It’s Premier League match time at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as Chelsea host Fulham in this season’s 12th round of matches.

Chelsea are back from an away loss to Liverpool, only their second this season, where Torres celebrated a glorious return to form with two precision strikes that brought the Merseysiders back into the reckoning.

After the game, Ancelotti would have mulled over his team selection at Anfield where he opted to bench Didier Drogba. In the circumstances, the Blues found themselves with a two goal deficit at the break, and the Ivorian eventually replaced Salomon Kalou in the second half.

Drogba got an opportunity in the form of a free kick that he shot wide. Liverpool’s early strike dictated the rhythm of the game,and it gave the Merseysiders the confidence to call the shots in the first half. But the Reds appeared to lose nerve with about 25 minutes left in the game, and a strike by Chelsea at the time could have turned the game.

Anelka’s shot got under Raina and bounced up and rebounded off the underside of the crossbar in what was the closest Ancelotti’s charges came to scoring. Ramires, Zhirkov and Malouda also had chances go abegging, with Reina having a great day between the posts for Liverpool.

Chelsea need a fully fit Drogba in their line-up if they don’t want to burn out before the season is through. Also, Ancelotti must be looking forward to Lampard’s return to match fitness. In Lampard’s absence the lack of creatuvity in midfield is palpable. The likes of Ramires and Zhirkov are not good enough against quality opposition.

But Lampard is likely to be rested against Fulham as the Blues’ manager would want the midfielder fully fit for the Sunderland game.

Fulham have not won much after Mark Hughes became their manager. But they haven’t lost many either. The squad have become draw specialists, and they lived up to this reputation against Aston Villa when a late goal from Hangeland helped staved off what would have been the Cottagers’ second defeat of the season and salvage a point. Fulham have won just two matches this season and that places a question mark about their capacity to handle the better teams.

There was not much positive energy on display from Fulham in the Aston Villa game. Against Chelsea, they are likely to miss the absence of Zamora. While Chelsea have lost to their biggest rivals of the season thus far, in Manchester City and Liverpool, they have been clinical against lesser sides. The game against Fulham is likely to be no different.

Chelsea’s starting eleven in the Liverpool game comprised: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Alex, Cole, Ramires, Mikel, Zhirkov, Kalou, Anelka and Malouda; Sturridge, Bosingwa and Drogba played as substitutes.

The following players were in Fulham’s starting eleven against Aston Villa: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Salcido, Davies, Greening, Murphy, Gera, Dembele and Dempsey; Johnson, Kelly and Duff featured as substitutes.

Chelsea have always been a top side challenging to get to the top four and this season will be no different. The biggest change that Chelsea has undergone is the change in their manager. Guus Hiddink who had an awesome time at Chelsea is replaced by the experienced AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti. The squad has not undergone many changes but it will be boosted with the addition of Russian midfielder Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow, English striker Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City and Middlesbrough keeper Ross Turnbull. Chelsea have one of the strongest squads in the Premier League with the likes of Lampard, Terry, Drogba, Anelka, Deco, Ballack, Cech and much more and their chance to win the title will entirely depend on team management, team chemistry and how well they handle pressure.

Arsenal, in my opinion, would have to fight to keep its place in the top four unlike the rest of the top four which are challenging to win the title. This is mainly because Arsenal did not put up a very good show last season according to their high standards and the strengthening of the Manchester City squad will challenge the Gunners for a place in the top four. Arsenal lost there top striker Adebayor and defender Tolo Toure to Manchester City. Even though they have a slightly weaker squad and not a very good performance last season, it will all depend on how Arsene Wenger handles his team. With top players like Fabregas, Gallas, Van Persie, Arshavin and the rest, Arsenal will surely have an outside chance for the title but its all in the managers hands.

Table toppers Manchester City take on Arsenal in match week 16 of the Premier League when the teams clash on Sunday, December 18, 2011.

Man City suffered their first loss of the league season when they went down 2-1 away at Chelsea, in match week 15. Lampard became an instant hero for the home side when he came off the bench to score the match winner seven minutes before time. The sides were locked at 1-1 after Balotelli’s early lead for City was neutralised shortly before the interval on the back of Raul Meireles’ strike. City began explosively with waves of attack in the first half hour to exploit Chelsea’s porous defence. It culminated in Balotelli’s goal, when Aguero cut in from the right to relay the ball past Terry to Aguero who in turn passed it to Balotelli to do the rest. At the end of the day, City would have rued their many missed scoring opportunities in the first half when the home side’s defence was all at sea, trying to cope with the marauding City attack.

