January Transfer targets:
Heading into the new year comes the infamous January transfer window, every year many clubs make key signings and sometimes lose key players which can reshape their season. Here is a guide to each of the top seven Premier League clubs targets and what positions they need.
Arsenal
Positions to Strengthen: Defender and Striker
Possible Targets: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) and Nicolas N'Koulou (Marseille)
With a great start to the season that not very many expected, the Gunners sit top of the pile as we go into the turn of the year but recently injuries to key men like Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey has showed some defensive fragilities with only two recognised fully fit centre backs so Marseille man Nicolas N'Koulou would be a top buy. Also with Olivier Giroud not getting on the scoresheet recently Arsene Wenger may rekindle his interest in Karim Benzema. A title winning side must have a team that has cover in every position and unless they buy, it could be goodbye to their title aspirations.
Chelsea:
Position to strengthen: Striker
Possible Target: Radamel Falcao (Monaco)
With Jose Mourinho back at the helm, the Blues have been very consistent in the way they have gone about but the one thing that they aren't doing is their strikers aren't scoring goals, with less than 9 goals between Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba this season, many feel a new frontman is needed. With summer target Radamel Falcao apparently unhappy at Monaco, it's very possible that Chelsea will go back in for the Colombian and if they get him, any fears of not scoring would surely be over.
Manchester City
Position to Strengthen: Centre Back
Possible Target: Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid)
With City's fantastic home record still in tact there is no need to strengthen the forwards but there away form is poor and their performances away from home is poor, especially there defensive performances. With key man Vincent Kompany the only consistent high performer this season at the back, an injury to him would be devastating to a team that needs a strong back line. Manuel Pellegrini may go back to Spain to get highly rated Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin too strengthen which could bring the answer to City's problems.
Liverpool
Position to Strengthen: Left back
Possible target: Emiliano Insua (Atletico Madrid)
Liverpool have been great this season, and sat top at Christmas but with first choice left back Jose Enrique out injured, manager Brendan Rodgers has had to rotate between young Jon Flanagan and loanee Aly Cissokho, who's season has been considered mediocre. Going in for former Reds left back Emiliano Insua is a possibility with the Argentinian only a fringe player at Atletico Madrid. Otherwise, Rodgers doesn't really need to strengthen.
Manchester United
Position to Strengthen: Midfield
Possible Targets: Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
After a slow start, David Moyes' men are beginning to click but fears remain on the weakness of their midfield, with Anderson leaving for Porto in January, a replacement is needed, plus a first team quality star. Many feel that they will go to Germany and take Dortmund pair Reus and Gundogan, if they get them, there wouldn't be any doubts on a top four finish.
Tottenham
Positions to Strengthen: Left Back
Possible Targets: Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid) Alvaro Pereira (Inter)
With AVB gone, it's up to rookie Tim Sherwood to guide Spurs to Champions League football. With past experience being only managing the development squad, Sherwood has his work cut out. A new left back is needed so Jan Vertonghen and play in his favoured and best position, Spurs have been linked with Pereira before, will they go back in for him in January?
Everton
Position to Strengthen: Centre Back
Possible Targets: Nicolas Otamendi (Porto) Nicolas Moisander (Ajax)
Everyone thought that some sought of transitional period would have happened when Roberto Martinez took charge at Goodison Park but that hasn't been the case, with the side only losing twice all season. But with veteran defender Sylvain Distin looking liable to injury, Martinez may need to buy a first team quality centre back with Ajax's Nicolas Moisander reportedly on the radar. But a preferred choice would be Nicolas Otamendi who is reportedly unhappy at Portuguese champions Porto, although price could pay a big factor as a fee in the region of £23 million is what Porto want.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Januzaj Pens 5 Year Deal
Januzaj pens new 5 year deal
Manchester United's teenage starlet Adnan Januzaj has signed a new 5 year contract with the club. The deal comes after his man of the match display at Sunderland on the 5th of October. The Belgium-born winger is still choosing a nation to represent though and sources close to the player himself say that he is edging towards representing England. Talking about his new deal Januzaj stated: "It’s a great thrill to be able to sign for Manchester United. Since arriving here I have always felt like this was the right club for me. This season has been great for me – going on the pre season tour, making my debut in the Community Shield win at Wembley and then breaking into the team at Sunderland – it’s like a dream. I want to work hard now and establish myself as a Manchester United player."
