What an emotional, mentally draining week its been.  Monsieur Henry’s handball has been talked to death at this stage, im sure some people will be rolling their eyes at another article over this much talked about topic, but I haven’t given my two cents yet and I’ve got some things to get off my chest.

As an Irishman, I am one of many millions affected.  In the build up to the afforementioned match on Wednesday night, I had an enthusiasm about our chances that had been missing for at least 4 years.  1 unlucky goal down, a perceived arrogance (unperceived once Lass Diarra showed his character) from the French,  memories of Paris 2004, all served to make us dream again.

After 33 minutes, enter dreamland.  Keano pulled us back into the tie.. Beautiful.  After 90 minutes, we deserved the victory.  “We could nick this” was a collective feeling.  I never rated Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan, Darron Gibson, but they were immense.  With a backbone of the colossal Dunne and the impressive fearless St. Ledger, we had it in our hands.  One more goal and we would surely be through, and we were creating chances.

Never had a defeat been so crushing for me personally, especially in the circumstances.  I support Blackburn you see, so its not particularly surprising to lose. 

Currently as I write this, there are 374,691 fans on a petition to have Ireland v France replayed page on Facebook.  Of course I’m on the page, but one thing is for sure, there will be no replay.  Unjust? Yes.  Fair?  Absolutely not!

This is classic Fifa, and conspiracy theories are at an all-time high for anything I’ve experienced as a football fan.  Mr. Henry himself, captain of the national side and the perpetrator at the centre of this episode, would welcome a replay.  The French public are ashamed of their side, world cup or not.  WE definitely feel we deserve a replay.  Everybody’s on board except Fifa and the FFF (French Football Federation), and of course, Mr. Popular Raymond Domenech.

This has been talked to death, everybody has an opinion on it.  Our players and pundits have said that if the decision went in our favour, we would’ve kept quiet too, which is the truth.  

The big loser in this has been Thierry Henry.

A proper modern day legend, his reputation has been tarnished by Media and fans alike.  I know alot of casual fans, who know f**k all about football who have never liked Henry because he looks so “arrogant” when he scores a goal.  In my opinion, he was so good he ran out of celebrations.  Not everybody can do a corkscrew somersault y’know.  He remains one of the top 5 players I’ve seen in my lifetime, he was undoubtedly the star of the Premier League for at least 4-5 years.  I know that proper fans with the exception of United and Spurs fans have often applauded his skills. 

Though I am abit peeved at the fact that he did cheat.

It’s high time I reckon that video technology, or more linesmen are brought into the game, sharpish, not in the next three years or whatever.  I agree with Robbie Keane’s theory that Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini “were probably clapping their hands and texting each other”, and Duffer’s outburst that Adidas have alot of pull too.  Our game shouldn’t be corrupt anymore, it should have been sorted out a long time ago.  It should have been sorted out least back after Euro 96 when Romania took a shot that rattled off the bar, clearly crossed the line, but wasn’t given.  Two weeks on from the uproar of David N’Gog’s dive, he has been replaced by Henry as the latest cheat.  Henry won’t suffer abuse for too long, next high profile controversy and everybody will forget.  I give it a week or two.

In my opinion, the only reason video tech has never been introduced is because the “romance” and “drama” of the game might be distinguished.  I could go on more, but everybody’s already heard the arguments before, how it’s used in other sports blah blah blah!

It’s a shame that we’re not going to South Africa.  But I feel we’ll be at Euro 2012.  Our boys are a determined, passionate bunch.  We’re in love with our national team again, and our young team are going to feel like making a point. 

But as sad as it is to say, football needs an overhaul.  Divers shouldn’t prosper, games shouldn’t be decided by incompetant referees, who aren’t that I reckon (maybe bar Graeme Poll), why is there 1 linesman on each side, how about 1 per quarter pitch?  And of course, goals should be given that cross the line, not given when handballed in or to a team-mate.

Video Tech might take up some time, about as much time as players protesting against a decision.

