Two weeks ago, we teased you with the trailer to a new short film by Copa90 entitled The Real Oviedo Story. As we mentioned, the Spanish club were close to going out of business, but thousands of people from around the world — including Premier League stars Michu and Santi Cazorla from the Premier League — pitched in and raised money to help save the club.

Now the complete short film is available, and it’s definitely a must see. It’s a heartwarming piece about fan support for a soccer club who faced desperate times, but received help from supporters around the world, including the United States of America.

No matter what team you support, and whether you like La Liga or not, if you’re a soccer supporter, then this is required viewing. It’s hard not to feel for Real Oviedo after watching this short film, which features interviews with Michu, Sid Lowe (of The Guardian) and others.

The Real Oviedo Story: A Must See Short Film Featuring Michu and Sid Lowe [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Aston Villa’s Villa Park has been selected as the venue for the Premier League third-place playoff match, if the game will be necessary after Sunday to determine which team will finish third in the league this season.

If after Sunday’s Premier League matches Chelsea and Arsenal find themselves level on points, goal difference and goals scored in the Premier League table, a third-place playoff match – the first time in the history of the Premier League – will be necessary. The game would be played on Sunday, May 26 and, for viewers in the United States, would presumably be shown live on FOX Soccer.

Chelsea currently sit two points ahead of Arsenal in the league table. In order to necessitate a third-place playoff, Chelsea would have to draw against Everton on Sunday and Arsenal would have to defeat Newcastle United by a single goal while scoring two more than Chelsea.

For example, if Chelsea draw Everton nil-nil, Arsenal must win 2-1. If Chelsea draw 1-1, Arsenal must win 3-2, and so on.

The reason that there’s such an emphasis placed on third place versus third place in the Premier League is because, while both teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League, the fourth place team has to play in the qualification round in the summer, while the top three teams in the Premier League enter at the group stage, typically in September.

“The Premier League has consulted with the two clubs throughout the process of planning for this potential match with all parties in agreement that, should it be required, it should take place as soon as possible after the end of the season,” said a statement on the league website. “Discussions with London-based stadia did take place as part of that process but limited availability and calendar restrictions, combined with the desire to use a large capacity ground that has experience in organizing and delivering neutral matches, rendered Villa Park the most suitable choice.”

The question of a third-place playoff match could be rendered meaningless if Tottenham Hotspur pip Arsenal to fourth place. That would happen if Arsenal draws or loses against Newcastle United, and Tottenham beats Sunderland at White Hart Lane.

Villa Park Named As Premier League Third-Place Playoff Venue, If Needed is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez will accompany his team immediately after the season ends on Sunday on the club’s United States post-season tour where they’ll play Manchester City in two friendlies — in St Louis and New York City.

Benitez’s contract with Chelsea expires at the end of May, so he’ll be managing Chelsea for their matches against Manchester City in St Louis on May 23 and in New York City on May 25. It’ll be an opportunity for Chelsea supporters to show their support to the Blues for an excellent season where they won the Europa League and qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Manchester City caretaker manager Brian Kidd will be in charge of City for their two games after Roberto Mancini was sacked earlier this week.

Tickets for Manchester City-Chelsea in St Louis sold out in 20 minutes. Tickets for the New York City friendly at Yankee Stadium between Manchester City-Chelsea are available at www.yankees.com/soccer. Ticket prices start at $60.

Rafael Benitez Will Manage Chelsea For 2 Friendlies Against Manchester City in USA Next Week is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Today’s Copa Del Rey Final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could have a lot of implications for the Premier League.

The match will be Jose Mourinho’s final legacy at Real Madrid, where he has a chance to help the club win their 19th Copa Del Rey trophy. While Real Madrid have two league games remaining after this, the title has already been won by Barcelona, so he’ll want to leave Real Madrid with another piece of silverware.

In Real Madrid’s way though are cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid who are led by star striker Radamel Falcao, who will be the transfer target of several top Premier League sides despite the Colombian saying that he wants to stay at Atletico.

For viewers in the United States, the match will kick-off live at 3:30pm ET on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN3.com and WatchESPN.

Join the conversation before, during and after the game with soccer fans from around the world in the comments section below.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid, Copa Del Rey Final: Open Thread is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

It’s never a boring day in the Premier League as a practical joke backfired horribly today at Stoke City.

US midfielder Brek Shea posted an image on social media of a bloody pig’s head that had been placed in the locker of Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones. The Trinidad and Tobago international didn’t see the funny side of the joke (he’s a Rastafarian and does not eat pork), and then – in retaliation – threw a brick through Glenn Whelan’s car window. Stoke City are now internally investigating the matter.

