Football Americana's Major League Soccer 2010 Season Preview

It's been an intriguing close-season in the USA and that's more to do with non-playing matters than drafts, trades or coaching changes. USSF settled a fiery dispute between USL-1 and the "returning" NASL, sanctioning a hybrid second division. From SPAOTP Towers it seems inevitable that NASL will become the nation's de facto second division. And then, as they say on da streetz, it's on. Major League Soccer could face a significant challenge in the next ten years.

Not that it's been breezing through its own business even in 2010. The league's collective bargaining agreement with its players, signed in 2004, expired on January 31st before two extensions allowed negotiations to continue and blocked the very real possibility of a lockout. The players returned to work in early February and the pre-season began in enthusiastic fashion. But even into the middle of the month the deal hadn't been thrashed out and the threat of a delayed season loomed large.

But Football Americana is a slave to no labour dispute, and has been working feverishly reading a bit since Real Salt Lake's MLS Cup victory in November in order to bring you its 2010 season preview for Major League Soccer. Play ball! Sorry... that was condescending.

Collective Bargaining Agreement dispute threatens 2010 season

The deadline for CBA renewal passed on 31st January and was extended to 12th February and then again to the final week of the month. From the information leaked into the soccerball community, it was clear that the three main sticking points were the level of the league's salary cap and the negotiations over free agency and guaranteed contracts for players. We talk a lot about player power in Europe, but it's a term which carries less weight in MLS. Players aren't especially well paid and the lack of guaranteed contracts and free agency in the 2004 CBA essentially gave clubs the right to cut players loose at the drop of a hat, or control their registration even after the end of their contracts.

The negotiations entered mediation in the second week of March but no agreement was made and talk of a strike began to dominate the MLS headlines. Having authorised a strike should agreement not be reached by Monday 22nd March, the players finally came to an agreement with the owners last Saturday. The conference call which announced the deal revealed few details, but it's clear that concessions were made by both parties. The new CBA will expire on December 31st 2014 and supporters will be hoping for a speedier resolution on that occasion, but for now it appears that the players will at least have better salaries - some will have guaranteed contracts.

They may also benefit from a re-entry draft, which should prevent out-of-contract players from being controlled by their club even after expiry. It's not freedom of movement, exactly, but it will help players back onto the field more easily.

Talking points

Defending MLS Cup this year, reigning champions Real Salt Lake will have their work cut out. They snuck into the 2009 play-offs with a sub .500 record - the first team to do so - thanks to a late, late goal conceded by DC United on a bizarre final weekend of the regular season. But they suddenly became indestructible, seeing off Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire before triumphing over LA Galaxy in an epic battle of wills in Seattle in November. A repeat of RSL's remarkable success under Jason Kreis in 2009 is impossible to imagine as the new season gets underway, but the beauty of MLS is that whoever gets into the playoffs has a chance. RSL grabbed it with both hands.

It won't be quite so easy to get to those playoffs in 2010. Whereas 2009 saw eight out of 15 teams progress to the post-season, half of a league of 16 will fail to do so in 2010. The expansion club this year is Philadelphia Union, a franchise established with no little help from a supporters' group which existed even without a team. Experienced MLS coach Peter Nowak's off-season business for the Union, most notably in the expansion draft, has been wily rather than spectacular.

Stefani Miglioranzi (LA Galaxy), Alejandro Moreno (Columbus Crew) and Sebastian Le Toux (Seattle Sounders) are particularly astute signings, while the likes of Andrew Jacobson (DC United) and Shea Salinas (San Jose Earthquakes) have their best years ahead of them but plenty to prove. It should be a hungry squad, and if the 2010 rookie class is anything like as good as 2009's, Nowak will benefit - he picked up the highly-rated Oregon State University prospect Danny Mwanga with the overall first pick in the 2010 Superdraft. It's highly unlikely that Philly will have anything like the impact made by Seattle last year, but if they have a great first season they might well trouble the playoff positions.

Many of the existing clubs will be looking for a significant change in fortunes in 2010, none more than New York Red Bulls. They were abject in 2009, but 2010 should be a new start. The purpose-built Red Bull Arena opened last week and looks like a fantastic facility (and that's from a DC United fan, so it's difficult to congratulate them), and new coach Hans Backe will be looking to install a more positive atmosphere in Juan Carlos Osorio's absence. The only way is up for RBNY, so any kind of playoff challenge into late August or early September would probably be sufficient.

Of course, there will be downward mobility too. LA Galaxy will be without the injured David Beckham but Landon Donovan will remain at the club because of Everton's relatively meagre finances. More at risk of a hefty fall are Houston Dynamo. Although they're a solid team with a fantastic coach and a reliable game plan, their heart has been torn out. Eintracht Frankfurt's Ricardo Clark and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden are international quality midfielders and really made the Dynamo side tick.

Any team in MLS would find replacing them difficult. Having said that, Dominic Kinnear is no slouch and is more than capable of revitalising his midfield. Keep an eye on Geoff Cameron, who might be important there this season.

First Kick Fixtures

With the CBA sealed, we've got an exciting week of fixtures ahead of us. The league's two newest clubs kick off the season on Thursday, with Philly visiting Seattle for a noisy baptism into Major League Soccer. Colorado Rapids head to LA to face Chivas USA on Friday, before the action really gets underway on Saturday afternoon and evening.

Red Bull Arena debuts as the Red Bulls host Chicago Fire, while FC Dallas are at home to neighbours Houston Dynamo. Elsewhere, Toronto FC visit Columbus Crew, Kansas City Wizards are at home against DC United, the champions Real Salt Lake travel to San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy play New England Revolution at the Home Depot Center.

Predictions for 2010

I've made one or two bold predictions in this preview but I've decided to refrain from making a ridiculously ambitious prediction about the winners of MLS Cup 2010. I'll only end up with egg on my face when my pick fails to finish in the top half. My one wager is one of blind faith and misplaced optimism: I think DC United will make the playoffs.

But for now, what we really want is your 2010 MLS predictions... go.

(Not) The 2010 World Cup Draw

As all you football connoisseurs will know, Friday 4th December 2009 is undoubtedly the most important day in this year's calendar, for that is the day when FIFA make their draw for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

The *second* most important day, however, is Monday 30th November 2009, for that is the day when The Sound of Football podcast does its own draw for the 2010 World Cup.

Yes, this week's show will be entirely devoted to the drawing out of teams into each of their eight groups as they might appear on Friday evening in Cape Town. We'll be conducting our draw live (well, as live as a pre-recorded podcast can be) and will use all the appropriate seeding groups that we think Sepp Blatter and chums will be using on the big night.

