Blackburn Rovers

[Freddy Adu]

[IMG]http://www.*************.com/javaImages/8d/92/0,,12306%7E3314317,00.gif[/IMG]

1	Everton	2	2	6
2	Man City	2	2	6
3	Chelsea	2	2	6
4	Sunderland	2	2	4
5	Newcastle	1	1	3
6	Arsenal	1	1	3
7	Blackburn	1	1	3
8	Liverpool	1	1	3
9	Fulham	2	2	3
10	Wigan Athletic	2	2	3
11	Portsmouth	2	2	2
12	Man Utd	2	2	2
13	Birmingham	2	2	1
14	Derby County	2	2	1
15	Reading	2	2	1
16	Aston Villa	1	1	0
17	Middlesbrough	2	2	0
18	West Ham	1	1	0
19	Bolton	2	2	0
20	Tottenham	2	2	0

Full Table

[Freddy Adu]

[IMG]http://www.*************.com/javaImages/8d/92/0,,12306%7E3314317,00.gif[/IMG]

1	Everton	2	2	6
2	Man City	2	2	6
3	Chelsea	2	2	6
4	Sunderland	2	2	4
5	Newcastle	1	1	3
6	Arsenal	1	1	3
7	Blackburn	1	1	3
8	Liverpool	1	1	3
9	Fulham	2	2	3
10	Wigan Athletic	2	2	3
11	Portsmouth	2	2	2
12	Man Utd	2	2	2
13	Birmingham	2	2	1
14	Derby County	2	2	1
15	Reading	2	2	1
16	Aston Villa	1	1	0
17	Middlesbrough	2	2	0
18	West Ham	1	1	0
19	Bolton	2	2	0
20	Tottenham	2	2	0

Full Table

[Freddy Adu]

[IMG]http://www.*************.com/javaImages/8d/92/0,,12306%7E3314317,00.gif[/IMG]

1	Everton	2	2	6
2	Man City	2	2	6
3	Chelsea	2	2	6
4	Sunderland	2	2	4
5	Newcastle	1	1	3
6	Arsenal	1	1	3
7	Blackburn	1	1	3
8	Liverpool	1	1	3
9	Fulham	2	2	3
10	Wigan Athletic	2	2	3
11	Portsmouth	2	2	2
12	Man Utd	2	2	2
13	Birmingham	2	2	1
14	Derby County	2	2	1
15	Reading	2	2	1
16	Aston Villa	1	1	0
17	Middlesbrough	2	2	0
18	West Ham	1	1	0
19	Bolton	2	2	0
20	Tottenham	2	2	0

Full Table

[Freddy Adu]

[IMG]http://www.*************.com/javaImages/8d/92/0,,12306%7E3314317,00.gif[/IMG]

1	Everton	2	2	6
2	Man City	2	2	6
3	Chelsea	2	2	6
4	Sunderland	2	2	4
5	Newcastle	1	1	3
6	Arsenal	1	1	3
7	Blackburn	1	1	3
8	Liverpool	1	1	3
9	Fulham	2	2	3
10	Wigan Athletic	2	2	3
11	Portsmouth	2	2	2
12	Man Utd	2	2	2
13	Birmingham	2	2	1
14	Derby County	2	2	1
15	Reading	2	2	1
16	Aston Villa	1	1	0
17	Middlesbrough	2	2	0
18	West Ham	1	1	0
19	Bolton	2	2	0
20	Tottenham	2	2	0

Full Table

[Freddy Adu]

[IMG]http://www.*************.com/javaImages/8d/92/0,,12306%7E3314317,00.gif[/IMG]

1	Everton	2	2	6
2	Man City	2	2	6
3	Chelsea	2	2	6
4	Sunderland	2	2	4
5	Newcastle	1	1	3
6	Arsenal	1	1	3
7	Blackburn	1	1	3
8	Liverpool	1	1	3
9	Fulham	2	2	3
10	Wigan Athletic	2	2	3
11	Portsmouth	2	2	2
12	Man Utd	2	2	2
13	Birmingham	2	2	1
14	Derby County	2	2	1
15	Reading	2	2	1
16	Aston Villa	1	1	0
17	Middlesbrough	2	2	0
18	West Ham	1	1	0
19	Bolton	2	2	0
20	Tottenham	2	2	0

Full Table

[Freddy Adu]

