shantanu_rooney
Chairman of Selectors
Well Cech wants a move away from Chelsea looks strange while Atletico Madrid gonna bid 28 for Mascherano really lot of money for the Argentine. Great update.
The Barclays Premiership
- Thread starter treva
- Start date
mattfb
Chairman of Selectors
Mascherano is worth it he is a World Class DM and will be great in any outfit. Big loss for Cheslea that Cech doesn't wanna stay at Stamford bridge.
treva
ICC Chairman
08/08/2009
Premier League Preview: Matchday One
Goal.com runs through the fixtures for the opening matchday of the Premier League. Which of the recently promoted teams will pull off victories? Will the big guns stamp their authority early? Get the info here!
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Everton v Portsmouth
The first game of the afternoon is at Goodison Park, where Everton will take on Portsmouth. Portsmouth are fresh off the back of their Community Shield over Liverpool, and will be full of confidence today. Everton had a poor season by their own standards last year, and will be looking to amend that by this time around.
Portsmouth have been the most active in the transfer market up to now, spending £8.25million on three players. Marvin Matip moved from FC Twente for a fee of £3.2million, Danny Mills from Derby County for £2.1million, and Souleymane Diamoutene from Paris Saint-Germain for £2.9million.
Everton have splashed out on just the one transfer, Ibrahim Afellay from German side HSV for £4.8million.
Both sides will desperately want to start with a win, and the quality of the two sides are very similar. This will be a very tight affair, so I'm going to go with a 1-1 draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town
A contrast between teams at Villa Park this afternoon. The home side were disappointing last season, only managing 9th place. Whilst Ipswich surprised many by holding on to their Premier League place, finishing 13th. The Villains' supporters will be hoping for a massive improvement this season, and they will be expecting a win today.
Aston Villa have made two new signings this summer. Sylvain Wiltord was brought in on a free from Stade Rennais FC. The other signing was Brazilian international, Denílson, for a surprising £2.6million from Pumas.
Ipswich have spent £10million on new players since the transfer window opened on 1 July. Stephen Warnock was Jim Magilton's most expensive signing, costing £6.25million from Blackburn. Rudolph Austin was signed from Mexican side Pachucha for £3.1million, and David Wheater joined the Tractor Boys for £170k. Jerome Thomas (Charlton), Jacob Mellis (Chelsea) and Adam Hammil all came in on a free, as well as Febian Brandy joining on loan.
Aston Villa have a good looking squad, but it's whether they play as a team that will decide their position this season. Ipswich will look to improve on their position last season, and with new signings they look a good outfit. It will be a tight game, but Villa have just too much quality, so I'm going for a 2-1 Villa victory.
Prediction: 2-1
Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea
Chelsea's first game of the new season is a trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea were denied the Premier League title on the final day thanks to a late Portsmouth goal. They will be hoping to take the league by force once again and win the title for a fourth time. Blackburn on the other hand will be looking to get into Europe for next season.
Chelsea are yet to delve into the transfer market, having made no major signings of yet. They have only picked up Polish keeper Artur Boruc for a free from Celtic.
Blackburn have also steered clear of the transfer market, making just one signing. 18 year old left midfielder Daniel Galbraith signing for a free from Manchester United.
Chelsea still have a lot of big names despite no transfers as of yet. Blackburn have some expensive players, but they haven't been able to perform well as a team. I think all of Chelsea's class and exuberance will be too much for Blackburn, and the Blues will cruise to victory today.
Prediction: 0-3
Cardiff City v Birmingham City
Two teams that finished within two points of one another last season face off on the opening day. Cardiff surprised many by avoiding relegation in their first season back in the top flight. Birmingham did about as much expected of them, finishing exactly in the middle of the league.
Cardiff have splashed out a lot of money to bolster their squad for this campaign, spending almost £19million. Their most expensive signing was that of Tsvetan Genkov for £4.2million from Dinamo Moscow. Chris Hogg (Hibernian), Michael Kightly (Wolves), Jonathan Spector (Derby), Alexey Eremenko (Saturn) and Andrew Keogh (Preston) all joined Cardiff for fees between two and four million pounds.
Birmingham spent a little less, but still brought in four new players. Steven Cherundolo was Birmingham's biggest signing, moving from Bayern Leverkusen for roughly £4.5million. Samuel Holmén (Newcastle), Nacer Barazite (Arsenal) and Kyle Lafferty (Burnley) also joined Cherundolo at St. Andrews.
