Tag Archives: Lampard

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Preview: Chelsea vs Brentford, Sun 12:00

The Bees were denied a place in the fifth round by Fernando Torres' late goal at Griffin Park leaving the League One side with a tough task at Stamford Bridge in the replay

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Rescued: Fernando Torres scores the late equaliser at Griffin Park

Team News:

Chelsea:

John Terry (knee) could return for Sunday’s FA Cup replay against Brentford despite suffering a setback with his injury.

The Chelsea skipper travelled to Prague in the Europa League with the rest of the squad after missing the win over Wigan with inflammation on his knee, and was expected to figure against Sparta, only to be kept on the bench.

Ashley Cole also missed the midweek tie with a cold and is expected to replace Ryan Bertrand at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel could feature after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria. Apart from that, Rafa Benitez has no fresh injury concerns.

Brentford:

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler is without Farid El Alagui (knee) and Kevin O’Connor (ankle) who remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries.

Excluding those two absentees, the Bees’ manager has a full-strength side to select from.

 

League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

Chelsea: D-W-D-L-W Brentford: L-D-L-D-W

Head to Head

CHELSEA

BRENTFORD

WINS

5

3

DRAWS

2

Before last month’s clash, the only previous FA Cup meeting between these two teams came in 1950. Chelsea won 1-0.

The Stats:

  • Frank Lampard has been involved in 23 goals (scoring 14 and assisting nine) in his last 24 appearances in the FA Cup.
  • Chelsea will have played their west London neighbours Fulham, QPR and Brentford in the same season for the first time ever following the tie at Griffin Park.
  • The Blues are unbeaten in four matches in all competitions against Brentford, winning three and drawing once.
  • In just nine FA Cup games for Chelsea, Juan Mata has played a part in 10 goals, scoring four and assisting six.
  • Brentford have only reached the fifth round of the FA Cup on six occasions since the Second World War.
  • Brentford and Chelsea are separated by just six miles but have not played each other competitively since meeting in this competition 63 years ago.

 

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Mighty Lions show promise for the future

Impressive win against 5-time world champions lets Roy Hodgson breathe a sigh of relief – for now

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Still Got It: Frank Lampard celebrates

After Brazil’s Neymar had slammed Hodgson’s England team by saying they were a one-man team who relied on the talents of Wayne Rooney, the Three Lions had a point to prove.

Tipped by international boss Luiz Felipe Scolari to be the world’s next best player by the time the 2014 World Cup comes round, Neymar will be rueing his words following a solid performance from the home side.

A great result it may have been – last night was the first time England had defeated Brazil since Gary Lineker scored the only goal in a victory at the Old Wembley – but goes without mentioning it came against a developing Brazil side in the process of re-establishing themselves as the World Cup specialists we have been used to watching.

That said there were many positives to take out of England’s performance last night. In front of a sell-out Wembley crowd, there was a feeling that maybe we would hold our own. On an occasion that saw captain Steven Gerrard pick up his award for his 100th international cap to a rapturous applause for his appearance against Sweden in November, it was Wayne Rooney who broke the deadlock in the 27th minute to raise spirits even higher.

Also on the receiving end of a warm welcome was fellow veteran centurion Ashley Cole who despite being a subject of discussion for a portion of the Wembley faithful, reached the milestone last night.

After a shaky start that saw Neymar come close and a Ronaldinho penalty saved following a Jack Wilshere handball, the hosts looked promisingly unfazed by the army of yellow shirts that so often spark fear in their opposition.

Prospect: Jack Wilshere

Notable performances came from youngster Jack Wilshere who earned his seventh international start and his fellow central midfielder Gerrard. Having only played as a central pair for 13 minutes against the Swedes in November, man-of-the-match Wilshere admitted the win was a perfect remedy for their budding partnership:

“Stevie [Gerrard] talks to me all the time. We had to concentrate for the whole game.”

“We’ve got a good mix of youth and experience,” the 21-year-old said.

The victory will suffice to silence the England pessimists out there as the team looked reassuringly solid as a unit against one of the world’s best. The use of the flanks by implementing the in-form Theo Walcott looked threatening and their forward play had a good mix of patience and direction.

The evening ended unspoiled and it was a spectacle all home fans would have been happy with. Although it’s a given that the Samba Boys will be a different entity in the World Cup next year, there was reason why Hodgson and England should not be ashamed of their victory.

And if those pessimists were worried ahead of the testing trip to Podgorica to face Montenegro in the crucial World Cup qualifier next month, this will enthuse them with a glint of optimism for the future.

