Monday 29 June 2009

Brazil win curtain raiser to World Cup

As half-time approached in Johannesburg you could have been forgiven for firmly believing that the United States may win the Confederations Cup.

Yes with 45 minutes gone, goals from Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan had afforded the proverbial underdogs a 2-0 lead going into the interval.

Although you can never write off a team that possesses the likes of Kaka, Robinho and the on-fire Luis Fabiano and with the latter of those three imperious talents grabbing two goals, extra-time loomed large.

As it happens, with minutes remaining in normal time, up pops Lucio from an Elano corner to power home a winner and spark scenes of jubilation from all those wearing yellow in the Ellis Park stadium.

Hats off to Brazil as, judging by their reaction, you would have thought they had just won the World Cup itself. Who knows...there's nothing to suggest they won't be back here again in 12 months time doing just that.

Meanwhile, Spain edged their third-place playoff against South Africa in dramatic fashion as Xabi Alonso scored direct from a free-kick in extra-time to win it for Del Bosque's side after a thrilling encounter had finished 2-2 in normal time.

Monday 22 June 2009

FIFA 09 vs PES 2009 – The Showdown

Football is full of bitter rivalries. Liverpool vs Manchester United, Inter vs AC Milan and Barcelona vs Real Madrid to name but a few. Although arguably of even more intensity is a rivalry that stems away from the pitch and onto a video game console. It separates millions around the world and the mere mention of one or the other will either bring a smile to your face or make your blood boil depending on your allegiance. It is, of course, FIFA vs PES.

For many years Pro Evolution Soccer was widely considered the top dog when it came to football games. Yes FIFA was aesthetically spot on but when it came down to gameplay and overall customer satisfaction there was only one winner.

Up until last year, the folks at Konami could bask in the limelight of eclipsing their fierce rivals over at EA Sports but after a disastrous PES 2008, FIFA had arguably edged in front. So with expectations at an all-time high for PES supporters, could Konami deliver with PES 2009 and wrestle the title back from EA’s clutches?

Ok so first and foremost let’s get a discussion about graphics and licenses out of the way. While PES has undoubtedly improved its look, where players and stadiums appear increasingly life-like, FIFA still takes some beating for me. Although when it comes down to licenses there is absolutely no competition whatsoever. With PES we still have to accept the likes of West Midland Village and Yorkshire Orange while FIFA can boast the latest kits, stadiums and club badges with up to date transfers to boot. Until Konami challenge FIFA for the rights for the licensing rights, PES will always come out second best in this particular battle.

In terms of arguably the most important aspect, gameplay, I certainly get the impression that FIFA feels like more of a challenge where you get a sense of accomplishment simply by putting together a move and getting that shot off at goal. In all fairness it does depend on personal taste but FIFA’s gameplay certainly offers that element of realism as opposed to the swifter, free-flowing and almost arcade like PES. Needless to say, if you are the hardcore football gamer that wants realism epitomised then FIFA is the way forward for you.

What about the sound on offer? Well again it’s a FIFA victory for me. The commentary on PES, while a marked improvement on previous versions, still falls well short of FIFA’s duo of Andy Gray and Martin Tyler. Not just on a personnel level either, the conversations between Tyler and Gray seem natural and relevant, mimicking exactly what is unfolding on the pitch. While the PES commentary team of Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson by no means represents a disastrous pairing, the scripts they follow are frankly awful and the same one-liners become an incredible annoyance. Throw in pretty pathetic crowd chanting and it sounds like a pretty ominous defeat for Konami.

When the focus switches to online play, there’s absolutely no contest. Konami still haven’t learnt any lessons from a woeful 2008 showing and the same problems are evident in PES 2009. If you manage to stay focused enough to persevere past the laborious process of actually logging on and finding a match room then you will most likely be faced with persistent lag in the game itself. In stark contrast FIFA 09 consumers can expect limited amounts of lag and EA can throw-in the added bonus of a 10 vs 10 online mode. PES simply can’t compete with that.

So what of the modes on offer? Well you may think that Konami have stolen the march by introducing two brand spanking new modes including ‘Become A Legend’ and the UEFA Champions League competition. While the Champions League mode is an excellent addition (bar the lack of a complete license covering all the teams competing in this year’s competition), Become A Legend is simply a disappointing replica of FIFA’s ‘Be A Pro’ mode that lacks any sort of depth or innovation. With the Adidas Live Season and Manager Mode, FIFA has taken strides to raise the bar and PES clearly has a lot of catching up to do.

So there you have it. As if you need it spelt out for you, FIFA takes the title hands down this year for me. As much as it saddens me to say this, the PES titles have been on a downward spiral for a good couple of years now and if last year wasn’t a wake-up call for Konami then this year has been an outright smack in the face.

I’ve been a loyal follower of the PES series’ since its inception on the PS2 but if Konami fail to deliver with PES 2010 then it may well be time that FIFA was vacated a spot on my gaming shelf.

Friday 19 June 2009

PES 2010 - Top 5 Wish List

I’m sure you will all agree with me when I pronounce that the last two versions of Pro Evolution Soccer have failed to live up to expectations. EA Sports stepped up the game with FIFA 08 and 09 and arguably stole the mantle of the leading football game on the market right from under Konami’s grasp.

I produced a similar wish list for Football Manager 2010 and incase Mr Takatsuka is struggling for some inspiration for PES 2010, here’s a list of improvements I’d like to see in the forthcoming PES.

1. Improve online mode

Would it be harsh to say PES 2009’s online mode was utterly shambolic? To be honest I don’t believe it would be. I personally own a PS3 version of the game and what with the build up of lag, an inability to play with two players over the internet and also the laborious process of actually getting to a match room, there was certainly much to be desired. It got to the extent that I just gave up with playing online but if Konami can iron out a few of the said issues I would be happy to return to the lobby, as it were.

2. More licenses

It was great to have the new Champions League mode incorporated into PES 2009 but what happened to the licenses? We still had to play with the likes of London FC which is incredibly annoying especially as, dare I say it, FIFA has that inexhaustible array of fully licensed teams to tempt our allegiance. Hopefully atleast the crème de la crème of European football will again be licensed this time around but while EA holds the rights to these various licenses, expect to be playing at the Bristol Mary Stadium as North London take on Vall Violeta (that’s Arsenal vs Villarreal to you and I).

