I AM SORRY FOR THE LONG BREAK.
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Tuesday, 9 February 2016
Sunday, 31 January 2016
THIERY HENRY; "MAN UTD SHOULD REPLACE VAN GAAL WITH MOURINHO"
Arsenal's record goalscorer believes the former Chelsea boss 'guarantees
success' and insists a change is required at Old Trafford this summer
United currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Leicester City, while pressure continues to mount on Van Gaal over his side’s playing style and lack of cutting edge in attack.
Mourinho is still without a club after being sacked by Chelsea in December and the former Arsenal striker believes a change is needed in order for United to improve.
“The club are crying out for success and Mourinho guarantees that, in spite of everything that happened at Chelsea this season,” Henry wrote in his column for The Sun.
“He is still an amazing coach and United have got to do something because it is simply not working for Louis van Gaal.
“If Manchester City get Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone or Jorge Sampaoli go to Chelsea, which is possible this summer, United have to react. They can’t just carry on as they are.
“Some fans want Van Gaal out immediately and they are the people who will ultimately decide his fate.”
UNITED FANS WHAT DO YOU THINK?
United currently sit fifth in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Leicester City, while pressure continues to mount on Van Gaal over his side’s playing style and lack of cutting edge in attack.
Mourinho is still without a club after being sacked by Chelsea in December and the former Arsenal striker believes a change is needed in order for United to improve.
“The club are crying out for success and Mourinho guarantees that, in spite of everything that happened at Chelsea this season,” Henry wrote in his column for The Sun.
“He is still an amazing coach and United have got to do something because it is simply not working for Louis van Gaal.
“If Manchester City get Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone or Jorge Sampaoli go to Chelsea, which is possible this summer, United have to react. They can’t just carry on as they are.
“Some fans want Van Gaal out immediately and they are the people who will ultimately decide his fate.”
UNITED FANS WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Saturday, 30 January 2016
MEET CHELSEA NEW BOY; MATT MIAZGA
Chelsea have completed the signing of Matt Miazga from New York Red Bulls - but who is the 20-year-old defender signed from New York Red Bulls?
Here’s the lowdown on the centre-back who is set to challenge John Terry, Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma for a first-team place...
CAREER SO FAR....
He featured only once in 2013 and just seven matches the following year, but 2015 was when he made a breakthrough.
To the surprise of many, Miazga was considered as a regular starter in March and he ended up making 30 appearances in MLS.
His impressive performances saw him finish fourth in the voting for 2015 MLS Defender of the Year.
At international level, he started four of five games for the United States at the Under-20 World Cup last summer and is a part of the Under-23 team that hopes to qualify for this summer’s Olympics by beating Colombia in a two-leg playoff in March.
His first senior call-up didn't come until November, shortly after he publicly ruled out playing for Poland (he was born in New Jersey but his parents were Polish immigrants). So Jurgen Klinsmann promptly called him up and capped him in a 6-1 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in World Cup qualifying.
STYLE OF PLAY....
The 20-year-old is powerful, aggressive in the challenge, and is good at reading the game, as highlighted by his excellent performances up against David Villa and Sebastian Giovinco last year.
For someone with little experience, Miazga is composed enough to try and start play from the back, and he has the confidence to attempt more direct passes towards the striker.
However, he is prone to errors and has been caught ball-watching at times. His record of three red cards in 38 senior games for Red Bulls is also remarkably high.
HIS WORDS.....
“I definitely admire Jerome Boateng; Varane and Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid are two others I like as well.
FORMER MANAGER'S VIEW....
“His starting points are very high – everything from his mentality to his awareness to his athleticism – means his ceiling is very high,” Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch said last August.
“I think in many ways he’s been one of the best defenders in the league this year and should be considered in that echelon.
“It’s about making sure that he continues to push himself, because the moment he stops to feel good about what he’s done, that’s when you start to slip and interrupt the progress that’s being made.
HAT TRICK HERO KELECHI IHEANACHO!!! A STAR IN THE MAKING
The 19-year-old Nigerian is no stranger to City fans but is yet to
receive a great deal of recognition elsewhere, something which is sure
to change in the coming weeks and months
It's time to talk about Kelechi Iheanacho. Manchester City fans know they have got a serious talent on their hands and, soon enough, the rest of the world will know what all the fuss is about.
The 19-year-old Nigerian, recruited after lighting up the 2013 Under-17 World Cup, only got his papers through last February and spent time at Colombus Crew in the United States and was even stationed out in Barcelona as work permit issues dragged on. He was wowing City fans before he was officially a City player - showing flashes on two pre-season tours and impressing for the club's Elite Development Squad - and moments like today feel a long time coming.
After more than a year's worth of red tape, he has wasted little time showing what he's capable of, but still he is far from a household name
Just seconds into his second ever competitive senior appearance, against Crystal Palace back in September, he drifted into exactly the right area at exactly the right time to score a vital, last-gasp winner for a team who had established themselves as runaway favourites for the title.
