Sunday, August 14, 2011

The Best Racer Casey Stoner - Czech MotoGP Champions

The Best Racer Casey Stoner - Czech MotoGP Champions - Casey Stoner (born in Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia, October 16, 1985, age 25 years old) is a MotoGP rider from Australia. Currently, he joined Repsol Honda team with Daniel Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso. He began his motor racing debut as a wild card rider at Donington Park Circuit, the British Grand Prix 125cc class in 2001. After several years of a career in the 125cc and 250cc, Stoner and then go to the MotoGP class in 2006 with the LCR Honda team. Peak of his career occurred in 2007 when he joined with Ducati Marlboro after he was able to become world champions for the first time. His achievement was, in the 2008 season, Stoner was awarded the title of Young Australian of the Year by the Australian government.
 

Personal

Casey Stoner was the second child of the couple Colin Stoner (an itinerant painter who often become amateur motor racing driver) and Bronwyn. Casey had a sister named Kelly Stoner, who is also a hobby and often fall in the local amateur motor racing event. Ever since I was little, Stoner had known motorcycle albeit in limited touch or stylish like a racer. He had his first motorcycle at age 4 years try after taught by his brother. 

In 1993, Stoner family later moved from Southport to the Kurri Kurri in New South Wales in its efforts to support the efforts and spirit of small Stoner in following the race. Casey Stoner also had to attend school until the age of 12 years before then come out and prefer to home schooling in 1997. In 1999, after seeing a big opportunity for Stoner to a career as a racer, the family decided to move to England.  Where they got hit by confusion because they do not have the money to pay for apartment rent and taxes and forced to live in a caravan.

Casey Stoner currently lives in Monte Carlo, Monaco, where his family still often commute Australia-English-Monaco. Stoner himself had mentioned that in just one year he could return to the homeland in Australia, namely during the Australian MotoGP race.

Family and Friends

Casey Stoner was first met with Adriana Tuchyna from Adelaide in the Australian MotoGP race of 2003. It was Stoner gave his signature in the stomach Adriana, after the Australian women was "a bit" forced Stoner to want to sign her stomach. The relationship between Stoner and Adriana began in 2005 when Adriana was 16 years old. Later in 2007, the couple agreed to marry. Subject of this marriage, Stoner had said that:
"I would prefer tradition as ancient society, because as you know now famous Australian young life that is free will habits. I still want to maintain the past traditions of Australia, and that's why there is no other way for me besides Adriana woo the fine rather than do things that are less praiseworthy. "

Outside the race, Casey Stoner, including people-friendly and has many friends. One close friend is Kimi Raikkonen Stoner. They first met in the event an annual family ski Ferrari and Ducati in early 2007. Kimi said that Stoner had a great ability and can become world champion when the time is right. In their second meeting in 2008, when Kimi and Stoner bearing the official world championships, both drivers are absolutely never thought, wishful thinking when they join a new team that is still alien culture turned out sweet fruit culture, namely the world title.
Two other friends Stoner is Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher. Alonso and Stoner met on a similar annual ski event in early 2010, and then Stoner success troublesome Alonso in a car race on ice. After the race, Alonso was judged that Stoner although fairly common with four-wheel racing world, but he was able to adapt quickly and can compete with the seniors who have more experience with four-wheel racing. Meanwhile, the beginning of the meeting and friendship with Schumi Stoner started in mid-2008 when Schumacher test the Ducati Desmosedici Stoner's. At that time, Schumacher is also not shy to ask his Ducati motorcycle characteristics to Stoner, Stoner with friendly and helped Schumacher during testing takes place.

Criticism and Controversy

Stoner is known as a racer who easily disappointed if he lost or exposed to criticism from others. In 2007, he had been exposed to harsh criticism from the community to dominate in MotoGP after a successful first half of the season. Stoner's MotoGP fans saw success at that time based on the appearance of a good motor and tires than Stoner's own talent. Later in the two races of the British GP in 2007 and 2008, Stoner was despised by the fans by noisily shouted as he emerged from the garage.

In 2008 also, Stoner was getting harsh criticism from a health organization in Australia around the Ducati team who prefer working with cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris (Marlboro). The health organization said Stoner, who is an athlete and non-smokers chose the wrong move by joining a team that promotes tobacco products in a sports competition.
 
Early Career

Junior Race

Stoner tested the first race at age four in a class of land races U9 (under age 9) Mike Hatcher at the race track is located on the Gold Coast, Australia. From the age of nine to 14 years, Stoner won 41 local races and 70 races between Australian states.

Stoner also had time to follow the race of super-busy for more than a week, when he followed five different racing classes in a race to race 35 races. Stoner himself participated in 32 of 35 races in five different classes, and he was later able to win five classes.

Due to the minimum age to race in Australia is 16 years, Stoner moved to England, where there a minimum age to get a racing license is 14 years. From 2000 to 2002, Stoner and then participate in the national championship race in the British 125cc motorcycle and Spain. Stoner then managed to win the title Aprilia British Motor Racing Championship in 2000. His appearance is impressive and engaging driver team manager Lucio Cecchinello, which then provides the opportunity Stoner British GP race down in 2001 as a wild card, before finally in 2002, Stoner fell full on the MotoGP 250cc class with LCR Racing.

125cc and 250cc

In 2003, still with the LCR Racing, Stoner and then fell in the 125cc class. Supported by Aprilia, Stoner has recorded four times a podium finish, three of which are perennial powerhouses second position in Germany, Brazil, and the Pacific as well as a victory that he managed to achieve in Valencia at the end of the season. With this result, Stoner then managed to sit at P8 standings with a value of 125 points.

2004 season, parting with Stoner LCR Racing and joined the Red Bull KTM team. In this season he won only one race is in Malaysia. But he could still be entertained by finishing second twice and three times finished third. Position standings Stoner in the 2004 season with 145 points is P5.

In 2005, Stoner returned to the 250cc class and re-partnering with Team LCR Aprilia Racing and the manufacturer. Riding a motorcycle with manufacturer specifications, Stoner appeared as the main challenger Daniel Pedrosa and Honda, and even Stoner also has several opportunities to become leaders. Stoner himself managed to win in Portugal, China, Malaysia, and Qatar. Apesnya, while racing in front of the public house itself, which is the Australian GP, ​​Stoner had an accident, and forced to forget his dream of becoming world champion in 250cc in 2005 despite once again able Stoner won the race in Turkey. Stoner then managed to finish as runners-up 250cc championship in 2005 with a value of 254 points.

MotoGP career

LCR Honda (2006)

The fall of 2005, Stoner said to have pocketed an official contract with Yamaha's Valentino Rossi to be a companion in the 2006 season. But then Yamaha cancel the fabric of cooperation, and could make Casey Stoner was disappointed. In January 2006, Stoner and then try again invite Lucio Checchinello to want to become supporters for the fall race in the MotoGP class in 2006. Checchinello then agrees, and he immediately contacted the HRC and filed a proposal renting units Honda RC211V for the 2006 season. Honda necessarily agree, and be cooperative and Checchinello Stoner continued in the 2006 season in the MotoGP class.

