Olympique Lyon have a chance to close in on Ligue 1 leaders Lille when they host Nancy at the Stade de Gerland on Friday.Nancy ended a run of three losses in all competitions with a 3-1 league win over relegation rivals Auxerre in their last match, while fifth-placed Lyon crushed fellow top-four hopefuls and local rivals Saint-Etienne in a 4-1 derby victory away from home.Lyon have scored nine times from their past four games.If they win they can close the gap to four points on Lille, who are due to travel to the seventh-placed Montpellier.Lille go into the match on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven in the second round of the Europa League on Thursday.But they will have to make do without the services of Adil Rami after the France international defender was ruled out with an ankle injury.Second-placed Stade Rennes are also in action on Sunday, when they travel to Toulouse’s Stadium Municipal.Toulouse will be without first-choice goalkeeper Mathieu Valverde, who has been ruled out for up to eight days with a minor groin injury.Back-up keeper Yohann Pele is already a long-term absentee, meaning 19-year-old Marc Vidal will start.Also on Sunday, struggling Nice play host to fourth-placed Paris Saint-Germain.On Saturday, 17th-placed Auxerre have a great chance to secure three points when they welcome bottom side Arles to the Stade Abbe-Deschamps.Lorient, who sit in 11th place, and ninth-placed Bordeaux are tied on 31 points, but either side can break the mid-table logjam with victory at the Stade Yves Allainmat.Third-placed Marseille welcome Saint-Etienne to the Stade Velodrome, second-bottom Lens host Sochaux and promoted Caen take on Valenciennes.Tenth-placed Brest, level on points with Lorient and Bordeaux, host relegation-placed Monaco.
I think we can pretty much agree that the race for the 2010/11 Premier League title is now between two teams: Manchester United and Arsenal. The Gunners were given a real boost earlier this week as London neighbours Chelsea did them a favour by turning over Man United at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger’s men can now capitalise on this by securing three points at home to Sunderland, and with the Red Devils facing a tricky trip to Liverpool tomorrow, at the end of the weekend Arsenal could be within striking distance. Taking the run-ins into account, who do you think is in pole position for the title?
Arsenal arguably have the easier run-in. They have a tricky two game period in the middle of April as they face Liverpool at The Emirates Stadium and then travel to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham, but other than that there is only really one fixture that stands out. Manchester United face some tough games in the upcoming months. In addition to taking on the Reds this weekend, they still have to play Chelsea at home, and the Blues will have taken plenty of confidence from their victory this week.
It is quite possible that the destination of the Premier League title in 2011 will come down to one game. On Sunday 1st May the two rivals go head-to-head at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will be happy that they’ll have home advantage, but depending on how results go, Man United may only need a draw from that game. However, that could be the time that the Gunners overtake the Red Devils in the race for the title, and there is no better time to do it than in the home straight!
While Manchester United and Arsenal are embroiled in their race for the title, you have the opportunity to take part in your own racing experience. We’re giving you the opportunity to win a raceday experience, and all you have to do is answer the poll below…
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Bayer Leverkusen reduced Borussia Dortmund’s lead on top of the Bundesliga to nine points after a 1-0 away win over Mainz on Sunday.Renato Augusto’s goal eight minutes from the end was enough to hand all three points to Leverkusen, and cut Dortmund’s lead to single figures with eight games still to play.Dortmund suffered a 1-0 loss at Hoffenheim on Saturday.Mainz dropped to fifth with the loss and are now in a dogfight with Nuremberg for the last remaining Europa League berth.Elsewhere on Sunday, Stuttgart hauled themselves out of the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over fellow battlers St Pauli at the Millerntor-Stadion.St Pauli took the lead after 19 minutes thanks to a goal from midfielder Fabian Bolle but Stuttgart hit back five minutes later through Zdravko Kuzmanovic.Sven Schipplock scored the winner with two minutes remaining to lift Stuttgart from 17th place to 13th on goal difference, while St Pauli slipped into the drop zone.