10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 3 : Aston Villa 0- No T9,G8,C23.. no problem.. as surprising Reds spoil Houllier's return.

LFC Player of the Game: Lucas

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Johnson Kyrgiakos Skrtel Koncheksy

Kuyt Meireles Lucas Maxi

Babel N'Gog

Goals: N'Gog '14, Babel '16, Maxi '55

10/11 LFC recap: Tottenham 2 : Liverpool 1- Missed opportunity...

LFC Player of the Game: Meireles

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Koncheksy
Kuyt Meireles Lucas Maxi
N'Gog Torres

Goals: Skrtel '42

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 3 : West Ham United 0- Could this be the easiest game of the season?

LFC Player of the Game: Glen Johnson

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Koncheksy

Kuyt Meireles Poulsen Maxi

N'Gog Torres

Goals: Johnson '18, Kuyt '27, Maxi '38

10/11 LFC recap: Stoke City 2 : Liverpool 0- Stoke is the Reds' Worst Nightmare!

It's true Liverpool has been struggling mostly this season, especially away from home. Yet, I have never seen Liverpool struggled as much as facing a team like Stoke City. In fact, I am sure Liverpool would rather face Manchester United, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich and even Barcelona than Stoke City! Stoke City's strength and gameplan can expose all the current Liverpool side weakness. First of all, they have a team full of strong 6 feeters. They work like work-horse, pressing and body-checking Liverpool the whole game using their long legs and muscle. Under such physical and RUBY-like style, Liverpool has been too busy dealing with all the long balls and physical pounding and thus, they can never get into their own rhythm. Stoke's attack is all about long-ball, continuous sending long crosses and crazy super powerful throw-in from Delap to the box with giants Jones, Huth, Shawcross, Fuller using their height and power to attack Liverpool with headers through set pieces. With Reina in GK, Carragher as DF, small MF like Lucas, Meireles and Maxi, Liverpool will always have trouble stopping Stoke long-ball strategy.

In recent games, Liverpool has clearly getting back on thre right track with key players regaining their form. However, this horrible display vs Stoke City has worried all LFC fans and media again speculated when will Hodgson step down. Yet, I don't blame Hodgson and Liverpool players for losing this game. In my opinion, Stoke City is the most difficult opponent for Liverpool among any teams in the world!

LFC Player of the game: Kyrgiakos

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Carragher Kyrgiakos Skrtel Konchesky

Meireles Gerrard Lucas Maxi

Kuyt Torres

10/11 LFC recap: Wigan 1 : Liverpool 1- Three game winning streak come to a close...

After massive victory vs Chelsea last Sunday, Liverpool immediately had to face Wigan, one of the league most inconsistent teams that usually struggle but could also stun many big teams on their days, on Wednesday in a match with more fans expected Liverpool to come away with three points without much trouble. This expectation got even higher after Torres only took 7 minutes to score the 1st goal after receiving a perfect trademark through ball from captain Gerrard. However, after the early dominance, Liverpool gradually displayed their sloppy form with poor passing while Wigan took little time to control the game with atheletic players like N'ogbia, Moses, Rodallega continued to trouble the Reds with their pace and flair. After Wigan much deserved equalizer, Liverpool almost gained a hard victory with a quick counter attack that unfortunately ended with Gerrard's shot hitting the post. Not to make any excuses, Liverpool was tired for the whole game and it again showed that the current LFC squad is lacking of strength in depth. The impressive performance produced by Wigan in this game again showed that there wasn't any easy games in the most competitive English Premier League ever.

LFC Player of the Game: "Captain" Gerrard

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Kelly Carragher Skrtel Konchesky

Meireles Gerrard Lucas Maxi

Kuyt Torres

Goal: Torres '7

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 2 : Chelsea 0- Liverpool no.9 is back as season back on the right track!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chelsea and Liverpool had been the "exact opposite" so far this season. Defending champion Chelsea had been the dominating league leader with games resulted in big winning margin and only conceded 2 rare goals in aggregate; the disappointing Liverpool had been the laughing stock in the league suffering from horrible defeats in their painful transition period with continuous relegation and manager sacking rumors flying around the football world. Before this game, even many die-hard LFC fans had doubt if Liverpool could provide a competitive encounter, let alone dreaming for a winning performance.

In my mind, I fully believed this game can be a do-or-die game for Liverpool as losing could mean LFC continued to suffer at the bottom half of the league, whereas; a victory against the league leader could be a big confidence booster as it made the Reds believe they belong to the elite class in the league. Similar to games against Arsenal and Manchester Uuntied, Liverpool performed much better against top teams as they produced the best 45 minutes so far this season with the rejuvenated "El Nino" scoring two brilliant goals to upset Chelsea infront of the Red faithful!!!Obviously, Liverpool's victory was helped by Chelsea's injury problem of Lampard and Essien while Liverpool's most fear forward Drogba was also sick for the game and could barely appeared for the 2nd half. Yet, no one can take away the improving performance for the Reds as they enjoyed the most beautiful victory of the season.

In truth, there are reasons why Liverpool has been more successful against top teams. Liverpool is most vulnerable against atheletic, strong and tall players playing physical style. They are afraid of teams pressing them the whole game and sending long ball to their box in attack due to their manager's perference in starting ariel-weak Carragher and Skrtel together in CB. They always have hard time to score against teams sitting deep in their own half and that's when their lack of width in attack can fully expose. However, top teams like Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea and even Tottenham, with skillful quality players, tend to attack Liverpool through short-pass, patient build-up rather then sending long-ball and relying on ariel attack. They tend to initial attack and do not defend deep in their own half, subsequently letting Liverpool to play defensive and counter-attacking game without as much reliance on wingers in attack. Without high defensive pressure pressing them and aggressively dispossess their possession in the midfield, Liverpool do not lose as much possession from defensive half to midfield, an unsolved problem since the departure of midfield general Xabi Alonso two seasons ago. In the near future, Liverpool must try to improve their quality in their wingers, acquire a strong forward and a tower presence at the back and hope for Meireles and Gerrard develop great chemistry in the CMF. Gradually, Liverpool should get back to the right track and re-join the race for the title and at least a Champion League place.

LFC player of the game: "El Nino" Torres

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Kelly Carragher Skrtel Konchesky

Meireles Gerrard Lucas Maxi
Kuyt Torres

Goals: Torres 11' & '45

10/11 LFC recap: Bolton 0 : Liverpool 1- Maxi left it late as LFC escaped from relegation zone!

Bolton has been the surprising team in the Premier League this season as Coyle made them one of the hardest to beat team at home led by powerfu duo strikers Kevin Davies and Elmander. Liverpool continued to be without the service of the injured Glen Johnson at the right back, which actually was not a bad thing for the Reds. It means the must-start Carragher started at the right back with Kyrgiakos given another deserved start at CB. As mentioned in previous post, the big Greek is a must-start against teams with powerful and tower presence at the frontline. Although Liverpool didn't perform well in the game, they also did not allow Bolton to create any dangerous scoring opportunity, thanks to the presence of the big Greek. Just as the game seemingly ended with a dull scoreless tie, Torres, quiet for the whole game, provided rare moment of brilliance with a great assist to the long-silent Maxi Rodriquez to score a vital goal to help the Reds beaten Bolton at a hard fought away game. Liverpool finally escaped from the relegation zone!

LFC player of the game: Maxi Rodriquez

Starting line-up: (4-2-3-1)

Reina
Carragher Kyrgiakos Skrtel Konchesky
Meireles Lucas

Maxi Gerrard J.Cole

Torres

Goals: Maxi 85'

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 2 : Blackburn 1- Kyrgiakos' hero at both ends as LFC finally got their 1st league win for more than a month!

Liverpool badly needed to win a game somehow to escape from the relegation zone. Facing Blackburn at home did seem like an golden opportunity as Rovers is one of the worst teams away from home. However, Rovers' physical and long-ball style fear Liverpool. Since the departure of Sami Hyypia, Liverpool did not have a tower presence to defend powerful forward and ariel attack. LFC finally found the answer in big Greek- Kyrgiakos.

