EXCLUSIVE: EPL Talk sat down with Manchester City striker/winger Craig Bellamy recently to get his views on a variety of topics including what it was like to play under managers Mark Hughes and Gary Speed, as well as what it felt like to score those memorable goals for Liverpool against Barcelona and for Manchester City against Man United.

The Welsh striker was in Orlando, Florida last week to coach children at the 2011 Disney Soccer Academy. Organized by Midwest Soccer Academy, youngsters travelled from across America to attend the two one-week coaching clinics. The children received coaching advice from several Premier League stars in addition to Bellamy such as Chris Samba, Paul Robinson and Aaron Hughes.

During the exclusive interview with Bellamy, EPL Talk Podcast co-host Kartik Krishnaiyer discussed several topics.

To listen to the entire audio interview, click the player above. Or, subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast on iTunes.

It’s that time of the season for reflection, to look back on the 2010-11 Premier League season and to determine which players, if any, you would like to see leave your club in the summer. The saying goes that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And that’s definitely true in soccer where a player who couldn’t hit the target at one club goes on to become a star elsewhere.

But sometimes it’s worth getting rid of a player who is at his highest value so that the club can then go out and buy two or three players with that money. Fernando Torres’s move from Liverpool to Chelsea is a perfect example of that, where ‘Pool were able to get Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

So, take a minute and reflect on your club’s season, and then share your suggestions in the comments below of who you’d like to see depart your club this summer.

Here’s my list of players who I think would leave their respective clubs:

Arsenal:
Andrei Arshavin (he’s lost his mojo and needs to return to Eastern Europe)
Manuel Almunia (he deserves first-team football week-in week-out somewhere else)
Nicklas Bendtner (he’s not good enough to be at Arsenal)

Aston Villa:
Ashley Young (time to sell the player for as much money as possible)
Emile Heskey (time to return to the Championship)

Birmingham City:
Alexander Hleb (did not live up to his potential)
Michel (it’s time for a permanent transfer away from St. Andrews)

Blackburn Rovers:
Michel Salgado (doesn’t have the pace for the Premier League)

Blackpool:
Marlon Harewood (he’s not good enough to play in the Premier League)
Matt Gilks (if Blackpool stays up, they need a more qualified first-team goalkeeper)

Bolton:
No changes necessary

Chelsea:
Fernando Torres (Chelsea’s only hope is for a Spanish club to come in for Torres, but who can afford him?)
Mikel (too inconsistent; Chelsea needs a more creative midfielder)

Everton:
Jack Rodwell (it’s time for Everton to cash in on this player so they can get much-needed transfer funds)
Jermaine Beckford (frustrating player with natural talent who has been unable to translate that into many goals)

Fulham:
Danny Murphy (time for the midfielder to hang up his boots, or take a step down the league)
Eidur Gudjohnsen (hasn’t been able to fit in with any of the clubs he’s moved to since Barcelona)

Liverpool:
Paul Konchesky (time for him to go back to Fulham or another club where he can get first-team football)
Joe Cole (don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Joe)
Milan Jovanovic (didn’t fit in at Liverpool at all)

Manchester City:
James Milner (time for him to go back to a Newcastle or similar club where he’s guaranteed a starting place each week)
Shay Given (the Irish goalkeeper deserves to be starting each week in the Premier League; time to move on)

Manchester United:
Owen Hargreaves (time to retire)
Dimitar Berbatov (needs to move to a club where he can play week-in week-out)
Gabriel Obertan (not good enough for Manchester United)

Newcastle United:
Sol Campbell (time for him to retire or move down the ladder)

Stoke:
No changes

Sunderland:
Cristian Riveros (not good enough for this level)

Tottenham:
Heurelho Gomes (not consistent enough at this level for Spurs)
Rafael van der Vaart (the footballer, no matter how brilliant he is, doesn’t fit into this Spurs squad)
Jermain Defoe (needs to move on to a club where he can play every game)
Roman Pavlyuchenko (we love your spirit, but you’re simply not good enough, Roman)
Ledley King (time to hang up your boots, son)
Jonathan Woodgate (you too mate)

West Brom:
No changes

West Ham:
Scott Parker (needs Premier League football to advance his England career)
Carlton Cole (needs to start with a fresh new perspective at a different club where he can regain his form)
Frederic Piquionne (deserves to be playing at a higher level)

Wigan:
Charles N’Zogbia (time to cash in on a superlative player who should fetch a high transfer fee)

Wolves:
Marcus Hahnemann (a transfer back to Major League Soccer to finish his career would be the ideal decision)

Share your suggestions in the comments section below of who you think should leave your club. And if you disagree with the suggestions listed above, tell me why below.

