MLS signs seven to 2011 Generation adidas class | Soccer By Ives

Major League Soccer has signed most of its 2011 Generation adidas draft class, completing most of the deals by Wednesday.

According to multiple sources, MLS has secured the signings of Akron standouts Darlington Nagbe, Kofi Sarkodie, Zarek Valentin and Michael Nanchoff, as well as Indiana striker Will Bruin, Penn State striker Corey Hertzog and Maryland goalkeeper Zac MacMath.

The seven player haul could reach eight if MLS succeeds in signing highly-regarded U.S. Under-20 midfielder/defender Perry Kitchen. According to sources, MLS and Kitchens representatives are far apart in negotiations.

There is no word on what other players may receive offers, but Akron freshman Darren Mattocks isnt believed to be on the Generation adidas radar anymore, while Maryland striker Casey Townsend could still be in the mix. California goalkeeper David Bingham was another player believed to still be on the radar.

MLS is expected to limit this years Generation adidas class to nine total players, with U.S. Under-20 striker Omar Salgado already having signed a contract.

MLS has also secured the signings of three senior players ahead of the MLS Draft. North Carolinas Jalil Anibaba, Michael Farfan and Stephen McCarthy have all been signed to contracts according to sources with knowledge of the deals.

What do you think of this group?

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Report: Osorio to be named Chivas USA head coach | Soccer By Ives

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Juan Carlos Osorio left MLS 16 months ago having endured the worst run in league history. More than a year, and one Colombian League championship later, Osorio looks set to return to MLS again.

ESPNLosAngeles.com is reporting that Chivas USA is set to hire Osorio as the teams newest head coach. The report cited multiple unnamed sources, including a team official.

Osorio will be coaching his third MLS team in four years. He became Chicago Fire head coach in 2007, helping turn the Fire from a cellar dweller into a playoff team that reached the Eastern Conference final. He left the Fire to become New York Red Bulls head coach in 2008, and overcame a mediocre regular season to guide the team to its first MLS Cup Final appearance, a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew.

Things went badly for Osorio in 2009, when the Red Bulls fell apart and endured one of the worst seasons in league history. Osorio stepped down late in 2009. He eventually resurfaced in Colombia, where he recently led Once Caldas to the Colombian League Championship.

What do you think of this development? Think Osorio can turn Chivas USA around? See him struggling like he did in 2009 with New York?

Share your thoughts below.

SBI MLS Draft Big Board (Version 3.0) | Soccer By Ives

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The countdown to the MLS Draft has reached three weeks and the crop of 2011 draft prospects is shaping up to be a strong one.

With MLS closing in on finalizing its Generation adidas class of standout underclassmen signings, we now have a better idea of just what the top end of the draft will look like. As it stands, here is what the Generation adidas class should be:

Omar Salgado, Darlington Nagbe, Perry Kitchen, Zarek Valentin, Zac MacMath, Will Bruin, Corey Hertzog, Kofi Sarkodie, Michael Nanchoff

Of the above players, all but Kitchen and Sarkodie have signed, with Kitchen and Sarkodie still negotiating deals. If one or both of them doesnt come to terms, California goalkeeper David Bingham and Maryland striker Casey Townsend are leading candidates to be added to the Generation adidas class.

The newest SBI MLS Draft Big Board is out a bit later than expected, but with the Generation adidas class coming together I decided to hold off until I could remove some more names from the board of underclassmen who wont be coming out. Some really quality prospects wont be coming out, including Notre Dame midfielder Dillon Powers and Duke midfielder/defender Andrew Wenger, but one thing we can already see is that the 2012 MLS Draft class will also be a strong one (and I will be posting a list of 2012 Draft Players to Watch soon).

For now, were focusing on the 2011 class. Here is SBIs MLS Draft Big Board, Version 3.0:

SBI MLS DRAFT BIG BOARD 3.0 (*-Underclassman)

1. *PERRY KITCHEN, Akron, Defensive Midfielder

Capable of playing defensive midfield, centerback or even right back, Kitchen is arguably the best long-term prospect in the draft. Currently in negotiations with MLS, Kitchen is a U.S. Under-20 standout and lock Top Three pick.

