Barclays Premier League Big Match Preview Liverpool vs Chelsea [HD]

Another BMP for you today, Liverpool against Chelsea, looking for a new setup this time, hope you enjoy! Might want to put up the volume after the intro, and apologies for the poor audio quality, best I could do Watch in HD haha



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVTNMo3Tn5M&hl=en

[Best Quality] Manchester United VS Arsenal Barclays Premier League 2010 FIFA Game + Highlights.mp4

[Best Quality] Manchester United VS Arsenal Barclays Premier League 2010 FIFA Big Match Big Fun Prediction By FIFA 11 PC



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED-AxumdMJE&hl=en

FIFA 10 Barclays Premier League Big Match Preview, Manchester City vs Chelsea [HD]

A tough encounter for both clubs, with Chelsea missing Lampard through injury and playing their first big game, while Manchester City want to get back to winning ways while only having three available defenders. Played at the City of Manchester Stadium. Watch in HD



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGKVl5unxrM&hl=en

Barclays Premier League Big Match Preview, Manchester United vs Liverpool

First of all sorry about the bad quality of the video, future BMP's will be better =) Watch in 480p Barclays Premier League Big Match Preview, Manchester United vs Liverpool, at Old Trafford. This match ought to be a cracker, with both sides eager to get 3 points



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWGhyJXZqsA&hl=en

English Premier League - Liverpool Maintains Its Lead by Beating Blackburn

The 18-time champion of the Premier League, Liverpool, vindicated its leading position on the table this past Saturday by beating Blackburn Rovers 3-1 on the road in an amazing way. The game was well-played by the two teams but the consistency and determination of the Reds were higher than the Rovers in the second half, when they had trouble on their defense in various occasions.

The Reds for their part, played with conviction and its tactical plan was one that gave positive results to Benitez and his players at the end of the game. The Reds did not score any goals in the past two Premier League matches that finished in draws against Fulham and West Ham, but their effort in this game to find their winning strategies, gave them what they deserved, the victory.

This lost was the 5th consecutive for Blackburn in the Premier League, which remains in the relegation zone with only 13 points. Its coach Paul Ince is trying to find the way to win but some injuries on his key players and the clueless tactical plans in the matches have not helped to get a triumph, even when his players are playing hard.

On the other hand, Liverpool is working hard to maintain their pole position at the table and add more points to achieve their big ambition; winning their 19th title of the Premier League. However, we have to mention that Liverpool has also had struggles and difficulties, but even so they have managed to remain at the top.

In Saturday's game, Blackburn started with more chances than Liverpool during the first 10 minutes of the match, but they couldn't convert due to the fact that "Pepe" Reina was amazingly saving all of the Blackburn's attempts. Even so, the Reds didn't have any clear-cut opportunities during the first 45 minutes and the team's frustration started to show.

Nevertheless, in the second half things turned around for the Reds, who entered more aggressive and with more conviction than ever. Gerrard and Xavi were doing a great job in the midfield to create spaces and convert opportunities of goals. So at minute 68, Xavi Alonso opened the score with a great goal by an assist from Gerrard. Only 11 minutes later, Benayoun scored again for Liverpool placing a 2-0 in the scoreboard. Then at minute 86, Roque Santa Cruz scored the only goal of the match for Blackburn. Finally, to close the game at minute 90, Gerrard wrapped up the victory by scoring the final goal for Liverpool, finishing 3-1. This victory gives Liverpool a total of 37 points in the table, just one point ahead of Chelsea.

Moreover, Benitez was delighted with his team performance, as even when things were not completely on their side; his team took every chance to win. "We know we can play a lot better than we have been but what gives me confidence is that we can come to places like this and get results, even when we are not at our best," expressed the Spaniard Coach. "Clearly it was an important three points for us. We are in a very good position and we want to stay there."

Benitez also stated that players like Mascherano and Gerrard will improve with the time and that key players like Torres and Skrtel will be back to the field soon. That could help to balance the team and given them more support in the attack. The next match of Liverpool will be against Hull City on December 13th at home.

Ally White is a top senior copy writer for the English Premier League games as well as the sports betting industry.

Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety on your site, make sure to leave all links in place and do not modify any of the content.

The English Premier League Starts Here, But Who Will Be the New Champions?

The English Premier League gets under way this week, and though it doesn't seem five minutes since Chelsea were lifting the trophy for the second season in a row, here we go again.