Avram, You're The Man.

West Ham United have sacked Avram Grant in the immediate aftermath of their relegation from the Premier League. Grant was sacked after West Ham’s 3-2 defeat against Wigan Athletic. According to The Guardian, he was told he was dismissed while in the players’ tunnel after the loss to Wigan.

After previously managing Chelsea, Portsmouth and most recently West Ham United, it’ll be interesting to see if another English club will give the Israeli a chance. Whether they do or not, the reality is that West Ham United will be playing Championship football next season. And that many of their current players, including Scott Parker, Demba Ba, Robbie Keane, Matthew Upson and Frederic Piquionne, won’t be playing for the Hammers next season.

The challenge for co-owners Gold and Sullivan will be finding a manager who is willing to take charge of a Championship side. Someone like Alan Curbishley or Martin O’Neill could fit the bill, but both men would prefer to manage a Premier League side. Slaven Bilic has been mentioned but he’s focused on getting Croatia qualified for the Euro 2012 tournament. Who else is out there that you think would be a good fit for the West Ham manager position?

Hi all EPL Talk readers,

Join me at 2:30 PM ET for a live blog of the seven matches being played this afternoon, highlighted by the Arsenal v Manchester City match on ESPN2. Other matches include:

Aston Villa v Sunderland
Newcastle v West Ham
Wolves v Chelsea
Blackburn v Liverpool
Bolton v Wigan
Everton v Spurs

Weather permitting it’s Gameweek 18, this roller coaster Premier League season is about to enter its crucial Christmas period. Three points going into the festivities will be a priority for all managers this weekend.

Sam Allardyce can put is feet up on Saturday and watch the club that unceremoniously sacked him take on his potential new employers. Rovers Phil Jones(4.5) is an apparent January transfer target for several clubs, the defender has picked up 48 points so far this season and could be a shrewd acquisition if the rumours bear fruit. Blackburn’s performer of the season so far is the ever consistent Morten Gamst Pedersen(5.9), a 75 point haul this season puts him 12^th overall in the midfield rankings.

Avram Grants tenure at Upton Park is hanging by a thread. He could be trading places with Big Sam come the New Year unless the Hammers can perform a dramatic turnaround. Were it not for the Influence of Scott Parker(5.4) you feel that Grant’s and quite possibly West Ham’s fate would already have been sealed. With Parker again the centre of transfer speculation it could be wise to add the playmaker to your ranks. Goals win Football matches, Frederic Piquionne(4.9) and Victor Obinna(5.5) have excited occasionally and Allardyce could be warming himself by the fire for a bit longer if the pair hit form over the festivities.

It’s time for another West Midlands derby on Sunday as West Brom entertain Wolves. The key to the Baggies success so far this season has been in the engine room. Chris Brunt(5.7) is a massive player for Roberto Di Matteo, if he’s not scoring goals he is creating them. Wide man Jerome Thomas(4.6) is performing well and steady as a rock Paul Scharner(4.5) is a reliable performer who chips in with the odd goal too. Mick McCarthy’s men deserve to be a wee bit higher up the table, if Stephen Hunt(5.3) can recapture the form of his Reading and Hull City days he will play a vital part in Wolves’ survival campaign. Wanderers will also be buoyed by the return of key men Matthew Jarvis(5.3) and Kevin Doyle(5.1).