This is a once in a lifetime chance to see who England could face in the first round in South Africa (once in a lifetime if your life expectancy is four days, that is) or to see any one of a million different permutations for your country when the Finals roll around in 193 days time.

So listen out for (Not) The 2010 World Cup Draw on the Sound of Football Podcast - heading for your ears this Monday night / Tuesday morning.

Jeu du Jour: Ligue 1 Season Preview 2009/10

Never say we don't keep you up-to-date with football news from around the world... Here's another new feature for SPAOTP - Jeu du Jour, a weekly round-up of all that's happening in French football. The new season starts this Saturday, so here's our preview of what to expect from each of the twenty participating clubs in 2009/10.

Auxerre
The only top-flight team in France never to have been relegated, AJA (as they’re known to their fans) typically struggle against the best teams in Ligue 1 but generally give everyone else a run for their money. If their Player of the Season for 2008/09, Ireneusz Jeleń, can avoid injury this season, they’ll get plenty of goals and should be good for a Europa League spot come May 2010.

Bordeaux
Worthy winners of last season’s Ligue 1 championship ending Lyon’s seven-year domination thanks to a run of eleven straight victories from mid-March to the end of the season. Much of Bordeaux’s success in the last campaign was put down to Ligue 1 Player of the Year Yoann Gourcuff who scored 12 times from midfield in 37 appearances. His loan spell from Milan has now been made permanent for around £12 million which should see him at the Stade Chaban Delmas for four more years. He’s also the son of Lorient coach Christian Gourcuff, should you be that interested.

Boulogne
or Union Sportive de Boulogne-sur-Mer Côte d'Opale, to give them their full name. Boulogne have finally arrived in the top flight of French football after 101 years of unrelenting anonymity. Whether this will be a short stay remains to be seen following the departure of coach Philippe Montanier who at the end of last season took over the reins at Valenciennes. Incoming replacement Laurent Guyot (previously a member of Nantes’ 1995 championship-winning side) will surely settle for 17th spot when the new campaign draws to a close.

Grenoble
The team from the Alps were languishing in the fourth tier of French football ten years ago but finally reached Ligue 1 last season where they finished a commendable 13th. The trouble is all their victories came against lower-half-of-the-table teams and this time they won't be an unknown quantity either. Grenoble were formerly managed in the early 80's by Jean Djorkaeff, father of Youri. There… bet you didn't know that.

Le Mans
Putting aside its connections with 24-hour motor racing, Le Mans are another team that have only recently reached the top flight after years of struggling. Their best ever finish was 9th the season before last but 2008/09 saw them flirting with relegation after a poor finish in which they failed to win any of their last six games. Much hope will be pinned on star striker and Emmanuel Petit-lookalike Thorstein Helstad who stumped up ten goals last season.

Lens
Last year's Ligue 2 champions return to the top table following their shock relegation in 2007/08 under the guidance of Jean-Pierre Papin, no less. It was a shock in the sense that they were Ligue 1 runners-up in 2002 and won it outright in 1998, yet for all that 'The Blood and Gold' have been reborn under the guidance of little-known coach Jean-Guy Wallemme. Missing all the fun was former Liverpool defender Grégory Vignal who signed for Lens in 2006 but has since been on loan at Kaiserslautern, Southampton and currently QPR. We'll leave it up to you to decide whether that's a good thing or not.

Lille
The local rivals to Lens, Lille have been dark horses in recent years, putting in at worst a top ten finish or at best (as in 2005) getting as high as second. Lille have already started their 2009/10 campaign with a 2-0 away win against Serbian team Sevojno in the first leg of the Europa League Third Qualifying Round, and if they get a draw at home this Thursday, they'll be through to the group stage where glory and Aston Villa await (possibly).

Lorient
They play in orange shirts, they're Ligue 1's most westerly-located team and their nickname is The Haddocks. What's not to like? Jeez, even their club badge has a football-playing fish on it. If anyone from Grimsby Town are reading this - THAT'S how to market yourself. Another mid-table finish looks on the cards for the men led by Christian Gourcuff who, incidentally, is the father of... oh, I see.

Lyon
Claude Puel's first season in charge of OL happened to be their first since 2000/01 where they didn't win the league title. *Slightly* embarrassing. Still, it wasn't for the want of trying as Lyon had a seven-point lead over Marseille back in late-February and weren't knocked off the top until April 12th. Lyon's wake-up call was made worse by Karim Benzema's £30 million move to Real Madrid in the summer, but he's been replaced by Argentinean striker Lisandro Lopez who's been banging goals in left, right and centre for Porto of late. Could be an expensive gamble, but we think he'll be one of the big name stars this season, just you see.

Marseille
Close but no cigar - that was the summary of Marseille's season just ended. Having put in a finishing run that almost matched that of record-breakers Bordeaux, they had to settle for second place, just three points short of winning the title. With that, coach Eric Gerets made his excuses and left, only to be replaced by Didier Deschamps who's had a two-year break from coaching since resigning from Juventus. Still yet to convince many fans of his managerial skills, he did take Monaco to the 2004 Champions League Final so we'll wait and see what happens this season. As for their transfer activity, here's a summary: IN - Heinze and Morientes, OUT - Mears, Wiltord and Zenden.

Monaco
Once upon a time not so long ago, Monaco were a member of French football's elite - and we're not just talking about the time Glenn Hoddle played there. Nowadays, however, they've settled for mid-table mediocrity and have a tendency to change their coach more times than a National Express driver. This season's new arrival is Guy Lacombe who did a good job in guiding Rennes to a couple of top-7 finishes over the last couple of seasons. He also has Portsmouth's Djimi Traore for company who, ironically, played under Lacombe while on loan at Rennes in 2008. Which was nice.

Montpellier
It's been five long seasons, but Montpellier's banishment to Ligue 2 is finally over. Yet as elsewhere, the man that led the team to promotion (Rolland Courbis) has been ushered out in favour of a new man, namely the French Under-21 coach Rene Girard. All very well, except the team didn't achieve a great deal under his leadership which may mean a tough season ahead for Montpellier.

Nancy
The north-easterners can owe their recent (comparative) success to Uruguayan coach Pablo Correa. He joined Nancy as a striker in 1995 and at one time played alongside Tony Cascarino before retiring in 2000 (the two events being largely unconnected, we think.) In 2002, he rocked up to the Stade Marcel Picot and a few years later secured promotion to Ligue 1 where they've been ever since. They even finished fourth in 2007/08, but they tend to be a bottom-half-of-the-table club if truth be known. Curiously, they've offloaded two of their best players - Marc-Antoine Fortuné and Landry N'Guémo - to Celtic this season, but they've bought a shed-load from elsewhere so they shouldn't be too affected.

