Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy was delighted to see his side see off Premier League big boys Manchester City 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
The Midlanders fell behind to Emmanuel Adebayor's penalty before Nenad Milijas and David Edwards efforts secured a valuable success for McCarthy's side at Molineux.
Despite producing sterling performances at Chelsea and Manchester United in the last week without reward, McCarthy was ecstatic that his Wolves team managed to pick up all three points to ease their relegation fears.
He also paid tribute to defender Richard Stearman after he fouled David Silva for the Citizens' penalty.
"We're all delighted that we've got three points and the fact that we've beaten Manchester City, one of the top-four teams, makes it all the better," McCarthy said.
"We've actually been playing okay but City started well and so they should with the players they've got on show, but the game could've gone any way.
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"We've played well at Chelsea and got nothing and we played well at Old Trafford and got nothing and went out of the Carling Cup. So, it's the points that matter.
"It's a penalty. It's a mistake by Stears but his reaction was brilliant – I thought he defended brilliantly thereafter."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
The Premier League is engulfed in an array of talent from nations spanning right across the globe. We’ve got petite playmakers, sublime strikers and domineering defenders but despite this, there are a select few players who perhaps enjoy unworthy praise.
You know the ones, the questionable fan’s hero, the managers’ favourite or the player who’s still trying to justify their enormous price tag. This carefully crafted XI therefore seeks to highlight thee individuals who, throughout this season at least, have failed to live up to expectations.
One things for sure, now that I’ve taken the time to topple these players off their pedestal, they’re bound to have a cracking game at the weekend. I’d get down the bookies if I were you.
Click on Hugo Rodallega to unveil the overrated XI
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Is there anyone I’ve overlooked? Perhaps you feel the need to stick up for your particular player. Send me your views via Twitter @theunusedsub
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Manchester United have just clinched their record nineteenth Premiership title and are preparing to face Barcelona in the Champions League final. The Red Devils will go into the Wembley showpiece full of confidence and looking to complete a memorable double. However, some sections of the media have still raised question marks about the quality of the current United side. The current team’s quality has been criticised when compared to some of Sir Alex Ferguson’s previous squads, which may have an element of truth to it, but I feel it’s irrelevant when you see what they have achieved this season. Sir Alex would also be quick to discard such suggestions, however he will no doubt have an injection of new players next season. It is likely Manchester United’s legendary manager will be put his faith in some of United’s young players next season, after successful loan spells away this year. Obviously, they aren’t going to come back and walk straight into the first team, but do Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck ,in particular, have the potential to make their emergence into the first team squad?
Tom Cleverley has been an integral part of the Wigan’s relegation battle this season and the United youngster has weighed in with four goals for the cause. He had an impressive spell at Watford last season where he scored eleven goals and was voted their player of the season. Now that he has had his first taste of Premier League action with Wigan, next season could be his chance to break into the first team set up at Old Trafford. Cleverley has the ability to replicate a similar rise to prominence to that of Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, who after his loan spellwith Bolton has become a first team regular with the Gunners.
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With Paul Scholes in the twilight of his career, Cleverley could eventually materialise as an ideal long term replacement for Scholes. At this present moment in time Cleverley still has a lot of work to do to step into Scholes’ boots and convincing the Old Trafford crowd he is good enough to stake his claim will take some time, as Darron Gibson will vouch for. Gibson has been heavily criticised for his performances by many United fans and after opening a twitter account recently he closed it within two hours due to the amount of abuse he received from his own supporters.
Danny Welbeck is another player who has made sufficient progress in his career as a result of a loan spell with Sunderland. He even did enough to catch the eye of England manager Fabio Capello who rewarded his good form with his first England cap. Welbeck is a player who will no doubt divide opinion among United fans asto whether he is capable enough to break into the first team. Sir Alex Ferguson will ultimately decide on the future of his young players and from what he told Manchester United’s official website with regards to their future, it looks promising , “They will come back into the first-team squad and they will get plenty of games next season.” Ferguson was full of praise for the two players and clearly feels they have the potential to make it at the club, “Cleverley has done very well, particularly in his spell at Watford and then at Wigan. He has improved in each case and he is going to be a top player. Welbeck has been fantastic too, it’s just unfortunate that he picked up a bad injury. But they will all be ready for next year.”
