Thought I'd start a football blog, we might keep this going until 2010.....England doing well....did not see the match or even the goals....I'd like Michael owen back in the squad though....and I think Peter Crouch would make a very good substitute...remember against Argentina in Geneva a few years ago....with Michael Owen and some very good movements on and off the ball...they caused havoc.....did see Scotland's missed chance....that could be very costly losing those 2 points !.

RF - wouldn't depart too far from your predictions but would say that the league is a two horse race, with Arse lying in 3rd. Villa certainly riding high at present but their problem is that they have to maintain this all year. City, Spurs and even the waiter will be putting the pressure on so whilst I hope you're right its gonna be some achievement if Villa do bag the 4th spot.

Usual beeb bias on the draw - forget all the big names - lets see who liverpool have got and ramble on about them. - Where are the governors and the regulators when you need them ?

The writing was on the wallMan Utd were given a lesson by the GentlemanRoy Hodgson at the weekendmy take fwiwget rid of Owen!!!
one shot that nearly hit the corner flagdoing around 3mphEbbsfleet might be interested in his services?In all honesty Ferguson needs to sign at least two superstarsInnesta and Mascherano would be my two choices to be the most influential in the United teamif he could also get Torreswho I think will eventually move back to his home Countryor RiberyChelsea will have something to saythey could get back to being a dominant force
Rafael Benitez who I believe joined Liverpool around 2004...is going slightly maddescribing referee Lee Mason as "perfect" with the defeat at Portsmouthhe could be on his wayplayers tend to follow??? five years for anyone in Liverpool is enoughnow might be the time to smash and grab the two superstars?

What will 2010 bring ?...a world cup win for England ?...dream on rf....anyway congratulations to Barcelona and Messi for a fabulous year and for winning the world club trophy....(in the new version : that's Europe 3 South America 3)....(old version ; intercontinental cup version it ended 21 wins for the South Americans and Europe with 20 wins)....the Europeans are starting to dominate the event now having won 3 in a row ....Barca have gone one better than ManU 1999 by winning the super cup as well and bringing themselves level with that greatest of all football teams Ajax of the early 1970's (that is the greatest football team ever to grace the planet by the way in my humble opinion), who first achieved that feat (treble plus supercup and intercontinental cup).

Happy new year to all...and may we have a great world cup !......PS : I made room for the trophy on a shelf....(well a copy anyway) !....now where's the rest of that pasta meal I was eating last night......glue, gold paint....can't remember where the hell I've put it....

Well done Leeds United......reminds me of the Leeds of old....Billy Bremner...Lorimer...McQueen....those were the days....I can see this present side climbing back to the premiership in a couple of years....have to say that Rooney had an off day....

Both semi finals of the league cup postponed......probably coldest weather for 20 years or so...I think the final will be Manchester City - Aston Villa....

Burnley replace "ship jumper" Coyle with Brian laws.. going down with the Pompey.. we're going down with the Pompey -):

Ireland have just asked FIFA if they can replace Togo in the Africa Nations cup.

Thought it would have been liverpool - no doubt candles in the cathedral tonite for yet another trophy missed.

And thank god the scousers aren't calling for Rafa's head - long may that continue !

Benitez might be going at the end of the season if their bad form continues....no spark in that Liverpool side.....

you may be right but there's the finances of saying good bye that need to be raised.

And given that there's a distinct possibility of missing the cup with the big ears next season then revenue forecasts won't even justify large pay-offs !

Excellent win, and the reality was we were in 2nd gear.

Just hope that Rafa doesn't become an unfortunate victim - he doesn't deserve to go imo.

Fingers xxd

Chelsea are looking great at the moment...did not see the game but the scoreline is impressive !.

Important to win your home games well of course but if you are going to be serious challengers then picking up points away under hostile conditions will be the key.

I note that Bolton aside the North West has been a relative graveyard for Chelsea this season, I also note that they have to visit Burnley, Everton, Blackburn, Man Utd. and Liverpool.. Interesting run in.

They will be so far ahead that a few defeats won't matter....

Chelsea looking favourites for me, the Mancs have been extremely lucky to date and must pray Rooney stays fit. Rafa hanging on, if I was a Kopite I'd be more worried about Gerrard and Torres leaving if they dont get 4th place which isn't gonna happen. As an Evertonian lovin it, stay Rafa stay!

As a CFC fan I have to say that you've missed what I regard as the major and real threat - and that's the specsavers French team

Joe - Arsenal play fabulous football and are a joy to watch, similar scenario though Fabregas has to remain fit, Chelsea have more strength in depth and against Sunderland proved they can play attractive football when mood takes them:o)

Leeds have done it again !.....my ! a draw at Spurs is not to be sniffed at....everything to play for again....some good money coming into their coffers with this little FA cup run.

If Rooney carries on like this, a ballon d'or (european award) would not be beyond him, 21 goals so far, he might double this total......Murray's just lost....missed far too many chances and needs to be more swift and develop some delicate touches, his serve in future years will be fantastic....Federer ?....what can you say ?...one of the greatest tennis players of all time along with Pete Sampras, Borg and a few others.