The Swiss U-17 football team realized the first World Champion title in football for Switzerland. In the group games of the tournament they clocked up three wins to top their group. They won their encounters against Mexico, Japan, and Brazil to top the ranking. On their way to the final against Nigeria, they eliminated Germany, Italy, and Columbia for their final’s encounter with Nigeria.

The Swiss win, though unexpected, is not coincidental. The Swiss Football Association had instigated a talent spotting and training program on a vast scale in the 1990s. The program not only spots any emerging talent playing in Switzerland but also actively seeks out and brings back to Switzerland vast numbers of Swiss nationals living abroad. The talent spotting is concentrating on the age group of 13 to 15 year olds and involves the parents of prospected talents in a major degree.

Football is a major integrating force for Swiss society in general, too. It is not only the Swiss that fan for their national team, but the migrants as well. This is due to the fact that a lot of names found in the players lists are not of Swiss origin. As Switzerland has attracted many migrants since the Second World War, you will find names typical for just about any European country when checking the lists of players, and some from even farther away. And as Switzerland allows its nationals to be citizens of other countries at the same time, the talent pool is open for youngsters with Swiss ancestry just anywhere in the world.

It was probably this mixture of cultures in the team which carried it through the chaos that surrounded the championship. Arriving at their hotel, the youngsters found no beds in the rooms as delivery had been delayed. Missing transport, flights going to wrong airports, chaos on the training grounds as well as in and around the stadiums where games were held didn’t frazzle the players. They just shrugged it off and laughed about it, making the best out of every challenging situation. As many of the young players come from families who had fled war and poverty somewhere in the world, they just adapted to the inconveniences.

This resilience and the tendency to take things as they are endeared them to local Nigerians. When they played their first match against Mexico, they noticed with surprise that they already had a large fan-base and were treated to the full fan blast normally reserved for the Eagles, the Nigerian national team. “It was like playing at home.” Already after this first match, they were tipped by Nigerians as the favourite to play against the Little Eagles in the final in Lagos.

After the chaotic event, many might question the decision to hold such tournaments in a country like Nigeria, where the infrastructure is not top standard. I think it is the right decision, though. How many spectators would these youngsters have drawn in Britain or Germany? A few thousand hardcore fans would have turned up for their own team, but others would be almost ignored. In Nigeria, the stadiums were packed, and this not only for the Little Eagles, but for every match. This is an appreciation that makes a tournament like this memorable. The inconveniences will become the comic relief in the re-telling of it.

For a country like Nigeria such events are essential to learn the trade and prepare them to one day host the real thing. This chance should be given to them and others in the future as well.

In Switzerland, the World Champion title already had political repercussions. The Swiss parliament is currently preparing a change in the Swiss constitution to make it easier for migrants in the third generation to become citizens. As 13 out of the 21 players of the team are citizens from migrant families, this changes the demographic outlook for the change.

A change in the constitution of Switzerland has to be approved by voters in a ballot, and it needs not only the majority of votes overall, but also in a majority of Cantons. If politicians from the far right are too senile to accept change, the voters usually aren’t. Voters are watching television, and over 50 percent watched the final in Nigeria. The youngsters not only gained a title of historical proportions for Switzerland, they influence the future of the Switzerland as well.

Birmingham v Sunderland - Carson Yeung’s arrival failed to lift the Blues in their last fixture, as they suffered their third successive Premiership defeat. That last game left them hovering above the relegation zone, with just seven points from their opening nine games. The new board have promised funds for manager Alex McLeish, but Birmingham fans will be hoping that the £40 million kitty will not prove to be a case of too little, too late. Sunderland kept up their impressive run of form – albeit with the help of a beach-ball. A freak deflection, followed by a freak refereeing decision gifted Sunderland a 1-0 win over stuttering Liverpool, a result which allowed the Black Cats to leapfrog the Reds into seventh place. Verdict 1-2.

Burnley v Wigan - Burnley continue to be a team of two halves; unbeatable at home, yet woeful away. A 3-2 defeat at lowly Blackburn meant that that poor run of away form extended to five away defeats out of five. However, at home Burnley possess a 100% record, and they will look to extend that at the expense of a Wigan side who are equally poor on their travels. Wigan have beaten Chelsea and drawn against Manchester City at the newly renamed DW Stadium, yet lost their last away fixture at struggling Hull. Verdict 2-1.

Chelsea v Blackburn - Chelsea failed to reclaim top spot after a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, their second defeat in three matches. They will look to take advantage of the clash at Anfield with a home game against Blackburn. Rovers have managed to climb away from the relegation spots of late, with a 3-2 victory over Burnley taking them onto ten points. Despite their mid table standing, they are still just three points above the drop zone. Verdict 3-0.

Hull v Portsmouth - Two of the Premierships struggling sides meet at the KC Stadium, in a relegation six pointer. Defeat at home to Tottenham left Portsmouth rooted to the foot of the table, with just one win to their name. They will not get a better chance to double their points tally than this match against the Tigers, who themselves have just seven points after defeat at Fulham. Verdict 1-2.

