content with winning just one trophy this year, his teams ability to win a double is very evident. With a tight race ahead of them for Premier League victory, as well a most likely match against Barcelona for the UEFA Champions League Final, United's team have a lot on their plate.

As a fan, I wish them the best of luck with the big games ahead of them! Let's go you Reds!

Tottenham Disappointment

English team Tottenham failed to produce any goals today against Spanish team Real Madrid. Forward Emmanuel Adebayor was able to begin the game with a 1:0 lead against the Hotspurs, making a clean header into the net with assistance from Mesut Ozil before the fifth minute. The first half went on with out anymore goals, Madrid getting two yellow cards, Tottenham two yellows and an unfortunate red card given to Forward number 15, Peter Crouch. D

The second half started with a quick substitution for Tottenham, Jermaine Defoe entering the pitch replacing Rafael Van Der Vaart. After two more goals made by Real Madrid, Defoe earned a yellow card on the 74th minute. Adebayor was able to give himself a second goal, followed by a substitution for Madrid, bringing on Lassana Diarra for midfielder Sami Khedira. Angel Di Maria was able to drive in third goal before being taken off to make room for number 8, Kaka.

Before the Real Madrid substitution was made, Tottenham sub Defoe was given a yellow card making the Tottenham card count at four. Christiano Ronaldo was able to make the final goal on the 87th minute thanks to the assistance from Kaka, leaving the game less eventful up to the point were the referee had blown the final whistle.

Real Madrid 4:0 Tottenham Hotspurs

Tottenham shown they did not have the ability to keep up with the Spanish team or the UEFA Champions League, possibly unable to advance after they play at White Hart Lane. With Crouch taken off the field, Tottenham have even more disadvantages for this years Champions League title.

Real Madrid proved to be one of the best contenders for this years league victory, the Spanish team not only showing great offensive ability but fantastic defense. With FC Schalke 04 able to defeat Italian greats Inter Milan 2:5, as well tomorrows games featuring Chelsea vs. Manchester United and Barcelona vs. Shakhtar Donetsk, one can be sure to experience a fantastic UEFA Champion's League Final.

Hat Trick Victroy!

At first, one would have thought Manchester United had fallen completely apart after a 2 - 0 first half against West Ham. The Hammers were granted two penalty kicks during the first forty five, as well able to prevent United from any chance at goal. The West Ham supports were on the edge of their seats, a light of hope glimmering for their club. That light died during the second half.

Wayne Rooney brought United and himself a truly amazing victory in the second half, the Englishman able to achieve a wonderful hat trick. Hernandez as well made a goal, making the score a fantastic 2 - 4! J.S.Park was brought off after a softly played first half, exchanged with Berbatov. Before that substitution, Evra was brought off to make room for Hernandez, turning out to be a great decision for the Red Devils. Nani was brought out very late into the game, giving Rooney a moment of rest to enjoy the rest of his teams victory from the seats.

Many United fans are fanatic about this victory, going from completely unfortunate to a well earned victory!

West Ham's two goals were given thanks to the penalty's made by Evra and Vidic. Evra brought his hand up, giving West Ham a handball surely deserving of a penalty kick in the 10th minute of the game. Vidic was unfortunately unable to control his challenge, tripping Carlton Cole within the box, giving yet another penalty on the 24th. Mark Noble took both PK's, both able to hit the back of the net flying past the Manchester goalkeeper.

All seemed gloomy for United supports after that, but Sir Alex Furgeson had a few tricks up his sleeves to make sure the second half was far more productive. The well thought move to pull Evra in exchange for Hernandez ended up with a great bit of favor, the Mexican international able to produce the final goal of the game.