Chelsea start as clear favourites, 1/2 say the bookies, and that does not represent good value. There may be better value to be had in the next few weeks. True, Chelsea have improved their squad by recruiting Shevchenko from AC Milan and Ballack from Bayern Munich, though the unfortunate Ballack was promptly injured in the traditional warm up match, the Community Shield. It doesn't appear a serious injury though, and Ballack should be back soon. But Chelsea have also puzzlingly let Duff go to Newcastle for a pittance of a fee, and there are problems with one or two other players. It may be that Chelsea concentrate their main fire this season on the Champions League, and if they do that, there are three, possibly four challengers, who will be eager to jump in and snatch the title.

Incidentally Chelsea lost that Community Shield match to Liverpool 2-1 with a late goal from the beanpole giant Peter Crouch, and Liverpool look well equipped to challenge the blues this season. They have not won the title since 1990, and amazingly have never won the Premier League. Their supporters are hungry for the league title, and this year urged on by inspirational captain Steven Gerrard, they could go close. They have strengthened again by acquiring the lightning fast Bellamy from Blackburn Rovers, though he is injury prone, and accident-prone too. Liverpool will go close. Current price 8/1.

Second last year were Manchester United, and I have a feeling if you offered them a top two place right now, they might take it. They have lost their talisman goal scorer Ruud to Real Madrid and they will certainly miss his thirty goals a season. But oddly now he has gone, the other players know they must step up and start scoring right through the team. They do have goalscorers in the side and Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager, has cash in his pocket to spend, though he seems to be finding it difficult locating the right players. They will be desperate to stay ahead of their nearest and bitterest rivals Liverpool, and will do well to do so. Lots will depend on Rooney and Ronaldo, keeping their tempers and concentration. You write off Manchester United at your peril. 8/1 for the league.

Fourth last year, albeit by only two points from their closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur, were Arsenal. It is all change for them as they go into their spanking brand new home at the Emirates Stadium. They have also lost three stalwarts in Pires, Bergkamp, and Campbell, and are on the brink of losing England's full back Ashley Cole too, to Chelsea. The blues have reportedly bid £20 million, Arsenal want £30 million. They do have good young players coming through, and a much larger crowd this season judging by early ticket sales and greater ground capacity. Don't forget they did make the Champions League final last season. Add to that Thierry Henry's renewed commitment to the club, and it would be foolish to write off their chances. But the competition will be hotter than ever for the Gunners, not least from their near neighbours, Spurs. Arsenal are also 8/1 for the title, but might do well to finish in the top four.

That brings us to England's most improved club, Spurs. They have been getting stronger for several seasons now, and under their likeable manager Martin Jol, they should be stronger again this year. They have concentrated on buying the best young players they can find, and being patient with them as they grow into the team. They have consistently bought young English players too, something that Arsenal have noticeably not done, though selling Michael Carrick to Manchester United is a blow, (Arsenal are now regularly putting out an eleven containing not a single British player) and one senses that the spirit in the Spurs' camp continues to rise. But can they break into the top four this year? They could do so, and if any of the top four slip up, or have a bad year, then expect the whites to step up and take their place. Spurs are currently 80/1 to win the league and even that may not be too fanciful.

So what of the rest? The black and white shirted hordes will still turn out at Saint James's Park to support Newcastle, and in Damien Duff for £5 million they must surely have landed the buy of the season. The new captain Scottie Parker will drive them on, but the loss of England's centre forward Michael Owen through injury during the World Cup, he may miss the whole season, is a big blow. Newcastle are improving, but still need more firepower to compete with the elite.

Aston Villa have been a sleeping giant for years, but with the long drawn out takeover finally getting sorted, and the charismatic manager, (Saint) Martin O'Neill duly installed, Villa will improve. But they need to. They were almost relegated last year, and they have so far added no new players to the squad. But there is a sense of optimism around Villa Park, and the supporters will undoubtedly flock back, to begin with at least. Don't forget Villa are former European champions, but then again so are Nottingham Forest (twice) and they are now languishing in the third division. Villa alone flies the flag for the English midlands and they will need to improve to stay up, and under Martin, they will.

Everton are Liverpool's second club, though their supporters still consider they are the best. They have bought well in the close season landing Andy Johnson from Crystal Palace, (albeit for a lot of money at £8.5 million) but alongside Beattie, they look to have the firepower to trouble the best defences. Everton are very much an up and down side. I expect them to be up this year.

West Ham are currently London's fourth club, and they will be looking to improve on that. They reached the cup final last year and were unlucky to lose and in Dean Ashton, they have a striker who knows where the goals are. I thought he should have gone to the World Cup, and I am pleased to see him included in the current England squad. I suspect the manager Alan Pardew has bought well, and West Ham will be a handful for anyone, especially at their tight home stadium of Upton Park.

Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, both from Lancashire, and both I suspect will do well to repeat last year's successes. Blackburn have lost Bellamy to Liverpool, a big blow, and the players they have bought in are not in the same class. Bolton have been quiet in the transfer market and one detects a little frustration from their larger than life manager, Sam Allardyce. He missed the England job to Steve McClaren by a whisker, and it shows.

McClaren's replacement at Middlesbrough is the ex England centre half and Boro player, Gareth Southgate. They will need to hit the ground running. He has lost Jimmy Floyd to Charlton, though he has acquired the cultured left footed Arca from relegated Sunderland. I expect the umpteen English kids to step up this year and Middlesbrough should do OK.

Charlton and Fulham are London's fifth and sixth Premier League Clubs. Charlton have lost their long time manager, Alan Curbishley, and they will miss him. They have recruited Ian Dowie, and Dowie took Crystal Palace down. Addicks' fans will be hoping he does not repeat the performance, and they really should not be relegated. They have recruited Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from Boro for his goals, and in Darren Bent, they have a centre forward eager and willing to show that his omission from the England World Cup squad was a catastrophic mistake, which it was. They should score goals, and that will be good enough to keep them safe.

I expect Fulham to be relegated every year, and every year they escape. That is a huge credit to their manager, the likeable Welshman, Chris Coleman. They have recruited Jimmy Bullard from Wigan, though there still seems some unrest in the camp with Malbranque and one or two others. Fulham will do well to stay up, but when it comes to it, they always seem to, and they probably will again.

Wigan Athletic confounded everyone with their performances last time. But as manager Paul Jewell has found before (at Bradford City), it is the second season where teams are often found out. But Wigan are no Bradford. They have a determined chairman who puts his money into the club, a former pro himself who broke his leg in the 1960 Cup Final, and they have acquired the former England centre forward in Emile Heskey, from relegated Birmingham City. But Emile has never been a prolific goal scorer. Wigan surely cannot match last year's achievements, and they could struggle, but I would be surprised if they were relegated.

Manchester City have made numerous personnel changes through the close season, though I am not convinced they are all for the better. The sale of their goalkeeper David James to Portsmouth is certainly a puzzling move. But their boisterous manager Stuart Pearce will keep everyone on their toes. I suspect this will be an important year for City, and for Pearce. A bad start could spiral out of control. A good start could see City pushing for a European place. If I had to choose, it would be the former.

Portsmouth survived by the skin of their teeth last year thanks solely to their returning talisman manager Harry Redknapp. Can they do it again? Yes, I think they can, urged on by their fanatical fans in their crumbling old stadium. Harry has had money to spend, and has spent it wisely. Portsmouth will be a handful at home, as they always are, and that should be good enough. I hope it isn't a hard year for Pompey, I don't think their nervous manager could stand it.

That leaves the three promoted clubs, Reading, Sheffield United and Watford. It is unusual for the three promoted teams to go straight back down, yet that is what the pundits are predicting. Reading, the Royals, won the Championship last season in a canter, and in their manager Steve Coppell, they have a thinking man's manager. I have followed his career closely ever since his league debut for Tranmere Rovers in the early seventies, a match I witnessed. They haven't added greatly to their squad, and it is uncertain how much cash he has at his disposal. Reading have never played in the top tier before, and the fans can't wait. A bad start could mean a long and painful season. A good start could be enough to see them safe. It's a fifty-fifty call.

Sheffield United, the Blades are back, and under the abrasive manager Neil Warnock for his first time in the EPL. No one will relish the trip to Brammall Lane, Yorkshire, not least the match officials who will surely hear the wrath of Neil's considerable tongue. United have shown in recent seasons that they can compete with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in FA Cup matches, but whether they can do that week in week out is an entirely different matter. You look at their squad of battlers, and you don't see quality, and ultimately, that could cost them.

Watford are an amazing story. They scrambled up through the play-offs defeating the much fancied Leeds United, and in their interesting young manager Adie Boothroyd, they have someone who demands listening to. He certainly talks a good season ahead for the Hornets, but can they really stay up? The bookmakers and the pundits say a definite no, but it has happened before. This situation reminds me of Jewell at Bradford City a few years ago, when everyone said they didn't have a cat in hells chance. But Jewell kept Bradford City up, and Boothroyd could do the same. If he did, much bigger clubs might come calling. Boothroyd seems destined to succeed, but whether it is at Watford, only time will tell. Incidentally, you can still get a free $30 bet at betfair.com by inputting the code 6CHE3VPWJ where required.