In match week 15, Arsenal registered a 1-0 victory over Everton, in a match hosted by Gunners at the Emirates. Robin Van Persie – who else – scored the only goal of the game to give Arsenal something to celebrate their 125th anniversary by. Van Persie’s spectacular volley on 71 minutes brought relief to home fans who were frustrated by the home side’s many missed chances.

Head to head, in the last 10 years, Man City and Arsenal have met in 20 league games, with Arsenal winning on 14 occasions and City on 3, with the remaining games ending in stalemates. The last time these teams met was in January 2011; that match played at the Emirates ended in a goalless stalemate.

Man City have won 8, and drawn and lost 1 each of their last 10 league matches, while Arsenal have identically won 8 and drawn and lost 1 each of their last 10 games.

Currently at the top of the table, City have hosted 7 home games, this season, winning all 7; the Gunners who are 5th placed on the league table have had 3 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses, in their 7 away games.

With Chelsea causing City’s title bid a mild jolt in match week 15, the Manchester squad will have a point or more to prove against the Gunners whose ramshackle defence could be put to its stiffest test yet.

Man City’s starting eleven against Chelsea: Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Joleon Lescott, Vincent Kompany, Gael Clichy, James Milner, Gnegneri Toure Yaya, Gareth Barry, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli.

Arsenal’s starting eleven against Everton: Wojciech Szczesny, Johan Djourou, Per Metresacker, Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, Alex Song, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Yao Gervinho, Robin Van Persie.

Arsenal

Odds: 7/1

Last Five Seasons

2005/06 – 4 (Premiership), 2004/05 – 2 (Premiership), 2003/04 – 1 (Premiership), 2002/03 – 2 (Premiership), 2001/02 – 1 (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Community Shield vs Chelsea (n) – lost 2-1.

Champions League Final vs Barcelona (n) – lost 2-1.

FA Cup Fourth Round vs Bolton Wanderers (a) – lost 1-0.

Carling Cup Semi Final vs Wigan Athletic – lost on away goals with the score 2-2 on aggregate after extra time.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Thierry Henry (striker) – 33 goals.

Players In

Tomas Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund – £8,000,000)

Players Out

Robert Pires (Villarreal – Free), Sol Campbell (Portsmouth – Free), Mark Howard (Cardiff City – Free), Michael Jordan (Chesterfield – Free), Graham Stack (Reading – Loan), Kerrea Gilbert (Cardiff City – Loan), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham City – Loan), Sebastian Larsson (Birmingham City – Loan), Nicklas Bendtner (Birmingham City – Loan), Dennis Bergkamp (Released).

Arsenal were within a whisker of becoming the second English side in succession to win the Champions League but came unstuck in the final against eventual winners Barcelona. By their own standards, Arsenal slipped up somewhat in the Premiership, finishing the campaign in fourth place, but Europe’s biggest prize would have more than made up for it.

Manager Arsene Wenger has allowed a host of fringe and more senior players to leave before a ball is kicked in the brand new Emirates Stadium, but has pulled off a coup by signing Tomas Rosicky from Borussia Dortmund. The Czech Republic international joined the Gunners for an undisclosed fee believed to be £8 million, after five seasons in Germany. He has racked up 15 goals in 53 international appearances and set a Bundesliga record when he joined Dortmund from Sparta Prague for £18 million in 2001.

Long serving centre back Sol Campbell joined Portsmouth on a free transfer after his contract expired in North London. Campbell infamously stormed out of Highbury after being substituted at half time in a defeat by West Ham United in February and considered walking away from the game for good. However, he came back strongly and netted in the Champions League final in May. Since arriving on a free transfer from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 Campbell made 197 appearances for the club and won 68 England caps.

Wenger also lost winger Robert Pires to Villarreal but has been unsuccessful in trying to lure Franck Ribery to the club as a replacement. Joe Antionio Reyes has also been linked heavily with a return to Spain with Real Madrid.

Verdict

Despite numerous departures Arsenal are still in very good shape and will look to improve on last season’s fourth placed finish. Rosicky adds experience to a young midfield and Thierry Henry will again be prolific. A third placed finish is the least they can expect to achieve.

A city break can be anywhere and anything. If you’re in need of a relaxing break or an exhilarating adventure, try out one of the city breaks available all over Britain. From the most northeasterly point of Britain, John O’Groats, to the Lizard, Cornwall, Britain’s most southerly point, there are places to go and things to do and see.

Among the things that will take you to the city of your choice might be «the beautiful game» – football. As a keen fan, you could combine your trip away with a chance to see your football heroes show what they are made of. A trip to London might include a visit to the Emirates Stadium, the home of the Gunners (Arsenal). And then there are Fulham, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur – any of whom might be playing in London during your city break. And, let’s not forget Wembley. If your team happened to make it to the finals, cheering them on is a great reason for booking your London city break at that time. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance so your seat is secure for the kick-off.