Wayne Rooney's first goal was made by a free kick only a couple yards outside the box, if that. The kick went right over the top of the defense wall, into the right top hand side of the net. Less then nine minutes later, Rooney scores again, this time in the left bottom portion of the net. If anyone thought Wayne Rooney was done for the game you had best seen the Penalty kick given to Manchester after yet another hand ball within the game. Rooney was able to get it yet again to the right side, giving him the hat trick and surely the match ball, 2 - 3! Hernandez then tops the icing with the cherry scoring a goal hardly four yards out as the goalkeeper stumbled to get back into the middle of his net, finishing the goals made at 2 - 4, Manchester United!

I must say, this game had it's ups and its down for both fans and players of the two English teams! For what most would have thought a unbeatable first half from the Hammers was seen an outstanding come back from the Red Devils in the second! United now eight points clear at the top against Arsenal! I would hate to have been a Gunner watching that game!

The Wait is Over!

It is April 2ed, early in the morning, and I cannot stress how excited I am that the EPL is back in action after a long two week break! And to top it all off, Manchester United starts the day with a game at West Ham. This will be aired at 7:45AM (EST) on ESPN2. Fox Soccer Channel will be showing the Stoke vs. Chelsea game, another game worthy to watch, airing after the United game at 10:00 AM (EST).

Stoke coming from their last game with an amazing 4 to nil result against Newcastle, Chelsea are in for a fight as they strive to keep up within the Premier League top four. Manchester City only being a point behind will be playing Sunderland on Sunday, also airing on Fox Soccer. The game will be shown here at 11:00 AM (EST).

Here is a complete list of tomorrows fixtures:

7:45 AM West Ham vs. Manchester United

10:00 AM Everton vs Aston Villa
West Brom vs. Liverpool
Birmingham City vs. Bolton Wanderers
Wigan vs. Tottenham
Stoke vs. Chelsea

12:30 PM Arsenal vs. Blackburn

As most would predict, Arsenal are expected to gain a victory tomorrow against the Rovers, however, even if United were to have a tie with West Ham or even lose, they still won't be much closer to the top until next week and it's results. It is doubtful however that West Ham will produce much of an offensive game, shown last game when they played Tottenham.

Sunday will have it's usual two games. This week it will be Fulham hosting Blackppol and Manchester City hosting Sunderland. Man City are in dire need of a win in order to keep themselves within the top four. Though Tottenham are a few points clear at fifth place, they are surely expected to bring in three points after their game against Wigan. Surely Sunderland seeks to redeem themselves after the unfortunate nil to 2 lose at their home stadium against Liverpool.

Here are Sunday's fixtures and EST times.

8:30 AM Fulham vs. Blackpool

11:00 AM Manchester City vs. Sunderland

Personally I do not see much out of this week. Most teams playing are going against weaker clubs, proving to most expected wins for the stronger teams. But we never truly know! As the Wolves have once, Wigan or Blackburn may very well prove to be giant killers this week, bringing their fans hope of a better season to come.

One may notice a particular game coming up against manager rivals. West Brom's Roy Hodgson recently admitted that the presence of new Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish made his job there much more difficult. Tensions will be high during the West Brom vs. Liverpool game, but I'm sure everyone expects a one sided outcome.

On a recently made pool on Skysports.com, nearly half their readers beleive Wigan Athletic are the team to most likely be relegated from the Barclay's Premier League. However one cannot truly tell at this point, seeing that both bottom three teams are only a point separated, however I have my doubts that Birmingham will even dare to let that happen, and Mick McCarthy will surely do all he can to prevent his end at the Premier League. Wigan may have the lesser chance, I will agree on that, but after this week's line up of games we will have a much clearer picture on who drops from the magnificently competitive English Premier League.

Finally I must inform my readers that Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes that victory is crucial at Upton Park. As stated before I do not think that it is incredibly important that they seek a victory this game, but the odds are they will be victors one way or the other. If West Ham's players don't cease from making foolish fouls that result in four yellow cards to four players, they may not even have enough players to properly defend. For their sake, lets hope the Hammers manager has a little talk with them about making overly violent fouls if they even plan on having a full team for the game.

Hope everyone enjoys this weekend's games,
Craig Fortner