Feel like partaking in a good old fashioned spot of football-based procrastination at work? You’ll be able to while away the hours at your desk with this selection of some of the finest football games the internet has to offer.

Bumperball

On the face of it this game is completely mental. A conglomeration of about ninety different sports, Bumperball involves aliens in bumper cars cruising about on an ice rink (or air hockey table, it’s difficult to tell sometimes) whilst simultaneously attempting to stick a football in the back of a net. Despite such a confusing melting pot of sporting disciplines, the sheer eccentricity of Bumperball will have you hooked after your first foray into its surreal world. Maybe we’d better get used to it, this could well be what football will look like when Sepp Blatter eventually gets his own way.

Soccerlens Rating: 7/10

Death Penalty: Zombie Football

A bizarre but entertaining cross between football and Night of the Living Dead, your job as the player is to stem the tide of undead defenders by smashing the ball into their head/knees/thorax, thereby permanently maiming them and saving the world from zombie inundation etc etc. Despite probably having been created by a disturbed group of unemployed young men, Death Penalty is surprisingly entertaining and a welcome distraction from the rigours of productivity.

Soccerlens Rating: 6/10

Football Agent

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as a bit of a wheeler-dealer in a pinstripe suit, Football Agent might just be the football game for you. You have 200 seconds (or “weeks” as they are called in the game) to make £40m by investing in players as they pop up on screen. Players will constantly rise and fall in value with your job being to get lucky and invest in them as their values rise and sell them on before it begins to fall. It’s a challenging game and quickly becomes addictive so it certainly gets the Soccerlens seal of approval.

Soccerlens Rating: 7/10

Freekick Fusion

An entertaining game which tests your judgement from twenty-five yards out as you attempt to beat the wall and the ‘keeper with a series of increasingly tricky free-kicks. Freekick Fusion is simple to use and incorporates precise power and curl control to make this one of the better free-kick games on the internet. Also, with several levels and the infuriating habit of going all the way back to the start as soon as you fail one of them, this game could well keep you from doing anything productive for weeks if not months at a time.

Soccerlens Rating: 8/10

Goal Street

Have you ever wondered what would happen should football and Pokémon collide in some sort of absurd cosmic encounter? No? Well, I think it would probably end up a bit like Goal Street, an arcade-style game in which you control a kid with a ridiculous haircut who apparently spends all of his time acrobatically belting balls around in a warehouse. Check the wind direction, choose the necessary power and then watch whilst the unerringly enthusiastic character attempts to hit the target with a variety of extravagant efforts. Not the most complex of games, but an amusing way to pass the time all the same.

Soccerlens Rating: 5/10

Jumpers for Goalposts

Probably the best free football RPG on the market, Jumpers for Goalposts sees you start as an unemployed football wannabe and work your way up the ladder to become a Premier League star. On your journey to superstardom you can choose which girls to date, which cars to buy and even save for that dream home you’ve always wanted. With its easy-to-use interface and quirky nature, Jumpers for Goalposts will quickly become an integral part of the committed procrastinator’s working day.

Soccerlens Rating: 9/10

Mardi Gras Shootout

The internet is littered with a host of relatively shoddy penalty shootout games, but Mardi Gras Shootout – despite its somewhat inexplicable name – is one of the better ones around. Once you’ve selected your character you’re dropped straight into the action playing the role of both penalty taker and goalkeeper with the game getting progressively harder as you advance through the levels. For a free game the graphics are well above average and it’s both easy to use and, to a point, realistic. All things considered, Mardi Gras Shootout is yet another fantastic way to delay the long sift through that mountain of paperwork surrounding your desk.

Soccerlens Rating: 7/10

Roby Baggio’s Magical Kicks

Practice your free-kicks under the watchful gaze of the great Roberto Baggio in this frustratingly difficult but intensely addictive online game. Select the height, direction and lift of your free-kick before letting fly and (hopefully) sticking it in the back of the net and impressing Il divin codino. Every time you score you’ll move on to a more difficult and challenging position, so be prepared to spend a good few hours perfecting your technique.

Soccerlens Rating: 8/10

Stick Football

One of the more recent additions to the mighty “Stick Sports” online empire, Stick Football is a well-presented and charmingly idiosyncratic take on the beautiful game. As the user you take control of a cartoon-like team of players who you guide around the pitch using only CTRL, Shift and the arrow keys. Yes, it really is that simple. Furthermore, if the friendly matches aren’t enough for you, you can sign up for a free Stick Sports account and embark upon a career or even take part in the World Cup. Stick Football really is the perfect game for committed enthusiasts of delaying tactics.

Soccerlens Rating: 8/10

Volley Challenge

Basically a watered-down version of Jumpers for Goalposts, Volley Challenge sees you play a league season for a Premier League club of your choice as you attempt to fire them to victory against your opponents for the title. Each match involves you being fed balls from the side of the screen that you need to smash into the net in order to score points for your team. Each game has a set number of points required to win it and the more goals you score the more points you rack up, so get those shooting boots on!

Soccerlens Rating: 5/10

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Every league in the world has its derby matches, those entrenched local, political or social rivalries which give added fervour to the average game. Some of these derbies, however, spill over into frequent violence, hatred and all-out warfare between the fans of the respective clubs.

In this article I list ten of the most vociferous and aggressive derbies in world football and look into the violence which has made them so notorious the world over.

AC Milan v Internazionale

“Derby della Madonnina”

One of Italy’s fiercest rivalries, the Milan derby or the Derby della Madonnina pits AC Milan against bitter rivals Internazionale within the grandiose confines of the magnificent San Siro. With a rivalry stretching back to the split of the original Milanese football club into two separate entities over a dispute about the employment of foreign players in 1908, the competition between the two clubs has become ingrained in the social fabric of the city and legendary both within Italy and across the globe.

Such is the strength of the partisan devotion the ultras of both clubs have for their teams, violence has constantly blighted the fixture throughout its long and tumultuous history. In recent seasons the intensity of crowd disruption has been high, with frequent clashes between fans – both in and out of the stadium – and incidents involving players such as AC Milan goalkeeper Dida being struck by a flare in the 2005 Champions League quarter-final, becoming a worryingly regular occurrence.

However, the crowd violence should not be allowed to detract from what is a consistently magnificent spectacle and one of football’s most glamorous and high-calibre encounters. The likes of Pirlo, Pato, Zanetti and Eto’o continue to ensure that the Milan derby is amongst the best expositions of football and one of the game’s most impassioned and significant rivalries.

Ajax v Feyenoord

“De Klassieker”

The Netherlands’ most heated derby, the battle between the biggest clubs of Amsterdam and Rotterdam is a fixture that has been infused with serious violence ever since the first meeting of the sides in 1921.

The most serious incident between the two sets of supporters came in 1997 when an Ajax fan was beaten to death during a clash between the two firms in the outskirts of Amsterdam. The tragic event led to away fans being barred from the next two fixtures between the two sides and a much increased police presence. Violence again marred the Klassieker in 2005, riots taking place outside Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium after a group of Ajax fans had heavily vandalised the train taking them to the ground and being forced to wait outside the stadium for the entirety of the match as a result.

Last season both clubs reached an agreement with the Dutch Football Association to ban away supporters from the fixture for the foreseeable future. The legislation may make the atmosphere in the two clubs’ respective grounds more peaceful, but you can guarantee that this rivalry won’t lose any of its spice as a result.

Barcelona v Real Madrid

“El Clasico”

Arguably the most glamorous derby in football, El Clasico pits two of Europe’s wealthiest and most successful clubs against each other in what is a battle for both prestige and political ascendancy. Traditionally a struggle between the wealthy elites of Madrid and the socialist separatists of Catalonia, Barcelona versus Real Madrid always makes for an impassioned occasion.

Thankfully fan violence in Spain is relatively rare in comparison with other European countries, but El Clasico has provoked violent incidents in the past. Vandalism to team buses and the interruption of training sessions by opposition fans have been regular features of this fixture down the years and have shaped the nature of this most hostile of rivalries.

The derby has also been littered with a plethora of footballing and political protests throughout its history. One of the most high-profile and heated examples of this was in 2002 when Luis Figo received an intensely hostile reception in the Camp Nou when he returned to face his former employers as a Real Madrid player. A host of missiles were directed at the Portuguese from the Barcelona ultras, the most unpleasant of which being a pig’s head, an incident which resulted in a review of fan behaviour in Spain.

El Clasico continues to be one of football’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures and a game of continuing political and sociological relevance in Spain. Doubtless these two sides will continue to inspire the global football community every time they meet for generations to come.

Cracovia v Wisla Krakow

“The Holy War”

Although the Krakow derby may not be one of the most high-profile derbies in football, clashes between these two Polish giants in the rather dramatically entitled “Holy War” are always an intense and brutal occasion.

Tragically “The Holy War” has claimed a number of lives of the years. In a city defined by such a strong rivalry simply saying or wearing the wrong thing in the wrong part of town can lead to deadly consequences. Indeed, between 2004 and 2006 eight fans lost their lives as a direct result of football violence in what has become known amongst football firms as “The City of Knives”.

One of the most notorious episodes in the history of the Krakow derby came in 1990 when, during clashes with Cracovia fans, the Polish police responded with unduly harsh and brutal treatment of the scrapping supporters. The Cracovia fans reacted by counter-attacking the police and were joined in their struggle by Wisla fans who also rounded on the police, action which resulted in an all-out battle between both sets of fans and the authorities. A group of fans then marched into the centre of Krakow, ransacking the Soviet embassy where a number of police officers had taken refuge. This incident further gave rise to the fearsome reputation of the derby and established its notoriety around Europe.

Fenerbahce v Galatasaray

“The Istanbul Derby”

Clashes between Turkey’s two biggest clubs are always intensely competitive and provoke a volatile atmosphere whenever they are played. With both club’s being based in Istanbul local passions and political tensions run high, the working-class Fenerbahce taking on the traditionally wealthy elites of Galatasaray. Over the course of its history the derby has spilled over into violence, the ultras of both clubs instigating fierce clashes between these two sets of highly passionate fans.