Nice
Monaco's near neighbours have carved out a reputation as an above-average team since gaining promotion in 2002. The next step is for them to push on and seek a Europa League place, but it may prove a little out of their reach as new coach Didier Ollé-Nicolle only has experience with sub-Ligue 1 clubs. Also if talented striker Loïc Rémy gets snapped up by Galatasaray as is feared, there could be worrying times ahead. At least they'll always have the biscuit-making business to fall back on.

Paris Saint-Germain
PSG appear to have turned a corner last season, putting in a decent showing to finish sixth. They have bags of talent in the squad including new purchase Grégory Coupet (second-choice 'keeper for the national team), captain Claude Makélélé and Guillaume Hoarau, second-highest goalscorer in Ligue 1 during 2008/09. They also, like virtually every other Ligue 1 club this season, have a new coach in the form of Antoine Kombouaré who knows that feeling of being up against it - he spent two seasons playing for Aberdeen in the late-1990's. Could go one better and reach Europe next season.

Rennes
Stade Rennais, as they're properly known, are one of Ligue 1's great teams that always put up a decent fight. They haven't finished any lower than 7th in the last five seasons and if they can just convert some of their many draws into wins, European competition shouldn't be far away. This season they welcome a new coach (naturally) - Frédéric Antonetti from Nice - and Junichi Inamoto from Eintracht Frankfurt. Elsewhere in the squad you'll find Carlos Bocanegra in defence alongside the improbably named Rod Fanni and the not-at-all-Waltons-related John Boye. One of the more interesting teams to follow, as a result of the above.

Saint-Etienne
Les Verts had to suffer a nail-biting end to last season, avoiding the relegation trapdoor only on the last day with a 4-0 trouncing of Valenciennes. This time around they'll be hoping their players aren't so racked with injuries as they strive to repeat their fifth-place finish of 2007/08. Alain Perrin's the man in charge and as a title winner with Lyon in the same season, he knows what it takes to get the best out of his squad. He's also a former manager of Portsmouth which explained what happened last season pretty well. Expect an improvement this season, but not much of one.

Sochaux
A club that relies heavily on developing their young players, Sochaux are sadly well shot of their heyday in the 1930's when they were a force to be reckoned with. Nowadays The Lion Cubs have little money with which to buy new players although US striker Charlie Davies arrived from Hammarby in the summer. More water-treading looks set to be on the cards and now their best player, Mevlüt Erdin, has gone to PSG, a fight to avoid relegation can't be ruled out either.

Toulouse
Our Team of the Season last season, Toulouse finished fourth after battling against relegation the campaign before. A team that's historically struggled to keep its footing in the top flight, Toulouse deservedly take their place in the Europa League where last season's top scorer André-Pierre Gignac (24 goals) should give opposition defences plenty to worry about. Only a few minor tweaks have been made to the squad during the summer and more importantly they've retained the services of their coach, Alain Casanova, all of which should make for further success this time around.

Valenciennes
A relative newcomer to Ligue 1, survival is still the name of the game - none more so than this season which brings in Boulogne's promotion-winning coach Philippe Montanier. His first target will be to improve the team's performance away from home after Valenciennes failed to pick up a win on their travels in 2008/09. It shouldn't be too difficult for a man of his calibre to achieve, and this season he'll be able to call on the services of former Reading midfielder Tae-Hee Nam among others.

Just One Scudetto: Serie A Season Preview 2009/10

Something new for you now on SPAOTP. Here's Sp3ktor with the first in a regular series of round-ups on Italian football - and what better way to start than a look at each of the twenty participating clubs.

Atalanta
Very much a yo-yo club, these close neighbours to the Milanese giants finished a creditable 11th last season. Such is the way in Italian football, only seven of the teams in Serie A are starting with the same head coach as they started the previous season. Atalanta's coach - former Gazza team-mate Angelo Gregucci - is one of the new appointments. His only previous Serie A coaching experience is as assistant to Roberto Mancini at Fiorentina, and a disasterous five-week spell as manager of Lecce. Bodes well, then.

Bari
The club that took David Platt to Italy in 1991 returns to the top flight as champions of Serie B. They could struggle, though, as the mastermind of their promotion, coach Antonio Conte, has left the club. In just over a year he turned a team facing relegation into champions. Of course being a stalwart of Juventus in the Nineties and the manager's position there going spare, all the attention he got inevitably led to him being linked with the job - attention Bari didn't like, obviously. Giampiero Ventura, a journeyman coach who's seen his last two Serie A teams relegated has taken the helm. Bari's badge reminds me of cornflakes.

Bologna
It took a last day victory to keep Bologna in Serie A in their first season back in the top flight. New man in charge, Giuseppe Papadopulo, is their sixth head coach in just over three years. He has a good record of getting promotions so perhaps they're thinking a bit more long term with this appointment.

Cagliari
The Sardinian club finished comfortably mid-table last campaign, winning as many as they lost and having a goal difference of -1. Not bad considering they started by losing their first five games under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri (left) - a young coach with a solid reputation in the lower leagues.

Catania
With manager Walter Zenga crossing Sicily to coach their bitter rivals Palermo, Catania have picked a very inexperienced coach in Gianluca Atzori to try and keep them in Serie A for a third season. They finished 15th last time out but that was more down to them taking their foot of the gas after they achieved safety - losing six of their last eight. They have an elephant on their badge; the only other club I can think of with that is Coventry City. Their kit seems to be modelled on Crystal Palace, even down to the white-with-red-and-blue-sash away kit.

Chievo Verona
Chievo seriously struggled at the start of their first season back in the top flight picking up just 9 points in their first 17 games. The appointment of Mimmo Di Carlo as head coach turned their fortunes around, seeing them lose just four games in the second half of the season. Most of these were draws, however, so they only just escaped a quick return to Serie B.

Fiorentina
Mired in recent controversy, Fiorentina were given more than a slight helping hand in getting back to Serie A after reforming in 2002. They're back to winning ways too having secured a second consecutive Champions League qualification. Manager Cesare Prandelli is the current Serie A Coach of the Year.

