myeplreviews.com

Liverpool are expected to reveal Fernando Torres as their new signing which also carries a record tag of 26.5 million pounds. The 23 year old striker will sign a six-year contract worth 90,000 pounds a week, still short from Steven Gerrard as the highest paid player.

Still, the price they paid for Torres is no cut-price, and Benitez would be hoping that his star player would deliver when others had failed. With likes of Djibril Cisse, Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Peter Crouch had never reached the expectations from the fans and manager, it will be a test for Torres when another high profile player, Andriy Schvcenko failed miserably during his first season in the Premiership.

With Torres set to join the Reds, Craig Bellamy is expected to leave for West Ham while Cisse is also not likely to stay. This means that both Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch are the only recognised strikers available to partner Torres upfront. And while Torres will be handed the number 9 shirt, famously worn by Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush, he is aware the enormous pressure that come with it, and everbody would be hoping that he failed like the rest.

english premier league, EPL, fernando torres, Liverpool

Popularity: 8% [?]

With Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are all busy signing new players, Liverpool so far have been quiet in the transfer market. But stories at the weekend suggested that Rafa Benitez was planning a swoop for Villareal’s Diego Forlan after the price being asked for West Ham’s Carlos Tevez put him off pursuing an interest in the Argentine star.

Diego Forlan was also rumoured to be courted by his ex-Manchester United teammate Roy Keane for Sunderland but has so far rejected any move away from Spain. But he might be tempted to join Liverpool who will be playing Champions League football next season although the Red Devils fans will be furious that one of their favourite player will be joining an arch-rival.

And Benitez knows too well that having a top class striker is essential and with big names like Eto’o, Tevez and Torres still distancing themselves from Liverpool, a proven goalscorer like Forlan would be the right candidate for the Reds, or are they just getting desperate?

diego forlan, english premier league, EPL, Liverpool, Transfer Rumours

Popularity: 8% [?]

We just wonder what will happen if Liverpool had won the European Cup. Will Benitez be knighted? Emmm…naahh. This is our funny version of what Liverpool’s fans might think.

Champions League, Liverpool, Rafael Benitez

Popularity: 12% [?]

Filippo Inzhagi scored a goal in each half as AC Milan beat Liverpool 2-1 to avenged their defeat in Instanbul and claimed the European Champions’ Club Cup for the seventh time.

Inzaghi’s Double

The 33 year old deflected Andrea Pirlo’s freekick at the stroke of half time before rounding Pepe Reina on the 82nd minute after a brilliant pass from Kaka to ensure victory in a suprisingly open game.

No comeback

As expected, Liverpool opted for a five man midfield, while Steven Gerrard moved inside to provide support for lone striker Kuyt. The tactic allowed Liverpool more possesion but eventhough it was an open game, neither side really stamped their authority.

And while Steven Gerrard was at his usual best, others failed to lift their game for a comeback. Kuyt did sparked some hope when he nodded in Crouch flick-on from the corner in the final minute of normal time but Milan was in no mood to allow the Reds another recovery and sealed the title for the seventh time.

Champions League Final, Liverpool, Milan

Popularity: 100% [?]

Liverpool and Italian giants AC Milan come face to face in Athens tommorrow in a repeat of the epic Champions League final two years ago.

Again, AC Milan are the favourite to win after outclassing Manchester United in what seems to be the perfect game for them. Both Kaka and Seedorf were outstanding while Gattuso was awesome in schackling Cristiano Ronaldo at the San Siro.

Meanwhile, Liverpool went through a difficult game against Chelsea where they were also tagged as underdog but managed to sneak an important goal at Anfield after holding the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

The man to watch is not Kaka, Gerrard nor Seedorf, but the Reds manager, Rafa Benitez. The tactician has so far enjoyed great success in continental competition with both Liverpool and Valencia, so he is unlikely to stray far from his tried and tested formula.

With Milan strong in midfield and relied heavily on Kaka, Benitez will see that Javier Mascherano to man mark him. Which we expect, a rigid defensive lines with Liverpool set to flood the midfield area.

The pressure will be on Milan to set another classy performance, and they will attack to get an early goal. And this is where Liverpool are at their best, defense, and they are also strong on counter attack and have Steven Gerrard, who controls a strong midfield alongside Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool’s lack of genuinely world class striker could cost them against defenders as wily as Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, and not for the first time, the Reds primary goal threat will come from the on-rushing midfielders.

Expect a tense and tactical battle in Athens, but one thing for sure, if Liverpool can do another ‘Istanbul’ this time, Benitez will surely be ‘the special one’.

AC Milan, Champions League Final, Liverpool, Rafa Benitez

Popularity: 14% [?]