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With Federico Macheda and Mame Diouf also set to return from loan spells next year and with no sign of a new contract for Michael Owen there is likely to be one forward position for Welbeck, Macheda and Diouf to fight for. The young players are likely to be given opportunities next season and it will be interesting to see if they can break into the team in the same way as Beckham, Scholes, Butt and the Neville’s did in the early nineties. So is it still too early for these players to be considered as potential first teamers at Man United, or are they now equipped to play for one of the biggest clubs in world football?
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the brilliance of Javier Hernandez after the Mexican starlet fired Manchester United into the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.
Hernandez's sixth goal since arriving at Old Trafford for £7million before the World Cup earned United a 3-2 victory over Wolves.
The 22-year-old had scored both goals during Sunday's 2-1 Premier League victory at Stoke City in the absence of Wayne Rooney.
"He was absolutely brilliant – it was a magnificent goal," said Ferguson."He's shaped to shoot, dummied the defender and finished really well.
"They tend to build heroes quickly here but he's justifying the praise at the moment.
"He's very professional, the first out on the training ground and the last one back in every day and he's rightly getting a lot of praise for his goalscoring.
"When he gets a chance you know he's going to take it. His touch, control of the ball and vision are improving and that's because the training is intense.
"We care about it and making sure the players do improve."
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Hernandez came on in the 81st minute after goals from Bebe and Ji-Sung Park had been cancelled out by George Elokobi and Kevin Foley.
"It was a very open game in the second half, Wolves played very well and it was a really good cup tie," added Ferguson.Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tuesday night was not an enjoyable one for Chelsea fans as the Blues suffered a 3-1 defeat to Napoli in the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie despite taking the lead. Juan Mata put Andre Villas-Boas’ side ahead, but once again Chelsea failed to hold onto a lead and now face a difficult task to reverse the tie at Stamford Bridge.
For the match at the Stadio San Paolo, three Chelsea players in particular will have been very disappointed to have found themselves starting on the bench rather than the pitch. Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard especially would have expected starts and while they both came on as substitutes, John Obi Mikel didn’t get to leave his seat.
Here are Chelsea trio Cole, Lampard and Mikel, but what are they saying to each other as they’re stuck on the bench?
Leave your suggestions below…
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This week you can win a Signed Chelsea Football!
This football has been signed by the 2011/12 Chelsea squad, a perfect gift for any Blue.
For the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here
Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.
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Last week’s winner: ulley – click here to see all entries
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Tottenham missed the Champions League boat this season after a shocking run of form in the last third of the season has cost them dear. Harry Redknapp must be forever wondering what if, especially given the amount of points they have thrown away in particular at White Hart Lane.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes Europa League adds to Spurs’ transfer appeal; a signing Tottenham should snap up; Harry could benefit from showing a little faith.
We also look at the best Spurs articles around the web this week.
*
Would leaving Tottenham be the best move all round?
A transfer bargain that North London duo should attempt to sign up?
Distraction perhaps, but vital to Tottenham’s transfer appeal?
Tottenham’s Greatest Ever Moments In ‘Pictures’
Flamini used as bait to tempt Tottenham to sell
Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool…which club represents the best move?
Could Tottenham and Arsenal benefit from a little faith?
Where do Rafa van der Vaart and Spurs go from here?
Fingers to be pointed at White Hart Lane
Harry and Tottenham should keep the £12m and shop elsewhere
*Best of WEB*
The Reign at the Lane: the Greg Meyer column. – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2
Ledley’s Knee Beats Liverpool – Tottenham On My Mind
Summer is almost upon us… – Dear Mr Levy
The conundrum of the football manager – Martin Cloake Online
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Arsene Wenger admitted he was relieved to see Arsenal come away with three points after claiming they played 'with the handbrake on' against Birmingham City.