When a player like Darren Fletcher, much joked about, can transorm himself into an energetic midfielder who’s important to the Man United cause and score a half volley of Gerrardesque quality, doesn’t that prove that football still has romance and soul?

From a disgruntled Irishman, adios!

Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen
Bundesliga
Sunday, 22 November, 2009

The death of Hanover goalkeeper Robert Enke will take centre stage as the Bundesliga resumes after his tragic death.

Hanover will have little respite as they visit Schalke on Saturday. Schalke currently lie forth in the table, and are big favourites going into the game. Focus will be firmly on Hanover, but the big game of the weekend takes place on Sunday, as Bayern host leage leaders Leverkusen.

Munich are in desperate need of a win as the pressure mounts of Louis van Haal. Bayern are in eighth place, and find themselves behind new boys Mainz. Leverkusen have enjoyed a bright start to the season, and lead the way, six points ahead of Bayern.

Watch Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen live in the Premier League by signing up to view the best football feeds online with Ole Ole Football.

Van Haal is finding it tricky to get any consistency out of his side, having started 22 different players already this season. Bayern’s exciting wingers have provided glimpses of hope for Munich, but Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben have had their fair share of injuries this season. Ribery is still unavailable, but Bayern’s big problems have been up-front.

Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose are yet to score in the Bundesliga this season, and top scorer Mario Gomez has only netted three goals. Their top strikers are finding it very hard to gel, but they will have to be at their best to beat the most solid defence in the league.

Bayern must also be wary of the goalscoring threat that Leverkusen pose. Stfan Kiessling is the leage’s top scorer and will be looking to add to his tally in Munich. It is a must-win game for Munich but Leverkusen are full of confidence and couldn’t be visiting the Allianz Arena at a better time. They could prove that they are serious title contenders and put Bayern’s season in big trouble.

The other big games this week see Dortmund go head to head with FC Mainz and Bremen will be looking to close the gap on Leverkusen as they take on struggling Freiburg. Werder will be without some key players as Claudio Pizzaro, Christian Vander an Tim Borowski are set to miss out.

However all eyes will be on the Vltins-Arena in Schalke. Young German keeper Florian Fromowitz is poised to take over in goal for the emotional match. Enke will be remebered at all league games this weekend, and black armbands worn in his honour.

Watch Bundesliga Matches Live Online

Liverpool v Manchester City
English Premier League
Saturday, 21 November, 2009
Anfield

The team most likely to drop out of the Big Four this season goes up against the team most likely to replace them in the Champions League next season. Saturday’s first act of Manchester v Liverpool (Manchester United host Everton later in the day) sees ’skint’ Liverpool host ‘moneybags’ Manchester City.

Just a point separates the two teams. Gerrard returns for Liverpool but the main concern for Manchester City will be their defensive frailties that have led them to concede too many goals (and lose precious points) in the race for the 4th spot.

Watch Liverpool v Manchester City live in the Premier League by signing up to view the best football feeds online with Ole Ole Football.

Liverpool v Manchester City – Preview and Prediction

Listen to Adrian Clarke and Iain Spragg discuss this weekend’s top football matches in Europe, including the Manchester United v Everton, Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunderland v Arsenal and Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen games. All of this weekend’s predictions and previews can be found on this week’s episode of the Soccerlens Podcast.

Liverpool’s fans will be concerned that the Reds have only won once in nine matches, even though only one league point separates them from their opponents. In these nine matches they have kept just one clean sheet – however the win and clean sheet described was against Manchester Utd, showing that Liverpool can still raise their game when it matters the most.

Supporters can also take heart from Liverpool’s head-to-head record against City – the last time the side beat Liverpool was back in 2003 with a 2-1 win.

The last four meetings between these two at Anfield have only produced five goals, at an average of 1.25 goals per game. And in the last four matches all bar one were goalless going into the break.

See our Premier League betting tips section for the best bets on the Liverpool-Manchester City game.

Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City

Watch Liverpool v Manchester City Live Online

Sunderland v Arsenal
English Premier League
Saturday, 21 November, 2009

Sunderland and Arsenal are enjoying good starts to the season, with Sunderland in 8th place thanks to good home form and Arsenal in an impressive 2nd place (with a game in hand to Chelsea and United) thanks to their free-flowing displays of goalscoring.