Both teams are very equally matched, and both have made good signings in the summer. It's a tough one to call, so I'm going to have to go with a 2-2 draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Premier League Preview: Matchday One
Goal.com runs through the fixtures for the opening matchday of the Premier League. Which of the recently promoted teams will pull off victories? Will the big guns stamp their authority early? Get the info here!
Print This Story | Send To A Friend | Contact Us
Everton v Portsmouth
The first game of the afternoon is at Goodison Park, where Everton will take on Portsmouth. Portsmouth are fresh off the back of their Community Shield over Liverpool, and will be full of confidence today. Everton had a poor season by their own standards last year, and will be looking to amend that by this time around.
Portsmouth have been the most active in the transfer market up to now, spending £8.25million on three players. Marvin Matip moved from FC Twente for a fee of £3.2million, Danny Mills from Derby County for £2.1million, and Souleymane Diamoutene from Paris Saint-Germain for £2.9million.
Everton have splashed out on just the one transfer, Ibrahim Afellay from German side HSV for £4.8million.
Both sides will desperately want to start with a win, and the quality of the two sides are very similar. This will be a very tight affair, so I'm going to go with a 1-1 draw.
Prediction: 1-1
Aston Villa vs Ipswich Town
A contrast between teams at Villa Park this afternoon. The home side were disappointing last season, only managing 9th place. Whilst Ipswich surprised many by holding on to their Premier League place, finishing 13th. The Villains' supporters will be hoping for a massive improvement this season, and they will be expecting a win today.
Aston Villa have made two new signings this summer. Sylvain Wiltord was brought in on a free from Stade Rennais FC. The other signing was Brazilian international, Denílson, for a surprising £2.6million from Pumas.
Ipswich have spent £10million on new players since the transfer window opened on 1 July. Stephen Warnock was Jim Magilton's most expensive signing, costing £6.25million from Blackburn. Rudolph Austin was signed from Mexican side Pachucha for £3.1million, and David Wheater joined the Tractor Boys for £170k. Jerome Thomas (Charlton), Jacob Mellis (Chelsea) and Adam Hammil all came in on a free, as well as Febian Brandy joining on loan.
Aston Villa have a good looking squad, but it's whether they play as a team that will decide their position this season. Ipswich will look to improve on their position last season, and with new signings they look a good outfit. It will be a tight game, but Villa have just too much quality, so I'm going for a 2-1 Villa victory.
Prediction: 2-1
Blackburn Rovers v Chelsea
Chelsea's first game of the new season is a trip to Ewood Park to face Blackburn Rovers. Chelsea were denied the Premier League title on the final day thanks to a late Portsmouth goal. They will be hoping to take the league by force once again and win the title for a fourth time. Blackburn on the other hand will be looking to get into Europe for next season.
Chelsea are yet to delve into the transfer market, having made no major signings of yet. They have only picked up Polish keeper Artur Boruc for a free from Celtic.
Blackburn have also steered clear of the transfer market, making just one signing. 18 year old left midfielder Daniel Galbraith signing for a free from Manchester United.
Chelsea still have a lot of big names despite no transfers as of yet. Blackburn have some expensive players, but they haven't been able to perform well as a team. I think all of Chelsea's class and exuberance will be too much for Blackburn, and the Blues will cruise to victory today.
Prediction: 0-3
Cardiff City v Birmingham City
Two teams that finished within two points of one another last season face off on the opening day. Cardiff surprised many by avoiding relegation in their first season back in the top flight. Birmingham did about as much expected of them, finishing exactly in the middle of the league.
Cardiff have splashed out a lot of money to bolster their squad for this campaign, spending almost £19million. Their most expensive signing was that of Tsvetan Genkov for £4.2million from Dinamo Moscow. Chris Hogg (Hibernian), Michael Kightly (Wolves), Jonathan Spector (Derby), Alexey Eremenko (Saturn) and Andrew Keogh (Preston) all joined Cardiff for fees between two and four million pounds.
Birmingham spent a little less, but still brought in four new players. Steven Cherundolo was Birmingham's biggest signing, moving from Bayern Leverkusen for roughly £4.5million. Samuel Holmén (Newcastle), Nacer Barazite (Arsenal) and Kyle Lafferty (Burnley) also joined Cherundolo at St. Andrews.
Both teams are very equally matched, and both have made good signings in the summer. It's a tough one to call, so I'm going to have to go with a 2-2 draw.