Nikola Zigic opened the scoring for the Blues in the 33rd minute against the run of play with his first goal in the Premier League.
However, a debatable penalty awarded after Marouane Chamakh went down under Scott Dann's challenge was converted by Samir Nasri on 41 minutes.
Morocco striker Chamakh then went on to rub salt into the wounds with a winning goal two minutes into the second half.
The 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium brought a halt Arsenal's two-game Premier League losing streak.
"It was nervy for us because you could see our fluency was a bit affected by the fact that we had not won for two games," explained Wenger.
"We played a little bit with the handbrake in the final third, especially when we were 2-1 up, and it was never comfortable. You could see that and feel that in the way we played."
Meanwhile, Wenger accepted that Jack Wilshere deserved to be sent off for a crude lunge at Zigic in the closing stages.
Wenger has continually hit out at opposition players who he feels are overly aggressive when playing against the Gunners.
"He mistimed his tackle and he got the red card he deserved," acknowledged the Frenchman.
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"But he didn't spend the whole game kicking people. He played football and was one of the best players on the football pitch.
"Unfortunately it happened to him, but I think it was more frustration. He didn't want to harm the player – he mistimed his tackle.
"We do not complain about his red card but you cannot say he had a dirty game."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Before the Little Pea completes a dazzling display,
Ferguson’s joy, AVB’s dismay.
Final whistle, it ends three apiece,
At this point, our poetry must cease,
One game left in Liverpool,
Will it prove the weekend’s crown jewel?
Game of the Weekend
Sometimes games involving the top four fail to live up to the preceding hype. Manchester United’s visit to Chelsea on Sunday cannot be included in that category though. The six goal thriller at Stamford Bridge demonstrated English football at its’ passionate best. Criticism is occasionally aimed at the style of play in the Premier League in that every piece of play must contribute to a goal scoring move. In this case, it only added to what was a thrilling spectacle, if you’re not a Chelsea fan that is. For Manchester United an inspirational comeback. When fans of the Red Devils do eventually calm down, they may be frustrated that they lost ground on Manchester City though.
Player of the Weekend
It is a worrying prospect for Arsenal fans to consider their team without Robin van Persie Yet again he provided a telling contribution against a weak Blackburn side effortlessly thrashed by the imperious Gunners on Saturday. A hat trick for the Dutchman is hardly a special occasion these days but it took him to 22 goals for the season. Gooners will be hoping he can fire Arsenal into the top four places otherwise they risk losing their star forward in the summer.
Goal of the Weekend
Over the course of the season Juan Mata has proved to be a dangerous attacking force. He showed that once again with a stunning volley against Manchester United. The technique he displayed to smash the ball into the roof of the net was sublime.
However, what added to the quality of the strike was the cross supplied by Fernando Torres. He may not be having much luck in front of the goal but the Spaniard’s ball into his fellow countryman was pinpoint.
Save of the Weekend
When Bobby Zamora netted for QPR early on against Wolves, Mick McCarthy must have feared the worst. However, Djibril Cissé’s sending off changed the dynamic of the game. Having turned the match on it’s head through goals from Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle, Wolves had Wayne Hennessey to thank for making sure they took three points back to the West Midlands.
His late finger-tip save from Adel Taarabt’s rising effort proved vital. The 25-year-old Welshamn narrowly edges out David De Gea’s stop from Juan Mata’s curling free kick. The Spanish ‘keeper has received plenty of criticism but he must be applauded for ensuring United’s impressive comeback was kept intact.
Honourable Mention: David De Gea
Quote of the Weekend
Settle down children, its story time with Mick McCarthy! After Djibril Cissé’s sending off on Saturday, the Wolves boss recounts an old tale in his post match interview.
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“The rules are you can’t grab anyone by the face now and push them in the throat . Was it a sending off in my day? No, was it heck.”
