Transfer Roundup: Premiership Focus

By: Alan
Soccer City FC

Clubs in the Premiership are beginning to dive into the market with only four weeks before the first league matches kick-off.

Newcastle have made their second summer signing by clinching the transfer of midfielder Danny Guthrie from Liverpool after a fee was agreed. Manager Kevin Keegan believes he has signed a player with a big future ahead of him, saying “He proved himself in the Premier League last season so we know he can play at that level.” Guthrie, who spent last season on-loan at Bolton, has signed on a four-year deal and he follows Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez to St James Park. While one player has left Anfield, Xabi Alonso’s switch to Italian giants Juventus is in doubt following their announcement that “we can say that we have concluded our transfer activity." Liverpool’s own targets may be scuppered as those funds were expected to pay for Gareth Barry of Aston Villa and Tottenham’s Irish striker Robbie Keane. Arsenal are rumoured to have entered the race to secure the signature of Barry, who has already declared that he wants to move to Liverpool with the lure of Champions League football proving too hard to resist.

Samir Nasri has switched life in France for England as his long-awaited move to Arsenal from Marseille has been completed. The French playmaker has been described as a “young, quick and technically an outstanding player" by Arsene Wenger and the signing has enabled Alexander Hleb to leave for Barcelona for £12m. Brazilian midfielder Gilberto Silva is also expected to depart to Greek outfit Panathinaikos.

While captain Gareth Barry is almost certain to leave, Aston Villa have signed US goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Chivas USA and he is their second addition following Steve Sidwell’s £5m move from Chelsea. Portsmouth have signed England’s towering striker Peter Crouch from Liverpool in a move that will see him form a partnership with compatriot Jermain Defoe. "I've worked with the manager before and he gets the best out of me," Crouch said, who also said the ambitions of his new club matched his own.

One of the standout stories of the summer has been that of Ronaldinho’s proposed move to Manchester City, but the Eastlands side failed despite offering the former World Player of the Year wages that doubled AC Milan’s offered £100,000 per week. Barcelona will receive a fee which could rise to around £19m. Mark Hughes conceded that all was done to sign the Brazilian and he will now move onto securing other targets, with Chelsea’s Tal Ben Heim reportedly being one of them. On the departure list heading out of Manchester is Georgios Samaras, having made his move to Celtic permanent.

Steve Bruce has raided his former club Birmingham to be re-united with French midfielder Olivier Kapo for an initial £2.5m and released former Holland-21 international Daniel de Ridder. Kapo scored 5 times in 26 appearances last season and Bruce spoke of his desire to sign him. "He's the one I really wanted to get on board," said Bruce. "Olivier's a real fighter, but he has a touch of quality about him.” Fulham have signed West Ham duo Bobby Zamora and John Pantsil for a combined fee of £6.3 million. Both players found their first-team opportunities were limited, with Zamora only managing one goal in 14 appearances last term. Zamora has said “The prospect of working with a coach of Roy Hodgson’s caliber was a great opportunity”.

Newly-promoted Hull City have added several players in a matter of days, George Boateng being the stand-out of them. The Dutchman signed from Middlesbrough for £1m along with Hungarian winger Peter Halmosi for an undisclosed fee and Fulham goalkeeper Tony Warner on a free transfer, which rounded off three transfers in the same day. Stoke, meanwhile, have agreed a fee for England international goalkeeper Scott Carson in the region of £4 million but face competition from ‘one or two other clubs involved in the mix’. West Brom have also signed Slovakia left-back Marek Cech from Porto for £1.4m - the defender is seen as an impressive signing due to Cech’s role in helping the Portuguese side win their league title for the last three seasons.

Related items at Soccer City FC:

• Soccer City FC: The Top Ten

Abdoulay Konko Signs with Sevilla

Former Genoa right-back Abdoulay Konko signed for La Liga side Sevilla on a five-year contract. Konko looks like the replacement for Daniel Alves who recently moved to Barcelona.

Midfielder Kim Källström could also be on the move to Sevilla according to this report.

The former Genoa right-back is moving to La Liga.

