Two teams that are at the heart of the history of English football, both Liverpool and Arsenal will be looking to put disappointing seasons behind them when they meet at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday. Matches between the Reds and the Gunners have thrown up their fair share of classics in the past, here are a few of them…

Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal (1989): The final match of the 1988/89 season saw the top two teams in the league go head-to-head and arguably remains the most exciting conclusion to a football season in England. Arsenal needed to win the game by two goals to win the title and thanks to a last minute goal from Michael Thomas, they did just that…

[youtube 4jiBIdtUKhs]

Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal (2009): What a game! Eight goals and bags of action. Both teams had the lead at one point in this topsy-turvy encounter, but it will be remembered as the match when Arsenal’s Andrey Arshavin netted an incredible four times. But it was left to Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun to have the final say in the match…

[youtube Tb_S2Cx6SL0]

Liverpool 4-2 Arsenal (2008): An enthralling game, Emmanuel Adebayor had put Arsenal ahead on away goals after a storming run by Theo Walcott, but Ryan Babel ensured that the Anfield faithful would be going home happy. First the Dutchman won a penalty which Steven Gerrard converted, then he scored a forth to put the result beyond doubt…

[youtube xcIasuY08T8]

Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool (2001): This match will be remembered as Michael Owen’s final. Two late goals led to heartbreak for Arsene Wenger’s side as it ensured that Liverpool would lift the FA Cup in 2001. Here’s Owen’s late winner which left David Seaman grasping at thin air…

[youtube 1Y135c-eST8]

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Liverpool 3-6 Arsenal (2007): This League cup encounter had goals, goals and more goals! Julio Baptista netted an incredible four times and even though the Liverpool team wasn’t at full strength, scoring six goals at Anfield is still some feat. Here are the nine goals in all their glory…

[youtube E2gOMp-ciSI]

When Manchester United won the league in 2008 and 2009, they played a formation that was quite different to the one they employed last season. The team played a 4-3-3 with Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney playing as three interchangeable forwards. With the loss of Ronaldo and Tevez at the start of last season, the formation changed largely to that of a 4-5-1, with three central midfielders and two wingers playing behind the lone front-man in the form of Wayne Rooney. The Ronaldo-Rooney-Tevez triumvirate brought great success to Man Utd, picking up two league titles and a Champions League triumph. This season, Sir Alex Ferguson may just have the personnel to replicate that formula, with Berbatov and Hernandez available for selection. Hernandez is obviously relatively unproven, and Berbatov is yet to find his true form for United, but this has the potential to form a devastating strikeline that would strike fear into the hearts of Premier League defences.

In Manchester United’s first game of the current season, a 4-4-2 formation was employed. It was one that Ferguson also used last season, with two central midfielders, two classic wingers in the form of Nani and Antonio Valencia, and two strikers in Berbatov and Rooney. This might well be the formation that Ferguson uses for the majority of the season, that is as long as Berbatov is firing. If he is not Hernandez could be brought in, or Ferguson could revert back to the 4-5-1 he used last season. The formation worked against Newcastle, but there will be much tougher tasks for Man Utd as they take on the top sides at home and abroad. In this case, and especially in away games, it is probable that Sir Alex will want to have three in the centre of midfield. In this case United could play a 4-5-1, or they could use a 4-3-3.

The latter formation could prove to be a potent attacking force for Man Utd this season. Javier Hernandez has pace to burn and could operate anywhere in a front three. Dimitar Berbatov is probably most suited to a central striking role, with his first touch and ability to hold up the ball a great asset going forward. The Bulgarian is no slouch however, and he has the ability to pick out killer passes so he could also interchange within a front three. In the Ronaldo-Rooney-Tevez trio, Rooney was given a free role, and although he scored less goals he also set more up, and was able to use his energy to greater effect. With three midfielders behind them, Rooney, Berbatov and Hernandez would have license to concentrate solely on attack, and few defences would fancy their chances of holding out.

The formation does have its drawbacks however. Tevez and Ronaldo were tremendously gifted players and are not easily replaced, there is no guarantee that the formation with different personnel would enjoy the same success. Hernandez looks a great talent but is still unproven, whilst Berbatov has tremendous ability but does not always perform. Rooney, playing as a lone striker last season, scored more goals in that position. The formation might also lack width, if Ferguson did select these three forwards it is unlikely that he would also pick Nani and Valencia and this could pose its own problems.