[IMG]http://www.*************.com/javaImages/8d/92/0,,12306%7E3314317,00.gif[/IMG]

1	Everton	2	2	6
2	Man City	2	2	6
3	Chelsea	2	2	6
4	Sunderland	2	2	4
5	Newcastle	1	1	3
6	Arsenal	1	1	3
7	Blackburn	1	1	3
8	Liverpool	1	1	3
9	Fulham	2	2	3
10	Wigan Athletic	2	2	3
11	Portsmouth	2	2	2
12	Man Utd	2	2	2
13	Birmingham	2	2	1
14	Derby County	2	2	1
15	Reading	2	2	1
16	Aston Villa	1	1	0
17	Middlesbrough	2	2	0
18	West Ham	1	1	0
19	Bolton	2	2	0
20	Tottenham	2	2	0

Full Table

[Freddy Adu]

Late drama in opening weekend games

Late goals and significant contributions by newcomers to the Barclays Premier League mark the new season.

Spectators were richly entertained in the opening round of matches as spectacular goals and late twists of fate meant no one could take their eyes off any of the games until the final whistles blew up and down the country.
Newly promoted Sunderland scored the first goal of the season - pulling off a shock result against big-spending Tottenham. New £5million signing Michael Chopra came off the substitutes bench to hit the decisive strike with practically the last kick of the game.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made his Barclays Premier League debut as Manchester City manager at Upton Park where his expensively assembled, multi-national side got off to the perfect start with an impressive win against West Ham United. Both City's goals came from new signings - Rolando Bianchi in the first half after impressive work by Elano, before Geovanni put the result beyond doubt in the 87th minute.
After the game Eriksson commented: "We played some really good football - not for 90 minutes because we suffered as well but we started well and the last 15 minutes we did very well again."

spectacular own goal
Liverpool's talismanic captain Steven Gerrard was another late scorer as his superb 87th minute free kick proved the winner against Aston Villa. Liverpool had gone ahead in the 31st minute when the luckless Martin Laursen hit a spectacular own goal, deflecting Dirk Kuyt's cross past keeper Stuart Taylor.
Elsewhere other teams widely expected to be challenging for the top of the table did not have it all their own way. Chelsea were made to work hard for three points in a five-goal thriller against Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge. And Arsenal were given a fright after just 52 seconds when a horrendous mistake from goalkeeper Jens Lehman gifted Fulham debutant David Healy an easy goal. The Cottagers' keeper Tony Warner, on as a late substitute for Anti Niemi who was injured in the warm-up, pulled off a string of fine saves before a Robin van Persie penalty in the 94th minute brought matters level ahead of a dramatic last minute winner from Alexander Hleb - securing the points for the Gunners.
But perhaps the biggest shock came at Old Trafford where last season's champions Manchester United were held in the weekend's only goalless draw by Reading who made the Red Devil's work hard against resolute man-for-man marking. Reading's Dave Kitson earned himself the unwanted statistic of being the season's first sending-off - lasting just 37 seconds after coming on as a substitute - a high tackle on Patrice Evra bringing out referee Rob Styles' red card.

long range strike
Newcastle United manager - Sam Allardyce - went back to former club Bolton Wanderers and looked on proudly as his new charges raced into a 3-0 half time lead. Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins led the way with two goals, the first a stunning overhead kick followed by a deflected long range strike. Bolton rallied in the second half with a goal from Nicolas Anelka but the Newcastle defence held firm for the rest of the game.
Afterwards Allardyce was full of praise for his players: "The application by the players was terrific and I think that the quality of the finishing was the difference between the two teams. I'm not sure what level these players are at yet but they are starting to hit a standard I don't want them to drop."
Blackburn Rovers came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at the Riverside. New signing Roque Santa Cruz scored within minutes of coming off the bench to equalise before another substitute - England Under-21 star Matt Derbyshire - scored a spectacular goal with just his third touch.

unstoppable header
Barclays Premier League newcomers Derby County shared the points in a four-goal thriller with Portsmouth at Pride Park as they got their campaign off to a creditable start. Pompey had countered the Rams early goal with two of their own before another debut man Andy Todd - son of former Derby player and manager Colin - powered an unstoppable header into the top of the net in the 84th minute.

In the remaining match of the weekend Everton built up a two-nil lead over Wigan Athletic before an 80th minute goal from yet another debutant - Antoine Sibierski - made it a nervous last ten minutes for the Toffees.

