My Club Owner is Richer Than Yours

Before the 2009/2010 premier league season began, there were rumors of a Middle Eastern oil tycoon interested in purchasing the struggling club. Well, weeks later Abu Dhabi United Group became the club owner. With them they brought so much money, that they surpased the British transfer record for a Brazilian soccer star, Robinho. According to mcfc.co.uk, the new owners paid 32.5 million pounds for the midfielder making Manchester City the wealthiest club in the world. New players were signed and paid very well to encourage wins and they include Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry, Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Kolo Toure. These were all players unhappy with their previous club or were getting underpaid. Also, the manager Mark Hughes was replaced by Roberto Mancini and City have risen up the ranks and are now currently in fifth place. Their next match is scheduled for Febuary 27 and they will be facing the league leaders, Chelsea. The struggle for points will be difficult, but with a healthy City side, Manchester City will gain all three points.

You’ll Never Walk Alone…

Liverpool FC is currently in sixth place after multiple defeats, but this is quite ordinary compared to their usual world class form. This seasson has been filled with unexpected losses and according to  guardian.co.uk, the captain, Steven Gerrard says,”Liverpool cannot slip up again in top four chase”. This is very dissapointing to the coach Rafa Benitez, who has led the Reds to the Champions League finals many times, and they even won in 2005.  Liverpool FC is regarded as one of Europe’s best teams with stars like Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, and Dirk Kuyt. With the next match scheduled for Febuary 28, Liverpool will be facing Blackburn and the possibility to earn the full three points will be high. This could possibly give Liverpool momentum to be on top of the league once again, but the chances are slim with Chelsea and Arsenal performing as well as they are now.

Aston Villa: Proving Hard Work Pays Off

Aston Villa is now in 7th place in the premier league, but had at one point been in the top four.  Aston Villa has been a top contender with the bigger clubs, although they have paid less for their players. This is arguable because of Martin O’Neill, the coach, has elevated the level of play. According to avfc.co.uk, O’Neill won 7 trophies with his former club, Celtic FC, and is now trying to have similar success with Aston Villa. With such young players like Gabriel Agbonlajor (24), and Ashley Young (25) a club dynasty could be achieved if Villa end the season in the top four. With the next match on March 6, Aston Villa will play Sunderland FC. Sunderland is one of the best teams in the bottom half of the league.

Everton: The American Soccer Fans Dream

After a historical victory against the top club Manchester United, who they hadn’t defeated in a regular season game in five years, Everton has hopes of reaching the top four. With so many ex-Manchester players like Louis Saha, Phil Neville, and Tim Howard it seemed as though Everton, was the real Manchester United we are all used to.  Also, with the addition of Landon Donovan, the most admired American soccer player, Everton can expect its fan basis to increase in the states. The midfielder is on loan from his California Club, LA Galaxy, for three months according to epltalk.com. Although his loan has almost come to an end, fans are campaigning for him to be a permanent player at Everton. See more at premierleague.com/page/headlines. Additionally, the United States’ national goalkeeper, Tim Howard, plays for Everton where he and Donovan have gotten along well together to make the transition to English soccer pain free.

Full of Fun Fulham

With the weeks end near, FC Fulham is now in the top half of the league.  Since the club was promoted to the premier league in the 2001, the success of the club has been mixed. Last year the club’s record was achieved at 7th place under manager Roy Hodgson. This season the club aims to break the previous record, but their chances may be slim with premier league giants, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC… With arguable the best American soccer player, Clinton Dempsey and the upcoming superstar Eddie Johnson, Fulham FC has a fan base on the other side of the Atlantic. With the next match up against Notts County, Fulham hopes to continue into the sixth round of the FA cup. According to Mark Schwarzer, the Australian international goalkeeper, the hard work and pressure of being on the bottom half of the league has paid off and success is evident. See more of Mark Schwarzer’s interview at Fulham FC website at www.fulhamfc.com