FYI
I will be off Friday and Monday enjoying all that Seattle has to offer. So our good friend Graham Fox will be filling in. I have no doubt you will like it. His work here in the past has been fantastic. Have fun everyone, and don't miss MLS Cup.
- Bruce
STARTERS
If last Saturday's USA game at Slovakia was disappointing, then yesterday's game at Denmark was down right pathetic. Click to continue reading...

by FRANCO PANIZO

Thierry Henry's handball heard around the world helped secure France's passage to the 2010 World Cup, but the French may not be through to South Africa yet.

The Irish federation has appealed Wednesday's night 1-1 result (2-1 aggregate advantage for France), and is demanding that France replay the second leg of the playoff.

Click to continue reading...

by FRANCO PANIZO

Thierry Henry's handball heard around the world helped secure France's passage to the 2010 World Cup, but the French may not be through to South Africa yet.

The Irish federation has appealed Wednesday's night 1-1 result (2-1 aggregate advantage for France), and is demanding that France replay the second leg of the playoff.

Click to continue reading...

The games didn't really have everything, did they? The results did some upsets, some heroics, a few of the expected teams going in but outside of the one game which forced a playoff (Egypt 2 Algeria 0), some of these games were completely zapped of the necessary drama.

(Not, of course, that one played in the Stade de France.

Click to continue reading...

by TRAVIS CLARK

After three years of World Cup qualifying, the 32-team tournament field is set for next summer. Attention now turns to the December 4 draw in Cape Town, when the 32 nation field will learn their fate.

It was a hectic day across several continents as the final six spots were sewn up.

Click to continue reading...

by TRAVIS CLARK

After three years of World Cup qualifying, the 32-team tournament field is set for next summer. Attention now turns to the December 4 draw in Cape Town, when the 32 nation field will learn their fate.

It was a hectic day across several continents as the final six spots were sewn up.

Click to continue reading...

Slovenia managed a shock victory over Guus Hiddink's Russia to reach the World Cup Finals.

Don't forget to check out Online Football Manager!

Click to continue reading...

I've just heard the news that Russia have failed to qualify for the World Cup.
I suppose it's our fault for not giving Roman Pavlyuchenko enough playing time? I do wonder what 'the world's greatest manager', Hiddink, will do now (Chelsea anyone)?
Didn't it bug you the way the Dutchman went on last season, telling us all just how good Pavlyuchenko was? Click to continue reading...

In partnership with Russian Football Now, EPL Talk presents the fourteenth episode of RFN's podcast.

Russia has pulled ahead of Slovenia after leg one, but thanks to a late goal from the Slovenes, the favorites are in a precarious place ahead of Wendesday's second leg.

Click to continue reading...

In partnership with Russian Football Now, EPL Talk presents the thirteenth episode of RNF's podcast.

Two close losses to Germany in UEFA World Cup qualifying has the Russian national team in a two-legged playoff with Slovenia. Many see this as the most lopsided of the four UEFA qualifying playoffs, though Slovenia who allowed only four goal in ten qualifiers should give the Russians significant problems.

Click to continue reading...

In following with this week's pattern of posting hilarious pictures, photoshopped or no, we bring you this marvelous offering from the Sun. Luckily, the accompanying interview is not half bad. Thanks to reader Chelsea for the heads up.

Q: When Nicolas signed did you feel, Didier, you had to prove you were better?

Click to continue reading...

When Guus Hiddink sneezes, Roman Abramovich catches a cold and Vladimir Putin develops a nervous cough.
They'd better order additional supplies of extra strength tissues for Manchester United's visit to Stamford Bridge today.
Hiddink – like another student of socialism, Sir Alex Ferguson – understands how to use the cult of personality, welded around strong leaders. Click to continue reading...

I have a huge amount of respect for Frank Lowry. Five years ago Frank was the driving force behind the rebirth of football in this country. The creation of the A-league, the move to Asia and the recruitment of Guus Hiddink all contributed to a resurgence of the game here in Australia.
However I do wonder if Frank understands that all of this new found love for the game may evaporate if a few missteps are made. Click to continue reading...

With the Ballon d'Or nominations finally releasing this weekend, the headlines have mostly been devoted to the fact that world champions Italy have no representation whatsoever. But why blame the press for paying excessive attention to an irrelevant detail? After all, the award itself is destined to be heading Lionel Messi's way, which means very little is there to be talked about in terms of debating the winner, right?

Click to continue reading...

Here we go back with the Premier League and a trip to Villa Park for the early kick off. The same game last season, Guus Hiddink's first as Manager of Chelsea ignited the spark that set up our fantastic end of season run in. This time its different as we sit top of the league and we will be looking to extend our advantage in a game that is no easy three pointer! Click to continue reading...

Here we go back with the Premier League and a trip to Villa Park for the early kick off. The same game last season, Guus Hiddink's first as Manager of Chelsea ignited the spark that set up our fantastic end of season run in. This time its different as we sit top of the league and we will be looking to extend our advantage in a game that is no easy three pointer! Click to continue reading...

In partnership with Russian Football Now, EPL Talk presents the eighth episode of RNF's podcast.

After months of build-up, the German national team's trip to Moscow lived up to the hype. Punching their ticket to the World Cup, Germany downed the upstart Russians 1-0, leaving hosts Chris Riordan and Richard Farley to explain where things went wrong for Guss Hiddink's men.

Click to continue reading...

By TRAVIS CLARK

With just two World Cup qualifying matches left for just about every country, it's the last chance for many countries to make a push at a spot in South Africa next year. Perhaps the best match slated for this weekend is the matchup between Germany and Russia.