What the future has to hold for Frank Lampard on the other hand, only time can tell. But at 34 he proved last night that he will still cause a selection headache for Hodgson in the upcoming fixtures.

Scoring his 27th goal on the hour mark of his 94th appearance for the Three Lions, Lampard’s will to prove himself time and again can be compared to few. Going about his job in a mature and professional manner he is a true ambassador for his country – and club for that matter – and there was no surprise that he was reportedly offered a year extension on his contract at Chelsea today.

The midfielder is now tipped by bookies to retain his place in the England squad for the World Cup in Brazil, which will please his international manager.

In his post match interview Roy Hodgson warned it would be “problematic” if Lampard was to make a move to LA Galaxy this summer:

“I think he can reach 100 caps,” said Hodgson. “I hope we’ll keep Frank in England. It’s not for me to discuss his future with his current club – that’s for him and his club,” Hodgson said.

 

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League Cup Preview: Swansea City vs Chelsea, Weds 19:45

Michael Laudrup’s Swans are just 90 minutes away from history after their 2-0 win in the semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. But they’ll be wary of the in-form Blues, who are becoming away-day specialists of late.

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Swansea players celebrate in front of a stunned Stamford Bridge crowd after Michu's goal in the semi-final first leg.

Team News:

Swansea:

  • Swansea City have just one definite absentee ahead of the biggest night in their history, Neil Taylor (ankle) is still on the sidelines.
  • The Swans are likely to name the same outfield side that beat Stoke 3-1 at the weekend, with Itay Shechter getting the nod over Danny Graham up front.
  • However, Gerhard Tremmel, who has started every Capital One Cup match this year, is likely to come in to replace Michel Vorm.
  • Two-goal hero from the weekend Jonathan De Guzman will keep his place in midfield, together with Wayne Routledge, Pablo Hernandez, and club top-scorer Michu.

 

Chelsea:

  • Oriol Romeu (knee) is Chelsea’s only definite absentee through injury ahead of their trip to the Liberty Stadium on Wednesday night.
  • However, the Blues will also be without John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, who joined their Nigerian team-mates at the African Cup of Nations earlier this month.
  • Defender David Luiz missed Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the weekend with an ankle sprain, but the Brazilian is likely to return to the starting line up in South Wales.
  • Fernando Torres started ahead of Demba Ba at the weekend, though Ba is likely to get the nod as Chelsea search for goals to snatch a ticket to Wembley.

 

Domestic Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

Swansea: W-D-D-W-D                                    Chelsea:  W-D-W-L-W

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

SWANSEA

CHELSEA

WINS

2

4

DRAWS

4

 

 

The Stats:

  • Swansea have lost just 1 of their last 9 matches in all competitions, holding off Everton, Arsenal, Manchester United and of course Chelsea in the process.
  • Swansea haven’t lost at home since early December, and have only failed to pick up at least a point just twice at the Liberty Stadium all season.
  • Michael Laudrup’s side are unbeaten in their last 3 matches against Chelsea, winning 1 and drawing 2.
  • Only the top 3 teams in the Premier League and Arsenal have scored more home goals than Swansea this season (22).
  • The Swans are yet to lose a game in which they have scored first, winning 13 out of the 15 games in which they’ve opened the scoring this season.
  • If the Welsh club progress, it’ll be their first ever appearance in the final of a major tournament.
  • Chelsea have won each of their last six away games in all competitions and conceded just 11 times on their travels across the entire season.
  • Rafa Benitez’s side have scored 9 and conceded just 1 goal in the last two matches away from home.
  • Chelsea have drawn 1-1 with Swansea on their last two visits to south Wales, and haven’t won away to the Welsh club since 1983.
  • The Blues have won more penalties than any other side this year (eight), and have converted seven.
  • The reigning European champions have won 50 per cent of the league matches in which they have trailed this season, but never overturned more than a one goal deficit.

 

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Preview: Chelsea vs Southampton, Weds 19:45

Chelsea inflicted a convincing 5-1 victory over the Saints when they met in the FA Cup at the start of the year, and they’ll be hoping for a similar outcome when Nigel Adkins’ men visit Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

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Demba Ba celebrates one of his two debut goals for Chelsea at St Mary's in the FA Cup. 11 days later, and the Senegalese striker will be looking to inflict more misery onto the Saints.