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini pointed the finger at Mario Balotelli after his side were dumped out of the Europa League on Thursday.The Italian striker was sent off after just 36 minutes of the second-leg clash with Dynamo Kiev, and although City scored three minutes later through Aleksandar Kolarov, they were unable to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg.Balotelli was given his marching orders for raising his studs and raking his boot down the body of Goran Popov after losing the ball, leading to his straight red card.Asked if he hopes Balotelli would be frustrated by his red card, Mancini said: “I hope (so). Because I think with 11 players we would have won this game and got to the quarter-finals.””The problem for Mario is that he thinks he could be a fantastic player. But when he does something stupid like that, it is difficult for me, difficult for him and difficult for the team.”Mancini was still pleased with the performance, labeling it as ‘fantastic’ given the numerical disadvantage, before voicing his frustration with the Russian side’s time-wasting tactics. “I’m disappointed with the result because we deserved to score another goal, minimum. We played a fantastic game with 10 players,” he said.”Every time they dived and every time the referee saw it. But that is what happens. That is it.”But Dynamo manager Yuri Semin refuted Mancini’s claims that his side dived and insisted the match was a physical contest.”It is part of football,” Semin said.”There were some quite serious clashes. It was a tough game out there. That is why the referee gave quite a few yellow cards.”The result means City’s trophy drought, which recently ticked over to 35 years, could continue with the club’s focus now solely placed on the FA Cup where they meet rivals Manchester United in the semi-finals.
‘That Dutch lad that went on strike that once’ – the inescapable way that Pierre van Hooijdonk will be remembered by football fans in England. But is there more to remember and cherish about the Dutch striker after his time in Nottingham? Is it fair to hand a judgmental label to a player with such an impressive goalscoring record?
Van Hooijdonk began his youth career with his favourite side NAC Breda, where he played as a right-winger. However, at the age of just 14, he was told he was not good enough and was released. But, he was snapped up by V.V Steenbergen – where he switched to a new position of striker. After five successful years with the youth team there, he joined RBC Roosendaal.
Signed initially as a player for the future, van Hooijdonk was thrust into the limelight due to injuries and financial constraints at the club. He ended his first season with six goals to his name and was rewarded with a professional contract. The following year, he established himself in the side and scored an incredible 27 goals in 37 games – an impressive feat in his first full season.
Inevitably, bigger clubs noticed this and he was soon offered the chance to rejoin NAC Breda – a chance he took immediately. During his time there, he scored 81 goals overall and became a favourite amongst the fans. He also helped them gain promotion to the Eredivisie in 1993, as well as breaking into the international side. However, interest from around the continent was rife and he decided to join Scottish giants Celtic in January 1995 for just over £1 million.
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The Pierre we remember
Again, he didn’t disappoint. The side were without a trophy in six years, but within a few months of arriving, van Hooijdonk scored the winning goal in the Scottish Cup final. However, his time here turned sour quickly when he fell out with the club’s president. This left him benched for a lot of games – putting his place in the national side at risk. After an impressive 57 goals in little over two years, he left the club after a disagreement over a contract – reportedly stating that the £7,000 a week offered by Celtic ‘may be good enough for the homeless, but not for an international striker’.
He joined Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest for around £4.5 million in March 1997, but his arrival did not stop the club getting relegated. However, he excelled in Division One and finished as top scorer, on the way to helping Forest to the title and an immediate return to the top league.
After returning from the 1998 World Cup with Holland, he found out that Kevin Campbell and Colin Cooper had been allowed to leave and the team had not been strengthened as promised. Van Hooijdonk immediately asked for a transfer – which was rejected. He stated he felt let down by the club and he could no longer play for his employers, so he decided to go on strike and went to train with former club NAC Breda.
Back in England, he faced heavy criticism from fans and teammates. The club were still refusing to listen to offers for him so, in November 1998, he returned. He managed eight goals that season, including one against rivals Derby – in which infamously none of his teammates celebrated with him. His goalscoring did not help Forest again avoid relegation and the club finished bottom of the league.
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Moving away from Forest
Inevitably, he left the club at the end of the season and joined Vitesse Arnhem for around £3.5 million. He scored 25 goals in one season to help them earn a UEFA Cup spot, as well as earning a recall to the national side. Again, his goalscoring was noticed elsewhere on the continent and he joined Portuguese side Benfica. Although he scored 19 goals in the one season he spent there, he did not see eye-to-eye with the chairman and was banished to the reserves. He returned to Holland to join Feyenoord in 2001.
