Thursday EPL Transfer Update with News and the LATEST from the Olympic Football Tournament:

Hello and welcome to my Thursday EPL Transfer Update with a few extras including News and the LATEST from the Olympic Football Tournament.

With 9 days until arguably the best league in the world starts on Saturday August 18th, all the teams are still preparing for the new season with pre-season friendlies to get fit and purchasing new players to bolster their squads. 


Let me begin with the LATEST EPL transfer talk:


Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp who was sacked at the end of the season has said that he agreed a fee with Luka Modric to leave the club.
He has told Spurs fans to brace themselves for a move to Real Madrid. 


Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has signed a new long-term contract extension deal with Liverpool. 

He has been linked with transfer moves to French 'moneybags' PSG and Italian champions Juventus over the past year after some unsettled news being reporteed after the Evra saga. 

This will kill interest, at least for now.

I am back: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez returns from Olympic duty to train at Melwood with the rest of the squad.

He is eyeing Champions League qualification now with The Reds.

He single-handedly carried Liverpool to the Europa League last season, so he will be expecting more with his team this season.

I have a feeling that if they do not qualify for the CL in the next two years, he will go to PSG or Juventus because they will offer him more money, and they both have Champions League football.


Arsenal forward Andrey Arshavin is reportedly wanted by Turkish side Galatasaray and they are lining up a £4million bid for him.

Arsenal have confirmed the £16.5million signing of Malaga winger Santi Cazorla on a three-year contract deal.

It's official: Malaga winger Santi Cazorla becomes Arsenal's 3rd transfer signing of the window.

Pre-season training: Cazorla has being training with Arsenal in Germany since Monday.

Arsene Wenger said this:

'Santi Cazorla is a great signing for us. He's a player who will add significant quality to our squad. 
Santi has good experience at both club and international level and is a versatile, attacking midfield player who can play comfortably on either side of the pitch or centrally.
He has good pace, is technically gifted and will be a huge asset to us'.



Cazorla said this:

'I am so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a club with great players, a fantastic stadium and huge support.

The club has one of the best managers in football and their style of play is recognised and admired all over the world.
I'm so excited to be joining one of the greatest teams in Europe and to be playing in the English Premier League.
I will do my best to help Arsenal challenge for trophies and make all the supporters happy'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that forward Craig Bellamy is on his way to Cardiff.

Flying high: Liverpool winger Craig Bellamy was impressive during the Olympic Football Tournament for Team GB.

West Ham have agreed a £2million fee with French club Marseille for Alou Diarra. 

Marseille defensive midfielder Alou Diarra (left) was impressive for France during Euro 2012 and will move to West Ham.

Liverpool are set to complete their second summer signing after meeting Swansea's £15million asking price for midfielder Joe Allen.

£15million man: Swansea midfielder Joe Allen is set to join his former manager at Liverpool in the next few days.

International debut: Allen has now made 5 appearances for Team GB after playing at the Olympics.

He will now hold formal talks with Liverpool and more importantly his former manager Brendan Rodgers who he reportedly wants to join up with again.

Barcelona are ready to make a £15million offer for Arsenal's defensive midfielder Alex Song.

Men's Olympic Football Tournament:

Quarter-Finals:

Japan 3 Egypt 0

Mexico 4 Senegal 2

Brazil 3 Honduras 2

Team GB 1 (a.e.t.) South Korea 1 

Sunderland striker Ji Dong-Won broke the deadlock in the 29th minute for South Korea to give them a 1-0 lead.

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey equalised for Team GB in the 36th minute from the penalty spot. 

Goal from the spot: Aaron Ramsey slots the ball into the net to equalise for Team GB in the 36th minute.

2-Day EPL Weekend Special LIVE:

Yesterday's EPL Results:


15:00:


Stoke City 1 Arsenal 1
This match was played at The Britannia Stadium, as Stoke hosted 3rd placed Arsenal.


Striker Peter Crouch broke the deadlock in the 9th minute from a deadly header.

Deadly header: Crouch heads past Szczesny to score for Stoke against Arsenal.

'Player of the Year' striker Robin Van Persie equalised for Arsenal, 6 minutes later to make it 1-1.