Unfortunately for him, that fell the same day as Anthony Martial made his first impression on English football, coming off the bench to score a fairytale goal against Liverpool on his first appearance for Manchester United.
Chelsea had lost to Everton that lunchtime as Jose Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge began to unravel, leaving Iheanacho pushed off the back pages and shunted towards the end of Match of the Day.
Wider exposure would have to wait. Until today, perhaps. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has been criticised by many fans for failing to give Iheanacho more first-team action, even as Sergio Aguero and Wilfried Bony have missed out through injury, meaning he has largely had to strut his stuff in cup competitions or in late league cameos. It's hard to say he could have done much more.
The youngster scored on his first senior start, against Palace in the League Cup, and was - finally, in the eyes of some - handed a full Premier League debut against Norwich City in the next game at the end of October. That was one opportunity he failed to grasp and found himself limited to late substitute appearances, often when the game was long lost, for the next 10 weeks: he did not start another league match until January 16.
In that time another League Cup goal against Hull City seemed to have fallen off the radar of the general football conciousness, and he was very fortunately credited with another dramatic winner, this time when Yaya Toure's shot deflected off his back and looped into the Swansea net.
It was at Norwich City in the last round of the FA Cup when he made it five goals in four starts with a cool effort from the edge of the box, but that strike and an impressive wider performance was limited to short internet highlights for the majority of City fans, let alone neutrals, given the FA Cup's limited television audience - and lack of illegal streams - around the world.
He had linked up well with Aguero in a 4-4-2 that day but the experiment was not particularly successful when tested again in the league against Palace a fortnight ago.
On Saturday, though, he was chosen as the lead striker in a 4-2-3-1 shape and took full advantage. Just four minutes in he bundled home a corner - another instinctive strike - to put City ahead. Fabian Delph, the former Aston Villa man, had a toy snake waved at him by a young boy as he lined up the set-piece. Instant karma at work in the Midlands.
If Iheanacho's first goal of the day was somewhat scrappy, the second highlighted his huge confidence. Raheem Sterling had looked set to take the penalty he had won seconds earlier, but Kelechi took the ball - without argument, seemingly - put it on the spot, stuttered his run-up to fox Brad Guzan and then slotted the ball slightly to the left of centre of goal. It was one of those penalties that can look terrible if not done properly. But Iheanacho knows what he's doing.
Clearly. Having been put through on goal thanks to a dreadful back-pass, he advanced on Guzan from just inside the Villa half, kept his cool, sized up the big American stopper, picked his spot and rolled in his hat-trick.
The evidence is there. Playing up front is no easy task for the best of strikers, let alone a 19-year-old, but he has shown that he has what it takes to play the role. The goals will speak for themselves but a fine cross-field through ball to Jesus Navas, reminiscent of his assist for Manu Garcia earlier in the season, was also sublime.
Iheanacho has scored in all three competitions in which he has played this season and is set to be included in City's Champions League squad when the squad list is re-submitted on Tuesday.
With Wilfried Bony still a couple of weeks away from fitness - and, frankly, having failed to convince - and Aguero unlikely to play every single game from now until the end of the season, Iheanacho is ready to take centre stage.
Given that his previous exploits - largely in the cup - have failed to earn him recognition as one of the Premier League's top propsects, if not one of the best young talents in world football, a stellar showing in the FA Cup against the worst Villa team in recent memory is unlikely to win over a great deal of new followers.
It's time to talk about Kelechi Iheanacho. Manchester City fans know they have got a serious talent on their hands and, soon enough, the rest of the world will know what all the fuss is about.
The 19-year-old Nigerian, recruited after lighting up the 2013 Under-17 World Cup, only got his papers through last February and spent time at Colombus Crew in the United States and was even stationed out in Barcelona as work permit issues dragged on. He was wowing City fans before he was officially a City player - showing flashes on two pre-season tours and impressing for the club's Elite Development Squad - and moments like today feel a long time coming.
After more than a year's worth of red tape, he has wasted little time showing what he's capable of, but still he is far from a household name
Just seconds into his second ever competitive senior appearance, against Crystal Palace back in September, he drifted into exactly the right area at exactly the right time to score a vital, last-gasp winner for a team who had established themselves as runaway favourites for the title.
Unfortunately for him, that fell the same day as Anthony Martial made his first impression on English football, coming off the bench to score a fairytale goal against Liverpool on his first appearance for Manchester United.
Chelsea had lost to Everton that lunchtime as Jose Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge began to unravel, leaving Iheanacho pushed off the back pages and shunted towards the end of Match of the Day.
Wider exposure would have to wait. Until today, perhaps. City boss Manuel Pellegrini has been criticised by many fans for failing to give Iheanacho more first-team action, even as Sergio Aguero and Wilfried Bony have missed out through injury, meaning he has largely had to strut his stuff in cup competitions or in late league cameos. It's hard to say he could have done much more.
