Oscar played in their pre-tournament warm-up against Great Britain and he is representing Brazil at the Olympic Games. Joining Marko Marin and brothers Eden and Thorgan Hazard at Stamford Bridge, the 20-year-old is Chelsea’s fourth signing in the off-season.

In 2010, Oscar joined Internacional from Sao Paulo and he has won the Campeonato Gaucho state championship twice with the Porto Alegre-based side. Last season, he scored 13 goals in 44 matches in all competitions and he has found the net six times in 20 appearances during the current campaign.

From Under-15 to Under-20, he has represented his country at all levels of international football and he has earned six caps for Brazil’s senior side. He attracted the attention of several clubs in 2011 when he scored a hat-trick in Brazil’s 3-2 win over Portugal in the final of the Under-20 World Cup.

On Thursday when Brazil face Egypt in Cardiff, he expected to make his Olympic debut. Oscar’s signing adds to Chelsea’s spending in the off season. They have already acquired German Marko Marin from Werder Bremen and Belgian Eden Hazard from Lille. Before completing his move to Roberto Di Matteo’s side, Oscar had previously insisted he would wait until after the Olympics.

After Oscar helped his country beat Great Britain 2-0 in an Olympics warm-up he said that all Brazilian players have this dream. He added that he, just like everybody, he also had the dream to play in Europe and the Premier League.

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea will benefit from the increased competition for places. He is currently on Chelsea’s tour to America. He said that the team proved to be a great team and a great unit in the second half of last season. He added that this year maybe they are slightly different because they have more new young players coming in.

He further said that there might not be the settled togetherness that they had on the pitch at that side because they had been together a long time. But there is an excitement about their team as well and that’s probably the main difference.

Liverpool’s wretched home league form continued as they failed to record a victory for the 13th time in 18 games, in a meeting between two of new England manager Roy Hodgson’s most recent employers. More alarmingly, for the first time since 1954, Liverpool could also end the season outside the top eight in the top division of English football.

A powerfully driven cross by John Arne Riise hit the standing leg of Skrtel and squirmed past goalkeeper Alexander Doni at the Kop end. Liverpool lacked any real incisiveness, although they dominated possession and chances, as usual at home. The hosts were short of star quality. They were without Captain Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina and they had rested Luis Suarez, who scored a sensational hat trick at Norwich.

Andy Carroll headed a good opportunity wide and Dirk Kuyt volleyed just off target, Jonjo Shelvey had a shot cleared off the line for Liverpool. With substitute Karim Frei shooting against the post at the other end in the second half, the margin of defeat could have been worse for Liverpool.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said that he does not think that can be described as a performance and he thought it would be fair to give them an opportunity to get some minutes on the pitch with an important game on Saturday, but the performance and the attitude was very poor, very unlike his team.

In the past four home games, against Wigan, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, Liverpool has now picked up just one point. These were the teams that one would typically expect it to beat. Despite a dispiriting 1-0 home loss to Fulham in their last game before the Wembley showpiece, Liverpool manager insisted that his team would still enter Saturday’s FA Cup Final with Chelsea in confident mood.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes that when Chelsea walks out at Wembley for Saturday’s FA Cup final, they will not be distracted by thoughts of the Champions League.

There are two matches coming up for Liverpool and the betting odds are as follows:

8 May 2012 – Liverpool (8/5) vs. Chelsea (9/5)

13 May 2012 – Swansea (12/5) vs. Liverpool (11/10)

Despite City’s excellent record at home this season, Rooney insists he and his teammates are capable of securing all three points in the derby. With a victory at Manchester City later this month, Rooney insists Manchester United is capable of clinching the Premier League title.

United could win their 20th English league title at the Eastlands home of bitter rivals City on April 30. They are five points clear at the top of table. For everyone associated with United, this is a mouth-watering prospect, especially with the painful memories of City’s 6-1 win at Old Trafford earlier this season still fresh in their minds.

Roberto Mancini’s men were widely expected to end United’s hold on the title after that superb City display, although the momentum has since shifted back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. United striker Rooney is aware of City’s formidable home record. They recently set a Premier League record for 20 successive victories. United will have no fear about playing a potential title decider on enemy soil.