It’s not only London that has great football – Manchester is another super football destination. The rivalry of Manchester City and Manchester United means watching them play each other could add a thrilling experience to your city break.

Along with football opportunities, there are many other attractions to take in while in cities such as London e.g. Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Big Ben and Madame Tussauds, etc. Every city has its particular pleasures – Bristol and its Balloon Festival, Ludlow (and many other cities) for their Food and Drink Festival or Christmas Markets, Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Festival, London for the Notting Hill Carnival. Part of the fun of planning your break is to see what all you can combine with your time away.

City breaks can be the reason for, or combined with, special occasions such as an anniversary or birthday, the January sales, St. Valentines Day, even half term.

City breaks can be expensive if the only option considered is big hotels. However, using apartments or small boutique hotels can significantly cut your accommodation costs, leaving you with more money for sightseeing and shopping. The apartments available include 1-2 bedroom or family apartments, studios, some executive and deluxe, and even penthouses. Many are in the city centres and they are often contemporary examples of how real people live in that city. There are over 190 destinations and 100’s of apartment options.

The cities of Britain buzz with excitement. There are coastal cities like Brighton or Blackpool, architectural cities like Bath, Cheltenham and Chester, cities for shopping like London, York and Harrogate, and of course, the food – from fine dining to street food – every city has lots to offer. So whether you are looking for a short break or a longer stay, there are some wonderful cities that deliver the experience you’re looking for.

Wigan Athletic overcame Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on the back of Hugo Rodalegga’s second half strike, on Satuday afternoon, in the Premier League.

Rodalegga’s angular shot ensured that the Latics finally had points on the scoreboard, after beginning their League campaign with two losses. Steve Gouhori’s volley into the cross bar, and Antolin Alcarez’s miss were other chances for the visitors to add to their tally, on the day.

Jermaine Defoe had a couple of chances in the first half, the closest Spurs came to scoring. Ali Al Habsi brought off a great save when Defoe took a close range shot off a pass from Benoit Assou-Ekotto. In the second instance, Defoe got past two defenders, only to shoot wide.

Wigan showed grit in a match mediocre Spurs didn’t deserve to win. With this win, Wigan put the memory of their last visit to White Hart Lane behind them. On that occasion, Defoe score five goals in a 9-1 mauling of the Latics.

Wigan gave themselves a boost after successive home defeats of 4-0 and 6-0, at the DW Stadium. Assou-Ekotto was outstanding in defence for Wigan, and came close to creating goal scoring opportunities in the first quarter hour of the game. Crouch’s forced off due to injury was replaced by Pavlyuchenko, but not to any avail.

And after Rodalegga’s searing shot that left Spurs ‘keeper Carlo Cudicini standing, Defoe, Nico Krancjar and Michael Dawson, each had the opportunity to level the score, but failed to prevent a rare home defeat for the White Hart Lane outfit.

The schedule has been released for the 2011 Champions League tournament in European football, and it starts off with a bang, pitting Barcelona versus Arsenal (the pro club from England). These two teams have met before, with Barcelona getting the edge over Arsenal in their last two significant meetings, including the championship game in 2006. Barcelona-Arsenal is hardly the only contest that will be getting plenty of attention in this year’s tournament.

A Talented Field

Tottenham Hotspur drew AC Milan (the last team to repeat as champions, albeit twenty-odd years ago) in the first round, and that too is expected to be a must-see sporting event. Lyon hopes to surprise people as it takes on powerful Real Madrid, and Marseilles will go up against the wildly popular Manchester United. Inter Milan opens with a rematch against Bayern Munich, whom they defeated 2-nil in last year’s finals round. All are hoping to slog their way to victory as they pursue Europe’s most coveted football trophy. The final is to be played in London’s famed Wembley Stadium.

On this Side of the Pond

American soccer is also gearing up for an exciting season. The most recognizable team, the L.A. Galaxy, features World Cup hero Landon Donovan and the legendary David Beckham. They open their season against the Seattle Sounders on March 15th in a game that will be televised nationally on ESPN. Three days later, the focus will shift to Canada, where the Toronto squad will go to play the expansion Vancouver franchise. Defending champs Colorado will host the expansion Portland Timbers on that same day.

With European teams forging major television broadcast deals, and Americans finding a «new sport» on which to fixate, the expansion of the popularity of futbol is an irreversible trend. Around the world, the sport’s top officials recognize this, and are moving with all due speed and deliberation to make sure it continues.