Prediction: 2-2
Dr. Pepper
Chairman of Selectors
Just because Chelsea haven't signed any big names doesn't mean they're not still a world class team. They are and will cause a lot of problems with their current set of players. Gailbraith has the potential to be a good player for a team like Blackburn. Sorry for not reading it properly, read the Chelsea preview properly and skimmed the rest.
treva
ICC Chairman
Manchester United vs Newcastle United
Probably the biggest game of the opening weekend, and it could well be the most exciting. Newcastle excelled last season, finishing 5th, two points ahead of Arsenal. Man United finished in 2nd, missing out on the title by a few goals. Both sides will be looking to press for the title, and today will give us a few indicators of how the teams shape up this season.
Man United have made just the one signing, but one of the biggest in the league. Craig Gordon moved from Sunderland for ?13.75million, hoping to become the first choice keeper. A goalkeeper who headed out of United was Tomasz Kuszczak, as well as a few of United's younger players.
Newcastle on the other hand have brought in four big players to St. James' Park. Man City's Ishmael Miller joined for ?4.7million, Billy Jones of rivals Middlesbrough for ?4.2million, Simone Barone from Torino for ?6.75million and Arsenal youngster Rhys Murphy for ?2.4million. It seems Sam Allardyce is not only building for this season, but for seasons to come, insuring that Newcastle remain a strong force in England.
Today's match will be very close, and I think there will be just one goal in it. You have to go for Man United really. They have brilliant quality all over the park, and I think they're goal scorers will be on song today.
Prediction: 2-1
Tottenham Hotspur vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Tottenham exceeded expectations last season, comfortably finishing in fourth and claiming the final Champions League spot. Wolves made it up via the play-offs, after finishing third, just missing out on automatic promotion on goal difference. Wolves' aim will be to survive this season, and then looking to build the following year. Tottenham are serious about challenging for the title, and the strength in their squad should give them a good chance.
Tottenham have spent bucket loads on new signings, a total of ?33million all together. Eddie Johnson joined from Fenerbahce for ?10.25million, both Andreas Beck (Stuttgart) and Javi Garc?a (Osasuna) for ?11.25million, and 19 year old F?bio was picked up for a free.
Wolves have not spent any money at all, hoping that their squad from last season will be able to keep them up. The big departure was that of Michael Kightly, who joined Cardiff City for ?3.5million.
Tottenham were very strong last season, and look even better this year with their new signings. Wolves will be in for a tough start at White Hart Lane, and I expect Tottenham to win comfortably.
Prediction: 3-0
West Ham United vs Manchester City
Both of these sides were poor last season. West Ham stayed up by the skin of their teeth, finishing just one point ahead of relegated Reading. Man City finished in 7th, but they were by no means at their best. They will definitely want to improve this season, and they will be trying to break into that top five or six.
West Ham have been rather quiet in the transfer market, bringing in just the one player. Szabolcs Huszti joined from Hannover on a free.
Man City made just the one big signing, that of Silvano Raggio Garibaldi from Genoa, paying ?2.6million for the midfielder. Two to leave the City of Manchester Stadium were Ishmael Miller and Andreas Isaksson, picking up ?7.4million in the process.
West Ham found it very tough at home last season, and I expect it to be a similar story today. I think Man City will win this one 2-0.
Prediction: 0-2
Fulham vs Arsenal
The late game sees two London sides face off against each other at Craven Cottage. Fulham were excellent last season after being relegated the year before. They will be expecting to stay up, but it will be a tough task, one that starts with Arsenal. Arsenal were terrible for their own very high standards last year, and the whole club is expecting a huge improvement this season. They only managed 6th, just one season after lifting the title. Arsene Wenger needs to mount a serious challenge if he wishes to keep his job at the Emirates.
Arsenal haven't spent much in the transfer market, spending just ?2.7million. Antonio Ad?n and Benoit Costil were signed for ?1.7million and ?1million from Spain and France.
Fulham have spent just under ?1.5million so far. Bastien Geiger moved to London for ?1million and Luis Jim?nez was brought in from Ternana for ?350k.
Arsenal have a lot of expectations this season, and I think they will live up to them. It will take Fulham time to adapt back to Premiership football, and I think Arsenal will be too determined to slip up.