Stoner in the MotoGP class debut in the series starts in Jerez Spain, where he finished in P6. In the next race in Qatar, Stoner directly mengebrak by grabbing pole position, but during the race he was only able to finish P5. Stoner then went on a brilliant performance by almost won in Turkey before making a fatal mistake in the last lap which caused him to fail to win the race and had to settle for P2 behind Marco Melandri. In the mid-season, Stoner later appeared unstable and did a lot of mistakes led to the accident. Even so, he performed quite well in the 2006 season with a finish in the standings with 119 points P8.

Ducati Marlboro (2007-2010)

Honda made a fatal mistake at the end of 2006 with no binding long term contracts with Stoner managed to put to good use by the Ducati, who finally managed to sign Stoner for the 2007 season., [In the 2007 season alone Stoner, Loris Capirossi joined together at the Italian team . Stoner replace Sete Gibernau who was fired because his performance judged less convincing and tended to decrease.

With the new Ducati Desmosedici GP7 weapons are designed to meet the new regulations MotoGP 800cc, Stoner appear extraordinary in 2007. Stoner started the season with a spectacular victory in Qatar and then he continued in Turkey and China.  He then managed to win 10 races (including a hat trick in the U.S., the Czech and San Marino) and won six poles, which then drove him to world title MotoGP 2007 by a margin of 125 points over second place Daniel Pedrosa.  The position of the worst finish is achieved Stoner at Motegi Grand Prix, when he finished the P6 and confirm themselves as a world champion in 2007.

2008 season, Stoner struggled to defend his world champion title. He won the season-opening victory in Qatar. He later appeared normal in Spain and Portugal, and a new back on the podium at the Chinese Grand Prix. After performing poorly in France, he then climbed the podium in Italy  before then recorded a hat trick in England victory (with the lead from start to finish)  the Netherlands (the same as in England)  and Germany (assisted accident experienced Pedrosa). With this result Stoner managed to climb back into the P1 standings, but then fall back position after a fall at Laguna Seca while leading the race before eventually bounce back and finish second.  Furthermore, in Brno and Misano, Stoner failed to finish due to damage to the motor which ended in failure to retain world title. Stoner then had to settle for runners-up appear behind Valentino Rossi winning the points standings with a total of as much as 280 points.

2009 season, Stoner still survive in the Ducati and now he was accompanied by a new racer and former world champion, Nicky Hayden. Stoner also agreed to extend his contract for one year with Ducati in 2010.  Through a tight battle in Qatar against the Fiat Yamaha duo of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, Stoner won the season-opening race in Qatar, before he suffered a strange illness that cause fatigue every time a race. As a result, he must be satisfied in P3 standings when the race entered the U.S. GP at Laguna Seca. The results of the examination the doctor then concluded Stoner suffering from acute anemia disease and stomach disorders. As the recovery effort itself, Stoner then announced that for the three races in round 11, 12, and 13 he will be out of the race , and Finn Mika Kallio was appointed as a temporary replacement. After full recovery from his illness, Stoner returned to race in Portugal and directly record a second podium. Then in Australia and Malaysia, Stoner made it back to victory lane. Misfortune then came back to Stoner in the closing race in Valencia. After reaching the pole in qualifying, Stoner appeared confident for the race before he fell because of unforced errors on lap warm-up. Stoner finished fourth in 2009 standings with 220 points.
In 2010 pre-season test session, Casey Stoner clocked the fastest time again in one session of six training sessions held, where the other five are dominated by Valentino Rossi. Later in the 2010 season opening race in Qatar, Stoner was once again recorded a pole position and had led the race before finally foundered in mid-race due to too eager.  Once again foundered due to similar errors in France , Stoner managed to get up and finish fourth at the Italian GP. Later in the Dutch GP in Assen, Stoner recorded his first podium in the 2010 season after finishing third. Two other times he got finished third in Catalunya and Germany before the rise to P2 in the U.S. after the accident helped Daniel Pedrosa. Stoner's first victory in the 2010 season recorded at Motorrad Aragon after the record pole position during qualifying. He continued a similar victory in Japan, and almost Stoner scored a hat trick in Malaysia before it ran aground due to falling while leading. Later in the race its own cage in Australia, Stoner returned victorious to win the race before falling back and knocked out in Portugal. Stoner then closed the 2010 season with second place in Valencia, and he established his position in the standings, which stood at 225 points.

Repsol Honda (2011-present)

Rumors of a return to Honda Stoner has been echoed since the beginning of the 2010 season, but both Stoner and Repsol Honda has denied these rumors. Honda could even say that they are more satisfied with the performance of the team that existed at the time the duo of Daniel Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso. In June 2010, the newspaper's move to Honda Stoner finally became a reality after the Honda approve multi-year contract with the Australian rider.  The position of Stoner at Ducati will be replaced by legendary racer Valentino Rossi, while the Honda will be accompanied Stoner Pedrosa and Dovizioso.

In the winter test session with Honda, Stoner was immediately kicked off by winning the second position the fastest. In his official debut with Repsol Honda in the series races Qatar, Stoner was immediately kicked off by grabbing his first win. Unfortunately on the next series in Spain she ran aground due to improper maneuver Valentino Rossi. After finishing third in Portugal, Stoner wins in France and Catalunya.

Outside MotoGP

Casey Stoner revealed that in the future, after he retired as a MotoGP rider, he was eager to get down in the arena of auto racing. One car racing event that he wanted to try is the Australian V8 Supercar Series, which is a championship race touring Australia . Stoner himself apparently often test the high-tech cars, such as when he tested the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione in 2008, after he became world champion in MotoGP. Alfa Romeo himself was listed as a sponsor of the Ducati team. Stoner himself is one of the lucky ones because he could get the car free of charge as a reward for his achievements became world champion in 2007.

Mid-2008, when he "guided" Michael Schumacher in testing the Ducati Desmosedici, Stoner also hinted that he wanted to try a Formula 1 car. However, Stoner said that he would never move from MotoGP to F1.

Stoner's father, Colin, said that he would be very happy if after retiring as a MotoGP rider, his son returned home to Australia and start a new career as an entrepreneur in the field of animal husbandry and agriculture. Stoner then justify these words of his father, and he had a strong desire to carry out such work. Stoner also aspires to open a race school in her home country, namely Australia, in order to invite young men and women go down to try out Australia for an international racing event.
Race in Czech 2011

Repsol Honda rider, Casey Stoner, the MotoGP series champion Czech Republic, Sunday, August 14, 2011. Unfortunately, his teammate, Dani Pedrosa suffered just unlucky in the race that was held at the Brno circuit this.
Pedrosa, who started from pole position to leave the race after skidding on the third lap. Had the lead on lap-lap the Spaniard's early steps should be stopped after a slip on the fourth bend.

Stoner immediately took charge of the race. Behind him followed Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo followed by Repsol Honda rider Andrea Dovizioso and Honda Gresini, Marco Simoncelli in fourth position.