This is bound to be a tight game – Arsenal haven’t been at their best away from home, although 6 of their 10 conceded goals came in their two defeats against City and United, while Sunderland have made a habit of winning at the Stadium of Light and can be expected to at least score today.

Watch Sunderland v Arsenal live in the Premier League by signing up to view the best football feeds online with Ole Ole Football.

Sunderland v Arsenal – Preview and Prediction

Listen to Adrian Clarke and Iain Spragg discuss this weekend’s top football matches in Europe, including the Manchester United v Everton, Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunderland v Arsenal and Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen games. All of this weekend’s predictions and previews can be found on this week’s episode of the Soccerlens Podcast.

The Gunners have won their previous four matches in all competitions and haven’t lost since the middle of September. Also, the North London outfit have scored 25 goals since the turn of October.

But if you’re expecting this to be a goalfest, look at Arsenal’s last season’s results against Sunderland; the Black Cats only conceded once in the two matches.

See our Premier League betting tips section for the best bets on the Sunderland-Arsenal game.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Arsenal

Watch Sunderland v Arsenal Live Online

Manchester United v Everton
English Premier League
Saturday, 21 November, 2009
Old Trafford

It’s Manchester v Liverpool today as Manchester United host Everton (while City travel to Liverpool) in the 5:30pm kickoff. Manchester United are 10 points ahead of Everton, have played a game more and are favourites to take the full 3 points off this game. Neither club has started their seasons as they would have hoped to (Everton are down in 12th place) but there’s still plenty of football to be played this season.

United and Everton are 5 and 6 points off 1st and 5th places (respectively) – and if they can cope with injuries and especially have a good December period, it could be a completely different story for both sides come January 2010.

Watch Manchester United v Everton live in the Premier League by signing up to view the best football feeds online with Ole Ole Football.

Manchester United v Everton – Preview and Prediction

Listen to Adrian Clarke and Iain Spragg discuss this weekend’s top football matches in Europe, including the Manchester United v Everton, Liverpool v Manchester City, Sunderland v Arsenal and Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkusen games. All of this weekend’s predictions and previews can be found on this week’s episode of the Soccerlens Podcast.

Manchester United hope to return to winning ways in their teatime fixture against Everton. The last time United lost to Everton, home or away, was in 2005 after a Duncan Ferguson winner.

In that period the sides have met nine times, with six wins for United. It should still be a tight game though – the last five games were decided by a goal or less.

See our Premier League betting tips section for the best bets on the United-Everton game.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Everton

Watch Manchester United v Everton Live Online

I’m sure you have heard about Coke Zero – Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker show. We also showed you the little stunt Rooney pulled where he’s dribbling (kind of) through a bunch of randomly rolled tires (if not, click here). We got hold of more of the clippings of the show.

Soccerlens now presents, behind the scenes of Coke Zero – Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker:

Adrian Clarke and Iain Spragg are in fine form on Episode 29 of the world famous Soccerlens Podcast. 

There’s a host of juicy topics to get stuck into this week and the duo’s heated debate centres on Thierry Henry’s lack of sportsmanship, the miracle powers of horse placenta and the prospects for manager-less Scotland.

There’s also the usual stack of match previews including a trio of Premier League games in Sunderland v Arsenal, Man United v Everton and Liverpool v Man City – and the animated pair end proceedings with a light-hearted look through this week’s podcast mailbag. 

Check out episode 29 now!

You can listen to this week’s episode below:
Download link (mp3, 30mb, 32 mins)

Make sure you send in your feedback and questions through podcast@soccerlens.com and Clarke and Spragg will feature the best of them in next week’s show.

Subscribe to the Soccerlens Podcast

You can subscribe via iTunes or directly to the podcast feed.

A short and fun interview with Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown, courtesy of talksport.

Did you know that Wes Brown was playing for United back in 1999? The lad gets very little credit for all the hard work he puts in.

So where do you see Rio in 6 months?