[Freddy Adu]

Late drama in opening weekend games

Late goals and significant contributions by newcomers to the Barclays Premier League mark the new season.

Spectators were richly entertained in the opening round of matches as spectacular goals and late twists of fate meant no one could take their eyes off any of the games until the final whistles blew up and down the country.
Newly promoted Sunderland scored the first goal of the season - pulling off a shock result against big-spending Tottenham. New £5million signing Michael Chopra came off the substitutes bench to hit the decisive strike with practically the last kick of the game.
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson made his Barclays Premier League debut as Manchester City manager at Upton Park where his expensively assembled, multi-national side got off to the perfect start with an impressive win against West Ham United. Both City's goals came from new signings - Rolando Bianchi in the first half after impressive work by Elano, before Geovanni put the result beyond doubt in the 87th minute.
After the game Eriksson commented: "We played some really good football - not for 90 minutes because we suffered as well but we started well and the last 15 minutes we did very well again."

spectacular own goal
Liverpool's talismanic captain Steven Gerrard was another late scorer as his superb 87th minute free kick proved the winner against Aston Villa. Liverpool had gone ahead in the 31st minute when the luckless Martin Laursen hit a spectacular own goal, deflecting Dirk Kuyt's cross past keeper Stuart Taylor.
Elsewhere other teams widely expected to be challenging for the top of the table did not have it all their own way. Chelsea were made to work hard for three points in a five-goal thriller against Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge. And Arsenal were given a fright after just 52 seconds when a horrendous mistake from goalkeeper Jens Lehman gifted Fulham debutant David Healy an easy goal. The Cottagers' keeper Tony Warner, on as a late substitute for Anti Niemi who was injured in the warm-up, pulled off a string of fine saves before a Robin van Persie penalty in the 94th minute brought matters level ahead of a dramatic last minute winner from Alexander Hleb - securing the points for the Gunners.
But perhaps the biggest shock came at Old Trafford where last season's champions Manchester United were held in the weekend's only goalless draw by Reading who made the Red Devil's work hard against resolute man-for-man marking. Reading's Dave Kitson earned himself the unwanted statistic of being the season's first sending-off - lasting just 37 seconds after coming on as a substitute - a high tackle on Patrice Evra bringing out referee Rob Styles' red card.

long range strike
Newcastle United manager - Sam Allardyce - went back to former club Bolton Wanderers and looked on proudly as his new charges raced into a 3-0 half time lead. Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins led the way with two goals, the first a stunning overhead kick followed by a deflected long range strike. Bolton rallied in the second half with a goal from Nicolas Anelka but the Newcastle defence held firm for the rest of the game.
Afterwards Allardyce was full of praise for his players: "The application by the players was terrific and I think that the quality of the finishing was the difference between the two teams. I'm not sure what level these players are at yet but they are starting to hit a standard I don't want them to drop."
Blackburn Rovers came from behind to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 at the Riverside. New signing Roque Santa Cruz scored within minutes of coming off the bench to equalise before another substitute - England Under-21 star Matt Derbyshire - scored a spectacular goal with just his third touch.

unstoppable header
Barclays Premier League newcomers Derby County shared the points in a four-goal thriller with Portsmouth at Pride Park as they got their campaign off to a creditable start. Pompey had countered the Rams early goal with two of their own before another debut man Andy Todd - son of former Derby player and manager Colin - powered an unstoppable header into the top of the net in the 84th minute.

In the remaining match of the weekend Everton built up a two-nil lead over Wigan Athletic before an 80th minute goal from yet another debutant - Antoine Sibierski - made it a nervous last ten minutes for the Toffees.

[carpediem33880]

English Premier League
Table Table 2007-08 Table Team GP W D L Pts GF GA GD Everton 2 2 0 0 6 5 2 3 Manchester City 2 2 0 0 6 3 0 3 Chelsea 2 2 0 0 6 5 3 2 Sunderland 2 1 1 0 4 3 2 1 Newcastle United 1 1 0 0 3 3 1 2 Arsenal 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 Liverpool 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 Blackburn 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 Fulham 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 0 Wigan Athletic FC 2 1 0 1 3 2 2 0 Portsmouth 2 0 2 0 2 3 3 0 Manchester United 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 0 Birmingham City 2 0 1 1 1 4 5 -1 Derby County 2 0 1 1 1 2 3 -1 Reading 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 -1 Aston Villa 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 -1 Middlesbrough 2 0 0 2 0 1 3 -2 West Ham United 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 -2 Bolton 2 0 0 2 0 2 5 -3 Tottenham 2 0 0 2 0 1 4 -3

