FA Cup Semi-Final Preview: Liverpool v Everton

By Laurie Fitzgerald

One of the great traditions of the English football season takes place this weekend, as four teams travel to Wembley to contest the FA Cup semi-finals.

Tomorrow we will preview the all-London affair as Chelsea take on Tottenham for a place in the final, but today we will be focusing on the early afternoon kick-off as Liverpool face Everton in a compelling Merseyside derby.

Both these great rivals could not be going into the game in more contrasting fortunes, with Liverpool’s league campaign coming off the rails at the same time Everton’s continues to gather momentum.

While Everton manager David Moyes and his assistant Steve Round have both publicly stated that Liverpool go into the game as favourites, the Toffees are brimming with confidence.     

FA Cup Quarter-Final Preview: Everton v Sunderland

By Laurie Fitzgerald

With eight teams still dreaming of cup glory this season, the 2011/12 FA Cup has reached the business end of the tournament.

There are some cracking ties in store as the quarter-finalists battle for a place at Wembley next month, and just one team outside the Premier League left in the competition.

That is Leicester City, who have been rewarded with victory over top-flight opposition in Norwich City in the last round with a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea.

Tottenham take on Bolton at White Hart Lane, while Liverpool try and reach a second semi-final of the season as the Carling Cup winners face Stoke at Anfield.

But the main focus of this preview is on the match in the other part of Merseyside, as Everton prepare to battle it out with Sunderland in the last four.    

Who will be the No.1 team on Merseyside this season?

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Liverpool face Everton in the 217th Merseyside Derby this evening with more pride at stake than what would’ve been imaginable a couple of months ago.

At the turn of the year Everton were in danger of being stuck at the wrong end of the table with a severe lack of goals in the side and no immediate solution to the problem.

Meanwhile, Liverpool were well in the hunt for a top-four finish and looked set for at least a top-six position come the end of Kenny Dalglish’s first full season back in charge at Anfield.

However, manager David Moyes was able to strengthen his attacking options in January with the likes of Steven Pienaar and Nikica Jelavic brought in to the squad.

They have since gone on a run of seven league games unbeaten, a string of results that have also included consecutive home victories over Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City.

As for the Reds, their recent form has been one of struggle as just two wins from their last 11 league outings has left them well out of contention for a Champions League place and sitting in seventh.    

FA Cup Preview: Everton v Blackpool

By Laurie Fitzgerald

It is the weekend of the FA Cup Fifth Round, and 16 teams will be battling it out to earn a place in the quarter-finals of one of the world’s most famous cup competitions.

There are some eye-catching ties over the next couple of days with Stevenage Borough - who have only been a football leagye club for two and a half years - take on Premier League big boys Tottenham at Broadhall Way while another David vs. Goliath clash sees League Two outfit Crawley take on last season’s finalists Stoke City.

Other intriguing match-ups include Arsenal travelling to Sunderland just a week after winning at the Stadium of Light in the league, while Brighton’s reward for knocking out Newcastle United in the last round is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.

However, the focus of this feature will be on this afternoon’s game at Goodison Park, as a resurgent Everton entertain high-flying Championship side Blackpool.  

What hopes for your Premier League side in 2012?

By Laurie Fitzgerald

The first half of the 2011/12 Premier League season has once again served up the same sort of drama and excitement we come to expect from the biggest league in the world.

This season is shaping up to be more tense than ever though; gone are the days where it was the usual suspects in the title race as the top of the tree has as many as six teams pushing for the summit.

It’s just as exciting at the bottom, with all the sides in the bottom half of the table casting worried glances at the perils of relegation.

Manchester City find themselves top of the table having been in first place at Christmas for the first time since 1929, and with their Champions League campaign over, Roberto Mancini‘s star-studded squad will have their eyes firmly fixed on a first-ever Premier League title.

Do you agree with Blackburn fans treatment of Steve Kean?

 

By Tony Alvarez
During and following Blackburn‘s “relegation 6 pointer” against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night Blackburn manager Steve Kean suffered a barrage of abuse from the home fans who disagree with him being at the helm of the side.

