Paul Parker (UK) Blog

Spice added to Merseyside derby

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:06:29 -0800

MATCH OF THE WEEKEND: Everton v Liverpool

The first Merseyside derby of the season is an interesting one, considering the poor recent form of both sides. Neither have got going this season and their respective on-field problems have been well documented. ...

Deadly Defoe proves England worth

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:50:17 -0800

If there was any question about Jermain Defoe's status as England's best natural finisher, he ended the debate with his devastating five-goal performance for Tottenham against Wigan.

It was typical of his single-minded approach to the game that he said afterwards he was disappointed not to get a double hat-trick!

I'm sure his place in England's World Cup squad is safe, but you wonder whether Fabio Capello really rates him. ...

Parker: Pressure suits Liverpool

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:33:04 -0800

MATCH OF THE WEEKEND: Manchester City v Liverpool

It's another big game for Liverpool and one they should be able to raise their game for. They proved against Manchester United they can perform when the pressure is on, and with the spotlight still firmly on Rafa Benitez, the situation is no different for them this weekend.

It's a good time for Liverpool to face City, who are struggling to meet expectations so far this season. ...

Parker: Don't blame Henry

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:26 -0800

Thierry Henry has insisted he is no cheat and that he was acting purely on instinct when he handled the ball in France's controversial World Cup play-off with the Republic of Ireland, and I can understand his point of view.

In the heat of the moment, with the ball coming at you at pace amid a crowd of bodies, it is easy to react in the way that Henry did. And I don't think too many other players would have done differently. ...

Crowd can be decisive factor for Irish

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:09:03 -0800

The Republic of Ireland may have lost the first leg of their play-off match to France, but they will have been able to take a great deal of heart from the game at Croke Park.

As usual, the Irish had a go and but for some poor finishing and a slice of bad luck, they would be taking a goal with them to Paris.

A lot has been made of the part the crowd will play at the Stade de France and I genuinely believe it will be a big factor on Wednesday. ...

England shortage exposed

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:35:48 -0800

I'm not a fan of mid-season friendlies at the best of times, but England's money-spinner against Brazil in the Middle East is plain crazy.

And I imagine that's the view of most Premier League managers too, who will be spending this weekend fretting over those players who have travelled to the Middle East.

There are no footballing reasons to travel so far to play, even if it is against Brazil. ...

Diving panel needed

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:14:10 -0800

David Ngog's dive to win a penalty against Birmingham on Monday has caused uproar, and rightly so.

What it served to do, apart from getting Liverpool and Rafa Benitez out of jail, is highlight once again the need for action to be taken to combat cheating.

Gaining an unfair advantage through diving has for too long blighted the modern game and it is time it was stamped out for good.

Of course that is easier said than done. ...

Chelsea too strong for United

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:57:30 -0800

Match of the weekend: Chelsea v Manchester United

It's the big one and I have to listen to my head, not my heart, when predicting the outcome. Chelsea are simply too strong for United at the moment and I expect them, with home advantage, to take all three points at Stamford Bridge.

Didier Drogba is one of the best strikers in the world and he is in the kind of form to exploit United's current defensive frailties. ...

London calling for title

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:10:10 -0800

With just under a third of the season gone, it looks like the Premier League title could be heading down south to London.

Arsenal have played the best-looking football so far and I would love to say they were my favourites to win the league, but that label has to go to Chelsea.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have lost two away games, one deservedly at Wigan and one unluckily at Aston Villa, but they have been the most consistent. ...

Focus on football, Rio

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:58:59 -0800

Match of the weekend: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur

This is a real test of Tottenham's ambitions. They have a bigger squad than Arsenal and more strength in depth, but lack individuals with the quality of Andrei Arshavin or Cesc Fabregas. Arsenal have started the season well, but they have frailties in defence and you worry about their durability. They will always outplay teams while still giving them a chance. ...