Friday, March 13, 2009

Watch Middlesbrough v Portsmouth Live Streaming

Middlesbrough have spent the last 10 seasons in the Premier League and 12 seasons in total. The 2004/05 season represented their best in the Premier League, as they secured a 7th place finish. Otherwise, Boro have generally been comfortable in the top flight and often excelled in the cup competitions.

After finishing runners-up in the League Cup in 1997 and 1998, Boro won the trophy for the first time when, under Steve McClaren, they defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at the Millennium Stadium . Two years later, they were beaten by Sevilla in the Uefa Cup final after a dramatic run which saw them mount stunning late comebacks in the previous two rounds against Basel and Steaua Bucharest respectively.

Current manager Gareth Southgate helped the North East club to a 13th place finish last season. Middlesbrough paid the first-ever four-figure transfer fee for a player in 1905 when they spent £1,000 on centre

Watch Sunderland v Wigan Athletic Live Streaming

Wigan Athletic won promotion to England's top flight for the first time ever in 2005 and have stayed in the Premier League for the last three seasons. Remaining in the top half of the table for almost the entire 2005/06 campaign, the Latics also reached the League Cup final for the first time in their history.

They surprised teams with their dynamism in attack and ability to continue carving out chances. Wigan's rise has been swift. Playing in the old Third Division when local millionaire Dave Whelan purchased the club in 1995, his Premier League ambitions were realised in just 10 years.

Wigan found the 2006/07 season more taxing and were pulled into a relegation dogfight. However, they survived on the final day of the campaign after a 2-1 win against relegation rivals Sheffield United. Manager Paul Jewell chose to step down after survival had been guaranteed and was replaced by his assistant Chris Hutchings.

Watch Manchester United v Liverpool Live Streaming

United retained the trophy in the following campaign and romped to further titles in 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003. More silverware was added to the Red Devils' burgeoning trophy cabinet with FA Cup success in 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2004, plus League Cup victories in 1992 and 2006.

Perhaps the most memorable time in the club's history was the treble-winning season of 1999 when they added the European Champions League trophy to the league title and FA Cup.

Chelsea briefly broke their league dominance with title wins in 2005 and 2006. But in the 2006/07 season, the Red Devils roared back to regain the Barclays Premiership.

Manchester United are the most successful Premier League club having won the title 10 times. It all began in 1993 when manager Sir Alex Ferguson ended a 26-year wait to lift the Premier League crown.

The signing of Eric Cantona for £1.2million from Leeds United proved a masterstroke as the Frenchman was instrumental in the title victory, along with the likes of Gary Pallister, Denis Irwin, Ryan Giggs and Paul Ince.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Watch Arsenal v Burnley Live Streaming

Theo Walcott (shoulder) and Eduardo da Silvia (hamstring) return to the Arsenal squad and could be in contention, but defender Kolo Toure (calf) will not feature. William Gallas (ankle) is fit again, while Lukasz Fabianski will again get the chance to impress when he replaces Manuel Almunia in goal. Mikael Silvestre (calf), Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring), captain Cesc Fabregas (knee) and Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) remain sidelined.
On-loan Rhys Williams is unable to play for Burnley as his parent club Middlesbrough have refused permission for the 20-year-old defender to feature as they are still involved in the competition.
Fellow defender Michael Duff serves a one-match suspension but goalkeeper Brian Jensen, midfielder Kevin McDonald and forward Martin Paterson are all fit after picking up knocks in the midweek victory over Blackpool.

Watch Everton v Middlesbrough Live Streaming

The Toffees recorded two wins and a draw without conceding in their three top flight games last month, a run which saw the Merseyside club gain ground on Aston Villaand Arsenal to move within two points of a Champions League place.

The wins came against Bolton Wanderers andWest Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park while in between was a goalless draw at Newcastle.

Jagielka's stubbornness in the heart of defence - and at right-back when he has had to step in to deputise for the injured Tony Hibbert- has been a major factor in the Toffees' miserly goals against record.

His recent form has even impressed Englandcoach Fabio Capello, who handed the 26-year-old his first full England start in the friendly against Spain.