3. Make defending corners…defendable!

I don’t know about you but I am almost always left to rue conceding a corner as the resulting delivery either inevitably ends up in the back of the net or atleast ends up with the opposition having an attempt at goal. No matter what I do I can’t seem to stem the tide and nine times out of ten I come out defeated in any aerial duel. That’s not because I am woeful at defending either and I hope I will have support on this one. Although that point aside, if I do manage to atleast half clear my lines, the ball will always end up at the feet of an opponent who is free to drive towards my 18-yard-box and get a shot in. Surely this needs addressing Konami!

4. Better goalkeepers

In my opinion the goalkeepers in PES 2009 are shocking! They parry near enough every shot on goal and the rebound usually falls to an attacker who is left with a simple finish. Most of the efforts on goal are pretty tame too and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve got Buffon or Casillas between the sticks, they will inevitably look for the camera save.

5. Better Commentary

Now I’ve got no problem with Mark Lawrenson and Jon Champion, ofcourse they will struggle to rival FIFA’s duo of Andy Gray and Martin Tyler, but if I hear ‘this will end in disappointment for one party, an inner party for the other’ at the kick-off one more time I swear I’m going to snap the disk! The repetitive nature of the commentary really is terrible and hopefully Konami will be aware of this and adapt their scripts accordingly.

Thursday 18 June 2009

PES 2009 Master League Guide

Are you finding it tough to get to grips with the limited playing abilities of the likes of Espimas, Valeny, Ivarov and Castolo? Left wondering when, where and how your next Master League victory is going to happen? Well fear not as this guide is designed to help you overcome your Master League nightmares, instructing you on the steps that can be taken to propel you up the Division 2 table and achieve promotion to the promised land.

Who knows, with a few slight tweaks to your Master League game plan, you could soon be dreaming of trips to the Bernabeu and San Siro, tackling Europe’s best in the European Championship! But alas, let’s take things one step at a time eh!

Playing the transfer market

If you want to develop your side into promotion contenders rather than just mid-table makeweights then it is going to be vitally important that you make the right moves in the transfer market. I always find it difficult to accumulate enough cash during the first season to make an assault on the market but if you are fortunate enough to be able to acquire a player in the first transfer window then I would strongly advise it.

My first suggestion would be to sign either a striker or attacking midfielder as goals bring you wins which in turn earns you money to spend on potential new signings! It’s always a good bet to search for players according to their openness to negotiation as this way you will filter out any targets that are simply uninterested in a move. Another good ploy is to search for players by future potential as buying a youngster with the ability to develop over a few years will certainly stand you in good stead for the future.

Ok so you’ve picked out the player you want and now it’s time to nail the negotiation process. I tend to test the resolve of the selling club in question by offering a lower amount to start with, gradually increasing the transfer fee as the weeks develop. Obviously you have to be careful not to exceed the negotiation period but this way you won’t be getting your pants pulled down over a ludicrous price. I would also add that you should be wary of your overall budget as working outside of your financial means could result in a game over if you don’t accumulate enough victories and goals.

If you are struggling to raise enough points to spend on transfers then your best bet is to arrange an abundance of pre-season friendlies. At the end of the season play as many as you possibly can to ensure that you receive enough cash to spend on that potentially decisive new recruit.
Pace, pace and more pace!

If the sub-title wasn’t a giveaway, the key to Master League success for me is attributed to a team that possesses considerable speed throughout. I would recommend that you have atleast one striker that has pace in abundance and equally important would be having two wide players who have the acceleration to test the often sluggish Division 2 full-backs.

When you are in advanced positions with a player who has decent stats for dribbling and speed/acceleration, don’t be frightened to test the opposition by running at them and weaving in and out. If you manage to beat the full-back with your winger this can afford you the luxury of cutting inside and having a shot or even laying the ball off to your striker’s who may be better placed in the box.

As important as it is to have pace to burn in attacking situations, a quick back four will ensure you rarely get undone by that frustratingly simple through ball into space and for me, speed and acceleration are equally, if not more, crucial attributes for a defender as tackling is. In addition a centre-back with good speed could prove vital in making up for the mistakes that the likes of Ruskin, Giersen, Stremer and the like will inevitably make.

Play the passing game

It doesn’t need a rocket scientist to tell you that a decent passing game will stand you in good stead for success in the Master League. Although keeping possession in the lower echelons of Division 2 really can be the difference between success and failure.

In this sense it is vital that you don’t just panic and hoof it forward whenever you have the ball in defence. Other than when you are under extreme pressure, try your best to calmly play the ball out and get your strongest attacking player’s on the ball whenever possible.

Get your formation right!

There is no sure fire formation that will guarantee success for your team but I always find that a solid 4-4-2 is the best way forward. In my experiences a team that plays 4-4-2 with three attack minded midfielders and one defensive midfielder playing the Mascherano/Essien role sets a solid foundation.

Obviously at times you will need to adapt your formation to preserve a lead or chase a victory. For instance, say you need to grab a couple of goals, a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 system would probably be the most sensible approach. Similarly if you need to park the proverbial bus in front of your goal to stem the flow of your opponents then a 5-4-1 or 5-3-2 formation will provide you with that extra defensive cover.

Squad rotation

While I’m not telling you to be as vigorous in your squad rotation policy as Rafa Benitez, possessing a decent size squad and utilising each member can prove an effective approach in the Master League.

Unlike real life, form doesn’t really count for anything on Pro Evolution Soccer whereas fatigue can be a detrimental stumbling block to your progress that needs to be addressed. I would suggest that before each and every match you should check the fatigue levels of your players on the formation screen and remove from your starting line-up any players that are struggling.

Similar to fatigue is the condition arrows that must be taken into account if you are to be triumphant in Master League mode. Try to play as many players who have red or yellow up arrows as possible as the arrows specify just how quick off the mark or sluggish a player will prove to be. Be aware that you are taking a risk by playing those that have blue or even worse, grey arrows as they will be significantly slower to react during the match.

On a final note, while a game is progressing make sure you keep an eye on the stamina bar below the player’s name and don’t hesitate to make a change if one or more of your players are struggling to keep up with the pace of the game.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

The story behind Winning Eleven

Have you ever wondered what on earth Winning Eleven is and why Konami feel the need to produce a carbon copy of Pro Evolution Soccer? If you’re interested in finding out potential answers to these two burning questions and for those of you that don’t even know what I’m talking about when I refer to Winning Eleven then I urge you to read on.