Entering the fifth lap, Dovizioso who before was in third position ahead of Lorenzo now had managed to make a small mistake. But last season's world champion managed to regain second place on lap nine.

Lorenzo and Dovizioso continued to press managed to grab second place on lap 12. Lorenzo then dropped down to fourth position after Simoncelli got through it before long. While Stoner farther ahead.

In the remaining laps there, competition is fierce exactly happened between Dovizioso and Simoncelli. Simoncelli in fourth position continued to press Dovizioso.

But until the checkered flag was unfurled, Dovizioso remains in second place followed by Simoncelli in third place. Meanwhile, Lorenzo had to settle for fourth position followed by Ben Spies and Valentino Rossi.

Stoner on pole position and won his sixth title this season. Thanks to this victory, Stoner became more firmly on top of the drivers' standings with 218 points followed by collection of Lorenzo with a collection of 186 points.

Race Results
1. Stoner
2. Dovizioso
3. Simoncelli
4. Lorenzo
5. Spies
6. Rossi
7. Hayden
8. Edwards
9. Aoyama
10. Barbera
11. Elias
12. de Puniet
13. Capirossi

Friday, August 12, 2011

Anzhi Makhachkala – Samuel Eto'o's New Destination



With one of the world’s best strikers set to move to one of the most obscure football clubs in the Europe, for an absolute shed load of money I might add, a sum in which would make even Carlos Tevez blush. Samuel Eto’o is all set for a £30 million transfer to Anzhi Makhachkala, where he will earn wages of a rumoured £330,000 a week.



With all the financial madness in the game today, Manchester City owned by the brother of Abu Dhabi ruler; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan who has an estimated worth of £555 billion. Malaga, owned by Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al Ahmed Al Thani, has undisclosed wealth and member of the Qatari royal family. Paris Saint Germain, who just this week completed the £37 million signing of Javier Pastore ahead of English giants Chelsea, have similar Middle Eastern financial backing as Malaga, with 70% of the club owned by the Qatari Investment Authority who also have ties to the Malaga owners. Show's that financial super powers are no longer the big names we are used to.



As for Anzhi Makhachkala, they were founded only twenty years ago in 1991 and have spent a majority of time during professional existence in Russia’s first division, the second tier of Russian football, before returning to the Premier League in 2009 after a seven year hiatus. They’ve now consolidated their position in the Russia’s top flight, and in January of this year, a major revolution took place at the Dagestan based club.





Russian businessman Suleyman Abusaidovich Kerimov, listed number 118th on Forbes list of the Worlds’ Billionaires, purchased the football club and has a personal net worth of US$7.8 billion. A month later, the clubs first major signing was then 37 year old Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos. He signed a two-and-a-half year deal, where he is to earn approximately €10 million. He is currently Anzhi’s club captain.



Current players on the books include Brazilian striker Diego Tardelli, who was once one of Brazil’s most promising forwards, joined from Athletico Miniero for a €7.5 million in March of this year, making himself the fourth Brazilian at the club.



Another interesting note is that Anzhi clubs stadium only a capacity of 11,600.



Some of the more recent signings include former Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov, who has 44 caps for Russia, joined for £13.2 million and signed a four year contract worth €5.5 million annually. Also former PSV forward and Hungarian international Balázs Dzsudzsák joined for €14 million where he will earn £2.5 million a year, for five years.





Big money moves, with a few well known names in European and World football have joined the club, but these will all be eclipsed by the blockbuster move for Cameroonian captain Samuel Eto’o. Inter have been offered €40 million for the 30 year old, offering Eto’o wages of £330,000 a week. But before Eto’o signs for Anzhi, there are serious concerns whether this is the right move for the striker, and many people are sceptical and believe it’s not right for someone who has been subject to racial abuse in his career, something which club captain Roberto Carlos suffered recently. Is this the sort of haven Eto’o would like to reach the twilight of his career in?



These concerns regarding racism in Russian football, with no better example than this video that surfaced a few months ago of Anzhi player (and captain) Roberto Carlos being racially abused during a match against Zenit St. Petersburg and Krylia Sovetov Samara where banana’s were waved at him and at the latter, thrown at him. West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie was the subject of racism in Russia, the striker was subject to racist abuse while playing at for Lokomotiv Moscow.





Eto’o would argue why he should care about the prospect of racism, after he was racially abused during his time at both Inter Milan in Italy, and while playing for FC Barcelona in Spain. It must obviously faze him, and Eto’o would respond by saying he’s here to play football, and may even brush it off as somewhat idiotic and ignorant people, but it is not at all excusable. Racism in UK football is nonexistent as it was back in the 1970’s, and it’s met with shock and anger when reported in this country, but the proof is there, that it still pops up in different corners of European football.



This is a factor Eto’s would have to consider, and considering how upset he was after this incident against Real Zaragoza, shows that he is human and is deeply affected by such abuse. This is of course is a blog post about who Anzhi are, and not racism in football, but with Eto’o expecting to be a marquee signing, racism is something I had to discuss and make it clear to football fans reading, that this is something which has been displayed by their fans.



Whether Samuel Eto’o signs, and fancies himself a new challenge is yet to be confirmed, it is however widely expected to be a done deal next week. This could see a shift in power from Western European to Eastern European football. Clubs in Russia and Ukraine have always had money, but have struggled to bring big big names, and more importantly players in their prime. Eto’o may be 30 years old, but he scored 37 goals in 53 appearances last season, and is by no means past his best. This will be a massive move for this ambitious Russian side, and will surely open the path to other international stars that can persuaded by the big funds offered by clubs outside of the top three leagues in European football. One thing’s for certain, with Malaga, Paris Saint Germain and now Anzhi Makhachkala bankrolled by major financial sources, how long will it be before traditional clubs fall away unable to compete with the financial leaders and more importantly how will UEFA level the playing field?





Real Talk Football

Top 5 Tennis Player Robin Soderling, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

Top 5 Tennis Player Robin Soderling, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

5. Robin Soderling
 
Still in the position of the fifth world is Robin Soderling with 4780 points. Swedish tennis player known for his success at the French Open in 2009 and 2010. In the second tournament, Robin is the only player who beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open. But his victory was blocked by Federer and Nadal at the French Open final in 2009 and 2010.

Soderling Create New History in Melbourne

Swede Robin Soderling to make history for the first time stepping into Australian Open fourth round. Ticket that he achieved with a straight sets victory 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 win over Czech Republic player, Jan Hernych on Saturday (22.01.11).
 

Fourth seed, which is twice French Open finalist, was always controlling the game that took place at Hisense Arena. As a result, in less than two hours, Soderling slammed his opponent who is ranked 241 world.

This result is a new achievement for Soderling, because of previous trips on the hard court grand slam is never smooth. Than five times the previous participation, he only picked up two victories. But this year's victory took him into the round of 16, where he has a great opportunity to face 2008 French finalist, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Soderling look impressive from the baseline. He let go of 14 forehand winner from total 33 winners, as well as making a total of six times the break for service Hernych. Three times the break successfully performed in the second set.