Van Persie scores his 27th goal in the EPL this season to make it 1-1 against Stoke after 15 minutes.

Pure delight: Robin Van Persie celebrates his goal against Stoke with midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

This is how the match finished. 1-1.

Arsenal stay in 3rd place, with Stoke are in 14th place.




Wigan Athletic 4 Newcastle United 0
This match came from DW Stadium as Wigan hosted 4th placed Newcastle who are fighting for a Champions League qualification place.
Winger Victor Moses scored in the 13rd minute to give Wigan an early lead.
He doubled the lead, 2 minutes 


Swansea City 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers 4


Sunderland 2 Bolton Wanderers 2


Everton 4 Fulham 0


West Bromwich Albion 0 Aston Villa 0


17:30:


Norwich City 0 Liverpool 3

Today's EPL Matches:

Chelsea vs QPR: LIVE at 13:30pm

Tottenham Hotspur vs Blackburn Rovers: LIVE at 16:00pm

Chelsea vs Wigan:

Team Line-ups:

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Terry, Cole, Mata, Essien, Lampard, Sturridge, Torres, Kalou.
Subs: Turnbull, Romeu, Ramires, Drogba, Malouda, Meireles, Hutchinson.


QPR: Kenny, Onuoha, Ferdinand, Hill, Taiwo, Mackie, Barton, Derry, Buzsaky, Cisse, Zamora.
Subs: Cerny, Gabbidon, Campbell, Traore, Young, Smith, Wright-Phillips.

Live Commentary:

0: The referee blows the whislte to start this match-up at Stamford Bridge.
Former room-mates Roberto Di Matteo and Mark Hughes are the opposite managers in the dugout today. 
1: GOAL!
Daniel Sturridge takes a stinging drive from 20 yards out which spins and swerves past Paddy Kenny.

Chelsea players mob Daniel Sturridge after his 20-yard opener in the first 45 seconds of the match against QPR.

Dream start for Matteo and Chelsea.

13: GOAL!
Corner whipped into the box by Mata for John Terry who is unmarked.... He heads the ball past Kenny into the net. 
2-0, and Terry waves his hand in the air, (something to do with his dismassal on Tuesday against Barca) before patting his badge.

Defender John Terry heads the ball past Paddy Kenny to make it 2-0 to Chelsea against QPR.

He's earnt it: JT thanks the fans for their continued support after what happened on Tuesday.

18: GOAL!
Fernado Torres is played through in-front of goal and like his goal against Barcelona on Tuesday, gets past the keeper before slotting the ball in the far right corner of the net. 3-0, and it is probably home and dry for Chelsea.

3-0: Torres gets past Kenny with ease before slotting the ball into an empty net.

23: Chelsea are pasing the ball well and ensure ensuring QPR do not get any chance.


24: Defender Nedum Onouha heads the ball towards his goalkeeper Paddy Kenny who drops the ball towards open play, but Torres is there and cooly splots the ball into an empty net. 4-0 now and it's not even half-time yet! Poor defending by QPR, and this could get ugly very soon. 

Celebration time: Fernando Torres celebrates his 2nd goal of the day against QPR to make it 4-0.

28: Nice play by Chelsea, with one touch football from Sturridge, Mata and Torres. The ball comes to Lampard who is closed down well inside the box by Paddy Kenny to stop the scoreline being 5-0.


34: Chelsea still pressing for another goal, possession stats show that The Blues are dominating Rangers right now with 70% to 30% in Chelsea's favour.


35: Chelsea fans are booing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand now after the racial allegations involving him and John Terry.

Not surprising, but disgraceful nonetheless.


41: Foul by QPR midfielder Joey Barton on Chelsea forward Juan Mata. Free-kick to Chelsea, as Mata limps on. 
Replays show that Barton stomped on Mata on purpose to stop the dangerous attack. Lucky to get away without a yellow card.


45: The fourth official on the far side indicates that there will be 2 minutes of stoppage time to be added on here. 


45+2: Referee Howard Webb blows the whistle for half-time at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea comfortably lead 4-0 against their West-London rivals QPR who are still in the relegation battle.


2:25:

45: 
Howard Webb waits for Michael Essien and Daniel Sturridge to get back on the pitch for Chelsea, and we are now underway for the second half. 
Chelsea 4 QPR 0.