Some may say that Pro Evolution Soccer exists in two forms and they wouldn’t be too far off the mark with that assumption. PES is, infact, pretty much a reincarnation of Winning Eleven albeit with a few slight adjustments. Back in the days of the PS2 version’s of Winning Eleven, those lucky enough to reside in Japan were treated to the earlier release of Winning Eleven while Europeans, like myself, were forced to wait in anticipation for Pro Evolution Soccer to eventually hit the shelves. Although these days the two titles tend to coincide with eachother in terms of release date and if anything, Winning Eleven is held back a tad longer than PES.

To put it in Lehman’s terms, Winning Eleven is basically Pro Evolution Soccer with a few minor alterations available exclusively to the Japanese/Asian market.

Winning Eleven could be spotted in Playstation disc drives as early as 1995 and has developed through the years (and through the platforms) to today’s Winning Eleven 2009 version. And you can pick up the latest Winning Eleven across a variety of next generation consoles including the Wii, PS3, PSP and Xbox 360 while Konami do still produce a PC version and also a Winning Eleven for the PS2 for those of you still living in the 90’s!

So what exactly are the fundamental differences between PES and Winning Eleven? Well other than slightly different release dates and the obvious language variations (although I do believe you can switch Winning Eleven to English) I’m not aware that there is a great deal to be honest. In the past it has been argued that Winning Eleven has been far more responsive and the gameplay more fluid than PES but whether this is still the case now is certainly a question for debate.

Before I close on this piece, let’s try and shed some further light on this rather shaded issue. For those of you that have had the pleasure of playing Winning Eleven 2009 and PES 2009 have you personally noticed any major differences between the two? On a final note, as football is a global game, I really can’t comprehend why we don’t just have one generic PES/Winning Eleven can you?

Tuesday 16 June 2009

PES 2009 Tips and Tricks

If you’re almost the finished article when it comes to your playing abilities on PES 2009 or even if you’re simply terrible at the game and need some advice on little moves that may help you improve then this article is definitely for you.

While I can’t promise to make you a better PES player, these hints and tips should get you firmly on the road to success and with constant practice you’ll have them mastered in no time.

The Cut Back

Cut backs are generally frowned upon in multiplayer/online play but there’s no question it’s a useful attacking ploy to utilise and is often undefendable. The cut back can be particularly useful if you are a side that doesn’t possess the strongest of attacking line-ups or merely if you are struggling to find goals from open play.

Explaining the cut back couldn’t be an easier task. Basically when you are charging through anywhere near the opponent’s 18-yard-box, instead of opting to take the shot on yourself, try simply squaring the ball to a team mate using the pass button and you tend to find they are left with a tap in.

Obviously this tactic relies on getting support for the front line, so it may be worth incorporating a system that includes an attacking midfielder or two. Good luck and let’s hope you see the net rippling on regular occasions!

The Check

One of my personal favourite moves when it comes to PES 2009 is, as I like to call it, the check. In fairness I probably over use it but there’s no doubting its ability to tie the AI opposition defenders in knots.

While you’re dribbling with the ball (I tend to find it most effective when moving diagonally towards the opponents goal) release the directional button and press R2 instructing your player to stop the ball dead. Immediately after dribble the ball away from the defender, preferably in an alternate direction, and you should evade any sort of challenge with ease. Try it out and see what happens!

The Marseille Roulette

This isn’t really a trick that I use too often but it can be extremely useful if carried out in the right areas. Obviously you don’t want to be doing it in your own six-yard-box but in the opposition’s half it can be a lethal weapon.

When dribbling with the ball at your feet rotate the directional button a full 360 degrees and hey presto. Bear in mind, however, that only a select few players can perform the trick. Sorry Titus!

The Flip Flap or Elastico

We’ve all had a laugh at our mate’s expense when he tries Ronaldinho’s signature move at the local park only to end up on his backside, looking like a complete plonker in the process. Ok so that’s me trying to pass the buck as I’ve had my fair share of embarrassments too but while the flip flap really is a difficult move to master, with PES 2009 you will have it down to a tee.

All you need to do is push the directional button to the opposite side of the player’s stronger foot and then back the opposite way while dribbling. So if you’re in possession with Cristiano Ronaldo for instance, you’ll be pressing the left directional button then the right one almost simultaneously. Give it a go!

The Step Over

While you might not prove to be as trigger happy as a certain Portuguese winger, throwing a few step over’s during a pulsating attacking run can unsettle an opposition defender. While I’ve never really noticed the step over throwing a defender completely off course, the occasional use of the move is certainly pleasing on the eye!

When running with the ball tap R1 or L2 twice and watch your player perform as many mesmerising step overs as you so please!

The Dive

I find it quite humorous that a football game is condoning what is widely considered one of the more ugly sides of the sport. Then again this is only a game and getting away with a dive would probably fill you with much self satisfaction. To be honest I don’t try them very often as I would rather just smash the ball in the net and I can safely say that I’ve never pulled off a dive and got away with it.

If you do fancy testing the resolve of the man in the middle then press L1, R1 and R2 at the same time when you’ve got the ball. Be careful though, get it wrong and you can have no complaints about having to head off down the tunnel for an early bath!

Super Cancel

While all of the aforementioned tricks and tips tend to be performed in attacking situations, this next one could be the difference between you keeping a clean sheet and conceding a hatful of goals. Positioning and positional awareness is certainly considered an influential part of the makeup of a decent defender in real life and it’s no different in PES either.

By pressing R1 and R2 together when defending you can manually move your player wherever you want him to go instead of relying on the AI. This way you can cut out that dangerous through pass or even double up with the computer (by pressing the shoot button when defending) to thwart an attacking move.

Your days of frustration are over too as super cancel can also save you needlessly conceding throw-ins and corners as you can avoid making any contact with the ball when it’s aimlessly floating out of play just short of the touch line.

Shot Feint

It’s a pretty basic move there’s no question about it but the shot feint can prove decisive in tricking an opponent and working enough space to carve out a clear cut opportunity. If done at the right time, the shot feint will leave defenders in a tangle but beware it doesn’t always come off!