2. *DARLINGTON NAGBE, Akron, Forward/Midfielder

Speedy and skillful striker who can also play on the wing. Some think he can be better than Steve Zakuani and Teal Bunbury. The Liberian-born standout has signed with MLS.

3. *ZAC MACMATH, Maryland, Goalkeeper

Top-flight goalkeeper is a U.S. Under-20 starter and best goalkeeper available. Signed with MLS.

4. *ZAREK VALENTIN, Akron, Right Back/Centerback

U.S. Under-20 defender is capable of playing centerback or right back. Doesnt boast the attacking qualities of Kofi Sarkodie, but is a better defender. Signed with MLS.

5. *KOFI SARKODIE, Akron, Right Back

Best attacking fullback to come out of college in years. His ability to get forward from the right back position has teams drooling. Signed with MLS.

6. OMAR SALGADO, Gen Adidas, Forward

A teenage 6-foot-3 target striker with good feet and worlds of potential. Hes more of a long-term project and is thought by some to have the most upside in the draft.

7. *COREY HERTZOG, Penn State, Forward

Fast, fearless and a clutch finisher, Hertzog has quietly climbed the charts this fall. Philadelphia tried unsuccessfully to land him as a Homegrown Player. He has signed with MLS.

7. *WILL BRUIN, Indiana, Forward

Strong striker who has been one of the best finishers in college, he will draw serious interest from teams looking for a physical presence up top.

9. *MICHAEL NANCHOFF, Akron, Left winger

Might have improved his draft stock more than any player at the College Cup, Nanchoff is a skillful left winger whose passing, work rate and service from the flank has scouts very interested. Akron head coach Caleb Porter has been raving about Nanchoff since pre-season and now many squads have joined the fan club.

10. *DAVID BINGHAM, California, Goalkeeper

Considered a prospect on par with Zac MacMath, Bingham is a first-round talent who may not be available in the draft after initially being bypassed for a Generation adidas contract. If he stays in school (and Bingham could pursue Europe if MLS passes), Bingham could be a Top 3 pick in 2012. He could still sign with MLS if Kitchen doesnt.

11. A.J. SOARES, California, Central Defender

Tall (6-foot-2) and skilled central defender who is also a threat on set pieces, Soares is regarded by some as the best centerback in the draft. He could be this years Tim Ream. Hasnt signed with MLS yet, but is expected to have a deal in place before the Combine.

12. ANTHONY AMPAIPITAKWON, Akron, Midfielder

His versatility, quickness and passing touch make him a very attractive prospect, and he also impressed scouts with his toughness at the College Cup.

13. JUSTIN MERAM, Michigan, Forward

Three months ago Meram might not have even been invited to the MLS Combine. After scoring a ton of goals in the final weeks of the college season, and thoroughly impressing at College Cup, Meram has catapulted himself into the first-round conversation.

14. MICHAEL FARFAN, North Carolina, Midfielder

A skilled attacking midfielder considered by some as the most talented senior in the draft, Farfan has great one-on-one ability and is one of the best passers in the draft. He has signed a senior MLS contract.

15. *CASEY TOWNSEND, Maryland, Forward

A top-notch prospect two years ago, Townsend had a strong comeback season to earn a place here. Hes a fearless and fast forward who could still be a part of the Generation adidas class if Kitchen doesnt sign.

16. JALIL ANIBABA, North Carolina, Defender

A dominant physical presence at centerback, Anibaba could be considered this years Ike Opara (though he isnt quite as physically gifted). Rivals Soares for title of best centerback in the draft. If he has a good combine he could lead a team to make an early first-round play for him. He has signed a senior MLS contract.

17. JASON HERRICK, Maryland, Forward

A mature, quick and a good finisher, Herrick is one of the better seniors available and good bet to go in the first round.

18. STEVEN MCCARTHY, North Carolina, Midfielder

A 6-foot-4 central midfielder who scouts have had eye on since his days at Santa Clara. He passes extremely well for his size and is a legitimate aerial threat on set pieces. Has already signed a senior MLS contract.

19. DANIEL KEAT, Dartmouth, Midfielder

A polished soccer player with skill and work rate to be effective two-way player. New Zealand-born midfielder plays well centrally, but also floats out to provide dangerous service.