Image details: Genoa v Roma - Serie A served by picapp.com

Gianluca Zambrotta to A.C. Milan for €9million

Barcelona have confirmed the sale of Italian international Gianluca Zambrotta to A.C. Milan. The 31-year-old defender will return to the Serie A side having signed a four-year deal. Prior to his two-year stint in Spain, Zambrotta played in the Serie A for Juventus.

Image details: Barcelona v Espanyol served by picapp.com

Hughes Next at Manchester City

It now appears that Manchester City will bring in Mark Hughes for the 2008-2009 Premiership campaign.

City have landed Hughes and his back room staff. Reports claim that 5 million pounds in compensation was reached between the two clubs.

At Blackburn's official site a recent statement reads, "Blackburn Rovers can confirm they have reached an agreement with Manchester City on compensation terms for Mark Hughes."

In other Manchester City news:

• Joe Hart earned his first international cap this weekend against T&T. England won 3-0.
• Own Thaksin Shinawatra loves Brazil. Elano (arguably the club's most valuable player from last season is already under contract and now it the club is rumoured to be recruiting the services of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and CSKA Moscow forward Jo.
• Ronaldhino is demanding 200,000 pounds a week. Would City commit that much money to one player?

Euro 2008 Preview: Spain

By: Juan Iglesias
Special to Soccer City FC

Player Spotlights:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas - The current Spanish number one had another consistent season, topping La Liga in both saves made and fewest goals conceded, as well as making UEFA's Team of the Year. Spain's progress in the tournament could come down to how well Casillas does.

Centre Back: Carles Puyol - Coming off a disappointing season affected by injury, Puyol is nevertheless the only top class central defender in the squad. He will be crucial in organizing the weakest part of the team.

Right Back: Sergio Ramos - As one of the most creative and energetic full backs, his contribution down the right flank will be very important in a team lacking any natural right winger.

Forward: Fernando Torres - He will start either as the leading forward or the only one. Despite being the most talented Spanish striker, he has been overshadowed at times in the national team by David Villa. The time has come for Torres to fulfill his potential.

Group D Opponents

Russia - Four years ago Spain won this match 1-0, and a similar result can be expected against the the weakest team in group D.

Sweden - Solid team, with quality individuals. This should be a close game. In the qualifiers, Sweden won 2-0 at home, while Spain won 3-0 in the return.

Greece - With their defensive system, they are ideally suited to contain Spain and will be their toughest opponent in the group stage. A draw is likely here.

Tactical Questions

While Spain possess an abundance of quality midfielders such as Iniesta, Fàbregas, Xavi and Senna, finding the best way of utilising them has proved problematic for aging Spanish coach Luis Aragonés. This will be one of Spain's biggest problems, coping with his fondness of switching formations and line-ups. However, in recent games at least, something resembling a flat 4-4-2 has been used, which will be important in competing with physically stronger teams.

Prediction

Reaching the quarterfinal is achievable, the question is whether further progress can be made. Whichever team emerges this "Group of Death" will prove a formidable opponent.

La Liga/Premiership - An Odd League Title Connection

A very odd yet interesting bit of statistical data here. Just the type of stuff we love at Soccer City FC. Thank you kindly to Avon who pointed me towards this information.

Champions in La Liga and the Premiership over the last several years...

• 2000-2001 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2001-2002 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2002-2003 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2003-2004 Valencia & Arsenal
• 2004-2005 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 20005-2006 Barcelona & Chelsea
• 2006-2007 Real Madrid & Manchester United
• 2007-2008 Real Madrid & Manchester United

The Brothers Elm Power Kalmar FF Past Djurgårdens IF

First-place club Kamar FF easily defeated Djurgårdens IF 5-1 today in Allsvenskan action. Two of the three Elm brothers scored - Victor in the 56th minute and David in the 82nd.

César Santin found the scoresheet first with a goal in the 7th minute. Seven minutes later midfielder Patrik Ingelsten scored. Ingelsten now leads the league with seven goals. After the Elm brothers both scored, Nigerian forward Abiola Dauda finally closed out the scoring in the 90th minute for the home side.

Forward Jones Kusi-Asare's goal in the 13th minute gave had the away supporters a brief moment of hope before the walls came crashing down.