Like the Krakow derby, confrontations between “Fener” and “Gala” have also claimed lives amongst the countless acts of violence and rioting that are constant scourge to this most restless of encounters. Indeed, such are the extent of the social and political cleavages that surround this fixture and its history, the Istanbul derby will continue to divide Turkey’s largest city along class lines for generations to come.

Flamengo v Fluminense

“Fla-Flu”

The most divisive derby in Brazil, the rivalry between Rio de Janeiro’s most successful clubs runs deep and divides A Cidade Maravilhosa in half. The rivalry was established almost one hundred years ago when a number of Fluminense players splintered from the club and joined the Flamengo sports club, setting up the club’s football wing in the process. Ever since its genesis this internal competition has been contested as one of the fiercest derbies in South America and has captured the imagination of a continent.

With the “Fla-Flu” fixtures being played out in the magnificent Maracana stadium, the derby is given an added intensity and makes for a volatile and intimidating atmosphere when the 90,00 capacity arena is sold out. Violent clashes between fans of the respective teams are a frequent occurrence and derby games in recent seasons have been disrupted by pitch invasions and chaos in the stands. These are two of Brazil’s most popular clubs and the passions of their respective fan bases are clear for everyone to see.

Rangers v Celtic

“The Old Firm”

Comfortably Britain’s most tempestuous rivalry, the Old Firm derby is known throughout football as one of the game’s most politically-charged encounters. Infused with the history of centuries of religious conflict between the Protestant (Rangers) and Catholic (Celtic) factions of Glasgow, the Old Firm derby has always been a hotbed of civic and sectarian discontent.

Clashes between Scotland’s two most successful clubs have a history of violence which has made the fixture notorious the world over. Heavily invested with Northern Irish politics, partisan chanting and confrontations between the loyalist supporters of Rangers and the republicans of Celtic are a regular feature of this particular rivalry. Indeed, such is the extent of the sectarian nature of the Old Firm derby Rangers, up until relatively recently, has been accused of deliberately not employing any player who was openly Catholic.

Although serious incidents of violence have reduced in recent years, the Old Firm derby remains one of the most volatile and politically sensitive in world football with such strong ideological differences dividing two sets of such passionate fans. With the strength of feeling in Glasgow so deeply at Ibrox and Parkhead, the Old Firm rivalry doesn’t look like losing any of its intensity any time soon.

River Plate v Boca Juniors

“Superclasico”

Argentina’s most potent rivalry and a derby which is known the world over, the Superclasico between River Plate and Boca Juniors is also one of the most vociferous occasions on the global sporting calendar. As Argentina’s most popular teams go head to head, violence often arises between the two sets of supporters as passions run particularly high in Buenos Aires. The majority of clashes between the two clubs are marred by post-match fighting between rival supporters and have given this fixture a fearsome reputation.

Like so many of the derbies on this list, the Superclasico has endured its share of tragedy over the years. The worst incident in the fixture’s history came in the summer of 1968 when 71 fans were killed and 150 injured in a crushing stampede in the away end of River’s El Monumental stadium. Although no-one was ever found guilty for the incident, some reports from the time claim that Boca fans had dropped burning River Plate flags from the upper-tiers of the stadium which had landed amongst their own supporters and caused the crush. Others have laid the blame at the door of the police, saying that the authorities had kept pushing Boca fans back into the enclosure despite overcrowding and a lack of available exits from the stand. Whatever the cause for the “Puerta 12” tragedy, the incident has scarred the Superclasico ever since and has given it an added significance.

The Superclasico continues to be Argentina’s most intense derby and an event which ruptures the great city of Buenos Aires along its social and political fault lines every time it is played. To get a feel for the strength of passion Argentines have for the game, you need only watch these two clubs go head to head to realise just what it means to the people of Buenos Aires and the country as a whole.

Roma v Lazio

“Derby della Capitale”

Like the Milanese teams involved in the Derby della Madonnina, the Eternal City’s Roma and Lazio share a stadium as well as a bitter and deeply ingrained hatred of one another which stretches back generations.

Divided along political and social lines with Lazio being the club of the wealthy elites and Roma representing the Roman working classes, the Derby della Capitale is notorious for being Italy’s most violent and volatile fixture. With the notoriously fascist ultras of Lazio occupying the Curva Nord and Roma’s equally right-wing hardcore support crammed into the Curva Sud, the Stadio Olimpico always generates an incredibly hostile atmosphere on derby day.

Thirty years ago Italian football’s first ever fatality came about as a result of the Rome derby, a fan being struck in the eye by a flare and dying as a result of his injuries, an incident which has set the tone for one of the world’s most vociferous derbies ever since. Indeed, during the 2004/05 season Roma’s ultras forced the game to be abandoned half way through after a rumour spread that the police had run over and killed a child in the lead-up to kick off. The game descended into a battle between the two sets of supporters and it has been said that over 170 police officers were badly injured at the scene with 13 arrests eventually being made when the ugly scenes had subsided. This is a fixture which truly warrants its place on any list of the world’s most violent rivalries.

West Ham United v Millwall

“East London Derby”

Though these two clubs may be separated by a division, the rivalry between West Ham United and Millwall is one of the most fervent and provocative in Britain. Both clubs are synonymous with “firm” culture, with West Ham’s Inter City Firm and Millwall’s Bushwackers being two of the most feared hooligan groups in the UK.

When the two sides faced each other in the third round of this season’s Carling Cup in August there was widespread violence and crowd disruption as the bad feeling between the two clubs was vented at Upton Park. In the hours before the game there were planned fights between supporters as missiles were thrown and one man was stabbed and taken to hospital in a critical condition. Inside the ground pitch invasions disrupted the match on a number of occasions before fans overran the playing surface after the final whistle as police struggled to contain the disruption.

The violence in August evoked memories of the “bad old days” of British hooliganism, particularly previous clashes between West Ham and Millwall such as in 1976 when Ian Pratt, a Millwall fan, was killed following clashes with Hammers supporters. Violence on such a large and shocking scale was something that the British football authorities had hoped had been eradicated in the country, but the rivalry between West Ham and Millwall unfortunately shows that the game is not yet free of the yoke of brutality yet.

Also See: Our extensive coverage of the biggest football rivalries from around the world, as well as our coverage of football violence and the worst riots in football.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Soccerlens takes time out to reflect on the most glorious and visceral expression of footballing joy – the goal celebration. We look at some of the most famous goal celebrations of all time. Have a look, then join in the discussion.

The Most Memorable

Marco Tardelli – Italy v West Germany, World Cup Final, 1982

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XOL8o-3TZ8

One of the most iconic celebrations in football history, Marco Tardelli’s goal to put Italy 2-0 up in the 1982 World Cup final displayed all the raw emotion of the moment as the Italian striker was overcome with delight.

With the sheer ecstasy of a man who had just achieved the wildest dreams of his childhood etched across his face, Tardelli sprinted dementedly around the pitch, clenched fists pumping and screaming in unadulterated delight. To watch Tardelli’s triumph is to see the true passion football is capable of inducing encapsulated in one simple, euphoric moment.

The Most Outrageous

Robbie Fowler – Liverpool v Everton, Premier League, 1999

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsAUL03Xse0

Robbie Fowler has never been known as the subtlest of men, but his line-snorting celebration in the Merseyside derby of 1999 was a fairly outrageous – albeit darkly comic – exploit even for the man known affectionately as “God”.

Having tucked away a penalty to level the game at 1-1, Fowler proceeded to get down on all fours and “snort” the by-line in front of the Everton fans. It didn’t take an awful lot of imagination to realise what the Anfield hero was miming, and the narcotics-based jape got Fowler in a good deal of trouble with the footballing authorities, the FA hitting the striker with a £60,000 fine.

Dodgy celebration aside, the funniest part of the whole saga was Gerard Houllier’s attempted explanation of his player’s actions. According to the Frenchman it was a “grass-eating celebration” introduced to Fowler by Cameroonian defender Rigobert Song. I’m sure it was, Mr Houllier, I’m sure it was.

The Funniest

Peter Crouch – England v Hungary, Friendly, 2006

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96eSrFlUVh0

“The Robot” – in the wrong hands it is an embarrassing 1980s dance routine capable of making even the most accomplished of movers look ridiculous. When deployed by Peter Crouch, however, The Robot transforms into a devastating satirical tool and has quickly become one of the most popular images in football.

First unleashed after Crouch netted the third goal in England’s 3-1 friendly win over Hungary in 2006, seeing a 6ft 7in man resembling a twig perform a smoothly futuristic boogie caused football fans across the world to laugh in befuddled amusement. If “Crouchie” wasn’t already a cult hero before this celebration, he certainly was after it. It’s just a shame that he seems to have removed it from his post-goal armoury in more recent times.

The Strangest

Temuri Ketsbaia – Newcastle United v Bolton Wanderers, Premier League, 1998

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlqCCDh9XT0

Temuri Ketsbaia was a fan’s favourite during his time at St James’ Park for his undying commitment to the Newcastle cause and his often bizarre quirks of personality. Despite his popularity amongst Magpies fans, none of them had quite realised the extent of the Georgian’s endearing insanity before he went absolutely mental after scoring against Bolton Wanderers in 1998.

Having emphatically hammered the ball into the net in the final minutes after a scrappy goalmouth scramble, Ketsbaia proceeded to rip of his shirt, throw it into the crowd and attack the advertising hoardings unlucky enough to be within range of his wildly swinging right boot. Whether or not Ketsbaia is a vehement anti-capitalist I don’t know, but it is quite a cathartic experience to see the McDonalds and Adidas boards getting an absolute pummelling during the Georgian’s fit of rage. It later transpired that Ketsbaia had been incensed about his omission from the starting line-up and had staged the extraordinary outburst as a way of voicing his displeasure at being made to sit amongst the substitutes. Message received.

The Worst

Fabian Espindola – Real Salt Lake v Los Angeles Galaxy, Major League Soccer, 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycBhnJclyZc

For the more athletic footballers out there, pulling a few somersaults after you’ve scored is a great way to entertain the fans and show everyone just how sprightly you are. When done well, acrobatics can look spectacular, but when players get it wrong they can have disastrous consequences as Real Salt Lake’s Fabian Espindola discovered to his cost last year.