If you say so Mick. When men were men etc.
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Sao Paulo, May 2011: Following a routine hospital scan, a couple in Sao Paolo, Brazil, got more than they bargained for when a strange anomaly appeared on the ultra-sound scan of their unborn child – an image bearing a striking resemblance to recently retired, former Derby County midfielder and current Radio 5 Live pundit Robbie Savage.
The photograph, exclusively released to us here at FootballFanCast.com, has already caught the attention of the football fans from around the globe. As you will see in the scan you can just make out the image of former player.
Click below to see the Press Conference about the amazing scan picture
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Father to be, Fabio Cabral, a 25 construction worker from Sao Paolo explains, “We went to the hospital for a routine scan. When the nurse came in she just said, ‘I think that you should see this.”
“At first we thought it was Jesus, but when the staff had a closer look we were told by our Doctor, who has followed English football for many years, that it was actually an image of former Welsh footballer Robbie Savage. It was a moment that changed their lives.”
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Although the Cabrals’ have admitted that they didn’t know who Robbie Savage was, the couple has taken his image as a good omen for the healthy future of their child.
An exciting and quite shocking set of results offered many what could be viewed as one of the premiership’s more entertaining weekends this season. The first offering, whilst not a particularly entertaining game marked what could be a significant step forward in the evolution of Manchester City. Liverpool was their first high profile and utterly convincing win of the season, but Chelsea was a completely different scalp for City. Courtesy of Carlos Tevez they recorded a win against title favorites and Chelsea tasted defeat for the first time this season. A significant result for City, however will not set alarm bells ringing for Chelsea fans – the Blues still sit comfortably at the top of the table, meaning a loss against one of the league’s strongest squads away from home is not disastrous.
The 3pm fixtures were a mixed bag and provided neutrals with something to get excited about, with a few high scoring games and one – if not two – notable upsets. Wigan – Birmingham was the lowest scoring event of the day and finished 0 – 0 with a point for either side appearing to be a fair return for both. The only real major talking point of the game was Johnson being sent off for clashing with Hugo Rodallega, and possibly the abuse dished out to Charles N’Zogbia whose transfer to Birmingham collapsed on deadline day. Branded greedy by the Birmingham fans N’Zogbia, in his own typical style, responded by saying he enjoyed the abuse and just wanted to carry on playing his own game.
Over on the West Coast, Blackpool suffered defeat in their second home game of the season to a Blackburn side expertly organised by future Real boss Sam Allardyce. The Riversiders took the lead through a Charlie Adam own goal and having battled hard to get the equaliser, it was so unfortunate for Blackpool to be defeated by such a late winner from Brett Emerton in stoppage time. Ian Holloway contested this goal with referee Mike Dean in the tunnel, claiming it was offside and the result of a foul; he has since been charged by the FA for improper conduct. Despite the result, credit should be given to Blackpool. It was tenacious and positive to chase for the win, and if the Tangerines carry on playing their admiral brand of football, then with a little bit of luck they could well survive a campaign in this league – as well as win a whole host of admirers.
Moving South from Blackpool to Anfield there was increasing pressure on Liverpool to record what would be only their second win this season. Things looked decent for Roy Hodgson’s side in the first five minutes when Dirk Kuyt managed to score what has since been confirmed as a perfectly legitimate goal. Steve Bruce questioned the decision to allow it to stand, although having scored a goal thanks to a stray beach ball last season it is fair to say that Liverpool possibly deserved this one. Sunderland battled extremely well to get involved in the game and were it not for Steven Gerrard coming to the rescue then Liverpool would almost certainly have suffered defeat. On a plus side for Liverpool, they at least scored a couple of goals and a Torres assist may play some role in him rediscovering his form. Sunderland can be happy with gaining an away point in a ground most still regard intimidating, and it is this kind of result that should hopefully help the Black Cats establish themselves as a top 10 side. As for Liverpool, like in many fixtures this season, they looked pedestrian and toothless and a large number of their shots came from outside of the box. It is of course still early days for Hodgson’s side but a poor points return from the first few games are certainly a cause for concern. Panic is still a long way off but Liverpool need to start performing considerably better or else an improvement on last season’s position could be further away than expected.
