The phrase “torrid run of form” is not used in America to talk about any sports except for soccer.

Also true of any type of "run of form".

I too had no idea that to British people "torrid" has bad connotations.

It was hard enough figuring out that when they say someone has "class" it doesn't have anything to do with style or class or anything, it just means they're a good player.

So "torrid" in soccer terms means the same thing as "stagnant", a word that literally means the exact opposite. I believe when we changed the meaning we caused it to make sense.

So "torrid" in soccer terms means the same thing as "stagnant", a word that literally means the exact opposite.

I think you are confusing torrid and torrent.

Balotelli scores 25 minutes into his Milan debut.

Liverpool are exactly as far back of a Champions League place as Man City are of a league title. Which road is harder? United are a lot less likely to drop points than Chelsea/Spurs/Everton/Arsenal, but there's only one United and there are a couple clubs between Liverpool at a top four position.

Liverpool's recent form suggests something of a triumph for the advanced metrics. They are playing like the top club that their underlying stats suggested they were a month or two ago.

It's clear that Sturridge is miles better than the crap Liverpool was playing up top beforehand. He takes so much pressure off Suarez that when he has a bit of a poor game (like today) they are still very dangerous. Coutinho should makes things even better.

I don't think they will catch the top 4 as I think the Spurs have enough to hang on and Chelsea surely will be better. Had they won either of the last two I might have felt differently. Next year though this team should be a clear contender.

What has happened with Skrtel? He was on both the Shooty and the Zonal Marking All PL 11 last year and now he's benched for Carragher? What's the inside story there?

He has been poor recently and Carragher has shockingly played well. He can't run for ####, but he did a very good job of anticipating plays and movement before it happened. In addition, Dzeko doesn't exactly scare one with his pace, so that might have masked things a bit.

Liverpool's backline is pretty thin. They definitely need some help there in the Summer.

I just watched a two-minute highlight reel of the City-Liverpool game. Holy crow. Golazopalooza!

Profound lack of specifics, but as an investigation this appears to be real and quite serious.

BBC: A Champions League tie played in England is one of 380 matches across Europe investigators say was fixed.

At a news conference in The Hague, Netherlands, Europol claimed:

-The fixed Champions League tie in England took place in "last three or four years";
-The identity of that match cannot be revealed due to "ongoing judicial proceedings";
-Other "corrupt" matches included World Cup and European Championship qualifiers and "several top football matches in European leagues";
-In Germany-based matches alone, criminals wagered £13.8m (16m euros) on rigged matches and made £6.9m in profits
-Officials fear this is as the "tip of the iceberg".

They suspect an Asian-based criminal syndicate, working with variously organized criminals throughout Europe. 50 arrests have already been made.

-The fixed Champions League tie in England took place in "last three or four years";

Please don't be Spurs please don't be Spurs please don't be Spurs...

I don't think there is any real chance that Spurs is in on this. They might have unknowingly benefited from it, but when you look at the numbers, there is no way they could have offered enough, and still have it be profitable. These types of schemes are almost universally centred around small clubs and referees for a reason.

I don't think Spurs would be involved, I just don't want to find out those games were tainted. The teams they played that year don't seem likely candidates, but who knows about the refs. I can only think of one call--a Defoe handball that wasn't called that led to a goal--that really benefited Spurs but that was in a match Spurs dominated. Maybe the Asian syndicates paid Maicon to get the over on goals? (I'm kidding.)

I knew there was no way Žilina could lose to Chelsea without throwing the match.

Over-under on how many times it's implied in print that the infamous Chelsea-Barca second leg was the "corrupt" Champions League match played in England? I'm going with a kajillion.

On a lighter note, if you Twitterati don't already follow the Shinji Kagawa parody account (@evilkagawa) you are really missing out. One of the most consistently funny accounts of its kind on there, in my opinion.

It appears there are some doping allegations making the rounds today as well. Not a great day for the sport, it would seem.

The fixed tie was clearly the final. You only had to watch ten minutes to see that. They just paid Robben to make the inside cut every time he had the ball to make sure BM scored on practically none of their attempts.

GOALKEEPERS- Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Sean Johnson

DEFENDERS- Tim Chandler, Fabian Johnson, Geoff Cameron, Carlos Bocanegra, Edgar Castillo Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez, Brad Evans, Michael Parkhurst

MIDFIELDERS- Michael Bradley, Jermaine Jones, Danny Williams, Maurice Edu, Graham Zusi, Brad Davis, Jose Torres, Sacha Kljestan

FORWARDS- Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Eddie Johnson, Herculez Gomez

The Nats traveling to Honduras. No more fooling around guys, time to start winning. I guess Timmy Chandler has made his decision?

SPURS THINK FACTORY
GIF time! Here's the latest entry in the Steffen Freund Is Wonderfully Awkward file.