The youngster scored on his first senior start, against Palace in the League Cup, and was - finally, in the eyes of some - handed a full Premier League debut against Norwich City in the next game at the end of October. That was one opportunity he failed to grasp and found himself limited to late substitute appearances, often when the game was long lost, for the next 10 weeks: he did not start another league match until January 16.
In that time another League Cup goal against Hull City seemed to have fallen off the radar of the general football conciousness, and he was very fortunately credited with another dramatic winner, this time when Yaya Toure's shot deflected off his back and looped into the Swansea net.
It was at Norwich City in the last round of the FA Cup when he made it five goals in four starts with a cool effort from the edge of the box, but that strike and an impressive wider performance was limited to short internet highlights for the majority of City fans, let alone neutrals, given the FA Cup's limited television audience - and lack of illegal streams - around the world.
He had linked up well with Aguero in a 4-4-2 that day but the experiment was not particularly successful when tested again in the league against Palace a fortnight ago.
On Saturday, though, he was chosen as the lead striker in a 4-2-3-1 shape and took full advantage. Just four minutes in he bundled home a corner - another instinctive strike - to put City ahead. Fabian Delph, the former Aston Villa man, had a toy snake waved at him by a young boy as he lined up the set-piece. Instant karma at work in the Midlands.
If Iheanacho's first goal of the day was somewhat scrappy, the second highlighted his huge confidence. Raheem Sterling had looked set to take the penalty he had won seconds earlier, but Kelechi took the ball - without argument, seemingly - put it on the spot, stuttered his run-up to fox Brad Guzan and then slotted the ball slightly to the left of centre of goal. It was one of those penalties that can look terrible if not done properly. But Iheanacho knows what he's doing.
Clearly. Having been put through on goal thanks to a dreadful back-pass, he advanced on Guzan from just inside the Villa half, kept his cool, sized up the big American stopper, picked his spot and rolled in his hat-trick.
The evidence is there. Playing up front is no easy task for the best of strikers, let alone a 19-year-old, but he has shown that he has what it takes to play the role. The goals will speak for themselves but a fine cross-field through ball to Jesus Navas, reminiscent of his assist for Manu Garcia earlier in the season, was also sublime.
Iheanacho has scored in all three competitions in which he has played this season and is set to be included in City's Champions League squad when the squad list is re-submitted on Tuesday.
With Wilfried Bony still a couple of weeks away from fitness - and, frankly, having failed to convince - and Aguero unlikely to play every single game from now until the end of the season, Iheanacho is ready to take centre stage.
Given that his previous exploits - largely in the cup - have failed to earn him recognition as one of the Premier League's top propsects, if not one of the best young talents in world football, a stellar showing in the FA Cup against the worst Villa team in recent memory is unlikely to win over a great deal of new followers.
ANTHONY MARTIAL; THE NEXT RONALDO? HEAR FROM THE BOSS
LUIZ VAN GAAL: Fantastic Martial will be a Man Utd Great.
The coach was delighted with the 20-year-old striker's display in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County and says he has an incredible future
Louis van Gaal has hailed Anthony Martial's performance in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County, insisting the striker will be "great" for Manchester United.
The French attacker set up goals for Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in a routine away win to ensure the Red Devils progress to the fifth round of the tournament.
And while Van Gaal admitted Martial had a poor opening period to the
game, he was left impressed by the 20-year-old's effectiveness.
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous," the Dutchman said.
"I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”
The coach was pleased with his side's display, though he feels Derby made it easier for them by pushing upfield.
"I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more," he added.
"When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.
"We have won every game in 2016 except the game against Southampton and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so our performance was a little bit ridiculous.
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous," the Dutchman said.
"I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”
The coach was pleased with his side's display, though he feels Derby made it easier for them by pushing upfield.
"I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more," he added.
"When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.
"We have won every game in 2016 except the game against Southampton and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so our performance was a little bit ridiculous.
"But that's how it was. Now the confidence is back, we dared to play again and in spite of the pressure of Derby County in the second half we met that pressure, we created chances and we scored fantastic goals, I have to say.
"The second and third were fantastic combinations and fantastic finishes as well."
Van Gaal has been under a lot of pressure in recent months, with reports stating he is close to being sacked, though he maintains his future was never going to be decided by the Derby clash.
"It is not a question of one match," he added. "It is difficult to understand but it is a process. It is a period of three years. This board is very intelligent and understands that. It is not a question of one match.
You've heard from the Man Utd boss. What do you think United fans? Do you have another Ronaldo?
The coach was delighted with the 20-year-old striker's display in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County and says he has an incredible future
Louis van Gaal has hailed Anthony Martial's performance in Friday's 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County, insisting the striker will be "great" for Manchester United.
The French attacker set up goals for Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata in a routine away win to ensure the Red Devils progress to the fifth round of the tournament.
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous," the Dutchman said.
"I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”
The coach was pleased with his side's display, though he feels Derby made it easier for them by pushing upfield.
"I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more," he added.
"When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.