It is the first time Jagielka has won the award, while Moyes was awarded the gong for a fifth time, the most recent having been exactly a year previously.

Watch Rangers v Hamilton Academical Live Streaming

Rangers assistant boss McCoist was part of the team which suffered one of the biggest upsets in Scottish Cup history when part-time Accies won 1-0 in a third-round clash at Ibrox.

Sprott was the unlikely hero for the visitors, ending goalkeeper Chris Woods' British record-breaking run of 1,196 minutes without conceding a goal, and his name will never be forgotten by Hamilton fans - or McCoist.

The 46-year-old former striker will take charge of Rangers on Sunday - as is Walter Smith's wont in all domestic cup ties - and is desperate to avoid a repeat in what is the sides' first Scottish Cup meeting at Ibrox since that fateful day.

"You don't have to look very far to motivate the lads ahead of this one, do you?" said McCoist, looking ahead to the quarter-final.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Watch Fulham vs Manchester United live streaming

United's chances of sweeping the board, the Scot will know only too well that the next seven days could put his team in an even stronger position.

A victory at St James' Park could open up a 10-point lead if Chelsea, in second place, and Liverpool, in third, come unstuck in their matches on Tuesday against Portsmouth and Sunderland respectively.Manchester United can take another step towards an unprecedented clean sweep of five trophies in one season with a victory in Wednesday's Premier League clash at Newcastle.Tottenham but they managed to get through to our back line too easily on occasion so we need to cut that out.

"It is down to us really. If we win the rest of our games, obviously we will be champions and the way the results have panned out has been quite good.Tottenham but they managed to get through to our back line too easily on occasion so we need to cut that out.

Watch Coventry vs Chelsea Live Streaming

Chelsea will be desperate to regain the Premier League crown after finishing second to Manchester United in the last two seasons. Former manager Jose Mourinho, bankrolled by owner Roman Abromovich's millions, brought the first title to Stamford Bridge for 50 years when the Blues lifted the trophy in 2005. Chelsea became only the second team to win back-to-back Premier League titles when they clinched it a year later. Mourinho left the club by mutual consent in September 2007.

Shortly after, he led the team to the UEFA Super Cup after a 1-0 win over Real Madrid. The FA Cup followed in 2000. Vialli was replaced by Claudio Ranieri in 2000 and he led Chelsea to another FA Cup final appearance in 2002. 

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the Blues for £140 million. After a trophyless season, he appointed Mourinho as new Chelsea manager and there was instant success. In 2005, Chelsea won the Barclays Premiership and League Cup, along with a Champions League semi-final appearance.

Watch Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur Live Streaming

In the last seven days Boro have pulled off what seemed impossible. Knocking a revitalised West Ham out of the FA Cup and shocking the nation in beating Liverpool at the weekend. Suddenly confidence and expectations are high...

Two great results it has to be accepted, but perhaps not as wonderful as would seem. Watching the start of the West Ham tie, The Hammers, couldn`t have started worse if they threw the ball into their own net. 2-0 down in the opening 20 minutes and looking narrow and clueless as the game was lost before they had woken up. Liverpool are having a domestic crisis and this was due judging from their recent up and down showings. This was very much down...

In fairness Boro try to play nice football, but their real problem has been scoring goals. Prior to those two win`s they had lost eight and drew six of their last fourteen games, scoring only five goals in the process. Whether these last two wins are a new found form or poor opposition performances is up for debate, but it will certainly make them feel they can come to Spurs and win.

With Boro heading south with new found belief, Spurs are on the rebound from 120 minutes at Wembley and the loss of the Carling Cup. Which side will turn up is anyone`s guess. A team determined to put the disappointment to bed, or one still with a Cup final hangover?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

watch Newcastle United v Manchester United live streaming

United's chances of sweeping the board, the Scot will know only too well that the next seven days could put his team in an even stronger position.