We just love to speculate who are the new signings for the top four teams in the English Premier League. The fact that Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are the main contenders for next season title race, they must be buying high and low to improve their curent squad. We will look into the areas that they need improvement and heay…., they might just follow our advice.

Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson already admitted that they need three new signings and they would be splashing some cash for quality players. A striker should be high on the list, with the likes of Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen or Samuel Eto’o type of player, a target man to play upfront and Rooney  sitting behind him. A holding midfielder is must and Owen Hargreaves is almost sure to get that vacancy, where in Europe, Ferguson will likely play him just infront of the back four, giving Scholes and Carrick freedom to attack. And a back up for Gary Neville is also important, and we bet they will buy someone who has attacking qualities as well.

Chelsea

They had problems in central defence and will strengthen the back four with new signings. A striker is also on the list with rumours of Benni McCarthy, who formerly played for Porto under Jose Mourinho and Carlos Tevez will be the type of player that can provide at least 20 goals per season. With Shaun Wright Phillips not performing to expectations, and Robben/Cole are prone to injuries, they might buy a winger, say Franck Ribery probably……..

Liverpool

With Robbie Fowler released, they will be searching for a top class striker that can provide the goals regularly. And with Benitez Spanish connection and of course a 40 million pound warchest, the likes of David Villa or Fernando Torres are mouthwatering prospect. Carlos Tevez might end up here as teammate Javier Mascherano could be a pulling factor. A right/left winger must also be added with candidates such as Nani of Sporting Lisbon and also Simao. Last but not least, a central defender maybe…

Arsenal

A major revamp needed and we expect Lundberg, Flamini and Baptista will either be sold or released. For starter, they badly need a striker, period, as they relied heavily on Thierry Henry and Van Persie. They also have great history of buying pacey wingers, remember Overmars and Pires, and will probably go for Franck Ribery as well. In midfield, they are too lightweight and need a box-to-box midfielder or a holding midfielder to cover Fabregas. But for all our effort, we are not suprised if Arsene Wenger end up buying an unknown teenager out of nowhere.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Transfer targets

Popularity: 8% [?]

We got this quite late, but we just have to share with you all since it is just so hilarious.

Chelsea, Liverpool Funny Ads

Popularity: 29% [?]

Liverpool are heading to Athens for the Champions League Final after beating Chelsea 4-1 on penalties at Anfield.

Pepe Reina was the hero after he saved two spot-kicks which dashed Chelsea dreams of an unprecedented quadruple.

Daniel Agger’s instant shot had taken the semi-final into extra time but with no further goals and the aggregate scores locked at 1-1, a shoot out unsued in which Dirk Kuyt struck the decisive conversion, and for the seventh time in their history, Liverpool are through to the European Champions Cup finals.

Champions League Semifinal, Chelsea, Liverpool

Popularity: 6% [?]

The war of words between Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho continues when Benitez mention that Mourinho cost Chelsea the league title by tinkering with his team.

Chelsea drew with Bolton last Saturday which meant that they are already 5 points behind Manchester United with only 3 matches to go.

Ironically, Liverpool also rested their main players and lost 2-1 to Portsmouth but are already guaranteed Champions League spot the very least.

In the first leg, a Joe Cole strike settled last week game which was a re-run of the 2005 Champions League semi-finals between the two sides. On that occasion Liverpool left the Bridge with a 0-0 draw and beat Chelsea 1-0 at Anfield to reach a memorable final, which the Reds won on penalties after trailing AC Milan 3-0.

This time around Liverpool have to score twice to win, but should Chelsea score on Tuesday, Liverpool would have to reply three times to reach the final in Athens on May 23 against either United or AC Milan.

The odds are against Liverpool, but if you remember ‘Istanbul’, you can never write off the Reds, even when they’re 3 goals down.

Champions League Semifinal, Chelsea, Liverpool

Popularity: 4% [?]

A first half goal from Joe Cole gave Chelsea a 1-0 win over Liverpool over a tightly fought first leg of their all English Champions League semifinal at Stamford Bridge.

It can be said that Chelsea dominated the first half and should have led by more. Liverpool forced themselves back into the game but could not find an equaliser although the tie is still delicately poised for the second leg at Anfield next Tuesday.

Champions League Semifinal, Chelsea, Liverpool

Popularity: 3% [?]

West Ham suffered a severe blow to avoid relegation after being outclassed by Chelsea 4-1 at Upton Park. Two goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips and apiece from both Kolou and Drogba ended the Hammers hope of another major upset after already beaten Man Utd and Arsenal this season. Carlos Tevez scored West Ham’s goal in the first half.