Tottenham v Stoke - Harry Redknapp’s men retained third spot with a 2-1 victory over bottom placed Portsmouth. That win kept them within touching distance of leaders Manchester United, one of only two teams to have defeated Spurs this season. Stoke moved up to ninth with a 2-1 victory over West Ham, but they have so far failed to notch up a victory away from home, drawing three and losing one. Verdict 2-0.

Wolverhampton v Aston Villa – Wolves welcome their Midlands rivals back to Molineux, desperate to add to their tally of eight points from nine games. Wolves had looked to take all three points from Goodison Park in their last fixture, but were denied by a late equaliser, leaving them still within touching distance of the relegation places. Villa, by contrast, moved into sixth place with a hard earned victory over second placed Chelsea. Wins against two of the big four will have Villa fans hoping that this is the season for their team to crash the party. Verdict 1-2.

Sunday, 25 October 2009

Bolton v Everton - Bolton have looked an improved team in the last few weeks, beating Birmingham, drawing with high-flying Tottenham, and running Manchester United close at Old Trafford. The Trotters pressed hard for an equaliser, but failed, with that defeat leaving them on eight points. Everton left it late to save a point at home to Wolves, but that draw extended their unbeaten run to five games. Verdict 2-2.

Liverpool v Man Utd  – A bad start to the season has already turned this crunch fixture at Anfield into a title race six pointer. Victory for United would take them ten points clear of their fierce rivals, effectively spelling an end to their title ambitions. A win for the Reds on the other hand, would peg back United’s lead to just four points. Liverpool suffered their fourth defeat of the season, courtesy of Sunderland and a pitch invading beach ball. They will hope to have the missing duo of Torres and Gerrard back in the side for this clash. United continued to grind out the wins, taking top spot with a 2-1 win against Bolton. Verdict 2-1.

Man City v Fulham -Manchester City missed the chance to go third with a second successive 1-1 draw. After a good start, City have begun to drop points and a win against Fulham will be seen as vital if they are to keep pace with the leading pack. The Cottagers moved into twelfth with a well deserved win over struggling Hull, their third win of the season. Verdict 2-0.

West Ham v Arsenal – West Ham’s torrid start to the season continued with a 2-1 defeat away at Stoke. Zola’s men have managed just five points from their first eight games, and sit second from bottom. Arsenal moved into fourth with another goal filled match at the Emirates. The Gunners took all three points with a 3-1 victory, although they will need to do without the services of Theo Walcott for three to four weeks. Verdict 1-3. 

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Arsenal v Birmingham- The international break couldn’t have come at a worse time for Arsene Wenger, after seeing his side thrash Blackburn 6-2 in their last outing. That win sent the Gunners fifth, with nine points and eleven goals from their last three games. The fact that Blackburn twice took the lead suggests that there are still defensive frailties for the manager to assess, but up from, the Gunners are firing on all cylinders. Birmingham should have new owners in place by kick-off, although they will have to wait until the transfer window to take advantage of any new spending power. At present, they sit fourteenth in the table, a 2-1 defeat at Burnley making it three games without a point. Verdict 3-1.

Aston Villa v Chelsea – Villa currently sit seventh in the table, their last match being a 1-1 draw against big-spending Manchester City. Had it not been for the surprise loss at Blackburn the week before, Villa could have been level on points with third placed Spurs. Chelsea sit top of the pile, courtesy of a 2-0 defeat of fellow title challengers Liverpool. The Blues will hope to add more points to their tally now, before the African Nations Cup relieves them of their star players. Verdict 1-1.

Everton v Wolverhampton – After a poor start to the season, Everton have started to climb the table, sitting in tenth position. A tight 1-1 draw at home to Stoke in their last match ended a run of three straight wins. The Toffees have the measure of weaker opposition, having beaten Portsmouth, Blackburn and Hull, and will look to dispense with struggling Wolverhampton. Wolves are just one spot above the relegation zone, although, with the bottom half of the table tightly congested, a win would put them level on points with Everton. Defeat to Portsmouth in their last game made it three defeats out of three. Verdict 2-1.

Man Utd v Bolton- Manchester United dropped two home points in their last game, leaving it late to secure a 2-2 draw against Sunderland. It may not have been quite as late as the dramatic derby winner against Manchester City, but was still well into time added on when Anton Ferdinand directed the ball into his own net. Bolton are moving away from the relegation zone, with their eight points having all been collected in the last four games. They too drew 2-2 at home – to Tottenham – although Gary Megson will have been happy with a share of the spoils. Verdict 2-0.

Portsmouth v Tottenham- Portsmouth finally got off the mark with a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton. That win ended a sequence of seven straight defeats. A win at home to Spurs would not lift them out of the relegation zone, but it would help to lift some pressure from manager Paul Hart’s shoulders, especially after the arrival of Avram Grant as ‘Director of Football’. Spurs are still flying high, occupying third spot after their 2-2 draw at Bolton. Although they have suffered defeats at the hands of Manchester United and Chelsea, Harry Redknapp’s men still have a sixteen point haul. Verdict 1-2.

Stoke v West Ham- Stoke continue to grind out results, their last match a 1-1 draw away at Everton. The majority of their matches have been tight affairs, and this is unlikely to be any other. West Ham are desperate for points, with Gianfranco Zola’s men sitting second from bottom. A draw in their last match ended a run of three straight defeats, and only a win at the Potteries will lift them out of the relegation zone. Verdict 2-1.