[carpediem33880]

England - Premier League
14:44	August 19
56'	Manchester C.	1 - 0	Manchester U.
15:00	Blackburn R.	? - ?	Arsenal
16:00	Liverpool	? - ?	Chelsea

[carpediem33880]

England - Premier League
20:49	August 19
FT	Manchester C.	1 - 0	Manchester U.
FT	Blackburn R.	1 - 1	Arsenal
FT	Liverpool	1 - 1	Chelsea

[carpediem33880]

English Premier League
Table Table 2007-08 Table Team GP W D L Pts GF GA GD Wigan Athletic FC 3 2 0 1 6 5 2 3 Manchester City 2 2 0 0 6 3 0 3 Chelsea 2 2 0 0 6 5 3 2 Everton 3 2 0 1 6 5 3 2 Portsmouth 3 1 2 0 5 6 4 2 Newcastle United 2 1 1 0 4 3 1 2 Reading 3 1 1 1 4 2 2 0 Sunderland 3 1 1 1 4 3 5 -2 Tottenham 3 1 0 2 3 5 4 1 Arsenal 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 Liverpool 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 Blackburn 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 1 Fulham 3 1 0 2 3 4 5 -1 Middlesbrough 3 1 0 2 3 3 4 -1 West Ham United 2 1 0 1 3 1 2 -1 Manchester United 2 0 2 0 2 1 1 0 Aston Villa 2 0 1 1 1 1 2 -1 Birmingham City 3 0 1 2 1 4 6 -2 Derby County 3 0 1 2 1 2 7 -5 Bolton 3 0 0 3 0 3 8 -5

[Freddy Adu]

Everton vs Blackburn

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 4

Everton Blackburn

Date 2007-08-25 17h15 City Liverpool Stadium Goodison Park Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
PL	Everton	1-0	Blackburn	Premier League 2006/2007
FA	Everton	1-4	Blackburn	The FA Cup 2006/2007
PL	Everton	1-0	Blackburn	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Everton	0-1	Blackburn	Premier League 2004/05
PL	Everton	0-1	Blackburn	Premier League 2003/2004
PL	Everton	2-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2002/03
PL	Everton	1-2	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2001/02
PL	Everton	0-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1998/99
PL	Everton	1-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1997/98
PL	Everton	0-2	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1996/97

[Amo-te Benfica]

Blackburn's manager says Benni McCarthy will stay:

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes Benni McCarthy has settled for another season at Ewood Park.



The South African finished last season as second in the Premier League goalscoring charts, in a superb debut campaign in England that attracted interest from elsewhere.


Jose Mourinho, who worked with McCarthy at Porto, was credited as holding an interest, before electing to pep up Chelsea's attack with the signing of Claudio Pizzaro.


And now the speculation has died down somewhat with regards a move, Hughes is confident McCarthy will still be a Blackburn player come the end of the season.


Benni at crossroads

"Benni had an outstanding season last season, and that's why there was a real determination on our part to make sure he was in a position to have another one this year," said Hughes.

"I think he's excited by what we've done with the squad in the close season, and he knows himself that he's at a good club, and he's got an opportunity to be successful here, so I think he's quite calm about the situation, and he's glad to be here."


Board backing

Several members of Hughes' squad have courted attention but the Welshman believes his board will be able to keep his team intact.

He added: "I've been given the backing of my chairman and the board and they said I didn't have to sell anyone, and that's the case.

"They've been good to their word and I haven't wanted to sell anyone either.

"We've still got a week to go but I'm not too concerned about people leaving, and certainly less so than I was about a month ago."

Source: Sky Sports | Home

[Amo-te Benfica]

Almost half time and Blackburn have the lead through Roque Santa Cruz:

Everton [0 - 1] Blackburn R.

6' A. Ooijer (Yellow card)

15' [0 - 1] R.S. Cruz

[Freddy Adu]

FT		Everton [1 - 1] Blackburn R.
6'			A. Ooijer
15'	[0 - 1]		R.S. Cruz
78'	[1 - 1]	J. McFadden
89'			M.G. Pedersen

Late goal by Everton keeps them up and gets them 1 point.