To execute the shot feint you just have to press the pass button as the shot power bar begins to fill. Having consulted the PES game manual, I’m reliably informed that the feint will differ according to the directional button input prior to pressing the pass button.

The Dummy

Not only does a dummy look and feel fantastic if you get it right but in an attacking position it can help relinquish a player in a better position and give them the freedom to go on and have a shot at goal.

To carry out a dummy, just before the ball reaches you press and hold R1 to step over the ball. Although make sure you have a player behind you when leaving the ball because if you get it wrong, as well as looking rather like a dummy yourself you can be susceptible to a quick fire break from the opposition.

The Drag Back

A fancy if not spectacular trick, the drag back can be the perfect way to humiliate a mate and prove your credentials as the ultimate freestyle king of PES 2009.

Performing a drag back is pretty difficult and explaining it is even harder but here goes. Hold the R2 button from a stationary position and press the directional button in the opposite direction of that of the player’s run and then immediately press the directional button in a 45 degree angle diagonally towards the player’s strongest foot. Sounds complicated right? Well while it may take a few attempts to pull it off, don’t fret as I’m sure you’ll have it mastered in no time!

Monday 15 June 2009

PES 2009 Reviewed

I was expecting big things from PES 2009 from the very moment I loaded up its predecessor - and not because I was mesmerised by the 2008 version.

Oh no, unfortunately PES 2008 was a massive disappointment on so many levels for me and for the majority of PES supporters too, I’m sure. Shingo 'Seabass' Takatsuka and his team of techno geeks at Konami certainly had their work cut out to win back the rapport of PES fantastics, some already tempted by the aesthetic allure of Pro Evo’s evil twin brother, FIFA 09. PES 2008 didn’t require minor tweaks, it needed a major overhaul.

So has PES 2009 delivered and improved on something of a catastrophic 2008 attempt? Well in a way it has to the extent that PES 2009 offers an exciting and enjoyable football gaming experience but, to Konami’s detriment, some of the old flaws still remain.

Let’s get down to basics. One of the fundamental problems with PES 2008 was slowdown. You know, when the screen literally appears to...well slow down and ‘lag’ whenever the ball was anywhere near the 18-yard-box. OK so that’s a little harsh, it didn’t happen all the time but it was certainly a niggling problem, somewhat akin to Owen Hargreaves’ knees, that fortunately has been ironed out.

Infact the gameplay in PES 2009 is something of a marked improvement. No longer will shots end up ballooned into row Z at the slightest tap of the shoot button when you’re clean through with Fernando Torres. There’s even the ability to place shots, just to make sure on that crucial one on one situation. Players feel much more reactive and realistic with their movements and there’s no more running through the post as you strive to get on the end of a searching deep cross as players bump into objects and, indeed, eachother.

With regards to graphics PES 2009 has certainly come on leaps and bounds for me. OK so for the most part you still have to put up with makeshift kits and Not So Real Madrid in terms of team names but player appearances and the general look and feel of a matchday are much better, certainly if you’ve moved on from the now rather archaic PS2 version.

A fantastic addition to the game has been the introduction of the UEFA Champions League mode. Konami have fought to obtain the licenses for the majority of clubs competing in the 2008/09 Champions League and with the signature music and intro video to boot, guiding your team to European glory has never felt so good!

Another new mode to have made its introduction on PES 2009 is the ‘Become A Legend’ mode. Not too dissimilar to FIFA’s ‘Be A Pro’, unfortunately it doesn’t have the same impact as the aforementioned Champions League feature and having given it a go on a few occasions now, I still haven’t found myself getting into it whatsoever.

On the face of it, ‘Become A Legend’ mode seems like a brilliant idea. Being able to create yourself and then line-up alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi as you take control of your destiny on and off the pitch seems a tempting proposition. Then again what PES doesn’t tell you at the start is that you have to be willing to put in hours of laborious effort in training situations to claim your rightful spot in the first team and nudge out the likes of Drogba and Fabregas. With pretty woeful stats to start with, that task becomes all the more difficult and to be perfectly honest I found it a painstakingly gruelling ordeal that really isn’t worth the effort.
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While the ‘Become A Legend’ part of the game is pretty woeful, one of my fundamental gripes with PES 2009 is associated with the AI. Yes it’s more like artificial stupidity if truth be told as goalkeepers still parry shots that they should be holding in their sleep and the movements of your computer team mates are considerably static and motionless.

Throw in the extremely annoying repetitiveness of the in-game commentary, seriously laggy online play, coupled with the inability to go online with a mate and challenge the world, and you have a summary of the various aspects that some would say deems PES 2009 an overriding failure.

So what’s the verdict? Well if you’re looking for free-flowing, almost arcade like football then PES 2009 is the game for you. While Konami have to admit that their product is far from perfect, there are enough plus points to keep you entertained for days on end. I know I have been! So onto the school report card and while PES 2009 is clearly a vast improvement on last year, there is definitely room for improvement. Over to you Seabass and here's to hoping that PES 2010 hits all the right notes.

Friday 12 June 2009

Ribery, Sanchez, Silva or Eto’o? Who will replace Ronaldo?!

So Ronaldo has finally got his way and his extensively protracted move to Real Madrid is happening. To be honest I’m gutted that we’re losing a truly terrific talent but then again the Madrid switch was an inevitability and in a way it’s good that it’s over without dragging on into the summer which gives us a chance to find apt replacements.

Although rather than discuss replacements for Ronaldo, a nion impossible task as, in my opinion, only Messi comes close to the Portuguese winger and we’ve no chance of landing him, let’s look at what Sir Alex may decide to do with that handsome sum of money.
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Franck Ribery

I’m more inclined to say that we would have had more chance of landing Ribery before Ronaldo’s impending departure. Only because Bayern are clearly going to demand an astronomical fee for his services and while Ribery is a fantastically gifted player, he’s no Ronaldo.

All pessimism and financial constraints aside, Ribery would go some way to filling the boots of our departing number seven and his direct style coupled with his ability on the ball would make him a valuable addition to the side.