Sunderland v Liverpool- Sunderland were desperately unlucky to leave Old Trafford with a single point, conceding a late own goal to take the match to a draw. That display is a prime example of the standard of football that the Black Cats have produced this season, especially since the acquisition of striker Darren Bent. Liverpool have already lost more games this season than they did in the whole of last year, and a win is vital if they are to get their faltering campaign back on track. Rafa Benitez will be sweating on the fitness of a number of players after the international games, but will aim to leave the Stadium of Light with all three points. Verdict 1-2.

Sunday, 18 October 2009

Blackburn v Burnley - Blackburn continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table, their last run out a humiliating 6-2 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Manager Sam Allardyce is one of the bookies favourites to be the next Premiership manager to get the chop, and defeat at home to Burnley would only hasten his departure. Burnley continue to make steady progress, sitting ninth on twelve points. Their home form has been impressive – a 100% record was maintained at the expense of Birmingham - and if they can carry it on their travels, they will be one step closer to Premiership safety. Verdict 1-2.

Wigan v Man City- Wigan fans have endured a strange few weeks – a comprehensive defeat away at Arsenal was followed by a stunning 3-1 win over leaders Chelsea. However, instead of gathering any momentum, the Latics fell to a 2-1 defeat against struggling Hull in their last match; the kind of inconsistency that they will need to iron out if they are to survive in the highest league.  They will not be offered any favours by a Manchester City side who will be keen to get back to winning ways after a draw against Aston Villa. Though they still sit in the top four, they are now five points behind leaders Chelsea and they will be keen not to see the gap widen any further. Verdict 1-3.

Saturday, 3 October 2009

Bolton v Tottenham – A late strike from Bolton substitute Chung-Yong Lee gave the Trotters all three points in a hard fought match away at Birmingham. The win saw Gary Megson’s side move up to thirteenth, easing some of the pressure that the manager had recently been subjected to. Bolton now have seven points from six matches in a tightly congested table, being as close on points to eighth place as they are to eighteenth. Tottenham returned to winning ways with a 5-0 thrashing of Burnley, four of the goals coming from Robbie Keane. That win, after two straight defeats, was enough to lift Spurs into fourth place, below Liverpool on goal difference. Verdict 0-2.

Burnley v Birmingham – Burnley sit mid-table after a topsy-turvy start to the season. Wins against Champions Manchester United, Sunderland and Everton contrast with heavy defeats to Spurs, Liverpool and Chelsea. The 5-0 defeat at White Hart Lane means that Burnley remain without a goal or a point away from home, although their home form has fared substantially better. Birmingham remain on seven points after defeat to struggling Bolton. The Blues looked to have earned a point in a tight game, until the Trotter’s late winner. Verdict 2-2.

Hull v Wigan – Hull go into this match with the worst goal difference in the Premiership, courtesy of a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool. Tigers fans will be disappointed that their team showed less competence against the Reds, than their midweek Carling Cup opponents, second division Leeds. Hull need to start picking up points fast, and would have fancied their chances at home to Wigan…until the Latics beat Chelsea 3-1. That suprise scoreline perhaps toppled Burnley’s defeat of Manchester United as shock result of the season, and will have given Roberto Martinez’s side some much needed confidence. Verdict 1-2.

Man Utd v Sunderland – Current Champions Manchester United returned to the top of the Premiership with a 2-0 victory over Stoke. The Reds left it until late again to ensure all three points, after a goalless first half at the Potteries. Sunderland have no problems in front of goal this season, scoring seven in their last two games. A 5-2 win against Wolves last time out saw striker Darren Bent move up to second in the goalscoring charts. Verdict 2-0.

Wolverhampton v Portsmouth – Both Wolves and Portsmouth are in dire need of points if they are to turn around their early season woes. Portsmouth in particular will be looking to get their first points of the season, to avoid becoming separated from the pack. Wolves conceded five in their last outing, but will take heart from the fact that they are collecting points from their relegation rivals. Portsmouth certainly fall into this category, after a home defeat against Everton consigned them to a seventh straight defeat. Verdict 1-2.

Sunday, 4 October 2009

Arsenal v Blackburn – Arsenal continued their solid start to the Premiership season with a 1-0 victory away at Fulham. The Gunners sit on twelve points from six matches played, just outside of the top four spots, but Arsene Wenger will be without key player Denilson for the foreseeable future, after the Brazilian suffered a fracture in his back. Blackburn remain at the wrong end of the table, despite a surprise win over Aston Villa. David Dunn’s late penalty gave Blackburn their second win of the season, despite Rovers having been reduced to ten men midway through the second half. Verdict 2-0.

Chelsea v Liverpool -The match of the weekend takes place at Stamford Bridge, between two of the Premierships title favourites. Chelsea will be looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season – a 3-1 reverse at the hands of lowly Wigan. That match saw keeper Cech sent off, meaning that he will miss the clash with the Reds, who hit six past Hull at the weekend. Rafa Benitez will look for more of the same, in a bid to overtake Chelsea in the league. Verdict 1-2.