As for my choices: I will take Liverpool to break their duck, and win the Premier League. Chelsea might take the Champions League, and sorry, but Sheffield United, Fulham and Watford could be relegated. But what do I know? Don't follow my thoughts. Pick your own!

Let's hope it's a great season, with close finishes at either end of the table, which for once, it could be.

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Which World Football League Is The Best Of The Best

Serie A, La Liga and the Premiership all voice strong claims to be the finest football league in the world today. However, which of these has the most genuine claim. The recognition of being the best is an honor that dictates not just bragging rights, but also the ability to draw the finest players and sponsorship contracts to secure the mantle yet further. There are countless factors to consider; the players the leagues have now, the trophies won by their clubs, the quality of football played and the stature of their various sides. Does that tactical catenaccio of the Italians outweigh the physical pressure of the Premiership? Would the top-heavy flair of La Liga continually overcome the strength of an English midfield? How do the Mediterranean cousins compare?

In comparing these various brands of 'the beautiful game' we must consider the many factors that make them great individually. The history, the present and the future are all crucial in contrasting these various brands of and eventually building a perception of whether one does stand above the others.

Players

The first and often the most favored way of fans comparing championships, who has the best players? The natural assumption following this is that Spain hold the upper hand in this argument; especially given that both World (Ronaldinho) and European (Fabio Cannavaro) Players of Year play in La Liga. Also Spain can boast many other great talents; Madrid have van Nistelrooy, Raul, Robinho and Beckham, Barca can boast Ronaldinho, Deco, Messi, Eto'o and Zambrotta. Other clubs have similarly immense performers, David Villa and Joaquin Sanchez at Valencia, Riquelme at Villarreal to name but a few.

Italy can boast a similarly impressive list of galacticos, however, possibly due to the more pedestrian nature of Serie A the players have a tendency to be of a slightly more advanced age. Internazionale (or Inter) boast the most impressive roster; Crespo, Ibrahimovic, Veron, Stankovic, Figo and Samuel all ply there trade for the Nerazzurri. Their city rivals Milan also have a cornucopia of stars; despite losing their talisman Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea in the summer, they have one world beater in Riccy Kaka'. Also players as renowned as Andrea Pirlo, Alessandro Nesta and Alberto Gilardino front a cast that contains talent enough to challenge for any trophy. Also worth mentioning is that the Milan rear-guard still contains the legendary Paulo Maldini as captain. With the shadow of Calciopoli hanging over the Italian top flight, what should be mentioned is the exodus from Serie A that occurred over the summer saw many of their finest individuals leave the division.

Zambrotta and Thuram left Juventus for Barcelona, likewise Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson joined their Bianconieri coach Fabio Capello in Madrid, and former Serie A favourites like Alessandro del Piero, Gigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved and David Trezeguet have all decided to stay loyal to the old lady and ply their trade in Serie B for a season. As mentioned, Shevchenko also left the Rossoneri for Chelsea.

Whilst discussing Chelsea we must clearly outline that they are the major player in European football today. The premise that currently exists in football is that, when it comes to the transfer market, the Premiership champions are the team that all others must follow. Due to the seemingly unlimited funds stumped up by their Russian oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich, Chelsea have amassed a team of stars to match any other club in the world. With Terry and Lampard already present prior to the Russian benefactor's input, players like Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and, as discussed, Shevchenko. The Premiership can also boast some of the world's finest players in Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal; Rooney, Rio and Ronaldo at Manchester United and Liverpool's talismanic skipper Steven Gerrard.

The important thing to outline when comparing the undoubtedly huge talents on show in these various leagues is that although we are examining them from the perspective of now, the future is also a vital factor. As we discussed Serie A does tend to boast more seasoned galacticos whereas the Premiership can argue that, in Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas, they have some of the most promising talent. Spanish football could also argue that their spread is encompasses youth, with youngsters such as Sergio Aguero and Fernando 'el Nino' Torres at Atletico, Lionel Messi at Barca and one name to watch in Matias Fernandez, a Chilean playmaker due to join Villarreal in January.

Marketing

Football in the Twenty First Century is far more than the game it was in previous decades. It is now a business, and one of the world's biggest at that. Transfer prices are now such that it appears any 'Tom, Dick or Harry' is worth £15 million. Player's wages have also experienced astronomical rises. This is to the extent that £3 million per year is not considered to be a completely outrageous wage for a top international player. With the costs to clubs continually rising, somebody is required to fulfill these extravagant fiscal demands.