My View: I think the price will inevitably be the problem with Ribery. I can’t see Ferguson shelling out stupid amounts of money on any player this summer despite us having a substantial transfer war chest. In this sense Bayern aren’t stupid and they know Ribery is the wanted man now so they can demand as much cash as they so please. For me Barcelona is still Ribery’s most likely destination but then again if Fergie does see the Frenchman as Ronaldo’s ideal successor, he may just make a move.

Transfer Likelihood: 6/10
Likely Fee: Around £50-60 million

Antonio Valencia

Probably the most likely bit of business that Sir Alex will do over the next couple of months but it would be outrageous to label Valencia as the heir to Ronaldo’s right wing thrown. No the Ecuadorian clearly won’t have the same impact as the Portuguese but a useful addition he would prove to be nonetheless I’m sure.

My View: This one really does look on the cards. He’s proved he’s a decent player for both Wigan and Ecuador but it remains to be seen whether he would be good enough to make the step-up in the famous red shirt. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan claims Fergie is a huge admirer of young Valencia and if that is the case then now would seem as good a time as any to add him to the ranks at United.

Transfer Likelihood: 9/10
Likely Fee: Around £20 million

Carlos Tevez

Ronaldo may definitely be on his way but the Tevez transfer episode continues to ramble on. Manchester City are undoubtedly keen to get him onboard and I’m sure Rafa Benitez would love to give us the two fingered salute by making him a Liverpool player.

There’s no doubt in my mind that Tevez would be happy to stay at Old Trafford and now it all comes down to whether Ferguson still wants him at the club. His tireless workrate is certainly an asset but is it really a £25 million asset? That said money can no longer be the excuse in the Tevez transfer saga so we shall we see.

My View: Something tells me that despite Sir Alex Ferguson’s now bulging wallet, signing Tevez still won’t be anywhere near the top of the Scot’s agenda. Although it is fair to say that the permanent capture of the Argentine does make sense. It would appease the majority of supporters and soften the blow of Ronaldo’s departure that’s for sure. I just don’t believe that Tevez fits into Ferguson’s plans but I may be wrong!

Transfer Likelihood: 7/10
Likely Fee: £25 million

David Silva

The Times reports that Valencia attacking midfielder David Silva is being eyed as Ronaldo’s replacement. With the La Liga side’s financial worries the sale of their top players has become a necessity and we have shown an interest in Silva before don’t forget.

My View: Judging by what I have been reading, I believe that with David Villa on his way to Real Madrid (god knows where this cash is coming from by the way), Silva may just be staying put at the Mestalla. That said even if he was to move on I see Juventus and Liverpool being more plausible destinations. Although Fergie is certainly fond of the Spanish international so there’s nothing to say I could have totally lost the plot with my prediction.

Transfer Likelihood: 4/10
Likely Fee: £25-30 million

Arjen Robben

The Daily Star is claiming that Arjen Robben could be on Fergie’s wanted list. There’s certainly going to be competition for places at Real Madrid next season and Florentino Perez may even be willing to listen to offers given our co-operation over the Ronaldo deal.

My View: When we were chasing Robben before he moved to Chelsea I remember thinking that we’d missed out on a top class player there. I still believe the Dutch international is a quality winger now but I don’t think he’ll tickle Ferguson’s fancy. Tabloid gossip at its best for me.

Transfer Likelihood: 3/10
Likely Fee: Between £7-15 million

Alexis Sanchez

Setanta may be on the brink of crisis but today they’re reporting that this Chilean wonderkid is Old Trafford bound. I’ve watched Sanchez on a few occasions and he certainly has raw talent, not too dissimilar to a Ronaldo of yesteryear.

The 20-year-old attacker has had a decent season for Udinese and Setanta claim Sanchez’s agent Fernando Felicevich is in talks with a number of English clubs over a possible move to the Premier League.

My View: I like this kid, I really do but I feel he may be a little too erratic and too much of an unfinished product for Ferguson’s liking. With the likes of Nani, Zoran Tosic and potentially the likes of Ljajic and Valencia to chose from, I can’t see this one happening.

Transfer Likelihood: 3/10
Likely Fee: Between £15-25 million

Samuel Eto’o

The man who got the ball rolling for Barca in Rome a couple of weeks back has been mooted as the surprise target by a few of this morning’s papers. Eto’o is a pacey, decisive striker that would be a quality signing in my view and the Catalan giants appear ready to cash in on the Cameroonian this summer.

My View: Like I just mentioned, I’m a great fan of Samuel Eto’o and I reckon he would do a decent job at Old Trafford but unfortunately I really don’t see this materialising. The 28-year-old is apparently being courted by Inter and City and while I don’t see him ending up at Eastlands, a swap deal involving Zlatan Ibrahimovic doesn’t seem too unrealistic.

Transfer Likelihood: 3/10
Likely Fee: Between £15-20 million

Karim Benzema

Thursday 11 June 2009

Ronaldo heading to Madrid as United accept £80 million bid

So is this finally the end of the road for Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo? The Manchester club have accepted Real Madrid's £80 million offer for their Portuguese winger.

It's been something of a turbulant love affair but there's no denying that Ronaldo has helped galvanise the Red Devils since joining the club from Sporting Lisbon back in 2003. It will certainly be a seismic blow to the club if he chooses Madrid white over Manchester red which looks rather inevitable.

With Kaka already signed-up Real Madrid will certainly have an attacking force to be reckoned with next season especially if they complete a deal for Ronaldo too.

Stay tuned for updates!

Wednesday 10 June 2009

England hit woeful Andorra for six

Well I don't know what was more painful. Watching Andorra haplessly trying to get out of their own half or Peter Crouch's performance tonight. Both made for pretty woeful viewing anyway but atleast Crouchey found the back of the net eventually, however hard he was trying not to throughout tonight's encounter (if you can call it that)!

Jimmy Greaves hit the nail on the head at half-time. This lot are probably the worst international side around. My Saturday team would have probably given England a better game.


Anyway to summarise, Glen Johnson put in a decent performance at right-back with three assists and Wayne Rooney continued his purple patch in front of goal with a brace.

Theo Walcott ran down many a blind alley but you can't question his commitment and desire. In all fairness the commitment and desire was there from each and every England player tonight but we just lacked a ruthlessness infront of goal. A strange statement when you consider we scored six times but I'm sure you would agree with me.

Add a Frank Lampard goal and a couple from Jermain Defoe and England find themselves 10 points clear at the top of their Group Six World Cup qualification group.