Under fire United boss David Moyes has expressed his happiness on Januzaj committing his future to the club until June 2018. He said:"I'm delighted that Adnan has committed his future to United. He is an outstanding talent and has impressed me consistently since I came to United in July. His balance, poise and ability to beat players is truly exceptional for a boy of his age. It’s great that he recognises that this club, with its tradition for developing young players and giving them a chance on the biggest stage, is the best place for him to be."
Januzaj will be hoping to help his side collect all three points in today's clash with high flyers Southampton, who they welcome to Old Trafford at 3pm before welcoming Real Sociedad in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Manchester United's teenage starlet Adnan Januzaj has signed a new 5 year contract with the club. The deal comes after his man of the match display at Sunderland on the 5th of October. The Belgium-born winger is still choosing a nation to represent though and sources close to the player himself say that he is edging towards representing England. Talking about his new deal Januzaj stated: "It’s a great thrill to be able to sign for Manchester United. Since arriving here I have always felt like this was the right club for me. This season has been great for me – going on the pre season tour, making my debut in the Community Shield win at Wembley and then breaking into the team at Sunderland – it’s like a dream. I want to work hard now and establish myself as a Manchester United player."
Under fire United boss David Moyes has expressed his happiness on Januzaj committing his future to the club until June 2018. He said:"I'm delighted that Adnan has committed his future to United. He is an outstanding talent and has impressed me consistently since I came to United in July. His balance, poise and ability to beat players is truly exceptional for a boy of his age. It’s great that he recognises that this club, with its tradition for developing young players and giving them a chance on the biggest stage, is the best place for him to be."
Januzaj will be hoping to help his side collect all three points in today's clash with high flyers Southampton, who they welcome to Old Trafford at 3pm before welcoming Real Sociedad in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Sunday, 18 August 2013
PREM PREVIEW 16-20
16-20 Prem Preview
Sunderland
Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur
West Brom
West Ham
Di Canio's new boys need to adjust quickly
Prediction: 14th
Key Player: Adam Johnson
Player To Watch: Jozy Altidore
Bringing in ten new signings over the summer, Sunderland may have to be patient with their new look side, especially when they're first few home games include all of last seasons top four. Paulo Di Canio though will try to use his own winning mentality to gel his men as they embark on another Premier League season. Winger Adam Johnson will be hoping to build on last seasons performances where he showed glimpses of brilliance over the course of the campaign. New signing Jozy Altidore will be wanting to bang in the goals for his new side after only scoring once in his previous season in the top flight with Hull City.
Europe for The Swans?
Prediction: 6th
Key Player: Miguel Michu
Player To Watch: Wilfried Bony
After resolving an issue with chairman Huw Jenkins, manager Michael Laudrup will be wanting to better last seasons trophy winning performance and hopefully qualify for the Europa League through finish fifth but then again it will always be a tough battle with the teams also hoping to do this. Forward Miguel Michu will want to repeat the form he showed last season which gave him the label as one of the 'bargains of the season'. Splashing the cash this summer was key in providing strength in depth to the Welsh side. Bringing in £12million man Wilfried Bony from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem may prove to be money well spent with the Ivorian finishing the Eredivise top scorer with thirty-three last term.
Spurs need a strong start
Prediction: 5th
Key Player: Gareth Bale
Player To Watch: Roberto Soldado
Having achieved a highest points total for a fifth place team, Tottenham will be wanting to go one step more and achieve the coveted fourth place finish and play Champions League football. To do this though they need to keep hold of star man Gareth Bale, who has been subject to an £86million deal from European giants Real Madrid. Bale was Spurs' star man last season and if he stays and repeats what he did last year, they can achieve big things. Bringing in the likes if Paulinho and Roberto Soldado will also boost Tottenham's Champions League aspirations, the latter will hopefully be the answer to their striker problem that they've had in the past few seasons.
Experience is key for Baggies
Prediction: 17th
Key Player: Nicolas Anelka
Player To Watch: Matej Vydra
A successful start to the season is just what West Brom will be wanting after having a little bit of a rough patch towards the end of last season. Bringing in experienced frontman Nicolas Anelka will be a big help as they attempt to repeat last seasons heroics of a top half finish. Also signing young forward Matej Vydra from Udinese could prove to be useful as the loanee had a successful spell with Championship side Watford last year. With other sides making big signings though its hard to predict where the Baggies will finish, a relegation scrap seems to be in the cards.
Survival is no trouble for Hammers
Prediction: 13th
Key Player: Andy Carroll
Player To Watch: Stewart Downing
Big Sam's side had a successful return to the top flight last season and achieving Premier League survival the Hammers have it all to do again this year. Bringing in former Liverpool duo Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing will provide strength on the flankers and through the middle, these two players will prove vital in maintaining their Premier League status.