"We have won every game in 2016 except the game against Southampton and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so our performance was a little bit ridiculous.
“He started not so good, I think, but I said that to him and after the first 20 minutes he came into the match and he was fabulous," the Dutchman said.
"I am very happy that he is a Manchester United player because I think he shall be a great player for Manchester United for a long time.”
The coach was pleased with his side's display, though he feels Derby made it easier for them by pushing upfield.
"I have to say Derby County in the second half were pressing forward more," he added.
"When we beat that pressure then there was more space and that was also the reason why we scored two goals.
"We have won every game in 2016 except the game against Southampton and that was because of the lack of confidence. We played at home and the fans were supporting us, so our performance was a little bit ridiculous.
"But that's how it was. Now the confidence is back, we dared to play again and in spite of the pressure of Derby County in the second half we met that pressure, we created chances and we scored fantastic goals, I have to say.
"The second and third were fantastic combinations and fantastic finishes as well."
Van Gaal has been under a lot of pressure in recent months, with reports stating he is close to being sacked, though he maintains his future was never going to be decided by the Derby clash.
"It is not a question of one match," he added. "It is difficult to understand but it is a process. It is a period of three years. This board is very intelligent and understands that. It is not a question of one match.
You've heard from the Man Utd boss. What do you think United fans? Do you have another Ronaldo?
THIS WEEKEND'S BETTING PREVIEW AND TIPS
HELLO FRIENDS.....
It's your football guru Levelz again bringing you this weekend's football betting preview and tips. It's FA Cup weekend in England; FA Cup fixtures are always tricky ones due to the fact that teams usually rotate their squads for this competition to rest some regular players. Though some teams' managers have learned their lesson and they now field strong squads for all competitions. A good example is Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who even recently said in an interview that "you can't win trophies with kids". So we should expect a strong squad for Arsenal's home game with Burnley today.
Away from England, there are also other fixtures from around the world as the toughest being Barca's home game against 2nd placed Atletico Madrid.
Here are my tips for this weekend.
COLCHESTER VS TOTTENHAM - AWAY WIN+OVER 1.5
ARSENAL VS BURNLEY - HOME WIN
LIVERPOOL VS WEST HAM - AWAY TO SCORE
PORTSMOUTH VS BOURNEMOUTH - AWAY TO SCORE
CRYSTAL PALACE VS STOKE CITY - AWAY WIN OR DRAW (2X)
ASTON VILLA VS MAN CITY - AWAY WIN
BARCA VS A. MADRID - HOME WIN
AS ROMA VS FROSINONE - HOME WIN
B. DORTMUND VS INGOLSTADT - HOME WIN+OVER 1.5GOALS
ANGERS VS MONACO - HOME WIN OR DRAW(1X)
SC BASTIA VS LYON - HANDICAP(2-0) HOME WIN
PSV VS DE GRAAFSHAP - HOME WIN+OVER 2.5GOALS
NEC NIJMEGEN VS AZ - HOME TO SCORE
SPORTING VS ACADEMIA - HOME WIN+OVER 1.5 GOALS
H. TEL AVIV VS H. BEER SHEVA - AWAY WIN
CLINTONVILLE VS PORTADOWN - HOME WIN
Choose wisely......
Sunday tips will be posted later. Stay with us.
It's your football guru Levelz again bringing you this weekend's football betting preview and tips. It's FA Cup weekend in England; FA Cup fixtures are always tricky ones due to the fact that teams usually rotate their squads for this competition to rest some regular players. Though some teams' managers have learned their lesson and they now field strong squads for all competitions. A good example is Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger who even recently said in an interview that "you can't win trophies with kids". So we should expect a strong squad for Arsenal's home game with Burnley today.
Away from England, there are also other fixtures from around the world as the toughest being Barca's home game against 2nd placed Atletico Madrid.
Here are my tips for this weekend.
COLCHESTER VS TOTTENHAM - AWAY WIN+OVER 1.5
ARSENAL VS BURNLEY - HOME WIN
LIVERPOOL VS WEST HAM - AWAY TO SCORE
PORTSMOUTH VS BOURNEMOUTH - AWAY TO SCORE
CRYSTAL PALACE VS STOKE CITY - AWAY WIN OR DRAW (2X)
ASTON VILLA VS MAN CITY - AWAY WIN
BARCA VS A. MADRID - HOME WIN
AS ROMA VS FROSINONE - HOME WIN
B. DORTMUND VS INGOLSTADT - HOME WIN+OVER 1.5GOALS
ANGERS VS MONACO - HOME WIN OR DRAW(1X)
SC BASTIA VS LYON - HANDICAP(2-0) HOME WIN
PSV VS DE GRAAFSHAP - HOME WIN+OVER 2.5GOALS
NEC NIJMEGEN VS AZ - HOME TO SCORE
SPORTING VS ACADEMIA - HOME WIN+OVER 1.5 GOALS
H. TEL AVIV VS H. BEER SHEVA - AWAY WIN
CLINTONVILLE VS PORTADOWN - HOME WIN
Choose wisely......