Since Kyrgiakos arrived last season at a bargain price, he was used as 4th chocie CB behind Carragher, Skrtel and Agger. However, none of Carragher, Skrtel and Agger are good at defending headers. Both Hodgson and Benitez favors Carragher and Skrtel partnership which, in my opinion, can never be an effective partnership in English Premier League. Carragher and Skrtel are similar in style and they both need a tower presence as their partner to display their best function in defense.

Kyrgiakos was the inspirational spark in both defensive and offensive ends, as he not only helped defending crosses and headers, but also delivered a powerful header that opened the account for the Reds that boosted the team confidence and led the Reds to end their winning drought in the English Premier League for more than a month!

LFC player of the game: Kyrgiakos

Starting line-up: (4-2-3-1)

Reina

Carragher Kyrgiakos Skrtel Konchesky

Meireles Lucas
Maxi Gerrard J.Cole
Torres

Goals: Kyrgiakos 48' & Torres 53'

10/11 LFC recap: Everton 2 : Liverpool 0- Henry first taste of Anfield faithful frustration

After years of speculation, Liverpool finally kicked out Hicks and Gillet with new owner Henry of NESV Consortium made his first visit to LFC local derby against rival Everton. Before the match, Henry has promised he will try his very best to bring glory days back to Anfiled and also handed Hodgson vote of confidence. However, after witnessing the dismal performance against Everton, Henry should know how massive a task and challenge he is facing.

It was a frustrating match with Lucas and Merelies starting as DMF/CMF pair in another passive 4-2-3-1 formation that has been proving to be ineffective since two seasons ago. Gerrard was assigned as AMF role just behind Torres to provide attacking spark. Sadly, Lucas and Merelies have failed their job in deeper DMF roles. The 1st 20+ minutes of 1st half is probably one of the worst 20 minutes I have seen for a long time with LFC hardly been able to move the ball past the Everton defensive half. Hodgson may regret not to keep Gerrard in deeper CMF role. Everton's Cahill and Arteta goals are thundering shots that Reina could have done nothing to stop. Liverpool was able to attack more with Gerrard move back to CMF and once again, the struggling Torres played a bit better once Ngog was substituted into the game after switching to 4-4-2 formation with more direct attacking play. However, changes are too late as LFC sits one place above the bottom at 19th. Like everyone connected to LFC, I have never been so worried about the team in the past 20 years....

LFC player of the game: N/A

Starting line-up: (4-2-3-1)

Reina
Carragher Kyrgiakos Skrtel Konchesky
Meireles Lucas

Maxi Gerrard J.Cole

Torres

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 1 : Blackpool 2- Do we belong to Regelation Zone?

Liverpool was in all-time low as they shockingly lost to newly promoted side Blackpool in Anfield! What brothers me is the way LFC has lost the game, as Blackpool has shown superior passing, movement and skills throughout the game to win the football match. LFC showed their attacking ambitions with Torres and Kuyt starting as strikers in 4-4-2 formation. However, with Torres suffered another groin injury and forced to leave the field as early as 9th minute during the 1st half, Blackpool was able to take psychological edge without worrying about marking Torres; thereby, allowing them to fully-commit to their all-attacking football. Liverpool replaced Torres with N'Gog but both N'Gog and Kuyt do not have individual skills to beat defenders but rely on midfield to create chances. However, with Gerrard playing deep as CMF in "Xabi Alonso'" role and Cole and Meireles both forced to play on the wing , LFC failed to create any meaningful chances for their strikers. Sadly, the most threatening attacking move from LFC was the headers from giant Greek CB Kyrgiakos as he scored one and almost tied the game near end of the game with another header. The problem for LFC was the lack of essential elements in different positions. Up-front, they need a power striker with heading ability. LFC do not have natural wingers as none of Jovanovic,Kuyt,Babel,Maxi,J.Cole,Meireles can operate on the flanks effectively. In DMF, both Poulsen and Lucas are simply not good enough wearing LFC jersey, forcing Gerrard to play deep to serve both CMF/DMF role. At the back, LFC need to find a giant CB or they will keep conceding headers. While the ownership issue can be a big cause for the current team slump, players cannot make excuses but to show their pride wearing the LFC jersey by keep raising their own game level. I did notice LFC has not been pressing and chasing opponents as hard under Hodgson era compared to Benitez's era. Although LFC have been a success team in Europe over the past 10 years, they always rely on hard work and never had they been able to beat opponents based on superior skills. Yet, players like Gerrard, Kuyt and Carragher are all gradually ageing and do not have the energy to play a hard chasing games like they were capable of in the past. In fact, Hodgson has played a full-strength team minus Gerrard in the Europa League only three days before this Blackpool game. The players have shown fatigue in the 2nd half as they tried to chase from behind but did not really have the energy level. I believe Hodgson should now decide whether he should focus on the domestic league or the Europa League more as the current LFC squad do not have the depth to handle both competitions. Now media and fans are calling for Hodgson's resignation. Although I admit I have already lost a bit of trust and confidence in him, I still believe he can turn it around but he really needs to make some changes in the side, such as switching Meireles back to the CMF and either benching the poorly performed Glen Johnson or assigning him to play right wing as he has made millions of mistakes in the right back position.

LFC may now be 18th in the league standing, but they are only 5 points behind 5th place. It's still too early to raise white flag and we fans must provide continuous support. We just hope a rich and ambitious investor can finally successfully takeover our club away from those 2 lousy Americans before Oct. 15!

LFC player of the game: Kyrgiakos

Starting line-up: (4-4-2)

Reina

Johnson Kyrgiakos Skrtel Carragher

Meireles Gerrard Poulsen J.Cole

Kuyt Torres*

*replaced by N'Gog in 9th min.

Goals: Kyrgiakos '53

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 2 : Sunderland 2- Simply Frustrating!

LFC's failure to beat Sunderland at home is another indication that LFC is facing a massive challenge to fight for success in the most competitive English Premier League ever. With the general standard from most mid-table to bottom teams gradually improved and the disadvantage of most top teams having their key players playing in the World Cup without proper rest in the summer, many top teams have suffered defeat and point loss to lower teams so far. In a week when Arsenal lost to West Brom at home, Man. Utd. failed to beat Bolton and Tottenham losing to West Ham, LFC may not have too much to complain in their 2 point drops against the rising Sunderland, especially with Sunderland has already held Arsenal and beat Manchester City this season! Fans sure need to give Hodgson more time, but getting only 5 points in the first 5 games sure frustrate every fan and also include the players. As shown from this game, LFC players lost patience in their passing and confidence in their general gameplay. LFC players might have never expected Sunderland to be so hard to play against especially LFC has fielded their strongest side on paper with Kuyt back from suspension to join Torres,Gerrard,Cole and Merieles, but really, the overall performance, workload and passing movement of Sunderland have been so impressive and really deserved a dra against us. This reality has left LFC fans and players in pure furstration! However, this is another game to prove that we might need to switch to 4-4-2 as we have never been able to gain back poessession and domination until we substituted DMF Poulsen with CF N'Gog with striker support for Torres. Good news is Torres has shown strive in form with two important assists to Kuyt and Gerrard. We now only has 6 points in first 6 games. I guess we fans just need to keep patience and faith in Hodgson and the players.

LFC player of the game: El Nino Torres

Staring Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Konchesky

Gerrard Poulsen

Kuyt Meireles J.Cole

Torres

Goals: Kuyt '5 & Gerrard '63

10/11 LFC recap: Manchester United 3 : Liverpool 2- LFC can't stop Bebertov!

