A trip to Goodison Park is just the tonic needed following our recent troubles, namely a
bizarre, referee-induced three-goal collapse at home against Manchester United.
Wait, what? We rarely win at Everton? Shit.
Mean muggin'
We have actually won at Goodison this season, a 2-1 victory in extra time in the League Cup.
Two years ago this week, DISH Network became the first TV provider in the United States to offer
FOX Soccer HD. Six months later, DirecTV added it. And slowly, but surely since, several cable
companies nationwide have made the channel ...
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We're off to Carrow Road tomorrow. My suggestion? Take the morning train.
It's a fixture that promises to be kind of fascinating. For one, it wasn't easy at Stamford
bridge at the end of August; it sure won't be easy in Norfolk, either, with Norwich undefeated in
four and currently in ninth.
Too much time has been devoted to transfer activity in this space. It's time we get on with the
business of matches. This weekend sees a rejuvenated Sunderland visit the Bridge for what promises
to be an interesting affair. More, after the jump:
Down, but not out
In our last PL encounter, we put the screws to Wolves on the road, before a ten minute finishing
salvo against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.
Right. I'm back. Well not really- I'm still temporarily on hiatus exploring the vast riches that
Monaco has to offer at the moment. But, I couldn't resist the urge to get something online after
leaving Jack to fend for himself for what seems like an eternity. The basics? Yes, I'm married.
Yes, I'm delighted.
Apologies for not producing a killer match preview before this one, but work has been one
hateful bitch this week. Anyway, do we really even need to look ahead to this New Year's Eve
fixture when we have classic images like the one below?
Yes.
Who: Aston Villa (est.
Ah, fixture congestion. A holly, jolly Christmas indeed.
Will Bob be in the mix?
Chelsea begin this oh so very festive period by hosting Fulham at the Bridge. This represents
the first of three games over eight days, a favorable span which includes Aston Villa (h) and
Wolves (a) that could go far in spreading some holiday cheer around the place.
'Tis the season, for snatching a stocking full of points at White Hart Lane.
Hey, it's that guy
Man. This is kind of big, huh?
Win, lose or draw in Wigan over the weekend, this match with Tottenham was always going to be a
pivotal one. Not that matches with Spurs aren't always showcase events, but this season the derby
seems to be taking on a bit more weight with both clubs in the pursuit of Champions League football
for 2012-13.
A pivotal trip to White Hart Lane is on the holiday horizon. Slow your roll, though. First, we
need to navigate this potentially tricky venture to Greater Manchester on Saturday.
Hey, it's Franco
On paper, away to Wigan doesn't appear to be too much trouble.
It comes down to tomorrow. One night, everything on the line. For Villas Boas, maybe his job.
For the rest of us, our sanity. More, after the jump:
The Moment
By now everyone is well aware of the script. Chelsea need a resounding victory or a bore-draw
tomorrow to ensure safe passage into the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Andre Villas-Boas attempts to shake off the haters, as well as an unforeseen run of truly shit
results, on Tyneside. This isn't go to be easy. Four defeats in five? I can't go for that (no can
do).
Not available
Who: Newcastle United (est.
Whatever the hell you think is going on at Chelsea right now, whatever you think the club is
mired in A Carlo-esque bad moment, crisis, et al. it doesn't matter. What we all can agree on is
that anything less than a win this weekend at home to Wolves is going to see the shit hit the
proverbial fan.
Bayer are looking to turn Group E on its end tomorrow night in Leverkusen. Current Bayer
midfielder and former Chelsea boy Michael Ballack, for visual aid, demonstrates the effect the home
side is seeking to have in the splashy photograph below.
Beat Street
But really, nevermind the hosts.
Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com
About 17 months ago, the United States and Slovenia played one of the most dramatic matches of
the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They'll meet for the first time since that matchup in South Africa as part
of a packed day of international soccer on Tuesday, one that includes friendlies, World Cup
qualifiers and the final day of qualifying for Euro 2012.
Photo by Howard C. Smith/ISIphotos.com
The United States-France friendly is sure to capture the attention of American soccer viewers,
but it's a big day around the soccer world as a whole, with 2012 European championship playoffs,
World Cup qualifiers and other friendlies taking center stage.
West London be the venue for Chelsea's first league encounter with QPR since 1996. Wee Shaun
Wright and company will no doubt be amped for this one. Too bad we will be as well.
Son of anarchy
Rangers have won only one of their past 14 matches in all competitions against Chelsea.
Belgian side Racing Genk visit Stamford Bridge on Wednesday in what appears, at least on paper,
to be our simplest European match of the season. A win here and a win in the subsequent trip to
Belgium would probably wrap up advancement for us into the knockout stages. Lots to play for today,
then, plus it's a chance to get a proper look at the young attacking prospect below.
The return of European club football is indeed glorious. The return of David Moyes' Everton to
Stamford Bridge is not so much glorious as it is shitty.