Sunday tips will be posted later. Stay with us.
Friday, 29 January 2016
WHO IS THE BEST JANUARY SIGNING OF ALL TIME?
Earlier today I brought to you a list of the worst January signing of all time, now let's take a look at who makes the list for the opposite.
January is renowned as a difficult time to bring in quality additions, but through the years clubs have managed to add some stellar names to their ranks, as Liverpool proved with Luis Suarez and Sevilla illustrated with Dani Alves.
Who is the best?
MARCELO. FLUMINENSE - REAL MADRID, £4M. (2006)
PATRICE EVRA. MONACO - MANCHESTER UNITED. £5M (2006)
KEVIN DE BRUYNE. CHELSEA - WOLFSBURG. £17M (2014)
THIAGO SILVA. FLUMINENSE - AC MILAN. £7M (2012)
LUIS SUAREZ. AJAX - LIVERPOOL. £20M. (2011)
IVAN RAKITIC. SHALKE - SEVILLA. £1.2M. (2011)
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG. AC MILAN - SAINT ETIENNE. £1M (2013)
THIS IS A TOUGH ONE BUT I THINK MY WINNER IS DE-BRUYNE.
YOU?
January is renowned as a difficult time to bring in quality additions, but through the years clubs have managed to add some stellar names to their ranks, as Liverpool proved with Luis Suarez and Sevilla illustrated with Dani Alves.
Who is the best?
MARCELO. FLUMINENSE - REAL MADRID, £4M. (2006)
THIS IS A TOUGH ONE BUT I THINK MY WINNER IS DE-BRUYNE.
YOU?
WHO IS THE WORST JANUARY SIGNING OF ALL TIME?
The winter transfer window set to close in three days
and AREASPORTZ asks you to vote for your worst move in football history,
whether it's an expensive flop or an injury prone disaster
I WILL GIVE A LIST OF TERRIBLE JANUARY SIGNINGS AND YOU CHOSE YOUR WORST.
NICOLAS ANELKA. SHANGAI SHENHUA - JUVENTUS, FREE (2013)
THERE THEY ARE.
MY WINNER IS ANDY CARROL. FERNANDO TORRES HELPED CHELSEA TO THEIR ONLY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY SO HE ESCAPES.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
7 PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN THIS WEEKEND'S FA CUP
With a host of managers set to rotate their squads this weekend, the FA Cup offers some players the platform to make a statement. Here are 7 to watch out for in the fourth round....
MOHAMED ELNENY (ARSENAL)
Will Arsene Wenger hand Mohamed Elneny a
debut against Burnley? Signed from Basel earlier in January, the
midfielder is yet to feature for the Gunners but a fourth round tie at
the Emirates Stadium could be the perfect opportunity for the Egyptian.
ADNAN JANUZAJ (MANCHESTER UNITED)
Back from a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund,
the Belgium international came off the bench to feature for four minutes
in the defeat to Southampton, but could be given the chance to impress
against Championship side Derby County.
TOM INCE (DERBY COUNTY)
At just 23 years old, Tom Ince has already
represented seven clubs, but after his career stalled at Hull City the
forward has found his feet at promotion-chasing Derby County and could
remind everybody why he was so highly rated against Manchester United on
Friday night.
KELECHI IHEANACHO (MAN CITY)
Manuel Pellegrini is likely to rest Sergio
Aguero with his star striker crucial to their Premier League title
ambitions. City have high hopes for Iheanacho, who scored in the third
round win over Norwich City, and the 19-year-old could be thrust into
the starting XI against Aston Villa.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK (CHELSEA)
He was singled out for criticism by Jose
Mourinho and has barely featured under Guus Hiddink, but Ruben
Loftus-Cheek came off the bench against Scunthorpe to score and help
Chelsea through to the fourth round where they will face MK Dons, and
the promising 20-year-old will hope to be involved again.
BENIK AFOBE (BOURNEMOUTH)
Signed for around £10 million and with two
goals in three games already, you wouldn't bet against the former
Arsenal man adding to that tally against League Two side Portsmouth.
NORDIN AMRABAT (WATFORD)
An exciting January signing from Malaga, the
winger made his Premier League debut off the bench against Newcastle
United, but could be handed a start away at Nottingham Forest.
Thursday, 28 January 2016
DE BRUYNE OUT FOR TEN WEEKS
It had been feared following initial tests that the Belgian would be
ruled out for six weeks but he has now confirmed via Twitter that it
will be over two months
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he will be out of action for over two months with the ankle and knee injuries sustained in the League Cup semi-final defeat of Everton on Wednesday.
De Bruyne landed awkwardly and had to be stretchered off the pitch in the closing stages of the dramatic game at the Etihad Stadium, in which City came from a goal down to beat the Toffees 3-1 to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Following early scans on Thursday, it had been expected that De Bruyne would only miss six weeks but, after further examinations, the player himself confirmed via Twitter that it will be 10 weeks before he is back in action.
