Another round in the most formidable league in the world comes to an end with some strong performances from the sides that are among some of the best in Europe.

Manchester United are now within four points of yet another Premier League title after they won by two goals over their immediate rivals, Manchester City.

Speculation is mounting that Rafael Benitez wants to sign Carlos Tevez from Manchester United. Whilst the Argentinean is a very good player, where exactly would he fit into the team?
I really don't get the logic in signing Tevez – he is ostensibly a second striker, but that position is well and truly taken at Liverpool by Steven Gerrard.

OPTA's latest statistics have revealed some surprising facts about the effectiveness of two of Liverpool's key midfielders.
According to OPTA, Javier Mascherano is the top passer in the Premiership this season, with 547 completed passes and an accuracy rate of 87%. Chelsea's Michael Essien has the same accuracy rate but has completed a lot less passes.

British radio station 'TALKSPORT' announced that Argentine forward Carlos Tevez had signed a deal with Manchester City. This news comes after the long speculations regarding Tevez's future and it seems that he has finally made a decision to join United's fierce rivals.

So Casillas (who cannot be called San Iker for now in light of his recent performances) decided to chill out at a Madrid Masters match between fellow countryman Feliciano López and Argentinean Juan Mónaco yesterday.

It was an interesting game at the JJB Stadium, where Wigan Athletic faced the table toppers in a game that could potentially see them lifting the Premier League title at Old Trafford.

The Latics struck in the twenty-eighth minute and took a lead that shocked many, including some of their own fans.

Yes, Brazil continues to be in the Copa Libertadores what England is in the Champions League. The quarter finals are almost defined - Boca Juniors and Defensor from Uruguay is the only battle that still has to be decided. And from the 8 clubs in the next stage, 4 of them are Brazilian. What makes it even more interesting is that the 4 Brazilian qualified are all previous champions of Copa Libertadores.

One of the highlights of last season was Liverpool's briliant double over Chelsea. Despite the club's poor overall record at Stamford Bridge - and a frustrating inability to beat the better teams so far this season - today's game is eminently winnable...but only if the formation and tactics are right, and that means aces in their place.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has played down speculation linking the club with a move for Carlos Tevez.
Tevez is coming to the end of a two-year loan at fierce rivals Manchester United, and with the league leaders still to secure a deal for the Argentinean, Liverpool have emerged as potential suitors for the former Boca Juniors star.

I'm sure you'll find more thorough Barca/Chelsea discussion at a variety of other blogs. The Barca and Chelsea Offside sites are probably good places to start.
But I had to point something out about Chelsea's draw at the Camp Nou. Not only was the physical, pressing defensive performance reminiscent of past Liverpool displays in Europe (although Liverpool usually offer more in attack – the 2005 match at Juventus not withstanding), but Messi was also kept similarly quiet.

Goals:
Eto'o 10'
Messi 70'
Manchester United trails by one. In search of an equalizer, Ferguson replaces two midfielders with strikers, going to a 4-2-4 formation with Tevez, Berbatov, Rooney, and Ronaldo all on the field. And it didn't take long for the opposition to score the second goal.

The Los Angeles Galaxy may be without defender Sean Franklin for the rest of the year, as the team revealed on Wednesday that the 2008 MLS Rookie of the Year has undergone surgery to repair a torn right upper hamstring tendon. Successfully performed at the Surgery Center of the Pacific in Santa Monica, the procedure requires a 4-6 month rehabilitation period, meaning Franklin could theoretically return to the lineup in the final month of the season if all goes well.

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino insists he has have never received an offer from Liverpool for Lavezzi, and he has no intention of selling the hitman.
The Argentinean has been hotly tipped to make the move to the Premier League this summer and, according to reports, Liverpool are keen to land him.

After Cruzeiro's 3-1 victory over Gremio, Maxi Lopes from Gremio was detained by two police officers. The accusation: racism. Cruzeiro's Elicarlos accused the Argentinean forward of calling him "macaco" (monkey). The term is usually used in Argentina when trying to offend a Brazilian.

During the match, the two players had an argument.

Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola has admitted it will be difficult to sign Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano this summer.
The Spanish league champions have been linked with a move for the Argentinean midfielder consistently this summer, with the player's agent Walter Tamer claiming that he would prefer a move to the Camp Nou.

Yet another one of those nasty transfer rumors comin' your way.... and this time it involves one of the Argentinean Guapos, Fernando Gago. It's ok chicas, his hair still needs moisturiser.

Spanish daily Marca has claimed that Atletico Madrid's president, Gil Marín, is looking to bring dear old Gago and his fellow countryman, the Pied Piper of Higuain to the team.

More from a contributing writer on Sir Alex Ferguson's expectations of the big match tonight.