Will we finally shatter this recent Toffees hex?
Damn this man.
The Barclays Premier League returns this weekend following a two-week break for international
qualifiers and the like.
The club break for international games continues on Tuesday with a loaded slate of intriguing
matchups across the world. Between the final Euro 2012 qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers and
friendlies, it's a good day to be by either a TV or computer.
The United States' friendly with Ecuador is sure to capture the attention of most fans in this
country, but tonight's Mexico-Brazil bout is also one to watch.
Danny returns to the place where he somewhat realized his full potential. Bolton, in a league
free fall, will not be interested in seeing his face again. Well, that is unless he joins Gael
Kakuta in that egregious Wanderers garb on the hosts' side of the stands. Stop day-dreaming,
Owen.
Dreaded
The draw in midweek was a not-so-mild disappointment.
Putting the misery that was the weekend in the rear view, Chelsea begin their League Cup
campaign with a home fixture against West London neighbors Fulham. Those sodding neighbors. More
after the jump:
Child, please?
On paper, this is simply a Third Round League Cup fixture against a quality opponent that can
certainly cause the Blues trouble.
It's been 17 months since DISH Network launched Fox Soccer Channel in HD. During that span of time,
several other satellite and cable providers have added the HD channel. But for the vast majority of
Comcast customers, we're still waiting. And now...
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Photo by martin.canchola
Do you consider yourself a massive soccer fan? Have you always wanted to write about the sport
and share your ideas, opinions and knowledge with thousands of soccer fans around the world? If so,
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Photo by martin.canchola
Do you consider yourself a massive soccer fan? Have you always wanted to write about the sport
and share your ideas, opinions and knowledge with thousands of soccer fans around the world? If so,
and if you can write well, we here at Soccer On Dish would love to have your content published on
this site.
Break internazionale is finito. I cannot be the only one who is overjoyed by that sentence.
Shouldn't play.
It's been a long ass while since the mighty Blues of London have taken the field in an official,
competitive capacity. A week and five days to be exact.
Our matches against the blue team from Manchester have now become some of the biggest games for
me. Carlo Ancelotti has not managed a win against them yet. They're one of the teams in our way as
we strive to secure a guaranteed Champions League place.
Who: Manchester City
What: Premier League, Round 30
When: 20 March, 4:00pm local time (12:00pm EST)
Where: Stamford Bridge
How: FSC (DirecTV 619, Dish Network 149)
Why: Two reasons.
The lads head to Craven Cottage for a derby that, clearly, falls under the 'must-win' category
on multiple counts.
St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Round 2?
Who: Fulham v Chelsea
What: Premier League, Round 27
Where: Craven Cottage (25,700)
When: 14 February, 8:00pm local time (3PM EST)
How: ESPN2 (DirecTV 209, Dish Network 144)
Why: Because it's Valentine's Day, and spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend/WAG
notwithstanding, you're cheating on them with Chelsea.
The momentum is back in this Chelsea side after success in the league against Bolton and
Sunderland. Results seem to be mostly in our favor this weekend so far, with Manchester United
dropping three points and Arsenal managing to boggle minds by dropping a 4-goal lead. The media and
football fans are abuzz particularly with our new signing Torres available to play against
Liverpool.
A repeat of the 2009 season finale, then. The bid, not for Fernando Torres, but for a third
consecutive and fourth FA Cup in five years continues at Goodison Park against Everton.
Will this man be fit?
Who: Everton
What: FA Cup, fourth round
When: 29 January, 12:30 p.
Chelsea travels to the Reebok today in search of a third consecutive win in all competitions. A
solid brick on the yellow road to recovery it would most certainly be. Just think, three wins in a
row.
Afterward, there could be a small celebration. One complete with a plethora of piñatas. Come on
Didier, I know you know what a plethora is.
It's been almost 12 months since DISH Network were the first TV provider to launch Fox Soccer
Channel in HD. Since then, slowly but surely, other major TV providers such as DirecTV, some Time
Warner regions and smaller cable providers have added the channel. Verizon FiOS customers have been
enduring an agonizing wait to find out when the channel will be added to their programming
guide.
Another must-win. Fancy that.
Hey, it's Borini.
Who: Wolverhampton
What: Premier League, Round 22
Where: Molineux (29,195)
When: 5 January, 7:45pm local time (2:45pm EST)
How: Fox Soccer Channel (DirecTV 619, Dish Network 149)
Why: Because I hate to think what might happen should we lose.
A repeat of last season's 7-1 romp at the Bridge? Don't count on it. Hell, right now, I'll take
a stoppage time goal of the most outrageous variety, off an ass, whatever.
Preferably from the Honey Monster, though.
Who: Aston Villa
What: Premier League, Round 21
Where: Stamford Bridge (41,841)
When: 2 January, 1:30pm local time (8:30pm EST)
How: Fox Soccer Channel (DirecTV 619, Dish Network 149)
Happy New Year's.