Team News:

Chelsea:

  • Oriol Romeu (knee) is the only long term absentee through injury for the Blues ahead of their clash with the Saints.
  • Midfielders John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses are also unavailable after travelling to the African Cup of Nations to represent Nigeria.
  • Aside from that, Rafa Benitez has no injury or suspension concerns and is likely to name the same side that beat Stoke 4-0 at the weekend.
  • New signing Demba Ba started in place of misfiring Spaniard Fernando Torres, and is likely to do so again after scoring twice against Southampton in the FA Cup fixture.
  • Chelsea captain John Terry returned to action following his knee injury at Stoke, and made a 10 minute cameo from the substitutes’ bench. Terry is likely to sit on the bench once again on Wednesday, but could return to the starting line up this weekend.

 

Southampton:

  • Adam Lallana and Jose Fonte (both knee) are on the long term injury list for the Saints and will miss out on Wednesday.
  • Emmanuel Mayuka is the only other player definitely out, having travelled to the African Cup of Nations to represent Zambia.
  • Luke Shaw is the only other concern after he sustained a gashed leg in Southampton’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend. He has around a 50% chance of featuring this week.
  • Nigel Adkins is likely to name the same side that beat fellow strugglers Aston Villa. Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez will once again start up front, as Southampton look to extend their unbeaten league run to 5 matches.

 

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Premier League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

Chelsea: W-L-W-W-W                                    Southampton:  W-D-D-D-L

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

CHELSEA

SOUTHAMPTON

WINS

7

1

DRAWS

2

 

 

The Stats:

  • Chelsea have won their last 5 matches on the bounce against the Saints in all competitions.
  • The last time that Southampton recorded a victory against the Blues was on New Year’s Day 2002, in a 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge.
  • Rafa Benitez’s Chelsea have lost their last 2 matches at home in all competitions without scoring a goal. Losing 1-0 to QPR in the league before a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Swansea in the Capital One Cup.
  • Southampton have lost just 1 of their last 5 away games, winning 2, and drawing the other 2 in that run.
  • The Saints have won just once at Stamford Bridge since 1995 in the league.
  • Chelsea strikers Fernando Torres and Demba Ba have scored 20 Premier League goals between them this season, 9 more than the combined total of Southampton’s front-men Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert.
  • The Blues have won just 1 of their last 6 matches at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, that win came in an 8-0 thrashing over Aston Villa at the end of December.

 

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“Stats all, folks”: Lampard and Cole’s Chelsea Legacy

As Chelsea stalwarts Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole's Chelsea careers come to an end, we take a look at their achievements for the west London club.

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Leaving Legends: Cole and Lampard

Rafael Benitez prepared Chelsea fans for the inevitability of replacing the old guard for a more youthful generation of players.

The recent revelation that Frank Lampard’s imminent departure in the summer has sparked outrage amongst fans at Stamford Bridge who, despite being in the latter stages of his career, believe that the 34-year-old still has what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Other players from the old guard to face the axe in the near future are Ashley Cole, whose contract also terminates in the summer, and John Terry who has 18 months left on his current deal.

Although both Lampard and Cole are likely starters for tonight’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg against Swansea, Benitez broadcast to Chelsea followers that new blood would be needed in order for the club to come through the “transition period” he spoke of yesterday.

“What [the legends have] achieved for this club has been fantastic. But you have to see new players coming. It’s part of life,” he said.

Lampard joined the Blues from West Ham for £11million in August 2001 and has since made a total of 571 appearances for them scoring 192 goals. He is a three-time Premier League winner with the west London club and has lifted the FA Cup in four different seasons.

He also played a pivotal role in the memorable Champions League triumph last summer, the first time in the club’s history.

A FIFPro World XI selection in 2005, his record in the Premier League has also given him legendary status at Chelsea, scoring 132 in his 386 league appearances and assisting on 89 occasions. In continental games, Lampard has netted 24 in 99 games for his club. Lampard currently sits joint second on Chelsea’s all time top goal scorer’s list with 193 and needs 10 by the end of the season to top the list.

Since moving from north London club Arsenal in the summer of 2006 in a deal worth £5m plus Chelsea defender William Gallas, Ashley Cole has had 284 outings for Chelsea and has even been on the scoresheet seven times.

Plying his trade as a full back, Cole has made a name for himself as one of, if not the best left backs in the world and has twice been named in the UEFA Team of the Year in 2004 (whilst at Arsenal) and 2010.

Cole started all 38 league games for Chelsea in the 2010/11 season and was subsequently awarded the Chelsea F.C. Player’s Player of the Year award for the second time after winning it in the 2008/09 season.