[Freddy Adu]

Standings
		Total							Home						Away
Pos.	Team	Points	G	W	D	L	F	A	G	W	D	L	F	A	G	W	D	L	F	A
1	Chelsea	10	4	3	1	0	7	4	2	2	0	0	4	2	2	1	1	0	3	2		Fixtures
2	Man. City	9	4	3	0	1	4	1	2	2	0	0	2	0	2	1	0	1	2	1		Fixtures
3	Everton	7	4	2	1	1	6	4	2	1	1	0	3	2	2	1	0	1	3	2		Fixtures
4	Liverpool	7	3	2	1	0	5	2	1	0	1	0	1	1	2	2	0	0	4	1		Fixtures
5	Arsenal	7	3	2	1	0	4	2	2	2	0	0	3	1	1	0	1	0	1	1		Fixtures
6	Wigan Ath.	7	4	2	1	1	6	3	2	2	0	0	4	0	2	0	1	1	2	3		Fixtures
7	Blackburn	5	3	1	2	0	4	3	1	0	1	0	1	1	2	1	1	0	3	2		Fixtures
8	Portsmouth	5	4	1	2	1	6	5	2	1	1	0	4	2	2	0	1	1	2	3		Fixtures
9	West Ham	4	3	1	1	1	2	3	2	0	1	1	1	3	1	1	0	0	1	0		Fixtures
10	Sunderland	4	4	1	1	2	3	7	2	1	0	1	1	2	2	0	1	1	2	5		Fixtures
11	Newcastle	4	2	1	1	0	3	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	3	1		Fixtures
12	Aston Villa	4	3	1	1	1	3	3	2	1	0	1	3	3	1	0	1	0	0	0		Fixtures
13	Birmingham	4	4	1	1	2	6	7	2	0	1	1	2	3	2	1	0	1	4	4		Fixtures
14	Reading	4	4	1	1	2	2	5	2	1	cPanel®	1	2	2	2	cPanel®	1	1	cPanel®	3		Fixtures
15	Middlesbrough	3	3	1	0	2	3	4	1	0	0	1	1	2	2	1	0	1	2	2		Fixtures
16	Fulham	3	4	1	0	3	5	7	2	1	0	1	3	3	2	0	0	2	2	4		Fixtures
17	Tottenham	3	3	1	0	2	5	4	2	1	0	1	5	3	1	0	0	1	0	1		Fixtures
18	Bolton	3	4	1	0	3	6	8	2	1	0	1	4	3	2	0	0	2	2	5		Fixtures
19	Man.United	2	3	0	2	1	1	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	2	0	1	1	1	2		Fixtures
20	Derby County	1	4	0	1	3	3	9	2	0	1	1	3	4	2	0	0	2	0	5		Fixtures

[Freddy Adu]

Everton 1-1 Blackburn

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 4

Everton Blackburn

Date 2007-08-25 17h15 City Liverpool Stadium Goodison Park Referee

24 Tim Howard 2 Tony Hibbert 63' 3 Leighton Baines 4 Joseph Yobo 15 Alan Stubbs 46' 6 Mikel Arteta 18 Phil Neville 21 Leon Osman 26 Lee Carsley 40' 8 Andrew Johnson 11 James McFadden 78' 33 Stefan Wessels 5 Joleon Lescott 46' 16 Phil Jagielka 40' 20 Steven Pienaar 28 Victor Anichebe 63'

Brad Friedel 1 6' André Ooijer 2 Steven Warnock 3 Christopher Samba 4 Brett Emerton 7 Robbie Savage 8 89' Morten Pedersen 12 85' David Dunn 19 15' 89' Roque Santa Cruz 9 73' Benni McCarthy 10 David Bentley 11 Jason Brown 32 85' Aaron Mokoena 15 Tugay Kerimoglu 5 73' Matt Derbyshire 27 89' Jason Roberts 30

[Freddy Adu]

Valencia unveil Benfica midfielder Fernandes
Manuel Fernandes has been presented as a Valencia player after snubbing Everton to complete his move from Benfica.

The 21-year-old Portugal midfielder has penned a six-year contract with Valencia and is set to be the Primera Liga club's final capture of the summer.

Fernandes, who came through the youth ranks at Benfica before having loan spells with Portsmouth and Everton, said: 'I thank Valencia for their confidence and hope to be in my new team for many years.