PREM PREVIEW 11-15
11-15 Prem Preview
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Norwich City
Southampton
Stoke City
Can United retain the Title?
Prediction: 3rd
Key Player: Robin Van Persie
Player To Watch: Wilfried Zaha
After one of the best managers of all time retired at the end of last season, Manchester United will be hoping that Sir Alex Ferguson's era can be repeated by his successor, former Everton manager David Moyes. Already winning the Community Shield, he has already won more trophies at United than his ten years at Goodison Park. If he is to step out of Sir Alex's shadow though, he will need star striker Robin Van Persie to be in the kind of form that made him finish top scorer last season. New signing Wilfried Zaha will be hoping he can break into the first team and make an impression after his £12million move from Premier League new boys Crystal Palace.
Newcastle to build on last season
Prediction: 12th
Key Player: Yohan Cabaye
Player To Watch: Loic Remy
After the turmoil at St James' Park that has seen former boss Joe Kinnear appointed director of football, Alan Pardew is one of the favourites for the first sacking of the season. Keeping players is a must if they want to perform as well as two seasons ago. Having Yohan Cabaye fit and raring to go is a major boost as his ability has seen him attract interest from PSG. New signing Loic Remy who signed for QPR instead of Newcastle in January will be hoping to score the goals to help the toon army propel themselves up the league.
Top half finish for Canaries?
Key Player: Leroy Fer
Player To Watch: Gary Hooper
After spending big this summer, Norwich City will be hoping for a top half finish. Manager Chris Hughton has brought in players with experience of Champions League football with the likes of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Leroy Fer and Gary Hooper all coming into the side. Fer has a lot to prove in the Premier League after a move to Everton in January fell through after he failed a medical due to his troublesome knee. Hooper on the other hand has proved himself at every level apart from the Premier League therefore will be hoping to establish himself in the top flight. Scoring over thirty goals for Celtic in the past two seasons in Scotland, Hooper will be hoping to bang in the goals for his new side and hopefully earn himself an England call up that he definitely deserves.
Same again for Saints
Prediction: 8th
Key Player: Gaston Ramirez
Player To Watch: Victor Wanyama
Southampton had a very good season on their return to the top flight last season. Now having spent money on two very good players this summer in Dejan Lovren from Lyon and Victor Wanyama from Celtic, the Saints will want to go one step further and achieve a high finish.
Uruguayan Gaston Ramirez will be hoping to build on a successful first season at St Mary's and with his technical ability, Southampton are in good stance for the coming year. New signing Wanyama will be hoping to replicate his successes at Celtic by helping Southampton achieve their goal this year.
Relegation for Stoke?
Key Player: Asmir Begovic
Player To Watch: Marc Muniesa
New boss Mark Hughes has a lot to prove after his sacking at QPR and many tip the Potters to go down this year, with only bringing in three players this summer, Hughes' men have a lot to prove. Key to survival will be goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, his performances last season were the reason why they kept so many clean sheets at the start of the campaign. New defender Marc Muniesa recently arrived from Barcelona and will be competing with dynamic duo Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcross.
PREM PREVIEW 6-10
6-10 Prem Preview
Everton
Fulham
Hull City
Liverpool
Manchester City
Martinez set to take Toffees by storm
Prediction: 10th
Key Player: Marouane Fellaini
Player To Watch: Ross Barkley
Roberto Martinez will be hoping to bring the heart and determination his Wigan side
showed year after year as he takes his first major job in his short managerial career.
Keeping hold of star men Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines will be key as they are
two players that could associated with the phrase 'Game changers'. Having a strong
side added to with the likes of former Wigan men Joel Robles, Antolin Alcaraz and
Arouna Kone could also prove vital for them as the toffees are normally hit by a
plague of injuries at some point in the campaign. One player to watch this season is
19 year old midfielder Ross Barkley who will be hoping to break his way into the team
after coming up through the youth system.
Looking like mid-table again for Fulham
Prediction: 11th
Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov
Player to Watch:
Fernando Amorebieta
Martin Jol will want his experienced side to go one step further from last seasons
12th place finish with ambitions of a place in the top half. Bringing in big names
such as Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta could prove to be a step in
the right direction as long as they can find their feet in the world's best league.
The recent arrival of creative midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan from relegated QPR will provide competition for Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz. The Cottagers will need last seasons top scorer Dimitar Berbatov to again prove his high wage as they look set to battle it out for a top half finish.