Although Sir Alex was quick to highlight that nothing will be decided today he has stipulated that United must not concede an away goal. As things stand you don't have to go too far back to remember Champions League 2nd Legs where United have built on a poor first home leg and ended up going through, for example Porto most recently and obviously the 98-99 Juventus Semi Final.

Talk about good timing. The Los Angeles Galaxy will embark on a brief 2-game road trip against key Western Conference opponents this week, with timely suspensions subtracting key players from their opposition in both games. The news is a positive development for a Galaxy team that is just now getting to full-strength, coming off their first win of the season this past Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.

Why so serious, Neymar? Well, it must be the fact that Santos only managed a 3-3 draw against Goiás at home in the Brazilian championship yesterday. Pele was present in the stands and they probably placed the microphones near him so he could out talk the commentator.

In the end, the better team won. Barca were by far the superior ones who took advantage of United's weak midfield and a lack of initiative from the likes of Anderson last night. Although they needed time to get into the game, Barca found their pace thanks to the brilliant Iniesta.

Pay close attention to this - it's Argentinean Football's homage to Three Men and a Baby, except that four of their players have kids. And it seems like the Messiah is not amused!

Well, at least he doesn't have to endure another one of these "Baby Baller Anthems" prior to kick-off.

It's emerged today that Carlos Tevez will definitely be leaving United this summer, after the Argentinean turned down the offer to stay at Old Trafford.

United were willing to pay the £25.5 million that it would've taken to keep Tevez at United, however Tevez's advisors have informed United, he does not wish to remain a Manchester United player.

Liverpool have laid their eyes on Inter midfielder Esteban Cambiasso as an alternative if Xabi Alonso leaves Anfield this summer, according to Tuttomercatoweb.com.
Today's report suggests Reds manager Rafael Benitez is preparing himself just in case Spain star Alonso joins Real Madrid.

According to the Argentinean's idea that his lawyer suggested to Arabian owners, Diego would work on the position of the dealmaker, who will bring in top-class players. Actually, thus the Pompey would get the greatest player of all times as a mediator in negotiations with new signings.

Diego Maradona might take the position of "global ambassador" in Portsmouth.

Emiliano Insua has set his sights on making the Liverpool left-back role his own this season.
The imminent departure of Andre Dossena means Insua will be battling with Fabio Aurelio for a place in the Reds side ahead of the Premier League opener at Tottenham in a fortnight.
The 20-year-old Argentinean has made 18 appearances since he arrived from Boca Juniors in January 2007 but he is desperate to establish himself as a regular in Rafa Benitez's side.

10am, live in the US on espn2
Last 4 head-to-head:
0-1 Burnley (a; FA Cup) 01.18.05
1-0 Liverpool (h; FA Cup) 01.04.97
1-0 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 02.07.95
0-0 (a; League Cup) 01.28.95
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-2 Bolton (a); 1-3 Villa (h); 4-0 Stoke (h)
Burnley: 0-3 Chelsea (a); 2-1 aet Hartlepool (a); 1-0 Everton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 3; Gerrard, Johnson 2; Kuyt, Ngog 1
Burnley: Blake, Elliott 1
Referee: Lee Mason
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Insua
Benayoun Gerrard Lucas Riera
Kuyt Torres
I'd love to write ‘Same as against Stoke please,' because there's a good chance the game could play out similarly, but I doubt the international break will allow it.

After searching and searching for information on the richest footballers, I finally came up with this list. The amazing thing about it is that it contains 3 Brazilians, 3 Britons, an Argentinean, 1 Portuguese, and 1 German and no players of African or Asian decent.

David Beckham is by far the richest footballer but I personally feel that either Kaka or Ronaldinho should top the list.

Liverpool full-back, Emiliano Insua, 20, is looking to add to his midweek goal - a sensational long-range volley struck against Arsenal in the fourth round of the League Cup at Ashburton Grove.
The burgeoning Argentinean, who has one international cap, was delighted to ripple the net in the first half, despite his side going on to lose 2-1 due to a second half Nicklas Bendtner effort.

Ei futbolitas, many of us may be familiar with the louco Brazilian CQC gang (even Felipe Andreoli officially knows how much nós adoramos!) In case you happen to be living under Fabio Capello's rock, it's a politically-incorrect current affairs programme that stands for 'Caiga Quien Caiga'.

You have probably heard this name, because this boy has lately been connected with many big clubs. Several big clubs have already made their offers to the Lisbon „eagles" but there were no results. Benfica are aware that they have an extremely talented player and that they won't let him for less than 20 million Euros.

