Blackpool Prepare for True Test of Premier League Credentials

Before the start of the new Premier League season there was surely little doubt even that amongst even the most die-hard Blackpool fans that the Lancashire club’s first season in English Football’s elite would surely end in relegation back to the Championship. However, after a fairytale 4 – 0 away win on the opening day against a seemingly shambolic Wigan side, their hopes of achieving the near impossible will have been some what lifted. Goals from new signing Marlon Harewood as well as Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Alex Baptiste sent the men in orange into dreamland as they brushed Wigan aside with ease.

Blackpool now travel to the Emirates stadium to face the multi million pound Arsenal side on Saturday afternoon – but will head south on a high after their opening day win. Seasiders boss Ian Holloway will however know that this fixture will pose a much greater test of his players ability and mentality as Arsenal seek to build on their opening day draw at Anfield. It is arguable that fixtures such as this are hardly likely to define Blackpool’s season, but it will give Holloway’s side a true test of their Premier League credentials.

Brazil Still Struggling with Challenge of New Infrastructure for 2014 World Cup

After the excitement and glamour of World Cup 2010 begins to fade it is perhaps not surprising that football fans and governing bodies across the globe will gradually become more and more focused on their team’s preparations for the next World Cup event set to be held in Brazil in 2014. The event should be a true celebration of Samba football as the game’s biggest global sports event returns to South America after a prolonged absence – and to the nation of Brazil for the first time since 1950. Few teams across the globe inspire the football fan more than Brazil in full flow – and the prospect of such a talented and historic football nation hosting the event is surely one that any football lover would saver.

However, their is growing concerns raised by footballs world governing body FIFA about the host nations preparation for the event, with Brazil’s 12 host cities apparently under increasing pressure and scrutiny to meet the demands of hosting such a prestigious event. Many development projects across the host nation are thought to be falling behind schedule and although World Cup Brazil is still nearly 4 years in the future their has already been growing concerns that the planned improvements to grounds, transport infrastructure and surrounding facilities are struggling to stay on course to meet the heavy demands that such a large influx of visitors would bring to the nation.

English Premier League Set for Big Kick Off in 2010/2011 Season Opener

This afternoon the 20 English Premier League clubs across the length and breadth of the country are in the process of making their final preparations for the opening day fixtures of the 2010/2011 English Premier League season. The first round of Premier League fixtures are set to take place this weekend, and it seems that 2 of the newly promoted teams are set for a baptism of fire with tough away games on the cards.

Last years Championship winners Newcastle United travel to Old Trafford for a testing opener against Manchester United (set to take place Monday night), while current Premier League Champions Chelsea will welcome West Brom to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. However, arguably the most exciting fixture of the Premier League’s first round is Arsenals visit to Anfield to take on Roy Hodgson’s Liverpool side. Both teams will be looking for a serious title challenge this season after both finished last year without a trophy in spite of multi million pounds squads.