Elsewhere, two goals from Steven Gerrard sent Liverpool back above Arsenal with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. The England midfielder took his tally for the season to 11 goals, netting from 25 yards before converting a penalty.

At Ewood Park, Blackburn chalked up their first win in five games and kept their dreams of UEFA Cup place alive for a second succesive year after a 3-1 win over Watford. Another lost for the Hornets this weekend would confirmed their relegation after only one season in the top flight.

Blackburn, Chelsea, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Watford, West Ham

Popularity: 9% [?]

Goals from Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi in the first half were enough for AC Milan to beat Bayern Munich 2-0, and book their semifinals berth against Manchester United.

At Anfield, Liverpool cruised into the semifinals after beating PSV Eindhoven 1-0. They will meet Chelsea, a re-run of of the semifinal of two years ago, with England at least certain of one club in the Athens final.

AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Champions League, Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven

Popularity: 8% [?]

This is possibly one of the newest roles in modern football. In fact, due to tactics and the way Premiership clubs play, there are not many holding midfielders that we can actually shortlisted. However, we voted the Top 5 EPL holding midfielders as below.

1. Claude Makelele (Chelsea)

Claude Makelele is the original holding midfielder. He is so effective at this role to the extent that the position he plays is occasionally referred to as “The Makelele Role”.

Since other holding midfielders also get forward and take shots, Makelele, on the other hand, takes the role to the extreme by taking very few shots (he has attempted less than five shots on goal over the last three years), keeping his passes short and safe, and almost never moving into attacking third of the pitch.

He is hailed as the best holding midfielders in the world, and in September 2005, he was selected as a member of World XI at the FIFPro awards.

2. Mohamed Sissoko (Liverpool)

A tough tackling defensive midfield player that is often campared to Patrick Vieira due to similar high energy levels and tendency to make hard tackles.

Powerfully built with good athleticism, he plays a high tempo game that will inject drive into Liverpool’s midfield and provide balance to the more attacking players. In the recent Champions League game against Barcelona, he was so influential that he was awarded Man of the Match by Uefa.

3. Gilberto Silva (Arsenal)

Is often called ‘the invisible wall’, he position himself between two centre backs and the rest of midfield, breaking up opposition attacks before they gather momentum.

His style of defending is unlike normal midfield enforcers, rather than tackle a player, he is more likely to shadow them. As a result, he has an unusually clean record for a defensive midfielder (he has gone 45 games or more without recieving a single booking during his Arsenal career).

4. Nicky Butt (Newcastle United)

Nicky Butt career highlights was in evidence in the World Cup 2002, where he was in the starting line-up only due to injury of Steven Gerrard, the first choice midfielder. He was named ‘the best player in the tournament’ by Pele, a compliment to his performance in the unattractive holding role.

While having mixed fortunes since then, this season Nicky Butt has been much more involved and made a few match winning performance which allows the likes of Scott Parker and Emre to attack from midfield.

5. Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)

While having only played seven Premiership games since joining West Ham and Liverpool, Mascherano is widely regarded as a talented young holding midfielder for Argentina, together with his fellow countryman Cambiasso.

Well known for his passing and hard tackling defense, his performance in the World Cup in Germany drew attention from European clubs as he played every minute of every game for Argentina. After joining Liverpool from West Ham, he was highly praised by Rafa Benitez for his match winning performance against Arsenal. He puts another Man of the Match performance away at PSV in the Champions League quarterfinal.

Other accomplished holding midfielders playing today include Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Esteban Cambiasso (Inter Milan), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), David Albeda (Valencia) and Emerson (Real Madrid).

Why don’t you tell us your choice of other holding midfielders in EPL?

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle United, The Top 5 Holding Midfielders in EPL

Popularity: 9% [?]

Bolton (1)              vs          Sheffield Utd (0)

Charlton (1)           vs          Wigan (0)

Fulham (1)             vs          Portsmouth (1)

Man Utd (4)            vs          Blackburn (1)

Newcastle (0)         vs          Man City (1)

Watford (0)            vs          Chelsea (1)

West Ham (2)         vs          Middlesbrough (0)

Our EPL Pick of the Day

Liverpool          vs          Arsenal

Liverpool will leapfrog Arsenal into third spot if they beat them for the first time in four attempts this season. Myeplreviews predict a 2 -2 draw and Liverpool will clinch the third place at the end of the season.

Final Score  

Liverpool crushed Arsenal 4-1 at Anfield with Peter Crouch scoring a hat trick with left foot, right foot and a header for his first hat trick of his club career. 

What is your prediction on the third place of the league at the end of the season?

English Premier League fixtures, matches, reviews by fans on EPL

Popularity: 6% [?]