The fixed tie was clearly the final. You only had to watch ten minutes to see that. They just paid Robben to make the inside cut every time he had the ball to make sure BM scored on practically none of their attempts.

If so, you will have to a long way back to find a Bayern game he played in that wasn't fixed.

If so, you will have to a long way back to find a Bayern game he played in that wasn't fixed.

-Officials fear this is as the "tip of the iceberg".

Qualifying is going to be a bit of a hairy ride for the US. The schedule is such that they could be behind the 8 ball fairly early in the process with 3 of the first 4 games on the road (Honduras, Mexico, Jamaica with just a home game against Costa Rica in there). On the flip side we finish with 6 points in the last two games as very attainable (home v. Jamaica, road v. Panama). A bad start shouldn't be catastrophic but a good start would be a huge boost.

I think Altidore absolutely positively has to be out there. I get why Klinsmann hasn't done it but the ability to find the net is not a widespread skill on this team and even if he does nothing for 89 minutes, getting a goal offsets virtually everything else that might happen. Johnson and Gomez simply can't find the net often enough or command the attention of the opposing defense often enough to be compelling arguments in his stead.

I fear that sometime between now and June, 2014 Jermaine Jones is going to be the lightning rod that Ricardo Clark was 4 years ago.

Somewhat unrelated while I heard about it I hadn't really thought about it until I saw the ad the other day for Mexico's qualifying campaign being covered by ESPN (all their home games on ESPN). I get it from a business perspective but there is something that pissed me off seeing an ad celebrating the US' greatest rival. It would be like seeing NESN announce that they would cover Yankee games. I'll watch but it just makes me want to slap someone.

GIF time! Here's the latest entry in the Steffen Freund Is Wonderfully Awkward file.

It's a special man that can make AVB's celebrations look dignified.

In other Spurs news, both Kane and Obika scored today in the youth match against West Ham. WE HAZ STRIKERS!

That's a surprisingly good roster from Klinsmann. And yes, Chandler said he is in last week, so he will be cap tied and we can put it to rest.

That's a surprisingly good roster from Klinsmann. And yes, Chandler said he is in last week, so he will be cap tied and we can put it to rest.

What do we think of Donovan? My feeling is that if his heart isn't in it, we should just make do without him.

What do we think of Donovan? My feeling is that if his heart isn't in it, we should just make do without him.

Agreed. I think at the very least we need to be preparing as if he will not be available. If he wants to ride in like Kirk Gibson in 1988 and save the day in July that's great but I think there is as good a chance he's not available at all as there is that he'll play.

Is Donovan still the captain (in name anyway)? If so I think it's time to make a decisive move and name Bradley or Dempsey (Bradley is my preference as an outsider) but having a Captain who is not fully invested doesn't make a lot of sense.

re: LFC

I have tended to be a skeptic regarding the metrics and LFC because of the way the team was constructed. What I underestimated was exactly how much of a difference having a competent striker play with Suarez has helped as SG notes. The difference is astounding. Sturridge and Suarez are pretty lethal as a tandem. Downing is no world beater but he's been cromulent lately. Henderson has also helped resolve some of the problems at the top of the triangle. He lacks creativity but his work rate helps and he's been more aggressive in making runs into the box. They were too flimsy with Allen in the mix and tended to get bullied, Gerrard (to my eyes anyway) seems to have adjusted better to playing in a deeper role and letting Henderson do most of the running. I'm also eager to see what Coutinho can add. There has been speculation that he'll play behind the front three but I can't see it. Henderson is such a big part of the pressing LFC wants to do and it isn't really what Coutinho does. I assume Coutinho replaces Downing in the front three when he plays if he adjusts quickly enough. Lucas has looked a lot healthier recently and I thought he had a great game yesterday. Gerrard has turned back the clock the past month or so.

Unfortunately, after they fixed the offense the defense has sprung a leak. Enrique had a decent match, his absence when he got taken off hurt. I would have preferred they brought on Wisdom if he was available and switched Johnson to left back. Agger had one of the worst games I've seen from him in awhile, he made a couple of glaring errors. Reina was terrible. I think he signed his ticket out of town yesterday. He's been bad for a long time. I don't know what's up with Skrtel. Rodgers seems to have a really short leash with centre backs. Coates made a mistake against Anzi and was buried (not that he covered himself in glory at Oldham). Skrtel has made a few mistakes as well but I think the bigger reasons he's in the dog house is that he doesn't play the ball out from the back very well and tends to get pushed around by strong fowards (hopefuly Zenit will pick up the courtesy phone during this summer's transfer window). That's a problem as Agger needs cover in that area. Which is why HMS Carra is playing. I've come full circle on Carra. He used to annoy me to no end because he forces the team to play deep and he's a loudmouth. But the man competes with everything he has. He has tried to avoid hoofing and play the style Rodgers wants, he commands the back four, and he's happy to take a shot to the gut any time he has the opportunity. I was also moved by his tribute to Gerrard at the FWA dinner. Yeah, they are mates, but still, I liked what Carragher said.