*****
Sunday's preview of the three Allsvenskan matches below.

Match of the Day

4th place AIK of Solna welcomes 5th place Malmö FF. Malmö FF leading goal scorer is Finnish forward Jonatan Johansson. He has 3 goals and is mostly remembered for his time in England (Charlton Athletic) and Scotland (Rangers).

The Other Two Matches

12th place side Trelleborgs FF hosts 7th place Helsingborgs IF. Swedish great Henrik Larsson leads Helsingborgs with 5 goals. Larsson also starred for club giants Celtic, FC Barcelona, and Manchester United.

11th place Ljungskile SK are home to bottom dweller IFK Norrköping. Norrköping were promoted to the Allsvenskan this season. Forward Andreas Kristoffersson leads Ljungskile SK with 5 goals. American forward Etchu Tabe and American goalkeeper Colin Burns also play for Ljungskile SK.

Euro 2008 Preview: Do You Have Your Nation's Gear?

With the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship set to begin on June 7th, it is not too late to stock up on your nation's favorite gear. Check out all the latest from Soccer City FC's affiliates.

Austria: Co-hosts and debut appearance in the UEFA European Football Championship
Key Players: Forward Roland Linz (S.C. Braga), Forward Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer (Rapid Vienna), and Defender Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough FC)



Switzerland: Co-hosts appeared in the 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City FC), Forward Alexander Frei (Borussia Dortmund), and Defender Philippe Senderos (Arsenal FC)



Poland: Group A Qualifying Winner and debut appearance in the torunament
Key Players: Goalkeeper Artur Boruc (Celtic FC), Forward Euzebiusz Smolarek (Racing de Santander), and Midfielder Jacek Krzynówek (VfL Wolfsburg)



Portugal: Group A Runner-up appeared in the 1984, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder/Forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Forward Nuno Gomes (S.L. Benfica), and Midfielder Deco (Barcelona)



Italy: Group B Winner appeared in the 1968, 1980, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Forward Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso (A.C. Milan) and Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)



France: Group B Runner-up appeared in 1960, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Defender William Gallas (Arsenal FC), Midfielder Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), and Forward Thierry Henry (Barcelona)



Greece: Group C Winner appeared in 1980 and 2004 (Euro 2004 Champions)
Key Players: Midfielder Kostas Katsouranis (S.L. Benfica), Forward Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), and Giourkas Seitaridis (Atlético Madrid)



Turkey: Group C Runner-up appeared in 1996 and 2000 tournaments
Key Players: Forward Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal CF), Midfielder Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough FC), and Defender Servet Çetin (Galatasaray S.K.)



Czech Republic: Group D Winner appeared in 1960, 1976, 1980, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Milan Baroš (Portsmouth FC), Midfielder Jan Polák (R.S.C. Anderlecht), and Defender Marek Jankulovski (A.C. Milan)



Germany: Group D Runner-up appeared in 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Defender Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Forward Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), and Forward Kevin Kurányi (FC Schalke 04)



Croatia: Group E Winners appeared 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Forward Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), and Defender Dario Šimić (A.C. Milan)



Russia: Group E Runner-up appeared in 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2004
Key Players: Midfielder Marat Izmaylov (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Forward Dmitri Sychev (FC Lokomotiv Moscow), and Defender Aleksei Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow)



Spain: Group F Winner appeared in 1964, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), Midfielder Xavi (Barcelona), and Defender Carles Puyol (Barcelona)



Sweden: Group F Runnder-up appeared in 1992, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forwad Zlatan Ibrahimović (Inter Milan), Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City FC), and Defender Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa FC)



Romania: Group G Winner appeared in 1984, 1996, and 2000
Key Players: Forward Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina), Defender Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan), and Forward Ciprian Marica (VfB Stuttgart)



Nehterlands: Group G Runner-up appeared in 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Midfielder Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), and Midfielder Clarence Seedorf (A.C. Milan)

Champions League 2nd Leg of Semi Finals

In two days, the final two teams remaining in the UEFA Champions League will be known. Will Barca or Manchester United face off against Chelsea or Liverpool in the upcoming final?