Like Lampard, he has also lifted the FA Cup four times and was part of the squad that won the league in 2009/10 and the Champions League in 2011/12.

Amid turbulent times in SW6, Chelsea will be pleased to hear John Terry is on the brink of a comeback and will appear in Chelsea’s under-21 game with Fulham. The 32-year-old suffered a knee injury in a collision with Liverpool’s Luis Suarez in November.

 

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League Cup Preview: Chelsea vs Swansea City, Weds 19:45

Rafa Benitez’s quest for silverware and acceptance continues in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night, as Brian Laudrup’s high flying Swans travel to Stamford Bridge for the semi-final first leg.

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Swansea players celebrate their last minute equaliser against Chelsea in the Premier League earlier in the season.

Team News:

Chelsea:

  • Goalkeeper Ross Turnbull will continue to deputise for the injured Petr Cech, who has been struggling with a groin injury since late December.
  • John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses will be unavailable after leaving to compete in the African Cup of Nations.
  • They join John Terry, Yossi Benayoun and Oriol Romeu (all knee) on the absentee list.
  • New signing Demba Ba scored twice in Chelsea’s FA Cup thrashing of Southampton last weekend, and is likely to start up front once again for Rafa Benitez’s men.

 

Swansea:

  • Neil Taylor (ankle) is Swansea’s only injury concern ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
  • The Swans played a strong line up in their recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the FA Cup, however, they will make two definite changes.
  • Gerhard Tremmel is likely to step in between the sticks to give Michel Vorm a rest, and club top scorer Michu will once again start for the Swans after a recent injury lay-off.

 

Domestic Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

Chelsea: L-W-W-W-W                                    Swansea:  D-W-D-D-L

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

CHELSEA

SWANSEA

WINS

5

1

DRAWS

4

 

These sides have already met in the Premier League this season, in a tense affair at the Liberty Stadium back in November. Victory Moses gave the Blues a second half lead, before Pablo Hernandez’s last minute equaliser handed Swansea a point.

 

The Stats:

  • The two clubs have only met once on the League Cup, when Chelsea beat Swansea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge in the fourth round of the competition in November 1964.
  • The last two matches between the clubs have ended in a 1-1 draw (both in the Premier League at the Liberty Stadium).
  • Chelsea last reached the League Cup semi-finals in 2008, when they beat Everton to reach the final – only to lose to Tottenham.
  • The Blues won the League Cup for the fourth time a year earlier, in 2007. Only Liverpool (eight) and Aston Villa (five) have won the competition more often.
  • Chelsea have scored a total of 16 goals in eliminating Wolves, Manchester United and Leeds in their previous League Cup ties this season.
  • Swansea have reached the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time in their history, and had never before reached the last eight.
  • Never before in 100 years has the club won a major trophy.
  • Brian Laudrup’s side have scored 10 goals in their four ties so far in this cup run: 3-1 at home to Barnsley, 3-2 at Crawley, 3-1 away to Liverpool, and 1-0 at home to Middlesbrough.

 

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Will Frankie Go To Hollywood?

After being told his contract will not be up for renewal when its comes to an end in June, Frank Lampard may be heading the same way as David Beckham with links to a move to the MLS. But just how realistic are those claims?

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True Blue: Frank Lampard

His destination may not be Hollywood per se, but there is no doubt that the transfer of Frank Lampard at the end of the season is bound to be a blockbuster.

Chelsea chiefs have told Lampard, who joined Chelsea from West Ham for £11 million in 2001, that in “no circumstances” will his contract will be up for renewal when it comes to an end in the summer.

Following Chelsea’s 5-1 win at Southampton on Saturday, Lampard’s agent Steve Kutner said of the midfielder’s situation at Stamford Bridge: “Chelsea executives told Frank in Japan during the Club World Cup then again reconfirmed with me after the Everton victory that in no circumstances will he be offered a new contract to stay at the club after the end of this season.”

His 83rd minute spot kick against Saints on Saturday took Lampard to 193 Chelsea goals, making him the joint-second highest goal scorer for the Blues alongside legend Kerry Dixon. His tally sees him just nine goals short of all-time top goalscorer Bobby Tambling’s total of 202 goals in a Chelsea shirt.

The 34-year-old has been linked with a whole cast of clubs, one of the likely destinations being David Beckham’s former club and 2012 MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy. After the departure of Beckham, Galaxy will be in need of a creative midfielder and along with his status as a top Premier League player, he will be a perfect replacement. However, with such a good record he won’t be short of offers from other suitors.