A victory at St James' Park could open up a 10-point lead if Chelsea, in second place, and Liverpool, in third, come unstuck in their matches on Tuesday against Portsmouth and Sunderland respectively.Manchester United can take another step towards an unprecedented clean sweep of five trophies in one season with a victory in Wednesday's Premier League clash at Newcastle.Tottenham but they managed to get through to our back line too easily on occasion so we need to cut that out.

"It is down to us really. If we win the rest of our games, obviously we will be champions and the way the results have panned out has been quite good.Tottenham but they managed to get through to our back line too easily on occasion so we need to cut that out.

"

watch Manchester City v Aston Villa live streaming

 Aston Villa will help them overcome a recent dip in form when their quest for Champions League football resumes on Wednesday.

Villa are away to Manchester City having missed the opportunity to go eight points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal after conceding two late goals in a 2-2 draw with Stoke City last weekend.

The Midlands side recently saw their 13-game unbeaten league run ended by Chelsea while Villa were also knocked out of the FA Cup and UEFA Cup by Everton and CSKA Moscow respectively.

However, Villa and England winger Young said: "Everybody in the squad has got a winning mentality. It's not going to change now and we will not take a step back. We will always be stepping forward.

watch Blackburn Rovers v Everton live streaming

But Everton have not been outside the top six since Christmas, and Moyes said: "The players have been terrific. We have got through a difficult few weeks with problems over injuries and maintained our position in the table.Everton would be champions of England and Europe if teams were judged on spirit alone, according to Blues boss David Moyes."I still believe fourth place is up for grabs, it will be hard to catch Aston Villa with them eight points ahead of us, but it is not something we will give up on.

"We are sixth at the moment, and that means a European spot now after Manchester United's (Carling Cup final) win at Wembley on Sunday"But I am looking much higher than that, it will be a tall order but not out of reach. If we can maintain our form of the last three months, we will not be far short of fourth or fifth."

watch Wigan Athletic v West Ham live streaming

West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami did not suffer a fracture in the 1-0 win over Manchester City but it is still feared that he may have suffered a serious knee injury.

Wigan have not lost at home since West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami did not suffer a fracture in the 1-0 win over Manchester City but it is still feared that he may have suffered a serious knee injury.

The manager has admitted injury to the Ecuador international, who has struggled over the last two months with the problem, has cost his side.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce has urged his side to forget their two-month barren spell and return to winning ways at home to West Ham on Wednesday.Latics are without a win in their last seven Premier League matches - and their injury-time defeat to Chelsea at the weekend

watch Fulham v Hull City live streaming

Fulham's Schwarzer starts between the sticks after keeping Arsenal at bay. His team-mate Brede Hangeland deservedly leads the defensive line, with Wigan's Titus Bramble once again undermining his detractors to form an unheralded central pairing. Blackburn's Stephen Warnock scored in his side's 2-1 win at Hull and takes the honours of this week's star player in midfield. England midfielder Stewart Downing also deserves mention for putting in a fine showing in Middlesbrough's 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at the Riverside. Stiliyan Petrov of Aston Villa was in the Flops last week, but his goal-scoring showing against Stoke sees him link up with the big boys just seven days later. Up top Fulham's Bobby Zamora is partnered by Tuncay Sanli of Middlesbrough, who bulged the onion bag against Liverpool.Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has started to dream of Europe now the Cottagers have begun to establish themselves as a top-10 outfit.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has started to dream of Europe now the Cottagers have begun to establish themselves as a top-10 outfit.

watch Stoke City v Bolton Wanderers live streaming

Bolton deserved the win as they played the better football and created more chances than a lacklustre Newcastle, who were missing several key players through injury and suspension.

Kevin Davies had a very good penalty claim rejected by referee Alan Wiley after Sebastien Bassong pulled him down in the box, while Elmander really should have scored but could only put Mark Davies's low cross over the bar from eight yards out.

Obafemi Martins had two chances for Toon but, at five foot seven inches, he is not the ideal man for headers: one was saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen and a second went over.