Everton v Stoke -Three successive wins have seen Everton climb the league to ninth place. A single goal from Louis Saha was enough to inflict Portsmouth’s seventh defeat of the season. Stoke sit three places below them on eight points, after a home defeat to Manchester United. Verdict 1-1.

West Ham v Fulham – West Ham fell into the relegation zone with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, including two goals from former hero Carlos Tevez. The Hammers have now lost their last four games, conceding three goals in each of the last three games. Fulham sit just one place above them after a home defeat to London rivals Arsenal; a third successive defeat for the Cottagers. Verdict 2-1.

Monday, 5 October 2009

Aston Villa v Man City – Villa’s excellent run of four straight wins was brought to a shock end at the hands of struggling Blackburn. The 2-1 defeat sees Martin O’Neills men remain sixth in the table, but with a game in hand on the top four. Man City remain in contention after a 3-1 win over West Ham, and are just three points behind leaders and local rivals Manchester United, having also played a game less. Verdict 2-2.

Saturday, 26 September 2009

Birmingham v Bolton – Birmingham moved to mid-table with a slender 1-0 win over Hull at the weekend. Garry O’Connor’s second-half header earned the Blues all three points at the expense of a Tigers side who have now lost their last four games. Birmingham’s ability to beat the Premiership’s struggling sides will be key to their survival, and after beating both Portsmouth and Hull, they will relish a home fixture against the Trotters. Bolton were lucky to leave Stoke with a share of the spoils on Saturday, Matt Taylor’s late penalty rescuing a point for the away side. Bolton have managed just four points from their opening five games – their only victory also coming against pointless Portsmouth. Verdict 1-1.

Blackburn v Aston Villa – Villa’s surprise opening day defeat seems a long way away now, after four wins on the spin. Their last fixture saw Martin O’Neill’s team brush Portsmouth aside with goals from James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor - the Villa defence keeping a third successive clean sheet. Blackburn have gone from bad to worse, and sit in the relegation zone after a 3-0 defeat away to Everton. Sam Allardyce will need to start picking up points soon, or else he may find himself the first managerial casualty of the new season. Verdict 0-2.

Fulham v Arsenal – Arsenal got back to winning ways in style, with a 4-0 demolition of Wigan. Goals from Vermaelen, Eduardo and Fabregas helped erase memories of two successive defeats, but Gunners fans will be concerned that their team is only picking up points against the Premierships weaker teams. Fulham would currently appear to be one of those teams, and after a promising start, their form has started to falter. A 2-1 defeat at Wolves has left them fourteenth in the table, with six points from their opening five games. Verdict 1-3.

Liverpool v Hull – Liverpool moved onto twelve points with a 3-2 victory over West Ham at Upton Park. Despite controlling the game throughout, Benitez will be concerned at the defensive errors that have crept into his sides recent displays. Fernando Torres will be looking to add to his tally of five goals in five games, against a Hull side who have lost their last four games. The Tigers suffered defeat at the hands of Birmingham in their last outing, and have just four points from their opening six games. Verdict 3-0.

Portsmouth v Everton – Portsmouth have suffered a terrible start to the season, with defeat in all six matches. A 2-0 defeat in their last game against Aston Villa makes Pompey the first top-flight side to lose their opening six games in over a quarter of a century. Everton have not fared much better, but a 3-0 victory against fellow strugglers Blackburn will have boosted their fragile confidence. Two goals from Louis Saha, and one from Joseph Yobo gave the Toffees a rare taste of success, moving them up to thirteenth in the table. Verdict 1-2.

Stoke v Man Utd – Stoke were pegged back to a draw through a late Matt Taylor penalty in their last outing, away at the Reebok. They looked to be continuing an impressive start to the season until Bolton’s equaliser a minute from time. The Potters have already proven to be a tough team to crack at home, nearly holding Chelsea to a draw, and will go into this clash full of confidence. United were lucky to scrape a win in their last fixture, courtesy of a Michael Owen goal well into stoppage time. The 95th minute winner decided a thrilling Manchester derby, which the Reds had looked to be finishing with a draw, after several defensive errors had let City in three times. Verdict 0-1.

Tottenham v Burnley – Spurs have been brought down to earth with a bump following their excellent start to the season. Defeats to Manchester United and Chelsea in their last two games have seen them concede six goals, and slip to fifth in the table. Harry Redknapp’s men will want to avoid making it three defeats from three at home to a Burnley side who have won three of their opening five games, the last being an impressive 3-1 victory over Sunderland. On loan striker David Nugent bagged two second half goals, and will be pushing for a starting spot in the Clarets side. Verdict 2-1.

Wigan v Chelsea – Wigan remain on six points after being outclassed by a rampant Arsenal side. The Gunners inflicted a 4-0 defeat on Wigan, a mauling which leaves them with a minus eight goal difference. This game will not be any easier for the Latics, with opponents Chelsea defending the leagues only 100% record. A comfortable 3-0 win over rivals Tottenham made it six wins out of six for new boss Carlo Ancelotti, although that victory saw striker Didier Drogba carried off the pitch with an ankle injury. Verdict 0-2.