Prediction: 0-2
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
I agree with the predictions except for WHU vs City which I think will be a 1-1 draw.
treva
ICC Chairman
I may update tonight, but if not it will be over the next few days 
treva
ICC Chairman
Live - Premier League
TODAYS FIXTURES
Everton v Portsmouth (1245)
Aston Villa v Ipswich (1500)
Blackburn v Chelsea (1500)
Cardiff v Birmingham City (1500)
Manchester United v Newcastle (1500)
Tottenham v Wolves (1500)
West Ham v Manchester City (1500)
Fulham v Arsenal (1715)
1200: Hello and welcome to the first day of the 2009/10 Premiership
season. Today we see for the first time how the teams shape up for the new
season. The first game of the day is at Goodison Park where Everton host
Community Shield winners, Portsmouth.
All of today's action will be live here on BBC Sport.
1224: TEAMS
Everton: Howard, Neville, Baines, Woodgate, Lescott, Semioli,
Dzsudzs?k, Cahill, Arteta, Vaughan, Johnson. Subs: Batt, Rosenberg, Afellay,
Hibbert, Yakubu
Portsmouth: D.James, Mills, Aur?lio, Huth, Matip, Gouffran, Leto,
C.James, Muntari, Stancu, Defoe. Subs: Ashdown, Diop, Kranjcar, Utaka, Distin
Everton start off with James Vaughan and Andy Johnson up front, leaving
Yakubu on the bench. New signing Ibrahim Afellay starts on the bench also.
Portsmouth make four changes from their starting eleven against Liverpool
last week. Fabio Aur?lio and Robert Huth replace Djimi Troar? and injured
Callum Reynolds. Jermaine Defoe returns to the team in place of David
Nugent, who is left out altogether. Yoann Gouffran goes onto the right in
place of Papa Bouba Diop.
1237: "This first game is going to be a tight one. Two good sides that
are quite similar in many ways. Portsmouth have a lot of confidence after
Sunday's win, so I think they may just nick this one 1-0"
Alan Green on BBC Five Live
1245: It's kick-off time here at Goodison. Portsmouth's Jermaine Defoe
rolls the ball off to Bogdan Stancu and the game is underway. Everton are in
blue, shooting from left to right.
Everton v Portsmouth (1245)
Aston Villa v Ipswich (1500)
Blackburn v Chelsea (1500)
Cardiff v Birmingham City (1500)
Manchester United v Newcastle (1500)
Tottenham v Wolves (1500)
West Ham v Manchester City (1500)
Fulham v Arsenal (1715)
1200: Hello and welcome to the first day of the 2009/10 Premiership
season. Today we see for the first time how the teams shape up for the new
season. The first game of the day is at Goodison Park where Everton host
Community Shield winners, Portsmouth.
All of today's action will be live here on BBC Sport.
1224: TEAMS
Everton: Howard, Neville, Baines, Woodgate, Lescott, Semioli,
Dzsudzs?k, Cahill, Arteta, Vaughan, Johnson. Subs: Batt, Rosenberg, Afellay,
Hibbert, Yakubu
Portsmouth: D.James, Mills, Aur?lio, Huth, Matip, Gouffran, Leto,
C.James, Muntari, Stancu, Defoe. Subs: Ashdown, Diop, Kranjcar, Utaka, Distin
Everton start off with James Vaughan and Andy Johnson up front, leaving
Yakubu on the bench. New signing Ibrahim Afellay starts on the bench also.
Portsmouth make four changes from their starting eleven against Liverpool
last week. Fabio Aur?lio and Robert Huth replace Djimi Troar? and injured
Callum Reynolds. Jermaine Defoe returns to the team in place of David
Nugent, who is left out altogether. Yoann Gouffran goes onto the right in
place of Papa Bouba Diop.
1237: "This first game is going to be a tight one. Two good sides that
are quite similar in many ways. Portsmouth have a lot of confidence after
Sunday's win, so I think they may just nick this one 1-0"
Alan Green on BBC Five Live
1245: It's kick-off time here at Goodison. Portsmouth's Jermaine Defoe
rolls the ball off to Bogdan Stancu and the game is underway. Everton are in
blue, shooting from left to right.
shantanu_rooney
Chairman of Selectors
Good squads for both Everton and Pompey. Looks like Pompey have the upper hand for be but you never know.
treva
ICC Chairman
Live - Premier League
LATEST SCORES
Everton 0-0 Portsmouth
TODAYS FIXTURES
Aston Villa v Ipswich (1500)
Blackburn v Chelsea (1500)
Cardiff v Birmingham City (1500)
Manchester United v Newcastle (1500)
Tottenham v Wolves (1500)
West Ham v Manchester City (1500)
Fulham v Arsenal (1715)
1248: First real chance for either side, and it fell to Jermaine Defoe of
Portsmouth. Defoe nipped in front of Jonathan Woodgate and stormed into
the box. He looked certain to score, only for his shot to slide into the side
netting. Early warning for Everton.
