The English Premier League returns on Saturday, November 21, 2009 with a full set of matches. One of the marquee match-ups includes Liverpool hosting Manchester City. Both clubs are looking for a top four finish but one is on the rise and the other on the decline. Liverpool has struggled this season and is in danger of missing the UEFA Champions League knockout stage and a top for finish in the Premier League.

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Nani, who turns 23 today, needs to toughen up mentally if he wants to make the grade at United.

When Nani broke into the Sporting CP first-team he was seen as the next big thing to come out of Portugal, after Cristiano Ronaldo that is. After his big move to Manchester United he has lived in the shadow of his more glorified countryman.

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Two home games, two home defeats, four goals conceded at home.
It's been a sorry start to the season for Persitara in their (latest) new home of Soemantri Brojonegoro Stadium. The heavens opened as the fans left the stadium and heaven might be an approriate place to start looking for inspiration as this current vintage seems to lack much of it on the field. Click to continue reading...

John Tarkpor will possibly line up for his new club, Persebaya, against his old club, Persitara, after a long winded, drawn out pre season transfer that had both sides fighting over his registration.
Persebaya won and on his debut, alongside fellow new signings Claude Ngon A Djam and Takotoshi Uchida they got thumped 4-1 by fellow newly promoted side PSPS Pekanbaru. Click to continue reading...

I have always wondered how come everyone is so fascinated by Van Gaal. We all remember Ajax from the mid90s but that story lasted briefly and they had the system to thank for the fame not the coach. As soon as big clubs got the idea to buy everyone that was worth something in that team, things fell into place.

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A few months ago I wrote a blog comparing the fortunes of England's two Magpies – Newcastle and Notts County.
Back then Newcastle were in despair, mourning the loss of their Premier League status. Meanwhile, County were sky high, revelling in their new found wealth.
Their takeover in July, by the mysterious Munto Finance group, promised a bright future and lofty ambitions included Premier League football once more for the oldest league club in the world. Click to continue reading...

A couple of days ago, Barcelona's Txiki Beguiristain said these words in an interview during which he was speaking about Barcelona's future plans in terms of new signings: Cesc is a player who has the Barca ... Click to continue reading...

A couple of days ago, Barcelona's Txiki Beguiristain said these words in an interview during which he was speaking about Barcelona's future plans in terms of new signings: Cesc is a player who has the Barca ...

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Its barely 5 weeks since the transfer window closed for this year and Manchester United seem to be preparing for their new signings during the January window. After the clearance from FIFA, Paul Pogba joins Manchester United and would be seen in action soon. But there are rumors that the Red Devils are targeting two top players from Italy. Click to continue reading...

New coach Walter Mazzarri (left), and ex coach Roberto Donadoni (right)

After Napoli's disappointing start to the season, president Aurelio De Laurentis has decided to "dismiss" Roberto Donadoni as head coach, and has now hired Walter Mazzarri.

Napoli were looking forward to a successful season, with new signings such as Quagliarella, De Sanctis, and Cigarini.

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Pompey picked up some Saudi Oil money today as Saudi tycoon Ali al-Faraj bought 90% of the financially stricken club from Sulaiman al-Fahim.
Al-Fahim, of Abu Dhabi, bought the club just 44 days ago - but he's out and the 40-year-old al-Faraj is in.
So, what does this mean? Well - for starters, not much on the pitch: Pompey may have a large arsenal of cash to use in the January transfer window - but they'll have to stick with their hodgepodge of new signings and on-loan stars (O'Hara 4. Click to continue reading...

Speculations about new signings in January's transfer window were already published on Arsenal despite January being three months away. Manager Arsene Wenger, as always, had to rubbish such rumours by yet again declaring he believes in the youngsters who will play an important part during this season.

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Speculations about new signings in January's transfer window were already published on Arsenal despite January being three months away. Manager Arsene Wenger, as always, had to rubbish such rumours by yet again declaring he believes in the youngsters who will play an important part during this season.

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Romanticism and nostalgia - both are integral to the Liverpool fan experience, and when one hears the words "Liverpool Football Club", you almost expect the word ‘history' to pop up somewhere. But what exactly does history mean in this day and age, and is it actually important to the club's prospects of success? Click to continue reading...

Did you read this column last week? If not, then you should have. It could have made you some money. Nine out of ten outcomes correct, five out of ten results spot on, I should be backing my instincts.

Of course last week was a one-off, a fluke. Or was it? Here are my predictions for this week's round of matches, tell me if you agree, and feel free to add your own.

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Bolton's newcomer Ivan Klasnic was interviewed for today's match programme and Megson or Gartside made sure he used the word 'positive' in relation to the club's mentality.

"I was impressed with everything that I saw. The stadium is excellent and everyone at the club has a positive mentality.