The Belgian had played a key part in City's League Cup turnaround, having come off the bench in the second half to score City's second and set up their third, but he left the Etihad on crutches and with heavy strapping on his right leg.
He had been in high spirits as he spoke to reporters on his way out of the ground and had initially said that he would be fit in time for the League Cup final against Liverpool on February 28.
But he is now unlikely to return until the start of April, meaning that he will not only miss the League Cup final but also City's Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Dynamo Kiev and the Manchester derby in late March, among a host of other key fixtures.
His agent, Patrick De Koster, had earlier told Sky Sports: "I spoke with him half an hour ago and he is a little bit sad because he has got a tear in his ankle and also the ligament in his knee are touched. I think for sure he will need six weeks of rehabilitation.
"He is still going to do some more medicals today and at the end of the day, I think, at least tomorrow morning, we will have the time he needs to be 100 per cent again."
However, his injury also means that he is likely to miss the first international set of fixtures of the year, which are scheduled for the end of March.
Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has revealed that he will be out of action for over two months with the ankle and knee injuries sustained in the League Cup semi-final defeat of Everton on Wednesday.
De Bruyne landed awkwardly and had to be stretchered off the pitch in the closing stages of the dramatic game at the Etihad Stadium, in which City came from a goal down to beat the Toffees 3-1 to secure a 4-3 aggregate victory.
Following early scans on Thursday, it had been expected that De Bruyne would only miss six weeks but, after further examinations, the player himself confirmed via Twitter that it will be 10 weeks before he is back in action.
The Belgian had played a key part in City's League Cup turnaround, having come off the bench in the second half to score City's second and set up their third, but he left the Etihad on crutches and with heavy strapping on his right leg.
He had been in high spirits as he spoke to reporters on his way out of the ground and had initially said that he would be fit in time for the League Cup final against Liverpool on February 28.
But he is now unlikely to return until the start of April, meaning that he will not only miss the League Cup final but also City's Champions League last-16 second-leg tie against Dynamo Kiev and the Manchester derby in late March, among a host of other key fixtures.
His agent, Patrick De Koster, had earlier told Sky Sports: "I spoke with him half an hour ago and he is a little bit sad because he has got a tear in his ankle and also the ligament in his knee are touched. I think for sure he will need six weeks of rehabilitation.
"He is still going to do some more medicals today and at the end of the day, I think, at least tomorrow morning, we will have the time he needs to be 100 per cent again."
However, his injury also means that he is likely to miss the first international set of fixtures of the year, which are scheduled for the end of March.
EMBATTLED VAN GAAL EXPLODES AT THE MEDIA AGAIN
After claims he had offered to leave earlier in the week, the Manchester
United manager hit out at such rumours and insists he has the full
backing of the club's board
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hit out at media reports that he was set to leave Old Trafford, labelling the media "awful and horrible".
Several newspaper reports claimed Van Gaal had offered to resign from his position in the wake of United's 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
"I think that I have not mentioned that ever," he said of an offer to
quit the club. "You make your own stories and then I have to answer all
your stories.
"I am not doing that because I think it is awful and horrible that you can write that and then I have to answer the questions on that story."
United travel to Derby County on Friday in the FA Cup fourth round, but Van Gaal said he remains worried about the attention drawn by the inaccurate reports in the build-up to the clash.
"I am very concerned that people are believing what you are writing, because I received a lot of calls and SMSs," he continued.
"It is this world that you can write what you want and you don't have to verify anything. This is the third time already that I have been sacked and I am still sitting here for you. I am here because I am obliged to do that.
"There are some people that I like because they put a question in a very respectful way, but a lot of it is also in a disrespectful way."
Van Gaal's future was cast into doubt after a run of only two league victories in two months which have seen United drop to fifth spot in the Premier League table, but he has says the backing of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the board is of some consolation.
"It’s fantastic of course, but also that gives you a lot of pressure, because when the board has such confidence in you, then the pressure is much higher than when they say it’s your last game or something like that.
"When your confidence is not so high, you can fight against it, but I always fight. I am always fighting. When you fight, you have a bigger motivation than when they support you."
The manager will be able to call upon Michael Carrick for the visit to Derby after the England midfielder's recovery from injury, but Van Gaal insisted he will not be able to play the full 90 minutes.
Elsewhere, Matteo Darmian will not be available due to the head injury he suffered against Southampton, while Phil Jones (foot) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee) are still absent.
"I cannot say [if they are close]," Van Gaal added of the latter pair. "Every time I make a remark about injuries it is always difficult because injuries have developments and you have to wait and see."
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hit out at media reports that he was set to leave Old Trafford, labelling the media "awful and horrible".
Several newspaper reports claimed Van Gaal had offered to resign from his position in the wake of United's 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday.
"I am not doing that because I think it is awful and horrible that you can write that and then I have to answer the questions on that story."