10am, live in the US on Setanta
Last 4 head-to-head:
2-2 (h) 12.13.08
4-2 Liverpool (h; League Cup) 09.21.99
5-1 Liverpool (a; League Cup) 09.14.99
3-2 Liverpool (a; FA Cup) 02.18.89
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 4-4 Arsenal (h); 4-4 Chelsea (a); 4-0 Blackburn (h)
Hull: 0-1 Sunderland (a); 1-3 Boro (a); 0-0 Pompey (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Torres 13; Kuyt 8; Benayoun 6; Alonso, Riera 3; Aurelio, Babel, Ngog 2; Agger, Arbeloa, Carragher, Dossena, Hyypia 1
Hull: Geovanni 7; Cousin, Turner 4; Fagan, Manucho, Mendy 2; Ashbee, Barmby, Folan, Garcia, McShane, Windass, Zayette 1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Insua
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Benayoun Riera
Torres
So, what are the odds on a third successive 4-4 result?

8:30am, live in the US on Setanta
Last 4 head-to-head:
5-1 Liverpool (a) 12.28.08
3-0 Liverpool (h) 03.08.08
3-1 Liverpool (a) 11.24.07
1-2 Newcastle (a) 02.10.07
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 3-1 Hull (a); 4-4 Arsenal (h); 4-4 Chelsea (a)
Newcastle: 0-0 Pompey (h); 0-1 Spurs (a); 1-1 Stoke (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard, Torres 13; Kuyt 10; Benayoun 6; Alonso 4; Riera 3; Aurelio, Babel, Ngog 2; Agger, Arbeloa, Carragher, Dossena, Hyypia 1
Newcastle: Owen 8; Martins 7; Amoebi 4; Carroll, Duff, Taylor 3; Guthrie, Lovenkrands 2; Barton, Edgar, Xisco 1
Referee: Phil Dowd
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Aurelio
Alonso Mascherano
Kuyt Benayoun Riera
Torres
Newcastle may be frighteningly bad of late and perilously close to relegation, but this isn't a game to be fucking about with the line-up or expecting an easy trot to three points.

Julio Grondona, the chairman of the Argentinean football association (who looks like a cast member of GhostBusters 1, 2 and 99) has declared that Riquelme deserves a place in the Albicelestes. You may remember The Dona's rumoured 'tiff' with Riquelme, and also his decision to quit the national team earlier this year.

How appropriate ... how much work we need to do!

Latina Worker

by Doren Robbins

Then I notice through a triple-Americano-awakening moment,

in the mall food court, a young Latina cleaning around by the chrome rail

at Sbarro Pizza. Maybe a Guatemalan, possibly Salvadoran or

Honduran—

could've been Argentinean or Columbian, Chilean, Bolivian,

Panamanian—good chance a Peruvian, Venezuelan, Nicaraguan, Mayan,

Toltec, Sephardic, Huichol coffee plantation or U.

On a great evening for soccer in Kansas City those of us who were at the CAB witnessed a beautiful goal by Argentinean star Claudio Lopez but were only able to enjoy it for about 8 minutes before the other Argentinean on the team Santiago Hirsig gave an easy ball away to, of all people, David Beckham who sprung Landon Donovan who scored the Galaxy's tying goal.

Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher, a defender who has shown loyalty to the Reds throughout his playing career, believes that after a strong season last campaign, in which the Anfield outfit fought with rivals Manchester United for the Premier League crown, it is especially imperative that the current squad remain together.

No Boca this weekend..... / VIA AP

Uh-oh, it looks like we may not get to see the likes of Boca Juniors and Estudiantes this weekend in the Apertura after the AFA recently ran into major monetary problems.

Yes, it seems that the top-tier Argentinean sides have amassed massive debts estimated to be a whopping US$182 million and this has forced the Football Association to scrap the Aug.

Rafael Benitez has moved to quash rumours that Javier Mascherano will follow Xabi Alonso to Spain. The Argentinean has persistently been linked with a move to Barcelona all summer.
"Javier knows he is staying," Benitez told Sky Sports. "He has accepted his future is here and that he is going to be a key player for us once more.

Ligue 1 started with a bang and some 24 goals. Lyon already showed their limitations with a very laborious draw while Bordeaux and Marseille showed that, yes, they were the team to beat. Meanwhile, only 3 correct predictions for week 1. Ouch!
Not much luck for Lens last weekend who tied the game before half-time but managed to take 2 goals in extra time courtesy of Marouane Chamakh and Yohann Gourcuff.

Reina
Johnson Carragher Ayala Insua
Mascherano Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Benayoun
Torres
Goals:
Torres 4'
Johnson 45'
Kuyt 78'
Ngog 90+4'
The future's a bit rosier today, no?
A four-goal margin of victory, against a side that held Liverpool scoreless twice last season, might be a little more emphatic than Stoke's performance deserved.