... goal in 11 league and Cup games until Sao Paulo denied them the World Club championship on 18 December. Benficas 2-1 win over Manchester United was a shock result, but one they are unlikely to reproduce. Ronald Koemans side are only sixth in their domestic league and are likely to see their interest in the Champions League come to an end at this stage of the competition.Verdict: Liverpool to qualify at 4/9.

Barcelona vs Chelsea
This was the most "anticipated" draw in terms of a replay of last seasons second phase encounter. Barcelona have won 13 games straight in La Liga, while Chelsea have topped the Premiership since August, losing just one match, against Manchester United, all season. Barcelona have also been unstoppable in Europe, winning five out of the six group. Despite the unquestionable talent at his disposal, Jose Mourinho may find his Chelsea team outgunned this time around.Verdict: Barcelona to qualify at 5/6.

Lyon vs PSV Eindoven
Lyon are a team not to be underestimated in this seasons Champions League and won their group ahead of the glamorous Real Madrid. John Carew is Lyons top goalscorer with four goals while Juninho has laid on three assists. PSV will have their backers but Lyon remained undefeated in the group stage and should edge this encounter.Verdict: Lyon to qualify at 1/2.

Villarreal vs Rangers
An u...more

Soccer Systems of Play, Team Formation and Positional Set up, 4-4-2

...rrying out the plans the coach and players have designed and used as the methods of attack and goal scoring.
These positions have traditionally played these roles. However nowadays the play making comes from anyone and sometimes all the players at any given time.
These inside players have also been more defensive in their general on field play.
This defensive idea is to stop the opposition from creating attacking options.

Forwards;

These are the main ggoooooooooooalll scoring machines. The ones who react to the ball quickly and are able to shoot from any place on the field.
To be effective they should work closely together as a team and pair. To this extent they are sometimes called "twin strikers".
They are also responsible for creating space by making the defenders mark them.
They make the defense leave their zonal resposibilities whereby taking them "out of the game".
<...more

Super Bowl Preview

...cially early on, overthrowing several receivers and tossing too many lollipop passes, one of which Rodney Harrison intercepted in the end zone in the first quarter. Nerves can get to QBs playing in their first Super Bowl with the whole world watching!

The fact that the game is indoors is probably a wash, favoring neither team. Experience is another factor to consider. Even though neither team has Super Bowl experience of late, Id give an edge to the Steelers. Pittsburgh was 16-2 last season and hosted the AFC championship game, losing to the Patriots. That experience factor has helped this postseason, especially since they played three games on the road in hostile environments in cincinnati, indy and Denver. And they played smart, mistake-free football. Seattlemade the playoffs last season, but flamed out in the first round against the Rams. Then, this year, they had an edge with home field, but played two playoff games against teams with several flaws in Washington (little offense) and Carolina (too many injuries, down to their third string back). Also, Seattle doesnt have a lot of big-game experience away f...more

Tampa Bay Devilrays handicapping: 2006 Season Preview

...se Devil Rays were 81-80 (+15 units). They are so bad on the road that their decent home record is masked to bettors to the point that they are actually a decent bet.

The Devil Rays are pitted up against the elite division in all of baseball. The Yankees and Red Sox sit a...more

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