United travel to Derby County on Friday in the FA Cup fourth round, but Van Gaal said he remains worried about the attention drawn by the inaccurate reports in the build-up to the clash.
"I am very concerned that people are believing what you are writing, because I received a lot of calls and SMSs," he continued.
"It is this world that you can write what you want and you don't have to verify anything. This is the third time already that I have been sacked and I am still sitting here for you. I am here because I am obliged to do that.
"There are some people that I like because they put a question in a very respectful way, but a lot of it is also in a disrespectful way."
Van Gaal's future was cast into doubt after a run of only two league victories in two months which have seen United drop to fifth spot in the Premier League table, but he has says the backing of executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and the board is of some consolation.
"It’s fantastic of course, but also that gives you a lot of pressure, because when the board has such confidence in you, then the pressure is much higher than when they say it’s your last game or something like that.
"When your confidence is not so high, you can fight against it, but I always fight. I am always fighting. When you fight, you have a bigger motivation than when they support you."
The manager will be able to call upon Michael Carrick for the visit to Derby after the England midfielder's recovery from injury, but Van Gaal insisted he will not be able to play the full 90 minutes.
Elsewhere, Matteo Darmian will not be available due to the head injury he suffered against Southampton, while Phil Jones (foot) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee) are still absent.
"I cannot say [if they are close]," Van Gaal added of the latter pair. "Every time I make a remark about injuries it is always difficult because injuries have developments and you have to wait and see."
NEYMAR: I WOULD LOVE TO PLAY FOR GUARDIOLA
The Barcelona star has admitted he would like to one day work with the
Premier League-bound coach and has also expressed an interest in playing
in the United States
Barcelona star Neymar has admitted he would "love" to play for Pep Guardiola.
The Bayern Munich coach has revealed he will join a Premier League club at the end of the season, with Manchester City the favourites to secure his signature.
And Neymar says he would one day like to link up with the Catalan, who coached Barcelona before his arrival in 2013, as well as expressing an interest in eventually joining an MLS club.
When asked if there was one manager he would like to work with, Neymar told Red Bull's website: "Yes, there is one: Guardiola is a guy who I really admire and who I would love to work with.
"It is tough to say if I want to play in other countries. Nobody knows tomorrow, but I am very happy where I am right now at Barcelona.
"I have the will to go back to Brazil some day and I also would like to play in [the] USA - those two countries are two where I want to play later on in my career.
When asked if there was one manager he would like to work with, Neymar told Red Bull's website: "Yes, there is one: Guardiola is a guy who I really admire and who I would love to work with.
"It is tough to say if I want to play in other countries. Nobody knows tomorrow, but I am very happy where I am right now at Barcelona.
"I have the will to go back to Brazil some day and I also would like to play in [the] USA - those two countries are two where I want to play later on in my career.
"[The USA] is a place where the game is growing and attracting the interest of lots of players, who are becoming more and more popular there.
The Bayern Munich coach has revealed he will join a Premier League club at the end of the season, with Manchester City the favourites to secure his signature.
And Neymar says he would one day like to link up with the Catalan, who coached Barcelona before his arrival in 2013, as well as expressing an interest in eventually joining an MLS club.
When asked if there was one manager he would like to work with, Neymar told Red Bull's website: "Yes, there is one: Guardiola is a guy who I really admire and who I would love to work with.
"It is tough to say if I want to play in other countries. Nobody knows tomorrow, but I am very happy where I am right now at Barcelona.
"I have the will to go back to Brazil some day and I also would like to play in [the] USA - those two countries are two where I want to play later on in my career.
When asked if there was one manager he would like to work with, Neymar told Red Bull's website: "Yes, there is one: Guardiola is a guy who I really admire and who I would love to work with.
"It is tough to say if I want to play in other countries. Nobody knows tomorrow, but I am very happy where I am right now at Barcelona.
"I have the will to go back to Brazil some day and I also would like to play in [the] USA - those two countries are two where I want to play later on in my career.
"[The USA] is a place where the game is growing and attracting the interest of lots of players, who are becoming more and more popular there.
MANCHESTER UNITED'S MEMPHIS DEPAY RETURNS TO PSV
DON'T BE SCARED UNITED FANS, HE JUST RETURNED TO WATCH PSV'S HOME GAME AGAINST FC TWENTE
Having been an unused substitute in the Red Devils' home loss to Southampton, the winger had his spirits lifted as his old club stormed to victory
Manchester United winger Memphis Depay
made an emotional return to former club PSV on Sunday, meeting his
former fans and looking on as the Eindhoven club recorded an impressive
4-2 win over FC Twente.
Philipp Cocu's side romped their way to victory, with left-back Hector Moreno bagging a double, Luciano Narsigh and Florian Jozefzoon also getting on the scoresheet, and former Valencia star Andres Guardado impressively pulling the strings throughout from central midfield.
Memphis, who has struggled for consistency since his move to Old Trafford, was met with rapturous applause as he greeted PSV's adoring fans.