Sir Alex Ferguson has lots of options this season, something he perhaps lacked somewhat last term. As of yet we do not know what formation he is going to settle on, but the 4-3-3 will definitely be worth a try, if it plays as well as it looks on paper, Manchester United could have a fearsome frontline this season.

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The futures of Pepe Reina, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard remain in doubt with deeply unpopular Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks attempting to gain sole control over the club and force through a £280m refinancing package with the Blackstone/GSO Group. If the situation at the club looks bad now, it could get even worse if Hicks succeeds with his plan.

In a desperate attempt to hang onto the club, Hicks is attempting to offset the club’s assets against a new loan from Blackstone, whose chairman, Steve Schwarzman, is a personal friend of Hicks. Co-owner George Gillett is reportedly struggling to pay back the £75m loan secured against his 50% stake in the club and Hicks will attempt to buy-out his partner with a loan from Blackstone.

Hicks revealed his devastating plans at a meeting with the club’s board, with chairman Martin Broughton, chief executive Christian Purslow, director Ian Ayre and finance director Philip Nash, all present. The American duo have been given an October 6 deadline to repay the £237m debt they owe to RBS or find a buyer for the club. A buyer looks increasingly unlikely and if the Texan manages to pull off the refinancing deal it will give him another two years in control of the club.

The prospect of having Hicks in charge for another two years will horrify Reds fans who have seen their club piled with debt during the Americans’ three-and-a-half years at the club. The Liverpool board will attempt to block any such move and are seeking legal advice. However they may not have the power to veto the proposal.

Fans have voiced their disapproval over the announcement by starting an e-mail campaign aimed at the Blackstone/GSO Group in an attempt to convince the investors not to provide Hicks with the funds he needs. James McKenna, spokesman for Spirit of Shankly, the Liverpool Supporters’ Union, believes fans will protest should Hicks get his way.

“This is the latest in an on-going soap opera but we don’t want either Hicks or Gillett involved in the club and these plans will be met with the fiercest of protests,” he said.

“These reports are a worry.”

It is believed Roy Hodgson convinced his star players, Torres and Gerrard, to stay over the summer with the promise of new owners who would bring fresh investment and start work on the club’s new stadium. In truth, this short term measure will add more debt onto the club and leave Hodgson without the funds to transform his squad after last season’s dismal seventh placed finish.  It would leave the club in limbo and their star players looking for a move away from Anfield.

The proposed deal is the worst case scenario for Liverpool ahead of the RBS deadline. With Hicks refusing to lower his asking price he is prepared to bide his time until he can sell at the price he wants. Liverpool fans will hope a saviour emerges to rescue their club with an 11th hour bid. If Hicks remains in charge the immediate future certainly seems to be a bleak one for The Reds.

A source close to the deal told ESPN Soccernet:

“If Hicks gets his way, it would be a catastrophe for Liverpool. Besides more debt, higher interest payments and no stadium, it won’t be a question of selling players but whether the players will want to go.

“The players were told by the board in the summer that there would be new owners and a new stadium, and that they would not be sold.

“If the top players can see what is happening, and if it happens, they will want to go, rather than the club wanting to sell them.”

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Liverpool old boy taking the Championship by storm

A look into the future of the Premier League

Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has the funds available to strengthen his Arsenal squad, in the January transfer window.

Wenger has faced criticism by some supporters at his reluctance to spend big, despite the club being on a strong financial footing.

The Arsenal boss, speaking at the Club’s AGM, suggested he has the resources to bring in one or two players if need be.

“We have still resources available to bring one or two players in if needed in January,”

“But you have seen when you look at the other clubs it’s fragile everywhere and they are in a situation where the players want to be at the top level.

“We had some players going out in the summer and we have decided to give confidence to the young players at the Club. Why? Because they have a special culture of playing the game and can integrate very quickly.

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“We brought Squillaci, Koscielny and Chamakh and all of them have integrated very well into the spirit of the squad. I think they will be great additions to the team. They are winners, they don’t talk too much and they work very hard. So I believe in the transfer market we have done quite well.