'I have spoken before with Miguel (Valencia's Portuguese full-back), and he has told me that it is a great club, with the possibility to grow.'

Fernandes, who Spanish media are reporting will cost his new club 18million euros (£12.2million), knows he faces a challenge to earn a starting spot at star-studded Valencia, but that is what he has set his sights on.

'It is never easy. I respect my team-mates, but I have come here to play and to be a starter,' he added.

'I am a player for the centre of the field, a team player. I am combative and I hope to help the team, I play for my team-mates.'

Everton had thought they had sorted out a deal to take Fernandes to Goodison Park on a permanent basis but after watching their home 1-1 draw with Blackburn on Saturday he opted to move to Spain.

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn vs Man. City

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 5

Blackburn Man. City

Date 2007-09-02 15h00 City Blackburn Stadium Ewood Park Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
FA	Blackburn	2-0	Man. City	The FA Cup 2006/2007
PL	Blackburn	4-2	Man. City	Premier League 2006/2007
PL	Blackburn	2-0	Man. City	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Blackburn	0-0	Man. City	Premier League 2004/05
PL	Blackburn	2-3	Man. City	Premier League 2003/2004
PL	Blackburn	1-0	Man. City	Liga Inglesa 2002/03
PL	Blackburn	2-0	Man. City	Liga Inglesa 1995/96
PL	Blackburn	2-3	Man. City	Liga Inglesa 1994/95
PL	Blackburn	2-0	Man. City	Liga Inglesa 1993/94
PL	Blackburn	1-0	Man. City	Liga Inglesa 1992/93

[Freddy Adu]

Please use this gamethread to only post score/goal updates.
Please keep the commentary and the pre/post game chat to this thread:
Blackburn vs Man. City

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham heading for Cyprus in Uefa Cup


Tottenham Hotspur received the most appealling tie for the British clubs drawn in the first round of the Uefa Cup. The north London team take on Anorthosis Famagusta from Cyprus.
Blackburn Rovers will also travel to the Mediterranean to take on Larissa, of Greece.
Bolton Wanderers, Everton and Aberdeen will journey to Eastern Europe in their ties, taking on FK Rabotnicki (Macedonia), Metalist Kharkiv (Ukraine) and Dnipro (Ukraine) respectively.

First round draw:

FC Midtjylland v Lokomotiv Moscow
FC Groningen v Fiorentina
Rabotnicki Kometal v Bolton Wanderers
AEK Athens/Seville v SV Red Bull
Nurnberg v Rapid Bucuresti
Everton v FC Metalist Kharkiv

Zenit St Petersburg v Standard Liege
Bayer Leverkusen v Uniao Leiria
Villarreal v BATE
FC Sion v Galatasaray
Atletico Madrid v Kayseri Erciye
Bordeaux v Tampere United
Panathinaikos v Artmedia Bratisl
Sparta Prague v Odense BK
FC Zurich v Empoli
Sochaux v Panionios
Rapid Vienna v Anderlecht
Pacos Ferreira v AZ
Sampdoria v AaB Alborg
Spartak Moscow v BK Hacken
Hammarby v Braga
Larissa v Blackburn Rovers
Mlada Boleslav v Palermo
Dinamo Zagreb v Ajax
Rennes v Lokomotiv Sofia
SK Brann v Club Brugge
Bayern Munich v Belenenses
Aberdeen v Dnipro
Heerenveen v Helsingborgs IF
Toulouse v CSKA Sofia
Hamburg v Litex Lovech
FK Sarajevo v Basle
FK Austria Magna v Valerenga
AIK Solna v Hapoel Tel Aviv
Aris Salonika v Real Zaragoza
Dinamo Bucuresti v IF Elfsborg
Tottenham Hotspur v Anorthosis Famagusta
Lens v FC Copenhagen
Getafe v FC Twente
Groclin Dyskobolia v Crvena Zvez

[Freddy Adu]

Tottenham target European silver

TOTTENHAM Hotspur believe they can build on the experience of last season and win the UEFA Cup next May.

Spurs were knocked out by eventual winners Sevilla in the quarter-finals and, following yesterday's first-round draw in Monaco, will kick off the new European campaign against Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta, who have former Southampton striker Marian Pahars in their ranks.

Tottenham's sporting director Damien Comolli said: "They won their domestic cup and came third in their league so they must be a decent team. For us the UEFA Cup is a big thing and we will try to do better than last year.