Liverpool made early season visit to Old Trafford without much expectation. It turned out to be one of the most exciting matches of the Premier League Season so far! With Torres, Gerrard, Joe Cole and Raul Meireles starting together first time this season, LFC has shown potential in creative passing, but they still need much more games to gain understanding with each other. With Meireles making his full league starting debut as AMF behind Torres, Gerrard was able to start as CMF with poor Lucas finally sitting on the bench (has been waiting for this for so long!!!!!!!). LFC has never been able to stop headers since the departure of legend Hyypia. Alex Ferguson has known for this LFC weakness for years and he asked his team simply sending crosses after crosses to the box. Over the years, Ferdinand,O'Shea and many Red Devil players have been able to score header against LFC due to their inability in defend crosses and headers. This time it was the 101% in-form Bebertov send LFC hopeless with 2 headers and a stunning bicycle kick. I suggest Hodgson start Kyrgiakos more in future games to partner Carragher/Skrtel/Agger;otherwise, LFC will continue to concede headers in every game and not just against the Red Devil! United was in control for majority of the game especially we still need much more games to gel together. The 2 goals from Gerrard might have helped hiding our short-comings in the game, but it's worth to notice our 2 goal come-back has never been materialized until we send in N'Gog to partner Torres and changed from 4-2-3-1 to 4-4-2. With Torres failed to sustain his super-human form any-time soon, Torres gradually needs a striker partner. It was an exciting game to watch especially for netural fans, but a loss is still meaningless for any LFC faithful. Yet, everyone can see Raul Meireles and Joe Cole can improve our creativity and flair that we have been lacking since the departure of Alonso and Luis Garcia.





LFC Man of the Match: Captain Gerrard





Staring Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Konchesky

Gerrard Poulsen

Maxi Meireles J.Cole

Torres

Goals: Gerrard '64 & 70'

10/11 LFC recap: Birmingham 0 : Liverpool 0- Reina to the rescue!

Liverpool's early season struggle continued as they were lucky to escape Birmingham with an unimpressive scoreless tie. With Joe Cole still serving his last of three-match suspension and Kuyt unavailbe for the game due to a shoulder injury, LFC needed to start with both poor Poulsen and Lucas in the CMF. Maxi and Jovanovic produced absolutely nothing from the wing, leaving helpless Gerrard supporting the still sluggish Torres. As Birmingham has never lost a league game at home since last February, it was logical LFC failed to gain much-needed 3 point. In fact, if it hasn't been Reina's incredible double saves from two threatening headers from Birmingham in 1st half, LFC could have left Birmingham with 0 point!

LFC Man of the Match: Pepe Reina

Starting Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Konchesky
Lucas Poulsen
Maxi Gerrard Jovanovic
Torres

2010/2011 Top European League Teams Round-up

Spain La Liga

Barcelona <4-3-3>

Valdes
Alves Puyol Pique Maxwell
Xavi Mascherano(Busquets) Iniesta
Messi Villa Pedro

Comment: Barc possess six of the Spain World Cup final starters and there is no question they remain the team to beat in Spain as well as in Champion League. Not only does the team has some of the most skillful players in the world, most of them have played together for both clubs and nations and developed great understanding. Ibrahimovic has been a mis-fit in the team and eventually was loaned to AC Milan. David Villa's arrival will bring the a top class goal scorer back to the team as Ibrahimovic has failed to fill the void left by Eto'o last season. As Henry has begun his new football adventure in America, Bojan may be given increase chance to kick-start his football career in back-up striker role. Mascherano arrived before the transfer deadline to fill the void left by YaYa Toure but could still face stiff competition from the continuous improving Busquets who had an impressive World Cup this summer.

Real Madrid <4-2-3-1>

Casillas
Ramos Caravalho Pepe Marcelo
Khedira Alonso
C.Ronaldo Ozil(KaKa) Di Maria
Higuain

Comment: Similar to his first year with Chelsea and Inter Milan, Mourinho made sure he has bought in quality players at several important positions: a reliable CB (Caravalho), an effective DMF (Khedira), a quality AMF (Ozil) and a skillful winger (Di Maria). This has always been Mourinho's winning formula. With these new additions, Real has a more balanced and deeper squad, with the likes of quality players Albiol, Diarra, Canales, Van Der Vaart, Benzema contributed from the bench. Kaka is nursing long-term injury that could keep him out for 3-4 months and young German sensational playmaker Ozil is ready to fill his place and it's hard to tell if Kaka can re-gain his starting spot upon his recovery. The one area Mourinho still wants to improve is the striker position. While Higuain has had great scoring record with the club and Benzema is aiming to have a revival 2nd season with the team, Mourinho has been targeting someone like Drogba to complete his potential title winning side.

Italy Serie A

Inter Milan <4-2-3-1>

Cesar
Maicon Lucio Samuel Zanetti
Motta (Stankovic) Cambiasso
Eto'o Sneijder Pandev
Milto

Comment: Benitez is in loss-loss situation. Last season, Mourinho has achieved the Treble for Inter Milan and it's simply impossible to reach new height, let alone matching similar level of achievement. Benitez now takes over a highly quality and efficient team developed by Mourinho with all the winning elements in every position in the team, the question is if the players may have lost their hunger for winning after last season ultimate success. Benitez did not make many changes other than selling the young Italian sensation FW Balotelli to Manchester City for crazy 30M! Inter does not have much weakness at the moment, but I have a feeling that Benitez may make some awkward and improper changes, just to show that he is superior to Mourinho. In the end, he may find not changing anything is better than inputting his silly idea. I never have trust in Benitez but Inter Milan is still too strong for not winning the Serie A.

AC Milan <4-2-3-1>

Abbiati

Bonera Nesta Silva Antonini

Pirlo Ambrosini

Pato Ronaldinho Robinho

Ibrahimovic

Comment: Two massive transfers before the trade deadline could make AC Milan become the most improving team this season. Ibrahimovic and Robinho may have failed to impress in Spain and England respectively, both could find new life in Italy Serie A, especially given Ibrahimovic's past successful experience in Serie A. These two skillful world-recognized stars could team-up with Ronaldinho and Pato to become one of the most fearful attcking combination throughout the Europe! The team still needs to get in more new-blood as they still contain too many ageing veterans such as Nesta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Seedorf, Inzaghi, Zambrotta, but with the exception of Nesta and Pirlo, they do not have to start every game like the past. Defense is still suspectful as Milan still could not afford injury to Nesta. The team is still lacking of strength in depth compared to Inter Milan but could finally fight with them all the way for Serie A title this season.

Juventus <4-4-2>

Buffon

Motta Bonucci Chiellini Grosso

Krasic Aquilani Melo Pepe

Amauri (Quagliarella) Del Piero

Comment: Juventus is going through a wholesale change as they attempt to rebuild their depleted team after failing to obtain a Champion League spot. Sampdoria manager Delneri arrive to replace Blanc while veteran CB Cannavaro, winger Camonersi and Brazilian playmaker Diego have all left. To rebuild their defense, Juventus acquire new Italian international RB Motta and CB Bonucci. To improve option up-front, Italian international FW Qualiarella was acquired from Napoli to give the ageing but always brilliant captain Del Piero a breather. Juventus will carry on their old-fashioned Italian tactics 4-4-2 with emphasis on attack through the wing with the arrival of rising Serbian winger Krasic and Italian international winger Pepe. Yet, the key of the team could be the performance of Brazilian international DMF Melo, who had a very disappointing debut season with Juventus last year, as well as Liverpool flop Italian playmaker Aqualiani. While there is no question regarding to their talent, they must turn around their horrible season last year to lead Old Lady for their determined revival. With so many new players coming in, it's natural for the team to take excessive time to gel together. While league title quest is too demanding for the team, a Champion League spot should be their aim.

AS Roma <4-4-2>:

Sergio

Cassetti Juan Mexes Riise

Menez Pizarro De Rossi Vucinic

Totti Borriello (Adriano)

Comment: Under manager Spalletti, Roma has been the closest challenger for Inter Milan during their Serie A domination period for the last few seasons. In reality, Roma never came close as they never have transfer budget to strengthen the squad. Roma has had a skillful and creative midfield with De Rossi,Pizarro,Taddei, but never have a decent striker to partner Totti up-front. After the failing experiement of playing veteran Toni as Totti's partner last season, Roma has signed veteran Brazilian forward Adriano and Milan Italian striker Borriello. Both are hopeful of providing some fire-power up-front but it's hard to see Adriano get back in top shape any time soon. The back-line is still seriously short in depth. Although a full-strength Roma can give Inter and AC a challenging game, the current Roma squad does not have the depth to fight for the league title.

10/11 LFC recap: Liverpool 1 : West Brom 0- An unsatisfactory victory.