Gameweek 18 concludes with Everton paying a visit to official title contenders Man City. Reports indicate that Carols Tevez(11.1) will be stripped of his captaincy but will play. There is a bargain to be had at multi-billion pound City, midfielder Yaya Toure is available for a mere 5.3 million. The Ivorian notched 13 points last time out, that’s value for Fantasy League money. Keep an eye on the happenings at Eastlands, a clear out is on the cards. The Fantasy League January sales will start here.

The next round of Premier League fixtures kick off on Boxing Day. I therefore wish you all a very merry and points laden Christmas. May your stocking be overflowing and your Turkey be moist and delicious. Thank you for reading every week and many apologies if you’ve followed any(and there have been plenty!) of my, shall we say, less rewarding suggestions.

If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleaguem.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300

‘Premier League Links Of The Day’ is kicking off Monday in style with another great video. Take a look at the excellent skill moves from the past week.

Here’s the links:

• Friedel on the decline [Back Page Football]
• Grapevine rumors [Soccer 365]
• Ugg-oh [Kickette]
• Malouda faces possible ban [Mail Online]
• EPL formations guide [Soccer Portal]
• Peter Crouch boot interview [Soccer Bible]
• Arsenal without Koscielny and Vermaelen [League Football Live]
• Marko Marin scouted [Sport]
• Americans abroad [Soccer By Ives]
• EPL photo gallery [Espn Soccernet]
• Goal of the month compilation [Soccer Portal]

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and let me know if you’d like to suggest an article, video or photo for inclusion on the Premier League Links Of The Day.

The Premiership, probably at the moment, is the most open league for anyone to win since its introduction in 1992. The emergence of teams like Bolton and Sunderland is making them competitors worthy of testing the best in the league. The league in my mind has stretched across a different range altogether, watching a resurgent Newcastle United side under Chris Hughton and a spirited Blackpool side under Ian Holloway, who in their own way have silenced critics that wrote them off even before the season kicked off. However, the question lies, is the league getting any stronger or in contradiction, getting weaker to such an extent that even an average side on any day can take points off so-called “The Big Four”?

Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have clearly dominated the Premiership; with Manchester United winning the league remarkably eleven times off the eighteen that the league has been contested. However, this season appears to be a bit different.

Let’s examine the Big Four and the other teams more closely:

Manchester United

United, though unbeaten, have looked ragged at the back and have already drawn seven games out of the fifteen that have been played. Johnny Evans, most notably, ever so brilliant looks completely out of sorts this season and has been criticized for United throwing away games at Everton and Fulham.

United though have played smart in the transfer window getting in the likes of Javier Hernandez, Bebe, Chris Smalling and Gabriel Obertan. Sir Alex has been a magician over the years in getting the best out of the youth by playing them with the experienced players, one can’t stop thinking that these players have been brought for the future and still have a lot to learn. Although, United were brilliant against Blackburn last weekend,  they still lack that touch of class that has been a feature of United’s play for years. United for sure have weakened since the departure of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo. Though United might be stronger than what they were last season but they are definitely not the Manchester United we know.

Arsenal

Arsenal, though they look stronger than the last couple of seasons, are still extremely vulnerable at the back and are horribly inconsistent to be even regarded as a serious title threat. Holding on to leads or finishing the game has simply gone out of the window since the Henry-Vieira-Pires era. Even though they play the best football in Europe alongside Barcelona but how many times have Arsenal been regarded as “bottlers who never reach their potential” and a side lacking mental toughness to challenge for top honors? The lack of experience and Arsene Wenger’s fear of handling egos has lead to Arsenal fans not seeing silverware for five years. Arsenal, though stronger than the last season, continue to have their problems and are definitely not the once called “Invincibles.”

Chelsea

Chelsea, though they played well at the start of the season, can’t seem to get over the   loss of four influential players in Ricardo Carvalho, Joe Cole, Deco and Michael Ballack. It is so evident seeing their recent form and vindicates the fact that it is a side that lacks depth. Chelsea also have an aging core to their side in Lampard, Drogba and John Terry with the likes of Essien, who is either injury prone or not the player he once was. They might have Malouda and have brought in Ramires but they lack a flair player like Robben, Joe Cole or a Damien Duff back in the day. Except Josh McEachran and Bruma, who are a couple of the best young players in England, they lack players who can walk in to the first team, unlike United and Arsenal.