He again became a favourite and fast became known for his free-kick abilities as well as his goals, and he helped the club reach the final of the UEFA Cup in 2002 – where he scored twice in the final to help beat Borussia Dortmund 3-2.
Despite his success, he felt it was time to move on again after a couple of seasons and joined Turkish side Fenerbahce in 2003. 24 goals in his first season helped the club to the 2003/04 Turkish Super Lig. He continued to find the net the next season, earning the nickname ‘Aziz Pierre’ (Turkish Saint Pierre). After helping the club to the 2004/05 title, he returned to his homeland to rejoin NAC Breda.
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Retirement…not always easy!
However, the stay was a short one and he decided to rejoin Feyenoord in the winter of the 2005/06 season, scoring eight goals that term. This was where he ended his career. After netting a further six goals in the 2006/07 season, he decided to announce his retirement from the game.
After ending his career, in 2008 he became a victim of fraud that saw him lose £2 million, which involved him investing in a ‘non-existent’ Chinese textile company – not the best way to begin retirement! He now works on Dutch TV, covering the Eredivisie in which he scored so many goals.
Well there we have it, the colourful and country-spanning career of Pierre van Hooijdonk. I think it is fair to say, no matter how many goals he scored or how many clubs he played for, he is always going to be remembered for one reason and one reason only by English fans. – ‘that Dutch lad who went on strike from Forest that once’.
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Listen to the first episode of our brand new podcast – The Football FanCast. Featuring Razor Ruddock, Gary O’Reilly and Toploader’s Dan Hipgrave makes a special appearance!
There has been no shortage of celebrity Arsenal fans over the years, for example even Her Royal Majesty the Queen of England has been accused of following the Arsenal in the past, before she broke Arsenal hearts by confirming that her allegiance lies with the Hammers.
However, these ten celebrities are fully fledged, Arsenal loving humanoids, and may I say, that as celebrity fans go, it is one of the finest lists around…
Click on the North Bank below to see the top 10 celebrity fans who have once graced it
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Well there you have it. The top 10 famous Arsenal fans. Think there’s a celebrity missing from the list? Don’t consider Piers Morgan to be human, let alone a celebrity? Get involved in the comment box below.
Substitute Salomon Kalou struck a minute from time to give Chelsea a controversial 2-1 win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.The sides looked to be meandering towards a 1-1 draw after Sandro and Frank Lampard had exchanged very different long-range strikes in the first half.
But Chelsea, who dominated possession and enjoyed the better of the chances, finally grabbed their winner when Kalou tapped in following a mis-hit strike from Didier Drogba.
The victory leaves Chelsea just three points behind Manchester United, who face Arsenal on Sunday, before Carlo Ancelotti’s men square up to the league leaders at Old Trafford next weekend.
But the Blues needed two huge slices of luck to squeeze past Tottenham, who are now four points behind fourth-place City, having played a game more and with a far inferior goal difference.
It was Spurs who took the lead in emphatic fashion, with Sandro arching a 30-yard volley into Petr Cech’s top right-hand corner after just 19 minutes.
But with half-time approaching, Chelsea got back on level terms in controversial fashion through Lampard.
The England international took aim from 25 yards but, when his strike flew straight at Heurelho Gomes, it looked like a routine save for the Brazilian.
However, the ball squirmed out of his arms, through his legs, and slowly towards the line.
The goalkeeper appeared to claw the ball clear before it crossed the line, but the linesman ruled that it had in fact gone over, and the referee awarded a goal.
And Chelsea’s winner was no less fortuitous. Kalou, who had replaced Fernando Torres in the 62nd minute, appeared to be in an offside position when he stabbed the ball home from close range a minute from time.
But Chelsea cared little about the controversy and celebrated gleefully at the final whistle as they kept their slim title hopes alive.
Manchester United can take a step closer to the Premier League title at Old Trafford tomorrow in what could prove the decisive result. A 19th title will prove a record in English football and see Fergie finally deliver his promise some 20 odd years ago.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes Ferguson right to question breaks; the recipe of United’s success, while how the Red Devils can solve a problem like Lionel Messi.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.