Sunday, 27 September 2009

Sunderland v Wolverhampton -Sunderland were stunned on their last outing by new-boys Burnley, who came out 3-1 victors at Turf Moor. This weekend, they face another newly promoted side at the Stadium of Light, and will hope to return to the form that has seen them collect nine points from their opening six games. Wolves managed their first home win of the Premiership season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Fulham. Goals from Kevin Doyle and Dave Edwards gave them all three points in a match which will have strengthened their fans belief that Wolves can avoid a swift return to the Championship. Verdict 2-1.

Monday, 28 September 2009

Man City v West Ham -City were incredibly unlucky to taste their first defeat of the season in their last match at Old Trafford. A late equaliser from Craig Bellamy looked to have ensured a draw, until United scored the winner deep into time added on. The in-form striker should get another run out, with Adebayor still suspended. West Ham put up a valiant effort against Liverpool in their last match, being undone by another in-form hitman, Fernando Torres. The Hammers suffered a number of injuries in a defeat which left them hovering above the relegation zone on three points. Verdict 3-1.

Fryatt’s two goals against Watford makes it eight goals in ten games for Leicester’s golden boy. He’s wasted no time in proving that his goal scoring talents exceed beyond the level of League One, and are actually just as relevant in the Championship too. In a way however it is also a bit of a shot in the foot for Leicester as the more goals he scores, the harder it will become to keep hold of him come January. As the unfortunate trend seems to go: if a lower league striker shows potential and goal scoring talents then it is usually just a matter of time before a bigger or higher league team comes along and snaps him up. For Leicester this is likely to come in the face of a lower Premier League team taking a punt on him to score a few goals for them. The chances are that Fryatt will be interested as a higher salary and the view from a Premier League bench tend to be enough to persuade top Championship players to the lower ends of the Premier League. For Leicester however this may not necessarily be the end of the world.

It might just well be that Leicester already have a replacement for Fryatt settling in at the moment. Though he’s certainly not ready to take on Fryatt’s reins yet, Danny N’Guessan is slowly and quietly making progress as a successor. The 23 year old Frenchman, who moved from Lincoln at the start of the season, has notched a modest three goals so far this season proving, even if only a little, that his talents stretch beyond League Two. When you consider that this is his first season in the Championship, then that isn’t actually a bad start. Also considering that Fryatt only scored 10 goals in his first two seasons with Leicester, and he was around a similar age to N’Guessan, it shows that there is certainly hope yet for the young Frenchman. Although he’s played largely on the right of midfield so far this season, he is more than capable as playing as a striker and has already shown sparks of a decent finishing ability. If Leicester manage to keep hold of Fryatt until the end of the season then that will have given him a whole season to find his feet without any particular goalscoring burden. From here he will be presented with a fresh season and a valued striker role, and could well take on this responsibility just as well as Fryatt did a year back. If all goes to plan then Leicester could well have an asset goalscorer and perfect replacement for Fryatt on their hands.

Of course if things don’t work out for N’Guessan then there are still other in-club avenues to go down. New signing Paul Gallagher for example has already shown that he has a fair amount of talent as a forward. He’s spend years bouncing between obscurity and has finally found a home to settle in. From what he’s shown so far, given time, he could not only act as a perfect aid to a main striker, but could potentially become a main striker himself. In particular he’s shown a fair amount of tenacity in the games he’s played in so far. This was revealed largely in the Peterborough game, where for periods he was Leicester’s most threatening man. If Fryatt can carry the goalscoring burden for long enough for Gallagher to settle in, then he could well end up being Fryatt’s worthy replacement.

Even if Gallagher and N’Guessan don’t work out, Leicester still might have an ace in the hole. This could come in the form of reasonably unknown striker Yann Kermorgant. This 27 year old Frenchman signed at the beginning of the season after impressing during a trail. Though he’s unknown in England, Kermorgant has built up something of reputation in France. A simple search on youtube for example will reveal numerous fan video compositions. He came to Leicester unfit after recovering from an injury, and so once he’s got his fitness back and is given a run-out in the first team, who knows what kind of impact he could make. He’s already got comprehensive experience of scoring in France’s top league, and so could well turn out to be an asset in the Championship.

Obviously it would be terrific if Fryatt decided to stay and try and get Leicester into the Premiership, but in case he doesn’t Leicester certainly still have options. This is even without considering the money that would be gained from his sale. If Leicester can just keep him until the end of the season, then this gives the other strikers a whole season to settle into their new club. His sale would certainly be a terrible loss for Leicester, but it is nice to know that it is not necessarily the end of the world.

Saturday, 19 September 2009

Arsenal v Wigan – Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from two defeats in a row – at the hands of both Manchester teams. Losing 4-2 at Manchester City was painful enough for the Gunners, but the manner of the defeat, and the conduct of old boy Adebayor, will have them fired up for a clash with a Wigan side who begin the match level on six points. Wigan, fresh from a home victory over West Ham, will have the benefit of a weeks rest, before facing an Arsenal side with midweek Champions League commitments. Verdict 2-0.