During a match against LA Galaxy last season, Espindola had the ball in the back of the net and ran away to the fans to commence his traditional back-flipping celebration, but the forward got it all wrong and landed awkwardly on his ankle. It took him a few moments to realise that he’d actually done himself some serious damage, but he was later diagnosed with a broken ankle, an injury which kept him out of the game for a full two months. To make matters worse, Espindola’s celebration had been a little premature as the goal had actually been ruled out for offside without him realising. That’s probably as good a definition of “egg on face” as you’re likely to find.

Honourable Mentions

Bas Savage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJojYaXrO0U)

Moonwalking? In football boots? Someone give this guy a medal.

Eric Cantona (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-xySV5QVgw&NR=1)

Collar up, chest puffed out and looking imperiously around the ground. The King in his prime.

Bebeto (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bPSkzyF_es)

First unveiled at the 1994 World Cup, we have the Brazilian striker Bebeto to thank for the host of awful baby-related celebrations that we’ve had to endure for the last fifteen years. Did he really have to do that?

More Goal Celebrations

The second best part of scoring a goal is celebrating it in front of thousands of fans (first being actually scoring it). Over the years, we have seen many types of goal celebrations including dancing, somersaults, rocking the baby, using thumb as a pacifier, etc. Here’s a compilation of some of the funniest moments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTMubKRHACE

And then sometimes celebrations don’t go according to the plan, like here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw1U_Cx6FBw

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNNVdiQwqLY

Share your favourite goal celebration moments / videos in the comments below.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

In this article we look at ten of the world’s largest football stadiums, some perhaps better known than others, and assess their legacies and impact both on the game and in their individual countries. We also look ahead and ask what the future may hold for this selection of magnificent sporting venues.

Perhaps the best part about these massive football stadiums is the opportunity to tie in football and travel, and take short breaks from your regular 9-to-5 work schedule to hop on a plane and visit some of these beautiful countries, and enjoy football all around the world.

#1 – Rungrado May Day Stadium (Pyongyang, North Korea)

Capacity: 150,000

A vast architectural monument to Communism, the Rungrado May Day Stadium in Pyongyang was opened in 1989 and can house and incredible 150,000 spectators. Although the primary purpose of the stadium is to host vast parades and other public spectacles in North Korea, it is also used to host some of the national football team’s fixtures making it the largest football stadium on the planet.

Unfortunately, being situated in one of the international community’s most isolated and volatile states, it is extremely unlikely that this magnificent arena will ever play host to a major tournament or have its turf graced by some of the world’s best players.

#2 – Salt Lake Stadium (Kolkata, India)

Capacity: 120,000

With a population of well over one billion you might expect India to play host to one of the planet’s largest stadiums and the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata does not disappoint. With a capacity of 120,000, the home of the Indian national team is said to generate an incredible atmosphere when The Bhangra Boys are in town.

As well as playing host to the national side, the Salt Lake Stadium is also used by four of India’s leading clubs. Chirag United Sports Club, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club are equal tenants of the stadium and all play their football in the top flight of the Indian game, the I-League First Division.

With football in Kolkata going from strength to strength, Salt Lake Stadium is set to continue its role as a focal point for football in the country and, as the arena continues to modernise, a clear sign of the rapid improvement footballing facilities are making in what is has been an area of widespread growth for the game in the modern era.

#3 – Estadio Azteca (Mexico City, Mexico)

Capacity: 105,000

One of the most emblematic stadia in world football, Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium is the home of the Mexican national team and is probably best remembered for the two World Cup final’s it hosted in 1970 and 1986. Having twice been the venue for football’s most prestigious event, the Azteca is held dear to many fans of the game; but it is not the matches themselves, rather the moments of football history that have taken place on its turf that have made it one of the most famous arenas of all time.

The 1970 World Cup showcased the talents of what was arguably the greatest team of all time; the Brazil side of Pele, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino and Jairzinho. Playing one of the most vibrant and expansive brands of football ever seen, it was in the Azteca that the Selecao of 1970 confirmed their greatness and claimed the Jules Rimet trophy for the third time in the country’s history.

During the 1986 quarter final between England and Argentina, the Azteca was again a central agent in the creation of more immortal football history. Maradona’s “hand of God” moment was quickly followed by one of the greatest individual goals of all time as El Diego weaved his way past the majority of the England team to carve his name into the global footballing consciousness forever. In the final of the same tournament it was again Argentina that triumphed, Jorge Burrachaga scoring the winning goal in an epic 3-2 victory over West Germany.

The Azteca’s history is so inextricably linked with some of the most significant moments in football’s remarkable journey that it has had its legend imprinted into the annals of football history and, as a result, will always be one of the game’s most iconic structures.

#4 – Melbourne Cricket Ground (Melbourne, Australia)

Capacity: 100,018

Although best known as one of cricket’s most impressive venues, the Melbourne Cricket Ground also plays host to many of the Australian national football team’s most high-profile fixtures. With a capacity of just over 100,000, the MCG is comfortably the biggest stadium in Australia and one of the southern hemisphere’s most iconic and atmospheric arenas.

As well as hosting a number of Australia’s World Cup Qualifiers, in 2007 the ground played host to a friendly between The Socceroos and Argentina. Although Australia were missing a handful of key players for the game, many of Argentina’s superstars took part in the game with Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano all gracing the MCG’s hallowed turf, giving the stadium more exposure and credibility as a venue amongst the footballing community in the process.

It is clear that the MCG is doing its best to be recognised as a top quality football arena and, should it continue to showcase Australia’s competitive matches and other high-profile fixtures, looks to be well on its way to achieving such a status.

#5 – Bukit Jalil National Stadium (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Capacity: 100,000

Situated in the ultra-modern city of Kuala Lumpur, the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Malaysia was built to house the 1998 Commonwealth Games and has since gone on to become the home of the Malaysian football team.

Back in June Manchester United played at the stadium as part of their pre-season tour of Asia in front of a sizeable crowd of 40,000. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team went up against a Malaysia XI in the Bukit Jalil, the Red Devils eventually emerging 3-2 victors with Michael Owen scoring a late winner. The stadium is clearly a world class venue and, by hosting the likes of Manchester United and other major European teams, is increasing its global exposure and building on its already impeccable reputation.

#6 – Camp Nou (Barcelona, Spain)

Capacity: 98,772

Opened in 1957 as a symbol of Catalan nationalism, Barcelona’s Camp Nou is one of the most striking football grounds in the world and emblematic of the unique Catalan culture and a regional identity.

Since the Camp Nou’s completion in the middle of the twentieth century, FC Barcelona, it’s illustrious tenants, have been at the forefront of European football and has enjoyed serial successes in this magnificent arena. Thirteen league titles, twelve Copa del Rey triumphs and three European Cups during the club’s residency at the Camp Nou have made Barcelona one of the most prestigious club’s in history and a true giant of world football.

In 2007 Barcelona announced plans for the modernisation and further expansion of the Camp Nou in celebration of the stadium’s fiftieth anniversary. If the plans are carried out the stadium will have its capacity increased to over 112,000, a figure which would comfortably make the Camp Nou the largest football-exclusive arena in the world.

In conjunction with the increased capacity, the club’s members voted in favour of revamping the stadium, with Norman Foster – the man responsible for New York’s Heart Tower, London’s “Gherkin” building and the restoration of the new Wembley Stadium – being appointed to bring his architectural flair to the project. The future of the Camp Nou looks very bright indeed.

#7 – Soccer City (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Capacity: 94,700

The home of the South African national team and the stadium which will host the 2010 World Cup final, the newly renovated Soccer City in Johannesburg is looking more impressive as ever as it is prepared to have the eyes of the world fixed upon it next summer.

Having had its capacity expanded from 78,000 to almost 95,000, Soccer City looks set to be a tremendous venue for football’s showpiece tournament . The stadium is designed so that no single fan in the ground will be more than 100 metres away from the action, something which, with the tension of tournament football and the exuberant cacophony of the vuvuzelas, will surely make for a cauldron-like atmosphere next summer.

A first World Cup in Africa is certainly a cause for celebration amongst the football community, and Soccer City is a stadium very much in keeping with the sense of occasion the 2010 tournament should induce.

#8 – Wembley Stadium (London, UK)

Capacity: 90,000

Some may complain about the second interpretation of the historic Wembley Stadium having less “soul” and “character” than the original, but Norman Foster’s architecturally stunning composition must surely be considered to be one of the most magnificent sporting arenas in Europe and the world.

One of UEFA’s Elite Stadiums and the new home of the England national team, Wembley has quickly become one of the most recognisable stadia in football with its distinctive arch already an iconic part of the London skyline. The FA will be hoping that their lavish new arena can become the centrepiece for their bid to host the 2018 World Cup, its state-of-the-art facilities making it arguably the most advanced football stadia around and a potentially stunning venue for some of football’s most notable events.

With the new Wembley continuing to grow in popularity as nostalgia for the twin towers of the original fades in the face of the success England have been enjoying in their new home, the stadium will surely develop a “character” of its own and become an integral part of British and European football history as the game continues to evolve and grow over time.

#9 – Azadi Stadium (Tehran, Iran)

Capacity: 90,000

With a capacity equalling that of Wembley, Tehran’s Azadi Stadium was built in the mid-1970s to host the Asian Games and has since become the home of Iranian football and to Esteghalal FC and Persepolis FC – clubs playing in the highest tier of the Iranian football ladder – in the country’s post-revolution era.

Despite perhaps not housing the level of football a stadium of the Azadi’s magnitude deserves, it has hosted a number of regional tournaments such as the West Asian Football Federation Championship and the Asian Club Championship.

Furthermore, being the permanent home of the Iranian senior team, it is the venue for the country’s World Cup qualification games and, although the Iranian government bans women from attending football matches, was filled for the first time in a qualifier against Japan in the lead-up to the 2006 World Cup. Having been renovated as recently as 2003, the Azadi Stadium can confidently claim to be the outstanding footballing venue in the Middle East.

#10 – Estadio do Maracana (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Capacity: 88,992

The final entry on this list is one of the most recognisable football stadiums in the world, Rio de Janeiro’s Estadio do Maracana. Built between 1948 and 1950, the Maracana has been synonymous with the dominance of Brazilian football on the world stage ever since its construction. Indeed, its completion coincides almost exactly with the rise of Brazil to become the finest and most consistent football team of the last century.