What I like:

- Liverpool finally won their 1st league game. It's not a comfortable win as every fans expected , but LFC cannot afford to lose any point after only getting 1 point out of the first two challenging games.

- Torres continued to show improvement in his race for fitness and form. His goal is an encouraging sign and let's all hope Torres can stay injury-free this season and get back to his best gradually.

- Gerrard is playing as AMF behind Torres in this game and he has made some good passes despite failing to open his account in the scoring department in the league.

What I don't like:

- With Gerrard being pused up-front as AMF due to the suspension of Joe Cole and injury of N'Gog, Poulsen and Lucas are the starting pair in the CMF and their combination resembles the last season ineffective Mascherano + Lucas combo, which could never work as both are work-horse without creativity. New signing Merieles will soon play an important part as CMF/DMF in Xabi Alonso's role upon getting ready for action for the Reds. If Gerrard assigned as AMF in the future, Meriles will play as CMF to propvide much needed passing with either Poulsen or Lucas carrying on their work-horse DMF role.

- With Kuyt and Jovanovic not providing serious attacking threat in the wing position and natural CB Agger failing to provide any overlap run from the LB position, LFC has been relying too much on Glen Johnson to provide wing attack from the RB position. LFC may need a CF, but they sure need a natural winger when transfer window re-open in January.

Best moment:

During the 2nd half, GK Reina made a great long-throw to Kuyt who made 1-2 with Torres before making an accurate low cross to Torres to finish his sensation one-timer volley.

Worst moment:

There were certain periods of the game when West Brom looked like the more likley team to score the 1st goal of the game.

LFC Player of the game:

Despite far from fully fit, Torres proved to be the most dangerous attacking threat for LFC.

Starting Line-up: <4-2-3-1>

Reina
Johnson Carragher Skrtel Agger
Lucas Poulsen
Kuyt Gerrard Jovanovic
Torres

Goal: Torres (LFC)

10/11 LFC recap: Manchester City 3 : Liverpool 0- A failing experiment....

What I like:

- Nothing other than Hodgson's willingness to be more adventurous by playing 4-4-2 even in a very tough away game against Man. City. If he attempted 4-2-3-1 defense + counter, Liverpool could still have failed against a very strong Man. City side at home. At least, Hodgson is willing to introduce new idea to the team. Fans should give him time as it's clear the team is still in re-building stage.

What I don't like:

- Plenty.... With Mascherano refusing to play for the team and Poulsen still needs time to settle, Hodgson was forced to start poor Lucas in CMF. With Hodgson seemingly already given up on Aqualini as he was loaned to Juventus, Gerrard needs to drop back to CMF role. Without the suspensed Jole Cole and natural wingers, Torres and Ngog were not supplied with scoring chances.

- Agger struggled as LB and LFC really need to sign a LB quickly. As much as we need a quality forward to partner Torres, we need a natural winger badly. Now Mascherano must go, as he affected the lockroom spirit as well. We need to get $ from his trasnfer to get a CF,LB and WG.

Best moment:

None. Appreciate Hodgson's bravey in playing 2 up-front in away games. We need to play more attacking football in away games in the future. However, we need to get natural wingers and a good CF to partner Torres.

Worst moment:

Another Reina's mistake in the 2nd goal. Hope he will regain his form and confidence. Skrtel's penalty concede is silly!

LFC Player of the game:

Gerrard plays well and he was unlucky not to score as his shot hit the woodwork as LFC tried to come back from a 2 goal deficit.

Line-up: <4-4-2>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Agger

Kuyt Lucas Gerrard Jovanovic

Ngog Torres

Goals: Tevez 2, Barry (all Man. City)

10/11 LFC Recap: Liverpool 1: Arsenal 1- Stunning red for Joe & Shocking blunder from Reina!

What I like:

- Liverpool has organized their defense very well under Hodgson. Carragher, Skrtel and Agger have shown they can be a reliable defensive trio as Arsenal failed to create many good chances despite winning the possession.

- N'Gog continues to improve as he scored a sensational goal after scoring three important goals in Europa League qualifier during last 2 weeks. He should now be top back-up for Torres ahead of Kuyt and Babel until we get a higher quality striker. N'Gog almost scored a header but was unlucky to be cleared off by Gunners' defender.

- Mascherano still plays hard and keeps great form even if he expressed his desire to leave England for Inter or Barcelona. Until LFC receive geniue offers from those big clubs, here's hoping Mash can keep fighting hard for the team.

- Gerrard may not play many supporting striker/attacking midfield role this season as Joe Cole will take the supporting role for Torres. Gerrard will play in deeper role in midfield as the midfield general, a role that Alonso used to serve two season ago. I like what I see so far.

What I don't like:

- Joe Cole should have got a yellow card as his tackle is not intention. Yet, it's an unnecessary silly tackle. Certainly, this is a debut game to forget for the sorry Joe Cole as he will now serve 3 game suspension beginning from next game vs Manchester City! In fact, Gerrard also made some stupid tackle and was lucky to escape a yellow card in the 1st half. Here is hoping both Gerrard and Cole avoid silly tackles in future games.

- LFC still doesn't have natural winger. Kuyt and Jovanovic have done well, but both are scoring midfield operating in the wing and neither is natural winger who can attack through the flank and use the width effectively. I would prefer to see Maxi start on right and only either Kuyt or Jovanovic start in games together.

- Torres is back but it may take considerable time for him to get back to his best form. LFC must sign a quality scorer to upgrade the fire-power up-front.

- LFC is extremely unlucky. When will "bad luck" disappear from our team? How can Joe Cole and Reina both been so unlucky in the game.

- Agger already hurt? I hope Mash is okay too. Where the hell is Aqualini?

Best moment:

N'Gog great goal in 2nd half to help 10-men Reds take the 1-0 lead.

Worst moment:

Joe Cole's red card or Reina's blunder... you take your pick.

Man of the Match:

Mascherano: if he will leave LFC soon, he is making sure he will leave on a high. Mascherano provided perfect display in defensive role in this game and even made an important assist for N'Gog goal.

Lineup: <4-4-1-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Skrtel Agger

Kuyt Mascherano Gerrard Jovanovic

J.Cole

N'Gog

Sub used: Torres, Lucas, Maxi

Goals: N'Gog 47', Reina own goal 90'

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown: Liverpool Part III

Positional Analysis:

Goalkeeper:

Reina is rated as the league top keeper. I am not sure if he is the league best as he is still too short for catching high crosses in English league, but he is certainly the quickest, most agile keeper as well as world's no.1 penalty stopper. Hodgson seems have no trust in back-up GK Cavalieri and thinks Hungry GK Gulcasi is too young. Middlesbrough Australian GK Brad Jones should soon join LFC as the no.1 back-up keeper.

Central back:

LFC has 4 key central back with different strength and weakness. Vice-captain Carragher has the experience and durability, but is getting slower every year and remains a liability in defending header. Slovakian CB Skrtel is quick and aggressive, but like Carragher, he needs a big presence to partner him for defending header. Danish CB Agger is versatile and possess good ball control with a powerful long-range shot, but is prone to injury and careless mistakes. Greek CB Kyroiakos is big and strong and is a ariel threat at both attacking and defending ends, but is slow on his turn and could face porblem against quick strikers. Therefore, it is crucial for playing the right combo against different teams. Against teams with small and quick strikers, Carragher and Skrtel is the preferred pair. Against teams with two tall and big central forwards, Agger and Kyroiakos can be an effective pair. However, most teams tend to possess a quick forward and a big striker, the most logical combo is either Carragher and Skrtel partner with Agger or Kyroiakos, depending on their forms. Young Scottish CB Danny Wilson and Spanish CB Ayala can also help out in CB when the team is in big injury crisis, but should be featured mostly in less important Cup games to earn experience.

Right back:

Glen Johnson is England no.1 RB due to his attacking ability, but he still has great room for improvment at defending. Although he is one of the top class attacking wing-backs in the league, he could face fierce competition from young local defender Martin Kelly. Kelly is a natural CB but can play as both RB and LB. He is big and strong at 6'3', atheletic and could trun out to be rising younster in the club.