The World Cup might be over, but football enthusiasts still have a great deal to get excited about, with the fresh Premiership Football League season coming. The original and finest football battle, the 2010/11 season will yet again see clubs rivaling to display who’s the mightiest in Great Britain and Wales, rekindling the legitimate patriotic heart of football and abandoning the disappointments of the United Kingdom team long gone.

Far from the glamour and egos on display from the Premier League and international teams, the Football League is all about the stuffs that make a difference – the skill of the competitors and a mutual love for the sport. Following release of the fixtures in June, football enthusiasts in the midst of the World Cup action had been previously getting more pumped up about watching their home team contend in their very first match of the new Football League season, which is getting ready to hit our stadiums and screens.

Whether your club is currently waiting eagerly in the Championship, League One or League Two, everything’s to play for inside the new season – which kicks off on 6 August and normally takes us through to May 2011 with the play off finals. Only time will tell which clubs have been relegated, that have been promoted and who’s been chucked off the pitch by then – whether Portsmouth has what it takes to recover up or if its place in the Premiership is going to be taken by an up-and-coming club such as Cardiff.

If you’re keen on Norwich City or Watford, the competition commences a day sooner than most with the game at Carrow Road to be the initial match of the npower Championship on Friday 6 August. Everyday followers won’t need to go to the south eastern city though, considering the match being broadcast live on Sky Sports – meaning that upgrading your electronic service may be part of your own preparing in time for the new season. A number of match ups are going to be broadcast by the BBC, so even if you’re not really a digital subscriber you can still see Leeds v Derby and other high-profile npower Football League matches throughout the season.

You should check who your club will be grinding in the first round of the Championship, the Carling Cup and additional matches through the entire 2010/11 season by heading online, where you can also keep up with the most recent progress both off and on the pitch and find exceptional offers on products and team t-shirts bought from official club shops.

A new season kicks off this weekend and see’s the return of Walker’s Word. Another 10 months of non-stop top flight football action begins on Saturday with both the opening and closing matches ripe for picking a couple of shock results at great odds.

Saturday 19 August

Sheffield United vs Liverpool

Sheffield United make their Premiership return after a 12 year absence at lunch time, to kick off another 10 months of top flight action. The bookmakers are predicting a cakewalk for visiting Liverpool, but Blades boss Neil Warnock will have other ideas. During the 2002/03 Carling Cup, United beat Liverpool 2-1 at Bramall Lane, drew 0-0 at home in 1993/94 and beat the Reds 1-0 the previous year in the Premiership’s debut season. Liverpool may have one eye on their Champions League tie against Maccabi Haifa three days later which still hangs in the balance at 2-1 in the Reds favour.

Walker’s Word: A «shock» draw to go against the bookmakers @ 12/5.

Arsenal vs Aston Villa

There is unlikely to be any such shock result at the new Emirates Stadium however. Arsenal have beaten the Villains for the past eight seasons on home soil, including a 5-0 thumping last April. With the takeover at Aston Villa still not completed and new manager Martin O’Neill only recently installed, Villa could continue the form which saw them lose three of their last four matches at the end of last season.

Walker’s Word: Arsenal to christen their new ground with a win @ 3/10.

Everton vs Watford

Watford travel to Goodison Park on their Premiership return in the knowledge they have never beaten Everton on their home turf. Even more daunting is the in the eight times the pair have met in Merseyside, the Toffees have won every single encounter. The last time these two met was in the Premiership was during the 1999/00 campaign where Everton ran out 4-2 winners thanks to two goals apiece from Mark Hughes and USA striker Joe-Max Moore.

Walker’s Word: Everton like playing Watford so back them @ 4/6.

Newcastle United vs Wigan Athletic

Newcastle beat Wigan 3-1 last season in the middle of their five-match winning run towards the end of the campaign. The Magpies will be without the injured Michael Owen and the retired Alan Shearer, who scored twice in that match, but strikers Alberto Luque and Shola Ameobi have been in good form pre season. The Wigan squad has seen numerous changes this summer, including the arrival of record signing Emile Heskey, but it will be the home side cheering by 4-45pm.

Walker’s Word: Newcastle to continue their good form @ 8/11.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn Rovers have not lost at Fratton Park on league or cup duty since an old second division clash in 1990 which saw Pompey win 3-2. Since then, Rovers have enjoyed good fortune on the south coast, including three wins and two draws in their past five visits. Mark Hughes’ side should find the Pompey defence a bit sterner since the arrivals of Sol Campbell and Glen Johnson but new strikers Jason Roberts, who scored at Fratton Park last season, and Benni McCarthy will give them plenty to think about on Saturday afternoon.