The stadium’s initial purpose was to host the 1950 World Cup, Brazil agonizingly losing out to Uruguay in the last match of the final round in front of an incredible 199,954 spectators jammed into this magnificent arena. Since then it has been home to no less than four of the country’s most high-profile clubs at different times; Flamengo, Fluminese, Botafogo and Vasco da Gama all having used the Maracana as their home at various points in their history, Flamengo and Fluminese still being part-time tenants of South America’s largest ground.

As Brazil gears up for the 2014 World Cup, the Maracana is also undergoing a revamp, and although the city / stadium for the Final hasn’t been decided, the Maracana is sure to be hosting the main event. The 2013 Confederations Cup will give fans a better idea of what to expect during Brazil’s World Cup, but if I were you, I’d be booking flights right away. It promises to be a cracking event with plenty of entertainment on and off the pitch.

Not only is the Maracana of great historical significance, it also looks set to continue its sporting prominence in the coming years with the arrival of both the World Cup and the Olympics in Rio in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Not only is this the stadium forever associated with Pele, Rivelino, Socrates, Ronaldo and a whole host other Brazilian greats, it will also be an arena for future generations of athletes to showcase their talents on the turf of this most famous of venues. The legend of the Maracana lives on.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Although football today is a multi-billion dollar globalised industry which has spread its commercial influence to all corners of the planet, sometimes it pays to look back into the game’s annals and revisit the humble origins of what has now become the most popular sport in the world.

In this article I look at the ten oldest football clubs still in existence today and try and put the magnitude of their impact upon the game into some sort of historical perspective.

Sheffield F.C. (1857)

http://www.sheffieldfc.com/

The first football club to have ever become a formalised and independent organisation, the 152-year history of Sheffield FC has been inextricably linked with the progression of the game in Britain and the growth of football into the globalised entertainment industry it is today.

Established during the height of the industrial revolution in Britain’s most prolific steel-producing centre, Sheffield FC quickly became an integral force during the gradual installation of football as a more organised and systematic athletic discipline in the UK.

After the club’s foundation in 1857 the committee began to methodically analyse the various loosely regulated codes of mob football that dominated the British game at the time, eventually arriving at a standardised set of rules which were adopted by the Sheffield Football Association, football’s first formal governing body, at its establishment in 1857.

In 1863, just six years after the formation of the Sheffield FA, the club became a founder member of the Football Association, the first national bureaucracy designed solely for the purpose of administrating the game of football and a hugely significant development in the game’s journey towards professionalism.

Despite now playing their football in the semi-professional Northern Premier League, Sheffield FC’s impact on the game should not be underestimated. Indeed, the club should be lauded as a revolutionary influence and controlling presence on the early history of association football.

Hallam F.C. (1860)

http://www.hallamfc.co.uk/

Originally set up as a cricket club in 1804, Hallam FC was established just three years after their more famous Sheffield neighbours and further enhanced the “Steel City’s” credentials as the crucible of football’s modern era.

Perhaps the club’s most significant achievement was, in 1867, to triumph in the Youdan Cup, thought to be football’s first ever organised tournament. The competition was played using the Sheffield rules of the time, a code which had been initiated by the fledgling Sheffield Football Association in the late 1850s.

Although Hallam may narrowly miss out on the title of the world’s oldest club, the team does boast – according to the Guinness Book of Records – the most venerable ground on the planet. The Countrymen, as they are more commonly known, have played at their Sandygate ground for the entirety of their history and, although the arena now plays host to Northern Counties East League football, don’t look like vacating their historic premises anytime soon.

Cray Wanderers F.C. (1860)

http://www.craywands.co.uk/

Founded in the London suburb of Bromley by the workers on the London to Kent railway, Cray Wanderers were the first club to be instituted from the South of England, an important development

Despite a successful start to the club’s life in the early years of the twentieth century as part of the Kent League, Cray lost their way in the 1930s and dropped into the various amateur leagues of the region. Just under twenty years later the club regained its semi-professional status and achieved a degree of success in the London League with three league titles towards the end of the 1950s.

Today, in their 150th year, the club conduct their business and Isthmian League, the seventh tier of the English football ladder and, despite not perhaps having had the level of impression on the game of the likes of Sheffield FC, Cray Wanderers are a traditional workers team and can be proud of their role in kick-starting the professional era away from the industrial towns further north.

Wanderers F.C. (1860)

http://www.fcwanderers.com/

Along with Cray Wanderers, Wanderers F.C. – or Forest F.C. as they were originally known – was the first major footballing force to come out of the south of England, enjoying their most notable period of success throughout the 1870s.

Founded in the London borough of Battersea, Wanderers was originally composed of ex-pupils of the prestigious Harrow school and had a profound impact on the ideological direction of the Football Association in its early days.

Although the club enjoyed a significant role in the development of football as an increasingly organised and regulated mass sport in Britain, Wanderers is perhaps best known for its serial successes in the first decade of competition in the FA Cup. Not only did the club win the inaugural competition in 1872, Wanderers also won a further four times (1873, 1876, 1877 & 1878) in the same decade to emerge as English football’s first dominant force and a conspicuous influence on the years of football which followed both in the UK and on the European continent.

Worksop Town F.C. (1861)

http://www.worksoptownfc.co.uk/

Founded in the industrial heartland of north-east Nottinghamshire in 1861, Worksop Town Football Club was another of the game’s important early formally structured organisations and represented another significant area of growth in the spread of quasi-professionalised football throughout the United Kingdom.

Despite being one of Britain’s earliest clubs, Worksop Town have struggled to ever extricate itself from non-league football, a legacy perhaps not fitting with The Tigers’ wider influence on the game. The team currently play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the sixth tier of English football, and have recently undergone a series of complex ownership and ground issues which threatened to place the future of the 148 year-old club in jeopardy. The club have found a temporary home for the meantime and currently lie 11th in their division, continuing to be standard bearers for the compelling historical sporting legacy of which they are a central part.

Notts County F.C. (1862)

http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/page/Home/

The oldest professional football club in the world, Notts County were founded in 1862 and have been trailblazers for the game ever since their genesis 147 years ago.

The oldest club in Nottingham by a mere three years – a small but important distinction for The Magpies’ fans – County were one of the twelve founder members of the Football League at its establishment in 1888 and have been a part of it ever since.

The club’s finest hour came in 1894 when County beat Bolton 4-1 to win the FA Cup and, with substantial recent investment in the club from Middle Eastern backers and the appointment of Sven Goran Eriksson as director of football, Magpies fans will be hoping that they won’t have to wait another 115 years for their club’s next major silverware.

It’s a new era for Notts County, and there’s every possibility that we will see the club climbing the Football League ladder at a rate of knots in the seasons to come.

Bradford Park Avenue A.F.C. (1863)

http://www.bpafc.com/content/pages/index.asp

Not to be confused with the more illustrious Bradford City AFC, a side which has graced the Premier League as recently as 2001; the original Bradford Park Avenue AFC was founded in 1863 and was, for more than sixty years, a member of the Football League.

In its first guise, Bradford Park Avenue was inducted into the League in 1908 and, up until the outbreak of The Great War, enjoyed modest success in the top flight of English football. After the First World War, amidst the massive social upheavals it caused, The Avenue’s early progress was lost and the club plummeted down the leagues, a fall which culminated in their ejection from the Football League in 1970.

The early 1970s proved to be a dark time for the club, financial difficulties dragging The Avenue into turmoil and, ultimately, liquidation. However, the club was not allowed to die a humiliating death, instead being reborn as an amateur team which eventually made a return to semi-professionalism in 1988.

Over the last twenty years the club has moved up the semi-pro ladder and has reached the Northern Premier League, a veritable haven for some of the most historically gilded football clubs in Britain. With plans for a new stadium in the pipeline it would seem that Bradford Park Avenue can look forward to the future with a great degree of confidence.

Stoke City F.C. (1863)

http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/Home/

Another of the twelve founder members of the Football League and the oldest club currently playing in the Premier League, Stoke City has enjoyed something of a recent renaissance and has become the modern standard bearers for the origins of British football.

The Potters’ most famous son, Sir Stanley Matthews, burst onto the scene in the 1930s and guided his hometown side to the Division Two championship and established the club as one of the finest, most attractive in Britain. By the time Matthews left for Blackpool in 1947 Stoke were a major force in the top flight, but his departure signalled a decline in the club’s fortunes, relegation following some years later in 1953.

For much of the period between the 1950s and the early 2000s Stoke were becalmed, a sleeping giant in the lower leagues before promotion back to the second tier in 2001/02 completely reinvigorated the club. The 2007/008 season saw The Potters promoted to the Premier League for the first time under the stewardship of the shrewd Tony Pulis. Since their promotion, Stoke has exceeded all expectations to establish itself as one of the top flight’s most efficient and close-knit sides, comfortably avoiding relegation last season and starting the 2009/10 season in fine form. This might just prove to be the most exciting period in the club’s extensive and fascinating history.

Nottingham Forest F.C. (1865)

http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/page/Home/

Of all the teams represented on this list Nottingham Forest has been by far and away the most consistently successful over the last 146 years of the Football Association.

Founded in 1865, Forest enjoyed regional success during the early years of the club’s existence, eventually being inducted into the FA in 1892. Six years later Forest claimed their first major honour, winning the 1898 FA Cup with an emphatic 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Derby County.

Forest’s turn of the century success was followed sixty years later with another spell of glory when the club returned to the First Division and won the FA Cup for a second time in the late 1950s. That period laid the early foundations for the most successful spell in the club’s history when, under Brian Clough, Forest were twice crowned champions of Europe.

Clough’s arrival in 1975 saw a huge upturn in the club’s fortunes, Forest winning promotion back to the First Division in 1977 and winning the league title in their first season back in the top flight. Over the eighteen years Clough was in charge at The County Ground Forest won 1 League title, 2 European Cups, 4 League Cups, 1 European Super Cup, 1 Charity Shield and 1 Full Member’s Cup as the club from the banks of the River Trent underwent a transformation from a small provincial team to one of the best clubs in Europe.