Sponsorship, television rights and marketing revenue are now utilized by top clubs that are now selling a 'brand' rather than a sport. From product association to shirts emblazoned with trade names, the marketing aspect of major clubs and leagues is paramount to the strength therein.

Annually an accountancy firm called Deloitte release details of top European club's financial incomes over the previous season. Essentially a 'rich-list' of sides, comparing their viability and market strength in today's football world. The most recent edition of this list is from the 2005 season and the zenith of the list is almost totally dominated by our 'big three leagues'.

The 2005 rankings dictate that the world's market leader in football terms is now Real Madrid. The previous years had been dominated by the Manchester United marketing machine; however the Castilian club took the mantle from their English rivals. Much of this change in fortunes has been put down to the 'David Beckham factor'.

Former England skipper David Beckham is as famous for his private life as he is for his football. Married to a 'Spice-Girl', the midfielder looks more like a pop star than a footballer, sporting numerous tattoos, continually outrageous hair styles and a multiplicity of product endorsement contracts. Described as being the 'most photographed sportsman ever', Beckham is worth his weight in Euros to his club side. The fact that Manchester United, who previously topped the rich-list, were dethroned by Beckham's new club Real Madrid is regarded as proof of the man's value from a marketing perspective. However, it is worth mentioning that Madrid's on-field performances have declined while their finances improved, and a more recent list may also hint at Beckham's own on-pitch decline as a force in world football.

The top ten teams in the list are, with the exception of Bavarian giants Bayern Munich, all from Spain, Italy or England. The majority is dominated by the Premiership as we see Manchester United (2nd), Chelsea (5th), Liverpool (8th) and Arsenal (10th), this is followed by three Serie A clubs in Milan (3rd), Juventus (4th) and Inter (9th) and Spain's La Liga only has two top ten entries, despite Real topping the list being followed by rivals Barcelona in 6th. In viewing these figures, we must firstly emphasise that they are not as up to date as we would like, also should a more recent list be compiled we would surely see the effect of Calciopoli on the Italian sides.

Style

The extent to which a league entertains depends vastly upon how you like your football. The three brands all vary in their traits greatly and taste is a vital factor within this, after all, one man's pineapple is another man's poison. Main differences in these leagues are inherent of the style of football played in each respective country. Although on the surface this may seem obvious, but when we consider the extent to which domestic football has become incredibly multicultural, it is positive that these leagues maintain their own identity despite this.

The brand of football played in the leagues differs greatly. As mentioned earlier, the Italian game is one based around technique, control of possession and patience. The cattenaccio of today's Italian game is not as negative as that of sides during the mid-twentieth century, wherein five defenders would be used to enforce a stringent man marking system with a 'libero' slotting in behind as a ball-playing sweeper. Unfortunately the system in its original state is now outdated, given that both the zonal marking system has almost uniformly become the status quo of the modern game and that sweepers are now very scarcely employed. However, the football played in Serie A today is one that echoes this system.

Calcio is often regarded by those in Northern Europe as being dull, but those closer to the Mediterranean as being a purists game that encapsulates a higher standard of football than any other. Football in Italy has been likened to a game of chess, with a more systematic approach than that of other countries. Defenders are often as gifted in possession as any other position, a trait not found elsewhere in football. The style football played uses lots of short passes designed to open pockets of space, rather than longer balls targeting taller forwards. The game requires a very high level of technical ability, with the art of controlling and passing paramount.

Detractors of the Italian game often point its lack of pace and time-consuming attacking play as its flaws. Goals are notoriously hard to come by, a fact further embellished by examining Luca Toni's impressive thirty-one goal season last year, the first player to score over thirty goals in Serie A for forty eight years. As such many prefer the hustle and bustle of leagues like the Premiership.

The Premiership is a very fast and furious division; emphasis on strength, pace and drive. This is not withstanding the fact that a very high standard of football can be seen in England's top flight, however by and large the game is dictated in a very physically demanding manner. English football was much maligned in the eighties and nineties for a predominance of 'long ball' football. The theory being that long, direct passes into forward areas would create chances for purposefully employed big, physical strikers. This style was often considered to not be graceful and was lambasted by critics. Despite the fact that the English league has developed since, similarly to the catenaccio roots of Serie A, this style still exists to some extent today; even league champions Chelsea have been criticised for employing such a style. Despite not being as higher level of technical level, the Premiership is often billed as being 'the most exciting league in the world' due to its non-stop action-packed intensity.