“We made it our aim to keep our group of players together because I feel they meet their needs here. They know they are close to something special. They want to do it and that’s the challenge we have in front of us.” (Official Site)

Arsenal head to St. James’ Park tonight to play Newcastle in the Carling Cup. Arsenal’s Carling Cup squad may be a little different to what we’ve become accustomed too over the years. In previous seasons Arsène Wenger often utilised the Carling Cup to showcase his talented youngsters. The more experienced first team players were often rested and Wenger would play a healthy mixture of reserve-players and players just on the outskirts of the first team. On a good day this meant that we had an opportunity to see Arsenal’s stars of the future stake their claims for a role in the first team. On a bad day this was seen as a lack of ambition on Wenger’s behalf. There’s no doubt that such prioritising has aided the development of a number of Arsenal youngsters – but the decision never paid any real dividends.

Arsenal fans will be sick to the teeth of hearing it, but they have been trophy-less for five seasons. Could things have been different if Wenger hadn’t been so reliant upon youth in the Carling and FA Cups? It seems Wenger has finally realised that no matter what the competition, supporters still crave success. Arsenal fans don’t want another season of ‘what-ifs’. Wenger must attack on all fronts and go after every trophy with an unshakeable zeal.

Tonight should see starts for Theo Walcott, Nicklas Bendtner, Kieran Gibbs and Laurent Koscielney all of whom are first-teamers or have experience in the first-team. This team-selection appears to be Wenger putting his money where his mouth is. At a recent shareholders meeting he announced that he would “go for every single competition with every resource we have”. He added, “We want to end our wait for a trophy. We want to respond with the maximum commitment to the demands of people. The only thing I can promise is that we will try to give our best in every competition.”

This must be music to the ears of Arsenal fans. Arsenal may have the best young players in the world, but what really matters in the footballing world are trophies. Why would you not give it your all to ensure you have every chance of bringing back the goods? There are very few players in Arsenal’s squad who know what it’s like to win on a grand scale (Gael Clichy has a league winner’s medal and Fabregas has European and World championship medals) and Arsenal need to break their duck and establish a trophy-winning confidence. The old mantra is true – winning inspires winning. You get the feeling that when Arsenal finally do win a trophy, it will be the first of many more.

There may be those who mourn the days of old. How do Arsenal blood their youngsters if they’re not going to get game time in the Carling Cup? Although he has changed his policy, Wenger still grants a great deal of importance to developing Arsenal’s youth players. This means that younger players will get their opportunities – I would imagine that your average Arsenal Carling Cup squad will be made up of 70% experienced first-team players, whilst the remaining 30% is up for grabs. Increasing the competition between players isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It means the cream of the crop will rise to the top and it’ll be easier to see who is developing best within the club. Good news all round for Arsenal fans.

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On Thursday morning, new Liverpool owners, NESV (New England Sports Ventures) accepted the resignation of managing director Christian Purslow. Along with Christain Purslow, Ian Ayre also offered his resignation but the new owners have told him he has a future with the club

Christian Purslow’s impact on the club was called into question on Tuesday by ex boss, Rafael Benitez. Even if Benitez’s comments were to deflect responsibility away from himself, it shows the real lack of harmony at the top during Christian Purslow’s time at the club. Where Purslow has been credited with dragging the club into the modern would with record club sponsorship and endorsements, Ian Ayre, considered one of the unqualified successes of the Gillett and Hicks regime had a great hand in these deals.

In March 2009, Ayre confirmed a new sponsorship deal with the Bank of America. Ayre capitalised on the deal with the Bank of America, by immediately touring South East Asia for further investment and marketing opportunities. In 2009, Liverpool were the seventh richest club in the world, a large proportion of this wealth came from the Bank of America sponsorship dea as well as other marketing opportunities in Europe and Asia – set up by Ian Ayre.

During the turmoil of the last months, Liverpool should not forget that they have one of the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deals in English footballing history. Ayre signed the deal with Standard Chartered Bank – a £20m-a-year sponsorship. The marketing expert that even with the troubles of the mounting debt on the club and the takeover situation, Liverpool still had a strong attraction globally.