20. COLE GROSSMAN, Duke, Midfielder

Overshadowed by standout Duke underclassmen Andrew Wenger and Ryan Finley, Grossman has won over his share of scouts with his attacking qualities.

21. MICHAEL BOXALL, UCSB, Defender

The New Zealand-born centerback is arguably a more mature defender than the other top prospects, Boxall is a tough player and good leader. A strong Combine could push him into the first round.

22. ASHLEY MCINNES,Tulsa,Forward/Midfielder

A versatile attacking player capable of contributing as a striker and as a winger, McInnes is a Scottish-born product of the Aberdeen system.

23. TYLER LASSITER, North Carolina State, Defender

Combining good athletic ability with impressive passing skills for a centerback, Lassiter was one of the more polished defenders in the ACC in 2010.

24. JEFF ATTINELLA, South Florida, Goalkeeper

If David Bingham doesnt sign, Attinella could wind up as the No. 2 goalkeeper on the board on draft day. Carried an underachieving South Florida team at times and his physical qualities make him a standout prospect.

25. BOBBY WARSHAW, Stanford, Midfielder/Defender

Tough and talented defender who looks more suited to defensive midfield role in MLS. A former U.S. youth national team player, Warshaw has a good skill set, but stands more to gain from a strong combine than most.

26. J.T. MURRAY, Louisville, Defender

A marauding left back with a natural left foot and good attacking qualities, Murray is the best player at his position in the draft. A strong combine could lead a team to reach for him in the first round.

27. RICH BALCHAN, Indiana, Midfielder

A smart and skilled defensive midfielder who could be a second-round steal. Balchan impressed scouts with his poise and ability to disrupt opposing attacks.

28. RYAN KINNE, Monmouth, Forward

One of the better attacking players in college last season, Kinne was inexplicably excluded from the MLS Player Combine but several teams are aware of his goal-scoring ability and creativity.

29. LEVI HOUAPEU, UMBC, Forward/Midfielder

With speed to burn and a keen passing eye, Houapeu is intriguing scouts who could see him as an impact winger or fast option up top. Hell need to impress at the Combine to prove that his small school background isnt hiding a lack of ability.

30. DIEGO RESTREPO, Virginia, Goalkeeper

A national champion as a junior, Restrepo enjoyed one of the best goalkeeping careers in college history but still managed not to get invited to the MLS Combine. His size (6-foot) is a concern to some scouts, but Restrepo has trained with MLS clubs before and is set to trial with Colombian side America de Cali. Could be a draft-day steal.

31. ERNESTO CARRANZA, Sacramento State, Forward/Midfielder

32. JOSUE SOTO, SMU, Midfielder

33. EDDIE ABABIO, North Carolina, Defender

34. BRYAN MEREDITH, Monmouth, Goalkeeper

35. BRAYAN MARTINEZ, Seton Hall, Forward/Midfielder

36. JUAN LEONE CRUZ, SMU, Defender

37. GREG KING, UConn, Defender

38. AMANI WALKER, Forward, UC-Irvine

39. DAVIS PAUL, California, Forward/Midfielder

40. JOSH FORD, Connecticut, Goalkeeper

–

Mariner emerges as candidate for Toronto FC job | Soccer By Ives

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Paul Mariner has emerged as a candidate for the Toronto FC job, sources have told SBI.

A long-time New England assistant under Steve Nicol, Mariner had long been considered one of the top head coaching candidates in MLS before leaving New England to take over as Plymouth Argyle manager a year ago.

Mariner stepped down as Plymouth manager in May, after the team was relegated to League One, but he has remained a coach with the club.

Mariner is the first candidate to emerge as a potential replacement for Preki, who was fired during the season and replaced by interim head coach Nick Dasovic.

What do you think of Mariner as a candidate in Toronto? Hoping TFC goes in another direction?

Share your thoughts below.

Friday Ticker: Sir Alex shoots down Becks return, Revs re-sign Reis and more | Soccer By Ives

By JOHN BOSCHINI

David Beckham has stated repeatedly that the only English Premier League team he would play for is Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson made it clear that a return to Old Trafford isnt an option for the Los Angeles Galaxy star.

Ferguson shot down the possibility of a Beckham return, saying Beckham was too old to play for him.