"We were all frustrated that we didn't go through against Seville because everyone knew whoever would win that tie would probably win the competition and that's what happened."

Like Aberdeen, Everton are heading for Ukraine after being paired with Metalist Kharkiv, who finished third in their domestic league last season.

Keith Wyness, Everton's chief executive, said: "They are obviously pretty handy but we are also stronger and we are focused on staying longer in Europe this season. We have big plans ahead for the club and part of that is going further in Europe."

David Moyes' side will play the first-leg of the tie at Goodison Park.

Blackburn Rovers will play Greek cup winners Larissa, managed by former Rovers winger Georgios Donis, and who have former Everton striker Ibrahima Bakayoko in the squad.

Manager Mark Hughes said: "We are pleased with the draw and it is not the hardest draw we could have had. Zagreb was the team in our section I think everybody would have wanted to avoid. The trip to Greece will be difficult because they usually have a vociferous crowd and the away tie will be key."

Bolton Wanderers, the final of England's four representatives, are up against Macedonian league runners-up FK Rabotnicki.

Elsewhere in the first-round draw, Bayern Munich, who won the competition in 1996 and missed out on a Champions League spot after finishing fourth in the Bundesliga last season, will start their campaign against Portugal's Belenenses. Fellow favourites Ajax Amsterdam were handed an intriguing tie with Dinamo Zagreb.

Sweden's BK Hacken, conquerors of Dunfermline on Thursday, will play Spartak Moscow of Russia, who were knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by Celtic.

[Freddy Adu]

Bolton 1 Everton 2


1/ 9/2007

BOLTON manager Sammy Lee named an unchanged line-up following his side's 3-0 victory over Reading last Saturday at the Reebok Stadium.

Visitors Everton showed four changes to the team that drew at home to Blackburn a week ago, with £11.25million club record signing Ayegbeni Yakubu handed his debut.

Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar were awarded their first starts following summer moves from Sheffield United and Borussia Dortmund - the latter on loan - while Joleon Lescott was restored to the starting line-up in place of the injured Alan Stubbs.

Clearly buoyed by the victory over the Royals, Bolton dominated possession for the opening five minutes, penning Everton inside their own half but unable to create a chance.

A sixth-minute breakaway culminated in Andy Johnson being brought down five yards outside the area by Gerald Cid, only for Mikel Arteta to balloon the resulting free-kick horribly wide.

Then four minutes later Yakubu made the perfect start to his Everton career by finishing a swift Everton counter-attack.

Breaking away down the right, the ball fell to Johnson who first rode a challenge from Cid before powering into the area and laying off a pass for Yakubu to tap home from eight yards.

It was the Nigerian's first goal since February 24, ending a 14-game barren spell with Middlesbrough prior to joining Everton this week.

Bolton responded immediately, with a cleared ball out of the visitors' defence falling to Mikel Alonso for a first-time shot which Tim Howard clawed away to his right.

Lee's side then appeared to have a clear case for a penalty when El Hadji Diouf was brought down in the area by Lee Carsley.

Judgement

Referee Peter Walton instantly waved away appeals, much to Diouf's anger, although replays proved the Northamptonshire official was correct with his judgment.

Moments later a long throw from Nicky Hunt was flicked on by Kevin Davies for Diouf who trapped the ball on his chest, but his volley on the turn cleared the crossbar.

Lee made one change at half-time, replacing Cid with Andy O'Brien to give the centre-back a debut following his summer move from Portsmouth, and his first Premier League appearance since December 30 - which by coincidence was against Bolton.

From the restart there was no let up in pressure from Bolton, and in the 55th minute they finally gained their reward.

Diouf was the supplier with a lofted ball in from the left and, although Jagielka headed clear, Nicolas Anelka was on hand to volley home the equaliser off the underside of the crossbar.

It was the perfect way for the France striker to celebrate his signing of a new four-year contract earlier this week which keeps him at the Reebok Stadium until 2011.

After Christian Wilhelmsson replaced Gavin McCann a minute later, Bolton should have taken the lead on the hour.

Again Diouf provided the delivery from the left to the far side of the box where captain Kevin Nolan had peeled away from Lescott, but he skewed wide his own attempt at a volley.

Thomas Gravesen, signed yesterday on loan from Celtic, then made his second 'debut' for Everton in the 61st minute when he replaced Carsley.

