2011 Fixture Finale
Premier League
Man United vs. Blackburn 12-31-2011 7:30 a.m. ET ESPN2 / ESPN Deportes / ESPN3
Fresh off stealing a point Merseyside, Steve Kean hopes to end 2011 on a high by grabbing more points this weekend as Blackburn make the trek to Old Trafford.
Sir Alex has a defensive injury crisis on his hands, but all United need is a draw and they’ll end 2011 top of the table. Sir Alex has defended Kean in recent weeks, but will be expecting 3 points from his in-form side.
“We can cope, especially in home games”. Ferguson on his injury hit defense
Quote from Barclays Premier League site.
Boxing Day Preview
Premier League
Liverpool vs. Blackburn 12-26-2011 10:00 a.m. ET Fox Deportes
Not a game for the optimists this Holiday Season, but certainly an interesting one to say the least.
A potential 8 match ban for Liverpool’s most important attacking player, Luis Suarez, has everyone hitting the ‘panic’ button Merseyside.
Injury hit Blackburn have more questions than answers as 2012 approaches. Steve Kean hasn’t yet proven to fans that he’s the man to keep them in the top flight this season. After being thoroughly beaten by fellow bottom feeders Bolton on Dec. 20, they face a down and out Liverpool. Getting at least 1 point from this game would be massive boost for Kean. While receiving support/sympathy from Premier League Managers, the fans haven’t been so forgiving. Will a result at Anfield change the mood surrounding Ewood park? We’ll find out tomorrow!
Soccer Headlines for Monday - 12/19/2011
Premier League
“Manchester City have been 1st in the Premier League table at Christmas on 3 previous occasions, but have never won the league afterwards.” [@OptaJoe]
“Blackburn Rovers defender Scott Dann will be out for up to 6 weeks with a ruptured testicle.” [ESPN Soccernet]
“Real Madrid star Sami Khedira to become subject of Manchester United bid in January.” [FootyBunker]
Serie A
“Palermo have fired head coach Devis Mangia after just four months in charge.” [Sky Sports]
“Former Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni (along with 17 others) has been arrested in connection with a match-fixing probe. He was banned from the game for three-and-a-half years this summer by the Italian Football Federation.” [Sky Sports]
“Universidad de Chile’s star winger Eduardo Vargas—Yes, I will be joining Napoli. I’m sure I will be a success alongside Cavani and Lavezzi.” [@TouchlineDrama]
La Liga
“Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for his role in the embezzlement of public funds in the southern Spanish town of Marbella.” [ESPN Soccernet]
“Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel has revealed that he has agreed personal terms with Valencia about a 5-year deal. Clubs still in talks.” [@S_Coerts_Goal]
MLS
“El-Hadji Diouf has been in contact with the LA Galaxy over a possible deal.” [France Football]
Brazilian Serie A
“Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Jadson has been in European football for seven years now and rumours are flowing about a possible return to Brazil.” [Sambafoot]
“Flamengo supporting Vagner Love has shown the strength of his desire to return to Brazilian football by admitting that in order to return he would even consider moving to arch-rivals Vasco.” [Sambafoot]