There is no doubt that this season Manchester United have not yet played to the heights that have become expected of them. They haven’t scored as many goals and don’t look as fluent. Sometimes I think they miss Tevez, but then I see him play for Manchester City. He fitted perfectly with Rooney and his work rate made him a fan’s favourite. I agree that he wasn’t worth twenty-five million, but if something from your team in lost, surely he should have been kept.

I suppose after three consecutive titles, and a Champions league, Alex Ferguson has every right to believe in his team. The only problem is that they have lost to Liverpool and Chelsea. They relied on a dive by Rooney and an own goal to beat Arsenal, and only a goal late into stoppage time gave them victory over Manchester City.

You wouldn’t know much about football if you completely ruled out Manchester United in the title race, five points not being a mountain too high to climb. However it’s early in the season and still lots of football to be played. They just don’t seem like they could score on the counter attack. That’s probably because the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo. His pace and passing made it easier for United to destroy teams when under pressure. He started to perform against the so called ‘big teams’ and was integral to United success.

I believe that Ferguson has to buy in January. He needs a creative midfielder, like a Cesc Fabregas or Aquilani because although Anderson can run around a lot, United can’t rely on him to score as he’s only scored one goal in his three seasons in Manchester.

They also need a striker. One player could be Gignac, who is a life-long Manchester United fan and is the French version of Rooney. They may have missed out on him in the summer, but Benzema could also be available from Real Madrid. Owen is alright coming off the bench, but if there is an injury to Rooney, there’s not much quality to replace him.

However, Ferguson won’t buy in January – he’s not the sort to be rushed into buying players. They are under-strength in those positions and I’m sure if they win the league this year, it would be Ferguson’s best one. Sometimes if you win with an under-strength team, the belief is that you can win without the previous stars that were in the team. They need players like Nani and Anderson to improve and Valencia and Berbatov to show more of their potential.

They’ve got the experience, but they must improve their performances if they are to win the title this year.

So the last international break of the noughties has been and gone, we know who will be lining up in South Africa next summer, and we know that Robin Van Persie’s ligaments will soon be enjoying the sweet, sweet smell of placenta fluid as he looks to regain the momentum lost in another meaningless friendly.

But, more importantly, the Fantasy League is back. Managers up and down the country have been anxiously pacing the floors of their homes, awaiting terrible news of their charges. It was not just Carlo Ancelotti who grimaced when word of Frank Lampard’s thigh strain reached England.

Gameweek 12 was nothing too special, we had Captain JT leading Chelsea to a controversial win over Manchester United, big John Carew slaloming his way through Bolton’s defence like a graceful giraffe, and another Arsenal masterclass at Wolves. The more things change….

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

The Men in Form

It is getting tiresome to say so now, but if you don’t have Cesc Fabregas in your team, you really need to remedy that. The Spaniard is in majestic form for Arsenal, picking up another 13 points in their 4-1 win at Wolves last time out. His value has already risen by £1m since the start of the season, and it would appear that this figure is only going to rise further.

Meanwhile, England’s friendly with Brazil may not have had the excitement the name suggested, but there were lessons learnt. One was that Aston Villa’s James Milner is very much in contention for a place at next summer’s World Cup. The 23 year-old is tearing up the flanks at Villa Park, his goal and two assists against Bolton gave him 11 points – a figure which would have been even greater had he not fluffed a penalty in the second half (although Steve Sidwell is the man who should be embarrassed!).

Ok, and finally, a mention for Blackburn. Jason Roberts and Benni McCarthy may have only inconsistency in common, but both emerged from the Ewood Park bench last week to change the game against Portsmouth. Roberts netted twice and picked up a cool 12 points, not bad for 45 minutes’ work.

The Men to Avoid

Injuries are mounting around the Premier League, and some big names are slipping under. Among the biggest has to be Rio Ferdinand. The Manchester United defender has been ruled out for an indefinite period due to back and hamstring complaints, after a string of substandard performances. As a £6m plus defender, he should be off everyone’s radar until the spring at least.