Pienaar followed in the 70th minute, with Osman coming on, just seconds after firing a close-range volley narrowly wide.

Johnson should have made it 2-1 in the 73rd minute after an error from Abdoulaye Meite, but the centre-back redeemed himself by just doing enough to put off the England striker as he stabbed a shot goalwards that was helped past the post by Jaaskelainen.

Meite then forced a reaction save from Howard seven minutes later as the game now swung from end to end, before Osman then sidefooted over the bar from 12 yards after a pull back from Arteta.

Then, just 75 seconds from the end of normal time, Lescott grabbed the winner as he rose in between O'Brien and Jlloyd Samuel to nod home a Gravesen corner.

[Oscar Cardozo]

FT		Blackburn R. [1 - 0] Manchester C.
7'	[1 - 0]	B. McCarthy
11'			R. Dunne
48'		D. Dunn
52'		K. Tugay
53'		M.G. Pedersen
56'		D. Bentley
56'		K. Tugay
65'			R. Dunne
77'		C.S. Veijeany

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea vs Blackburn

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 6

Chelsea Blackburn

Date 2007-09-15 17h15 City London Stadium Stamford Bridge Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
PL	Chelsea	3-0	Blackburn	Premier League 2006/2007
PL	Chelsea	4-2	Blackburn	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Chelsea	4-0	Blackburn	Premier League 2004/05
PL	Chelsea	2-2	Blackburn	Premier League 2003/2004
PL	Chelsea	1-2	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2002/03
PL	Chelsea	0-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2001/02
PL	Chelsea	1-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1998/99
PL	Chelsea	0-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1997/98
PL	Chelsea	1-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1996/97
PL	Chelsea	2-3	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1995/96

[Freddy Adu]

Chelsea vs Blackburn

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 6

Chelsea Blackburn

Date 2007-09-15 17h15 City London Stadium Stamford Bridge Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
PL	Chelsea	3-0	Blackburn	Premier League 2006/2007
PL	Chelsea	4-2	Blackburn	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Chelsea	4-0	Blackburn	Premier League 2004/05
PL	Chelsea	2-2	Blackburn	Premier League 2003/2004
PL	Chelsea	1-2	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2002/03
PL	Chelsea	0-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2001/02
PL	Chelsea	1-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1998/99
PL	Chelsea	0-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1997/98
PL	Chelsea	1-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1996/97
PL	Chelsea	2-3	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1995/96

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn vs Portsmouth

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 7

Blackburn Portsmouth

Date 2007-09-22 15h00 City Blackburn Stadium Ewood Park Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
PL	Blackburn	3-0	Portsmouth	Premier League 2006/2007
PL	Blackburn	2-1	Portsmouth	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Blackburn	1-0	Portsmouth	Premier League 2004/05
PL	Blackburn	1-2	Portsmouth	Premier League 2003/2004
PL	Blackburn	2-1	Portsmouth	Liga Inglesa 1958/59
PL	Blackburn	1-0	Portsmouth	Liga Inglesa 1947/48
PL	Blackburn	0-1	Portsmouth	Liga Inglesa 1946/47
PL	Blackburn	3-1	Portsmouth	Liga Inglesa 1935/36
PL	Blackburn	0-0	Portsmouth	Liga Inglesa 1934/35
PL	Blackburn	3-2	Portsmouth	Liga Inglesa 1933/34

[Freddy Adu]

Sunderland vs Blackburn

Premier League 2007/2008 | Campeonato | Day 8

Sunderland Blackburn

Date 2007-09-29 15h00 City Sunderland Stadium Stadium of Light Referee

Last Matches

League	Home	Result	Away	Tournament
PL	Sunderland	0-1	Blackburn	Premier League 2005/2006
PL	Sunderland	0-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2002/03
PL	Sunderland	1-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 2001/02
PL	Sunderland	0-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1996/97
PL	Sunderland	1-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1965/66
PL	Sunderland	1-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1964/65
PL	Sunderland	0-1	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1947/48
PL	Sunderland	1-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1946/47
PL	Sunderland	7-2	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1935/36
PL	Sunderland	3-0	Blackburn	Liga Inglesa 1934/35

[D. Stankovic]

I hate Chelsea, and I want to see Blackburn win. Impossible, yet achieveable.

Dejan Stankovic's tips:

Blackburn 1 - 0 Chelsea