Reuters Soccer Blog
World Soccer views and news
UPDATE: Derby fever hits the predictions league
Monday update: You would think 14 games into the season we would have learnt who was likely to beat who in the Premier League. Sadly not. I did OK for a change but only Martyn Herman really covered himself in glory with two five pointers for Villa 1-1 Spurs and Manchester City collecting yet another draw against Hull City.
But I wouldn’t celebrate like Jimmy Bullard just yet, Martyn, you’re still third bottom.
So how did you do? Let us know in the comments. If you predicted at least one Drogba goal you can have a bonus point but I doubt anybody thought Rooney would get a hat-trick. As for Liverpool actually winning, well they had to get a flukey deflection sometime…
Updated Reuters Soccer Blog panel scores: Patrick Johnston 134, Mitch Phillips 118, Paul Radford 113, Mike Collett 105, Mark Meadows 99, Simon Evans 95, Kevin Fylan 91, Miles Evans 89, Neil Maidment 88, Asia Sports Desk 75, Julien Pretot 74, Martyn Herman 61, Justin Palmer 41, Sonia Oxley 31 (bonus point for getting predictions in early)
Who is most likely to follow Hiddink at Chelsea?
Interim Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink is adamant that he will be leaving at the end of the season to concentrate on the Russia job.
Chelsea fans who had been hoping the Dutchman would decide to stay must now start contemplating a fourth manager in two years.
Scowling Scolari needs a rethink
Defeat to Arsenal means Luiz Felipe Scolari is facing his first big test as Chelsea manager and there are plenty of people waiting to see how the volatile Brazilian handles it.
Until a few weeks ago everything was sweetness and light at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea set the pace in the Premier League title race. They were scoring goals for fun and Scolari was seen as a breath of fresh air with his jovial manner.
Scolari the showman could outdo Mourinho
However Chelsea’s fortunes unfold on the field during the coming season, the presence of new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari at Stamford Bridge should guarantee no shortage of entertainment off it.
Scolari gave an impressive performance on Tuesday in his first news conference since taking the helm of the London club, speaking in excellent English and providing Chelsea’s fans with exactly the news they wanted to hear about Frank Lampard staying.
Chelsea sack Avram Grant — your views
Chelsea have acted quickly and some might say ruthlessly to their Champions League final defeat by Manchester United, opting on Saturday to sack Avram Grant.
There is no explanation on the Chelsea Web site, but then again none is really needed, I suppose. When you spend so much money on putting together the best team you possibly can, you don’t really want to settle for second place, do you?