An unused substitute in the 1-0 loss to Southampton, United supporters will hope the Dutchman's reminder of success with the Eredivisie club will provide the winger with a much-needed confidence boost as the Red Devils look to get back to winning ways.
Having been an unused substitute in the Red Devils' home loss to Southampton, the winger had his spirits lifted as his old club stormed to victory
Philipp Cocu's side romped their way to victory, with left-back Hector Moreno bagging a double, Luciano Narsigh and Florian Jozefzoon also getting on the scoresheet, and former Valencia star Andres Guardado impressively pulling the strings throughout from central midfield.
Memphis, who has struggled for consistency since his move to Old Trafford, was met with rapturous applause as he greeted PSV's adoring fans.
An unused substitute in the 1-0 loss to Southampton, United supporters will hope the Dutchman's reminder of success with the Eredivisie club will provide the winger with a much-needed confidence boost as the Red Devils look to get back to winning ways.
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
OFFICIAL; PATO IN, RAMIRES OUT....FULL STORY
Alexandre Pato says he is "so happy" to be signing for Chelsea as he prepares to join the club on loan.
The Corinthians forward has arrived in London ahead of a medical, and while the Blues are yet to confirm any deal, the 26-year-old revealed the move will be finalised soon.
Pato told Sky Sports: "I’m so happy. I stay here for my dream. Chelsea is my new home. Thanks to Chelsea for support. Thanks to my fans for support on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
"I need to play. I don’t know what to say because I’m so happy. I’m very anxious [to play] and I want to know my new friends and players in the team. I really want to play in Chelsea."
Pato spent five years at AC Milan between 2007 and 2012 before returning to Brazil and joining Corinthians in 2013. He spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Sao Paulo.
He will become the first signing of Chelsea caretaker boss Guus Hiddink's second spell in charge as the club look to improve on their current position of 13th in the Premier League table
Pato, who has been capped 28 times by Brazil and scored 10 goals, can operate on either flank and also as a striker, meaning he will provide competition for Diego Costa and Loic Remy up front.
MEANWHILE.....
The Brazil international midfielder has joined the Chinese side for a reported fee of £25 million after five and a half years with the Premier League club
Ramires has left Chelsea to join Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning on a permanent deal, the reigning Premier League champions have confirmed.
The Brazil midfielder's move concludes a five-and-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge, during which time he won every major domestic and European club honour available.
The terms of the deal were not officially disclosed by Chelsea, although the fee has been widely reported to be in the region of £25 million.
Ramires' first winners' medals with Chelsea came during a decorated conclusion to the 2011-12 campaign, when Roberto Di Matteo steered them to FA Cup and Champions League glory.
The Europa League arrived in the following season, while he was part of the team Jose Mourinho led to the League Cup and Premier League crowns in 2014-15.
In total Ramires made 251 appearances for Chelsea and scored 34 goals.
Twelve of those games came in the Premier League this term, with a substitute cameo at Manchester United last month proving to be his final outing for the club.
EMMANUEL EMENIKE, AHMED MUSA SET FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
The Nigerian duo have both been heavily linked with moves to England this window and now according to the sports paper, Daily Mail, they look set to complete their moves to the premier league.
Emmanuel Emenike is closing in on a loan move to West Ham from Fenerbahce.
Leicester will increase their £15 million bid for CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa after missing out on Sampdoria's Eder.
If the later completes his move, he might just be a premier league champion in four months.
If the later completes his move, he might just be a premier league champion in four months.
PATO SET FOR CHELSEA?
Globoesporte reports that Alexandre Pato is having a medical with Chelsea today ahead of a loan move from Corinthians. The Premier League champions can make the deal permanent for £8 million.
Chelsea fans...... what do you think?
Tuesday, 26 January 2016
ADEBAYOR RETURNS TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE
The Eagles have scored only one goal - an own goal -
in their last six Premier League matches but have now bolstered their
attack with the arrival of the Togo striker
Crystal Palace have signed free agent Emmanuel Adebayor on a six-month contract.
The Togo international was released by Tottenham in September and has been without a club since, but has now signed a deal with the Eagles until the end of the season.
Palace boss Alan Pardew has made clear his desire to sign a striker this month and the club have also been linked with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Loic Remy and Emmanuel Emenike.
The Togo international was released by Tottenham in September and has been without a club since, but has now signed a deal with the Eagles until the end of the season.
Palace boss Alan Pardew has made clear his desire to sign a striker this month and the club have also been linked with the likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Loic Remy and Emmanuel Emenike.
Palace's only goal in their last six Premier League games was an own
goal scored by Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen on Saturday.
Adebayor was reportedly close to joining Aston Villa in the summer but was eventually let go by Spurs having failed to find a new club, and has not played since May 3 of last year.
Adebayor was reportedly close to joining Aston Villa in the summer but was eventually let go by Spurs having failed to find a new club, and has not played since May 3 of last year.
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