Genoa
Genoa have been in storming form under coach Gian Piero Gasperini since rising from Italy's third tier in 2006. Both seasons in the top flight have seen them qualify for Europe despite having a very thin squad and regularly losing their best players to bigger clubs. 34-year-old Hernan Crespo from Inter will be leading the line for them this campaign, having to fill the boots of 24-goal-scoring Milito who goes in the other direction. Genoa are one of the few clubs to retain the word 'Cricket' in their full title (Napoli and Milan dropped it years ago). If that's not a good enough reason to like them, I don't know what is.

Inter
The dominant team since the Calciopoli scandal in 2006, Inter have won the last four Scudetti and with the Special One in charge there's not much to suggest any different this season. They've lost the league's top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic but seeing as they've got Samual Eto'o and a wad of cash in return, there shouldn't be too many grumbles on the blue side of Milan.

Juventus
Being runners up last season wasn't good enough for the board at Juve and Claudio Ranieri was out on his ear. His replacement is Ciro Ferrara, a former team captain and latterly youth team coach in his first manageial position - an interesting choice for such a high profile job. The Old Lady welcomes back one of her favourite sons in the shape of 35-year-old Fabio Cannavaro after three seasons at Real Madrid. Regular readers of the Bundesbag on these pages will be intrigued to see how Diego, their €24.5m summer signing from Werder Bremen, performs in Serie A.

Lazio
Although winners of last season's Coppa Italia, Lazio fans have had to settle for mid-table mediocrity since finishing third in 2007. Davide Ballardini, who was in charge of Palermo last campaign, is new in post following Delio Rossi's decision to step down.

Livorno
Winners of the Serie B play-off, the Tuscan club enjoyed a brief period of modest success a few years back under Roberto Donadoni. After he left to take up the role of national team coach things all went a bit pear-shaped (for both parties). Currently managerless with the Italian Football Federation blocking the permanent appointment of stand-in coach Gennaro Ruotolo because of insufficient coaching badges.

Milan
The headlines may be all about the departure of Kaka but this season is the one where Milan have to get used to life without Maldini. Ancelotti, of course has gone to Chelsea and is replaced by local hero Leonardo, in his first managerial role; he should certainly provide his opposite number at Inter with a run for his money, if only at the press conferences. Honestly, this guy makes Mourinho look like the bloke who collects the sun lounger money.

Napoli
Roberto Donadoni makes his return to management after a disasterous tenure as national team coach. Napoli had a decent enough start last season but trailed off to finish mid-table. Nowhere near the team they were in the Eighties, they're doing ok considering they've died and been reborn since. Napoli are owned by film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis - nephew of Dino.

Palermo
Palermo have been a surprise package since returning to Serie A after a thirty-year absence in 2004 and have been buzzing around the UEFA spots since then. The biggest news for them is the installation of Walter Zenga as head coach from fierce local rivals Catania. They play in pink - live with it.

Parma
Parma make a return to Serie A after a season down in the second tier. While the heady days of the milk-carton funded mid-nineties are far behind, it was only a handful of seasons ago this club was getting regular UEFA Cup football - even reaching the semis in 2005. Their head coach Francesco Guidolin has made a habit in his professional career of returning to clubs, playing for Verona in four separate stints and having as many periods as coach of Palermo.

Roma
Last season was the worst for Roma under coach Luciano Spalletti, having to settle for a Europa League spot after getting used to Champions League football. They've finished runners-up four times since their last title in 2001. They'll be doing very well to get that high this season, especially if they lose Daniele de Rossi to Arsenal, as has been strongly rumoured (but then every decent centre half in the world is being linked with The Gunners). Supporters will be pleased though to see that Mr Roma, Francesco Totti, has signed a new five-year deal (he'll be 37 by the end). The club was formed in a merger at the behest of Mussolini. Don't hold that against them, though.

Sampdoria
Samp arrived back in the top flight strongly in 2003 but since only just missing out on a Champions League spot in 2005 they've been pretty ordinary, finishing 13th last season. Luigi Del Neri takes over as head coach, joining from Atalanta. He took over as manager of Porto after Jose Mourinho left, only to be sacked before the season even started. It was the second time that had happened to him so don't be surprised if someone else is in charge come the opening day. Sampdoria have Cassano: that makes them worth watching.

Siena
More famous for its bi-annual horse race Il Palio, Siena have been enjoying themselves in Serie A. A lower league side for much of their history, Siena are beginning their seventh consecutive season in the top flight. They're hardly setting the division on fire but they do well enough. Their head coach is Marco Giampaolo: he's one of the very few managers not new in post.

Udinese
If Udinese could keep together a run of the form they are capable of, they could be a major force in Italian football. As it is, they tend to fall away at the end or struggle if they're distracted by European qualification. They qualified for the Champions League in 2005 and a repeat certainly isn't beyond them. This will be head coach Pasquale Marino's third season in charge - a veritable eon in Serie A terms.

FA Cup 2008/09: Third Round Preview

If it's January, it must be the Third Round of the FA Cup and the starting point for many a dream of reaching that Wembley Final (at least if you support a team from the top two flights of English and Welsh football).

The first match of the round - Tottenham v Wigan - has already taken place tonight (Spurs winning 3-1), but 28 more follow tomorrow with another two taking place on Sunday and one final match bringing up the rear on Monday.

So what can we expect and which are the games to look out for? Here's our summary of what's what in this year's Third Round...

Current holders Portsmouth might just find themselves on the receiving end of an upset as they face a Bristol City side that are looking for a third straight win. To be honest, The Robins have been on a pretty poor run of their own since early November, but their last two games have seen them pointing back in the right direction again. With Portsmouth without a win in their last seven outings, who wouldn't bet against Gary Johnson's men at least forcing a replay tomorrow?

In rather more confident mood will be Arsenal as they play host to Plymouth Argyle at the Emirates Stadium. This will be a repeat of the 1987 Fourth Round tie which George Graham's side won 6-1 and though the scoreline tomorrow will be less one-sided, Arsenal should come through it unscathed. That said, Burnley dumped them out of the Carling Cup this time last month, so you never know...

The Third Round has, if nothing else, dined out on the potential for 'David v Goliath' ties over the years, and fortunately this season's no different. Top of the Shop is surely the game between non-league Histon and Swansea City. The Swans, you'll remember, rode their luck last season when they limped through a gruelling Second Round match against Horsham only to go out in a second successive replay against Havant and Waterlooville.

This year they'll be feeling a little uneasy again as they travel to the team currently second in the Football Conference. Rather curiously, Swansea have drawn all of their last eight matches stretching back to November 25th. Maybe this is the one where the sequence will be broken, but we'd rather not say which way if it's all the same with you...