The hosts almost opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Swedish forward Johan Elmander's clever finish from an acute angle was cleared off the line by Spanish full-back Jose Enrique.

watch Tottenham Hotspur v Middlesbrough live streaming

Tottenham manager Gerry Francis tells us he could have ended up being a lorry driver.Tottenham manager Gerry Francis tells us he could have ended up being a lorry driver."He wants to get back to that and wants to get back in the England team. I can't fault his effort or attitude.""David Bentley needs the confidence of the manager," he told the Evening Standard. 

"When the player has the confidence he wants to play 100 per cent. For him, it is difficult but he can come back quickly. 

"He is a strong personality and he brings a great atmosphere to the dressing room, because he talks to everybody."

Watch Liverpool v Sunderland Live Streaming

Liverpool's first-ever competitive match was in the Lancashire League, where a predominantly Scottish team defeated Higher Walton 8-0 on 23rd September 1892.

Liverpool have maintained their status as a domestic and European force since the Premier League began in 1992, rarely finishing outside the top positions. The club have won seven major trophies since then, including the Champions League, Uefa Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

Indeed, 2001 saw the Reds claim an unprecedented League Cup, FA Cup and Uefa Cup treble. Having won more domestic and European trophies than any other English club, Liverpool's status as giants of the domestic game is undisputed.

Under Rafa Benitez, Liverpool have secured Champions League football in each of the last four seasons. The Spaniard guided them to third place in the 2006/07 season and an appearance in the Champions League final where they were beaten 2-1 by AC Milan. They lost to Chelsea in the semi-finals of the competition last season and secured a fourth place finish in the league.

Watch Portsmouth v Chelsea Live streaming

Chelsea will be desperate to regain the Premier League crown after finishing second to Manchester United in the last two seasons. Former manager Jose Mourinho, bankrolled by owner Roman Abromovich's millions, brought the first title to Stamford Bridge for 50 years when the Blues lifted the trophy in 2005. Chelsea became only the second team to win back-to-back Premier League titles when they clinched it a year later. Mourinho left the club by mutual consent in September 2007.

Shortly after, he led the team to the UEFA Super Cup after a 1-0 win over Real Madrid. The FA Cup followed in 2000. Vialli was replaced by Claudio Ranieri in 2000 and he led Chelsea to another FA Cup final appearance in 2002.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the Blues for £140 million. After a trophyless season, he appointed Mourinho as new Chelsea manager and there was instant success. In 2005, Chelsea won the Barclays Premiership and League Cup, along with a Champions League semi-final appearance.

Watch West Bromwich v Arsenal Live Streaming

Arsenal may have been off the pace in the inaugural Premier League season in 1992/93, but they made up for it by winning both the FA and League Cups.

The Premier League crown eluded them until 1998 - two years into manager Arsene Wenger's tenure - when they did the league and FA Cup double. Under the Frenchman, the Gunners shook off their "boring" image and began to play some of the most attractive football in England.

In eight of his 12 seasons at the club, Arsenal have finished first or second. And together with star players such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp, Wenger took Arsenal to another "double" in 2002.

The Gunners reached the Champions' League final in 2006, becoming the first London team to do so, but lost to Barcelona. Their Barclaycard Premiership title in 2003/04 saw them become only the second team to win the league without losing a match - earning them the title "The Invincibles." Overall they went 49 matches unbeaten, which is a national record.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

watch Oldham Athletic v Leeds United live streaming

Oldham boss John Sheridan will be reluctant to make changes when his former club Leeds make the short trip to Boundary Park.The Latics claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory at play-off rivals Millwall on Saturday thanks to Chris Taylor's last-gasp winner. 

Striker Steve Kabba made his debut against the Lions after joining on loan from Watford until the end of the season. 

The former Sheffield United man is in line to make his home bow as Oldham bid to enhance their promotion credentials. 

Sheridan made five changes at Millwall after last week's 2-0 home reverse against Bristol Rovers as Kabba, Greg Fleming, Kevin Maher, Neal Eardley and Daniel Jones were handed starting berths. 

Ex-Leeds favourite Sheridan has no fresh injury concerns but veteran goalkeeper Mark Crossley is still sidelined with a back injury and could be out for at least another month.