Overall, Soderling had reached the quarterfinals or better at a Grand Slam event, except the Australian Open. At the French Open in 2009, he was runner-up as Roger Federer defeated, then last year in the same tournament, he tripped Rafael Nadal.

For this season, a record unbeaten Soderling 8-0, after his preparation for the Australian Open championship trophy this boils down to the Brisbane International, which is the first title in Australia. He also recaptured the position of fourth in the world of Andy Murray, following the success in Brisbane.

As for Hernych, for the first time he penetrated the third round of a grand slam, from 19 appearances in the tournament's most prestigious.

4. Andy Murray 

Scottish tennis player, Andy Murray is the number one player in the UK and is currently ranked fourth in the world by the number of ATP points 6125. Andy get a top ten ranking first time 16 April 2007. He's also been in Grand Slam finals twice and lost to Roger Federer in U.S. Open 2008 and 2010 Australian Open. Andy is very agile in the field even though he's always hard to improve his game in the field of clay.

Life

Between ages 11 and 13, Murray is a member of the junior tennis team at Next Generation Club in Newhaven, Edinburgh, where he often played. Age 14, he moved to Barcelona, in Spain, where he schools in the Schiller International School and trained on clay in the Sanchez-Casal Academy, where he was nicknamed 'Lazy Home'. He won the Boys Singles title at the 2004 U.S. Open, and won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year. He finished school in 2005.

March 2005, he was invited to play doubles for Great Britain Davis Cup team against Israel. Murray and David Sherwood creates an unexpected victory against the Israeli doubles team, which at that time ranks eighth world and reached the semifinals of Wimbledon 2003. This helped Britain to win 3-2.
 

Print History

Andy Murray finished in third place the ATP ranking list. Murray became the first British player to get three great men of the world's best tennis player.

Murray through Novak Djokovic after the Serb had failed to defend his title at the Rome Masters last week after losing to Rafael Nadala in the final. Murray himself in the same tournament losing in the second half of the non-seeded tennis player Juan Monaco.

But because raihannya Djokovic failed to match last year in Rome, Murray could rise. He was behind Nadal and Roger Federer.

Murray qualify for the first time to the final Grand Slam at the U.S. Open last year. He won several titles such as at Doha, Rotterdam Causeway Miami Masters 2009.

3. Novak Djokovic

Was born in 1987 followed Roger Federer in the ATP rankings with 7145 points, the amount of ATP. Serbian tennis player won a single Grand Slam title at the Australian Open where he became the first representative of Serbia to win the Grand Slam. Novak is also a bronze medalist at the 2008 Olympics and won five Masters Series tournaments.

Djokovic is the eldest of Srdjan and Dijana. He has two younger brothers, Marko and Djordje. Djokovic can speak Serbian, German, and English.

In an article in Tennis magazine, August 2007, Djokovic declared out with Jelena Ristić.
 

Tennis career

Novak Djokovic has proved himself as an all-court player with many talents. He participated in the Hopman Cup in 2006 with another Serbian player Ana Ivanovic in which they both pairs.

Djokovic ranking skyrocketed in 2006. He started 2006 with a ranking of 78, but by reaching the quarter-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon fourth round, he reached the big 49. Just three weeks after Wimbledon, Djokovic won his first title in Amersfoort without losing the set, defeating Nicolas Massu in the final. Djokovic won the second title in Metz, and with this victory he penetrated the top 20 for the first time in his career.

In 2007, performance at the Masters Series event at Indian Wells and Miami, where he was runner-up and winners, have made it through 10 of the world. He lost the final against Rafael Nadal Indian Wells, but returned to beat Nadal in Miami, before beating Guillermo Canas in the final (6-3, 6-2, 6-4). Then he followed the Monte Carlo Open, only defeated David Ferrer in the third round matches in straight sets. In Estoril tournament, Djokovic beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-6, 0-6, 6-1, in the final.

He managed to reach U.S. Open final 2007, but lost to Roger Federer.

In 2008, he earned his first grand slam by winning the Australian Open by defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. In the semifinals of the tournament's defending champion Djokovic beat Federer.

Then, in 2011, he drove to the Grand Final Championships at Wimbledon after beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinals. And that means, he will be ranked first based on the ATP rankings on July 4, 2011, and is the first Serbian player who was ranked the highest.

2. Roger Federer

Survives positioned second with 7495 points. Roger never survive at number one for 237 consecutive weeks. The Swiss also awarded the best tennis players of the sports analysts, critics, former players and fellow players. Roger recorded a single win 16 Grand Slam titles and she was one of seven players who have good career Grand Slam. Together with Andre Agassi and Rafael Nada, Roger is also adept at playing on three field surface, clay, grass and cement.
 

Career

He began playing tennis at age 6 years. At the age of 14, he became the Swiss junior champion. In 1998, his last year in the world of junior tennis, she won the junior tournament at Wimbledon. In July the same year, he joined the tour of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Two years later at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, he managed to reach the semifinals, but lost the bronze medal. Her height is 185 cm.

First ATP tournament is a tournament dimenanginya in Milan in 2001. In that year, he managed to reach the quarter-finals at the French Open and Wimbledon. On his way to the quarter-finals in Wimbledon, he defeated defending champion Pete Sampras. The following year, he failed miserably in the second tournament, but managed to reach the finals his first Tennis Masters Series and also managed to qualify for Tennis Masters Cup. In 2003, he became the first Swiss man to win Wimbledon, defeating Mark Philippoussis in the final and only losing one set throughout the tournament. He won four times in the Davis Cup and took the Swiss team to the semifinals. That year he also managed to win the Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.

In 2004, he scored a remarkable achievement by winning three of the four Grand Slam tournaments, each of the U.S. Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. In addition, he also won three Masters Series tournaments. By Tennis magazine, she was awarded the title "Best tennis player" in that year.

He again won Wimbledon in 2005, defeating Andy Roddick in the final. In those games, he scored 49 winners and only 12 unforced errors. In game four sets at the U.S. Open final in September, he defeated Agassi and won the U.S. Open for the second time.

In 2006, he won the Australian Open after beating Marcos Baghdatis in the final. At the French Open final, Federer defeated rival the world's second-ranked Rafael Nadal with a score of 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (4). Federer then returned his defeat is now defended his title in July Wimbledonnya which also became his fourth Wimbledon title in a row. He added a collection of his career Grand Slam by winning the U.S. Open title defense at Wimbledon September.Gagal 2008 makes it quite disappointed. But he managed to treat his disappointment by winning the U.S. Open 2008 for the fifth consecutive year.

In June 2009, at the French Open, Federer managed to increase the career Grand Slam match record fourteenth U.S. tennis player Pete Sampras by beating Robin Soderling of Sweden in straight sets match. At Wimbledon in the same year Federer beat Roddick and Sampras record.

1. Rafael Nadal

The Spanish tennis player born in 1986 was awarded as the best tennis player of all time. Rafael Nadal's nickname when play was "The King of Clay". Nadal has won nine Grand Slam single titles, Olympic gold medal in 2008 and many more. Rafa, Rafael close calls, managed to collect 11 880 ATP points and he was the second male player after Andre Agassi who won four gold medals at the Grand Slam and Olympic Games.