For a long time now their has been protests before games calling for the removal of Kean from his role as manager and these protests have often spilled over into the stands during the games.
There is also frequent booing heard at Ewood Park whenever Rovers concede or are trailing at half time or the final whistle.
I feel for Steve Kean if I’m honest I am aware he is not doing the best of jobs but be honest to yourself, how many of you would leave your grossly overpaid job because there are people out there that can do it slightly better?
He is doing his best with what he has (in my opinion a poor squad) he is not doing too well which is clear but he is not deliberately harming the club,if the chairmen think he is no longer capable then they should remove him from his role, if I were a Rovers fan my protests would be aimed at Venky‘s and not Steve Kean.
On top of the fact that it isn’t likely to make Kean consider his future it must also be a negative on the players on the pitch, it must be difficult trying to play with a chorus of boos ringing out from your own fans.
One thing that can’t be questioned is the level of sound produced from the Blackburn faithful however surely that noise would be better served in creating a 12th man atmosphere and putting pressure on the opponents rather than getting on the back of their own staff.
Rival manager David Moyes, who is also a friend of Kean has admitted he left Ewood back at half time during the fixture due to the torrent of abuse that was aimed at Kean.
Moyes said “I thought it was disgusting I was at the game and I left at half time…I think it cost Blackburn any chance of winning the game”
What are your thoughts? Does he deserve the abuse? Are you one of the fans calling for his head? Is it his fault his side are not achieving? Is the focus on a Kean out campaign detrimental to the side?
If you are on Twitter follow us @sfts1

Everton fans’ financial frustration inevitable

By Laurie Fitzgerald

Everton’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday was preceded by a protest from Toffees fans that has been a long time coming.

A group of fans made a peaceful protest outside Goodison park before the game against the current financial situation at the club.

Many supporters have grown tired of the fact that there has been very little money made available to invest in the squad, a saga that has escalated over a long perioed of time.

For several years now, Chairman Bill Kenwright has had to work on a shoestring budget to make sure the business operates within its means.

This is not a criticism of Kenwright himself, who can only run the club with what he has available to him – and the fans understand that better than anyone.

What has become increasingly irksome though has been the inability to find further investment to ensure that Everton don’t get left behind by the richer clubs in England.

At the protest, there was some criticism aimed at Sir Philip Green, who reportedly plays a part in negotiating transfer fees and investment for the club, but refusing to invest any of his wealth, last estimated at £3.8 billion in 2010.

It has led to anger from fans that are bemused by the influence Green has behind the scenes, despite not putting up any of his own money.

This summer was the final straw for many Evertonians, as the full extent of the chairman’s curent limitations were highlighted in it’s full horror.

Kenwright had made it clear throughout pre-season that manager David Moyes was going to have to sell before he could buy.

Weeks went by and no new players arrived at Goodison, while the club were fighting to keep Phil Jagielka after rejecting a bid from Arsenal for the defender.

Jagielka eventually stayed, but Kenwright highlighted how the banks were closing in on the debts that have hampered squad development.

He said in August, “We’ve come to the stage with our bank where we just can’t borrow any more. The banks are tightening in.”

With pressure from the banks building, there was a real danger that a star name could go before the end of the transfer window; and so it proved.

There were just hours remaining on deadline day when it emerged that key midfielder Mikel Arteta was to join Arsenal for £10 million.

It was a situation that mainly came about with Arteta’s request to let him join the Gunners, but the offer for a player with such enormous ability was still deemed acceptable, even though there was no time left to replace him.

The Merseyside outfit also lost two strikers on the same day, selling Jermaine Beckford to Leicester City and loaning Yakubu to Blackburn Rovers, leaving Moyes short of striking options and having to play a 4-6-0 formation against Villa.   

Despite the restrictions, this has not prevented 48 year-old Moyes making outstanding progression on the pitch in his nine-and-a-half years in charge.

The Scot has taken Everton from relegation strugglers to top-eight regulars, including finishing in the Champions League places in 2004-05.

However, with the top six continuing to flex their financial muscle and the likes of Stoke City making real improvement in their squads, Moyes is going to find it tougher than ever to maintain their annual push for European football.

Until the likes of Green or other prospective investors start to put some clout into Everton, then the frustration of the supporters will only increase by the day.

Sources: Sky Sports, Click Liverpool, Sunday Times.