Left back:

At the moment, LFC is still looking for a starting LB. For now, Brazilian Auerlio and Danish CB/LB Agger should compete for the starting LB spot, although Danny Wilson and Martin Kelly could also be in contension. Auerlio had a great 2008/2009 season, but never could stay injury-free throughout his LFC career. He is an intelligent player with good positional sense, passing skills and a better free-kick taker in the team despite his lack of presence and strength. left-footed CB Agger has been used as a LB near end of last season and has done an adequate defending job, especially improving the team ability in defending high crosses and headers.

Defensive midfield:

With Argentina captain DMF Mascherano soon joining either Inter Milan or Barcelona, Danish veteran DMF Poulsen, Hodgson's favorite, is signed as a direct replacement. Poulsen is slower and older, but he is taller than Mascherano and do have better passing abilirty than Mascherano. He is very familiar with Hodgson as he has played for him 10 years ago in Danish league as he started his football career. Brazilian DMF/CMF Lucas will be used as a reserve DMF/CMF this year instead of starting 90% of LFC game least season. Although Lucas is small as a DMF in English league and never earns his trust from majority of LFC's faithful, he has shown steady improvement. Although I believe LFC should try to sell him for transfer funds, but I won't be too unhappy if he stays as a substitute as he is a high energy and hard working player.

Central midfield:

With Joe Cole joining the team and given a more central role, captain Gerrard could drop back as a CMF in a deeper role similar to his early football career instead of playing as a AMF, a role he gets familiar for the past 2-3 seasons. Without Xabi Alonso, LFC needs a midfield general to connect the defense and attack. As a complete footballer, Gerrard has great ability in short pass, long pass, defending and shooting. Although playing a further deep role could reduce his scoring, this scraifice cold actually benefit the team as a whole. The Italian injury-prone CMF/AMF Aqualini had a disappointing debut season at LFC last year, but should play a key role this year. He is creative playmaker with great passing ability, but was wrongly used as Alonso's replacement in a deeper role by Benitez last season. Aqualini could still have trouble in the physical English league, but he should have a much improved 2nd season either as a back-up CMF for Gerrard or back-up AMF for Joe Cole. 18 year-old English CMF Shelvey is an all-around midfield who can play in both defensive and attacking role He has shown maturity beyond his age with good passing ability and he could turn out to be the surprising player of the year for LFC in his young debut season.

Right wing:

Kuyt has been transformed as a RMF under Benitez and now has been playing winger role for club and country. Kuyt is slow as a winger and doesn't have the dribbling ability, but he is one of the most durable and diligent players in the World. He rarely gets injury and tired and is an ultimate warrior and team player. Assigning him to play as 3rd star attacker to support Gerrard and Torres could be a tough task, but he now can play his part in the team with less creative and scoring pressure with Jole Cole and Jovanovic joining the team. Still, Kuyt should play more as a back-up forward or reserve-role to provide energy from the bench. Against most teams sitting deep in their own half, LFC should start Argentina veteran RW Maxi Rodriquez, as he is more of a natural winger. Maxi is not quick but he is very intelligent with great attacking movement. Maxi had a respectful debut season with LFC and should provide Torres more support as the right wing thanks to his understanding with Torres back in the days when they played in Madrid together.

Left wing:

Serbian LW Jovanovic has joined for free as a replacement for Riera. Jovanovic is not a natural winger but he has been a great scoring LMF with great ball control and scoring ability. Jovanovic has won several personal honor in Belgium league, but may take some time adapt to the fast-pace English game. LFC may still need a natural left-footed winger to support Jovanovic. Although Maxi, Kuyt, Babel, Joe Cole can all support LMF role, none are left-footed. Ryan Babel is used as a LW by Benitez, despite described himself as a nautral striker. It's hard to tell what role will Hodgson assign to the disappointing Babel yet. At the moment, the versatile Maxi should be Jovanovic's primary 1st choice back-up.

Supporting striker/Attacking midfield

Joe Cole was used as a winger in Chelsea and England team for majority of his career. However, in an interview with Joe Cole, he revealed that his preferred and natural role is central attacking role, a position he hasn't been playing much since his West Ham days. The key reason why Joe Cole has choosen LFC instead if Arsenal or Tottenham could be due to Hodgson's agreeemnt with him to provide him the freedom to play in the central attacking role. Joe Cole's performance and health will be the decisive factor for LFC's fate this year. Hodgson is a big fan of small creative supporting striker in support for a natural no.9 central forward. Although Jovanovic and the unselfish Kuyt can also play as a 2nd striker, Spanish young sensation ST Pacheco could be given fair amount of playing chance in this role. Pacheco is agile, skillful and talented. He has been the top scorer for Spanish under 19 team in under 19 European Championship this summer. Although many Spanish teams want to take him back home, Hodgson has given a no.12 shirt to Pacheco and it could mean a role promotion for the Spanish youngster. In away game, when LFC wants to play more defensively, either Gerrard or Aquilani could also play as a AMF/ST to support the lone striker.

Central striker:

Every LFC players, coaching staffs, fans is looking for a injury-free season for Torres. When in-from, there is no doubt tha Torres is the no.l striker in the league along with Chelsea's Drogba. Howevere, there has been heavy criticism in the team for relying too much from Torres. Whenever Torres out injury, LFC has lost countless due to lack of fire-power up-front as Keane and Crouch has both been wrongly sold by Benitez while Kuyt, Voronin, Babel and N'Gog have all failed to provide scoring quality for the team due to various reasons. One of the key objectives for Hodgson is to come up with a back-up plan in case of another Torres' injury disaster. With the team still has to wait for funds to get in a quality scoring back-up or scoring partner for Torres either from the sale of Masherano or the investment from new owners, French young CF N'Gog is now playing a key role as a temporary starter for Torres as Torres still needs time to get back to full-fitness or a key back-up scoring threat. While N'Gog still has to learn to hold up the ball and stay on-side, he has shown steady improvement in finishing chances as shown by his 3 goals scored in Europa League qualifier during the summer and his sensational goal vs Arsenal in the season opener.

Starting line-up:

<4-4-1-1>

Reina

Johnson Carragher Agger Aurelio

Kuyt Gerrard Poulsen Jovanovic

Cole

Torres

Other key back-up:

CB Skrtel, CB Kyrgiakos, CB/LB Wilson, CB Ayala

CMF/AMF Aqualini, DMF/CMF Lucas, CMF Shevely,CMF Spearing

WG/AMF Maxi

CF N'Gog, ST Pacheco, FW Babel

Prediction: Top 3!!!!!

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Liverpool Part II

New manager: Roy Hodgson favors 4-4-2 at home but still could play 4-2-3-1 in some away games. Under Benitez, Liverpool plays lone striker formation most of the time even against lower ranked teams in the league, leading to countless draw games due to over-conservative approach. Hodgson is a traditional English manager who understands that height and strength are important elements in players to succeed in English league. This explains why he'd rather got rid of some short South Americans from the team but prefer to acquirie Scandinavians, who can be effective in English games and can be bought at bargain prices. In replacing the soon-to-go Mascherano, he took little time to sign Dannish veteran DMF Poulsen and attempted to bring Finnish LFC legend Hyypia back to Anifield. Hodgson is a fan of 4-4-2, focusing on keeping the team shape and pass-and-move. He likes players helping each other in pairs: 2 central back, 2 central midfield, wing backs making overlap runs to help out wingers, a tall center forward partnering with a quick,little supporting striker. In the defense end, he emphasizes on hard work and man-making rather than zone-defense in defending set pieces. Unlike Benitez, Hodgson is a player-coach with focus on good relationship/communication with his squad and keeping a happy locker room with great spirit and haramony. He respects players and believes no one single player is bigger than the team. He is honest and dislikes to make excuses for mistakes. He doesn't believe big money can buy success. He can work with limited budget and still keep the team competitive. He may not have achieved big success in his management career so far, as most of his past teams are non-title contenders. This season, Liverpool actually has a competitive team with quite a few quality and experienced veterans in the team, as evidenced by having the most number of players playing in the World Cup among all English teams. If he can bring out the best from his players, get in a few useful squad players to improve the bench and keep his key players healthy with the help of the new sports science team, Liverpool should be able to challenge for top 4 with a serious Cup run.