Phil Neville expects Manchester United to clinch the Premier League title. He suggests that his former club will seal the title before the derby with Manchester City on 30 April. He also acknowledges that they have been forced to improve by the challenge from their local rivals and he believes the title race has swung decisively in his old club’s favor.

Meanwhile, Rooney has praised Danny Welbeck’s impact on the performance of the team and he believes that his fellow striker is a leading candidate to be United’s player of the season. This season Rooney’s 28 goals and he has move onto 175 career goals for United. Rooney regards Bobby Charlton’s record 249 as the ultimate target, even though his tally leaves him just four adrift of club legends Dennis Viollet and George Best.

The Premiership betting odds on various betting lines have Manchester Utd (19/10) and Manchester City (6/4).

City will have to face a Chelsea for whom Fernando Torres has scored. He has now scored after 25 hours of football time on the pitch. The interim head coach, Di Matteo has brought some calm to the dressing room after Andre Villas-Boas was sacked following poor results, tensions with certain players and strange starting line-ups. Di Matteo restored senior players such as Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. He also introduced a successful 4-2-3-1 system. The team has won all four games under him.

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City’s controversial Argentinean, could be in line to make his first Premier League appearance in six months. Tevez, who left the club without consent following a quarrel with manager Roberto Mancini over his unwillingness to come on as a substitute during City’s Champions League tie not in favor of Bayern Munich, could be set on 22 March to welcome Chelsea to the Etihad Stadium.

So far, City have had a wonderful season, although their recent elimination from both the Europa League and the Champions League. Rivals Manchester United also replaced them at the top of the Premier League table. They are currently in a tight spot. However, City goalkeeper Joe Hart feels that the addition of Tevez will definitely make a difference. This is a vital time in the season with only 10 games left to play. Although without Tevez, City has actually done quite well for themselves and they have managed to score more than a 100 goals. Mancini will know that the club is in real danger of not winning silverware this season, despite their impressive performances. In order to have his 28-year-old star striker around, he could be willing to forgive and forget.

The betting odds for Premier League match is Manchester City (18/19) and Chelsea (10/3). City is favorites to win the match.

David Beckham is now free and clear after the Galaxy won the MLS Cup and he will be heading overseas any day now along with his teammates, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane to name just a few players who will test their mettle in the English Premier League.

The Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United Magpies, Chelsea Blues, Liverpool Reds and the Arsenal Gunners are all within three points of each other just behind the leaders from Manchester. Tottenham is a team that can improve fast with an influx of available talent from the MLS.

The Newcastle United Magpies need to pick up the pace to move into the upper echelon of teams in the league. Newcastle United is tied with Tottenham with 25 points but they are in a precarious position just out of second place by four points and just out of sixth place by a mere three points.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are in a three-way tie with 22 points each and all three teams have the stars to muster a drive to the head of the standings with a few short-time additions. MLS players will play through March when the MLS season begins.

Premier League betting Odds have Arsenal as a -105 favorite and Fulham a +275 underdog, while a Draw is at +260.

Arsenal has some questions in goal. Wojciech Szczesny got the start against Aston Villa, but did little to impress. Four different goalies have started a game for Arsenal during the current EPL season. They need better play at the goalie position than what they have gotten the last two games. Offensively, Robin Van Persie is the main threat. His 17 goals are among the best in the EPL, and he gets good support from Samir Nasri.

Fulham has Mark Schwarzer in goal. He has provided consistency, though he has allowed a lot of goals. His 35 goals conceded will do little to inspire the Fulham fans. On the offensive side of the ball, Fulham features American star Clint Dempsey. He leads the team with 12 goals and his found his way in the EPL. The Fulham attack isn’t as strong as that of Arsenal, but they know how to score goals.

Arsenal grabbed a 2-1 victory against Fulham in the first meeting. They should have the edge in this match, but Arsenal has looked very vulnerable. A loss here would be a crushing way to end the EPL season. Expect Arsenal to attack hard in this game, but Fulham might be able to match them. This game could very well end in a draw, which would also be disappointing for Arsenal.