Click to continue reading...

By TRAVIS CLARK

With just two World Cup qualifying matches left for just about every country, it's the last chance for many countries to make a push at a spot in South Africa next year. Perhaps the best match slated for this weekend is the matchup between Germany and Russia.

Click to continue reading...

Both this year and last much has been said about the age of Chelsea's squad and how it will hinder the club's charge for the title. Having kept detailed stats – on both the team's performance and for individual players – since the Premier League began back in August I decided to take a look back at the records for the season so far to see what, if anything, they told us about the impact of an ageing squad.

Click to continue reading...

Both this year and last much has been said about the age of Chelsea's squad and how it will hinder the club's charge for the title. Having kept detailed stats – on both the team's performance and for individual players – since the Premier League began back in August I decided to take a look back at the records for the season so far to see what, if anything, they told us about the impact of an ageing squad.

Click to continue reading...

For all of the praise that Bob Bradley has gotten and deserved for his win in Switzerland (breaking a 5 game European losing streak), 2007 Gold Cup champions, wins against Egypt and Spain, and 2009 Confederation Cup runners-up, he has gotten condemned for unimaginative performances against El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago in World Cup Qualifying.

Click to continue reading...

Yes the USA is very close to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup for next summer and this coming October there will be two more matches remaining for the Nats when they visit Honduras on the 10th & home against Costa Rica on the 14th. Once the official word comes from FIFA that our boys have qualified for South Africa then we can watch the World Cup Draw this coming December 5th.

Click to continue reading...

Tonight the Arthurs, Hildas and Lionels of the football world will play each other and when the games are over our players will come back in wheelchairs, on crutches and with stitches in their groins and everything shall return to normal once again.

Russia play Wales and there are still some doubts over the fitness of Andrei Arshavin.

Click to continue reading...

Big losses to Spurs and Villa are not what Rafa Benitez had in mind when the season began. The pundits were pegging Liverpool to win the Premiership. The stuttering start has taken its toll and there are rumours that the Reds dressing room atmosphere is less salubrious nowadays.

Rafa had gotten into a well publicized spat before with Steven Gerrard who looked like a shadow of himself in the Spurs match but it is Ryan Babel who is getting the business end of the stick and was singled out for the team's pathetic display.

Click to continue reading...

Is Harry playing it cool on the 'Cole' issue?

Recent quotes from Harry Redknapp in relation to the protracted speculation about a move for Chelsea man Joe Cole can be read in a number of ways, and perhaps that is just how Harry Redknapp would like it?

Here's what the White Hart Lane boss was quoted as saying.

Click to continue reading...

As seen on Sunday and reported here, Kevin Keegan will be ESPN's lead analyst on their Premier League coverage this season. He joins Ray Stubbs and Guus Hiddink for the American network's virginal attempt at English football coverage.

I would love it if he is good.

Click to continue reading...

So, what do we know after either one or two matches per team? I have to say, not a heck of a lot. Here's a quick recap of my observations...
1) CoverItLive is a really great tool - thank you to everyone who showed up to the blog over the weekend and contributed their observations and questions - it was a blast and one that we'll re-create as frequently as we can (sorry, mid-week won't work because I have a day job and Premier League matches are generally on at 3 PM on the East Coast of the US). Click to continue reading...

Russian Premier League has been established in 2001 and has since become one of the strongest leagues in Europe. The top tier of Russian football is currently ranked as 6th best league in Europe, mostly thanks to the success of teams from Russia in European competitions. This competition is attracting big crowds in the biggest country in the World and the quality of football does not fall too far behind their English counterpart.

Click to continue reading...

Finally.

The 2009-2010 English Premier League season is less than 24 hours away and, for the next few hours, everybody is in a Champions League spot.

Of course, a pessimist would point out that everyone is also in the drop zone.

Whatever.

Let's get into some previews for week one, shall we?

Click to continue reading...

Let's get this annual shambles out of the way then.
ST's CUAS Predictions for the 2009/10 Premier League Season
1. Liverpool
I can't believe I've done this. Do I really think that Liverpool are going to finally win the title this year? Maybe I am. Before last year, it looked as though Rafa's priorites lay elsewhere, but they came desperately close last season and Fernando Torres proved what a wonderful player he is. Click to continue reading...

Chelsea have just won the Community Shield trophy and even though it is not a very important one, it will, nevertheless, serve as a big confidence boost for the Blues. With both Manchester United and Liverpool looking weaker than last season, Chelsea seem to have a great opportunity to win back the Premiership title from United.

Click to continue reading...

Bad news for Mr. Ancelotti!

Andrea Pirlo has ended speculation that he will join Chelsea by announcing that he has been taken off the transfer market by AC Milan and hopes to stay with the Serie A side for the rest of his career.

Andrea Pirlo hopes to help AC Milan overcome the loss of Paolo Maldini and Kaka this season.

Click to continue reading...

Stamford Bridge side seal long term deal for Ivorian striker.

Didier Drogba has today signed a new deal at Chelsea that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until at least 2012.

The striker, who for much of last season looked as though he might leave the Blues whilst Luiz Felipe Scolari was manager at the club before reviving his form under the leadership of Guus Hiddink, was delighted to have signed the new deal.

Click to continue reading...

Video plays better with MUTE button on
The best player on the pitch in the FA Cup, Florent Malouda, was also the best player on the pitch in the 2nd half of Chelsea's 2-0 pre-season win over Club America last night.
Malouda scored one goal and set up another - with a delightful chip to Franco di Santo. Click to continue reading...