Bruce's battle to beat relegation
Prediction: 20th
Key Player: Danny Graham
Player to Watch: Jake Livermore
Many are tipping the tigers for relegation and with only bringing in a couple of players, who can blame them. Steve Bruce's side will go in to every game as the underdogs and will to hope for a miracle to keep themselves out of the bottom three. Having Tom Huddlestone alongside new loanee Jake Livermore will provide extra strength in midfield with the duo previously playing together at Tottenham. Other loanee Danny Graham will be hoping to discover the form that he had at Swansea before making a disappointing move to Sumderland.
Rodgers to go for Europe
Prediction: 7th
Key Player: Luis Suarez
Player to Watch: Luis Alberto
This summer their has only been a few transfer sagas that has intrigued football internationally, one of which is that of Luis Suarez. Suarez is one of the best frontmen in the league, attracting interest from champions league clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid, he has threatened to go to even go to court, but after recently training with team mates and apologising to them, it seems that their star man will say at Anfield. New signing Luis Alberto will hope to gain some first team experience as he embarks on his first season in the Premier League after joining from Spanish side Sevilla.
A Championship for Pellegrini?
Prediction: 1st
Key Player: David Silva
Player to Watch: Alvaro Negredo
Manchester City's new boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to emulate his successes in management at La Liga sides Real Madrid, Malaga and Villareal by delivering a second Premier League title for the Citizens. Their key man this year will be Spanish superstar David Silva, having a great season after joining from Valencia two years ago, last term proved to be difficult with injuries limiting his playing time. If he can stay fit and show the form he showed two years ago, City will be just too strong for many other teams. New striker Alvaro Negredo will be hoping to transfer his goal tally from Sevilla to City as he scored 26 goals in La Liga last season, behind three of the best players in the world, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.
Everton
Fulham
Hull City
Liverpool
Manchester City
Martinez set to take Toffees by storm
Prediction: 10th
Key Player: Marouane Fellaini
Player To Watch: Ross Barkley
Roberto Martinez will be hoping to bring the heart and determination his Wigan side
showed year after year as he takes his first major job in his short managerial career.
Keeping hold of star men Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines will be key as they are
two players that could associated with the phrase 'Game changers'. Having a strong
side added to with the likes of former Wigan men Joel Robles, Antolin Alcaraz and
Arouna Kone could also prove vital for them as the toffees are normally hit by a
plague of injuries at some point in the campaign. One player to watch this season is
19 year old midfielder Ross Barkley who will be hoping to break his way into the team
after coming up through the youth system.
Looking like mid-table again for Fulham
Prediction: 11th
Key Player: Dimitar Berbatov
Player to Watch:
Fernando Amorebieta
Martin Jol will want his experienced side to go one step further from last seasons
12th place finish with ambitions of a place in the top half. Bringing in big names
such as Maarten Stekelenburg and Fernando Amorebieta could prove to be a step in
the right direction as long as they can find their feet in the world's best league.
The recent arrival of creative midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan from relegated QPR will provide competition for Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz. The Cottagers will need last seasons top scorer Dimitar Berbatov to again prove his high wage as they look set to battle it out for a top half finish.
Bruce's battle to beat relegation
Prediction: 20th
Key Player: Danny Graham
Player to Watch: Jake Livermore
Many are tipping the tigers for relegation and with only bringing in a couple of players, who can blame them. Steve Bruce's side will go in to every game as the underdogs and will to hope for a miracle to keep themselves out of the bottom three. Having Tom Huddlestone alongside new loanee Jake Livermore will provide extra strength in midfield with the duo previously playing together at Tottenham. Other loanee Danny Graham will be hoping to discover the form that he had at Swansea before making a disappointing move to Sumderland.
Rodgers to go for Europe
Prediction: 7th
Key Player: Luis Suarez
Player to Watch: Luis Alberto
This summer their has only been a few transfer sagas that has intrigued football internationally, one of which is that of Luis Suarez. Suarez is one of the best frontmen in the league, attracting interest from champions league clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid, he has threatened to go to even go to court, but after recently training with team mates and apologising to them, it seems that their star man will say at Anfield. New signing Luis Alberto will hope to gain some first team experience as he embarks on his first season in the Premier League after joining from Spanish side Sevilla.
A Championship for Pellegrini?