“The Club takes seriously reports of an incident at our Training Ground this afternoon,” said a statement from Stoke City. “A full internal investigation will be carried out and those responsible for any unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with in accordance with the Club’s disciplinary procedures.”

It must be the end of the season, ‘eh?

Hijinks At Stoke City As Pig’s Head Is Left In Locker; Provokes Footballer to Smash Up Car [PHOTO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

On the day that Rafa Benitez suggests an unusual bare-bottomed salute for the Chelsea fans from the Europa League open-top bus celebration, Friday Football Special (FFS) brings you the Football Dictionary, more from Ray Winstone and a song from the legendary Jim Daly. Have it.

And don’t forget to vote for the Best Video Show of 2012-13 in the EPL Awards at http://epltalk.com/2013-epl-awards-best-video-show/

Friday Football Special: Rafa is King, John Terry is a Dick And a Song of the Season [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Jamie Carragher’s final match for Liverpool will be this Sunday against Queens Park Rangers.

Since joining Liverpool’s youth team in 1990, Carragher has made 507 league appearances for the club. In modern-day football, it’s so rare to see a footballer be a one-club man.

Now we have a clip of Jamie Carragher’s first TV interview when he was 18-years old and playing for Liverpool reserves. If you continue watching the video, you’ll also see some other young talent including Michael Owen and Steve McManaman.

Here’s Jamie Carragher’s first-ever TV interview:

H/T Empire Of The Kop.

Jamie Carragher’s First-Ever TV Interview [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Fulham have signed a deal with adidas to be their official kit supplier beginning with the 2013-14 season.

The Cottagers are switching from Kappa to adidas. Fulham have worn adidas shirts throughout their history between 1977 and 1981, and 1997 and 2003, with many of them being memorable kits.

“Fulham is a very welcome partner to adidas’ strong portfolio of football clubs both globally and in the UK,” said adidas senior Manager Commercial Clubs, Steve Holland.

Earlier this month, West Ham United announced that they’re switching their shirt supplier from Macron to adidas.

Fulham Announce New Shirt Deal With Adidas is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the club are close to signing striker Yaya Sanogo. Looking at Wenger’s checklist… is he French? Check. Is he young? Check (he’s 20). Is he a cheap signing? Yes. He’s coming in on a free transfer. He meets all the criteria of a trademark Wenger signing.

Yaya Sanogo currently plays for Auxerre where he’s scored 10 goals in 19 league appearances. Plus he’s been capped for France at u-16, u-17, u-19 and u-21 levels.

“We are advanced with him but it’s not done,” said Wenger. But he added that he was very confident of completing the signing for the out-of-contract striker who has been plauying in the second division in France.

The concern for Arsenal supporters is that he’s still young, not proven in a top league and is not an experienced footballer that Arsenal needs (that will cost them a lot more than a free transfer).

Here’s video footage of Yaya Sanogo scoring four goals for Auxerre in their 5-4 win against Stade Laval.

Arsenal Close to Signing French u-21 Striker Yaya Sanogo On Free Transfer [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Special 1 TV is back again this week with a new episode. This one’s entitled ‘The Special1 on London Sports FM,’ and it’s just what the doctor ordered.

In this week’s episode, the cast of characters are back as they call in to speak with Jose Mourinho on one of London’s leading radio phone-in shows.

Be champions!

‘The ‘Special1′ on London Sports FM’ – Special 1 TV [VIDEO] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

With just days to go before a match on Sunday, Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley went out on the town this week to disastrous consequences — only days before their final match of the season against Tottenham Hotspur where Arsenal will be hoping that Bardsley and his colleagues will put up a good fight.

Bardsley was photographed with teammate Matt Kilgallon Wednesday night gambling in a local casino where he later appeared to pass out on the floor as his friends layered £50 notes around the Sunderland defender.

Sunderland are already lacking depth for Sunday’s match, so it’s critical that Bardsley and his colleagues are match fit. Craig Gardner and Stephane Sessegnon are suspended due to red cards, while Danny Rose, Steven Fletcher, Lee Cattermole and Wes Brown are injured.

To make matters worse for manager Paolo Di Canio, in addition to Bardsley and Kilgallon partying hard at a local casino, the Sunderland boss could be down to just 14 first-team regulars for the match at White Hart Lane on Sunday, and he may need to bring four youngsters with him just to make up the numbers.

What’s your opinion about Phil Bardsley’s actions? Do players deserve a night out? What do you think about the excess of money on display? And if you’re an Arsenal supporter, what’s your opinion about Sunderland not seeming to care much about their match on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur, which could have a big impact if Arsenal slips up against Newcastle?

