mario

...The so-called "gulf" between teams from Premiership and those striving to join the elite from the Championship is often noted, especially when teams from their respective divisions clash in Cup competitions.

However, this "gulf" may be nothing more than a fallacy. When the third round of the FA Cup comes around, Championship teams rewarded with a home tie against Premiership opposition often make a mockery of their respective league positions.

Clashes of this nature have not occurred very often during the third round in recent years, although last season, eight matches fell into this category, with the "superior" Premiership teams winning just twice.

Preston @ 2.47 vs West Brom @ 2.56. result: 0-2
Sunderland @ 2.20 vs Crystal Palace @ 2.86. result: 2-1
Watford @ 3.11 vs Fulham @ 2.08. result: 1-1
West Ham @ 2.32 vs Norwich @ 2.72. result: 1-0
Sheff Utd @ 3.07 vs Aston Villa @ 2.12 R...more

Matt Leinart

...an Trophy. The trophy, however, went to teammate Reggie Bush.

With his early success, Matthew Leinart immediately began planning for his entry into the National football League. In anticipation of his future move to the world of professional sports, Leinart signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and hired an agent in January 2006. Considered one of the top prospects in the 2006 NFL draft, Leinart is a left-handed quarterback with an accurate arm, field experience and great leadership skills.

With the 2006 NFL draft approaching, Leinart is currently wrapping up his senior year at the University of So...more

Super Bowl Preview

...Its been a while since weve seen the Steelers in a Super Bowl (10 years). And weve never seen the Seahawks in the big game. Both teams have two weeks to prepare and come off relatively easy wins in the Championship games. This game is at a neutral site indoors (Detroit), but does anything stand out as far as how these teams fared on the road this season? The Steelers are playing their best football at the right time of the year, riding a 7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS run the last 7 games. Most impressive is that they were the No. 6 seed in the AFC and come off wins against the Bengals, colts and Broncos all on the road! That makes Pittsburgh 8-2 SU/ATS on the road this season! Seattle is only 5-3 SU, 4-4 ATS on the road, although they did average an impressive 27 ppg away from home. Edge to the Steelers.

Philosophically, both teams are similar. Coaches Bill Cowher and Mike Holmgren are veteran coaches whove taken their teams to the Super bowl before. Holmgren makes his third trip, winning once and losing once with the Packers. Both coaches have built their teams with a philosophy around ball control and bal...more

FIFA World Cup 2006 England Glory - 1966 / 2006

...ountry with the once largest of empires has, at one time or another, trounced on or been instrumental in shaping the modern world as we know it. It seems logical that someone would want to get their own back by beating the national football team.

Many of the England naysayers believe that the England team lacks the personality and passion to bring home the cup. Although a personality is great for the cameras, the one ingredient that is surely more important is playing the game of football and scoring goals, and with the current England line up we have the best chance since 1966. Roll on World Cup 2006