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Liverpool Part I

Liverpool's reign under Rafa Benitez finally came to a close after suffering from an unforgiven 7th place finish last season. Comparing to the season before last season when Liverpool gained 2nd place in a tight title race with Manchester United, last season result is simply too hard to accept as the team also lost out the Champion League spot.

The following is the summary of major Rafa's weaknesses and failure as LFC manager.

1) The Loss of Xabi Alonso: Xabi Alonso is the chief midfield general in the heart of LFC's midfield. Rafa should be blamed for provoking Xabi 2 seasons ago when he tried to sell Alonso in that summer. After his best LFC season in 2008/2009, Alonso decided to leave the team and join Real Madrid. Rafa had spend 20M on Italian CMF Aquilani as replacement for Alonso, but the Italian is simply a different type of player and has also been sidelined for majority of season with long-term injury. Without Alonso, Rafa's favorite formation 4-2-3-1 can not function effectively. Yet, Benitez insisted on using 4-2-3-1 in almost every game. Eventually, Rafa started 2 DMF Mascherano and Lucas together but this arrangement quickly proved to be the major downfall of the team. Lucas and Mascherano are both hard-working players without good passing ability. Opponents can focus on trapping the ball from LFC's own half, as neither Lucas nor Masherano can distribute the ball to up-field to Gerrard and Torres to initial attack.

2) Forcing players to fit his system: 4-2-3-1 was adopted even without Alonso: In truth, Benitez should have switched the formation to 4-4-2 with either Mascherano or Lucas partner Gerrard in the CMF. However, Rafa refused to change and keep forcing players to play out of their natural positions. (e.g. Babel is a wing forward but was forced to play as a natural wing)

3) One dimensional approach: The tactics of Benitez is pushing his whole team to press all-over oppoents for the whole match. Once the team wins the ball, their priority is always to pass the ball quickly to Gerrard and Torres. There isn't any passing-movement and attacking tactics. Opponents can easily block the passing path to G8 &T9 and assign more players tightly mark them out of the game. The simple attacking tactics is too "one-dimensional" and relying too heavily on G8 and T9. No wonder whenever either or both injured, the team simply has no alternatives in attack. There is simply no Plan B in Benitez's mind! All he can do is blaming their injury and complained about no money given by owner to him to buy more stars. Why the hell do people called Rafa's as Tactical Master! It must be a joke!

4) Ignore the flair factor; too much emphasis on hard-work and efficiency: Rafa loves hard-workers even if playing too many of them at a time can reduce the skills-level, flair and creativity of the side. This is why Lucas, Mascherano and Kuyt are always his favorite. Yet, playing together too much also means less attacking flair. During his LFC career, Rafa never spend more than 8M on a natural winger; yet, he was willing to spend 16M on DMF Mascherano.

5) Rafa's tactics is too conservative: 4-2-3-1 is a good formation in Cup games or away games especially against quality opponents. However, at home, LFC should try to get more victories even if it means increasing the risk of goal concede. LFC has lost uncountable points only because Rafa refused to play more forwards to support Torres up-front at home. Too much pressure and responsbility has been assigned to Torres as he was always left alone in lone striker role in way too many games. It's not a surprise Torres has been suffering from horrible injury one after next way too often!

6) Rafa's football philosophy fits Spain/Italy & Cup Competitions, but not England & League Competitions: The clear evidence is he never understands why LFC always concede free-kicks, corners kicks and headers. It's all becuase of his insisting on Zone Defense. Zone Defense is an effective defensive tactics in European football, but never works well in England. Rafa's negative football "lone striker+defensive oriented+counter attack" are perfect for Cup competitions, but it will never work for league competitions. It's seems Rafa still could not understand! Rafa's direction in getting more South American players to compete in Englsih league is also wrong. Players like Mascherano,Lucas,Insua are simply too short for defending headers.

7) Buying too many average players: Although Rafa signed good players like Reina, Agger,Skrtel,Masherano,Kuyt,Torres, most of his signings have been over-priced failure. For so much $ he spend on the youth, there wasn't many obvious rising talents came through the ranks. Although he complained about owners not providing enough transfer funds, he has made too many mistakes in transfer. But he will never admit!

8) How can Rafa sell Crouch and Keane? Yet, Rafa still had Babel, Voronin and N'Gog last season. Torres simply had no help in forward position as Kuyt was gradually transformed as a WG and slowly losing his confidence in finishing.

9) Rafa seems to be a Perfectionist... he never praises his players... Nothing wrong about he demands so much from his player as a way to strive for improvement, but he is a hard person to get along... an opposite of "player's coach"....

10) Final but not least....Don't give full credit to Rafa for 2005 Champion League Victory....only Alonso and Luis Garcia out of the CL champion squad were bought by Rafa with the whole team bought in by Houllier.... yet, after the Champion League glory in 2005, Rafa quickly destruct majority of the team winning heros... In between the 2005 Champion League win up until last season, all Rafa achieved are a FA Cup, Champion League runners-up in 2007 and 2008/2009 Premier League runners-up... Rafa is a "Total" Failure!


Enough is enough... Kick the stubborn, disgusting Rafa out of here! Here comes new manager Roy Hodgson.....a true Players' coach... a new era for Liverpool... and possible new ownership this September... As a die-hard, life-long LFC fan.... there is finally brightness at the end of the tunnel !!!!!!!

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Manchester United

Despite losing C.Ronaldo and Tevez, Manchester United still lost to Champion Chelsea by only one point in a tightly fought title race last season behind a career season from Wayne Rooney as he scored 26 goals in 32 games. The current Manchester United squad is not the most talented pool comparing to most of their past league champion sides over the last 20 years; however, Ferguson is one of the best managers in the world in making average talents "over-achieved"! Such statements is not an understatement of Man.Utd. players' quality, but rather a true compliment and tribute to the experienced "old fox" Alex Ferguson. Player to player, Man.Utd. could be inferior to Chelsea, Arsenal,Liverpool and Manchester City stars. A great evidence is that only Vidic, Evra, Parks, Rooney, Hernandez making the South Africa World Cup this year. (with Ferdinand and Nani out injured) Yet, under Ferguson, Manchestered United can play at incredibly high effectivness and efficiency with great organization, tactical awareness, understanding and passing-movement. With less attacking quality in the side, Ferguson has the ability to trun the team into a rock solid defensive team with effective counter attack. Without the individual brilliance of C.Ronaldo, Ferguson still managed to guide Portugal WG Nani and Ecaudor WG Valencia play to the best of their ability and produce highly effective attack from the wings. Even losing star DMF Roy Keane for retirement with replacement Hargreaves never been able to avoid injury, Ferguson still capable of developing Scottish CMF Fletcher into an efficienct hard-working DMF and switching formation to play 2 DMF to lessen the weakness in DMF position. At the age of 35-36, club veteran heros Giggs and Scholes still manage to provide great leadership, goals and assists for the team at key moment through effective substitution and game time management under Ferguson. As the board facing growing financial problem with less transfer fund making available, Ferguson and his scout team still managed to get in young talents such as Brailizan wing-back brothers Fabio and Rafael, Mexico FW Hernandez,Italian FW Macheda with local talents such as MF Gibson and N.Irish CB Evans coming through the ranks quickly. Whatever problem the team has to face, Ferguson always have the answer in leading the team sustaining at very top level in the league.

Manchester Untied once again is the top favorite to win the league this season. However, without Tevez and C.Ronaldo, the team has been relying too heavily in the scoring ability of Rooney up-front. Last season, the team has kept a tight race with Chelsea until they lost Rooney through injury near end of the season which immediately led to loss of important league points with title chance fating away. Therefore, Ferguson has acquired talented Mexico star FW Hernandez to improve the depth in the striker area and he could well be one of the surprising finds of European football! Still, the performance of disappointing Bulgarian FW Bebertov and FW Michael Owen will be the the decisive factor for the team's title race as Rooney sure needs much more support up-front in a long hard season and ever competitive premier league.