Of the deal Ayre said, It’s valuable in itself, but it says so much more about the set-up we now have.’

It is also widely accepted by football finance experts that Liverpool are an attractive long-term proposition financially, with the vital waiver of funding provision being available for a new 60,000-plus seat stadium. It is a credit to Ayre that Liverpool have remained so relatively strong in recent times, financially, despite still being housed at Anfield. Match day revenues are some £60m lower at Liverpool each season than at Manchester United and Arsenal, immediately putting the Reds at a disadvantage to their major domestic rivals.

Christian Purslow deserves a great deal of respect for his part in the sale of Liverpool FC. Ian Ayre is the mastermind behind marketing and sponsorship deals. A man that chooses to stay out of the spotlight is not a man who does nothing. NESV have decided to keep Ayre on, but have agreed to allow Christian Purslow to leave. A clear indication that they feel they can find a better managing director but would be hard pushed to find a marketing specialist of the standard of Ian Ayre.

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There are few moments that carry as much pressure as having every eye on the stadium on you as you step forward to take a penalty. The goal is just 12 yards away from the penalty spot, but because you’re expected to score, the pressure on the striker’s shoulders is immense. Some players have managed to deal with it expertly, with former Newcastle striker and all-time Premiership top scorer Alan Shearer one of many penalty specialists alongside Matt Le Tissier who had an incredible record from the spot for Southampton.

While the pressure is incredibly high, some players still have the confidence to show off their skills and take a somewhat cheeky penalty. Here are some of the current Manchester United squad showboating from the penalty spot:

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However, a real game situation is completely different and those players that have taken a ‘cheeky’ penalty have to be applauded. We have picked out 10 of the best for your viewing enjoyment.

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Head to PAGE TWO for the TOP 10 Audacious Penalties…

10: There’s no better way to start this list than with a chipped penalty. Here’s France legend Zinedine Zidane’s effort in the 2006 World Cup final made even better by the underside of the bar action:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=BzNVT-N3dRs%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

9: Not a particularly cheeky penalty, but audacious nonetheless. Goalkeeper Kevin Pressman steps forward to take a penalty in a shoot-out and this is the incredible result:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YHk3Pk-FxgU%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE THREE for more Audacious Penalties…

8: The chip has become the penalty of choice for many people, including former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke. Here’s Antonin Panenka leading the way in the 1976 Euro Championships for the Czech Republic:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=RSjpO308j88%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

7: German defender Andreas Brehme was known for taking penalties with his left foot, but in the 1990 World Cup final of all places he switched to his right foot:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Eh0heOmKJnM%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE FOUR for more Audacious Penalties…

6: Penalty shootouts are incredibly tense situations. Uruguay’s Sebastian Abreu clearly thinks otherwise as this effort from the 2010 World Cup shows. Arguably the best chip of the lot:

[youtube PLrE5VBMHDQ]

5: Classy effort from former Leeds and Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell. Shame it was in training and not at Elland Road or Anfield:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=XL-0i7GI9m0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE FIVE for more Audacious Penalties…

4: Spanish U19 international Ezequiel Calvente made the headlines earlier this year for this audacious switch-hit penalty. They were 2-0 up at the time:

[youtube J5SXBFhkpk4]

3: However, Calvente wasn’t the first to try this. Gerardo Reinsos did the same thing in an Argentina friendly in 1991 and has to be ahead of Calvente for sheer originality:

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=lQO2ioQA9ZU%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

Head to PAGE SIX to see which Audacious Penalties top the list…

2: This isn’t in a real game situation but it still had to be included. If Totti did this in an actual Serie A match it would definitely be top of the pile:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=mLrxVPlZLMg%26rel%3D0%26hl%3Den_US%26feature%3Dplayer_embedded%26version%3D3

1: The originality of this penalty has helped it top the list. What Johann Cruyff and Jesper Olsen did for Ajax isn’t easy, just ask former Arsenal pair Thierry Henry and Robert Pires!

[youtube MQ-l2QaUExs&feature=fvw]

So what do you think? Have we missed any cheeky penalties off of our list and would you have the courage to pull off one of these audacious pens?