Chelsea and Manchester United both hold the upper hand as they host their semi-final match ups. Both are currently tied (Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool) & (Manchester United 0-0 Barcelona).

Who do you have going to the final?

Champions League Prediction Round-Table

With the 2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals next week, Soccer City FC invited several journalists, bloggers, and players to partake in a light-hearted prediction forum. I want to extend a sincere thank you to those who participated. It will be interesting to see if anyone was spot on with their predictions including calling the score of the final.

And now to the predictions...

Steven Goff of The Washington Post & The Post's Soccer Insider

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-1

Jon Carter of ESPNsoccernet

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Liverpool over Manchester United
• Score: 1-1 Liverpool wins on penalties 4-2

Luis Bueno of The Press-Enterprise, CNNSI.com, & Sideline Views

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-1

Andrea Canales of ESPNsoccernet & Sideline Views

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-0

Buzz Carrick of 3rd Degree

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Liverpool over Manchester United
• Score: 3-1

John Hadden of GoTFC: The Supporters' Voice

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 3-1

Jack Gaughan of Vital Blackpool: Blackpool Football Club News

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-1

Lee of Do Soccer 24/7

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-0

David Keyes of Culture of Soccer

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-1

Sheldon of World Club Rankings

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-1

D of the The DCenters

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-1

Alan of Soccer City FC

• Semi-final: Barcelona over Manchester United
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Chelsea over Barcelona
• Score: 2-1

Alex K of Soccer City FC

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 2-1

Bonji of From College to the Pros

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-1

David Falk of GOALSeattle

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Chelsea over Liverpool
• Final: Manchester United over Chelsea
• Score: 3-2

Michael D'Agostino - Midfielder on Chelthenham F.C. on loan from Blackpool F.C.

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-0

Patrick Phelan - Defender on Toronto F.C.

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-1

David Horst - Defender on Real Salt Lake

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-0

Brian Grazier - Midfielder on the Colorado Rapids

• Semi-final: Manchester United over Barcelona
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Manchester United over Liverpool
• Score: 2-1

And to conclude the round-table, here are my predictions...

• Semi-final: Barcelona over Manchester United
• Semi-final: Liverpool over Chelsea
• Final: Liverpool over Barcelona
• Score: 2-0

With nearly everyone banking on Manchester United to claim the 2008 UEFA Champions League, did our round-table make the correct calls?

Feel free to post your set of predictions or comment on the round-table predictions...

UEFA Champions League: The Final Four - Schedule & Opening Thoughts

The final four remain: Barcelona, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United.

Soccer City FC kicks off its 2008 UEFA Champions League semi-finals & final coverage beginning tonight with a prediction round-table.

Soccer City FC canvassed journalists, bloggers, and players regarding who they would choose from each semi-final + the final (with score). Their predictions will be online this evening.

As the match dates get closer, Soccer City FC will offer up analysis from several sources as well as video of note.

And now to the semi-finals schedule:

Matchday 11 - Tuesday April 22nd

• Liverpool vs Chelsea

Matchday 11 - Wednesday April 23rd

• Barcelona vs Manchester United

Matchday 12 - Tuesday April 29th

• Manchester United vs Barcelona

Matchday 12 - Wednesday April 30th

• Chelsea vs Liverpool

UEFA Champions League Quaterfinal Schedule

UEFA Champions League quarterfinal schedule found below.

4-1-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
AS Roma vs. Manchester United
FC Schalke 04 vs. FC Barcelona

4-2-2008 - Quarterfinals (First Leg)
Arsenal vs. Liverpool FC
Fenerbahce vs. Chelsea

4-8-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
Chelsea vs. Fenerbahce
Liverpool FC vs. Arsenal

4-9-2008 - Quarterfinals (Second Leg)
FC Barcelona vs. FC Schalke 04
Manchester United vs. AS Roma

***
Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow will host the final on May 21, 2008.

The Weekend XI: March 1-2

The lastest edition of the Weekend XI is now at Soccer City FC's Corner Kicks. Follow the link below to see which players were selected from last weekend's matches.

• The Weekend XI: March 1-2