Although The Reds haven’t reached the dizzy heights of the Clough era in recent years, the club is currently enjoying a sustained run of form and sits just beneath the play-off places in The Championship. If current manager Billy Davies can continue to improve the fortunes of this historic club then there’s every chance Nottingham Forest fans could see their club rise back to the top tier of English football in the near future.

Sheffield Wednesday F.C. (1867)

http://www.swfc.co.uk/page/Home/

Originally formed as a cricket club which played its matches on a Wednesday, Sheffield Wednesday football club was eventually conceived in 1867 and joined the Football League, albeit not as a founder member, in 1892.

One of English football’s more successful sides, Wednesday have won four First Division titles in their history to go with three FA Cups and one League Cup triumph which came in 1991. Indeed, of the club’s 107 years as a member of the Football League 66 have been spent in the top flight, an impressive record and one which has ensured Wednesday’s status as one of the most prestigious teams in British football.

Although The Owls have not graced the top flight since the 1999/2000 season, Wednesday’s fortunes have picked up of late as the club have recovered from a brief spell in the third tier. Wednesday are now looking to re-establish themselves as a force in The Championship and, ultimately, the Premier League.

Also See:

Football Clubs – by League
Football’s Greatest Clubs
The Greatest Football Teams Of All Time
The Worst Football Teams Of All Time

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

How does one go about measuring greatness in football? I mean real, obvious, blatant greatness; that rarest of qualities. Today “greatness” is such a woolly, over-used term that sometimes we lose its meaning and start labeling all sorts of mundane, workaday things as “great”. The evolution of language has distilled its meaning, reduced its potency, but we still know greatness when we see it.

However, the very idea of finding some sort of gauge on which to measure greatness, particularly in sport, can be extremely problematic. The main issue with bestowing greatness upon an individual athlete is that it is near impossible to avoid straying from objectivity and into the territory of personal, subjective judgments.

To one man Pele might be the greatest of all-time, to another it will be Maradona and to another perhaps Di Stefano. When it comes to the greatness of individuals, the subjective cannot be avoided because the statistics don’t always add up. George Best never inspired Northern Ireland to World Cup success, Gianfranco Zola never fired Chelsea to a Premier League title, but that does not mean they were not great players.

Individual brilliance does not always shine through in statistical records, there is also an intangible quality that is almost impossible to describe. We just seem to know it when we are witnessing it.

When it comes to the records of clubs, however, it is possible to be a little more objective when forming opinions. Sheer weight of silverware is as good a gauge as any, a tangible measure by which to assess the relative “greatness” of some of the game’s most successful clubs.

In this article I will be using a simple formula to come to some sort of conclusion as to which are the most successful clubs in the history of the sport. Obviously it’s not flawless, I’m no mathematician, but it’s something.

By awarding 1 point for major domestic trophy triumphs (e.g. FA Cup, Coppa Italia), 2 points for a minor continental trophy (UEFA Cup, Cup Winner’s Cup, World Club Cup etc), 3 points for a league title and 5 points for a major continental trophy (Champions League, Copa Libertadores etc), I hope to reach a rudimentary verdict as to which clubs around the world can truly come to be considered “great”.

I have decided to exclude secondary domestic cup competitions (e.g. the Carling Cup) and titles which are decided by a one-off fixture (e.g. the European Super Cup) from the list, because they are not held in quite the same regard as the other competitions and, in the case of the Super Cup, can only be contested by clubs that have already won silverware the previous season.

For the European teams, to avoid clubs from smaller, less competitive leagues dominating the list through sheer weight of trophies won in relatively weak competitions, I will multiply each club’s league title points score by the UEFA coefficient of its domestic league to provide a more balanced figure. Hopefully all will become clear…

Most Successful Clubs by Region

AFC

(Asia & Australia)

Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (7 league titles, 1 domestic cup, 0 minor continental trophies, 1 major continental trophy) = 27

With the advent of professional football being a relatively recent occurrence in the Far East, the statistics for some of the region’s most successful clubs may not look particularly impressive, but this is an area where football is growing more rapidly than anywhere else on the planet and should not at all detract from the achievements of the AFC’s most dominant teams.

During the 20 years since the club’s foundation, South Korea’s Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma have grown quickly to become a dominant force in the Asian game. 7 K-League championships make the club the most successful in the relatively brief history of Korean professional football, whilst an AFC Champions League triumph in 1995-96 confirmed Seongnam’s position at the very pinnacle of Asian football.

CAF

(Africa)

Al-Ahly (34 league titles, 35 domestic cups, 4 minor continental trophies, 6 major continental trophies) = 175

Egypt’s Al-Ahly have dominated African club football for the best part of sixty years, serial successes making the club the most decorated outside of Europe. Not content only with domestic supremacy, Al-Ahly are also the most successful team in the history of the CAF Champions League with a highly impressive six titles, four having come in the last nine years.

Today “The Red Devils” continue to possess a highly talented squad, the likes of Ahmad Belal and Mohamed Aboutrika contributing to a smooth and aesthetic style of football which will, in all probability, lead to Al-Ahly continuing their ascendancy over the African game in the coming years.

CONCACAF

(North America, Central America & The Caribbean)

C.D. Saprissa (28 league titles, 0 domestic cups (n/a), 5 minor continental trophies, 3 major continental trophies) = 109

Although it is perhaps the Mexican sides who grab most of the headlines when it comes to Central American football, it is Costa Rica’s C.D. Saprissa who are the most decorated club in the region. With 28 domestic titles and 3 CONCACAF Champions League trophies to their name, Saprissa have secured their status as one of the very best sides in Latin America, but it was the club’s performance in the 2005 World Club Cup that gained them the most attention.

Going into the competition as, on paper at least, the weakest side in the tournament, Saprissa beat Sydney F.C. 1-0 in the quarter-final before putting in a decent performance against Liverpool, eventually going down 3-0 to the European Champions. The club’s performance in the tournament equaled the best ever by a team from the CONCACAF region and further raised the growing international profile of the prolific Saprissa.

CONMEBOL

(South America)

C.A. Penarol (46 league titles, 0 domestic cups (n/a), 0 minor continental trophies, 5 major continental trophies) = 163

Uruguay, one of world football’s earliest powerhouses, may have seen its influence on the global game diminish with the passing of the decades, but Penarol, the South American nation’s most prestigious club, have continued to be a significant force on the continent despite their country’s gradual decline on the international stage.

With 46 league titles, the last being won in 2003, Penarol are certainly well established as the strongest side in Uruguay and, despite perhaps lacking the worldwide profile of the likes of Boca Juniors and River Plate, their five Copa Libertadores triumphs show that the club deserve to be more widely recognised as one of South America’s most prestigious footballing establishments.

OFC

(Oceania)

Auckland City F.C. (4 league titles, 0 domestic cups (n/a), 0 minor continental trophies, 2 major continental trophies) = 22

Although, with the move of Australia into the Asian zone, the OFC region is almost certainly the weakest of FIFA’s global administrative areas in plain footballing terms, Oceania does possess a number of successful clubs that will be hoping to develop a more global presence as the game continues to develop in the region.

New Zealand is the strongest football nation in the region and it’s most prominent club, Auckland City F.C., can lay claim to being the best in the OFC. The club has won four domestic titles in the last four seasons and is the current holder of the Oceania Champions League title, having won it in 2008/09 and also three seasons earlier in 2005/06. If Auckland – and OFC football in general – can find the greater investment needed to develop the game further, then there’s no reason why club’s like Auckland can’t establish themselves as a more significant international force in the years to come.

UEFA

(Europe)

Real Madrid C.F. (31 league titles x 74.266 UEFA coefficient, 17 domestic cups, 2 minor continental trophies, 9 major continental trophies) = 159 (without coefficient) 2330.246 (with coefficient)

Although Rangers are the most decorated football club in Europe, when adjusted by the UEFA coefficients it is, almost poetically, Real Madrid who come out on top. The world’s richest, most glamorous club have dominated Spanish football since the 1930s and were voted the most successful club of the 20th century in FIFA’s official poll.

A club with a gloriously rich history, some of the game’s greatest ever players have plied their trade for Madrid during its 107 year existence. It is names like Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento, Butraguengo and Zidane that have established Madrid as the best club in Europe over the last century and give the club its air of grandeur and majesty. With a new generation of galacticos now in residence at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu it’s almost certain that Real Madrid will continue to be a major force in world football for the foreseeable future.

European Top 10 (Using UEFA coefficients)

Real Madrid (2330.246)

Juventus (1713.570)

Rangers (1483.500)

Barcelona (1443.054)

Liverpool (1355.982)

Manchester United (1355.982)

Bayern Munich (1210.595)

Celtic (1205.750)

Ajax (1157.770)

Benfica (1157.322)

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Last season Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona thrilled Europe with their fluid, vivacious, irrepressible brand of football. Led by the combined talents of Xavi, Iniesta, Henry, Messi and Eto’o, Barca surged to an exceptional treble which established the Catalan club as the most formidable on the planet.

With the start of the new campaign just a fortnight away, Barca will be keen to continue their good form of 2008/09 and dominate La Liga for a second consecutive campaign. Hot on their heels will be a reinvigorated Real Madrid, their squad replenished with a new generation of galacticos keen to win the trophies their talents are surely capable of challenging for. This could be one of the most fascinating campaigns Spain, or indeed the whole of Europe, has seen for a long while.

La Liga for dummies

La Liga, the top-flight of Spanish football, is home to a number of world football’s most glamorous, most attractive sides and is generally considered, along with the English Premier League, to be one of the highest-calibre competitions the game has to offer. Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of the game’s most successful clubs, traditionally battle it out for the title, with the likes of Sevilla, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal forming a highly competitive chasing pack.

Real Madrid’s recent decision to revive their famous (or infamous, depending on your viewpoint) galactico transfer policy has ensured that a substantial number of the world’s finest footballers – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema amongst others – will be plying their trade in La Liga for the foreseeable future.

Last season in a Tweet

Barca dominate in Pep’s first season. Real struggle under Schuster, improve under Ramos. Valencia short on cash. Betis, Numancia, Recre relegated.

If La Liga was a footballer…

Socrates. A cultured, skillful footballer in possession of an incredible natural gift and  an intelligent and political nature.