Not to be outdone, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also dismissed the possibility of Beckham joining the Gunners. Beckham has trained with Arsenal in the past.

Beckham continues to eye loan possibilities despite the fact the Galaxy has stated that Beckham is expected to rejoin the MLS squad for pre-season training.

Here are some other stories to keep your Friday going:

Revs re-sign Reis

Thankfully for the New England Revolution, Matt Reis isnt going anywhere.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper signed a new contract with New England on Thursday. Reis has made a 188 appearances for the Revolution since singing for the club in 2003 but missed the end of the season with a shoulder injury. He currently sits seventh on the MLS games played list for goalkeepers with 227. Reis also has two caps for the U.S. national team.

New England also announced that it had reached a contract agreement with defender Ryan Cochrane, who was acquired in the MLS re-entry draft after Houston refused to sign him to a new deal.

Here are some more stories to kick off your Christmas Eve.

Platini running unopposed in UEFA election

Michael Platini will be re-elected as the president of UEFAafter no challenging candidate came forth before Wednesday nights deadline. The former France captain will serve another four-year term which will expire in 2015. PLatini will formerly be elected on March 22. Platini is responsible for expanding the European Championship field to 24 teams and spearheading UEFAs financial fair play laws.

Manchester United vs. Chelsea rescheduled

One of the most anticipated fixtures of the English Premier League was canceled last weekend when Chelsea vs. Manchester United was snowed out. Chelsea has confirmed that the two teams will meet at Stamford Bridge on March 1st for the makeup game. The date is dependant on neither team being involved in a fifth-round replay of the FA Cup.

Henry to surrender World Cup bonus

Thierry Henry will follow the lead of many of his French teammates and surrender his 2010 World Cup bonusfollowing the defending finalists embarrassing exit in the group stages. As of this week, only Henry and teammate Nicolas Anelka had not surrendered their bonus of around $4 million. Henry blamed the delay on a lack of communication between the French Football Federation and his agent.

McClaren safe at Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg boss Steve McClaren has been given a stay of execution and will remain as managerdespite losing to second division Energie Cottbus in the German Cup. The former England manager, who failed to qualify the Three Lions for Euro 2008, is off to a rough start in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg a woeful 13th. Wolfsburgs managing director, Dieter Hoeness, said that there would be some cleaning up to do.

What do you think of todays stories? Where do you see Beckham going on loan? Think the Galaxy will shoot down any loan possibilities? Excited to see Reis stay in New England?

Share your thoughts below.

Champions League preview – Steaua Bucharest v Lyon | World Soccer

For the latest odds on this seasons Champions League click here.

Steaua Bucharest coach Cosmin Olaroiu was generous in his description of Lyon on the eve of their Champions League encounter in Romania. But, despite the respect he has for tonight’s opponents, Olaroiu says: “our aim is to win”.

“We’re approaching the most important match we will play in this section,” he said.

“Lyon are group favourites. They are very organised and the fact they’ve won five French titles in a row speaks volumes. They have a fantastic balance between individual talent and team organisation.”

Both teams won their opening games – Steaua with an emphatic 4-1 victory at Dynamo Kyiv – but it was Lyon’s 2-0 victory over Real Madrid that attracted the headlines.

“Every Lyon player is capable of causing us problems,” Olaroiu continued.

“To be honest, I followed them in last season’s Champions League and was unhappy when they lost in the last minute in the quarter-finals. But every side has their weaknesses. There’s no such thing as a perfect team.”

Steaua have been hit by long-term injuries to Mirel Radoi and Victoras Iacob while Vasilica Cristocea and Sorin Paraschiv face late fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Lyon coach Gerrard Houllier is hoping to maintain his side’s 100 per cent record thus far.

“We are here to win,” he said. “We always have a positive attitude, an attacking one. The idea is to control the match and to pose a threat all the time.”

“I was very impressed by their win in Kiev and it wasn’t a lucky win. It was the victory of a team with a cohesive squad of players and few weaknesses,” added Houllier.

Lyon are without the injured Claudio Cacapa though club’s strength in depth means that they will start the match as strong favourites to take all three points.

Probable teams
Steaua:
Carlos Alberto Fernandes; Petre Marin, Dorin Goian, Sorin Ghionea, Mihai Nesu; Banel Nicolita, Sorin Paraschiv, Florin Lovin, Gabriel Bostina; Nicolae Dica, Valentin Badea.