Derby, on the other hand, travel to Forest Green Rovers, sitting near the other end of the Football Conference table from Histon. This is the furthest Forest Green have ever gone in the FA Cup, and we hope they go a bit further still - if only so we get to see a bit more of their Barcelona rip-off badge which truly has a comedy value all of its own.

Two places above FGR in the Conference table are Barrow who travel to Middlesbrough tomorrow in an attempt to go one better than their only Third Round finish in 1991. They were knocked out 1-0 by Bolton that year and you have to say the challenge they face tomorrow looks even harder for them, but they'll take solace from their win over Brentford they had in the last round.

If you're looking for a dead-cert when it comes to non-league teams getting through to the Fourth Round, check out the match between Kettering Town and Eastwood Town. Kettering admirably survived an attempt at management by Paul Gascoigne in 2005 and have since gone from strength to strength. This season, they've already disposed of Lincoln and Notts County in the Cup and now have to be just as clinical against their opponents who have already claimed Wycombe Wanderers as a scalp from the Second Round.

Further up the league ladder there's a re-run of the 1976 FA Cup Final as Southampton welcome Manchester United to The Dell. There'll be no Lawrie McMenemy this time around, which always makes us a bit sad as we love an excuse to re-run those old Barbican adverts. Anyway, Southampton are in a bad way these days and must be hoping there's a Bobby Stokes lurking somewhere in the squad that can come up trumps tomorrow. If nothing else it would certainly take their mind off a doom-laden Championship campaign.

For a Tie of the Round, though, how about Hull at home to Newcastle? Both teams are desperate to be treated seriously as quality top-flight teams (albeit for different reasons) and for The Tigers it'll be a chance to get past their opening FA Cup tie for only the second time in seven seasons. Newcastle themselves haven't won any silverware since they nabbed the Fairs Cup in 1969 so both teams will surely be going all guns blazing tomorrow when the ref gets things underway at the KC.

Best of luck to you this weekend if your team's still involved in the Cup, and here's to a few days packed with great football and goals galore too.

Guide to the Premier League 2007/08: Part 4

And so to the final part of our look at the prospective futures laid out ahead for the Premier League's great and good. We begin today with...

Reading
Chris O: "I get the impression Steve Coppell won't find things quite as easy this season. I know people talk about the 'Second Season syndrome', but I think there's definitely something in it. Aside from that, though, he's released Steve Sidwell to Chelsea and have made precious few signings of any note to replace him. They still have some quality players, but my feeling is they'll slip down the table a little bit." Verdict: Bottom half.
Smart: "Second season syndrome. Sold Steve Sidwell. ('She sells sea-shells…') I don’t see Reading being relegated, but I can’t see them finishing as high up the table as they did in their first season." Verdict: Bottom half.

Sunderland
Chris O: "I was one of many to be impressed by the way Roy Keane turned things around for Sunderland last season, and I think he'll give them the strength and spirit they need to hold their own in the top flight in 2007/08. If he can get the best out of Michael Chopra and Kieran Richardson, maybe a top-half finish could be possible..." Verdict: Bottom half.
Smart: "Quite a few signings, but £9 million on a keeper? I can't help thinking that would have been better spent on a midfield playmaker or center-forward, but time will tell. The strongest of the promoted sides? I think so. I also think the will still be close to the relegation zone. And I can’t wait to see Roy Keane face to face with the Arsenal Wenger on the touchline. Get tickets for that one at all costs!” Verdict: Bottom half.

Tottenham
Chris O: "I think the time has come for Tottenham to leapfrog Arsenal and become one of the top four this season. Berbatov and Keane were particularly impressive in 2006/07 and with new signings like Gareth Bale and Darren Bent, it can only get better - but Jermaine Defoe needs to start pulling his weight and that defence needs to tighten up a bit. Expect more greatness from Martin Jol, though... Verdict: Champions League spot.
Smart: "Plenty of people are tipping Spurs to finish fourth, but I can’t see it, personally. With clubs such as Portsmouth, Newcastle and Manchester City strengthening well I think Spurs will have a battle on their hands to retain fifth place, let alone go any higher. Plenty of options upfront, but it’s the conceding of soft goals that will be undoing of the Spurs season. So a normal season then. Keep an eye on Adel Taarabt though, quite a talented young fellow." Verdict: UEFA Cup spot.

West Ham
Chris O: "One thing's for certain - West Ham won't top last season for dramatic incident. Out goes Tevez, sadly, but in comes a wealth of exciting prospects in all areas: Scott Parker, Craig Bellamy, Freddie Ljungberg, the return of Dean Ashton... it can only strengthen the side, but can Curbishley get them performing well as a unit? I think they'll improve on last season without setting the league on fire." Verdict: Top half.
Smart: "West Ham’s strength seems to be up front with Craig Bellamy and Dean Ashton looking like a good pairing. But beyond that I don’t see too much else. Robert Green and Scott Parker shine out in a team with the likes of Hayden Mullins, Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer… Alan Curbishley loved the mid-table with Charlton and I think he will be thereabouts this season." Verdict: Mid-table.

Wigan Athletic
Chris O: "Paul Jewell's gone. Arjan de Zeeuw's gone. Leighton Baines has gone. Even Emile Heskey's legs have gone, and all that can mean one thing - Wigan's chances of staying in the Premier League have gone. Chris Hutchings' new signings of Sibierski, Melchiot and Bramble might freshen the look of the side up a bit, but there's only one outcome for me - The Championship next season." Verdict: Relegated.
Smart: "I really feel that Wigan will struggle this season. Chris Hutchings has a lot of work on his hands, and if a relegation dog-fight ensues then he may not be the best man to be at the helm. Sibierski, Koumas and Landzaat all have the potential to save Wigan but it will be a big ask." Verdict: Relegated.

Guide to the Premier League 2007/08: Part 3

Moving on now to the next five teams in our alphabetical list, and today we start with...

Manchester City
Smart: "Sven's back and everyone in Manchester denies ever disliking him. He has bought a lot of new players to combine with the talents of Richards and Onuoha but most are players you haven't heard of. It could all go well…or it could all go the way of the pear. Me, I think they'll do OK.” Verdict: Mid-table.
Chris O: "Logic suggest that a new owner, new coach and new players could make for a team that doesn't knit together very well, but with Eriksson having an impeccable track record at club level, they might just have the important component they need. I'm personally unsure about the wealth of summer transfers, few of which have any great reputation to speak of, but they had a good defence last season and should consolidate their position this time." Verdict: Mid-table.