So what do you think? How long can Everton maintain their place as a top-eight club in England without further investment? Who is to blame for the Toffees’ financial predicament? Leave a comment and let us know your views.

2011/12 Premier League Preview Part Three: Manchester United – Everton

By Laurie Fitzgerald

This weekend sees the return of the biggest league in the world, and Shouts from the Stands is doing a club-by-club preview of all 20 teams in the Barclays Premier League.

Today, we look at Merseyside giants Everton and Liverpool, Martin Jol’s Fulham, and the Manchester duo of City and United:

Manchester United

Last season: 1st

Summer so far: Having secured their fourth title in five years, it has been a summer of many changes at Old Trafford, as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to build the latest United team of the future. The trio of Phil Jones, David de Gea and Ashley Young have an average age of 22 and an average price of £18 million, but it was needed following the departures of Paul Scholes, Edwin Van der Saar, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Owen Hargreaves. However, as their comeback win over Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield proved, United still remain the team to beat.

Transfers In: Ashley Young (Aston Villa) £16 million, Phil Jones (Blackburn Rovers) £18 million, David de Gea (Atletico Madrid) £20 million.

Transfers Out: Edwin Van der Saar (Retired), Paul Scholes (Retired), Owen Hargreaves (Unattached) Free, Wes Brown (Sunderland) £1 million, John O’Shea (Sunderland) Undisclosed, Nicky Ajose (Peterborough United) Undisclosed, Conor Devlin (Unattached) Free, Bebe (Besiktas) Loan, Ritchie De Laet (Norwich City) Loan, Ryan Tunnicliffe (Peterborough United) Loan, Scott Wootton (Peterborough United) Loan, Robbie Brady (Hull City) Loan, Joshua King (Borussia Monchengladbach) Loan

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson – Superlatives don’t do the 69 year-old justice, so let the facts do that: 12 Premier League titles, two Champions League’s, five FA Cups and four League Cups in his quarter of a century in charge at Old Trafford. Having led United to become the most successful English team in history following their 19th title in May, the Scot takes his current squad into the new campaign as favourites to make it number 20.

Key Man: Wayne Rooney – Predictable yes, but the 25 year-old is now one of the more experienced men in the United squad following a raft of seasoned campaigners departing. After a difficult start to last season on and off the pitch, Rooney rediscovered his good form in the title run-in to help overcome the challenge of Chelsea. With Euro 2012 coming up at the end of the campaign, fans across the country will be observing the form of the influential forward with fervent interest.

 

Manchester City

Last season: 3rd

Summer so far: It wouldn’t be a usual summer at Eastlands without City spending a million or two. Stefan Savic joined from Partizan Belgrade, and Gael Clichy moved from Arsenal to Eastlands. The big signing though, was Atletico Madrid’s scoring sensation Sergio Aguero, who joined for a meagre £38 million. It remains to be seen though whether he is to partner or replace Carlos Tevez, who has made it clear he wants to leave Manchester to be closer to his family. His future could decide whether or not City became title contenders this season.

Transfers In: Gael Clichy (Arsenal) £7 million, Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid) £38 million, Stefan Savic (Partizan Belgrade) £6 million, Costel Pantilimon (Poli Timisoara) Undisclosed.

Transfers Out: Felipe Caicedo (Levante) £950,000, Patrick Vieira (Retired) Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich) Undisclosed, Shay Given (Aston Villa) £3.5 million, Jo (Internacional) Undisclosed.

Manager: Roberto Mancini – There was a huge pressure on Mancini to deliver last season with the aim of trophies and Champions League qualification, and he succeeded big time. A top-three finish and an FA Cup triumph that seemed their first silverware in 35 years answered the critics that felt his tactics were too negative to achieve success. Now with new reinforcements to an already strong squad, Mancini will be expected to push City onto another level.

Key Man: Yaya Toure – The Ivory Coast international is a great example of the modern-day midfielder. He can play the holding midfield role, as demonstrated during his successful time with Barcelona, and as he showed with City last year, the 28 year-old can also flourish in an attacking midfield role. His ability to get from box-to-box is down to his strength and deceptive pace. The performances in his debut season in England got better as the season progressed, typified by his tireless performance in the FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester United. With Tevez’s future up in the air, Toure will become the heart of City’s push for major honours.

