Fabio - taking care of business

It will have been a long week for John Terry - probably similar in length to the wait for Christmas when you’re a toddler, or for STD results if you’re the kind of teenager who just can’t be bothered with Rubber Jonathans when you’re getting your groove on. Time to wise up, kids.

Anyway, the good/bad news for Terry is that Fabio Capello has touched down in Blighty, so it’s only a matter of hours before he sits down his captain and mumbles in broken English something along the lines of: “so, JT, tell me all about this horrible sex you’ve been having.”

Should be fun.

“Don’t mess up, Chelsea!”

With The African Cup of Nations set to deprive the Premier League of some wonderful players for the majority of January, The Spoiler thought it absolutely necessary to compile a team of the most brilliant Africans who won’t be representing their clubs for a hefty chunk of the New Year.

Feel free to leave your thoughts on the XI in the form of a comment… 

Goalkeeper, Richard Kingson (Wigan Athletic and Ghana)

Kingson did so well in the 2008 African Cup of Nations that he was named in the All-Star Team directly after the tournament. Over at Wigan, however, barring a crippling injury to Chris Kirkland - who conceded nine against Spurs, by the way - he probably shan’t be missed too much.

Right Back, John Paintsil (Fulham and Ghana)

West Ham fans might remember John Paintsil as the energetic defender, incorrectly dubbed “Pantsil” on the back of his shirt, who used to spring into action from the bench. Thankfully, over at Fulham he’s had a much more productive (and correctly spelt) time of things, and shall leave behind a big gaping hole at the back. The fans really adore it when he does his laps of honour, so they say. They’ll miss those.

Today - confused Eboue

Tell your friends…

Young England star deserved a greater role last night

In the all-English Champions League tie, just two English players started the game (Carragher and Gerard). When Theo Walcott came on in the second half, the game completely changed, and the Arsenal fans’ attitude towards Eboue was somewhat vitriolic throughout.

I know it’s a sin to question Arsene Wenger’s gigantic brain, but why isn’t Theo being given a better chance? What chance does he have to become an integral part of the England team if he only plays the role of a ’super sub’ in his domestic side?