As for them being a top 4 quality side, I still don't think they are at that level yet. The back four is weak and Gerrard can not be expected to keep drinking from the fountain of youth. The iron man act he's performed this season is amazing considering not so long ago his groin was riddled with MRSA. 2 points out of road trips to the Emirates and the Ethiad are nothing to sneeze at, but they blew leads both matchs. 6 points and maybe they had a chance given that the run in isn't that bad. In terms of if the season were starting today, going forward I still think they are about sixth in terms of talent, although they are gaining on Arsenal and Spurs. I think they are still a centre back (or two), a left back, a keeper, and maybe an attacking midfielder away from challenging Arsenal and Spurs. But LFC's play has been encouraging. I enjoyed the match greatly yesterday until Reina decided to play keeper like he was in U8.

Is Donovan still the captain (in name anyway)?

Bocanegra is generally the skipper, I believe.

Bocanegra is generally the skipper, I believe.

I keep forgetting that and I don't know why.

Nothing good happens at 4 am.

I keep forgetting that and I don't know why.

I think everybody assumes Dempsey or Donovan captain the team. I only remember because I've also forgotten a bunch of times, too.

I just watched the video about match fixing. They found evidence of match fixing in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and then...he specifically mentions Central America instead of North America. Hopefully that means they haven't got their claws into MLS yet.

I think everybody assumes Dempsey or Donovan captain the team. I only remember because I've also forgotten a bunch of times, too.

When Bocanegra is out or comes off, the armband has gone to Cherundolo, then Howard.

Petr Cech broke a finger in the Newcastle-Chelsea game on Saturday. That could be a big blow for Chelsea if he has to sit out for a while. Their backups aren't very good.

I just watched the video about match fixing. They found evidence of match fixing in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and then...he specifically mentions Central America instead of North America. Hopefully that means they haven't got their claws into MLS yet.

I wonder if the lack of (legal) sports betting in the United States contributes to the lack of influence of gamblers. I think it's pretty clear the US has a much stronger anti-gambling sports culture than pretty much anywhere else--I still remember being just floored that you could bet at the match when I went to Upton Park--so perhaps it takes more effort to get in there.

Of course, now that I've said that, I'm sure we'll find out there hasn't been a game in MLS on the level since 2004 or something.

I have tended to be a skeptic regarding the metrics and LFC because of the way the team was constructed. What I underestimated was exactly how much of a difference having a competent striker play with Suarez has helped as SG notes. The difference is astounding. Sturridge and Suarez are pretty lethal as a tandem.

Very much agree. I do think their opponents will adjust, so that the impact of Sturridge will diminish. But for now he's made a big impact. Like you, I still don't see them as a CL club.

Petr Cech broke a finger in the Newcastle-Chelsea game on Saturday. That could be a big blow for Chelsea if he has to sit out for a while. Their backups aren't very good.

That could have been Jack Butland's big break.

The magic loogie

Gross.

I think that it is misguided to think of this latest scandal (or "match fixing" scandals in general) as involving manipulated results. Recent experience has demonstrated that while such things do still happen, it is more profitable for the fixers to manipulate prop type bets, in part because it is easier to get bent players or refs to agree to manipulate single incidents and partly because football is unpredictable enough that results-focused fixes are rarely sure things.

Recent experience has demonstrated that while such things do still happen, it is more profitable for the fixers to manipulate prop type bets

Definitely. It would take an incredible amount of work to fix the outcome of a match. You'd have to get to a healthy majority of the 22 guys who start the game, I would think, plus potentially the referee as well. And if any one of them blows the lid off it, that's the end.

Far more practical to arrange stuff like "so-and-so will get booked in the second half" or something.

Far more practical to arrange stuff like "so-and-so will get booked in the second half" or something.

At long last the answer to Paul Scholes' terrible tackles is revealed!

Anyone worried about what Zeman getting the sack will mean for Michael Bradley? I can easily see a new manager putting De Rossi back in Bradley's position.

A little. He was impressive at Cheivo and has played very well for Roma. He might be used differently and maybe not start as much, but he won't be on the bench all the time either.

Danish tabloid says "CL Match in England" was Liverpool-Debrecen and that it didn't work.

Much of the press speculation in the UK revolved around the fact a Champions League game based in England, over the last 3 to 4 years, was one of the fixed matches and Ekstra Bladet seem certain that it was Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Debrecen in 2009.

They suggest that Debrecen goalkeeper Vukasin Poleksic was bribed to ensure that there were over 2.5 goals in the match.

