Football Gossip

Football Gossip: Pennant winging his way to Blackburn?
Football gossip has it that Blackburn have been told by Liverpool to bid six million pounds for Jermaine Pennant, or forget it.

Paul Ince obviously is looking for a replacement for David Bentley and Pennant obviously fits the bill. Footy Focus can't for the life of us understand why Pennant is not getting a game in a Liverpool team that has as much width as a credit card standing on its edge, and as much pace as Joe Royle in his TV chair.

The game against Middlesbrough was crying out for a bit of pace and invention down the flanks, yet he was nowhere to be seen. The football gossip has it that Rafa Benitez is reluctant to sell him, as it's too late to replace him. Nonsense! He's not anywhere near getting a game!

If this football gossip is right, we think Liverpool will regret selling Pennant to Blackburn. The lad is very talented, only 25 and could well at last be maturing into one hell of a player!

Pennant to Blackburn

Jermaine Pennant is wanted by Blackburn & Paul Ince

Paul Ince is set to target the Anfield winger Jermaine Pennant as a replacement for the about to depart David Bentley, who is on the verge of joining Tottenham.

Blackburn officials have sounded out their Premier League rivals with a view to making a £6million offer for Pennant, although reports are saying Liverpool want a similar fee to the £6.7million they paid Birmingham for Pennant two years ago.

Pennant has struggled for first-team football on Merseyside, so may find the prospect of regular action at Ewood more appealing and his sale would free up more cash for Rafa Benitez to spend on his own targets.

Paul Ince will fancy his chances of getting the best out of Pennant at Blackburn and who can blame him. Pennant is reaching the age where it's make or break, as at 24 he has to start delivering on his potential.

Pennant to Blackburn would be a good move for the player given his lack of action at Anfield, though personally I think he's an excellent player who could thrive given one more chance by Liverpool. Also the present Liverpool system suits him down to the ground, as he's a lot more than just an out and out winger.

Football News: Liverpool turn to Bentley

Liverpool turning to Bentley as Dosenna signs in
Rafa Benitez is reportedly turning to David Bentley as the solution to Liverpool's right wing problems. His chances of securing Bentley have increased due to Mark Hughes leaving, and Blackburns inability to secure European football next season.

Bentley reportedly sees Champions League football or UEFA Cup football at least, as vital to his ambition to cement his place on the right wing for England, as David Beckhams long term replacement.

Liverpool are involved in a major reshuffle, with Riise, Alonso, Kewell, Crouch, Finnan, Pennant, Carson, and Itandje all going or gone. Benitez is reportedly keen to up his quota of English players given the possibility of the 6+5 foreigners rule.

Bentley to Liverpool would be a great signing for Benitez, and give Liverpool some real balance to the side. He'll be expensive but worth it. Kuyt or Bentley on the right - duh!

Football News: Liverpool given Bentley Hope

Bentley to Liverpool hint, transfer may just be on

David Bentley has given his strongest hint yet he may be prepared to leave Blackburn to further his career.

Speaking in the News of the World he stated that while he may have had a good season at Blackburn, he considers himself to have achieved nothing yet. Displaying fierce ambition, he openly stated his desire to replace David Beckham in England's midfield, and to play at the very top in Champions League games.

Given that the Champions League qualifiers are known before the start of each season ie Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea, it all points to one thing. Also given that the club linked most heavily with him is Liverpool, it seems the path towards Anfield has started.

Expect to now see more 'sources' stories linking the player with Anfield. From Blackburns point of view, a wad of cash plus Jermaine Pennant wouldn't be a bad deal at all.

Personally I'd love to see him at Anfield. Pennant has the talent, but not the mental toughness or maybe iron-willed desire to succeed at the top. Bentley to Liverpool would do very nicely!

Manchester City 2-2 Blackburn

Blackburn show their mettle and grab a point

Blackburn battled back to gain a point in a game that had a better second half than first. Any team of Mark Hughes's is not going to give up, and so it was as Blackburn battled back to score a late equaliser. They could even have won it as they finished the stronger.

The game exploded into life with three goals in six minutes. Vassell headed home from Petrov's cross, Santa Cruz levelled, and then Blackburn captain Nelsen scored an own goal after Petrov again caused mayhem.