49: Sturridge has the ball at his feet inside the QPR half looking to strike at goal, before slipping on the floor and losing the ball.

51: Full-back Ashley Cole with the ball at his feet, he flicks the ball through the defence to forward Juan Mata who is onside and takes a shot at goal..... SAVE by Paddy Kenny!!

Weak shot by Mata, and it was straight at Kenny who comfortably saved (and held!) the ball.

52: QPR are trying to ensure that Chelsea are not getting the ball, or any more clear cut chances as they did in the first half, by passing the ball around well.

54: Striker Jamie Mackie runs on the ball and takes a shot from 20 yards out which is deflected by defender John Terry towards goal... GREAT SAVE!! by Petr Cech!
It was a swerving ball, and the deflection made it worse for Cech to save.. but it is still a clean sheet for Cech. Still 4-0.

59: Torres takes a shot from just outside the box, but the shot is parried by Kenny.

61: Yellow card given to Joey Barton after a late tackle on Juan Mata. He pretends as if nothing happens, trying to con Howard Webb.
I don't think the best referee in England will fall for that...


64: Juan Mata with a through ball to Fernando Torres who calmy placing the ball towards goal.... GOAL!!!

Fernando Torres places the ball past Paddy Kenny for his 3rd goal against QPR and Stamford Bridge.

It's been a long time coming: Torres celebrates his 3rd goal for Chelsea with their loyal fans.

Torres beats Kenny and completes his hat-trick today.

FACT: That is Fernando Torres' first hat-trick for Chelsea, and his first for over 2-and-a-half years.

5-0 to Chelsea.

67: Chelsea SUB:
Florent Malouda ON
Juan Mata OFF

71: Fernando Torres' stats today:
5 shots, 4 on target, 3 goals
Looks like a £50million striker again.

73: QPR striker Djiribil Cisse has a headed shot which narrowly goes over the bar. Close.

75: Chelsea SUB:
Ramires ON
Salomon Kalou OFF

77:  
QPR SUB: 
Shaun Wright-Phillips ON
Bobby Zamora OFF
Zamora has failed to get into this match at all so far and Wright-Phillips' pace will get Chelsea's defence something to think about.

80: Ramires crosses the ball into the box for Malouda. Ferdinand fails to clear the ball out of danger and Malouda simply powerfully taps in a shot past Kenny to make it 6-0.

Too easy: Florent Malouda scores for Chelsea to make it 6-0 against QPR in the 80th minute.

Destruction by Chelsea, and QPR will feel disgusted now.
'Refunds please'

82: Chelsea SUB:
Sam Hutchinson ON
Jose Bosingwa OFF


Hutchinson replaces Bosingwa to partner John Terry in the heart of defence. 
He had to retire due to a serious injury in 2010 (and he is only 19!), but made a remarkable comeback.


Well done, Hutchinson!
Great example to a rising star like me! Never give up!
 
Anyways,

84: Djirbil Cisse hits the ball low and hard past Petr Cech into the net from a good cross by Onouha.

90: The fourth official signals for 3 minutes of stoppage time to be added on here at Stamford Bridge.

90+3: The referee blows the whistle for full-time here. 

Chelsea thrash QPR 6-1 with Torres scoring his first hat-trick in over 2 years.
To be honest, they hardly need to get past fourth gear as QPR were poor in defence and attack, with Cisse providing a consolation goal.
Chelsea move ahead of Tottenham who are yet to play against Blackburn later today, while close behind Newcastle in 4th place.

QPR have more problems as they have to play well against Manchester City and Stoke City if they want to stay in the EPL next season.
They stay in 16th place. 


15:35:

Tottenham Hotpsur vs Blackburn Rovers:

Team Line-ups:


Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Rose, Lennon, Modric, Sandro, Bale, Van der Vaart, Adebayor.  
Subs: Cudicini, Saha, Giovani, Defoe, King, Livermore, Nelsen.


Danny Rose and Sandro both start for Tottenham.
Jermain Defoe and Louis Saha are the attacking options available for Harry Redknapp on the bench.