Early years

Nadal was born in Manacor, Mallorca. His father named Sebastian and his mother Ana María; he also has a sister named María Isabel. His father owned a restaurant and glass-making business. His uncle, Miguel Ángel Nadal, is a football player who has retired, had once played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona and the Spanish national football team.

Although Nadal plays left-handed, he's actually right-handed. When he was a kid, his coach, Toni Nadal, decided that the two-handed backhand would benefit from the strong right arm, so Toni taught Rafael to play with his left hand.

Not until Nadal was 12 years old, he decided for a career in tennis instead of soccer. In May 2001, when Nadal was 14 years old, tennis player Pat Cash plays exhibition matches on clay against the surface. Cash objection against Nadal, because Boris Becker was the one actually scheduled to be his opponent. However, Cash lost the match this with a little difference.
 
 

Career 2002 - 2004

In 2002, Nadal is the new 15-year-old won his first ATP match, defeating Ramon Delgado in Majorca. He became the ninth player in the open era to win an ATP match before the 16th birthday.

In 2003, Nadal became the second youngest player that comes into the world top 100 single player. At the end of 2003, Nadal into the top 50, winning two Challenger titles. At his Wimbledon debut, Nadal, 17, became the youngest male player to reach the third round since Boris Becker (16 years in 1984).

2005

At the Australian Open 2005, Nadal reached the fourth round and cornered Lleyton Hewitt, who often was the runner-up, to five sets. Two months later, he reached the final of the Miami Masters tournament. Nadal only two more points to get a victory in straight sets, but then was defeated in five sets by a player no. One of the world, Roger Federer.

Switching to the surface of the clay season, Nadal won two ATP Masters Series event in Monte Carlo, and Rome. At that time, Nadal has won 24 consecutive games, the longest winning streak record on teenagers in the open era, defeating Andre Agassi's record of 23 games in 1988. In May 2005, Nadal has reached the top 5 in world rankings, becoming the youngest player to get into the top 10 since Andrei Medvedev in 1993.

Nadal followed his first French Open as one of the favorites. He beat two local hopes, Sébastien Grosjean and Richard Gasquet to reach the semifinals. On the birthday the 19th, he defeated Federer in the semifinals, preventing Federer to reach the career slam. Two days later, he became the youngest French Open champion to-4 in the open era, by defeating Argentina, Matiano Puerta in the final. Nadal becomes the seventh player to win the Grand Slam in his first appearance at the event in question, and the first since Agassi at the Australian Open in 1995. He also became the first teenager to win a Grand Slam men's singles title since Pete Sampras won the U.S. Open in 1990 at age 19. Nadal is the first teenager to win at least six titles in one year since Agassi in 1988 at age 18.

Three days after his victory in Paris, seized by a tournament victory streak grass pan Halle, Germany, where he was defeated by former German Alexander Waske in the first round.

Nadal begin hardcourt season by defeating Agassi in the final Masters Canada. Nadal seeded second at the U.S. Open but was eliminated in the third round by American James Blake in four sets. After the U.S. Open, Nadal won two hard court tournaments other. In September, he defeated Guillermo Coria in the finals of China Open in Beijing, and in October, he won his fourth Masters Series event, defeating Ivan Ljubicic in five sets in the final of the Madrid Masters. Nadal then suffered a foot injury that kept him out in the Tennis Masters Cup in 2005 and early 2006, including missing the Australian Open. Nadal collecting as many as 11 ATP titles and four Masters Series events. He won 79 games in 2005, no. 2 after Federer (81).

2006

The rivalry between Nadal and Federer continued into 2006. In March 2006, Nadal gave Federer his first defeat in 2006 in the final in Dubai, winning 2-6 6-4 6-4. Nadal defeated Federer again at the Monte Carlo Masters with a score of 6-2 6-7 6-3 7-6.

The two met again at the Rome Masters final. In the match, Federer seems to be finally defeated his rival, but Nadal finally won by saving two match points. The match ended with Nadal winning 6-7 7-6 6-4 2-6 7-6.

Nadal broke the record of the Argentine tennis player Guillermo Vilas, tennis court winning streak on clay as much as 53 times after defeating Robin Soderling in the first round of French Open in 2006. With that victory, Nadal was presented a trophy containing the cross-sectional construction of clay. Vilas present at the ceremony, although Vilas record for Nadal refused to consider himself as good as his record (which is made in one season).

French Open final highly anticipated, namely the struggle between a world ranking 2 world ranked Federer against Nadal. For Federer, French Open is the only Grand Slam that he has not won. If Federer can win the French Open, he will achieve a career Slam, and even won all four Grand Slams in a row. For Nadal, he must win the French Open to defend his title, dominating winning record over Federer, which is extraordinary, no player other than Nadal who could make such a winning record against Federer. By re-win the French Open, Nadal will also extend their record winning streak on clay.

Although Nadal is the favorite based on his ability on clay, Federer is favored by the French audience. Everything is expecting a very competitive match, as the match between Nadal and Federer in the last three Masters Series tournaments. Two initial sets are not too competitive, they exchange the set 6-1. Then Nadal began to surpass Federer in the third set and nearly the entire fourth set. Federer finally pulled break Nadal's serve, in the fourth set when Nadal was serving for an end to the match and forced a tiebreak, which Nadal finally won.

With the clay court season is not undefeated in 2006, Nadal proved himself as the dominant clay court player in the world and as the only player to beat Federer consistently.

Entering the grass court season, Nadal followed the Stella Artois at Queens Club. He resigned because of shoulder injury against Lleyton Hewitt in the quarterfinals of the Stella Artois. Nadal followed Wimbledon as second seed. Nadal was able to reach the finals, and secure the match with Roger Federer by beating Marcos Baghdatis in the semifinals. During his journey at Wimbledon 2006, Nadal almost lost two more points against the American player Robert Kendrick in the second round before finally returning to winning in five sets. Nadal also defeated Andre Agassi in the third round, in Agassi's last match at Wimbledon. Seven of the fight Nadal / Federer somehow always being played on hard courts or clay courts. Wimbledon finals this time it was their first meeting on grass, Federer's favorite surface. Federer then won the Wimbledon title three times in a row. Though Nadal played well in the final after a poor start, he eventually lost in four sets 0-6 6-7 7-6 3-6, Federer to make sure the position as no. 1 in the world. Despite defeat, Nadal had exceeded estimates each person to reach the finals, won more game in the tournament than he ever won on grass before (before he was 3-3).

At the 2006 U.S. Open, Nadal reached the quarterfinals, where he lost by a Russian tennis player Mikhail Youzhny in four sets, which is also the best achievements during the tournament.

Nadal failed, reaching the third round of the next tournament, the Stockholm Open, where he lost to Joachim Johansson 6-4 7-6. Nadal also lost in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters against Tomas Berdych 6-3 7-6 for the third time. After the match, Nadal blamed mental and physical exhaustion as the cause of his defeat.