Although the team did not get in more talents to strengthen the squad especially in CB (as Ferdinand gradually injury more often) and CMF (Fletcher,Carrick,Scholes,Anderson CMF combo is not quality enough for Champion League), the Red Devils remains the most balanced , well-coached and consistent team with a great mix of veterans and youngsters among all title challengers. As youth development has always been an intergal part of the team, the new Premiership home grown player rule should favor the team compared to the likes of Chelsea and Man.City. In conclusion, Red Devils has a great chance to re-claim the league title, but should expect to face fierce challenge from Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. Will Ferguson, Giggs and Scholes get league title before their farewell season which should come very soon? (as a LFC fan, I sure hope not!)

Strongest line-up: <4-3-3/4-2-3-1>

Van Der Saar

Brown Ferdinand Vidic Evra

Parks Fletcher Scholes

Valencia Rooney Nani

Prediction: Champion! (warning: my prediciton is always wrong! )

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Chelsea

Chelsea was the Premiership champion last season after edging out rival Manchester United by one point in ex-AC Milan manager Ancelotti's debut season. The key players in the team all reached their peak which includes Drogba, Lampard, Anelka and Ashely Cole as they broke Premiership historical record by scoring over 100 goals in one single premier league season.

However, there are several factors not favoring Chelsea's championship chance for this coming season. As majority of Chelsea top players have reached 30+ (Drogba, Lampard,Anelka), their form will only go downward gradually. Although all three have had excellent 2009/2010 season, they sure need more bench help with the team also focusing so much on Champion League- a competition team owner Abramovic have never won. Yet, Abramovic's wealth is dropping fast with the current economic cricis and he cannot afford to bring in big names like he did in the past. Added the new Premiership home grown player rule, Chelsea is now forced to cut down some of their important foreign players in order to make room for their local young players to fill out the squad. Yet, for the past several seasons, Chelsea had been so desperate for instant glory that they never pay much attention in developing their young players. Under the league new home grown player rule, every Premiership club must possess at least 8 players among their 25 squad with their football career experienced under English or Wales football system before 21 year old regardless of their nationality. This new rule could hurt Chelsea's type of team the most with majority of their squad being foreign players who were well established in other European leagues before they joined Chelsea.

The departing key players include free-agent English AMF Joe Cole, Portugal CB Caravalho, Portugal CMF Deco, Germany CMF Ballack and Brazil RB Belletti. So far, only Brazilian MF Ramires and ex-Liverpool Israeli AMF Benayoun have bought in as replacement. While Brazilian MF Ramires could make positive impact for his tireless run, he does not possess the passing ability of Ballack and Deco. Benayoun is one of the most under-rated playmaker in the league, but Joe Cole is younger and a higher quality attacker. Among all departing players, Caravalho will be a sure miss. Captain CB John Terry has slowly declining every season and his poor form could be more easily exposed without the under-rated and consistent Caravalho cleaning up his mistake at the back. In addition, star LB Ashley Cole is chasing hard by Real Madrid and he could also want to leave Chelsea to join his former boss Mourinho.

Although Chelsea still possess a quality and experienced team with the backbone of Cech-Terry-Essien-Lampard-Drogba, Chelsea has less depth with majority of their aging players soon pasting their peak. With their young players Kalou and Mikel have shown no sign of major improvement, Chelsea could decline faster than most people could imagine. Make no mistake, Chelsea will be challenging for all trophies again this season, but could eventually end up with nothing unless Drogba can stay injury-free and have another super-human season. However, it won't surprise me if Chelsea could drop out from top 3 with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool all having younger and hungrier players. After their glory days, Chelsea could soon step into transition period.

Strongest line-up: <4-3-3>

Cech

Bosingwa Alex Terry A.Cole

Lampard Essien Ramires

Anelka Drogba Malouda

Prediction: 5th !!!!

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Arsenal

There is simply no other team in the Premiership playing such entertaining attacking football like the Gunners under Wenger, the 2nd longest serving manager in the Premiership history only behind Alex Ferguson. After leading the club winning the most trophies in the Premiership history only behind Manchester United, Wenger has not won Arsenal any major trophy in recent years as he refused to spend money to buy big name players for instant success. Wenger never wants to make Arsenal to become the next Chelsea/Manchester City. He loves to acquire unheard youth players at low price, train them and help them to reach their potential. Wenger also refuses to play physical style, but instead he always wants his team to play in the most "beautiful" way- pass-and-move and skill based football. Although Wenger has made Gunners the most fascinating team in the league, his stubborn "perfect" football theory and over-patience on waiting for his young players to improve has made the team "trophy-less" since the departure of their star veterans Henry,Vieria and Pires. Now, the fans and the board starts to lose patience in Wenger.

Last season, the patience of Wenger on his talented young squad almost paid dividend. Arsenal had been in title race of majority part of the season. Eventually, the inexperience of their young players and their lack of quality depth to step in for injured top players once again cost them their title chance. Undoubtedly, Arsenal has the attack quality to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea, as they have always been among the top scoring teams with star attackers such as Spanish AMF Fabregas, Dutch FW Van Persie, Russia ST Arshavin, French AMF Narsi along with super youngsters England WG Walcott, Mexico FW Vela and England AMF Wilshire. At this moment, there is simlpy no other teams in the league with such attacking class. However, there remains 4 key weaknesses in the team. How well can Wenger solve these weakness can determine whether Arsenal is ready to challenge for the league title this season.

1) Van Persie is one of the most injury-proned star in the league. When healthy, Van Persie is one of the highest quality forward in the world. He has flair, skills and finishing. However, whenver he got injured, he could be out for an extended period of time. Wenger previously replaced him with Bendter and Arshavin in CF role without much success. This summer, Wenger has brought in one of the very best free-agent in the market- Morocco young rising in French league FW Chamakh, who could bring power and quality up-front.

2) Defensive midfield is never convinced. Wenger has transformed the team from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 to strengthen defense and free-up Fabegars in attacking midfield role. Although Diaby, Song and Denilson have all shown steady improvment, none have been consistent and reliable. Their performance and growth this season could be a decisive factor.

3) With the departure of Gallas and veteran Sol Campbell, who will partner the impressive Belgium CB Vermaelen at central of defense? Gallas and Campebll have both been declining and Weneger did the right thing to get rid of them; yet, their experience could also be important. Fortunately, Vermaelen had surprising great debut season. Considering to his 5'9' height, he had the ability to win headers at both ends and proved to be one of the stars last season. Relatively unknown French CB Koscielny was bought in as starting partner with Vermaelen. Wenger sure knows French talent, but will he be the answer? Still there is not enough quality depth in the CB position.

4) GK Alumunia is not a champion quality goalkeeper. Van Der Sar (ManUtd), Cech (Chelsea), Reina (Liverpool) and Hart (ManCity) are all superior goalkeeper. Do Arsenal need a better goalkeeper?

Although Gunners have obvious weaknesses, Wenger has again refused to "press the panic button" by getting in instant transfer help. Could this stubborness once again cost their title chance? Liverpool and Manchester City both have no Champion League football and may have an edge over Arsenal this season. However, there is no way either team can develop better team-work and passing-movement than Wenger well-coached side, because Liverpool Hodgson will only make his debut season while Mancini has bought in too many new players and sure need time to develop the understanding among players.