Blackburn: Robinson, Orr, Dann, Givet, Marcus Olsson, Formica, Dunn, Lowe, Pedersen, Hoilett, Yakubu.
Subs: Kean, Martin Olsson, Modeste, Petrovic, Nzonzi, Rochina, Goodwillie.

David Goodwillie and Ruben Rochina are both on the bench.
If David Hoilett (pace master, long shot taker) and Yakubu (clinical finisher) can strike up another good performance, they can give Spurs a run for their money.  


16:00: The referee blows the whistle to start the match at White Hart Lane.
Blackburn start the match in 19th place, with Tottenham are in 6th place.


16:45:
Half-time at White Hart Lane.
The home side have dominated throughout and deservedly are ahead at the break.
They were denied a couple of times by the woodwark and the post.
Midfielder Rafael Van Der Vaart broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, after winger Gareth Bale's header hit the crossbar and came back to VDV who hit the ball into the net (but the defender tried clearing the ball to protest).

Rafael Van Der Vaart scores a rebound to put Tottenham ahead against Blackburn.

10th of the season: VDV wheels away to celebrate his goal to put Spurs ahead in a crunch match for a CL spot next season.

18:00:
Full-time here at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham comfortably beat Blackburn Rovers by 2 goals to nil.
Blackburn failed to defend properly and will be happy that they were saved by the woodwork and post on several occasions.
Full-back Kyle Walker scored a 30-yard screamer from a free-kick in the 74th minute to give Spurs all three points at home.

Full-back Kyle Walker hits a superb free-kick from 30 yards out to give Tottenham a 2-0 lead against Blackburn.

Absolutely brilliant: Walker celebrates his amazing goal against Blackburn to cap off a great fortnight after winning the PFA 'Young Player of the Year' award last weekend.

See Kyle Walker's screamer against Blackburn here:

Tomorrow:

Manchester City vs Manchester United: LIVE from 20:00pm at The Ethiad Stadium
The title race is all on this match.
If United win tomorrow, they have virtually won the title with 2 matches left and 6 points ahead of Manchester rivals City.
If City win, then only goal difference will be between the two teams.



19:35:
BREAKING NEWS:


West Bromwich Albion have granted permission for The FA to speak to their manager Roy Hodgson about the England job.

Today's EPL and FA Cup Results:

Today's EPL (Round 33) and FA Cup Semi-Final Results, Analysis:

Today's EPL Matches:

Norwich City 1 Manchester City 6
This match was played at Carrow Road as 10th placed Norwich hosted 2nd placed Manchester City. 

Striker Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock in the 18th minute to make it 1-0.

Sergio Aguero doubled City's lead, 9 minutes later to make it 2-0.

Sergio Aguero celebrates his first goal of the afternoon against Norwich to make it 2-0 to City.

After half-time, midfielder Andy Surman halved the defiecit in the 52nd minute, to give Norwich hope of an equaliser.

If only they knew: Andy Surman scores Norwich's only goal of the match in the 52nd minute to give the Canaries faint hope.

But two goals in quick succession from strikers Tevez (73) and then Aguero (75), 2 minutes later made it 4-1 to the away side. 

Carlos Tevez completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute to make it 5-1.

Hat-trick hero: Striker Carlos Tevez scores his 4th goal of the season, and the 4th this week to make it 5-1 to City.

Before winger Adam Johnson rubbed the salt into Norwich's wounds in the 90th minute, to make it 6-1 to City.  

Unsung hero: Winger Adam Johnson scores in the 90th minute, to make it 6-1 to City.

What a result for Manchester City, but despite this manager Roberto Mancini still says that it is too late for a title win.
Really Mancini?!?!


City move within 2 points of Manchester United who face Aston Villa tomorrow at Old Trafford.
Striker Carlos Tevez has now scored 4 goals in one week, with 4 goals this season from 2 matches (which is more than a lot of players in the EPL). 
You have to wonder whether if Tevez was NOT suspended in October, City could be far ahead in the title race...


Norwich drop 1 place into 11th place with 43 points this season, which secures their place in the EPL next season.

Sunderland 0 Wolves 0
This match was played at Stadium of Light as 9th placed Sunderland hosted bottom club Wolves. 