Nadal participated in the Tennis Masters Cup after a previous absence. In the round robin preliminary round, Nadal defeated James Blake, but was eventually able to defeat Nikolay Davydenko and Tommy Robredo. Nadal became the runner-up group, and against Roger Federer in the semifinals. Nadal lost in straight sets 7-5 6-4. This was Nadal's third defeat in nine meetings with Federer.

2007

Nadal started 2007 by reaching the semi-finals of Chennai Open in India, where he lost to Xavier Malisse 6-4 7-6. In the next tournament in Sydney, Australia, Nadal withdrew from their first match against Chris Guccione with injury. At the 2007 Australian Open, Nadal defeated Andy Murray 6-7 (3), 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals, and eventually knocked out by the Chilean tennis player Fernando Gonzalez 6-2 6-4 6 -3.

In the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, Nadal was defeated again by Mikhail Youzhny 7-6 6-2. After that defeat, she played at Indian Wells Pacific Life Open or the Masters in Indian Wells, defeating Novak Djokovic 6-2 7-5 in the final. However, in the Miami Masters or the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla., defeated Nadal in the quarterfinals by tenth seeded and subscription winner, Đjoković 6-3, 6-4.

Nadal beat Federer in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters 6-4 6-4. This was Nadal's third title in a row, the first since Ilie Nastase in 1971-73. Nadal continued his hat-trick with another hat-trick in Opean Seat in Barcelona, Spain, defeating Guillermo Canas in the final. In the Rome Masters, Nadal again scored a hat-trick, beating Fernando Gonzalez in the final 6-2 6-2 to become the first man to win the Rome Masters three consecutive times. Nadal started to follow other clay court tournament in Hamburg is the Hamburg Masters. However, the record for consecutive wins on clay Nadal ends in the final of Hamburg, where he defeated Roger Federer 2-6 6-2 6-0.

Nadal defeated Federer again at the French Open final 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4, winning three consecutive titles at Roland Garros.

In preparation for Wimbledon, Nadal back to playing at Queen's Club Championships, where he successfully advanced to the quarterfinals but was defeated by Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 7-5 7-6 (0).

At Wimbledon 2007, Nadal broke through the final for the second time, after previous years he also managed to penetrate the final round. Nadal was almost eliminated in the third and fourth rounds, but eventually he won a marathon five-set matches. He then against Tomáš Berdych in the quarterfinals, he was able to beat in three straight sets. Nadal to meet Djokovic in action semifinalnya, and managed to escape because Djokovic withdrew early in the third set, though Djokovic had won the first set. In the final, with Federer and Nadal meet again defeated by Federer in 5 sets the length of the match 7-6 (7), 4-6, 7-6 (3), 2-6, 6-2.

Exhibition Battle of Surfaces

On May 2, 2007, Battle of Surfaces an exhibition event, held at the Palma Arena, Majorca. Nadal and Federer met in a tennis court that is half grass and half the rest is clay. Nadal won the match 7-5 4-6 7-6 (10).

2008

Year 2008 can be regarded as the best year Nadal in her tennis career. Nadal won the French Open again for to-4 times in a row. He then won the Artois Championships just a week after winning the French Open. Nadal called it a title that is not unexpected. Later, Nadal into Wimbledon final for the third time, again dealing with Federer. In a match throughout the 4 hours 48 minutes punctuated by rain and the rallies long and captivating of the two, Nadal finally beat Federer in five-set matches is touted as one of the best Wimbledon finals.

Nadal became the first player since Bjorn Borg era which can reconcile the title at the French Open and Wimbledon. After Wimbledon, Nadal followed the Beijing Olympic Games as an Olympic first. Here, he won a gold medal by beating Djokovic in the semifinals and Fernando Gonzalez in the final. Nadal was confirmed as a champion who can win the tournament in a row in a different field. Furthermore, Nadal became the champion in the Rogers Cup, Montreal by beating veteran Nicholas Kiefer in the final. At the end of the 2008 season, Nadal was forced to resign because of injury. He missed the final chance for Spain in Davis Cup and Masters Cup championships as well as the peak of the ATP Masters Series. Nadal crowned champion of the ATP World Tour Champion 2008 for his achievements throughout the 2008.

2009

Nadal started in 2009 by following an exhibition in Abu Dhabi, 2009 Capitala World Tennis Championship. Nadal beat Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals, then defeated by Andy Murray in the final.

Nadal then follow the Qatar ExxonMobil Open as top seed. In the first round, Nadal beat Fabrice Santoro 6-0 6-1. After the match, Nadal was awarded the 2008 ATP World Tour Champion trophy. Nadal then beat Karol Beck before losing against Gael Monfils 6-4 6-4.

Nadal then followed the opening of the Grand Slam Australian Open. Nadal has not lost a setpun his way to the semifinals. In the semifinals, Nadal meet compatriot Fernando Verdasco tennis player who beat the favorite phenomenal champion Andy Murray. Nadal Verdasco match lasted 5 hours 14 minutes, made history as the longest Australian Open match. This match ended with Nadal winning 6-7 (4) 6-4 7-6 (2) 6-7 (1) 6-4.

Nadal met with Roger Federer for the fifth time in Grand Slam finals and this is the first time they met on hard court Grand Slam. Nadal beat Federer 7-5 3-6 7-6 (3) 3-6 6-2 to earn his first Australian Open title. Nadal also became the first Spanish tennis player who won the Australian Open, and became one of the few players capable of winning the Grand Slam in three different field types.

At the French Open grand slam which is a palace, tragically defeated Nadal in the fourth round by the non-seeded tennis player from Sweden's Robin Soderling through battle 4 sets with a score of 2-6 7-6 4-6 6-7. This was his first defeat at Roland Garros since his debut in 2005. Sementra toughest rival, Roger Federer win the French Open after beating passenger Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling in the final.

At a decisive moment will be convening a grand slam at Wimbledon, Nadal took the controversial decision by not taking part in this tournament because of injury tenditis on both knees. Without the presence of Nadal, Federer is so automatic main challengers for this prestigious title. What many people predicted was correct. In this tournament Federer cruised into the finals at Wimbledon as much as 7 times in a row. In the final Federer faces Andy Roddick and ended with the score 6-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14. Nadal suffering does not stop there. After failing to defend his title automatically, Nadal had to lose his throne as a world ranked tennis player's son who now occupied Federer points with a margin of 985 numbers. Federer collected 11,220 points, while Nadal collects 10,235 points.

2010

Nadal started 2010 by participating in the tournament Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Unit. He beat compatriot David Ferrer 7-6 (3), 7-5 in the final and win this tournament.

Nadal then participated in 250 tournaments ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, but he lost in the final. He beat Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-3, 6-3 in the first half, and then in the second round he beat Potito Starace 6-2, 6-2. Might Nadal continues, in the quarterfinals he beat Steve Darcis 6-1, 2-0 which unfortunately had to resign. She defeated fifth seed Victor Troicki 6-1, 6-3, Nadal won 11 consecutive games in this match. Nadal beat Nikolay Davydenko in the final 6-0, 6-7 (8), 4-6. Earlier, in the semi-finals Roger Federer also beat Davydenko.