Aston Villa v Portsmouth – Aston Villa moved into sixth place with victory over local rivals Birmingham. After a shock opening day defeat, Villa have now won three on the bounce in the league. Portsmouth, by comparison, have lost all five of their matches this season, and sit bottom of the Premier League, without a point. Villa will see this match as another three points to add to a decent starting tally, and judging by both teams form, it is hard to make a case for anything else. Verdict 2-0.

Bolton v Stoke – Bolton finally got off the mark in their last match, beating fellow strugglers Portsmouth 3-2. After losing their first three games, they will be hoping to get out of the relegation zone with a result against Stoke. The Potters have made a creditable start to the season, sitting eighth in the table. That placing could have been higher, were it not for an injury time goal denying them a share of the spoils in their last match against Chelsea. Stoke were good value for at least a point, but will need to erase memories of that defeat before travelling to the Reebok. Verdict 1-1.

Burnley v Sunderland – New boys Burnley have had an up and down start to the season, beating Manchester United before conceding three against Chelsea, and four against Liverpool. With such a leaky defence, manager Owen Coyle will be doubly worried about a front line which is looking goal shy. Sunderland currently sit seventh in the league, after a thrilling home victory over Hull. Darren bent scored his fourth goal in five games in that 4-1 victory, giving manager Steve Bruce no such worries about his strikers. Verdict 0-1.

Hull v Birmingham – Hull sit just above the relegation zone on four points, with a negative goal difference that matches that of bottom placed Portsmouth. Heavy defeats have been a feature of their campaign, with Phil Brown admitting ‘reckless errors’ are costing his team dear. Newly promoted Birmingham only have one more point than the Tigers, but they will be the happier team, the games that they have lost having been by the narrowest of margins. A match against Hull may be the chance for their strikers to get on the scoresheet. Verdict 1-1.

West Ham v Liverpool – Liverpool have finally found their form from last season, demolishing Burnley in a dazzling, four star display. Seven goals in their last two matches have seen them rise to fifth place, with nothing short of a victory required if they are to keep their title hopes alive. West Ham have the advantage of a week to prepare for this match, although on the evidence of their last two games, that is unlikely to be enough. Verdict 0-2.

Sunday, 20 September 2009

Chelsea v Tottenham – Chelsea continue to hold their 100% winning record, although it was severely tested in their last match at Stoke. Tottenham suffered their first defeat of the new season to ten man Manchester United, giving up their joint grasp on the top spot. This all London clash promises to be a feisty affair, with both teams, and their fans, eager to notch up another win. Verdict 2-1.

Everton v Blackburn – The two teams have endured poor starts to the new season, and have registered just three and four points respectively. Everton fans thought that they had finally turned the corner when they registered their first points of the season with a win over Wigan, but it proved to be a false dawn, with the next match resulting in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham. Blackburn are now undefeated in two, having drawn against West Ham before beating Wolves. Neither could be considered scalps of merit, and it only serves to mask just how badly Sam Allardyce’s team have been playing. Verdict 2-1.

Man Utd v Man City – The Manchester derby has always been an interesting fixture, but this year it becomes a truly mouth-watering clash. Both teams sit on twelve points in the early season table, although City have played one game less, winning all four of their fixtures. United ended Tottenham’s unbeaten start to the season in their last match, and will be looking to do the same to fierce rivals City. This game, however, comes after a tricky away fixture at Besiktas, against a City side who are currently scoring for fun. Verdict 1-2.

Wolverhampton v Fulham – Fulham moved onto six points with victory over Everton at the weekend, and will be confident of adding to that tally with a match over newly promoted Wolves. Wolves conceded three at the weekend against a poor Blackburn side, and will need to raise their game if they are to avoid a swift return to the Championship. Verdict 0-1.

Saturday, 12 September 2009

Blackburn v Wolverhampton – Blackburn have suffered a terrible start to the new season, sitting in the relegation zone with just a single point to show for their opening three matches. A home win against newly promoted Wolves will be a necessity if Sam Allardyce values his job. That result will not be a formality against a Wolverhampton side who sit in thirteenth after an opening day win against Wigan, and a 1-1 home draw against Hull. Verdict 1-1.

Liverpool v Burnley – Liverpool showed great desire to get their season back on track, with a hard fought win away at Bolton. The Reds twice came from a goal down to eventually win the match 3-2. That match will still have given their critics plenty of ammunition, with two weakly conceded goals, straight from set pieces. They also face the prospect of the majority of their team returning from international duty just days before this Anfield encounter. Burnley will be looking to add another top four scalp to their collection after a surprise win over Manchester United; although they will be keen to avoid another match like the one they endured at Stamford Bridge. Verdict 2-0.

Man City v Arsenal – Manchester City are one of three teams defending a 100% winning record, after beating Portsmouth, Wolves and Blackburn. All three of those teams sit at the wrong end of the table, with both Blackburn and Portsmouth in the relegation zone. Mark Hughes’ expensively assembled squad will face a sterner test at home to Arsenal, who followed two wins with an unlucky defeat away to Manchester United. Verdict 1-1.

Portsmouth v Bolton - The only two teams without a point in this years campaign face each other at Fratton Park, meaning that one, if not both, will get off the mark this weekend. Bolton would appear to be slight favourites, having been narrowly defeated in their last match against Liverpool, and only conceding the decisive goal after being reduced to ten men. Portsmouth have offloaded a number of their star players due to their financial plight, and are already looking like favourites to finish the season fighting for Premiership survival. Verdict 0-1.