Likewise Gael Clichy, although he should be expected back much sooner than Ferdinand. The Arsenal and France full back has sustained a stress fracture of his lower back, and is likely to miss at least a month. His Arsenal colleagues Nicklas Bendtner and Robin Van Persie are also set for lengthy absences.

At Chelsea, meanwhile, Frank Lampard, Jose Bosingwa and Ashley Cole are all facing at least four weeks out, with both Michael Ballack and Yuri Zhirkov also struggling. Picking a side this week is looking like a tough ask, for Ancelotti, and for you.

Bargain Hunt

Cameron Jerome (Birmingham, £4.4m) – Right, he might never hit another ball so sweetly again, but Jerome’s goal at Anfield last week was something special. The lanky frontman may lack consistency, the howitzer in the fog was his first of the season, but he is one of the cheapest strikers around, and with Garry O’Connor injured, Christian Benitez awful, and Kevin Phillips ancient, Jerome is likely to start plenty of games. A useful, money-saving, third choice striker if ever there was one.

Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa, £4.9m) – An England international for under £5m? That has to be worth a look. Warnock’s form since his August switch to Villa from Blackburn has been good enough to re-register him on Fabio Capello’s radar, and his crossing is improving Villa’s side. Both he and James Collins are available at knock-down prices, and both are useful punts.

Zavon Hines (West Ham, £4.5m) – You can tell Hines is going places at West Ham, his two late misses in their defeat to Everton were greeted not with derision, but disbelief by the Upton Park faithful. The pacy, diminutive winger-cum-striker is making a name for himself under Gianfranco Zola, and is very much a regular these days. Should not be banked upon, but certainly a worthy squad player for Fantasy gamers.

Premier League Fixtures

Liverpool v Man City
Birmingham v Fulham
Burnley v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Wolves
Hull City v West Ham
Sunderland v Arsenal
Man Utd v Everton
Bolton v Blackburn
Tottenham v Wigan
Stoke City v Portsmouth
Hull City v Everton
Fulham v Blackburn

Right, points of interest. Liverpool v Man City starts the weekend, the pretenders versus the vulnerable in the race for 4th place. Liverpool should have Steven Gerrard back fit but not Fernando Torres. Manchester United and new-dad Wayne Rooney face Everton, Wazza’s old club. Tottenham and Chelsea have winnable home games whilst Arsenal travel to Sunderland for a thorough examination minus Van Persie and co.

Furthermore, Hull, Everton, Fulham and Blackburn have two fixtures in this gameweek. Stick Jimmy Bullard, a Fulham defender or David Dunn in your side and hope for the best.

My Team

Another so-so week, lit up by Cesc and Van Persie as usual, with Milner making his move into my first choice. Let downs from Drogba and Rooney in their head to head, Drogba’s first game without a goal or assist by the way. Sorensen and Shawcross looked nailed on for a clean sheet at Hull until a second half collapse, and Gallas conceded a late goal to Wolves which drew more than a few expletives from my mouth.

This week I have been forced into 2 changes, ceding 4 points to my rivals. Van Persie’s injury is too long term to ignore, so in comes Spurs skipper Robbie Keane. The money saved allowed an upgrade in defence, so Ricardo Carvalho replaces Michael Turner. Hopefully Chelsea and Spurs will win those winnable home games.

Football Media League

Well, my sojourn at the league’s summit was a brief one. These newcomers are dangerous. Ray Wall’s Razors United remain top after a solid 63 point gameweek, but competition beyond him is fierce. Jon Reeson’s Westfield Irons, Pavenpal Bhullar’s Boca Juniors and Jon-Eggert Hallsson’s Handavinna are all lurking between the Baroque Social and a title push.

Kudos should also be given to the week’s top scorers (in the top 100 anyhow), George Bowles’ Jammy Donuts, who amassed 81 points. Jammy? Yes. Donuts? Not this week.

You can join the Football Media fantasy football league (and try your hand at beating Neil to the finish line) by signing up here.

The winners announcements have been delayed but they will be made (for the months of September, October and November) during the first week of December 2009.