South Africa awaits and you never know...

Tuesday 9 June 2009

Real Madrid complete record Kaka signing

And there's me thinking we're going through an economic crisis. Apparently not in Spain as Real Madrid today confirmed that they have completed the signing of Braziliant playmaker Kaka for a world record fee of £56 million.

For all those believing this to be pure fabrication and merely Florentino Perez at his rumour surfacing best we actually have some quotes from the player himself to confirm the move.

In an interview with the world's media before Brazil's World Cup encounter with Paraguay the 27-year-old said:

"I wanted to stay but the world crisis affected my decision.

"I knew I'd only leave Milan to play for Real."

So Perez has delivered the first part of his galactico jigsaw which just leaves one Cristiano Ronaldo to complete the puzzle. Only Sir Alex Ferguson stands in his way.

Friday 5 June 2009

The Karim of the Crop?

With Carlos Tevez’ future still hanging in the balance we’ve seen the names of a couple of big-name strikers bandied about who are being mooted as potential replacements for the Argentine.

Over the next month or so I’ll be providing you with regular transfer rumour updates as the merry-go-round that is the summer window in European football gets into full swing.

So without further ado for my first report of the summer I present to you a player that certainly knows how to find the back of the net. If the title and picture wasn’t already a giveaway, it is ofcourse Lyon and France hit man Karim Benzema.

He’s been labelled one of the hottest prospects in European football for a couple of years now and it’s not too difficult to see why. This season alone the Frenchman has mustered up 17 goals in 36 league outings for Lyon and he’s also bagged five goals in eight Champions League appearances too.

Although it was in the Champions League last season where we all witnessed a firsthand account of exactly what Benzema is all about. Not only did he prove a handful for messers Ferdinand and Vidic at the Stade Gerland, Benzema also scored a stunning goal and you couldn’t help but admire his undoubted talents right there and then. So what’s Fergie waiting for?

Well the first stumbling block for me would be Lyon’s reluctance to sell their prized asset unless an extortionate amount of money is put on the table. With Juninho Pernambucano’s impending departure, why would Lyon even contemplate allowing their other star man to leave? Surely that would prove crippling not only to their prospects for next season but also to the faith of their supporters who have already had to endure a frustrating season as it is.

At 21-years-old Benzema has a whole career at the highest level ahead of him. With 23 caps to his name already, he is clearly no stranger to the international scene and my only fear would be his ability to adapt from a decidedly weaker French league. Although while young Karim does appear to have all the hunger and maturity needed to succeed in England, will Ferguson really be willing to stump up the £30 odd million required to get his man? Lose both Ronaldo and Tevez and he may not have the luxury of choice.

In all fairness I just think it’s going to be one season too early for Benzema to leave Ligue 1. With the likes of ourselves and Bareclona clearly at the front of the queue for his signature, the bigwigs at Lyon will know that with a World Cup only just around the corner, the potential is there to squeeze out a few million more if all goes well for France in South Africa. Saying that if Lyon fail to qualify for the Champions League proper they would be hard pressed to convince their main man that Stade Gerland is the place the be. Without the safety net of Europe’s premier club competition, rebuffing decent bids for his services would become an almost impossible task.

With all things considered, would Benzema really be content at potentially having to sit on the bench at various stages this season especially with it being a World Cup year? Ferguson will undoubtedly put faith in Berbatov for another season at least and with Rooney and Ronaldo available as potential striking options too, Benzema surely wouldn’t be a nailed on starter with every conceivable game.

There’s no arguing the fact that Benzema would be a terrific signing at Old Trafford as he would add pace, fluidity and a potency that was considerably lacking during the current campaign. But while I can’t see this move happening during the current transfer window, Fergie may not want to drag his feet for too long as Barcelona will be waiting to pounce as they search for an apt replacement for the ageing Thierry Henry. My biggest fear is that Benzema rather perfectly fits the bill.

Transfer Likelihood: 4/10

Thursday 4 June 2009

Season Review - Manchester United Football FanCast 055

On the season finale of the Manchester United Football FanCast Steve, Dan and Dov look back at the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, there's a season review and there's also a chat about potential summer transfers as well.

In an extended special edition of the show the lads will be looking at what went wrong in Rome, there will be the Club Cabbage and Player of the Season awards and Dan will be doing his final Legend's profile of the campaign.

Stay tuned for all that plus much more in this season's final edition of the Manchester United Football FanCast.

Remember if you want to contact the show then you can e-mail the lads at unitedpodcast@gmail.com and make sure you sign up to the Manchester United Football FanCast Facebook group too if you haven't already done so!

Steve, Dan and Dov would like to thank you once again for your continued support and we hope you enjoy this week's show!

Wednesday 3 June 2009

Chelsea launch bid for Kaka

It's turning into the proverbial bidding war now if reports are to be believed. Apparently Chelsea, under new manager Carlo Ancelotti have bid in excess of £70 million for the darling of Milan.

That would smash to pieces any current world transfer record (which coincidentally stands at £44 million I believe) but will the allure of Ancelotti be enough to dissuade Kaka from joining Madrid?

In fairness until Kaka actually speaks out on all this speculation it shouldn't really be taken with much more than a pinch of salt but the summer wouldn't be the same without the transfer merry-go-round now would it? So until he does confirm where his future lies, let the speculation continue I say!

Benitez makes his move in record deal!

Sorry Liverpool fans, Rafa hasn't signed Silva or David Villa just yet but Birmingham City have dipped into the transfer market by announcing the record signing of Christian Benitez for a fee believed to be in the region of £9 million.

If you're an avid Football Manager fan you may just recognise this name but for those of you who haven't a clue, Benitez is a 23-year-old Ecuadorian international striker and has scored 31 goals in 58 games in the Mexican Primera Division.

Birmingham's official website goes as far as claiming they have signed 'one of the hottest prospects in world football.' Yeah, we'll see...

Madrid have gone Kaka-razy!

Milan's best player is apparently following Carlo Ancelotti's lead in leaving the San Siro. Or so we're led to believe. Yet it has to be said that with Florentino Perez now in charge at Real Madrid the deal does look highly plausible, more so than ever before in fact.