It may be an outside bet, but a possible move to Manchester United could also be on the cards. Sir Alex Ferguson is an advocate of seasoned and experienced players, a trait demonstrated by his faith shown in Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand so he would no doubt appreciate what Lampard has to offer despite being in his twilight years.

Rarely a popular move for English players, a transfer to France is slightly less likely for the midfielder. However, with Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole already linked with a move there, moneybags Paris Saint-Germain could also join the race for Lampard’s signature. Both are out of their contracts at the end of the season, and with former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti in charge at the Parc des Princes it could certainly be a possibility.

Even less likely is a move to Madrid. Trailing Barcelona by a whopping 16 points already in La Liga, bringing in a thirty-something midfielder isn’t exactly something that the Spanish champions would consider a priority. That said, having played under the current Real Madrid manager for three years at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho holds Lampard in high regard. Although his position at the Bernabeu still hangs in the balance, if The Special One remains at Madrid at the end of the season he might be able to tempt his old friend into making a move to the Spanish capital.

 

 

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Preview: Chelsea vs QPR, Weds 19:45

Rafa Benitez’s reformed Chelsea side have won their last 4 league games on the spin, and they’ll hope to make it 5 against their bottom of the league West London rivals.

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Frank Lampard wheels away after his second goal secured victory for the Blues at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Team News:

Chelsea:

  • Oriol Romeu and John Terry (both knee) are the only long term absentees for the Blues; though the latter is nearing a return and could make the bench this week.
  • Petr Cech is the only other doubt for Chelsea after he was subbed off in the 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday.
  • The Czech Republic international was replaced by Ross Turnbull on that occasion, and will be so again if he is deemed unfit this week.
  • Rafa Benitez will hope to name the same side that featured at Goodison Park on Saturday, with two-goal hero Frank Lampard once again starting in midfield.

 

QPR:

  • QPR will once again be without Jose Bosingwa (back), Kieron Dyer (knock), Andy Johnson (knee), Bobby Zamora (hip) and Park Ji Sung (knee) through long term injury.
  • Manager Harry Redknapp is likely to make changes to the side that were outclassed by Liverpool in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Loftus Road.
  • Shaun Wright Phillips and Samba Diakite are likely to be replaced by Estaban Granero and Junior Hoilett, after performing particularly badly against Liverpool.

 

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Premier League Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

 

Chelsea: W-W-W-W-L                                    QPR:  L-L-L-W-D

 

Head to Head (Last 10 Matches)

 

CHELSEA

QPR

WINS

7

1

DRAWS

2

 

These sides have already met this season, in a stalemate 0-0 draw at Loftus Road. The match was overshadowed by the Anton Ferdinand / John Terry handshake scandal – neither player is likely to line up for their side this week.

 

The Stats:

  • Chelsea have won seven of their last eight games in all competitions – their only defeat coming in the Club World Cup final against Corinthians.
  • QPR have scored just 2 goals against Chelsea in their last 6 meetings – one of those goals came in a 6-1 defeat.
  • Chelsea haven’t lost at home against QPR since January 1986 in the League Cup – their last league defeat at Stamford Bridge against the R’s came 3 years earlier.
  • The Blues have won 8 of their last 9 matches against QPR at home, and drew the other match.
  • After his double against Everton on Saturday, Frank Lampard (192 goals) is now just one goal behind the club’s second all-time top scorer Kerry Dixon.
  • In the 16 Premier League games he has featured in this season, Spanish attacker Juan Mata has scored or assisted 14 goals. 
  • QPR have claimed just 10 points from their first 20 Premier League games this season. All 14 teams who had 10 points after as many games in the English top flight went on to be relegated.
  • The R’s have conceded three goals before half-time on four occasions since winning promotion back to the Premier League.

 

Follow Wednesday’s Premier League clash via the PlayUp app – view live commentary, stats, photos, games and interact with other fans on your PC: CLICK HERE

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Villa Top Insider Table Despite Chelsea Mauling

Here's this week's news from the PlayUp Premier League Insider game. Get involved and you could win yourself up to £250!

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Despite their 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, Aston Villa are top of the Insider League at the start of the festive period following a successful week of selections. Four of Villa’s starting XI got the nod from the fans with the scorers from their 3-1 victory at Liverpool, Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke, both getting 80% of the vote to start against Chelsea. As the Premier League’s joint lowest scorers along with QPR and Sunderland with 15 goals, and no selections for out-of-favour Darren Bent, at least the Villains fans can take some glory out of their position in the Insider rankings.