 

Liverpool

Last Season: 6th

Summer so far: After a strong finish under the legend that is Kenny Dalglish and a host of big-name signings in 2011, optimism amongst the Kop faithful is at it’s highest since they launched a serious title push back in 2009. Money has been invested in key areas as well as potential, with big-money moves for 20 year-old Jordan Henderson and Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing. Charlie Adam could prove crucial in the heart of the midfield, while the deadwood such as Paul Konchesky and Milan Jovanovic have moved onto pastures new.

Transfers In: Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) £20 million, Charlie Adam (Blackpool) £7.5 million, Doni (Roma) Free, Stewart Downing (Aston Villa) £20 million.

Transfers Out: Paul Konchesky (Leicester City) Undisclosed, Milan Jovanovic (Anderlecht) Undisclosed.

Manager: Kenny Dalglish – Rightly regarded with a legendary status after his achievements as a player and manager at Anfield, there was only one man that John W. Henry could turn to when he ended Roy Hodgson’s disastrous spell in charge. He led the side from an unthinkable relegation battle to the brink of Europe, and did so by playing some wonderful free-flowing football. Now with Henry expecting a push for the top four, Dalglish has to deal with expectation rather than hope.

Key Man: Luis Suarez – The Uruguayan may have come to international prominence when he helped his country to fourth place in last year’s World Cup, but there were still doubts about the 24 year-old’s ability in a top league after scoring for fun with former club Ajax. But following his £22 million move in January, El Pistolero made an instant impression at Anfield, causing havoc for opposition defences. Having helped Uruguay win the Copa America this summer, Suarez and his partnership with Andy Carroll will be pivotal to Liverpool’s chances of Champions League qualification.

 

Fulham

Last Season: 8th

Summer so far: It’s difficult to do a preview for a team that began their season weeks ago, but Fulham’s early start in the Europa League didn’t make their summer any less eventful. Mark Hughes resigned as manager, much to the annoyance of owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, who then went about bringing in his first-choice as manager 12 months ago in Martin Jol. The Dutchman has acquired some unknown quantities, although he produced a smart signature in former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise.

Transfers In: Dan Burn (Darlington) Undisclosed, Tom Donegan (Everton) Undisclosed, Csaba Somogy (Rakospalotai) Free, John Arne Riise (Roma) Undisclosed, Marcel Gecov (Slovan Liberec) Undisclosed, Pajtim Kasami (Palermo) Undisclosed.

Transfers Out: Zoltan Gera (West Brom) Free, Eddie Johnson (Unattached) Free, Diomansy Kamara (Eskisehirspor) Free, John Pantsil (Leicester City) Free, Matthew Saunders (Unattached) Free, Pascal Zuberbuhler (Unattached) Free, Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace) Undisclosed, Jonathan Greening (Nottingham Forest) Undisclosed, David Stockdale (Ipswich Town) Loan

Manager: Martin Jol – The former Tottenham boss returns to England following a three-and-a-half year spell overseas with Hamburg and Ajax. He almost joined the Cottagers last year, but saw the move blocked by the Dutch club. Jol’s previous experience in the Premier League is good, helping transform Spurs from mid-table mediocrity to back-to-back top five finishes, and will be confident of guiding Fulham on from their top-eight finish last season.

Key Man: Bobby Zamora – Having had an outstanding 2009/10 season, Zamora had last campaign cruelly interrupted when he broke his leg following a tackle by Wolves midfielder Karl Henry. Now he’s recovered, the striker will be looking to carry on where he left off the season before last. His brilliant hold-up play and an ever-improving strike-rate in the top flight makes him imperative to Fulham’s cause.

 

Everton

Last Season: 7th

Summer so far: Different summer, same old story for David Moyes in the transfer market. With the resources limited as per usual, the Scot has missed out once again on his main targets suchg as Charles N’Zogbia. It means another season of getting the best out of what he’s got. Thankfully, Moyes has a squad with huge talent that can be a match for anyone on their day, although he’s faced a fight in keeping Phil Jagielka, after the club rejected a £10 million bid from Arsenal for their talismanic centre-half.