Strongest Starting Line-up: <4-2-3-1/4-3-3>

Alumnia

Sanga Koscielny Vermaelen Clichy

Song Diaby

Nasri Fabregas Arasavin

Van Persie

Prediction: 4th

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Redknapp has proved to be one of the English finest managers as he led Tottenham to qualify for Champion League first time in their club history as they finally broke into Premiership top 4. Over the years, Tottenham has been an inconsistent team in that they can be brilliant in certain games especially against some top teams but only fall right down to earth swiftly in the following games when they could easily lose silly points against bottom teams. Throughout their premiership history, Tottenham has been one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the country with the likes of Lineker, Gazza, Klinsmann, Ginola, Sheringham, Bebertov and Keane. Yet, they never have a stable defense and a hardworking defensive midfield. To address these weaknesses, Redknapp has signed Honduras DMF Palacio, the key X-factor in the team's revival. In defense, Tottenham has been relying on Ledley King and Woodgate, two of the highest quality English CB. Unfortunately, both are also the most frequently injured players. To Redknapp's credit, he was able to bring out the best of English CB Michael Dawson, Brazilian GK Gomes and Wales LWB Bale to tiden up the defense, as all have shown steady improvement. With improvment in defense, Tottenham still carry on their tradition with great quality in attack with Croatian AMF Modric and Kranjcar provide creativity to the attack that already includes domestic talents such as WG Lennon, RMB Bentley, CF Crouch, FW Defoe along with Irish FW Robbie Keane and Russia CF Pavlyuchenko. There are different attacking options providing variety of attaking threats: speed (Lennon), skills and flair (Modric), finishing (Defoe) and ariel threat (Crouch). Although the team has not made any squad improvment so far during this summer, Tottenham already has a deep and balanced team with two good players in every position. The only missing piece may be they still don't have a superstar in their team like Torres, Ronney, Drogba and Fabegars to edge out top teams in important encounters. Yet, Tottenham will certainly be challenging for top 4 again. However, with the team invlove in Champion League this season, they may find it harder to focus on the league. With Liverpool and Manchester City both improving without the Champion League distraction, Tottenham could miss out the 4th spot eventually.

Strongest line-up: <4-4-2>

Gomes

Corluka Dawson King Bale

Lennon Palacios Modric Kranjcar

Defoe Pavlyuchenko

Prediction: 6th

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Manchester City

Since the takeover from Dubai Group, Manchester City has quickly become the richest football club in England, even if not the richest in the world. The objective of the owner is clear- to win the league as soon as possible and takover Manchester United as no.1 team in city of Manchester by acquiring the best football talents possible. Two seasons ago, the team has broken the British transfer record by signing Brazilian ST Robinho at 32.5M. Last summer, major acquisition included big names from rivals ex-Arsenal Togo CF Adebayor and Ivory Coast CB Kolo Toure, ex-Man. Utd. FW Tevez, ex- Aston Villa England CMF Barry and ex-Everton CB Lescott. From their player acquisition, it's easy to see that their plan is not only to strengthen their own squad talent pool, but also to weaken rival's squad quality. Yet, do spending big money means instant success? We can look at Real Madrid in recent years and they have yet gained any success in Europe in recent years despite buying all the big names. To display the players' true potential and lead them to play as a collective and effective unit, a top manager is essential. The key reason why Chelsea could achieve sucess so quickly is not because their Russian owner spend big on big-names, but more due to the hiring of Mourinho as their manager. Despite rising to 5th place last season, the Dubai owner is clearly not satisfied. Although Italian manager Robert Mancini's performance has been superior to his precedent Mark Hughes, Mancini will probably be given no more than half season to show the owner that he is the right man to lead City to become the team in England! This could also apply to the squad as the owner's demand is skyhigh. Will this pressure be a motivation or a burden for the team?

Unlimited spending spree is again provided to Mancini this summer. So far, Mancini has been going at the right direction for majority of his transfers. Instead of adding more skillful individual stars, hardworking and team-oriented players have been the focus of transfers as Mancini understands that winning team tends to possess unselfish hard workers fighting for the team. (For example, in the past, French DMF Makelele has been the X-factor for Real Madrid, Chelsea and France. He is someone who doesn't demand the ball and personal glory but perform all the dirty work for his star teammates. Since losing Makelele, Real Madrid can never win major trophies for many years) Despite acquiring at relatively over-price as expected, Barcelona Ivory Cost DMF YaYa Toure, Hertha German DF J.Boateng and Lazio Russia LB Kolarov all seem to be efficient players who can make the team hard to beat. English hard-working WG/MF James Milner should also soon be joining to further improve the team work-rate and efficiency. To improve the team creativity and flair in midfield, Valencia Spain star AMF/WG David Silva has also been acquiried. Combining these new signings with the existing talented squad make Manchester City the deepest team in England. In fact, the team currently has too many players that Mancini need to off-load some of their good players like Wayne Bridge and Wright-Phillips! On paper, they now have the talents and depth to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea. Now it all depends how quickly can new players adapt to English football and how well can the team play under Mancini. Since Manchester City do not invlove in Champion League like Man.Utd., Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, they are the dark-horse to win the league title, but it certainly won't be easy. If their owners unwilling to stay patient and provide time for the team to develop teamwork and understanding, but instead over-demand and blindly spending on more big-names, then City will never reach their dream.

Strongest line-up: <4-4-2>

Hart/Given

Boateng K.Toure Lescott Kolarov

Milner Y.Toure Barry D.Silva

Tevez Adebayor/Robinho

Prediction: Top 3

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown: Aston Villa

Although Martin O'Neill never led Villa to seize a top 4 spot, he has made Villa a very organized and competitive side. For the past three season, O'Neill has led Villa to finish at 6th spot for three successive seasons. Initially, O'Neill was given fair sum of transfer fee to build up the depleted Villa squad. Instead of spending on star foreigners, O'Neill has shown his old-schooled British manager theory by spending millions on acquiring many domestic rising players, such as WG Ashley Young, DMF Reo-Coker and recently MF Milner and WG Downing. There is nothing wrong to build the squad around domestic talents which is especially logical given the recent premier home grown player rule. However, it also may indicate limited knowledge of O'Neill about foreign players. Villa now has a full squad of up-rising English talents knocking on England national team door; however, most of them are England bench and fringe players. With the current squad of over-priced domestic players, they find it hard to compete with the big six with variety of foreign talents in their team. O'Neill is a competent tactical manager, especially good at designing counter attack and his strategy of attacking through the wing is very effective. Yet, the team remains somewhat lacking in bench depth and also they do not have a reliable scorer as target man Carew and Heskey can hardly combine 15 goals per season.

Now O'Neill has just announced his resignation from the club, Aston Villa could soon sell their last season best performer James Milner to Manchester City and club's biggest assets Ashley Young. Although this could mean the club can obtain money from these player sale for player transfer, the Villa owner has no money to improve the club and more key players could gradually leave the club. Whatsoever, the club must try to strengthen its depth. With no help from the bench, Villa always run out of steam around last 2 months of the season and tend to lose from 4th/5th spot to 7th/8th at the end. Therefore, strengthening the bench is essential for Villa to remain at 7th to 8th position, let alone fighting for the top 6.

Strongest line-up: <4-5-1/4-3-3>

Friedel

Cuellar Davies Dunne Warnock

Agbonlahor Petrov Reo-Coker Sidwell Downing

Carew

Prediction: 8th or lower

2010/2011 Premiership Countdown - Everton

What can we say about David Moyes? Although he has never been provided with adequate funds by the Toffees board, he has led Everton to stay in the top 5th to 8th place in the ever fiercing premier league for many seasons. Moyes is another great Scottish manager like Ferguson and McLeish, a great motivator and always make Everton very hard to beat. Everton never play fascinating football, but they has been very consistent and never give the league Big 4 any easy game. The team is built from solid defense over the years. The departure of Lescott and the injury of Jagielka has undermine the team defense, but Moyes had been able to replace them with French CB Distin and Dutch CB Heitinga. The midfield has a nice mix of all-around midfielder (Belgium CMF Fellaini and Auiss AMF Tim Cahill) and flair (South Africa winger Pienaar and Spanish AMF Arteta). Yet, the key weakness of the team is they never have a reliable scorer who can give them 10+ goals on consistent basis. Nigeria FW Yakubu has experience but is too injury proned. French veteran FW Saha had a rejuvenated season, but has past his prime. Instead of given millions to spend to improve on their major weakness, Moyes again needs to make his magical bargain purchase on Leeds United Division 2 top scorer, rising Englishman Beckford. His performance will be vital in Everton's fate this season. Compared to the top 6 teams, Everton has a thinner squad, meaning that an injury to any of their key player could have a severe negative impact on the team. If they can stay injury-free, Everton could reach as high as 6th place.

Strongest line-up: (4-2-3-1)

Howard

P.Neville Heitinga Jagielka Banies

Bilyaletdinov Fellaini

Arteta Cahill Pineaar

Beckford

Prediction: 7th over Aston Villa