Liverpool

As for Liverpool, I think even the Liverpool supporters wouldn’t deny that this is the weakest Liverpool team to have played in the Premiership.

Gerrard and Jaime Carragher aren’t getting any younger for the Reds. They also lack replacements for Alonso and Mascherano. Poulsen and Raul Merieles are decent players but are they Liverpool quality? It’s a puzzle in its own as to how Lucas Leiva is playing at Liverpool.

Liverpool have simply failed to replace quality with quality. Aquilani was a quality signing who failed to make an impact. He is performing exceptionally well at Juventus during his loan spell and so, there is a strong chance that Juventus, who have an option of buying Aquilani will make his loan move permanent. Kelly and Shevley are good players but you have to think that they are too young and inexperienced to make an impact at the Premiership level. I mean, just have a look at the recent transfers: Riise out, Konchesky in; Mascherano out, Poulsen in; Alonso out, Lucas in; Crouch out, N’Gog in; Bellamy out, Jovanovic in; Benayoun out, no one in. Signing average players like Konschesky and Poulsen, and a manager in Roy Hodgson seems to be turning Liverpool into Fulham than into the Liverpool of old.

Spurs and Man City

Manchester City and Spurs are the only clubs who are getting stronger every day but still don’t look to impose a serious title threat. City with the owner Sheikh Mansour making multi-million pound signings doesn’t seem to be getting the desired results and it only underlines the fact that money can’t buy trophies.

Their title aspirations were questioned when City played for a draw at home to Manchester United.

Having a manager in Harry Redknapp, Tottenham seem to be heading in the right direction. Spurs have a balanced side, with pace, experience, zeal combined with a team that plays some of the best football. But again, they majorly lack consistency. On one day, they teach the Champions of Europe a lesson; four days later, they get outclassed by Bolton 4-2 and the following week, they beat Arsenal at the Emirates 3-2. That’s Spurs’ story.

The Rest of the League

For the rest of the Premiership, Steve Bruce’s Sunderland and Owen Coyle’s Bolton have surprised a lot of people.

Though they have won only four games this season, Sunderland have their tails up and their 3-0 victory against Chelsea has set a benchmark for anyone who wants to go to the home of the champions and literally insult the champs by playing better football for periods in the game. Sunderland have bolstered their squad by making four loan signings in Nadeem Onuoha, Menshah, Elmohamady and Danny Welbeck, along with spending 13 million GBP on Asamoah Gyan. These are great signings who have performed well this season but you really have to wonder, what would have happened if these players would have performed the same way had they been playing in the league five years ago.

Same thing applies for Bolton, Fulham, Aston Villa, etc. and rest of the teams battling relegation; though saying that some of the managers like Chris Hughton and Ian Holloway have done a commendable job.

The fact of the matter is that the gap between the Big Four, or now the top six, has been reduced remarkably and it’s not because the entire league has gotten stronger. This is because, the top teams have weakened to such an extent that they are becoming challenged by the teams that would normally not stand a chance to even compete and would finish mid table. These top teams are often finding it hard to get results even against the teams that might eventually end up getting relegated. For example, Arsenal lost to West Brom 2-3 at the Emirates and United played a 2-2 draw against West Brom at Old Trafford. Chelsea recently have only picked up five points out of a possible eighteen.

The English Premier League has turned into a weird league but one that has turned into probably the most entertaining league in the world. The reason of the overall competiveness and weakening of the league is not due to the teams outside of the top four getting ever so strong, which admittedly is a slight factor, but because “The Big Four” have not been replacing “older” players and creating a new fresh cycle with the same level of quality.

Today’s video features the reaction to the World Cup going to Russia in 2018. A sad day for both England and the United States who thought their chances of hosting were real.