Lyon:
Gregory Coupet; Anthony Réveillère, Cris, Patrick Müller, Eric Abidal; Jérémy Toulalan, Tiago, Juninho Pernambucano; Florent Malouda, Fred, Sidney Govou.

For the latest odds on this seasons Champions League click here.

Champions League preview – Benfica v Manchester United | World Soccer

Confident of who will score in the Champions League this week? Click here to find out the latest odds.

Benfica may have knocked Manchester United out of last season’s Champions League but their coach, Fernando Santos, is expecting a tougher proposition when the sides meet in Lisbon on Tuesday.

Santos warned that the English team were “stronger than last season” – a sentiment echoed by his Old Trafford counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson.

“We made a fantastic start (taking an early lead through Paul Scholes) and we lost concentration,” Ferguson said.

“You can’t do that in Europe. It’s a mental thing. You hope the experience of games like last year in Benfica helped to drive the message home.”

Tonight promises to be a special occasion for Cristiano Ronaldo, who makes his first Champions League appearance since United’s last visit to this stadium. The former Sporting player was booed that night and his response to the crowd earned him a one-match suspension.

“He’s intelligent, he’s growing up terrifically,” said Ferguson. “He’s been fantastic for us this season, our best player, so he understands (how to respond). On Saturday once again he was our best attacker. At 21 years of age it’s a fantastic future the lad’s got.”

Ferguson has no injury worries, with Louis Saha, suffering a slight strain, expected t partner Wayne Rooney up front.

Santos, meanwhile, preferred to focus on his own side.

“Our goal is to win this match and it’s the only result that I would consider a positive one for us,” said Santos. “We’ll be very focused on this match and concentrated on the job we have to do.”

“Manchester United are very tough opponents, stronger than last season at least judging by their league results, but we have a good team also,” added Santos.

Benfica will again be without Rui Costa but midfielder Nuno Assis is available despite receiving ten stitches to a chin wound in the weekend match against Pacos.

Ricardo Rocha is fit again, meaning Santos must choose between him and Anderson to partner Luisao in central defence.

Probable teams
Benfica:
Quim; Alcides, Luisão, Anderson, Léo; Petit, Konstantinos Katsouranis, Nuno Assis; Paulo Jorge, Nuno Gomes, Simao.
Man United:
Edwin van der Sar; Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Gabriel Heinze; Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Cristiano Ronaldo; Wayne Rooney, Louis Saha.

Confident of who will score in the Champions League this week? Click here to find out the latest odds.

Champions League preview – Inter v Bayern Munich | World Soccer

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Arguably the key encounter in this group takes place in Milan tonight, as Inter, still smarting from their opening day defeat to Sporting, welcome German champions Bayern Munich.

“We’ve played one and lost one so it’s essential for us to get some points on the board,” said Inter coach Roberto Mancini. “We can’t afford to be chasing already at this early stage. The players need to think before they act. They must think calmly and do the right things.”

“Bayern are a very good side. They are physical, play good football and have great belief. So we need to keep our concentration, which means we mustn’t go charging forward at all times.

“Goals can come at any stage. It doesn’t matter when you score but what you can’t do is give Bayern a chance to show us what they can do.”

Inter will be without the suspended Patrick Vieira and injured Esteban Cambiasso, leaving Olivier Dacourt and Dejan Stankovi? to do the donkey work in midfield.

For Bayern coach Felix Magath, the pressure is off his team following their opening day victory over Spartak Moscow.

“The win against Spartak has put us in a good position because we don’t have to win, as Inter do after losing in Lisbon, so we are under no particular pressure,” he said.

“Inter were already strong last year and after the signings they made in the summer they are even stronger now. But I still think they are trying to gel and we will try to exploit that.”

Bayern have a miserable record in Italy, losing their last six matches in the country. But, Magath is confident of ending that run.

“Just because we didn’t win last year doesn’t mean we can’t go all the way this time around,” he declared. We’ve not come to defend, we’ve come to play an open game.” Inter have been warned.