Aston Villa’s tormentors from yesterday’s Premier League fixture, Chelsea, leapfrogged from 18th to 2nd in the standings. Fernando Torres received 94.1% of the vote, behind only goalkeeper Petr Cech, and also chipped in with a goal at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Recent instalment Cesar Azpilicueta was selected by 17.7% of Blues supporters and started in the same squad as veteran Frank Lampard who was preferred by 56.9% of Chelsea’s Insider players.

Perennially a popular side with Insider users, Manchester United slipped to bottom of the table after a poor week of selections. Returning in his first start since September 19, defender Nemanja Vidic had just over half of the votes to start with 50.9% of the share. Just two changes were made from United’s game against Sunderland with Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling making way for Vidic and Jonny Evans despite the two getting 80.9% and 50.9% of the votes respectively.

Can you successfully predict your side’s starting line up this week? Help your club to the top of the table, and claim the PlayUp Insider bragging rights by playing The Insider now.

There are several prizes up for grabs; including a copy of Football Manager 2013, an official Nike Premier League football, and £250 worth of shopping vouchers. Follow the link below and get started.

PLAY INSIDER NOW

See below for current fan ranking table, plus rankings from last week (in brackets). Don’t forget there are bonus points available for making your Insider selections early, so don’t miss out.

Premier League table
1st Man Utd 43pts
2nd Man City 39pts
3rd Chelsea 32pts
4th Arsenal 30pts
5th Everton 30pts
6th Tottenham 30pts
7th West Brom 30pts
8th Liverpool 25pts
9th Stoke 25pts
10th Norwich 25pts
11th Swansea 24pts
12th West Ham 23pts
13th Fulham 20pts
14th Newcastle 20pts
15th Sunderland 19pts
16th Aston Villa 18pts
17th Southampton 15pts
18th Wigan 15pts
19th QPR 10pts
20th Reading 9pts
Insider Fan League
1st Aston Villa (12th)
2nd Chelsea (18th)
3rd Wigan (1st)
4th Newcastle (13th)
5th QPR (15th)
6th Tottenham (5th)
7th Liverpool (3rd)
8th Arsenal (2nd)
9th Man City (10th)
10th Southampton (19th)
11th Fulham (4th)
12th Stoke (8th)
13th Everton (6th)
14th West Ham   (11th)
15th West Brom (14th)
16th Sunderland (20th)
17th Reading (17th)
18th Norwich (16th)
19th Swansea (7th)
20th Man Utd (9th)

 

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PlayUp’s Top 5 Photos of the Week

We posted them, you liked them. Here are PlayUp's top snaps from the past 7 days.

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"Oh, it's fine, Joe Hart's is on his way to head the ball clear..."

Watching England play is like going to visit your great aunt Gwyneth who is blind in one eye and smells remarkably like fag ash – it’s something that you may not like to do, but you feel as if you have to do it anyway. That is how we felt going into this week’s friendly against Sweden and it is almost shameful that the one positive we got out of the game was that we were part of one of the greatest goals ever scored. Pity it wasn’t us doing the scoring, though.

 

Since his playing days, Peter Schmeichel had really let himself go.

Whilst growing up, it was a categorical fact – dare I say it, law – the fat kid always went in goal (unless he had the ability of Matt Le Tisser, Gazza or Ronaldo that is). This portly shotstopper clearly respected the rules once he was shoved between the sticks for the first time and continues to have balls booted at him every Sunday. At least it keeps him away from the pub for a couple of hours.

 

Stevie G vs. Lamps - That ever-ongoing debate.

Who is better, Stevie G of Lamps? The age-old question that has quizzed many an England fan for years. It has always been contested that the despite both being very talented players for their respective clubs, they do not compliment eachother when taking to the field in an England shirt. With Steven Gerrard making his 100th appearance for the Three Lions this week, plaudits are certainly heaped in his favour.

 

The 'keeper was adamant this free kick was not going in.

At PlayUp HQ, we despise Pro Evolution Soccer, as we’re sure all of you do too. That’s why whenever we are handed evidence of it’s shabby gameplay, poor player likeness and amateur design, we post it on the web faster than you can say “Konami suck”. When setting up for a free kick, only PES would chuck every outfield player into your wall. All we can smugly say is that it would never happen in FIFA.

 

During hurricane season, rain stopping play was the least of their worries.

We would love to have been at the meeting prior to planning this bizarre football ground. Whether it involved a vast amount of alcohol consumption is unknown, but the fact that a boat has to be on standby for every fixture to collect wayward balls tells you some features had been slightly overlooked…

 

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