Title contenders

Having so thoroughly dominated La Liga last season, Barcelona will start the new campaign as favourites to secure a second consecutive domestic title. In terms of personnel the Catalans have retained the vast majority of last season’s squad, Samuel Eto’o being the only regular starter to have moved on during the summer.

The Cameroonian striker, one of La Liga’s top scorers in 2008/09, has been replaced at the Camp Nou by the immensely talented Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Swede having proved his goal scoring capabilities for Inter Milan in recent years. If Ibrahimovic can integrate into his new team and important players such as Xavi, Iniesta and the superb Lionel Messi can continue their rich veins of form, then Barca will be well on their way to securing yet more silverware.

Real Madrid, not used to being so comprehensively outplayed by their Catalan rivals, will look upon the 2009/10 season as a chance to reassert themselves as the primary force in Spanish football.

A new manager in the shape of Manuel Pellegrini and the arrival of some of the world’s best players over the summer have certainly signaled Los Blancos’ intent for the coming campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Raul Albiol are just some of the players Madrid have signed in an attempt to revisit the triumphs brought about by the first wave of galacticos in the early part of the decade.

Much rests on the ability of this collection of superstars to gel and learn to play alongside one another. If they can integrate quickly and Pellegrini can find a system to accommodate such an embarrassment of footballing riches, then Madrid will have an excellent chance of claiming the title and, perhaps, honours on the European stage. If not, then Los Merengues might have to wait a little while for their investment in talent to see a significant return.

European hopefuls

Such is the high quality of La Liga, there are a number of clubs capable of vying for places in the various European competitions. Last season it was Sevilla and Atletico Madrid who finished third and fourth to claim the remaining Champions League places, with Villarreal and a cash-strapped Valencia qualifying for the Europa League.

Sevilla have bolstered their midfield with the signing of Tottenham’s Didier Zokora and, despite being set to lose Luis Fabiano, if young players like Jesus Navas and Diego Capel can fulfill their burgeoning potential, Los Palanganas will almost certainly be in and around the top four come the end of the season.

Atletico, one of the league’s most attractive teams in 2008/09, have added more defensive guile to their undoubted attacking prowess, signing Real Betis’ Juanito on a free and snapping up the talented goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo from Real Valladolid. If the prolific pairing of Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero can continue their scintillating form then Atletico might just improve upon their 4th place of last season.

Villarreal will also be looking to improve upon last year’s 5th place, although with manager Manuel Pellegrini, the architect of the club’s recent success, having moved to Madrid, the coming campaign might prove more difficult than anticipated for El Submarino Amarillo.

Similarly, Valencia, who have endured a catalogue of financial disasters in recent times, may have to lower their expectations for the coming season. Although it was widely presumed that Los Che would be forced into selling their best players this summer (and they still might be), thus far they have managed to keep hold of David Silva and David Villa and retained a competitive squad.

If Unai Emery, the club’s talented young manager, can keep his squad together, Valencia will no doubt be one of the best sides in La Liga. However, if his hand is forced by the club’s prevailing financial conditions, then Valencia’s fans may have to gear themselves up for several seasons of mid-table mediocrity and financial survival. It could go either way.

Outside bet

Espanyol. Barcelona’s “other” team endured a terrible start to the 2008/09 season, finding themselves rooted to the bottom of the table for much of the first half of the campaign. However, the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino in January acted as a catalyst for an upturn in the club’s fortunes, an improvement in form which eventually saw the Periquitos finish in 10th.

Espanyol are undoubtedly a strong side, their triumph in the 2006 Copa Del Rey and appearance in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup final is testament to that, and they are well capable of European qualification. The death of captain Daniel Jarque this summer was a devastating blow to all involved with the club, but if they play to their potential this season there is no reason why Espanyol can’t compete at the top end of the league table and do their old captain proud.  

Relegation candidates

Xerez, Real Zaragoza and Tenerife have all been promoted from the Segunda Division and may struggle, but Zaragoza in particular have a squad more than capable of competing at the top level, so I’m going to stick my neck out and predict that the Aragonese side will survive relatively comfortably this season.

Getafe struggled last season, staying up only by virtue of their head-to-head record with Real Betis, and will need to fulfill their sizeable potential if they’re to avoid a similar situation this season.

Osasuna, Real Valladolid and Sporting Gijon also laboured towards the foot of the table last term and will have to keep their relatively fragile squads in tact to ensure survival this time around.

Joker in the pack

It’s hard to know what you’re going to get with Malaga. After promotion back to the top-flight in 2007/08, the Andalusian side exceeded all expectations last season to finish in 8th place, just seven points shy of a place in the Europa League.

Astute signings such as Milan Stepanov and Albert Luque should serve to improve an already industrious side and, with Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz back at the helm, Malaga might just be looking to challenge at the top end of the league yet again. The side’s development will be watched with great interest.

Solid gold gaffer

When Pep Guardiola took over at the Camp Nou at the beginning of last season, a newcomer to the business of management (albeit with the status of a club legend), there were doubts over his ability to guide Barca to any sort of success. Guardiola quickly silenced his critics and, in the space of just nine months, turned himself into one of the hottest properties in management, inspiring his side to a treble whilst playing some truly wonderful football along the way.

Frighteningly, the Catalan icon is still learning his trade as a manager and, if it’s possible to imagine, there might be even better things to come this season.

The man with the golden boot

Diego Forlan, who scored 32 league goals last season, was the 2008/09 Pichichi winner and the Uruguayan will again be amongst the favourites to claim the golden boot, as will his Atletico Madrid striker partner Sergio Aguero.

With Samuel Eto’o having moved to Inter there will be pressure on his replacement at Barca, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, to do his fair share of goal scoring, with his teammates Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry also likely to finish the season with sizeable hauls.

Several of Real Madrid’s stellar signings, not least Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, are also likely to challenge Forlan for his place at the top of the scoring charts, as will some of La Liga’s usual suspects such as David Villa and the evergreen Fredi Kanoute.

In short, there might just be a few goals this season.

Three to watch

Nilmar (Villarreal)

Long considered one of Brazilian domestic football’s finest players, Nilmar has consistently shown himself to be a great creative attacking talent for both Internacional and Corinthians. A two-season spell at Lyon five years ago yielded little, a move which dented his reputation in Europe somewhat, but his recent form for Internacional has done much to restore belief in his talent. Still only 25, Villarreal have signed Nilmar in the hope that he can provide the sort of creative spark which was the trademark of the now departed Nihat. It could be one of the transfers of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Whilst at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo established himself as one of the best, if not the best, player in the world. With an £80m transfer to justify, Real Madrid fans will be expecting their club’s marquee signing to reproduce a similar level of performance to that which he displayed at Old Trafford. If he can, Madrid’s chances of winning silverware will be massively enhanced and that transfer fee will seem a veritable bargain.

Diego Capel (Sevilla)

Last season Diego Capel began to show the level of ability everyone has known the young Spaniard to be capable of for a long time. Giving Sevilla an added attacking dimension down the left flank, Capel’s pace and aggression has made the 21 year-old one of La Liga’s best young players. His form will be crucial to Sevilla’s success this season and, if he continues to develop at his current astronomical rate, he could well become a key player for Spain at next summer’s World Cup and in the years to come.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Italian football has been blighted by a series of exposing scandals in recent years; Calciopoli in 2006, the Plusvalenze scandal and the murder of a Lazio fan by police in 2007 all degrading the once esteemed reputation of Serie A.

The 2008/09 season, however, did much to restore people’s faith in Italian football, a campaign free of corruption and legal accusation allowing fans to focus solely on the football on display. Followers of Serie A will be hoping that the league can consolidate the rebuilding of its respectability in 2009/10 in what is set to be one of the most interesting seasons in recent years.

Serie A for dummies
The highest level of Italian football, Serie A is home to some of the world’s most prestigious clubs including Internazionale, Juventus and AC Milan, giants of European football. The cliché goes that Italian football is sluggish and dominated by defensively-minded ideology but the reality is very different, Serie A is a veritable showcase of some of the finest, most tactically astute football the world has to offer. Indeed, a goals-per-game ratio of 2.44 is just 0.02 behind that of the Premier League, the division widely considered to be the most exciting in the world. What was that about boredom?

If Serie A were a footballer…
Paul Gascoigne. Troubled, misunderstood and beset by financial irregularities off the field; consistently beautiful to watch on it.

Last season in a Tweet
Mourinho arrives & Inter make it 4 consecutive titles. Juve & Milan 10 points off pace. Roma struggle. Torino, Reginna & Lecce all down.

Title contenders
Inter will again be favourites to claim the Scudetto, the Nerazzurri seeking their fifth title in as many years. Despite losing his maestro, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jose Mourinho has strengthened the squad by bringing in Samuel Eto’o, Aliaksandr Hleb, Lucio, Diego Milito and Thiago Motta at knock-down prices, all shrewd signings, and looks set to mount yet another strong challenge for the Serie A title with one of Europe’s strongest squads at his disposal.

Juventus, last season’s runners-up, should also be in the hunt for the title. Despite experimenting with an untested manager in the shape of alumnus Ciro Ferrera, the Biaconeri have recruited Werder Bremen’s Diego and Fiorentina’s Felipe Melo to give the side an added quality. The Turin outfit look set to embark upon the 2009/10 campaign in the best shape they have been in for years and will push Inter all the way.

AC Milan also have their sights set on the title and, like Juventus, have employed an ex-player as manager for the forthcoming season. Leonardo, who is well capable of deposing Mourinho’s as the king of dugout chic, has been installed in his first managerial post and will be hoping to improve on his team’s disappointing 3rd place finish last time around. The consistency of key players like Andrea Pirlo, Alexandre Pato and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will be central to determining the Rossoneri’s fortunes this season.

European hopefuls
Where the Premiership has it’s top four, Serie A has a distinct top three (Inter, Juve, Milan) who are usually pursued by a large group of clubs all hopeful of securing the fourth Champions League spot or a place in the Europa League. Last season it was Fiorentina who finished fourth, and they will again be in the mix for European qualification, but this season the race for European football is as much of a lottery as it has ever been.