However, Liverpool had a poor night in front of goal and Poleksic only conceded one, where he punched out a shot from Fernando Torres into the path of Dirk Kuyt to claim the winner – see video below.

Later on in the Champions League group stage of 2009, Poleksic was once again bribed for the match against Fiorentina which the Italians won 4-3.

Poleksic has since subsequently been banned from all football activities for failing to report match fixing activities.

It's a special man that can make AVB's celebrations look dignified.

There are so many great things about that whole sequence. AVB totally ignoring Freund's silliness, as usual. The training staff getting into it. Phil Dowd making sure he still has two hands. The chubby bald bloke in the front row who's all, "Where the f**k did that f**ker come from, then?!?" after Freund sails into his field of vision like a human cannonball.

Freund is the best part, of course. Not least because he's already got his serious face back on *before* he even lands. It's so German. "I AM ELATED! COMMENCE CELEBRATIFICATION JUM...and I am done. Back to work now. Where is my clipboard?" But there are so many layers of fantastic that reveal themselves with each viewing.

RE: LFC

Good write up J. Sosa. I agree on nearly all points although I hadn't really thought through the issues with Gerrard's age. Replacing him in addition to fixing the backline and goalkeeping may be too much in a single window. Also, although Suarez has consistently indicated he has no desire to leave, it is imperative they keep him around.

Freund is the best part, of course. Not least because he's already got his serious face back on *before* he even lands. It's so German. "I AM ELATED! COMMENCE CELEBRATIFICATION JUM...and I am done. Back to work now. Where is my clipboard?" But there are so many layers of fantastic that reveal themselves with each viewing.

I'm going to assume, based on this description, that the trainer with the blue hands is going for beer in the bags in front of him to toast the occasion. Clearly.

I think that it is misguided to think of this latest scandal (or "match fixing" scandals in general) as involving manipulated results.

Considering the manner in which Manchester United is denied extra time by the referee when they are trailing and also forced to defend for ridiculous amounts of extra time when they are ahead, I would imagine that SAF is quite convinced that this scandal does involve manipulated results and is looking quite forward to being awarded last year's title retroactively.

Very strange to have the USMNT on beIN Wednesday, but whatever.

So - what do people think the starting 11 will be? I think Howard; Johnson-Bocanegra-Cameron-Chandler are pretty much given - Dempsey, Altidore and Bradley as well - can we maybe be spared Jones (I just don't like him)? I'd rather Edu as the holding mid, Williams on the right isn't too bad, maybe Torres on the left wing? Bradley ranging wherever, Dempsey slotted just behind Altidore?

So - what do people think the starting 11 will be? I think Howard; Johnson-Bocanegra-Cameron-Chandler are pretty much given - Dempsey, Altidore and Bradley as well - can we maybe be spared Jones (I just don't like him)? I'd rather Edu as the holding mid, Williams on the right isn't too bad, maybe Torres on the left wing? Bradley ranging wherever, Dempsey slotted just behind Altidore?

Edu isn't good enough. Jones is frustrating but he's a better player. I hate Williams on the right, he has shown no ability to get the ball forward at all, I'd prefer he not start. I'm done with Torres, he's been useless under Klinsmann, especially on the outside. So he'll probably start one of those at one of those positions, because he's terrible. My guess would be:

Altidore-Dempsey
???-Bradley-Jones-Zusi
Johnson-Bocanegra-Cameron-Chandler
Howard

Who the missing player is depends on what formation Klinsmann will use. He likes the 4-3-3 despite this team not being able to play it, last game they were in a 4-1-3-2, 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 probably fits this roster best. Who knows what Klinsmann will do.

I think I'd do this. I'm just spitballing here, this might not work realistically...
Jozy Gomez
Dempsey
Jones - Bradley - Chandler
Johnson - Cameron - Boca/Gonzalez - Parkhurst
Howard

I don't think Zuzi or Torres are worth starting so you go with three MF's and push Fabian Johnson way upfield to cove for the lack of bodies in the middle. Now, whenever I try this in Football Manager I always get killed in the midfield so this might not be the best idea. And I know Chandler usually plays right back but I think he's got enough skill to handle a right midfield position. And again, I'm not especially interested in seeing Torres or Zuzi out there.

Thinking more conservatively, I'd do this...
Jozy
Dempsey
Torres - Bradley - Jones - Chandler
Johnson - Cameron - Boca/Gonzalez - Parkhurst
Howard

Can Sacha fake it on the left side?

D'oh.

Luckily for him, no one was there to see it.

What happened there? The ball bounced past him over a foot out of his reach to the left. Did he hilariously misread the initial ball, or did it take some kind of insane bounce? The bounce looks normal from most angles.

Or maybe that was another bit of match fixing?