Continued on Page TWO
The three other three o’clock kicks offs took place in the capital and despite being lowscoring affairs were undeniably interesting in their own ways. West Ham gained their first win of the season thanks to a fairly early goal from Frederic Piquionne, West Ham dominated the early part of the game and most would agree that they were deserving of their victory. Cudicini aside (who had a marvelous game) Spurs looked shaky at the back, through no fault of their own they were forced to use Corluka as a centre half partnered with Sebastian Bassong, Hutton retained his place at right back and Bale was forced to left back thanks to an injury to Assou-Ekotto. Despite Spurs squad being stretched in a number of areas it would be unfair not to talk about what West Ham did right instead of what went wrong for Spurs, Piquionne was lively and took advantage of the unfamiliar pair of centre half and Victor Obinna gave Tottenham a hard time throughout the game until his substitution in the 89th minute. If West Ham can perform like this regularly throughout the season and act more clinically then a decent finish isn’t beyond the Irons. As far as Tottenham go they still look a good side but with the strain Champions League football will put on the squad and the firm objectives of Man City highlighted this weekend then another fourth place finish may just prove a step too far for Redknapps side.
Over to the Emirates next for a quick review of just how West Brom managed to beat an Arsenal side that many suggested could finally win the title this year and who managed to make a blunder in closing the ground on Chelsea who had just lost to Manchester City. Before mentioning how good West Brom were Arsenals frailties must be mentioned. Two late goals from Nasri cant hide just how much of a disaster Arsenal had and it is telling that a manager usually so defensive of his own players came out and said that there were question marks over many players performances, though refusing to indentify any individuals it is safe to say that one of these was surely Arsenals goalkeeper Manuel Almunia who quite simply had a nightmare. Often described as Arsenals major weak link his performance at West Brom must surely mark the end of his tenure as the Gunners number one but with Fabianski having stepped up midweek in the Champions league it is unsure as to how much reassurance this will give Arsenal fans. Question marks also ring firmly above his head as a top flight goalkeeper and January may offer more hope for supporters than just a mere change. Despite Arsenals obvious shortcomings across the pitch it is paramount to address how good West Brom were. Instead of opting for the ‘kick them’ approach heavily favored by many managers against Arsenal West Brom instead chose to continue with their admirable style of football. Odemwingie was tireless going forward as well as defensively when West Brom managed to go three goals up and at this stage already he is looking to be one of the transfer windows more special purchases. The back four of West Brom were pretty faultless and overall every Baggies player on the field should be proud of their performance. Arsenal fans will point to the superior obsession and shot advantage they had over the visitors but West Brom should be congratulated for acting efficiently and effectively against a more talented side many expected to roll over them.
