Premier League Shake Up

This week's English Premier League play left the top of the table in a tighter race than previous years. Chelsea still hold a 2 point advantage over Manchester United despite losing this week to Liverpool 2-0. Striker Fernando Torres has again found his form. If torres can maintain his form Liverpool who is currently ten points away from leaders Chelsea could move closer to the top. Manchester United kept its league title hopes in tact with a win this weekend against the Wolves, as Park Ji Sung put away a game winner.

Manchester United faces Manchester City in an important derby this week which could reflect the direction of the top of the table. Arsenal lost points this weekend with a 0-1 defeat to Newcastle. The Newcastle victory puts them in contention for a top spot in the English Premier League as they finish the week of play only 3 points behind 3rd place Arsenal and Manchester City. As Arsenal take on the Wolverhampton Wanderers a team that is currently at the bottom of the table, Manchester United and Manchester City play in the derby one of the two teams will likely drop points, Chelsea take on Fulham, a team towards the bottom of the table.

Next weeks round of matches will likely leave one team a little further away from the top. I would bet on Manchester United solidifying their spot at the top.

Futbol From Around the World

The MLS in the United States is in the first round of playoffs: The Los Angeles Galaxy win their first game 1-0 off of a long goal by Edson Buddle on the half volley from 35 yards out to beat Casey Keller. FC Dallas won their opening playoff match against Real Salt Lake 2-1, a huge goal by Eric Avila in the 87^th minute as he was subbed on merely a minute or so before. Colorado Rapids beat Columbus 1-0 off of an early goal by Pablo Mastroeni in the 23^rd minute.  The New York Redbulls defeated San Jose 1-0 as Joel Lindpere put his team up by a goal in the 55^th minute. 

Ronaldinho has returned to play once again for Brazil. The Brazilian national team called for the services of the star for the first time in 1 ½ years, he will be accompanied by Neymar, who has also been absent from the Brazilian squad for disciplinary actions. Both, the Ac Milan forward midfielder and the sensational Santos player who will shortly be taking on his role with Chelsea, Neymar, are scheduled to play with Brazil for the Nov. 17^th exhibition game against Argentina in Qatar.  He will likely compliment team mates Robinho, and Alexandre Pato. These two players should electrify the already amazing Brazilian squad. It is hard to imagine that national squads are already gearing up for international play so closely following the World Cup. I would not bet against Brazil in the Euro 2012 tournament in Poland. Brazil is going to win in Poland. I am willing to Bet on it.

Harry Redknapp had every right to outburst against referee Mark Clattenburg after Tottenham’s loss to Manchester United which was very dodgy. Nani clearly had no right to kick the ball into the back of the net for the Reds’ second final game winning goal, but Gomes must play the wistle. There was a lead pass into the box, where Nani collected the ball and as he turned he was pushed down. Play on said Mark Clattenburg the infamous ref, as Nani was still on the ground looking for a call.  As officials judged play active, and all appeals for a penalty unsuccessful, keeper Gomes put the ball down for what he thought was a free kick. Nani was there to put the ball into an empty net past an unsuspecting Gomes. But did the official not see Nani handle the ball amongst the chaos of the penalty appeal. Should he have seen it he would have been forced to deem play dead. Terrible call by mister Mark Clattenburg, the win by Manchester United puts them into 3^rd position ahead of Manchester City. Note in the 8^th second of this video Nani handling the ball. Don't wager that Nani, or Gomes will stop before the whistle ever again.

Wayne Rooney Sinful Futbol God

When it comes to Football (soccer) none other than Wayne Rooney can be viewed as one of the best footballers of the game today. However his clean image of a great footballer was caught paying for sex, essentially cheating on his wife Colleen. His great reputation somewhat in disarray.
Its then no surprise that trouble on the pitch soon followed as Wayne Rooney submitted a transfer request to Manchester United. After much debate it is believed that Sir Alex Ferguson had much to do with his staying with the club. All the commotion saw non other than Rooney coming away with a 5 Year contract worth 200,000 to 280,000 pounds a week. Is he better than the team? How will this effect the play of the dominant Manchester United squad that hasn't been so dominant this season? Are you going to change your betting system based on this disruption?
Actually, were going to give you 5 reasons why Manchester United was able to keep Rooney:
1. Arsene Wenger made a great point when he said that he's seen it before, and knows that ultimately the clubs decide what to do with their property.
2. Manchester United seemed to have won the press battle, an uphill battle that saw an already unpopular Rooney losing a popularity battle due to the before mentioned scandal.
3. He just wanted more money and he got it. Manchester United thinks he is worth every penny, and despite all allegations you had better bet he is.
4. Letting Rooney go for the remaining 18months of his contract would be like giving away 10million euros. Financial suicide for any club.
5. It is also reported that a huge NIKE advertisement was vandalized with threatening statements made towards Rooney and his leaving of the club. Thugs, hooligans may have had a part in Rooney staying.

This doesn't change anything for the Manchester United squad, they are winning with serious players and a deep bench. Don't change your betting system just yet.