In contrast La Liga has a style of its own entirely. Borrowing much from a South American ethic of flair football, the Spanish league is famed for its fast, flowing attacking brand of play. Spain's Primera Division has won many admirers over recent years, firstly thanks to the Zidane inspired galacticos of Madrid and more recently the exploits of Ronaldinho Gaucho for Barcelona. The emphasis in Spain, more than any other in Europe, is on attacking play. Formations are based around ball playing midfielders and skilful wingers. This does produce a very open brand of football; however this does often expose defensive frailties. With the occasional exception (Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol) Spanish defenders are not generally as strong as their counterparts in farther reaches of the game. This combined with the ability of attackers does make La Liga very enticing from a spectator point of view.

Not withstanding the stereotypes that we have examined, there are clear exceptions to every rule, and this instance no different. Despite being usually solid and defence-orientated, Carlo Ancelotti's Milan have been praised for their attacking football in Serie A. Also, and potentially the finest example of this, there is Arsenal. Arsene Wenger's men continually produce some of the most free flowing football in world football today. However, for obvious reasons, the North London outfit could be reasoned to be the exception to the rule as they have a side almost totally dominated by foreign players. To the extent that, since the departures of Sol Campbell and Ashley Cole, it is unlikely that an Englishman will, should the Gunners be at full strength, feature at all.

Competitiveness

What makes a league exciting is often based around not only the vastness of the occasion or the protagonists involved, but the closeness of the competitors. In all leagues, as with walks of life, there are historically bigger sides with larger financial acumen, but where there is no competition, there is no spectacle.

The Premiership has been dominated by the wealth of Chelsea over the past two seasons, not withstanding the fact that it takes more than just money to dominate a league (although it helps) and it is a credit to both players and coaching staff that they have taken the past two successive titles with consummate ease. This season, however is painting a different picture. The wily old Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is now producing the results that his talented array of stars are capable of, and at this point in time stand a commendable eight points clear of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

Beyond the top two, we see something that has been apparent for some time in the Premiership. The gap between the top teams and the chasing pack could be justifiably described as chasm-like. Previously there was a top four that added Liverpool and Arsenal to the current table-topping rivals, but unfortunately for the neutral this gap has extended to these clubs as well. However, this does create what can be seen as almost a 'second league' in which clubs behind Manchester United and Chelsea vie for the remaining to places in Europe's prestigious Champions League.

This chasing pack includes both Liverpool and Arsenal, followed in strength of squad by Bolton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur but effectively any other side that can put together a good run of results can infiltrate the group, as was the case with last season's surprise package of Wigan Athletic, who almost secured a UEFA Cup berth despite being touted as relegation favorites before the season began.

Spain can also look to the domination of one club over the past two seasons as being the main debating topic. Barcelona's back-to-back titles have not, however, received anything like the treatment that Chelsea's similar achievements have. Whilst the 'boo-boys' have been out in force 'pooh-poohing' the wealth, attitude and style (or lack thereof) the Premiership's title holders, Barcelona's success has been lauded as a 'victory for style over adversity'. From many purists' perspectives, the brand of flowing football that Barca exhibit is very pleasing on the eye and the fact that Los Cules are considered footballing royalty, rather than the nouveau riche of Mourinho's men, could be a factor.

The Primera Liga at present still see's the Catalonian giants on top, a mini-renaissance from their bitter rivals Real Madrid has been temporarily halted as the surprise package of Sevilla look to 'upset the apple cart'. Traditional bridesmaids Valencia appear to have moved back to a position more akin to an usher as Atletico Madrid and Zaragoza enjoy good form. Unlike the Premiership, La Liga does not usually purvey the gulf between the top sides and their competitors. Such is the nature of Spanish football, that although unexpected, the top teams are more often beaten by their less illustrious competitors.

In the Italian top flight, again the competitiveness is affected by the match fixing scandal. From the season's opening, it seemed that it would be a two horse race. In previous seasons this has been the case, with Juventus battling Milan for lo scudetto. However, with Milan docked points and Juventus having to cope with life in Serie B, it has left Roma and Inter to battle for the title. Inter, the perennial underachievers of calico, have amassed one of the world's strongest squads and as such currently stand a clear distance ahead of their rivals. Nine consecutive wins for the nerazzurri (an Italian record) sees Mancini's men looking down the barrel of their first actual title (they were handed the 2006 title by default of being the highest placed side guilty of no wrongdoing in the Calciopoli scandal) in over ten years.