In the first round of the Australian Open, Nadal defeated Peter Luczak 7-6 (0), 6-1, 6-4, in the second round, he beat Lukas Lacko 6-2, 6-2, 6-2. in the third round, he defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber in a bout 4 sets with a score of 6-4, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5. In the fourth round, he beat Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. In the quarterfinals, Nadal lost to Andy Murray 3-6, 6-7, 0-3. Nadal withdrew from the tournament with a knee injury, doctors said that Nadal had to rest two weeks, and then underwent rehabilitation for 2 weeks.

Nadal reached the semifinals in the singles tournament at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which he wins the tournament last year; however, beat Ivan Ljubicic in three sets battle. He and compatriot Lopez won the doubles title after beating Daniel Nestor and partner Nenad Zimonjic. After Indian Wells, Nadal reaches semi-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, but he lost three sets against Andy Roddick

Nadal won the tournament Rolex Masters Monte-Carlo in Monaco, after beating compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the final 6-0, 6-1. He lost 14 games in five matches at this tournament. With this victory, Nadal became the first player in the open era to win six consecutive tournament title.

Unlike previous years, Nadal chose to skip the tournament in Barcelona (apart from the previously he had won this tournament five times), and chose to follow the Internazionali BNL d'Italia tournament. He beat Philipp Kohlschreiber, Victor Hanescu, and Stanlias Wawrinka, everything is just two sets, to win 57 consecutive games since April. In the semifinals, he faced Ernests Gulbis, who beat Roger Federer at the beginning of the tournament and making Nadal had to work hard to defeat him in three sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in 2 hours and 40 minutes. In the finals he beat David Ferrer 7-5, 6-2 for his fifth title in Rome.

Nadal then Mutua Madrilena Madrid tournament Open, where he managed a runner-up last year. Because he's including 8 seed, he got a bye in the first round. In the second half, he beat Aleksandr Dolgopolov kualfikasi with 2 sets. Then in the third round she beat American plays the body 206 cm John Isner 7-5, 6-4. He beat Gael Monfils in the quarterfinals 6-1, 6-3 and compatriot Nicolas Almagro in the semi-finals 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Finally, in the final Nadal defeated Roger Federer's closest rivals 6-4, 7-6 (5). This victory gave him a Masters to 18th, record of all time. He became the first player to win three Masters tournaments on clay in a year and the first player to win three consecutive Masters tournaments.

Entering French Open, many people expect Nadal-Federer match in the Final. Unfortunately, this is impossible since Federer beat Robin Soderling 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. Failure to make Nadal Federer reached the semifinals for the tennis stars. One of the world if she managed to win this grand slam. Nadal advanced to the finals and beat Soderling 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 to win the French Open grand slam this. This win gave Nadal his seventh grand slam title, making the series with John McEnroe, John Newcombe and Mats Wilander in the list of all-time record. With this victory, Nadal became the first male tennis player who won three Masters Series on clay and the French Open.

In June, Nadal AEGON Championships tournament, a tournament he won in 2008. He played singles and doubles in this tournament as a warm grass before Wimbledon. Because he was one of the eight top seeds, she received a bye in the first round. In the second half, when he played in his first grass court tournament since winning Wimbledon in 2008, he easily defeated Marcos Daniel 6-2, 6-2. In the third round, he beat Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4, so he qualified for the quarterfinals. However, he lost to compatriot Feliciano Lopez 6-7 (5), 4-6.

Record and winning streak

* Nadal is the record holder of men in the open era for most consecutive victories on one surface. The record is between defeat against Igor Andreev in April 2005 and Roger Federer in May 2007, he has won 81 matches on clay. So he surpassed John McEnroe's record of 75 matches on indoor carpet surface.
* Nadal has been ranked second in a row longer than any player in ATP history in the computer rankings.
* Nadal is one of only two people who won the French Open on his debut (2005), the first being Mats Wilander in 1982. Nadal also successfully defended his title in 2006 & 2007, he was also able to win 21 games in a row for participating in the French Open.
* At age 19 years 1 month 22 days, Nadal became the third teenager in history of ATP computer rankings (since 1973) who achieved 2 world ranking following the Boris Becker (age 18 years 9 months 17 days) and Björn Borg (18 years 10 month 2 days) as the only teenager who achieved 2 world ranking.
* Nadal became the only player who has won the Grand Slam men's singles final against no. 1 Roger Federer. The victory was obtained from the French Open in 2006 and 2007 and Wimbledon in 2008. Federer has a 11-2 record in Grand Slam men's singles finals, including two victories over Nadal in the Wimbledon 2006 & 2007.
* Nadal is the only active player who has a winning record head-to-head against Federer. Nadal on Federer winning 8-5 (6-1 on clay, 2-2 on hard courts, and 0-2 on grass).
* Nadal's victory at the French Open in 2007 making it the first player since Bjorn Borg (1978-81) who won the French Open for three consecutive years.
* In 2006, Nadal and Federer became the only two male players in the open era to reach the Wimbledon final after both competed at the French Open final just a month earlier. There are few men who reached the Wimbledon final after successfully penetrating into the French Open final, but never two men managed to reach the final of Wimbledon and French Open. Nadal and Federer to meet again at the French Open and Wimbledon finals in 2007 and 2008.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Manchester United



Manchester United



Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson



Captain: Nemanja Vidic



Last Season: 1st



In:



David De Gea – Athletico Madrid – £17.6 million

Phil Jones – Blackburn – £17.6 million

Ashley Young – Aston Villa - £15.8 million



Out:



John O’Shea – Sunderland – £4 million

Wes Brown – Sunderland – £1.3 million

Bébé – Besiktas – £880,000

Paul Scholes – Retirement

Edwin Van Der Sar – Retirement

Owen Hargreaves – Free







This Season:



Manchester United was “weaker” last season, and it wasn’t one of Sir Alex Ferguson's “strongest sides” but they still won that coverted 19th league title, knocking Liverpool “off their perch”. That side who was led by the talismanic Wayne Rooney, who was abject before Christmas, but transformed his form at the turn of the year scoring vital times against noisy neighbours, as well as that elegant hat trick against West Ham were the stand out moment of his season. Defensive rock Nemanja Vidic also led the list of plaudits, and the vastly improving Nani, who hit 10 goals and got 15 assists last season, as well as the brilliant Edwin Van Der Sar all contributed to Manchester United claiming that symbolic 19th league title.



Javier Hernandez was another stand out name who had a fantastic season last year, and now with the addition of winger Ashley Young, who has already shown he's hungry for success, and United’s future defensive pairing of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling (the latter who has been filling in at right back and doing a great job) along with the returning Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly from successful loan spells, not only do Manchester United have quality new additions, but have strength in depth to add to the abundance of youth at the club. De Gea, and Welbeck, 20, Smalling, Cleverly, Fabio and Rafael, all 21, Anderson, Hernandez, both 23, and Nani, aged just 24 shows that the future certainly is bright for Manchester United.