Stoke v Chelsea – Chelsea will be looking to defend their 100% winning record against a Stoke side who sit a creditable fifth in the fledgling Premiership table. Four wins from four see the London club top of the table on goal difference, with a plus eight tally to support their twelve points. Stoke have picked up points in the right places, their only defeat at the hands of Liverpool. Chelsea will be another side potentially weakened from the midweek internationals, but should still have enough in reserve. Verdict 0-2.

Sunderland v Hull – Hull have started to find a little form after a poor start to the new season, with a draw and a win in their last two games, coupled with victory in their Carling Cup second round match. They have bolstered their forward line with the acquisition of former Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, and he should go straight into the squad to play at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland are likely to field Hull old-boy Michael Turner, who moved between the clubs in what was reported to be a £6million deal. He will be hoping to help his new club get back to winning ways after defeat at Stoke. Verdict 2-1.

Tottenham v Man Utd – Second placed Spurs defend their 100% winning record against last season’s Champions at White Hart Lane. Spurs have been the surprise package of the current campaign, winning all of their opening four fixtures. Manchester United have provided a few surprises of their own – most notably an away defeat at the hands of newly promoted Burnley. Both teams have already beaten big-four opposition, with United narrowly defeating Arsenal in their last fixture. Verdict 1-1.

Wigan v West Ham – Wigan and West Ham are separated by a solitary point, but several positions in the league. Wigan have had a torrid time of late, conceding five at home to Manchester United, before being dumped out of the Carling Cup by Blackpool. That was followed by defeat to an Everton side who had failed to notch up a point before that game. West Ham have not fared much better, but are still in England’s second cup competition after a 3-1 defeat of fierce local rivals Millwall; a match which erupted in unsightly crowd violence and pitch invasions. Verdict 1-2

Sunday, 13 September 2009

Birmingham v Aston Villa – The local midlands derby is back following Birmingham’s promotion to the Premier League. Villa are currently ahead in the league placings, with victories in their last two games. Birmingham sit on four points, with a win, a draw, and two defeats to show for their opening four games. Form often goes out of the window for derby matches, in what should be an open and entertaining game. Verdict 2-2.

Fulham v Everton – Fulham and Everton are tied on three points, both teams having played three matches. Both teams have qualified for the Europa league, and will be wanting to transfer their performances for that European competition to the domestic league. Fulham have lost their last two Premiership fixtures 2-0, and have bolstered their front line with the signing of Swedish striker David Elm. Verdict 2-1.

For groups D-F, click here.

Group G

Sevilla (33/1) – Sevilla find themselves eleventh in betting, some distance behind their main two domestic opponents. They qualified for this seasons competition via a third placed finish in La Liga, avoiding the need to enter in the play-off stages. The Andalusian side have had some European success of late, winning the Uefa Cup in consecutive years (2006/2007) under ill-fated Tottenham coach Juande Ramos. At home, they have only one La Liga title to their name – dating back to 1946.

Rangers (125/1) - Rangers are the sole Scottish side in the group stages of this years competition, having seen fierce rivals Celtic knocked out by English opposition in the play-off round – a fate that Walter Smith’s team suffered last year. Although the two teams share almost every domestic honour, European success has been harder to come by. Rangers, the current Scottish Champions have fifty-two domestic league wins – a world record – but they are twenty-third in betting at 125/1.

Stuttgart (50/1)- Joint in betting with German Champions Wolfsburg, Stuttgart finished last season third in the Bundesliga. Former German international Markus Babbel will take his side into their third Champions League campaign in six years, after they successfully negotiated the play-off round at the expense of Romanian side FC Timisoara.

Unirea (2000/1)- Unirea are the third and final team to have odds of 2000/1 to lift the Champions League trophy – and are arguably the side most deserving of those gigantic odds. The Romanian side won last seasons Liga 1, a huge feat for a team who only progressed to the division in 2006. This Champions League campaign is only Unirea’s second foray into European football – having been knocked out in the first round of the Uefa Cup last year.

Group H

Arsenal (9/1) – Arsene Wenger’s side begin the Champions League program as the bookies fifth placed favourites, despite having only finished a lowly fourth in their domestic league. The London team have lost a number of high profile players over the summer, but have confounded their critics by making a strong start to the new season. This began with a Champions League play-off match against Celtic – Arsenal winning the ‘Battle of Britain’ with a comfortable 5-1 aggregate scoreline. Arsenal were the first London Club to reach a Champions League final – beaten by Barcelona in 2006 – but have just one Cup Winners Cup to show for their European exploits.

AZ Alkmaar (100/1) - Alkmaar stand joint twentieth in betting, the Dutch side having qualified by virtue of winning the Eredivisie for the second time in their history. This season will represent their first entry into the Champions League group stages, having previously made just the one appearance in the old European Cup in the early eighties. Following the departure of Louis Van Gaal for Bayern Munich (for whom Alkmaar now serve as a feeder club), former Dutch international Ronald Koeman was appointed head coach for the current season.