In Conclusion

Upon first attempting to tackle this question, I can honestly state that I did not conceive quite what I was undertaking. All three leagues are packed with all things that make football the worlds biggest, and in my opinion best, sport. Rather than scrutinized with a cynical eye, we should really be embracing these bastions of passion, flair and ability, rejoicing in the pleasure that millions of fans get from these three small collections of twenty teams. However, I set out on a journey, a journey that took longer than anticipated, but a journey all the same to root out which I believed to be the best.

If that assessment leaves all of the leagues attributes equal then the next separates. Money and marketing are bigger in the Premier League than in any other non-American sport and the financial credence there eclipses anything that Spain or Italy can boast. However, the argument in this instance must remain, how important (bragging rights aside) is the money? Which leads us to question, is money not potentially the ultimate undoing of these leagues? Using Italy as a prime example, the great football broadcaster James Richardson cites this as the reason for Serie A's downturn in fortunes; he believes that money that was spent around the turn of the century was effectively 'promised' funds for projected future television rights that sadly never materialized. However, in the Premiership, the money just keeps rolling in.

Finally we draw to the final issue of competitiveness and with Calciopoli forcing Serie A to dismount its jockey leaving a two horse race. In this issue I am setting my stall out early and backing the Premiership. With no disrespect to Real Madrid, but I cannot see Barcelona being usurped this season. From watching football for many years now, you learn to know when a resurgence is threatening, and Madrid's is not that. Manchester United however is the English top flight, for the first time in a while, looks as though it will draw to a truly nail-biting conclusion.

Overall, as I have mentioned throughout, it is with regret that I concede that Italy, given all of their difficulties, cannot compete. This upsets me, as it was Serie A where I gained much of my development as a football supporter, spending years enjoying the delights of the Mediterranean game, watching exotically monikered players with equally glamorous abilities. It is true that the average Italian top flight footballer is of higher fundamental ability than his English counterpart, but the stigma of scandal is too apparent in the current Serie A climate for them to be considered. It is my hope that we see a renaissance in Italian football and that over the coming decade we see a nation rejuvenated and again rivaling their Spanish and English counterparts.

So it comes to the final two, and in truth it could not be tighter. However, it is the Premiership which I believe to be the best. It is by the width of a flee's reproductive organs, but the Premiership has the lot. It has, in my opinion, the most exciting crop of young players, the most competitive title chase and the best supporters. It has the biggest worldwide audiences and is (marginally) the strongest nation in the worldwide transfer market. This is not to detract from La Liga, a league of endless attacking improvisation, flair and adventure, a league that has history, has impossibly gifted players, has Ronaldinho, but its flaws are too clear. The hapless defending is one such example of this and too bigger issue to be ignored.

For me, the Premiership has only recently secured the mantle it has sought since its creation. For the Baggios, van Bastens, Papins, Maldinis, Batistutas and friends in Nineties Serie A to the Zizous, Figos, Rivaldos, Ronaldos, Rauls et al of Noughties La Liga, there has always been something to separate English Football from the top of the tree, however now it is clear that the FA Premier League is THE major force in world football today and given the money and following dedicated to retaining that mantle, I foresee that this will be the case for years to come.

The author is David Hardy who writes for http://www.football-rumours.com A large, frequently updated football/soccer web site dealing with all facets of the game. The above article is only half the original due to the 3500 word count of this articles site. This article can be read in it's entirety at http://articles.football-rumours.com

Italian Football League Weekend In Review

On Saturday, defending champions defeated Atalanta 2-1 with goals from their reserve strikers David Suazo and Julio Cruz. Atalanta replied with a stunning shot by Sergio Floccari, who hit a right foot volley from about 20 yards out that beat Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar all ends up.

Earlier in the day, title rivals Roma had defeated a spirited Genoa side in Genoa by a last-minute header from Christian Panucci.

It was a good week for the veteran Roma defender as it was his late header that put paid to Scotland at Hampden Park and sent Italy to Euro 2008. On Sunday AC Milan struggled to overcome a very spirited Cagliari side by coming from behind to win 2-1 with an Andrea Pirlo special free kick that Cagliari goalkeeper should have done better with.

Milan went behind within minutes of the start of the game and they laboured throughout as Kaka their main playmaker seemed to be suffering the effects of having travelled to and fro within Italy and Brazil and playing 2 world cup qualifiers for his country.

The rest of the team seemed to be feeling their age as Cafu(37), Nesta(32), Maldini(39) and Serginho(36) cannot be expected to play too many games of high intensity. It was great to see Ronaldo make his first appearance of the season and he looked slimmer than he normally does.

Fiorentina wasted the chance to keep up with the title race by drawing 0-0 at lowly Reggina in a very dull game.