Manchester United
Smart: "Stronger all-round except in the goalkeeping department, where I think Van der Sar isn't quite United standard. Still, when your team are banging in goals left, right and centre you can afford to leak a few goals, right? Silverware heading to Old Trafford, but will it be in the shape of the Champions League trophy?” Verdict: Champions.
Chris O: "Man U surprised me a little last season, as I thought Chelsea were going to collect a second consecutive title, but what can I say - Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Nani, Hargreaves, Anderson… with players of that quality, I doubt that anyone can match them again - and that's without mentioning the likes of Giggs, Scholes, Van der Sar, Carrick et al. (Damn, just mentioned them…) No contest as far as I'm concerned." Verdict: Champions.

Middlesbrough
Smart: "Yakubu and Woodgate aside, I can't see much to look forward to when watching Middlesbrough. I don't think they will go down, but they wont be too far away, unless they can find some of the strength and resolve their manager used to show.” Verdict: Bottom half.
Chris O: "I really don't think Boro are going anywhere this season. Gareth Southgate has brought in Luke Young to bolster an already strong defence, but apart from that it's Tuncay from Fenerbahce - who admittedly has potential - and Jeremie Aliadiere who no-one seems to want. Their away form was poor last season, and I wouldn't mind betting their home form might suffer too this time." Verdict: Bottom half.

Newcastle United
Smart: "If Newcastle could have kept away from injuries they might have had some success in recent years I feel. Owen, Carr, Given, Duff to name a few. This year however, they have a big enough squad to cope with the long term injuries they have. Alan Smith is a good signing and Taylor is a good defender. With Martins and Owen due to form a partnership, perhaps the Toon will fulfil there potential this season.” Verdict: Mid-table.
Chris O: "Now here's something you don't often hear - Newcastle might do well this season. Sam Allardyce was a great choice to replace Glenn Roeder and already he's making all the right moves. Out went some of the dead wood and in comes a selection of fresh talent, none of which are exceptional in my book, but if anyone can get them working together well it's Big Sam. With Michael Owen chomping at the bit to get back, he might just have someone who can score goals, too…" Verdict: Top half.

Portsmouth
Smart: "I think Harry Redknapp has strengthened the squad really well. Distin, Hair Dryers Son, Utaka should make Pompey a strong side, and with no European competitions to hinder there progress, they should have their best season yet. Pompey fans - get your passports ready.” Verdict: UEFA Cup spot.
Chris O: "Who'd have thunk it? Portsmouth avoided relegation and finished 9th last year, and for what it's worth, my opinion is they'll do even better this year. Adding to established names like David James, Sol Campbell and Linvoy Primus, Harry Redknapp can also now boast David Nugent, Sylvain Distin, Sulley Muntari and John Utaka. Consistency is the key for Redknapp, though, and that alone could guide Pompey into UEFA Cup territory - just wait and see…" Verdict: UEFA Cup spot.

The concluding part of our guide to the Premier League comes tomorrow with our look at the potential fortunes of Reading, Sunderland, Tottenham, West Ham and Wigan.

Guide to the Premier League 2007/08: Part 2

Continuing our look ahead to the potential fortunes of this season's Premier League teams, today we continue in alphabetical order with...

Chelsea
Chris O: "I see very little changing in Chelsea's status this season - that is to say they'll remain second best to Man United. The Blues' fantastic defensive line will no doubt continue to do well (especially if John Terry stays fit) and their midfield with Lampard and Essien will be strengthened further by the arrival of Florent Malouda. Add to the equation last year's top scorer Didier Drogba and they can hardly fail… until half the team fly off to the African Nation's Cup in January." Verdict: Runners-up.
Smart: "Chelsea have a stronger squad than last year with the additions of Malouda, Ben Haim, Alex and Pizarro. That should help avert another injury crisis at Stamford Bridge - although an injury crisis for Chelsea seems to be John Terry being injured. As for too many fixtures, well perhaps Jose should think about what he wants to concentrate on winning. Last year they missed out on the Premiership and Champions League yet won both domestic cups. Maybe this time it will be the other way round." Verdict: Runners-up.

Derby County
Chris O: "Great to see Derby back again but I fear it won't be for long - unless Billy Davies can prove his managerial strengths at the top level. Like Birmingham, they've had problems scoring goals but Davies has enlisted Rob Earnshaw to address that problem. Other well-known names arriving at Pride Park like Andy Todd and Andy Griffin should bolster the squad but they still look ill-equipped to face life in the Premiership." Verdict: Relegated.
Smart: "Probably the weakest of the promoted sides and I can see them struggling this year. They don’t seem to have a strong point and haven’t strengthened since gaining promotion. Let's hope they prove me wrong." Verdict: Relegated.

Everton
Chris O: "The Toffees impressed many last season (me included), and no wonder. David Moyes has created a settled and talented squad that proved a match for most teams and I see no reason why that shouldn't continue this season. Moyes quite rightly got rid of James Beattie who didn't seem up to the job of scoring on a frequent basis and if he can get Phil Jagielka to do so instead, everyone should be happy." Verdict: UEFA Cup spot.
Smart: "Everton have grown into a good side under David Moyes. They will do well this season but they don’t have a large squad. I fear that any success in UEFA will come at a cost in the Premier League come the end of the season." Verdict: UEFA Cup spot.

Fulham
Chris O: "The team that just won't get relegated won't get relegated again this season either, but again it will be a close run thing. Lawrie Sanchez could make a name for himself if he gets Fulham back up to mid-table again, but despite a number of interesting signings I can't see him achieving it. He'll have to fix his defence - the worst in the league last season - and get the best out of some of his other players… a tall order for a new manager." Verdict: Bottom half.
Smart: "What do we make of Fulham then? A new manager and plenty of new signings - yet still I can see them struggling. It seems to be quantity rather than quality when it comes to the Fulham players and I can't see them worrying too many teams this season." Verdict: Bottom half.

Liverpool
Chris O: "The gradual rise and rise of Liverpool under Rafa Benitez now means The Reds are arguably the third best team in the land, but becoming second-best will remain a step too far, despite their big-money summer signings. I do, however, think they'll improve - not easy when you've got one of the best defences and many high-calibre internationals like Gerrard, Alonso, Kuyt and Crouch. Second place will be a major achievement, but it won't happen this season." Verdict: Champions League spot.
Smart: "Unlike Fulham, Liverpool have both quantity AND quality. If they can get a good start this season, unlike previous seasons, they could have a successful year. I can see them winning the title, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they finished as runners-up." Verdict: Champions League spot.

Tomorrow: Part 3 (featuring Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United and Portsmouth).