The image of today’s footballer is the one of a young man with too much money spending it on fast cars and page 3 models. Now in some cases this is a fair assessment but there are a few with a more eccentric side. We highlight ten footballers who lead very bizarre lives away from the football field, be it as a hobby or a second job. Below is a selection of what I call the new modern footballer.

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Click on image below to see the alter egos

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KSC Lokeren missed the chance to climb into the top four of the Belgian First Division after being held 0-0 by KV Kortrijk on Tuesday.Elsewhere, Seth de Witte’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 win for KV Mechelen away to Eupen.

Guiseppe Rossini went closest for Kortrijk in the first-half at the Guldensporenstadion, while team-mate Mario Carevic threatened from set-pieces without success.

Croatian midfielder Carevic had a strong claim for a penalty turned down in the second half, but a Jeremy Taravel header for Lokeren and a final effort from Rossini proved to be the only other chances of note in a dire second half.

The draw leaves Lokeren fifth and one point behind Club Brugge but with two games in hand.

Kortrijk slipped to ninth following Mechelen’s narrow victory in Eupen.

Julien Gorius should have put the visitors ahead in the first half at the Kehrweg Stadion, but shot wide when one-one-one with Eupen goalkeeper Olivier Werner.

On-loan Fiorentina forward Matthias Lepiller troubled the Mechelen goal with a succession of dangerous free-kicks, but he was unable to find a way past Olivier Renard.

The match appeared to be drifting towards a goalless draw before de Witte rose to meet a Gorius free-kick, beating Werner with a near-post header to snatch the win with 13 minutes remaining.

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Mechelen are seventh but, with three games in hand and just four points behind fourth-placed Club Brugge, they retain realistic ambitions of finishing in the European qualification places.

Defeat leaves Eupen 13th and just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Manchester United were, once again, less than convincing at Southampton in the FA Cup. It was a familiar story as they under-performed in the first half, and then relied on the quality of the old guard to push them over the line. But as we continue to be unimpressed by performance, yet overwhelmed by the ongoing unbeaten streak, is it now time for the fringe players to move aside for a new generation to come through at Old Trafford?

I take nothing away from their season so far. How can you when United sit comfortably top of the Premier League table? My point is, with all the talk of United becoming the new ‘invincible’ side, how long can they really remain unbeaten playing the way they are, especially away from home? The first half performances at Blackpool and then St. Mary’s was nothing short of shocking. In both games, Ferguson had to throw on the likes of Ryan Giggs, Nani and Javier Hernandez to restore normality. Sooner or later though, a game is going to be beyond even their capabilities of rescuing. Giggs is a football marvel at 37-years-young, but he’s no superhero.

I watched Paul Scholes cut a frustrating figure against Southampton at the weekend, and I put a lot of it down to the fact that his centre midfield partner, Darron Gibson, gave the ball away far too often. And what about the stand-in-skipper for the day, John O’Shea? Don’t get me wrong, he has been a loyal servant to Ferguson, but he was about as threatening as a puppy going forward from right back.

These players are supposed to be good enough for the manager to rotate his squad to handle the congested fixture list United face. But when the likes of Gibson, O’Shea and even Jonny Evans take to the field from the start, it no longer fills you with the greatest of confidence. Against stronger opposition, United’s week could have looked a lot different: three points lighter in the Premier League and out of the FA Cup at the fourth round stage thanks to League One opposition.

This dilemma obviously brings us to question who Fergie is to play instead. But looking at the bench at the weekend, I would have much preferred Wes Brown on the field to O’Shea. Fabio is a prospect, and I like how positive he is from full-back – at least he doesn’t get a nose bleed every time he enters the oppositions half like O’Shea. As far as Gibson is concerned, again, he has potential. But with players like Tom Cleverley doing so well out on loan, he has to pick up his performances if he is to avoid being cast aside. He cannot survive off potential alone.

Ferguson puts a lot of faith into his youth set-up so I can’t see him selling off some of his under-performing players quite so hastily. Loyalty is something the 69-year-old Scot holds in high regard, so you could potentially see players like John O’Shea staying as long as Ferguson himself does. But forget all the emotional attachments, you have to ask whether the Irishman is actually good enough to be part of the set-up at Old Trafford or whether it is time United looked to bring though another crop of hopeful youngsters looking to become the next Manchester United generation.

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