Dempsey Comes Up Big

Clint Dempsey delivered when it was needed this past weekend with 2 goals against Chelsea to salvage a point at Craven Cottage and extend Fulham's unbeaten streak to 9 games. Dempsey scored his 3rd and 4th goal of the season against the Blues on Sunday and has consequently helped to cement his place in Fulham's starting lineup. Dempsey was not in favor with Roy Hodgeson at the begining of the season but has worked his way towards playing regular minutes.

Good for Clint. He is one of my favorite American players to watch and I am glad he is doing well in London. Hopefully his quality play will continue through the rest of the season and help keep Fulham in the top half of the Premiership table. While this season has been much closer in terms of points separating the 20 EPL teams, it seems as though Fulham has a good thing going and should avoid a relegation scare such as last year. Currently Fulham sits in 9th position with 26 points. Their next three Premiership games come against Blackburn, West Ham and Sunderland, definitely some opportunities to pick up some points.

Arsenal Without Cesc for 3-4 Months

Gunner fans who saw Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas go down during Sunday's 1-1 draw against first placed Liverpool had their fears confirmed this morning. Cesc is reported to have partially ruptured his medial collateral ligament, and will be sidelined for 3-4 months.

This proves as yet another blow to Arsenal's already dwindling title hopes; no word on whether this injury will affect Wenger's actions during the winter transfer window. The transfer period runs from January 1st through January 31st.

Juande Ramos set to take over in Madrid

Former Tottenham and Sevilla manager Juande Ramos will take charge of Real Madrid today; his managerial debut will be a UEFA Champions League match that could have Madrid finishing atop their group with a win. Ramos must be enthusiastic about the opportunity with a top flight club, but his tenure with Madrid may prove to be anything but long term. Ramos is contracted for only a 6 month period and Madrid is notorious for discarding managers. Ramos will be Madrid's 11th coach in the last 10 years.

Madrid takes on Zenit St. Petersburg today in UEFA Matchday 6. Ramos will want a strong performance from his side, but the performance to watch might be that of Zenit's Andri Arshavin. Ramos has called him "magical" and may be looking heal some of Madrid's injury woes by bringing Arshavin to Real during the transfer window.