Probable teams
Inter:
Júlio César; Maicon, Marco Materazzi, Iván Córdoba, Fabio Grosso; Javier Zanetti, Olivier Dacourt, Dejan Stankovi?, Luís Figo; Hernán Crespo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Bayern:
Oliver Kahn; Willy Sagnol, Daniel Van Buyten, Lucio, Philipp Lahm; Hasan Salihamidzic, Martin Demichelis, Mark van Bommel, Bastian Schweinsteiger; Claudio Pizarro, Roque Santa Cruz.

Confident of who will score in the Champions League this week? Click here to find out the latest odds.

Champions League preview – Bordeaux v PSV | World Soccer

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Bordeaux and PSV Eindhoven meet at the Stade Chaban-Delmas on Wednesday, with both sides knowing that a win will give their qualification hopes a huge boost.

Bordeauz coach Ricardo Gomes aacknowledgd the sigificance of the game, although he denied that it was an all-or-nothing encounter.

“Of course we aim to continue our campaign with a victory against PSV,” he said. “Although I know it’s not the end of the world if we don’t come out on top.”

Indifferent domestic form has not concerned Gomez, who believes his players will rise to the occasdion tonight.

“This is the Champions League. It is different and we will be ready,” said Gomes, who is able to recall Johan Micoud after the playmaker recovered from a stomach injury.

“He’s (Micoud) important for them and can make things happen up front,” conceded PSV coach Ronald Koeman.

PSV are missing several key players through injury. Captain Phillip Cocu, Jefferson Farfán, Jason Culina and Patrick Kluivert will all be absent. However, Koeman insists his midfield is coping well in Cocu’s absence, especially with Edison Méndez in outstanding form.

Probable teams
Bordeaux:
Ulrich Ramé; Franck Jurietti, Henrique, David Jemmali, Florian Marange; Julien Faubert, Fernando Menegazzo, Rio Antonio Mavuba, Johan Micoud, Geraldo Mauricio Wendel; Jean-Claude Darcheville.

PSV:
Heurelho Gomes; Jan Kromkamp, Alex, Michael Lamey, Carlos Salcido; Timmy Simons, Mika Väyrynen, Edison Méndez, Ibrahim Afellay; Arouna Koné, Diego Tardelli.

Confident of who will score in the Champions League this week? Click here to find out the latest odds.

Champions League preview – Arsenal v Porto | World Soccer

Confident of who will score in the Champions League this week? Click here to find out the latest odds.

Arsene Wenger hopes Arsenal can carry their marvellous home form in the Champions League to the club’s new Emirates stadium, when they face Porto on Tuesday.

Unbeaten in their last ten European games at Highbury, Wenger is confident of extending that sequence.

“We want to show that we haven’t given up any advantage by moving,” Wenger said.

“Our recent record at Highbury was excellent and we must try to keep those standards up.”

“Your stadium is like your house,” Wenger said. “You only feel at home once you know where everything is. We knew that it could become a psychological problem if we didn’t win so we’re pleased to have beaten Sheffield United.”

Thierry Henry returns from injury, while Fredrik Ljungberg and Johan Djourou should both be available despite picking up knocks at the weekend.

New Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira dismissed suggestions his team would be happy with a point, saying: “We know Arsenal are a very strong outfit but we’re the Portuguese champions and we go into every match looking to win.”

Ferreira’s side drew 0-0 with CSKA Moscow in their opening Group G match.

“That stalemate means it’s now vital we don’t lose to Arsenal,” Ferreira said.

“In a match between two strong sides there’s always a possibility of losing. But if we keep our shape and remain compact at the back we can nullify the threat that Arsenal pose on the counterattack.”

Helder Postiga is expected to replace Adriano up front, while Anderson and Ricardo Quaresma will offer Postiga support.

Probable teams
Arsenal:
Jens Lehmann; Emmanuel Eboue, Kolo Toure, Johan Djourou, William Gallas; Tomas Rosicky, Cesc Fabregas, Gilberto, Fredrik Ljungberg; Thierry Henry, Emmanuel Adebayor.?
Porto:
Helton; Bosingwa, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Marek Cech; Lucho Gonzalez, Raul Meireles, Paulo Assuncao; Anderson, Ricardo Quaresma; Helder Postiga.

Confident of who will score in the Champions League this week? Click here to find out the latest odds.