Walker’s Word: An away win for Blackburn @ 21/10.

Reading vs Middlesbrough

The last time Reading beat Middlesbrough at home was in 1927 and the duo have rarely met since. The last time they met was in Division One in 1998 where a Paul Gascoigne and Paul Merson-inspired Boro won 1-0 thanks to a Marco Branca goal. However, Reading have improved a lot since then and suffered just one defeat at the Madejski Stadium last season. The Premiership will be a massive step up for them but with opposition manager Gareth Southgate still wet behind the ears, they could send their supporters home happy by holding Boro to an opening day draw.

Walker’s Word: A point for both sides, draw @ 11/5.

West Ham United vs Charlton Athletic

Charlton have a good recent record at Upton Park which will give new manager Iain Dowie optimism as he returns to top-flight management. In their last five visits to East London, the Addicks have won twice and drawn once – a goalless draw last season. The Hammers will be rocked by Dean Ashton’s ankle injury which could keep him out of the game for four months while the evergreen Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and last season’s top English goal scorer, Darren Bent, lines up against them. Add to it Dowie spent four years in two separate spells as a West Ham player and you have all the ingredients for an intriguing encounter.

Walker’s Word: Iain Dowie to get one over on his old side @ 11/4.

Bolton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur

The betting prospects on this match are more interesting than the on pitch action is likely to be, given the 5.15 Saturday kick-offs are usually drab, low scoring affairs. Bolton have beaten Spurs at the Reebok Stadium for the last four seasons yet the bookmakers insist on pricing up the visitors as the favourites.

Walker’s Word: There is value in backing Bolton @ 9/5.

Sunday 20 August

Manchester United vs Fulham

Sunday lunch time pits Alex Ferguson’s title pretenders against Chris Coleman’s unhappy travellers and there is likely to be only one outcome. United have beaten Fulham at Old Trafford for the past five seasons and given the Cottagers dismal away record, which saw them win just once on their travels last season, this run is likely to continue. Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes face a three match ban, but this does not come into effect until after Sunday’s match.

Walker’s Word: One for the big hitters, United @ 3/10.

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Will Chelsea’s domestic dominance continue this season following the summer signings of Germany captain Michael Ballack and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko? According to the bookmakers, it will, and price Manchester City up at a massive 14/1 to beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge, something no team in the Premiership could do last season. Frankly, it’s an insult considering it’s the opening game of the season and Chelsea haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders pre season, including last Sunday’s Community Shield defeat against Liverpool.

Walker’s Word: Hope for a real upset @ 14/1.

Currently relegated to the Championship Division of English football, Hull City is 106 years since their establishment in June 1904. Nicknamed The Tigers, they were admitted into the professional Football League Second Division a year later.

Hull City was relegated to the Third Division North in 1930, gained promotion again in the 1959 and 1966 but in the 1980’s they were in the Fourth Division. In 1990’s, Hull were still struggling to play top flight football but in the 2000s, Hull used five seasons to qualify for the English Premiership. They were runners up in the third and second division to qualify for the 2005-06season of the championship.

In 2007-2008 under manager Phil Brown, Hull managed to qualify for the championship play-offs after finishing third. They defeated Watford and Bristol City in the semi-finals and finals respectively to qualify for their first ever topflight football since 1930. Hull city kicked the season off with a win against Fulham and went on into nine games with only a defeat. They were shock winners against the two London rivals; Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs, beating them at their respective home grounds.

Owing to drop in form in the latter ends, they managed to finish 17th on the table. In their second season thus 2009-2010, they were relegated when they came 19th on the table with 30 points in 38 matches. Their relegation was confirmed after draw with Wigan Athletic. A month later, Phil Brown contract with the club ended and Nigel Pearson was replaced. In the 2010- 2011 of the Championship season, they finished 11th. Hull City has two kits; the home kit comprises of a yellow (amber) shirt with black vertical stripes and black shorts. The away kit is all-white.

They play their home matches at the bowl shaped KC Stadium with 25,404 capacity. Roary the Tiger is the club’s mascot. The first pitch to be used by Hull City AFC was «The Boulevard» which they used on a contract bases until they decided to relocate to Anlaby Road in 1906. In 1929, they made an agreement to build a new ground at Boothferry Road and North Road but financial difficulties ensured that they were not able to continue with the plans. There was another plan to build a new stadium but that too could not materialise due to the out break of WWII. They used different Stadia until they moved into the KC Stadium in 2002. In 2006 KC Stadium was named the best ground in the 2006 football league awards.