There were lots of chances for both sides as both pressed for the opening goal and looked for clean sheets. Wayne Hennessey stopped Sunderland from scoring a late goal in the last minute, after midfielder James McClean's header was saved with his feet from 9 yards out. 

A point for both sides was probably the best result, although as a football fan, I would have liked for there to be some goals in this match.
Both teams stay in their respective positions.

Swansea City 3 Blackburn Rovers 0
This match came from Wales at The Liberty Stadium, as 14th placed Swansea hosted a dejected Blackburn side who unluckily lost 3-2 to Liverpool on Tuesday, in the last few seconds. 

In-form striker Glyfi Sigurdsson broke the deadlock for the home side to put Swansea ahead after 37 minutes.

What a loan signing! Striker Glfyi Sigurdsson scores his 7th goal for Swansea to put Swansea ahead against Blackburn in the 37th minute.

Winger Nathan Dyer doubled the lead before half-time in the 43rd minute to give The Swans a 2-0 lead going into the break.

2-0 up: Winger Nathan Dyer's goal helps Swansea to go into the break 2-0 ahead of Blackburn Rovers.

Defender Scott Dann scored an own goal in the 64th minute, to give Swansea all the points at home and complete a 3-0 win. 


Swansea move two places into 12th, while Blackburn are back in the bottom three, in 19th place.

West Bromwich Albion 1 QPR 0
14th placed West Brom hosted a QPR side full of confidence after their 3-0 win against Swansea on Wednesday.

Midfielder Graham Dorrans scored the only goal of the match for WBA, in the 22nd minute to make it 1-0 to West Brom.


QPR tried but did not succeed to equalise and get back into the match. 


 

 

 

Today's FA Cup Semi-Final Match:

Liverpool 2 Everton 1  

This match was played at Wembley as hot Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Everton went head-to-head.

Striker Nikica Jelavic broke the deadlock in the 24th minute to make it 1-0 to Everton.

Striker Nikica Jelavic places the ball nicely past 3rd goalkeeper Brad Jones to give Everton the lead at Wembley after 24 minutes.

Perfect start to his Everton career: Jelavic has now scored 6 goals in 11 matches for The Toffees.

Luis Suarez equalised for The Reds in the second half, after 62 minutes to make it 1-1 and gived Liverpol hope of a second final this year.

Striker Luis Suarez beats defender Heitinga to the ball before striking past goal to equalise for Liverpool in the 62nd minute.

Red half of Wembley: Luis Suarez celebrates his 14th goal of the season to equalise for Liverpool.

Guess who?
Striker Andy Carroll's header from a free-kick in the 87th minute, secured Liverpool's final hopes!

Striker Andy Carroll heads from a free-kick inside the box to beat the defenders and Tim Howard and gift Liverpool into the final.

Am I worth £35million now? Andy Carroll celebrates his 2nd goal of the week to put Liverpool in the FA Cup final against either Chelsea or Tottenham.

(MORE TO FOLLOW SOON)

Saturday EPL Special LIVE:

Saturday EPL Special LIVE:

Welcome to my Saturday EPL Special LIVE, with 7 matches including Sunderland vs Tottenham and Liverpool vs Aston Villa.

Yesterday:

Newcastle United 2 Swansea City 0

This match was played at The Sports Direct Arena as 6th placed Newcastle hosted 11th placed Swansea. 
Papiss Cisse broke the deadlock for the home side in the 5th minute to make it 1-0.

Perfect start: Cisse breaks the deadlock in the 5th minute for Newcastle against Swansea.

The match was tense after this, and although Swansea pressed well for the equaliser, Cisse scored again in the 70th minute with a delightful chip from 16 yards out over Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm's head but just underneath the crossbar.

Papiss Cisse scores a beautifully placed chip to make it 2-0 against Swansea in the 70th minute.

Newcastle are now 2 points ahead of 6th placed Chelsea, and move into their spot, while Swansea stay in 11th place.


Papiss Cisse has now scored 9 goals in his first 9 matches.



Sunderland 0 Tottenham Hotspur 0: LIVE 
The early kick-off in the Premier League today, sees 9th placed Sunderland host 4th placed Tottenham at The Stadium of Light.
Tottenham only need a draw to leapfrog rivals Arsenal into 3rd place, but it will not be on easy street against a Sunderland side who has beaten Manchester City and Arsenal here.
60 minutes gone, and it is still goalless. 