After struggling to a disappointing 6th place last season, Roma will be keen to re-assert themselves as a Champions League force by climbing back into the top four, something of which they have so often been a part in recent years. Genoa, last season’s most improved side will also be looking to build on their 5th place finish and make the step up to the highest level of European football, as will Palermo and, particularly, Lazio, who struggled in the league last year despite winning the Coppa Italia.

Outside bet
Udinese are one of Serie A’s most improved teams of recent seasons and are always seemingly on the cusp of great things. A 7th place finish last season didn’t quite do justice to the level of football the Zebrette (little zebras) played and they’ll be looking to improve on that in the coming campaign. If Pasquale Marino’s side can improve their consistency of performance then there’s every chance they could challenge for a place in the top four and, perhaps, become a dark horse in the title race.

Relegation candidates
Bari, Parma and Livorno were all promoted from Serie B last season and all look set to struggle, Livorno perhaps being the most likely of the three to be sent straight back from whence they came. Bologna struggled last season and were only saved thanks to the superhuman efforts of Marco Di Vaio. Chievo and Catania also floundered in 2008/09 and will need to significantly improve if they’re to steer clear of another relegation scrap this season.

Joker in the pack
It has to be Sampdoria. One of the most inconsistent teams in Serie A, the Genoese side seem to be equally capable of getting relegated as they are of challenging at the top end of the table. Led by the brilliant, if mercurial, Antonio Cassano, Samp finished last season in 13th place, a disappointing return for a team who reached the top six in 2007/08. This term, as is often the case with the Blucerchiati, it is impossible to tell how they will fare.

Solid gold gaffer
Gian Piero Gasperini transformed the fortunes of Genoa last season and will be looking to build upon his side’s 5th placed finish and push on into the top four in 2009/10. After years languishing in the lower leagues and suffering from prolonged spells of mismanagement, Gasperini was appointed in 2006 and has masterminded Genoa’s return to the big time, establishing his team as one of the most consistent and attractive in Serie A.

Despite losing the substantial talents of Diego Milito and Thiago Motta (both of whom have joined Inter), Gasperini has intelligently replenished his squad with the likes of Hernan Crespo and Rodrigo Palacio as he attempts to keep Genoa challenging at the top end of the league.

The man with the golden boot
With last season’s top marksman, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, having moved on to Barcelona, the race for the golden boot is as open as it ever has been this season. Ibrahimovic’s replacement at Inter, Samuel Eto’o, will be amongst the favourites to end the season with the most goals to his name, as will his potential strike partner, Diego Milito, but there are plenty of other names in the picture.

AC Milan’s Brazilian prodigy Alexandre Pato will be looking to improve on his haul of 18 goals from last season, and his new team mate, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, will be out to justify his substantial transfer fee. Other contenders include the evergreen attacking talents of Marco Di Vaio, who scored 24 goals for struggling Bologna last season, and Juve’s Alessandro Del Piero whose eye for goal has not diminished with age. You never know, if Antonio Cassano can improve his consistency and discipline, then he might even be in the running too. Stranger things have happened.

Three to watch

Hernan Crespo (Genoa) – After being frozen out at the San Siro under Mourinho, Crespo has moved to Genoa in an attempt to revive his career. Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini has a reputation for transforming the careers of ageing stars, and it would seem that the Argentinean has found a club where he will once again have a chance to show the world what a talented forward he really is as he attempts to fire Genoa into the top four. This might just be Crespo’s season.

Diego (Juventus) – The highest-profile arrival in Serie A this summer, Diego will be hoping to impress the Delle Alpi faithful with performances similar to those that made him one of the Bundesliga’s finest players during his spell with Werder Bremen. If the Brazilian can find his best form and strike up an effective midfield partnership with compatriot Felipe Melo, Juventus might well be able to look forward to enjoying a successful season.

Simon Kjaer (Palermo) – Despite having only turned professional in 2007, Danish centre-back Simon Kjaer has already made quite a name for himself on the continent. After one season playing in his native Denmark for FC Midtjylland, 20 year-old Kjaer signed for Palermo this time last year and made an instant impact, drawing praise for his performances from all sections of the Italian football media. If he can continue his good form this season then a move to a bigger club may well be on the horizon.

How do you think your team will fare in the 09/10 Serie A season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

This is part two of the 09/10 season preview – find part one of the 09/10 premier league season here.

Liverpool

After pushing Manchester United all the way, Liverpool ultimately finished second best in the race for the title last season. This season, as we seem to say every season, “could be Liverpool’s year”, and Rafa Benitez’s side will be desperate to take the honours after coming so close last time around.

Despite selling both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa to Real Madrid, Benitez has quickly added both Glen Johnson and Roma’s Alberto Aquilani to his talented squad as direct replacements for the departed Spaniards. If the new arrivals can settle quickly and Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard can display the world-class form they are capable of, then The Reds could come very close to winning their first league title since 1990.

Prediction: 3rd

Manchester City

No team in the Premier League has undergone a more dramatic transformation in recent months than Manchester City. Basking in the wealth of the Abu Dhabi United Group, Mark Hughes has used the almost limitless resources at his fingertips to build a squad of the highest caliber over the summer. The arrivals of Gareth Barry, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz should see City vastly improve on their league performances of recent years.

With so many new faces in their squad, it is unlikely that City’s new-look team will gel sufficiently well to see the side mount a sustained push for the title, but it is possible that the blue half of Manchester could get very close to breaking up the monopoly of the hallowed “top four”. What is for certain is that all eyes will be on City this season to see if money really can buy instant success. Watch this space.

Prediction: 5th

Manchester United

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez having departed Old Trafford this summer, this season’s Manchester United side will have a very different feel to it. Having lost two of the team’s most influential players it was vital that Sir Alex replaced them with players of a similar quality. Opinion as to whether or not he has done that is very much split down the middle.

Wigan’s Luis Antonio Valencia has been signed for £15.25m as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo but, despite being a very good player, it is unlikely that he will be able to completely fill the sizeable shoes of the Portuguese. Similarly, a semi-fit Michael Owen may struggle to find his best form, leaving The Red Devils lacking strength in depth up front. Conversely, such is Fergie’s eye for a transfer it would surprise few if the new arrivals stepped up and made themselves key members of the defending league champions’ team.

Despite the potential problems that the losses of Tevez and Ronaldo may cause, such is the depth of United’s squad that Ferguson’s team is more than capable of adapting and being one of the forerunners for the title yet again. This may be a transitional season at Old Trafford, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a successful one.

Prediction: 2nd

Portsmouth

After beginning last season struggling under the leadership of Tony Adams in the wake of Harry Redknapp’s departure, Pompey’s season was turned around by Paul Hart who oversaw an upturn in the club’s fortunes and steered the south coast outfit away from the relegation scrap towards the end of the campaign, eventually finishing fourteenth.

The Fratton Park faithful will be hoping that their team continues to show improvement under Hart but, with the departures of key players such as Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson, Pompey might just find the going a little tougher in 2009/10. With a proposed takeover still incomplete, Hart has little in the way of the funds required to bring fresh faces into his squad and is desperately short of strikers capable of scoring with regularity in the top flight. The arrival of Steve Finnan from Espanyol represents a shrewd bit of business, but if Hart is unable to bring in reliable goal scorers then Pompey could find themselves struggling for consistency as the season progresses. They’re unlikely to go down, but this might just be a difficult season down by the seaside.

Prediction: 16th

Stoke City

Tony Pulis should be congratulated for keeping his Stoke side in the Premiership last season with an impressive twelfth place finish, but the 2009/10 campaign is crucial if The Potters want to go on to establish themselves as a regular feature in the top division.

The signing of Dean Whitehead should add extra bite to the midfield, and the mammoth throw-ins of Rory Delap combined with the goals of Ricardo Fuller will likely again prove to be crucial elements of Stoke’s game. As was the case last season, it will be vital that Stoke win the majority of their home games in the cauldron-like atmosphere of the Britannia Stadium. If they can do that then they have an excellent chance of extending their stay in the Premier League for yet another season, but it might be touch and go.

Prediction: 17th

Sunderland

With a new manager and plenty of new signings having been installed over the summer, Sunderland will be looking to begin a new era at The Stadium of Light this season. After much success with Wigan, Steve Bruce has made the move north and has already begun to strengthen his squad in the hope of improving on The Black Cat’s disappointing sixteenth place finish last season.

Albanian defensive midfielder Lorik Cana, who had been a target for both Liverpool and Arsenal, has been signed from Marseille (where he was captain) for £5m and should add a resilient, tenacious edge to Sunderland’s midfield. Darren Bent and Frazier Campbell have also been brought in to strengthen the forward line and, should they find their best form, should provide their new team with plenty of firepower.

Steve Bruce’s squad is taking a very positive shape and, if he can find a system to accommodate his new signings, Sunderland should be able to look forward to one of their more successful Premiership seasons of recent years. Things are on the up on Wearside.

Prediction: 10th

Tottenham Hotspur

Following a disastrous start to last season under Juande Ramos, Spurs were rescued by the appointment of Harry Redknapp who substantially improved the club’s fortunes and guided the North London club to a respectable eighth place finish. Now that Redknapp has the opportunity to oversee a full season, Lilywhites fans will be hoping for better things during the 2009/10 campaign.

Players such as Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Defoe and Luka Modric, the creative spine of the team, will again be crucial to Spurs’ fortunes this season, with Peter Crouch returning to White Hart Lane to reinforce Redknapp’s attacking options. Newcastle’s Sebastien Bassong has also joined the club and should provide consistency in the centre of defence during Ledley King’s inevitable absences through injury.

If Spurs’ form during the latter part of last season is anything to go by, this could be a much-improved season at White Hart Lane in terms of consistency, with a Europa League place being a key ambition for a club with lofty aspirations.

Prediction: 7th

The Spurs beat Liverpool at White Hart Lane (twice) last season, and are a 11/5 bet to repeat the feat again in their season opener against the Reds.

West Ham United

The mediocrity of the players Gianfranco Zola has brought in during the transfer window thus far suggests that more worrying times might be ahead for the Upton Park side. Davide Di Michele and Radoslav Kovac, loan signings who made such a difference last season, have now returned to their clubs and have yet to be replaced. Indeed, such is the pitiful state of the West Ham accounts, it is fairly unlikely that any big-name players will be arriving in East London anytime soon.