Although it was only a couple of days ago that the man himself was
committing his future to the Milan cause and reaffirming his affection for his adoring fans. Then again if Galliani (that guy near the top of the Milan hierarchy) is willing to accept the reported £56 million bid then it just shows that money does indeed talk and Kaka certainly won't like it.

So will the brilliant Brazilian be in a Madrid shirt come the end of the week and will Cristiano Ronaldo follow suit as a result? The potential of Kaka joining would be a huge indication that Real are looking to go places next season thus meaning Ronaldo's 'dream' move may still be on the cards.

Soccerlens Podcast: Wrapping up the season, Ancelotti’s long road ahead, and Downing to Liverpool!

On the 15th episode of the Soccerlens Podcast, Stephen Darwin is joined by WhoAteAllThePies founder Ollie Irish, Chris Toy from Studs Up and Soccerlens’ very own Russell Wall to discuss the big four, Tottenham and transfer speculation.

The show will be debating whether Carlo Ancelotti will survive for atleast a season at Chelsea, Manchester United’s campaign beyond that defeat to Barcelona and Chris and Ollie urge Liverpool to make a move for Stewart Downing.

Download link (mp3, 40mb, 43 mins)

Tuesday 2 June 2009

Champions League? You're having a laugh - Barry in talks with Man City

UPDATE: Gareth Barry has signed for Man City in a £12 million deal.

Here we go again. The Gareth Barry rumours are back again and this time it's Man City. But could this really be the real deal?

It's a strange one really isn't it. Not too long ago the England man was
expressing his desire to play in the Champions League - be it with Villa or not. Although now it would seem the whiff of an extra few quid has proved simply too irresistible to refuse.

Maybe we're reading too much into this and Barry is merely trying to alert the attentions of the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal by having a quick chat over coffee at Eastlands.

Although if this move does materialise I can't really understand it. Let's face it, pound for pound Aston Villa surely have a stronger squad than Man City at present and there's the added bonus of UEFA Cup, I mean Europa League football to boot - something City can't offer even with their literal embarrassment of riches.

We'll see what develops over the course of the next couple of days but it would seem that money is now the main motivator for Gareth 'I want to play at the highest level' Barry rather than the allure of Europe. Watch this space indeed.

Monday 1 June 2009

The Premier League 2008/09 Season Review (Part Two)

January

Ah January. The month when the transfer window reopens, excitement grows and anticipation builds. It was certainly made all the more interesting with Man City’s millions as the club fervently pursued AC Milan’s Kaka, the Brazilian eventually opting to shun ADUG’s pile of money or just
bottle it as some may say. With the biggest names in world football linked with a possible move to Eastlands, Mark Hughes finally plunged into the market to announce the signing of proverbial world beater...Wayne Bridge.

Charles Insomnia, I mean N’Zogbia, became so riled at
Joe Kinnear’s misinterpretation of his name that he eventually decided to jump ship and join Steve Bruce’s Wigan and amongst some of the other big-name January February signings, Arsenal finally managed to land Andrei Arshavin while Robbie Keane rejoined Spurs.

Back to matters on the pitch and Liverpool would lose their grip on the title as they failed to win a league match in the New Year allowing Manchester United to gain a three point lead at the top. Following United’s 5-0 victory over West Brom, Edwin van der Sar broke Petr Cech’s shut-out record with 11 successive clean sheets – a run he would extend to an extraordinary 14 matches.

January would also see
Harry Redknapp proclaim his wife is better than Darren Bent, Cristiano Ronaldo winning the World Player of the Year award and a certain Rafa Benitez went on a rant too.

February

February would signal
the end of ‘Big Phil’ Scolari’s reign at Chelsea. Gene Hackman’s body double just couldn’t cut it in the Premier League and was quickly replaced by one of Roman Abramovich’s Russian mates.

While Liverpool continued to stutter in the title race it was full steam ahead for Manchester United and Ryan Giggs continued his quite remarkable record of having scored in every season of the Premier League since its 1992 inception.

After months of rehabilitation and recovery, February also brought about
the emotional return of Arsenal striker Eduardo, 51 weeks after that Martin Taylor horror tackle. On the international stage David Beckham picked up his record equalling 108th England cap with the national side being taught a footballing lesson by Euro 2008 winners Spain in the process.

March

At the beginning of March Manchester United
picked up their second piece silverware (or third depending on how you look at it) with the Carling Cup and all the talk was centred around a truly unprecedented quintuple charge. Although in an efficient performance of real potency, Liverpool upset the applecart at Old Trafford and crushed United 4-1 to reignite their title aspirations.

Aston Villa’s flailing hopes of grabbing that precious fourth Champions League spot were
dealt another hammer blow by Tottenham to make it seven without a win and a settlement in the Carlos Tevez affair was finally reached.

In Europe the English clubs were undoubtedly starting to get right up Platini’s nose as Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Elsewhere in March
Wayne Rooney decided to pick a fight with one of Tim Cahill’s age-old adversaries and there was the alleged Fabregas/Horton spitting spat too.

April

In a considerably eventful month of April Alan Shearer dominated the headlines as
he returned to Newcastle as manager to replace Joe Kinnear with all April fools conspiracies eventually put to bed.

A star was born in Federico Macheda, the young Italian announcing himself to the world with a cameo performance against Aston Villa to
grab all three-points for the champions and put them back on the title trail.

Speaking about United that Carlos Tevez does get about a bit doesn’t he. The Argentine striker found himself splashed all over the back pages once again as
question marks over his future at Old Trafford began to surface. While in one of the games of the Premier League season Andrei Arshavin grabbed four goals as Arsenal and Liverpool played out a thriller at Anfield. Woeful defending or not, this match proved exactly why we adore this league so much.

A much maligned PFA Player of the Year award was
handed to Ryan Giggs and a valiant Manchester City bowed out of the UEFA Cup at the quarter-final stage. In the Champions League Chelsea came out on top against Liverpool while Arsenal and Manchester United booked their place in the semi-finals.

May

And so it came down to the final month of the season. The battle to avoid the drop just as intense as
the media furore surrounding Susan Boyle and relegation still loomed large for some seven clubs.

Although before we discuss the last day of the Premier League campaign let’s give it up for
Steven Gerrard who picked up the Football Writers Player of the Year while Joey Barton set himself up for a fundamentally bleak future in football with his latest display of hot-headedness.