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Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have been � irreplaceable figures at Manchester United for nearly twenty years now. When Scholes' name is mentioned, it is difficult to not picture him dressed in the� red jersey as he has been a member of the prestigious club since he was 14 years old.

A� similar story applies to Ryan Giggs.

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Yes my blogging knows no limits and I've become an Everton Banter blogger!
Another perfect excuse to write about the (not so) mighty Blues. Read the first part here then click the link to read the piece in all its glory...
That's how I view Everton's start to the season.
After all the talk of lessons learnt and exciting new signings in June, the club were once again left to scramble around for new players around the September deadline day. Click to continue reading...

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has welcomed the Premier League's new rules on home-grown players and club finances as being good for the long-term health of football.
The 20 clubs have agreed to name 25-man squads with at least eight players 'home-grown' - trained for three years under the age of 21 in England or Wales. Click to continue reading...

Rafa should seriously consider this deal.

According to a report in The Daily Mail, English giants Liverpool and German powerhouse Bayern Munich are closely monitoring the situation of Chelsea centre-back Alex.

The strong defender's current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2010, and the 27-year-old reportedly wants a longer deal than the two-year extension offered by the Blues.

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Victories against Georgia and Bulgaria have put the Italian national team in prime position to win their group. With the Champions League and Europa League starting in the week, Italy will be hoping for good performances from their sides.

The third week of the Serie A� arrived with Sampdoria surprise league leaders ahead of Juventus and Genoa.

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Chris Hughton continues to work diligently behind the scenes at Newcastle to add some� � new� loan signings to his very small but talented squad. Colin and Chris lead the training at Benton However, Chris has warned Newcastle fans not to expect any new signings before Wednesday's game at Blackpool. Click to continue reading...

via Gettyimages

As our dear Roma-crazy amiga said : "I wouldn't say I'm happy with the team, but it's good to finally have 3 points! Being le caca is not cool, at all."

Indeed, Roma's new coach Mrs Doubtfire Ranieri deserves applause for today, at least as he steered the squad to their first win after a long spell of dismal performances.

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So basically I have to get on a plane in about an hour and have somehow procrastinated til now to do my preview so it was be a bit rushed/short. I realize now that that time I took to do my nails last night, could've been spent doing this. Oh well, it all comes together in retrospect doesn't it?

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended the pursuit of the world's best young talent by the Premier League's top clubs.

Wenger has also declared a ban on the transfer of under 18s would be very damaging for the game.

Chelsea have been barred by FIFA from making any new signings for two transfer windows after being found guilty of inducing Gael Kakuta to breach his contract with Lens in 2007, when the winger was 16.

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Chelsea's transfer ban, which means they cannot transfer any players into the club until January, 2001, has stopped their pursuit of our 17 year old wonder-kid Haris Vuckic. Haris Vuckic attracting top European clubs Chelsea were banned by FIFA from registering new signings until January 2011, after being found guilty of inducing a player [. Click to continue reading...

Much has been written about the way in which Mark Hughes has overhauled the side over the past twelve months, with the deadline day sale of Richard Dunne a symbolic move given his links to the past.
Not only was Dunne the longest serving player, but he was clearly the most experienced City player with his 290 league starts. Click to continue reading...

Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt has backed his side to win the Barclay's Premier League this season.
The Merseyside club have lost two of their opening three matches of the campaign but came from behind to beat Bolton last Saturday.
And Kuyt insists Liverpool are ready to put their indifferent start to the season behind them and mount a strong challenge. Click to continue reading...

Positive news during international week for three of our players who have missed the start of the 2009/10 season.
On Roque Santa Cruz:

"We're happy with him, as I've said before we have to give him the time he needs, and he is working really hard. He's desperate to play, but we're holding him back a bit because we have a break at the moment.

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Its been reported in one the British Newspapers today that Peter Kenyon thinks that with the current squad we have along with our new signings that we can with everything this season. He said:"I think there's been alot of emphasis around football on transfers, but we've got the players we wanted. We've been quiet! Click to continue reading...

Its been reported in one the British Newspapers today that Peter Kenyon thinks that with the current squad we have along with our new signings that we can with everything this season. He said:"I think there's been alot of emphasis around football on transfers, but we've got the players we wanted. We've been quiet! Click to continue reading...

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In the last 24 hours Milan had their last opportunity to make any new signings as the transfer window closed. Rather beguilingly the board at Milan decided not to sign any new players. This is a decision that I find baffling. Do they not see how clear and evident it is that Milan need new players and desperately? Click to continue reading...

Wishful thinking!

Whilst most clubs are fawning over the internet in search of stories relating to brand spanking new signings us Liverpool fans will just have to make do with what we have, which is a very capable squad that is not nearly large or deep enough to withstand injury or loss of form from our big names.

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