Team Line-ups:


Sunderland: Mignolet, Bardsley, Turner, Kilgallon, Colback, Larsson, Gardner, Cattermole, McClean, Sessegnon, Bendtner.  
Subs: Westwood, Bridge, Richardson, Vaughan, Ji, Meyler, Kyrgiakos.


Sebastien Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner both start for Sunderland against their former North London rivals Tottenham (as they both used to play for Arsenal, Bendtner still does)


Tottenham: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto, Van der Vaart, Sandro, Parker, Modric, Bale, Adebayor.  
Subs: Cudicini, Lennon, Saha, Defoe, Kranjcar, Livermore, Nelsen.

A strong Tottenham side, with VDV, Modric, Bale and Adebayor in the striking mind.
Two defensive minded players in Sandro and Scott Parker. Formation would probably be: 4-2-2-2. 
A strong bench also with Aaron Lennon, Jermain Defoe and Louis Saha all ready for action.

63: Sunderland pressing for the first goal here, good play by midfielder Stephane Sessegnon who is giving the Spurs defence problems.

64: Tottenham are looking to make a substitution. The first of the match.

Aaron Lennon ON
Sandro OFF

An attacking option for Spurs then. Van Der Vaart and Lennon on the wings.
Sandro already being recently booked. 


68:
2nd half possession:
Sunderland 31%, Tottenham 69%

69: Cameras on Harry Redknapp. One word: Frustration.

70: Lovely through ball by Lee Catermole to Phil Bardsley who takes a powerful cross the ball into the box for Josh McClean, who cannot keep the ball on the pitch. 
Goal-kick.

71: Midfielder Lee Catermole has gone down injured, now recieving treatment on the sidelines.

72: Quick ball towards Van Der Vaart by Aaron Lennon into space, he takes a shot towards goal.... Deflected by a Sunderland defender (near the hand) before being cleared out.


75: Sunderland subsutition:
David Vaughan ON
Lee Catermole OFF
Catermole's hamstring injury was too much to play the rest of the match. Unlucky, as he was important to Sunderland going forward and has been important to Sunderland going forward and at the back. 


77: Tottenham substitution:
Emmanuel Adebayor OFF
Louis Saha ON

81: Tottenham substitution:
Jermain Defoe ON
Rafael Van Der Vaart OFF

FACT: Defoe has scored 19 goals as a substitute. This is the all-time Premier League record.  
 

Sunderland substitution:
Kieran Richardson ON
Phil Bardsley OFF

I have team line-ups from all the 3oclock kick-offs.
I will give the line-ups after this match.


83: Goal-kick taken by goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

84: Foul by Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker on Sunderland midfielder James McClean. Free-kick taken by Sebastien Larsson into open play.

85: Sunderland corner taken by Sebastien Larsson, but nothing comes of it.

88: Sebastien Larsson has been booked for 'unsporting behaviour'.  


89: Foul by Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto on Sunderland midfielder Stephane Sessegnon. Yellow card given to Ekotto.


90: Foul by Sunderland midfielder David Vaughan on Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon. Yellow card given.


90+3: The referee blows the whistle for full-time here at The Stadium of Light.

FACT: This is the first time in 22 meetings that Sunderland and Tottenham have had a goalless draw.


Tottenham move into 3rd place, into at least tomorrow, when rivals Arsenal face Manchester City.

Spurs will feel disappointed that they could not get the win, as they had at least 15 shots and could not score at least one shot on target.
They had a lot of quality, but could not get the job done.


Sunderland will feel happy that they keep Spurs under control and took a point, but will be thinking whether they could have taken all three.

15:00 EPL Line-ups: 

Norwich v Everton:

Norwich: Ruddy, Martin, Ryan Bennett, Ward, Drury, Elliott Bennett, Fox, Howson, Surman, Hoolahan, Holt. 
Subs: Steer, Johnson, Morison, Crofts, Jackson, Wilbraham, Naughton.

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Neville, Gibson, Pienaar, Gueye, Jelavic, Cahill. 
Subs: Mucha, Heitinga, Stracqualursi, McFadden, Coleman, Fellaini, Anichebe.