On the penultimate weekend of the season Manchester United could celebrate their 18th top flight title
despite only drawing with Arsenal so it all boiled down to relegation issues on ‘Survival Sunday’. While West Brom were already down much was made of Sir Alex Ferguson fielding a weakened team against Hull but the kids did alright and it would be Middlesbrough and Newcastle who would go down without as much as a whimper.

In the Champions League there was
controversy all over the place at Stamford Bridge and Manchester United brushed Arsenal aside to meet Barcelona in the ultimate final in Rome. Although it was not to be for Ferguson’s side and the Catalans, inspired by the brilliance of Iniesta and Xavi proved too strong for United at the Stadio Olympico.

The FA Cup would pit Chelsea against Everton with the Merseyside club appearing in their first FA Cup final in some 14 years. In the sweltering heat of Wembley Stadium despite Louis Saha’s record-breaking 25th second strike, Chelsea asserted their supremacy on the match and Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard
ensured the trophy would be heading to West London.

The Premier League 2008/09 Season Review (Part One)

So that’s it. The curtain has fallen on another season in English football and what a season it has been too! We’ve seen Manchester United look as though they would win every conceivable trophy and yet their season ends with ultimate disappointment. Liverpool’s recent form was the stuff of champions but in a campaign that looked to be promising so much, they ended up winning nothing.

In one of the most intriguing relegation battles ever witnessed it was heartache for West Brom and Middlesbrough and Alan Shearer failed to create the fairytale dreamed up in Geordie land as trips to Scunthorpe and Peterborough await the three relegated clubs.

To summarise it’s fair to say that over the past ten months we’ve witnessed both the exceptionally good and the terribly bad but there’s certainly never been a dull moment in England’s top flight. So as the Premier League wave’s goodbye to leave us in a state of depression, here’s a look back at some of the highlights of the season in England.

August

After a summer full of transfer speculation, Ronaldo stayed while Robbie Keane swapped White Hart Lane for Anfield. Throughout August it had looked rather ominous that Gareth Barry would be joining Keane at Liverpool, although in true Didier Drogba, Steven Gerrard, Cristiano Ronaldo or Kyle Lafferty fashion, the deal eventually fell flat on its face.

Meanwhile there was actually some football played in August too would you believe with Chelsea on top of the pile at the end of the month and looking every bit potential Premier League winners under Luiz Felipe Scolari.

After a steady if not overly impressive start to the defence of their title, Manchester United lost out to Zenit St. Petersburg in the European Super Cup in Monaco and Stoke revealed their secret weapon for the season - and no I’m not referring to the signing of Dave Kitson.

September

The transfer window should always close on 31st August right? Well Richard Scudamore obviously forgot to slam it shut when he went to bed that Monday night and look what managed to sneak in the following day.

The footballing world was in a state of shock as Man City suddenly became mega rich and it was party time for their fans as Robinho signed for the club, yes that’s Manchester City Rob, not Chelsea, for £32 million. Elsewhere, well just next door in fact, Sir Alex did his fair share of last minute window shopping too as sulky or silky striker Dimitar Berbatov eventually got his ‘dream’ move.

Alan Curbishley and Kevin Keegan were the first manager’s to walk away from the Premier League with Gianfranco Zola (along with Steve Clarke) stepping in at West Ham and Joe Kinnear arriving at Newcastle with a for sale sign visibly on display outside St James’ Park.

There was plenty of clowning around at Sunderland with Roy Keane at the forefront while Tottenham were sliding into disarray. Further north Manchester United were six points off the pace down in the deepest, darkest doldrums of...eleventh place and Hull pulled off a truly remarkable feat by beating Arsenal at the Emirates.

October

When Harry met Sally Levy and consequently left Pompey things finally started to look up for Spurs. Bentley scored this goal and Zaki scored that goal, a marvellous strike that would incidentally induce the Wigan man into many Fantasy teams across the country.

October also saw the now rather infamous Joe Kinnear rant. As if you need reminding, the then Newcastle boss swore at a group of assembled journalists an amazing 52 times! F*** me, indeed!

Back to matters on the pitch and Liverpool were looking every bit serious title challengers with four straight wins. Among them was a victory over Chelsea that brought to an end the Blues 86 game unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge. Benitez clearly meant business.

November

November instigated all that chat about Arsenal’s young guns and how they may just go on to achieve world domination...well sort of. Although a 3-0 victory over an experienced Wigan side in the Carling Cup certainly made everyone stand up and take notice.

Manchester United would lose ground in their pursuit of the title by slipping up at Arsenal although it wasn’t so rosy for the Gunners a couple of weeks later as Aston Villa showed their credentials for a top four finish with a surprise 2-0 victory at the Emirates.

Elsewhere remember I mentioned Scudamore’s window antics earlier? Well it’s lucky FA headquarters isn’t based in Merseyside or the transfer situation could have got a whole lot worse as yet another Liverpool player’s home was burgled.

Oh and have I mentioned Heurelho Gomes yet? Well another gift-wrapped Gomes gaffe afforded Fulham a win against Spurs at Craven Cottage, bringing an end to Harry Redknapp’s honeymoon period at the club.

December

You wouldn’t believe what the talk of this month was! Well rather than lauding fantastic strikes or enthralling finales the press seemed to be more concerned with a certain Roy Keane and his facial hair to be exact.

And Keane was to be in the headlines once again later in the month as he resigned from beleaguered Sunderland with Paul Ince not far behind him in the queue at the doll office. Ricky Sbragia and Sam Allardyce would be announced as their respective replacements charged with the job of staving off the threat of relegation.

December should be a time for festive cheer although try telling that to Andy Griffin and Ricardo Fuller. Yet despite probably not being on each other’s Christmas card list on this occasion, who knows, they may just exchange a present or two next year.

How can I possibly move onto January without mentioning that half-time team talk. Was Brown inspired? Outrageous? Outright stupid? I’ll let you decide on that one.

In other news Manchester United travelled to Japan to compete for the FIFA World Club Cup, a tournament they would end up winning by beating Ecuadorian’s Liga de Quito (yeah them) 1-0 in the final. Question marks surrounded United’s ability to cope with the ensuing fixture pile-up and Cesc Fabregas took his place on the long-term casualty list at Arsenal.