Chelsea closing in on Zhirkov
Soccer Betting Lines
06/30/2009 - London, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Reports suggest Chelsea is on the verge of sealing an $30 million deal to acquire CSKA Moscow winger Yuri Zhirkov.
Sportsmail is reporting that Blues owner Roman Abramovich has agreed a deal with CSKA president Yevgeny Giner that will see Zhirkov pen a three-year contract with the FA Cup holders.
CSKA manager Zico is preparing for Zhirkov's departure, saying: "Currently in football there is no player who is able to replace him.
"Zhirkov to CSKA is like Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United or Kaka to AC Milan.
"As we know, both players moved to Real Madrid and I think their former clubs will be seriously concerned about how they will do in the future without their star players.
"Remember how Manchester looked last season when Cristiano Ronaldo was missing. The attack of the team looked much weaker."
Zhirkov has gained plenty of Champions League experience with CSKA, scoring a particularly memorable goal against Hamburg in the 2006-07 campaign.
Known as "the Russian Ronaldinho" for his dribbling skills and audacity, the 25-year-old made his international debut in 2005 and often starts on the left wing in a 3-5-2 formation for Guus Hiddink's side.
(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)
Florence, Italy (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo has pledged his immediate future to Fiorentina by signing a one-year contract extension which ties him to La Viola until the summer of 2013. The 25-year-old has been li
<< Yankees acquire Hinske from Pittsburgh
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Yankees have acquired utilityman
Eric Hinske and cash considerations from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a pair of
minor leaguers.
Hinske appeared in 54 games for the Pirates this season and was b
<< Los Angeles clinches playoff berth
Carson, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The first-place Los Angeles Sol have become the
first team in Women's Professional Soccer to clinch a playoff spot.
The Sol's 4-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars Saturday, combined with the Saint
Louis Athleti
<< D.C. United releases Peters
Washington, D.C. (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - D.C. United has released defender Anthony
Peters. The 25-year old was originally signed by United in March, and made one
appearance in the U.S. Open Cup.
"We'd like to thank Anthony for his hard work an
<< Seattle's Jaqua wins MLS Player of the Week
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Seattle Sounders FC forward Nate Jaqua claimed
Major League Soccer's Player of the Week award for Week 15.
Jaqua tallied two goals and an assist in Sunday's 3-0 victory over the Colorado
Rapids in front of mo
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - TORONTO ARGONAUTS (0-0) AT HAMILTON TIGER-CATS (0-0) DATE & TIME: Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 p.m. (et) GAME NOTES: The 2009 Canadian Football League season kicks off Wednesday evening, as the H
Bayern will not sell Ribery >>
Munich, Germany (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - General Manager Uli Hoeness has reiterated
Bayern Munich's stance on Franck Ribery, insisting the German giants won't sell
the French ace.
The 26-year-old winger is the subject of speculation across
Second opinion produces same diagnosis for Beltran >>
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A second opinion on the injured knee of New
York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran reportedly remains a bone bruise.
Beltran visited noted surgeon Dr. Richard Steadman in Colorado on Monday and
the New
Barca's Xavi would not want Ronaldo >>
Barcelona, Spain (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Barcelona midfielder Xavi has blasted
incoming Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo, saying there would be no room for
him at the Camp Nou.
Ronaldo is set to complete a world record $132 million
Safina, Serena, Venus reach Wimbledon semis >>
Wimbledon, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Top-ranked Dinara Safina, two-time
champion Serena Williams and five-time titlist Venus Williams were
quarterfinal winners Tuesday at Wimbledon. Fourth-seeded Russian Elena
Dementieva also won on Tuesday, a
Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.
Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.
MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .
''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''
Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.
He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.
''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''
Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.
Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.
With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.
Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.