Guide to the Premier League 2007/08: Part 1

With the Premier League now underway and West Ham's solicitor barely back to his day job, Smart and I thought it'd be a good time to look at the potential fortunes of all twenty teams involved.

In order to make the list a little more digestible, we're breaking it down into four small parts - this one being the first. So let's get underway with Part 1 and don't forget, whether you agree or disagree with what we have to say, why not tell us what you think? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts with your fellow fans...

Arsenal
Smart: "Everybody is talking about the loss of Thierry Henry - so I won't. Wenger is no mug and still holds a talented squad and it's time for a few of the youngsters to make the step up. The squad doesn't have the talent-in-depth of other title contenders but injuries aside they should be fine." Verdict: Champions League spot.
Chris O: "I think Wenger was crazy even to consider letting Henry go, given how prolific he was. He's now left with a bunch of young players and new signings, some of which are undoubtedly good but I wonder if they'll perform consistently as a team. Should be worth backing in the Cups, I'd say. Verdict: UEFA Cup spot.

Aston Villa
Smart: "A mixed summer in the transfer market with the departure of Liam Ridgewell and the arrival of Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker, but who am I to question Martin O'Neills decisions - the man knows what he is doing. If Laursen stays fit and Petrov finds his goal scoring form an interesting season beckons." Verdict: Mid-table.
Chris O: "For once I'm questioning O'Neill's judgement. He's sold some useful players like Ridgewell, Gavin McCann, Stephen Davis and Juan Pablo Angel, and replaced them with Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood from West Ham. Unless there are more purchases to come, I think Villa are going to struggle. Verdict: Mid-table.

Birmingham City
Smart: "All of a sudden The Blues have players with Premiership experience and quality. Queudrue and Ridgewell will join Jaidi to strengthen at the back, plus they have an interesting signing in De Ridder. If (and it's a big if) Forsell stays fit, they may avoid relegation... but I can't see it." Verdict: Relegated.
Chris O: "If there's one thing that Birmingham are renowned for in recent years, it's scoring few goals. To my mind, they haven't addressed that with their many summer signings and though Steve Bruce will instil some spirit into them, I think they'll ultimately fail, sadly. Verdict: Relegated.

Blackburn Rovers
Smart: "How much of a toll will the UEFA Cup qualification process have on Blackburn? Hughes has strengthened well to add to the talents of Gamst Pedersen and Bentley but I fear that an early start to a long season will eventually undo a promising start to their Premier League campaign." Verdict: Top half.
Chris O: "Not much dabbling for Mark Hughes in the transfer market this summer, but Roque Santa Cruz and Maceo Rigters could make up for that. A side which already boasts the talents of Brad Friedel, Benni McCarthy, David Bentley, Morten Gamst Pedersen and my tip for the top, Matt Derbyshire, should do well again this season, if not slightly better. Verdict: Top half.

Bolton Wanderers
Smart: "Big Sam - or Sammy Lee as he is known - knows he has a lot to live up to, but he has a large enough squad to do it with. Boasting a midfield featuring Speed, Campo, Nolan, McCann and Stelios plus new boys Braaten and Wilhelmsson, it's not all gloom and doom at the Reebok Stadium. But is Sammy Lee up to the task?" Verdict: Bottom half.
Chris O: "I'm inclined to agree. Sammy Lee just doesn't seem to have the tactical insight and authority of his predecessor, so he'll be keeping his fingers crossed that his attackers - Anelka, Diouf and Davies - can score plenty this year. That and his defence leaking far fewer goals than last season. I think Lee might be a contender for 'first coach to be sacked' if things go as I suspect. Verdict: Bottom half.

Tomorrow: Part 2 (featuring Chelsea, Derby, Everton, Fulham and Liverpool).

La Liga: Round 36 Preview

Written by Chris (B Squad)

With just three matches remaining, the title race has come down to four teams separated by a mere four points. The top four will all be playing at home this weekend, where they've felt quite comfortable and have the records to prove it.

Valencia is a side that, while only four points behind Real Madrid, will need to take the full nine points remaining in their season in order to keep the flame of their title hopes lit. They defeated Villareal 1-0 in the corresponding fixture in January. And while Valencia does sport an impressive home record, allowing only ten goals this season, Villareal have won five straight, including a win against Barcelona. Villareal will be well motivated for this match, as they are just one point out of the final UEFA Cup spot. Valencia have seen Joaquin and David Silva hit their stride in recent weeks and will hope David Villa can regain some of his early season form. Villareal, however, must rely on the inconsistent but occasionally brilliant Diego Forlan, who will need to have an impressive match if they are to take any points with them.

Prediction: Valencia to win 2-0

Sevilla, meanwhile, will be playing host to Real Zaragoza in what looks to be the most difficult match for the top four. Zaragoza is firmly entrenched in a UEFA Cup spot, and only seven points out of the fourth and final Champion's League spot. Sevilla is hardly out of the title chase, two points back, but will need some luck coupled with a few mistakes by Barca and Madrid. On average Sevilla concedes less than one goal a game at home, but Zaragoza is one of the better goal scoring teams on the road. They also took three points from Sevilla in January, winning 2-1. But Sevilla are still on course for a possible treble, and Freddy Kanoute seems to have a nose for goal in the dying moments of the match.

Prediction: Sevilla to win 2-1

Getafe will visit the Nou Camp just weeks after shocking Barcelona 4-0 and sending them crashing out of the Copa Del Rey. They will look to continue their good run of form and push toward the final UEFA Cup spot. Barcelona, on the other hand, has been wildly inconsistent, looking disinterest, unorganized, and at times outright lazy. Many, including myself, declared them to be dead and buried before last weeks 6-0 slaughter of Athletico Madrid. Getafe are not the most offensively minded side, having scored just 38 goals all season. And with Eto'o, Ronaldinho, and Messi looking as if they've awoken from their hibernation, one wonders if Getafe will be able to find the goals needed to match this newly tuned machine.

Prediction: Barcelona to win 3-1

And finally the team who now seems destined to take home the honors this season, Real Madrid, will host lowly Deportivo La Coruña. Depor has the worst goal scoring record in La Liga at just 26 goals, and only nine away from home. Considering the fine form Beckham, Guti, Robinho, and RVN have found, Depor will be lucky to leave with any shred of dignity. They have very little left for which to play and are coming off of an awful run of form. Real, in the meantime, have won five straight and look nothing short the future title holders.

Prediction: Real Madrid to win 3-0

Euro 2008 Qualifiers: Preview

Today sees the next 'double header' of matches begin in the Euro 2008 qualifying competition, so let's review what's happened so far and what might happen over the next week or so.