That blend of experience and youth, pace, power and ability will lead Manchester United to the front of the pack, leaving the others in their wake. A strong Champions League challenge has become the norm, while I’m sure Sir Alex Ferguson would like to get his hands on the FA Cup trophy. They are Real Talk Football’s favourites for the title, but will have a long tough season ahead.



Prediction: 1st



Best Starting XI







One to watch this season: Tom Cleverly



Is it more of the season for Manchester United this season? How will they fair against the new City challenge? Leave a comment below

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Manchester City



Manchester City



Manager: Roberto Mancini



Captain: Vincent Kompany



Last Season: 3rd



In:



Kun Aguero – Athletico Madrid – £39.6 million

Stefan Savic – Partizan Belgrade – £10.5 million

Gael Clichy – Arsenal – £6.9 million



Out:



Jerome Boateng – Bayern Munich – £11.9 million

Shay Given – Aston Villa - £3.3 million

Felipe Caicedo – Levante – £880,000

Michael Johnson – Leicester – Loan

Jo – Internacional – Free







This Season:



Well, where to start, the oil rich blue side of Manchester have brought in one of the best forwards in the world in Sergio Aguero to replace the frustrated Carlos Tevez. As I write this, Tevez is still on the books at Man City, and he’s going to have to sit it out until January at least.



Roberto Mancini achieved his objectives from last season, winning the FA Cup, ascertaining third place in the Premiership, and subsequently gaining Champions League qualification. Now it’s time for them to kick on and mount a serious challenge for the title. They have the most money in the league, they have arguably the best squad in the league, but this is my major sticking point, I do not believe they have the best team in the league, and this could hinder their progress. Unhappy, tantrum throwing players and in fighting could all damage Man City’s shot of winning their first Premiership title. Carlos Tevez pretty much hates Manchester, Adam Johnson isn’t happy warming the bench, Jerome Boateng wanted out and subsequently got his wish, and Mancini has shown this preseason that he still hasn’t tamed the enigmatic and wild Mario Balotelli. Last season saw fights in training, off the field drug bans and all sorts of madness, yet City still managed to achieve their objectives!



Anyhow, should Tevez should, there is a big hole up front. Considering a team with so much quality, he and Yaya Toure carried the City team at times last season. David Silva was brilliant in spells, while Vincent Kompany’s fantastic consistency and excellent defending saw him considered one of the best defenders in the league. Balotelli, Sergio Aguero and James Milner will all need to step up this season and take City to the next level.



Before watching the Community Shield, I had Manchester City as my favourite for the Premiership. But after seeing that Manchester United have just as much, if not more strength in depth as Manchester City, I now have the Red Devils as favourites. Manchester City will have to deal with the Champions League campaign which will ultimately take its toll on their Premier League campaign, and it will be interesting considering how lacklustre they were in the Europa League last year.

For me, a strong Champions League campaign, Premiership runners-up and a strong FA Cup challenge. Transitional yet hugely impressive season lies ahead for the blue half of Manchester.



Prediction: 2nd



Best Starting XI







One to watch this season: Sergio Aguero



Can Man City challenge for the title? How do you think they will do in the Champions League? Leave a comment below

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Liverpool



Liverpool



Manager: Kenny Dalglish



Captain: Steven Gerrard



Last Season: 6th



In:



Stewart Downing – Aston Villa – £20 million

Jordan Henderson – Sunderland – £15.8 million

Charlie Adam – Blackpool – £7.4 million

Doni – Roma - Free



Out:



Paul Konchesky – Leicster - £1.5 million

Peter Gulacsi – Hull City – Free

Stephan Darby – Rochdale – Free Transfer





This Season:



They’ve made big money signings, but all in the same area of the pitch. This seems to be the underlying feel to Liverpool's summer. They have had a poor preseason, and news that both Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard will miss the start of the season, no one will be to surprised if Liverpool's confidence is a bit low at the moment. It's up to the Anfield faithful to raise the players, and demand a strong season from the club.



There is still lots of “deadwood” in that midfield, so I wonder how big Liverpool’s wage budget actually is. Kudos to Dalglish however, for getting the ludicrously overpaid Milan Jovanovic off the books and sent him packing to Belgium. I think Kenny Dalglish should have strengthened defensively, while injury prone defenders such as Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel could’ve been replaced, but the manager clearly believes they’re the right men for the club.



I expect Luis Suarez to have a big season for Liverpool, he has been in blistering form this summer and was instrumental in Urugauy's Copa America win. A fully fit Andy Carroll has to start scoring goals to pay off the big £35 million price tag, while Alberto Aquilani will have a point to prove (should he get the opportunity) or he could be heading back to Italy, with Fiorentina heading up the possible list of suitors.



I still believe there best XI is the side that finished last season, with Charlie Adam filling in when Steven Gerrard is injured. It’ll be interested to see where Stewart Downing fits in, and how much Jordan Henderson will play. Liverpool have continued their recent trend of paying over the odds for English players, so it remains to be seen how long it will take for them to gel together and for Liverpool to gain some much needed consistency. I do however, see them competing for a top six place.



Prediction: 6th



Best Starting XI:





One to watch this season: Jordan Henderson



How do you think Liverpool will get on this season? Leave a comment below

Barclays Premier League 2011/12 Preview - Fulham



Fulham



Manager: Martin Jol



Captain: Danny Murphy



Last Season: 8th



In:



Pajtim Kasami – Palermo – £3.3 million

John Arne Riise – AS Roma – £2.4 million

Marcel Gecov – Slovan Liberec – £704,000

Csaba Somgyi – Rakospalota – Free



Out:



Kagisho Dikgacoi – Crystal Palace - £590,000

Jonathan Greening – Nottingham Forrest - £616,000

Diomansy Kamara – Eskisehirspor – Free

Eddie Johnson – Free

Zoltán Gera – Free





This Season:



Fulham have a new man in charge; Martin Jol, who was clubs first choice before Mark Hughes came in, who ended resigning after doing his mandatory one season in charge before attempting to manufacture a move to Aston Villa job. He was ultimately not offered the job, and is unemployed and will be watching the Premiership just like everyone else from the comfort of their sofa.



Fulham have brought in some new signings to freshen up the squad and will look to match last season 8th place finish. A long Europa League qualifying will impact on their Premiership finish, that’s why I have them slipping into the bottom half. The core of the squad is still there, and with a fully fit Bobby Zamora and Clint Dempsey, going forward Fulham should be look to the Carling Cup and Europa League as their best opportunities for trophies.



New signing Pajtim Kasami is a 19 year old promising defender who impressed at the European U21 Championships for Switzerland, and he joins from Italian side Palermo. Old face and Liverpool cult player John Arne Riise returns to the Premiership after spending three years in Italian capital.



Prediction: 12th



Best Starting XI





One to watch this season: Pajtim Kasami



How do you think Fulham will do this season? Leave a comment below