Liverpool v Aston Villa:

Liverpool: Doni, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Gerrard, Shelvey, Downing, Suarez, Kuyt.
Subs: Jones, Agger, Carroll, Maxi, Coates, Spearing, Bellamy.

Doni starts his first match for Liverpool as 1st team goalkeeper Pepe Reina is suspended after his headbutt against Newcastle last weekend.
Defender Daniel Agger is on the bench, along with forward Craig Bellamy and under-performer Andy Carroll. 
Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing are also both on the bench to give Kenny Daglish help if needed.


Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Collins, Baker, Warnock, Lichaj, Ireland, Herd, Bannan, Heskey, Agbonlahor. 
Subs: Guzan, Weimann, Stevens, Johnson, Williams, Gardner, Carruthers.

A decent Villa side, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey in strike.
Barry Bannan and Steven Ireland are both in the centre of midfield.

Chelsea vs Wigan Athletic:

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand, Meireles, Essien, Sturridge, Mata, Malouda, Drogba. 
Subs: Turnbull, Romeu, Torres, Mikel, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Kalou.

Only 4 players stay in the starting 11 from the 2-1 win against Benfica on Wednesday night, with Sturridge, Meireles, Cech and David Luiz.
Full-back Ryan Bertrand is given his full EPL debut for Chelsea.


Wigan: Al Habsi, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Figueroa, Boyce, McCarthy, McArthur, Beausejour, Moses, Di Santo, Maloney. 
Subs: Kirkland, Crusat, Ben Watson, Gomez, Sammon, Diame, Stam.

Two words: Victor Moses


Bolton v Fulham:

Bolton: Bogdan, Ricketts, Wheater, Ream, Alonso, Mark Davies, Reo-Coker, Pratley, Miyaichi, Ngog, Petrov. 
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Steinsson, Eagles, Knight, Kevin Davies, Klasnic, Sordell.

Midfielder Marcos Alonso starts after his first EPL goal last weekend. Ryo Miyaichi and Martin Petrov along with David Ngog are in strike.



Fulham: Schwarzer, Kelly, Hangeland, Hughes, John Arne Riise, Duff, 
Dembele, Diarra, Kacaniklic, Ruiz, Dempsey. 
Subs: Stockdale, Baird, Senderos, Etuhu, Frei, Davies, Trotta.

Striker Pavel Pogrebnyak is not playing for Fulham. Bryan Ruiz and Clint Dempsey both start along with Diarra and Dembele.
Alex Kacaniklic starts.

West Brom v Blackburn:

West Brom: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Andrews, Odemwingie, Fortune, Brunt. 
Subs: Daniels, Tchoyi, Long, Shorey, Dawson, Cox, Scharner. 

Blackburn: Robinson, Orr, Dann, Grant Hanley, Martin Olsson, Lowe, Nzonzi, Dunn, Pedersen, Hoilett, Yakubu.
Subs: Kean, Givet, Modeste, Formica, Petrovic, Marcus Olsson, Goodwillie.


Steve Kean only makes one change from the 2-0 loss against Manchester United on Monday. 
David Dunn comes in for Marcus Olsson, who is on the subs bench along with David Goodwille.


15:00: The 3oclock kick-offs has started.


15:07:
The Hawthorns,
West Brom vs Blackburn Rovers:
Defender Gareth McAuley breaks the deadlock in the 7th minute for the home side. 1-0 to WBA. 
If results go their way, West Brom can move up to 11th place.

WBA Defender Gareth McAuley heads the ball twoards goal, to score the opening goal against Blackburn in the 7th minute.

15:10:
Anfield,
Liverpool vs Aston Villa:
Oh dear.., Defender Chris Herd has put the away side off the the perfect side against 8th placed Liverpool.

FACT: If Liverpool lose today, then they will have lost their MOST EVER defeats in a League season. (12) 

15:22:
Carrow Road,
Norwich vs Everton:
The deadlock has been broken here!
Striker Nikica Jelavic with the goal for the visitors in the 22nd minute. 1-0.
What a signing he is proving to be for The Toffees.

Super signing: Nikica Jelavic celebrates opening the scoring for Everton, against Norwich in the 22nd minute.