The only noteworthy thing to report was that Fiorentina manager; Cesare Prandelli had to return back home from the airport to be with his sick wife, who sadly died this morning.

Our thoughts are with Cesar Prandelli and his family in this difficult period.

Empoli and Torino played out a 0-0 draw as well.

Lazio, playing for the first time since that death of 1 of their fans, Gabriele Sandri was shot to death by a stray bullet from a policeman; defeated Parma 1-0 with a late goal from Fabio Firmani. The fans showed their dissatisfaction of what they deemed to be the government and Italian FA showing preference by not postponing matches like they did when a policeman was accidentally killed last year at Catania, by attending the match 20 minutes after it had started.

Udinese continued their impressive start to the season by defeating Siena 2-0 with goals from Italy internationals, Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale.

There were also victories for Napoli; 2-0 over Catania and Livorno won at home for the 1st time this season with a 3-1 win over Sampdoria. In the evening game, Juventus thumped Palermo 5-0 with club captain Alessandro Del Piero coming off the bench to inspire his side with 2 goals and an assist for Marco Marchionni.

Juventus were already 2-0 up by the time he came on with goals from David Trezeguet and Vincenzo Iaquinta. This was too much for impatient President Maurizio Zamparini as he sacked manager Stefano Colantuono and replaced him with Francesco Guidolin, who is taking charge of Palermo for the third time.

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Champions League Wednesday 2nd Leg Review

Real Madrid 1 Roma 2

Real Madrid came into this game with a lot of injuries to key players like Ruud Van Nistlerooy, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and suspension to Sergio Ramos. They were however boosted by the return of Robinho and Pepe but ultimately paid for the lack of creativity in the middle of the park and for the lack of physical presence upfront.

Roma on the other hand had a full complement to pick from and played a very smart game denying Real any space whatsoever and causing problems of their own with Alberto Aquilani being outstanding in the 1st half. He had 2 tremendous efforts, the 1st of which ricocheted off the crossbar with Iker Casillas beaten all ends up and the 2nd in a matter of seconds, forcing Casillas into a very smart save.

Francesco Totti was not at his showy best but he held the ball up brilliantly for his teammates to join up in the attack most especially Simone Perrotta, who's unselfish, running, typifies the way Roma play.

Real Madrid did not create many chances but the ones they did create were wasted by Robinho and Julio Baptisa as they both should have hit the target when presented with golden opportunities. Baptista did hit the bar with a brilliantly taken free kick.

Pepe was given his marching orders for a 2nd yellow card when he brought down Mirko Vucinic very close to his penalty box.

Roma struck the 1st blow when Rodrigo Taddei rose to head in a brilliant cross from Max Tonetto in the 73rd minute. Raul replied with a typically cool finish after he was put through by Guti in the 75th minute but he was clearly in an offside position.

Real incredibly were playing better with 10 men than they were with 11 and Raul, on 2 occasions nearly got his side in front but he was thwarted 1st by Juan then he headed over from a free kick. Roma had the game sewn up when a free kick by Christian Panucci was missed by Fabio Cannavaro but was met by the very impressive Vucinic to make it 2-1 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.

The Greek referee, it has to be said was way too fussy and booked players, sometimes needlessly and never really gave the game a chance to flow. Roma would not care too much about that and would be looking forward to the quarter-final draw on Friday week.

Chelsea 3 Olympiakos 0

Chelsea had a very comfortable ride to the quarters as most people thought they would as Michael Ballack headed them in front from a Frank Lampard cross in the 6th minute. Lampard helped himself to an easy goal when the goalkeeper spilled Ballack's shot and in the 3rd minute of the resumption in the 2nd half Solomon Kalou made I 3-0 from another goalmouth scramble.

Porto 1 Schalke 0 (Schalke win 4-1 on penalties)

Manuel Neuer gave the best goalkeeping display by anyone in this year's champions league last night as he made 3 tremendous saves in the match and then another great goalkeeping display in the penalty shootout. Ironically it was not until went down to 10 men did they start to play some good stuff when Jorge Fucile was harshly sent off for a high challenge on Halil Altintop. Four minutes later Lisandro Lopez swivelled and scored the best goal of the night and it had to be to beat Neuer in such inspired form as he his hit the roof of the net with the goalkeeper left floundering.

Ricardo Quaresma really should have put Porto in front in extra-time but left all alone with Neuer, he could not make up his mind what he wanted to do and eventually his attempt was saved by Neuer. In the penalty shootout, predictably Schalke scored all their whilst Neuer made saves from Bruno Alves and Lisandro to put Schalke in the quarter finals of the champions league for the 1st time in their history.

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