Olympiakos (125/1) – Greek Champions Olympiakos are ranked joint twenty-third by the bookies, at 125/1 along with Scottish side Rangers. The biggest side in Greece are the countries only remaining team in this years competition, after fierce rivals Panathinaikos were eliminated in the play-off round. Their best showing to date in the competition has been a quarter final spot in 1999, when they were knocked out by Juventus.

Standard Liege (150/1) – The Belgian First Division winners are one spot below their Greek rivals in the betting order, commanding odds of 150/1. With ten Belgian Championships and five Belgian Cup successes, they are one of the most highly decorated teams in the country. Despite this, their best European showing to date was as defeated finalists in the 1982 Cup Winners Cup.

For groups G-H, click here.

Group D

Chelsea (6/1) – Chelsea begin the 2009/10 Champions League campaign as third favourites – the highest ranked English side in betting, despite having qualified for this years competition via a third placed finish in their domestic league. New manager Carlo Ancelotti has been tasked with bringing the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge – something which has eluded his predecessors, much to the chagrin of owner Roman Abramovich. The team itself has changed surprisingly little in recent years, despite the riches of their Russian sugar-daddy, and still contains many of the players who reached Chelsea’s only Champions League Final in 2008 – a match which they lost on penalties to domestic rivals Manchester United.

FC Porto (80/1)-  Portugese champions Porto have tasted Champions League success twice – most recently under Jose Mourinho, a feat which led to him taking the helm at Chelsea. Porto have not finished outside of the top three in their home league since 1976, winning nineteen titles in that time, but lie eighteenth in betting for this seasons Champions League.

Atletico Madrid (40/1)- Atletico finished fourth in La Liga last season, and sit behind all of their fellow countrymen in betting. Odds of 40/1 puts them in twelfth place to win a European title that has so far eluded them. Former Manchester United flop Diego Forlan, despite finishing La Liga as top scorer with thirty-two goals, is seventeenth in betting to be this seasons Champions League Golden Boot winner – a statistic which gives more insight into Athleticos perceived chances.

APOEL Nicosia (2000/1)- Rank outsiders APOEL are a massive 2000/1 to triumph in this seasons Champions League. The Cypriot Champions have already embarked on the new campaign, entering the competition in the second qualifying round. Success in the qualifiers resulted in a play-off match against FC Copenhagen, and a surprise 3-2 aggregate win over the Danish Superliga winners.

Group E

Liverpool (12/1) – Joint sixth favourites with Inter Milan,Liverpool are the bookies least fancied English side, despite being runners up in last seasons Premier League. The Reds also hold the English record for Champions League titles, as well as having Fernando Torres up front – the joint favourite top scorer for this years competition. Liverpool have arguably been England’s most successful team in the competition in recent years too, winning the trophy in 2005 after a stunning 3-3 draw against AC Milan – a game which they trailed 3-0 at half time.

Lyon (40/1)- With a third placed finish in the French league, Lyon needed an 8-2 aggregate win over Anderlecht to reach the group stages of this years competition. Despite their poor domestic finish, they still begin this years Champions League competition as the bookies joint twelfth favourites – above French Champions Bordeaux and runners-up Marseille.

Fiorentina (50/1)- The Italians finished fourth in their home league last season, and needed an away goals victory over Portugal’s Sporting to qualify for the group stages. They lie fifteenth in betting, well behind the rest of the Italian teams. Fiorentina have not won Seria A since 1969, and have never won the Champions League, a statistic which is unlikely to change in the near future.

Debrecen (2000/1) – Rank outsiders Debrecen are one of three teams with odds of 2000/1 to lift the trophy. The Hungarian Champions are the first time from Hungary to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League in fourteen years, after successfully navigating the qualifying rounds – a point where they were eliminated in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Group F

FC Barcelona (9/2)- Barcelona, the current holders, begin the campaign as the bookies favourites. Should the Spanish Champions lift the trophy, it would be the fourth time in their history. Barcelona’s victory last year capped a fine season for the club from the Nou Camp, with a treble trophy haul after victory in the league and the Copa del Rey. Despite having one of the most feared first team squads in Europe, manager Josep Guardiola has still managed to strengthen further with the purchase of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter Milan.

Inter Milan (12/1)- The Italians start this seasons Champins league as joint sixth favourites with English runners-up Liverpool. Winners of their own domestic league under former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, Inter have had no success in this competition since back to back wins in 1964/5. The draw has thrown up a tantalising match, with the prospect of former San Siro favourite Ibrahimovic playing against his former teammates. That transfer saw Samuel Eto’o move in the opposite direction, meaning that the Cameroon striker will find himself in a similar position when Inter visit the Nou Camp.

Dinamo Kiev (150/1)- A lowly twenty-fifth in betting, Kiev are the current Ukrainian Champions. The team consists of a number of Ukrainian internationals, although many of the nations best talents ply their trade in Serie A and La Liga. Kiev’s most successful foray into European football was in 1999,  where they were knocked out of the Champions League semi finals in Munich by a single goal.

FC Rubin Kazan (150/1) - Joint in betting with Kiev, Rubin Kazan are the current Russian Premier League holders – their first ever title. That domestic success ensured entry to the Champions League group stages – another first for the relatively unknown club.