Arsenal, This Is How Sunderland’s Phil Bardsley Is Preparing For Spurs On Sunday [PHOTOS] is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Despite being the victim of a lot of hate from Chelsea supporters during his seven months in charge as manager of Chelsea, Rafa Benitez has overcome adversities from his own supporters to lift the Europa League trophy and end Chelsea’s season on a high with the club’s home game against Everton on Sunday, where the club needs just a draw to finish in third place.

In a show of support for their manager, Chelsea footballers have come out and asked fans to call a truce with Benitez and show him support on Sunday when the club conduct a lap of honor around the pitch at the end of the match.

Petr Cech said:

“It is up to the fans to decide but he has done enough to show what he can do. He came here to try to win trophies and do as best he could — and he did that. It is up to everyone to decide what reception he will get on Sunday.

Gary Cahill agreed with Cech:

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion but you can’t really knock what he has done and we have finished strongly over the last couple of months.”

And Frank Lampard summed up the mood in the Chelsea camp by saying:

“Success is driven by a team effort and it is the entire team and management team that need to take credit for what we have overcome and achieved this season and I am sure that the fans, as always, will celebrate that success with us, team and manager alike.”

What do you think Chelsea supporters? If you’re a Blues fan, have you changed your opinion on Benitez, and do you think he should be applauded on Sunday at Stamford Bridge? Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Here are today’s Premier League news headlines:

• Chelsea’s players want fans to call a truce with Rafael Benitez — Evening Standard
• Andre Villas-Boas says Chelsea will win the Premier League next season — The Mail
• Andreas Weimann’s agent has cast doubt over the striker’s future at Aston Villa — Sky Sports
• Aston Villa set for pre-season trip to Germany ahead of new term — Aston Villa FC
• Callum McManaman out of England’s U21 European Championship due to injury — The Mail
• Michu’s player of the year crown ends a golden season at Swansea City — This Is South Wales
• Axed Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has not ruled out a move to Napoli — Sky Sports
• David Beckham earnings expected to rocket following retirement from football — The Independent
• Premier League thrives on stories not quality. This imbalance has to change — The Telegraph
• Hodgson names England squad for Ireland and Brazil matches — This Is Derbyshire
• David Moyes pays tribute to the players he’s managed at Everton — The Independent

The Daily EPL is your morning guide to the latest Premier League news headlines, so you don’t have to spend an hour or more scanning the Internet. We do all the work for you. Read The Daily EPL on EPL Talk every morning to stay on top of all the news that matters.

Chelsea’s Players Want Fans to Call a Truce With Rafael Benitez: The Daily EPL is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

Not only is this Sunday the final day of the 2012-13 Premier League season, but it’s also the last round of Beat The Manager this season.

For those of you who have been playing, I want to apologize for not sharing the leaderboards with you for each week. We hit a few snags along the way, but have no fear, we’ve been collecting all of the results so anyone who played had their results counted.

In fact, we’re ready to announce the winners of the iPad Mini for gameweek 24 and gameweek 32. But before we do that, don’t forget to play Beat The Manager today so you can get your predictions in before the Sunday 7:30am ET deadline. The winner after gameweek 38 (even if the person has won an iPad Mini before) will be announced as soon as we get the results.

The winner for gameweek 24 is:

Dale Bailey Jr

The winner for gameweek 32 is:

Bart Ewing

Congratulations to both players!

I don’t have the updated leaderboards for every player, but go ahead and play for this final weekend for your chance to win the final iPad Mini we’re giving away.

If you haven’t played before, be sure to register first.

Don’t forget to play Beat The Manager today!

Beat The Manager Race Down to the Wire is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.

The podcast also take a look at the championship playoffs, manager rotation and the weekend’s games. There is also a look back at the games just gone and a look towards the final games of the EPL season. So, who were you most sad to see go? Let’s EPL Talk about it:

EPL Talk: @epltalk

Kartik: @kkfla737

Kristan: @kheneage

Matt: @mattcrduncan

Morgan: @Morgan_Green

Laurence: @lozcast

Here are the different ways you can listen to the EPL Talk Podcast each day:

• Listen via the EPL Talk website, or visit the EPL Talk Podcasts page
• Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast on iTunes,
• Add the EPL Talk Podcast RSS feed to your RSS reader,
• Get the free version of the EPL Talk iPhone App which includes the podcasts as well as EPL Talk posts, comments and more,
• Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast on Stitcher, or
• Subscribe to the EPL Talk Podcast on TuneIn.

Random Access Goodbyes (EPL Talk Preview Podcast) is a post from EPL Talk - Independent voice of EPL soccer fans since 2005.