Group A
Finland have made the best start in Group A but they could end the day in third place as Serbia travel to Kazakhstan and Poland play host to Azerbaijan. Both teams are just one point behind the Finns, but Serbia have the all-important game in hand over both of them. That said, Finland have already won in Poland 3-1 back in September and Serbia have already beaten Belgium.

Portugal and Belgium are already four points behind Finland but things aren’t set to improve for either of them any time soon. After playing each other today, Portugal travel to Serbia next Wednesday and Belgium don’t play at all.

Group B
The ‘Group of Death’ is giving the Scots little to be fearful about so far. They top the group ahead of France despite having an inferior goal difference. Scotland’s 1-0 victory over the French in October earned them first place but they’ve since lost 2-0 to Ukraine and seen Alex McLeish take over the managerial reins from Walter Smith.

Today, Scotland travel to Georgia who have already lost 3-0 at home to the French so McLeish’s men will be aiming to inflict a similar score on them today. Elsewhere, France travel to Lithuania while third-placed Italy must wait until Wednesday for their next match, at home to the Scots.

The world champions haven’t made the most confident start to their campaign, drawing 1-1 at home to Lithuania before losing 3-1 away to France, but they may have turned the corner after a hard-earned 2-0 win at home to Ukraine, who are fourth.

Ukraine could be in third place or higher by the end of the week as they have two comparatively easy fixtures to come – a trip to the Faroe Islands today and a home match against Lithuania during the week.

Group C
Turkey and Greece have an almost identical record at the top of Group C at the moment. Both teams won all three of their opening games and are yet to concede a goal, which makes today’s match between the two in Athens all the more interesting.

The reigning European champions made a tentative start, but their 1-0 win at home to third-placed Norway in October could be an indicator of who the stronger team is in Group C. It’ll be interesting to see how Turkey get on when they play the Norwegians at home on Wednesday while the Greeks visit Malta on the same day.

Group D
Group D, like Group C, sees the top two fighting it out against each other today. Germany and the Czech Republic both have ten points from a possible twelve, although there’s no doubt who has the superior goal difference after Germany’s 13-0 victory over San Marino last year.

Strangely, both teams have slipped up against weaker opposition than themselves. The Czech Republic were the first to drop points after a draw in Dublin, but the Germans failed to make the most of the advantage when they drew 1-1 away to Cyprus. The winner of today’s game will regain the advantage again, so it would seem, but Germany don’t have a match on Wednesday while the Czechs go to Cyprus themselves.

Three points behind the leaders (but having played an extra game) are the Republic of Ireland who today play host to Wales at Croke Park. Both teams have made faltering starts and don’t appear to be in a position to stop the top two in their tracks. The Irish only grabbed a winner away to San Marino in the dying seconds of their last match while Wales have already taken a 5-1 home beating against Slovakia.

Group E
England have it all to do since slipping to third place in their group. A recent loss of form will need to be reversed away to Israel today before the virtual formality of a win in Andorra follows on Wednesday.

After a 5-0 win in their first match at home to the Andorrans and a 1-0 win away to Macedonia, England failed to score in either of the next two. That will give group leaders Croatia one less thing to worry about as they welcome Macedonia to their own ground today.

The Croatians have won three of their first four matches, only dropping points in the 0-0 draw away to Russia that opened their campaign. Russia today travel to Estonia looking to bridge the two point gap they trail by, but like Croatia they play just once this week.

As for Israel – on seven points with England and Macedonia – they’ll also be playing Estonia in their Wednesday game in Tel Aviv.

Group F
Sweden are the clear leaders in Group F. They have a five point lead ahead of second-placed Denmark who have two games in hand on them. The Swedes have made an impressive start, winning all four of their games – one of which was a 2-0 victory at home to Spain.

The sense of achievement from that result was somewhat diminished, however, when Northern Ireland beat the Spanish 3-2 at home in the previous fixture. That goes some way to explaining why Lawrie Sanchez’s team are currently third in the group while Spain find themselves behind Latvia in fifth and change may not yet be imminent.

Spain today face Denmark for the first time in the competition while Northern Ireland go to Liechtenstein, and with Latvia visiting the tiny principality on Wednesday, Spain may yet have to wait for their rise up the table even if they do beat Iceland on the same day.

Denmark sit out the Wednesday fixtures, but they’ll be keeping an eye on Sweden’s trip to Belfast the same day to find out where they stand ahead of the next round of games in June.

Northern Ireland‘s great start came only after defeat at home to Iceland in their first game. The win against Spain, a hard-fought goalless draw away to Denmark and a 1-0 over Latvia has since given them their best chance to qualify for a major championship for twenty years.

Group G
The Netherlands lead a three way fight for first place in Group G. Their perfect start was brought to an end after a 1-1 draw away to nearest challengers Bulgaria last October though Bulgaria have also drawn 2-2 away to Romania who are in third.

An interesting match should ensue today as the Netherlands play host to Romania while Wednesday’s games see the top three all playing weaker opposition – Bulgaria playing at home to Albania, Romania awaiting the visit of Luxembourg and the Netherlands playing Slovenia for the first time.

Just a quickie before England's game with Ecuador…

Written by Smart

Apparently its going to be a hot day today in Stuttgart, where England face Ecuador at 5pm local time. Infact heat has played a part in many of Englands recent tournament matches. Against Paraguay 2 weeks ago, games in Portugal (Euro 2004) and Japan (World Cup 2002)… well it is the summer for god sake – what did you expect?

Poor second half performances due to the above have cost England dearly in the past, and will probably continue to do so unless some thinking changes, and my thinking is now this – before a major tournament, don’t play games in England – play and train overseas instead.

Englands warm-up for Germany 2006 was to play Jamaica in ‘sunny’ Manchester, hardly the most appropriate place to acclimatise to stifling heat of the impending summer. In major tournaments we will face the likes of Paraguay, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil and many many more teams which are used to playing in the heat.

So why not take a month off and play and train in such countries? Why not train in Argentina or Brazil for a month, and play matches there? Too much of a culture shock? Then how about Florida? Or just too far? Well then how about closer to home, such as parts of Africa – Egypt, Tunisia or Morocco for instance. Even Turkey perhaps, even that gets hot enough. Surely places such as those are more appropriate for a summer tournament than Manchester?

Well I’m off to watch the game. I hope England win, but with the predicted temperatures most likely to suit an Ecuadorian than an Englishman abroad, I am expecting a very nervous second half. Again.

And in case you were wondering - the next World Cup is to be held in… South Africa.