Transfers In: None

Transfers Out: James Vaughan (Norwich City) £2.5million, Iain Turner (Preston North End) Free, Kieran Agard (Yeovil Town) Free, Hope Akpan (Crawley Town) Free, John Nolan (Stockport County) Free.

Manager: David Moyes – The 48 year-old goes into his 11th season as manager at Goodison Park, a record only exceeded by Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger. However, he’s had to do things a little differently to the more illustrious duo, taking the Toffees from relegation strugglers to regular European contenders. It remains to be seen how long Moyes is willing to work under the continuous restrictions placed upon him by the board, but it hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the most respected bosses around.

Key Man: Mikel Arteta – The Spaniard had a forgettable season last time around, with injuries and a loss of form hampering his campaign. But the 29 year-old goes into this season back to full fitness, and when the midfielder is pulling the strings for Everton, they can open up any side.

So what do you think? How will your team fare this season? Has your club strengthened well this summer? Let us know your thoughts.

Pienaar should think twice before leaving Everton

“They didn’t accept me in the group. I don’t know why. It was ok when I first went but then some new players came in and they were always talking about me in the newspapers, blaming the midfield when we lost a game.”

“Coming over here was an opportunity to enjoy my football again, get the feeling back, have a smile on your face every day.”

These are the words of Steven Pienaar, describing his time at Borussia Dortmund. Having blossomed through the famous Ajax academy, Pienaar carved out a reputation as one of the most impressive creative midfielders in Europe. His move to Germany was meant to be the making of him, but it turned out to be a bad career move.

He made these comments a few months into his loan spell at Everton, where he rediscovered his enjoyment for the game, as well as his form. This loan move to Goodison Park was turned into a permanent move.

However, three years on and Pienaar seems to be contemplating the possibility of moving on in a contract saga that makes Wayne Rooney’s fall out with Man United seem like a flash in a pan.

The South African midfielder’s contract runs out at the end of the season, and instead of committing his long-term future to a club he owes a great deal of gratitude towards, the 28 year-old seems set to leave in the summer on a free transfer, or possibly in January for a minimal fee in comparison to his talents.

The past six months have seen the situation escalate, as time on his contract begins to slowly disappear. His agent Ivan Modia said during the summer that his client wanted his future resolved before the World Cup in his homeland.

The tournament passed, pre-season passed, and half the season has now passed. We are still no closer to knowing where Pienaar is going to be playing his football in the long-run.

But where does Pienaar think he will prosper elsewhere? Surely not at Tottenham, a club he has been heavily linked with during this time of uncertainty.

The chances of him displacing Gareth Bale on the left-hand side of their midfield are as likely as Mike Ashley doing something that doesn’t anger Newcastle fans. Why does he think Niko Krancjar wants to leave?

If he moves abroad, then it’s believed to be with Inter Milan. If he thinks that getting in a team ahead of Bale was hard enough, try keeping out Wesley Sneijder. The bottom line is Pienaar will struggle to get regular football if he moves away from Merseyside.

Everton fans are understandably frustrated by the whole situation. They want Pienaar to stay, and what fan wouldn’t? He’s an excellent footballer that has become an integral part of their team. His performances last season saw him win their Player of the Year award.

But Evertonians seem resigned to losing him, with the belief that if he was going to sign a new deal, he would have signed it by now. Like any fan, they believe if he isn’t fully committed to the club then he’s better off elsewhere. Pienaar can say what he wants, but that long-term commitment hasn’t been shown.

They’ve already seen Joleon Lescott find out the hard way that the grass isn’t greener on the other side. The England defender made it abundantly clear he wanted to go to Manchester City. Now he is one of the few players that genuinely needs a snood this time of year, as he tries to stay warm on the Eastlands bench.

Pienaar does not want to fall into the same trap as Lescott. As he continues into the peak of his footballing career, he needs to realise whether or not he wants to carry on in an environment that gets the best out of him, or go somewhere else where he may earn more money, but get less enjoyment from the game. Football or money? What will really make him happy?

Let’s face it; Steven Pienaar should know the answer to this better than anyone.

So what do Everton fans think? How angered are you with the way Pienaar has handled the situation? Do you still want him to stay? Or are you resigned to him leaving Goodison Park? Let us know