15:22:
The Reebok,
Bolton vs Fulham:
On-loan striker Ryo Miyaichi takes a shot... but it is over the bar!
Unlucky by the youngster.

15:23:
Stamford Bridge,
Chelsea vs Wigan:
Midfielder Michael Essien has been booked. First yellow card of the 3oclock kick-offs, and he has to be careful now... 

15:26:
The Reebok,
Bolton vs Fulham:
In-form midfielder Clint Dempsey thinks he has put the away side in-front with a goal, but it is disallowed for offside. 


15:30:
The Reebok,
Bolton vs Fulham:
Clint Demspey scores again, from a powerful free-kick - but this time it is not offside.
1-0 to Fulham.

,

20th of the season: In-form midfielder Clint Dempsey breaks the deadlock against Bolton in the 30th minute from a free-kick.

15:39:
Carrow Road,
Norwich vs Everton:
Midfielder Jonny Howson equalises for the home side in the 39th minute to make it 1-1.


15:45:
The Reebok,
Bolton vs Fulham:
Midfielder Clint Dempsey scores his second goal of the match in the 45th minute to double the away side's lead. 2-0 now just before half-time.
That will change Martin Jol's team-talk.


15:50:
Anfield,
Liverpool vs Aston Villa:
Striker Dirk Kuyt has just missed a great chance for an equaliser at Anfield!
He was in-front of goal from 2 yards out, but somehow missed a tap-in shot.
No wonder the newspapers are saying Kuyt may leave Liverpool for as low as £1million....

15:51:
HALF-TIMES:

Liverpool 0 Aston Villa 1
Chelsea 0 Wigan 0
Norwich 1 Everton 1
West Brom 1 Blackburn 0
Bolton 0 Fulham 2

16:04:
The second halves have all started in the EPL.


16:18:
Carrow Road,
Norwich vs Everton:
Nikica Jelavic takes a shot and scores in the 61st minute!!
Norwich did not play to the whistle, as they were expecting a drop ball from Pienaar's actions (after getting the ball stuck to his feet).

4 in 4: Striker Nikica Jelavic celebrates scoring for Everton. He has now scored 4 goals in 4 matches.

16:21:
Stamford Bridge,
Chelsea vs Wigan:
The deadlock is broken here! Controversy surrounds it as Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic's goal should have been offside as he was yards off.

Controversy: Chelsea defender Ivanovic's goal against Wigan was offside, and should have been ruled out.

16:24:
At Anfield, Stewart Downing and Jonjo Shelvey both replace Craig Bellamy and Andy Carroll.


16:30:
The Hawthorns,
West Brom vs Blackburn:
Striker Marc Antoine-Fortune scores in the 69th minute for WBA, to make it 2-0 to the hosts!


16:33:
Carrow Road,
Norwich vs Everton:
GOAL!!!! Norwich have equalised here!
Midfielder Aaron Wilbraham takes a shot which is saved, but he eventually goes on to lay-off top striker Grant Holt who puts the ball in the back of the net.


16:36:
At Anfield, Daniel Agger has replaced Jose Enrique with 13 minutes to go. Still 1-0 to Aston Villa.


16:39:
The Reebok Stadium,
Bolton vs Fulham:
GOAL!
Midfielder Mahamadou Diarra ends Bolton's hopes of getting back into the match with a goal from the edge of the box, after a nice run. 3-0 with 10 minutes to go.

FACT: This is Diarra's first goal for his new club Fulham.


16:40:
Stamford Bridge,
Chelsea vs Wigan:
Midfielder Mohammed Diame takes advantage of Chelsea full-back Ryan Bertrand giving him space, to take a shot. It goes past Cech into the net for an equaliser in the 82nd minute....


16:41:
Anfield,
Liverpool vs Aston Villa:
Defender Daniel Agger heads the ball towards goal, but it hits the bar before striker Luis Suarez taps the ball into the net from close range as goalkeeper Shay Given is down on the floor. 1-1! Suarez with the equaliser!

8th goal of the season: Luis Suarez heads from close range to equalise for Liverpool against Aston Villa in the 83rd minute.

MORE TO FOLLOW SOON!


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I will speak to you tomorrow, in my next post where:

Manchester United vs QPR
Arsenal vs Manchester City