The second half saw Blackburn put in a much stronger performance and they could have won it, finishing stronger at the end. Their attackers of Bentley, Santa Cruz and McCarthy played some great football, linking well throughout.

Overall Mark Hughes was satisfied his team battled back for a point. Blackburn can certainly score goals, but their defence is all over the place at times. Manchester City seem to be slightly fading now in performances and results.

Man U vs Everton, Blackburn vs Chelsea

Now these are two games where I really really want the opposition to do us a favour. Shouldn't have to be wanting that, but thats the reality if your a Liverpool fan trying to hold onto the dream of a Premier League title.

Manchester United versus Everton should be a great game. Everton are really flying at the moment and will fancy their chances of having a right good go at Manchester United. They'll want to really rattle Man U and not let the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney settle on the ball. Then again thats what Liverpool tried and look where that got them!

Team news is that Manchester United have Rio Ferdinand, Carlos Tevez and Wes Brown all fit, having shaken off knocks from the great win at Liverpool. Everton meanwhile have Tim Howard, Ayegbeni Yakubu, Mikel Arteta, Tim Cahill and Joseph Yobo all back after being rested for the win at AZ Alkmaar.

Footy Focus Premier League prediction - I think Everton just might get something from this game!

Blackburn verus Chelsea is another potential cracker of a game. Mark Hughe's team are always up for the battle regardless of the opposition. However Blackburn have been leaking goals lately and their back four is disrupted again with Chris Samba banned for this game. Elsewhere in the team Brett Emerton returns after suspension.

The Chavs' meanwhile are sweating (don't know why) on the fitness of Shevchenko. Apparently the Premier League show-pony injured his ankle in midweek. Not sure how given he didn't break sweat in effort for his team.

Footy Focus Premier League prediction - Hate to say it but I think Chelsea will have too much for Blackburn. Despite injuries etc they are still a very strong side and Blackburn are leaking too many goals to be playing Chelsea at this time.

Carling Cup Results

You have to say it but they were two great results for Arsenal and Tottenham last night. To go to Manchester City and get the win will be a great boost for Tottenham. While Blackburn is always a nightmare place to get a result so Arsene Wenger will be more than pleased with the 3-2 win.

I watched a bit of the Tottenham game and was impressed with some of the football from Spurs. They were creating some great moves in the last third and were unlucky to have Zokora sent off to say the least. Coming on top of the great Portsmouth result, it seems Ramos maybe beginning to work his magic.

Arsenal by all accounts stood upto the physical challenge of Blackburn and played some stunning football to boot, though did give away a two goal lead before triumphing after extra time. They also lost Denilson to a red card and Barazite with a dislocated shoulder. Wenger really is a genius manager the way he has built this squad up. Full marks to the Arsenal board and fans - they've weathered a couple of ordinary seasons to reap the rewards with a young side playing the best football in the league.

With Arsenal, Tottenham and Everton already through to the semi-finals the Carling cup will have a great line-up for the last four whoever goes through from Chelsea and Liverpool (Though I of course am praying for a Liverpool win!)

Hargreaves out for England, Premiership Roundup

Reports are coming through of Owen Hargreaves being out injured for England. Seems to me its the old Fergie trick of minimising his players exposure to playing internationals. And why wouldnt he you might ask given the ridiculous ask of playing on a Friday night in Austria! Surprised theres not more 'long-standing' injuries that need a bit of rest.

Its really a bit of a boring week really - no Premiership and the chance of England being out of Euro 2008 by the end of the weekend. It'll be a long old week next week if that happens!

A quick round-up sees rumours of Liverpool and Man Utd battling it out for Ezequiel Garay at a reported $10m. The Guardian is reporting Liverpool will have to sell before they buy it they tumble out the Champions league. Elsewhere Arsenal are hoping to welcome back Van Persie for the visit of Wigan. Mark Hughes has been rewarded for his excellent job at Blackburn with reports of a new 12 month rolling deal.

Meanwhile Anton Ferdinand has been living upto the Ferdinand family name by allegedly being caught brawling by CCTV reports the BBC. Quality conduct!