The final fixture of Saturday to mention was the one that heaped further misery on Merseyside. Everton are still the only side this season who haven’t notched up a win and even though slow starts being fairly traditional under David Moyes this one is slower than ever. To question Moyes however much I would like to would be a shocking thing to do as the man is a clearly capable and talented manager. Instead the question marks lie over the belief the squad has in one another and in fairness to Everton just that little bit of luck that sides need to get the ball rolling. The Blues had the better of Fulham and managed to get 5 shots on target and have a 55% share of ball obsession, Hughes claimed after the match that Everton were in a ‘false position’ and most would share this view also. Everton it seems have too much quality to go down and eventually one would assume that their talent and squad belief will come together, it is still early days this season and though obviously disappointed with their worse than usual slow start alarm bells wont be ringing just yet for David Moyes or chairman Bill Kenwright. Fulham continued to be solid if not spectacular under Hughes and it can be safely said that maybe if they had a few more striking options on Saturday they could have gave Evertons backline a tougher job. The good news for Hughes is that summer signings Dembele is set to return in the next fortnight and despite it still being early days for the former Eredivisie striker he looks already to be quite a smart piece of business. Zamora is hardly worth mentioning as his return is still a long way off but at least forgotten man Andy Johnson is apparently returning to training this week and could offer a welcome boost for the Cottagers…
Continued on Page THREE
On to Sunday where the early kick off was at the Reebok stadium with Owen Coyle’s men gearing up to face Manchester United. The game was possibly the most exciting of the weekend with underdogs Bolton taking the lead twice during the game thanks to a close range goal from Zat Knight and a great move from Bolton that despite resulting in an unfortunate deflection for both Fletcher and United was still fairly deserving of a goal. United equalized first from a magnificent solo effort from Nani and finally a header from Michael Owen. Talking points of this game include Uniteds shaky defence this season and just how much better Bolton now look under Owen Coyle. Rooney continued to lumber through the season and if United are to improve then as well as their defence having to buck their ideas up Wayne also needs to rediscover some of his form from last season. Not to take anything away from Bolton of course, despite suffering a small share of the percentage they looked committed when going forward and managed 8 shots inside Uniteds penalty box.
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The second game on Sunday was to be Houlliers first in charge of Aston Villa. Despite the scoreline Wolves just edged Villa in this match and a draw could have been a more fair scoreline. Wolves goal was certainly an interesting one as it managed to bounce past Brad Friedel who was seemingly distracted by the site of Dave Edwards sliding into the box. Houllier recorded his first win as Villa boss but it is early days for the side and over the coming weeks or months Villa will probably begin to evolve and we will see them playing Gerard’s own brand of football. Whether this will involve big Emile Heskey as his main frontman remains to be seen but despite good early signs from the former England frontman that he may enjoy some success under Houllier few would back him to continue scoring at a regular rate.
The final game of Sunday was up at St James Park where the Toon army were set to take on glamorous footballing side Stoke City. The game got off to a dreary start and it is a good thing that a penalty was awarded for a silly challenge on Andy Carroll by Robert Huth to open up a mildly entertaining second half. Despite the loss for the Toon Newcastle still look prepared enough to try and avoid relegation and at this stage in the season seven points from six games is a good return for the Magpies. In regards to Stoke it was them in particular who brought the most to this game, if not with good football then certainly in belief and battle. The Sky commentators hilariously remarked that there must have been a teleporting device between Stoke and Sunderland but the fact is that Stoke are a very solid team to play against who have a great deal of courage and resilience, if relegation goes down to the wire this year which it looks already set to do then this kind of squad morale and belief in one another could prove essential to Stoke surviving the drop. Kenywne Jones is going through a good period in his career and is starting to look the player that many Sunderland fans once thought he was – quick, strong and powerful. If Jones can stay injury free this season then he looks a good bet to get at least 12 – 15 goals which would be a magnificent return for a player Steve Bruce so readily discarded from the Stadium of Light.
Next week again looks to be a decent weekend for the league, Wigan play Wolves in the first game of the weekend and it will be interesting to see which way this game goes, for a scrap between two of the leagues bottom half sides there will be a surprising amount of attractive football on display in this fixture and it will hopefully prove to be an enjoyable game. Everton will be looking to get their first win of the season against an intimidating Birmingham side at St. Andrews at 3PM as well as Stoke – Blackburn, certainly a one for the purists, Sunderland – United which is arguably a big test for both sides, Tottenham – Villa, definitely a tougher match for Houllier’s new side, West Brom – Bolton, a potential relegation battle with both teams riding high on the back of good results and finally West Ham – Fulham where both sides will be itching for wins. On Sunday Newcastle head to the Eastlands for a hard away fixture, this is followed by Liverpool – Blackpool – surely a game Hodgson will be eyeing up to maybe get the ball rolling for Liverpool and the final clash of the weekend takes place at Stamford Bridge where Chelsea and Arsenal will be desperate to get back to winning ways following the weekend results.