Despite being unable to significantly add to the squad, Zola has an able group of players at his disposal and, even if improving on last year’s performance looks to be a step too far, should be able to attain a mid-table finish with relative ease.

Prediction: 13th

Wigan Athletic

With the club now under the stewardship of talented young manager Roberto Martinez, the coming season feels like it could be one of real progress for Wigan Athletic. Despite having lost Antonio Valencia, Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey in recent times, Wigan’s progress has continued unchecked, the club finishing last season very respectably in eleventh place.

This summer has seen the arrivals of Jordi Gomez and Jason Scotland to the JJB Stadium, two of Martinez’s former charges who have the ability to make a positive impact on The Latics. If the club can also keep hold of and get the best from important players such as Lee Cattermole and Charles N’Zogbia, then Wigan fans might just be able to look forward to their side performing to an even higher level than last season.

Prediction: 8th

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves were promoted from the Championship last season playing a vibrant, vivacious form of football which Mick McCarthy will be hoping serves his side equally as well in the top flight. A lot of responsibility will rest upon the shoulders of young players such as Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, David Jones and Michael Kightly during the coming campaign, with McCarthy looking to retain the spine of the team which marched to the Championship title.

McCarthy has also shown a tendency to look to the Championship for players with which to strengthen his young squad. Kevin Doyle, Marcus Hahnemann and Andrew Surman have all joined from Football League clubs, whilst Ronald Zubar has signed from Marseille for £2.7m in an effort to shore up the defence.

Wolves may play some pretty football, but it is a lack of Premiership experience within the squad as a whole which could prove to be the side’s undoing. As with West Brom last season, expect thrilling football but perhaps little in the way of consistency and top flight savvy from The Wanderers over the next nine months.

Prediction: 18th (Relegated)

This is part two of the 09/10 season preview – find part one of the 09/10 premier league season here.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Will Manchester City break into the top four? Will Carlo Ancelotti make a triumphant start to life at Stamford Bridge? Will Michael Owen rediscover his form of old? Will Phil Brown and Rafa Benitez dispense with their questionable facial hair?

With the start of the 2009/10 Premier League season just a week away, the anticipation levels are fast approaching fever pitch. With the majority of teams diligently strengthening their squads over the summer, it looks as though this season could be one of the most competitive, tightly contested Premier League campaigns for a long while. Here’s our verdict on how the teams might fare between now and the 9th May.

This is part one of the 09/10 season preview – find part two of the 09/10 premier league season here.

Arsenal

Even before they have kicked a ball in a competitive match, Arsene Wenger’s side have seemingly been written off by large swathes of the media who seem to think that The Gunners will struggle even to make the top four this season. To dismiss Arsenal in such a fashion is pure folly, the North London outfit looking perhaps even stronger going into 2009/10 than they did at the beginning of the 2008/09 campaign.

Former Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen has been brought in to strengthen an already dynamic-looking back line and, in the shape of Arshavin, Van Persie, Rosicky, Walcott and Nasri, Arsenal possess some of the best wide players in Europe. The team’s main weakness still remains defensive midfield, but if Patrick Vieira is brought in and rediscovers his form of old then that particular problem will be solved. A lack of strength-in-depth has also been cited, but Arsenal’s youngsters are surely the best crop in the Premier League and are ready to step up to the first team when required. If injuries to key players can be avoided then there is absolutely no reason why Arsenal can’t be challenging for the title come the latter stages of the season.

Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa

An excellent 2008/09 season for Villa saw Martin O’Neill’s side finish sixth and secure Europa League football for the forthcoming campaign. However, the loss of Gareth Barry to Manchester City and the failure of O’Neill to bring in a suitable replacement combined with the extra games European football will bring could see Villa struggle to replicate their fine performances of last season.

O’Neill has made two major signings so far this summer, bringing Stewart Downing in from Middlesbrough for £12m and Habib Beye from Newcastle for £2.6m, although Downing will be out until December with a broken foot. The promising Fabian Delph has been signed from Leeds, but it could be a while before he establishes himself as a first team regular at Villa Park. More players will need to be signed to provide cover if Villa are to make a success of their season in both the Premiership and in the newly-formed Europa League. If O’Neill does not act then The Villains could struggle to finish in the top-six for a third consecutive season.

Prediction: 9th

Birmingham City

Alex McLeish has spent wisely over the summer and Birmingham go into the new season as perhaps the best prepared of all the promoted sides. Barry Ferguson, Roger Johnson, Lee Bowyer, Scott Dann, Joe Hart (on loan) and Christian Benitez have all been signed to give the team both added strength and quality.

As most promoted teams do, The Blues will doubtless struggle for consistency at times during their return to the top-flight, but they look well-equipped to survive and play some good football along the way. They might just surprise a few people this season.

Prediction: 15th

Blackburn Rovers

The recent departures of Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire to Manchester City and Olympiakos respectively will doubtless hurt Blackburn, but the money to two transfers have brought in (£20m in total) gives Sam Allardyce the freedom to make some key signings before the season gets underway.

Lars Jacobsen and Gael Givet have been signed, the pair coming in to shore up what was a fairly leaky defence last season, with Allardyce surely looking to construct a far more consistent side than that of last season. Franco Di Santo, Chelsea’s prodigious Argentine striker, has also been brought in on loan and could, if he begins to fulfill his great promise, become a short-term replacement for Santa Cruz.

One potential worry is that Blackburn’s squad looks a little short on true quality, and although the team might not have the ability to challenge for European football, it is, however, full of battle-hardened players with plenty of Premiership experience which should see the club through to a relatively comfortable mid-table finish.

Prediction: 12th

Bolton Wanderers

Despite a degree of hostility from some fans towards the manager, Gary Megson, Bolton enjoyed a relatively comfortable season in 2008/09 which eventually saw them finish 13th, well clear of the relegation scrap which had at one time looked as if it might engulf them.

The goals of Kevin Davies and an improved season from Johan Elmander will be crucial if The Trotters are again to steer clear of the threat of relegation. New signing Sean Davis, brought in on a free from Portsmouth, may well prove to be instrumental in the midfield alongside Fabrice Muamba, and the brilliance of Jussi Jaaskelainen in goal will again be crucial to the team’s fortunes. If the fans can be patient with Megson and give him time to find the ideal system for his team then Bolton should again be able to bypass the traditional end-of-season relegation dogfight.

Prediction: 14th

Burnley

Without deliberately sounding patronising, Burnley should be congratulated in their feat of reaching the Premier League. For a club with very limited financial resources from such a small town to make it into the top flight in this day and age is incredible and their achievement should be widely applauded.

Now they are in the top division, however, things may well prove difficult for Owen Coyle’s men. Without the resources with which to greatly strengthen the squad – the £3m signing of Hibernian’s Steven Fletcher broke the club’s transfer record – Burnley will surely struggle to pick up regular points against the majority of clubs in the league. Add into the equation the fact that there are very few players in the squad with substantial Premier League experience, and the campaign could well prove to be a painful, if extremely valuable, learning curve.

Prediction: 20th (Relegated)

Chelsea

Chelsea’s team for the coming season looks, on paper at least, to be one of the most well-balanced in the entire league. With several players entering their thirties, this could be the season which defines this particular group of players, a last chance for the surviving talismen of the Mourinho era to stamp their authority on the Premier League before changes begin to be made and the future of the club, the next generation, begins to take shape.

All areas of the team look strong and powerful, with Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho and Cole constituting what is probably the best back four in the league. Yuri Zhirkov has been signed from CSKA Moscow over the summer and should add an extra threat down the left side of midfield, combining with Mikel, Lampard, Essien et al as part of a midfield which is, as we have seen in recent years, as creative as it is strong. If Anelka and Drogba can find their shooting boots then Carlo Ancelotti’s first season in charge could well prove to be a very successful one.

Whether or not this team has the ability to win the league we will have to wait and see, but they will surely be one of the major challengers for the title by the time May comes around and I have a sneaking suspicion that they might just pull it off.

Prediction: 1st (Champions)

Everton

To say that David Moyes has “worked wonders” during his time at Everton has become something of a cliché over recent seasons, but the Scotsman truly has turned the Blue half of Merseyside into a consistently competitive outfit at the top end of the Premier League.

Moyes’ side, made up of highly effective, often underrated players such as Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka, has consistently played to its full potential and secured European football on a regular basis in recent times. The signing of Marouane Fellaini last season gave the team an added attacking dimension, as did Brazilian striker Jo who’s had his loan from Manchester City has renewed for the 2009/10 campaign. With Moyes set to remain at the helm for the foreseeable future, expect to see more of the same from The Toffees this season.

Prediction: 6th

Fulham

Last season saw Fulham exceed everyone’s expectations and finish a highly impressive campaign in seventh place, bringing Europa League football to Craven Cottage for the 2009/10 season. Although the prospect of the Europa League is a thrilling one for all involved with the club, Roy Hodgson’s side could be in danger of serious burnout towards the end of the season if their inscrutable manager doesn’t reinforce the squad before the end of the transfer window. Having said that, Fulham do not need to make wholesale changes. A few shrewd signings and keeping hold of the likes of Brede Hangeland and Clint Dempsey should be all the club needs to maintain its position in the top-half of the league.

For Fulham to repeat last season’s heroics would be an incredible achievement, but with a relatively small squad and (potentially) a lot more games of football that may prove difficult for The Cottagers this time around.

Prediction: 11th

Hull City

After initially stunning the league with a series of unexpected results at the start of their first season in the Premiership, Phil Brown’s side endured a wretched second half to their campaign. Only winning two out of their last twenty-nine games, Hull looked vulnerable in all departments and their fans will be hoping that the form with which they finished last season will not carry over into the start of 2009/10.

Hull are a club desperately in need of new signings, but Phil Brown has struggled thus far to attract the calibre of player required to bolster his fragile squad and help his side more firmly establish themselves in the Premier League. Jozy Altidore, the talented young American striker who impressed at the Confederations Cup, has been brought in on loan from Villarreal, but Brown will need to strengthen more fully if Hull are to remain a competitive Premier League outfit.  It could be a long, hard season for the Humberside club.

Prediction: 19th (Relegated)

This is part one of the 09/10 season preview – find part two of the 09/10 premier league season here.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News