Here’s the links:

• EPL preview and predictions [SB Nation]
• Sir Alex’s five goalkeeper options [Back Page Football]
• Baggie bird makeover [Who Ate All The Pies]
• Nine wins to survive [Daily Star]
• John Terry returns [Chelsea FC]
• No United players for fantasy? [Never Captain Nicky Butt]
• Top African player poll [Ghana Web]
• Photo: Balotelli and Boateng fight [Soccer Portal]

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and let me know if you’d like to suggest an article, video or photo for inclusion on the Premier League Links Of The Day.

Get ready for a daily dose of Premier League goodies. The ‘Premier League Links Of The Day’ will feature some of the top articles, photos, and videos from the web, delivered to you on a daily weekday basis. As for the above video, it gets better the more times you watch it and definitely doesn’t get old.

Here’s the first series of links:

• Q&A with Andrey Arshavin, where he answers whether he’ll extend his contract at Arsenal [Andrey Arshavin's official website]
• Now is Asamoah Gyan’s time [In Bed With Maradona]
• Carlton Cole publicly lashes out against Avram Grant [The Mirror]
• Everton renew shirt sponsorship deal with Chang [Liverpool Echo]
• Where have all of the English strikers gone? [The Gib Football Show]
• Chelsea strike a deal with Maribor [Sky Sports]
• Where’s your club in the Premier League rankings? [Fanhouse]
• Still doesn’t compare to this handshake snub [YouTube]

Feel free to follow me on Twitter and let me know if you’d like to suggest an article, video or photo for inclusion on the Premier League Links Of The Day.

Well this season is just getting harder and harder to predict. Having just absorbed last week’s action Game Week 15 is here and no doubt will throw up plenty more surprises.

The Premier League weekend kicks off Saturday lunchtime at Villa Park. Two wounded team’s line up looking to bounce back from disappointing results. The majority of Villa’s midfield is currently residing in the treatment room. Step forward Barry Bannan and Stephen Ireland, Bannan (4.5) has performed well so far and Ireland (5.9) is eager to get his Aston Villa career up and running. Arsenal are still sitting pretty in third, despite apparently being in crisis, it’s a crisis that 17 other Premier League sides would be delighted to find themselves in. Robin Van Persie (9.5) will be looking to get his season up and running this weekend. Cesc Fabregas will be out for two weeks after picking up a hamstring injury against Braga. But Arsenal still have a wealth of talent to call upon in the absence of their inspirational skipper.

West Ham host Wigan in the basement battle of the weekend. It’s a must win game, both teams will be hoping their match winners will see them through a nervy encounter. Carlton Cole (5.8) has voiced his frustration at the lack of quality balls into the box. Now would be the ideal time to give the Hammers front man the service he craves. Wigan will miss star striker Hugo Rodellega (Suspension) but have the continually impressive Charles N’Zogbia (5.7).

Top of the table Chelsea are struggling too and face a long trip to St James Park this game week. The last time Chelsea lost two league games on the bounce everything was in black and white. They visit a Newcastle side who can’t quite decide whether to score five or concede five every week. My head say’s it all adds up to a dull no score draw But my heart is saying goals so get Andy Carroll (6.1) in your starting XI, John Terry is still absent from the Blues back line and the boy Carroll is guaranteed to give any defence a rough ride.

Sundays late game see’s Tottenham host Liverpool. Spurs cruised past Werder Bremen and into the last 16 of the Champions league Wednesday night. There can be no excuse of tiredness come Sunday, Harry Redknapp’s side had time to stop and feed the ducks on their midweek walk in the park. Jermain Defoe (8.6) is fit again and looks desperate to make up for lost time. If you have the funds available snap him up, he’ll be back in the goals sooner rather than later. Rafael Van Der Vaart (8.5) looks certain to feature after missing out in midweek. Liverpool are starting to turn the corner, but their form on the road is horrendous and they look likely to head home empty handed.

Final mention goes to Johan Elmander (6.3), Kevin Davies (6.5) and Chung-Yong Lee (5.3), I tipped them to be in the points last week and they didn’t disappoint. A home tie against Blackpool this weekend almost guarantees another return from them and hopefully, they will again keep my final shreds of credibility intact for a little while longer.

That’s your lot for this week. If you feel like joining in the fun then join the EPL League by visiting: http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ the code you need to join is 13413-5300