Manchester City is a -185 moneyline favorite, Stoke City is a +525 underdog, and a Draw is at +280 in Soccer Betting Odds.

Manchester City can thank Joe Hart for their surge this season. The stellar goalie has allowed just 33 goals this year, making him one of the top goalies in the Premier League. Offensively, Manchester City has not been as impressive, though the team can still score. Carlos Teves leads the club with 19 goals, and he is the clear offensive threat on this team. Nobody else has half of that goal total.

Stoke City is looking to secure a finish in the top ten of the league. They are playing well, coming off a 3-1 win over Arsenal. Goalie Asmir Begovic has improved, making Stoke City a tough team to score against. Offensively, the team has no double digit goal scorers. Kenwyne Jones leads the team with nine goals, but other players are capable of hitting the net as well.

Manchester City has an advantage both offensively and defensively. They are also playing at home. The two teams played to a draw earlier this season. They will also meet three days before this game at Wembley Stadium to decide the FA Cup. There should be plenty of drama between the two teams over the course of those days. The EPL duel figures to be as intense as ever.

Manchester United is a +140 favorite and Chelsea a +200 underdog in Soccer Betting Odds.

Chelsea has won their last five EPL matches to get back in contention. They have looked scary lately, with goalie Petr Cech regaining his edge. He has allowed just 28 goals in his 35 starts. Offensively, Chelsea has found rhythm as well. Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba, and Salomon Kalou have carried the offense. In addition, Fernando Torres has adjusted to the team. With the way they are playing in all phases, Chelsea looks unbeatable.

Manchester United has played consistently well all season. Edwin van der Sar has been solid in goal all season for the team, so goals will be at a premium. Dimitar Berbatov has been the big star, leading the team in goals. In addition, Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney have also made large contributions on offense. The team is among the most explosive in the soccer world.

This is a huge showdown, and it will say a lot about who wins the championship. Manchester United has the advantage, with the lead in the standings. However, Chelsea won the first match between the two in league play. Manchester United defeated them twice since then, winning both legs of their Champions League quarterfinal. This game is all about the EPL title, and both teams will be playing hard for it. According to online sports handicappers, Manchester United is a favorite to win this match.

In English Premier League Odds, Arsenal is a +150 favorite, Manchester United is at +188, and a Draw is +225.

By yielding just 28 goals in his 30 starts, Edwin van der Sar has been strong in goal for Manchester. A major reason why the team is threatening to claim another EPL title is because of Edwin. The club relies on Dimitar Berbatov on offence, who has a remarkable 21 goals. For the most prolific offense in the league, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are also double digit scorers.

The goaltending has not been a strong for Arsenal. By allowing a total of 36 goals, four different goalies have started EPL games for them this season. Robin Van Persie has emerged as the top goal scorer on offence and he has 15 to lead the club. Theo Walcott and Samir Nasri are also potent scorers. Although Arsenal can score goals the offense isn’t as strong as that of Manchester United.

In their last three EPL matches Arsenal is winless. They also lost their EPL match to Manchester this season as they have a recent loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup. Arsenal will be hungry playing at home and a win would ease the pain of their recent slide. To take the win here, expect whichever side scores first.

Get Premiership Odds USA for this matchup at online sportsbooks.

Manchester City lost their last EPL game in ugly fashion when Liverpool earned a 3-0 win. They got some confidence back when they beat Manchester United in an FA Cup match. The team has relied on goalie Joe Hart, who has allowed 30 goals in his 32 starts. He has helped make up for an offense that has struggled. Carlos Tevez has 19 goals, but the rest of the team has struggled to score.

Blackburn hasn’t had the same goaltending that Manchester City has had. Paul Robinson has gotten most of the starts, allowing a total of 50 goals. He has given up six goals in his last two starts. Offensively, Blackburn has only scored 40 goals. No player on their team has more than five. However, 14 different players have scored goals.

In the first meeting between the two teams ended in a draw. Blackburn knows how to play against Manchester City. Playing at home, that should give them an edge. They are winless in their last nine games. However, they have forced some draws, including one against Arsenal. On paper, Manchester City is the better team. But if Blackburn can find an early goal, they could pull an upset.