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How United solve a problem like Lionel Messi
FIVE things we learnt from United’s CL stroll at Old Trafford
VIDEO: Busby, Shankly, Stein – Football Men Part 3
Is Fergie right to question breaks?
A £26m luxury that Manchester United could do without?
Sir Alex Ferguson’s £6m transfer steal
How many more hits can Manchester United take?
What has been the recipe to United’s season so far?
Sir Alex Ferguson’s ‘Greatest XI’ of all time
Real Madrid look to hijack United’s late move
*Best of WEB*
Wingless Ferguson – United Rant
The man being tasked with stopping Lionel Messi and Barcelona – The Busby Way
Time For Ferguson To Make It Right Against Barcelona – The United Religion
Lose Against Chelsea And Be Damned To Finish Empty Handed – Red Flag Flying High
Ravel Morrison: when is enough… enough? –Stretford End
Should Chelsea Fans Fear Howard Webb Appointment? RoM
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If reports are correct, it’s Manchester United and Liverpool who are currently fighting it out for Aston Villa wingman Ashley Young. One day Liverpool may be the favourites for acquiring the British youngster, the papers then report that Manchester United are in the driving seat. Regardless of who ends up with Young’s signature, it’s my firm belief that a move to Manchester would be the wrong choice for a player with a lot of potential.
At the moment Manchester United must appear to be a much more attractive prospect. They can offer Champion’s League football and a strong chance of winning trophies next season. They’ve had a successful season and will be looking to kick on again and pick up more silverware next year. Would you really bet against them adding another trophy to their collection in the near future?
It’s clear that Young’s ambitions involve winning trophies: “I’m an ambitious person who wants to win titles and leagues and cups and stuff. Hopefully I can do that. I think they say that players start to peak at 26 or 27, and I’m soon to be 26 so fingers crossed I can start peaking myself.”
Innuendo aside, given his aims, it may at first glance appear that Manchester United is the best possible destination for Young. There’s certainly a much higher chance that United will win silverware next season than Liverpool. But to engineer a move to Old Trafford with this motivation in mind would demonstrate a degree of short-sightedness on Young’s part.
Manchester United already have a wealth of wingers. Nani has been arguably the Player of the Season this year, despite what plaudits that have been unjustifiably lavished upon Gareth Bale this season. Down the other flank is Antonio Valencia whose pace and determination has won him a great number of fans this season. With Ryan ‘evergreen’ Giggs and the tireless Park Ji-Sung in tow, there’s a good argument to be made that Manchester United simply don’t need to purchase another winger this summer.
At Liverpool he’d be given ample opportunity to impress and with the Kop’s support would be nurtured into a star. At Manchester United he runs the risk of being a bit-part player who doesn’t get the game time to fulfil his potential. Young has spoken about his desire to ‘peak’ (ahem) and surely at this moment in time, with United’s squad the way it is, Liverpool offer him a better opportunity to do just that?
Winning trophies is one thing and that’s something that Liverpool will be able to offer Young in the future. More important for a professional footballer, however, is securing regular first-team football. For his sake and the sake of the English national team, I hope that Ashley Young makes the right decision.
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Read more of Harry’s articles at This Is Futbol
Imogen Thomas Joins Paddy Power For a Champion Offer! They will refund losing Champions League Final bets if Man United lose the match Make your bets now!
Sweden will err on the side of caution and rest captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Moldova in Chisinau on Friday.Ibrahimovic, who helped AC Milan capture their first Serie A title in seven years this season, has been plagued by tendon problems in his right foot that have not healed as expected.
The 29-year-old was forced to play with painkilling injections for much of the 2010/2011 season.
Sweden coach Erik Hamren said there would be ‘a risk for a backlash’ should Ibrahimovic play in Friday’s game.
“If Zlatan were to play on Friday, we would have wanted to see his foot better today,” Hamren said.
“That’s not the case so we’ve had a chat about it together. There’s a risk of a setback if he plays on Friday and then both qualifiers would be in danger.”
Ibrahimovic is hopeful of being fit to play in their home qualifier against neighbours Finland on Tuesday.