Soccer Weekend: Arsenal, Liverpool, Ken Bates Sexual Metaphors.
By Ty Duffy
Battle for Fourth: Liverpool have spent heavily (more than $160m of John Henry’s money). Arsenal have sold heavily. Neither convinced over 90 minutes last week. The Reds should have some concern about the fitness level of Andy Carroll and others, but the Gunners are calling up inexperienced teenagers, and potentially a Man City-bound Samir Nasri to fill in for their missing in action. Arsenal are also focused on their midweek Champions League qualifier and the atmosphere around the club remains fetid. If King Kenny has Liverpool playing well, they should win and spark some more “Spend Some F–king Money” chants. Love Cesc, but this is a bold claim.
Sexy Time: West Ham and Leeds: Two clubs one would historically expect to be at top level. This matchup is televised, should be interesting and noteworthy for this one disturbing metaphor from Leeds chairman Ken Bates.
"“I saved your club in 2005 and 2007 when nobody else would. The rebuilding of Leeds United is a bit like sex. In an age of instant gratification, Leeds United is having a long, drawn-out affair with plenty of foreplay and slow arousal."
U-20 World Cup Final: This should be a basic offense vs. defense clash. Portugal has not allowed a goal in the tournament in six matches. Brazil has scored 15. This is also the 20th anniversary of Portugal’s Golden Generation team, led by Luis Figo, that won back to back U-20 cups in 1989 and 1991.
Situation to Monitor: David Moyes is staying at Everton, for now. He’s still in control of the club’s transfers, for now. He just can’t buy anyone and is receiving strong suggestions from Barclay’s bank to sell a few more. The club hasn’t turned a deficit in the transfer market in three years. With the situation even more dire now, this may be the season Moyes’ magic wears off. The Scot will wait to the last minute and drive a hard bargain, but keep an eye on some of their star players – Jagileka, Arteta, Baines, Fellaini – around the deadline.
The Special Kick: Did Jose Mourinho kick Cesc Fabregas?
[Photo via Getty]