1249: Another good chance for Portsmouth, this time Bogdan Stancu
with a shot. Gouffran's superb through ball put Stancu through on goal, only
for his shot to be saved by Tim Howard.
1255: Everton have their first big chance of the afternoon. James
Vaughan played a good ball to Johnson, Johnson striking it first time. David
James parried the ball away, with Huth clearing before Johnson could pounce
on the rebound.
1301: "Portsmouth look very dangerous up front. Stancu and Defoe
are quality strikers and will punish Everton if they put a foot wrong. I think
Portsmouth could be a big surprise this season"
Good-Morning-Sports-Fans on 606
Join the debate on 606
1306: Defoe has the ball in the back of the net but it's disallowed for
offside. Stancu's shot could only be pushed away by Howard leaving Defoe to
slot home the rebound, but the flag had already gone up. Replays show it
was a good decision. Defoe was clearly in an offside position.
1310: "David Moyes is not happy down there on the sideline. Everton
are really struggling against Portsmouth's quality in the final third. It's going
to take a big effort to keep Portsmouth at bay all afternoon."
Graham Taylor on BBC Five Live
1314: Everton's Balázs Dzsudzsák goes close with a thunderous strike
from outside the box. The ball doesn't trouble James though, and Portsmouth
look relatively comfortable at the moment.
1324: Things have gone pretty quiet. There are few pot shots here
and there, but no real goal scoring opportunities. Something needs to happen
to liven this game up.
1332: Well that's half time. Dave Jones will be the happiest of the
two managers, but either side can still win this one.
Everton 0-0 Portsmouth
TODAYS FIXTURES
Aston Villa v Ipswich (1500)
Blackburn v Chelsea (1500)
Cardiff v Birmingham City (1500)
Manchester United v Newcastle (1500)
Tottenham v Wolves (1500)
West Ham v Manchester City (1500)
Fulham v Arsenal (1715)
1248: First real chance for either side, and it fell to Jermaine Defoe of
Portsmouth. Defoe nipped in front of Jonathan Woodgate and stormed into
the box. He looked certain to score, only for his shot to slide into the side
netting. Early warning for Everton.
1249: Another good chance for Portsmouth, this time Bogdan Stancu
with a shot. Gouffran's superb through ball put Stancu through on goal, only
for his shot to be saved by Tim Howard.
1255: Everton have their first big chance of the afternoon. James
Vaughan played a good ball to Johnson, Johnson striking it first time. David
James parried the ball away, with Huth clearing before Johnson could pounce
on the rebound.
1301: "Portsmouth look very dangerous up front. Stancu and Defoe
are quality strikers and will punish Everton if they put a foot wrong. I think
Portsmouth could be a big surprise this season"
Good-Morning-Sports-Fans on 606
Join the debate on 606
1306: Defoe has the ball in the back of the net but it's disallowed for
offside. Stancu's shot could only be pushed away by Howard leaving Defoe to
slot home the rebound, but the flag had already gone up. Replays show it
was a good decision. Defoe was clearly in an offside position.
1310: "David Moyes is not happy down there on the sideline. Everton
are really struggling against Portsmouth's quality in the final third. It's going
to take a big effort to keep Portsmouth at bay all afternoon."
Graham Taylor on BBC Five Live
1314: Everton's Balázs Dzsudzsák goes close with a thunderous strike
from outside the box. The ball doesn't trouble James though, and Portsmouth
look relatively comfortable at the moment.
1324: Things have gone pretty quiet. There are few pot shots here
and there, but no real goal scoring opportunities. Something needs to happen
to liven this game up.
1332: Well that's half time. Dave Jones will be the happiest of the
two managers, but either side can still win this one.
Last edited:
Dr. Pepper
Chairman of Selectors
I think Everton may sneak the three points out of this game. Pompey have been the better side but they've wasted their chances thus far. Some very good chances fell to Defoe and Stancu and you'd expect them two to finish them, but they haven't.
madmusician
Club Cricketer
Fab presentation.
m_vaughan
Chairman of Selectors
I think Portsmoth will find the breakthrough in the second half.