Prediction: 1st
Key Player: David Silva
Player to Watch: Alvaro Negredo
Manchester City's new boss Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping to emulate his successes in management at La Liga sides Real Madrid, Malaga and Villareal by delivering a second Premier League title for the Citizens. Their key man this year will be Spanish superstar David Silva, having a great season after joining from Valencia two years ago, last term proved to be difficult with injuries limiting his playing time. If he can stay fit and show the form he showed two years ago, City will be just too strong for many other teams. New striker Alvaro Negredo will be hoping to transfer his goal tally from Sevilla to City as he scored 26 goals in La Liga last season, behind three of the best players in the world, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Premier League Prewiew 2013/14 season teams 1-5
Premier League Preview Teams 1-5 AFC AVFC CCFC CPFC CFC
Same old Gunners going for fourth
Prediction: 4th
Key Player: Olivier Giroud
Player To Watch: Yaya Sanogo
After scraping their place in this seasons Champions League by pipping Tottenham to fourth place on the final day of last season, Arsene Wenger will be wanting his side to press on and battle the likes of Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs for at least a place in the top 3. Although with the funds that they apparently have this summer, they have only been able to sign striker Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer. Linked now with Bayern Munich's Luiz Gustavo in a £17.2 million deal, Wenger will be needing to add more new faces in order to achieve the goal of a top four finish due to their closest rivals strengthening. Frenchman Olivier Giroud's form will be vital to their premier league aspirations if the Gunners fail to bring Liverpool's Luis Suarez to the club. New signing Sanogo will be one to look out for if he can break into the first team.
Mid-Table finish for Villa?
Prediction: 15th
Key Player: Christian Benteke
Player to Watch: Jores Okore
Surviving relegation last season was a huge positive for Paul Lambert's side and this season they will obviously be looking to build on that and try to climb up the league. Belgian striker Christian Benteke was one of the only highlights of last season for them and keeping hold of him and getting him to sign a new contract with the club is a major boost. They will need the Belgian to replicate his form from last season which saw him net 19 goals in order for them to stand any chance of climbing the league table. Lambert has made several new signings over the course of the summer including young defender Jores Okore, the 21 year old signed from Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland will be a big player for them in the coming season as Lambert will be wanting to patch up the Villa defence which sometimes was ripped apart during the course of last season.
New boys Cardiff eye Premier League safety
Prediction: 16th
Key Player: Steven Caulker
Player to Watch: Gary Medel
Last season Cardiff City finished top of the championship and if the stats are anything to go by, then that means that they are one of the favourites to go straight back down. With the likes of Wolves and Reading in previous seasons going straight back down after finishing top. Manager Malky Mackay has broke the clubs transfer record signing three times this summer and these three players will be key to their survival. England U21 international Steven Caulker made a surprise switch to them for £8million and Danish striker Andreas Cornelius was brought in previously for £7.5million, these two players will be crucial in goals scored and the amount of goals conceded. Recently though, Mackay splashed out the cash again to capture Chilean international Gary Medel in a reported £11million deal. The industrious although controversial midfielder will be one to watch this season with not only his on the pitch duties but his off the pitch antics as well.
Mourinho eyes Premier League glory
Prediction: 2nd
Key Player: Eden Hazard
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne
With Jose Mourinho back at the helm, Chelsea are most pundits pick for the league title and that is what the blues will certainly be aiming for. Missing out on Falcao though was a big blow as now they only have Demba Ba and Fernando Torres in the striking department, but what they may lack in strike force, the certainly make up for in midfield with the trio of Oscar, Mata and Hazard proving to be a hit last season, with the latter possibly being their most important asset this coming year. Fellow Belgian Kevin De Bruyne will be hoping to cement his place in the side after spending a successful loan spell last season at German outfit Werder Bremen.
Beating the drop the only goal for Palace
Prediction: 18th
Key Player: Marouane Chamakh
Player to watch: Yannick Bolasie
Ian Holloway's men will be taking every game like its a cup final as the eagles set their sights on premier league survival. Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh will need to find the form he lacked in his spell at the Gunners with Palace hoping he can deliver as they will need all the goals they can this coming year. Hotshot Wilfried Zaha will be a big miss as not only his fabulous technical ability but also the presence he had on the pitch was one of the reasons why the eagles propelled themselves up through the table and into play off glory last season. Fellow winger Yannick Bolasie though will be hoping to thrive off of the England U21 internationals big move to Manchester United as he will want to make a big impression in the top flight.
Same old Gunners going for fourth
Prediction: 4th
Key Player: Olivier Giroud
Player To Watch: Yaya Sanogo
After scraping their place in this seasons Champions League by pipping Tottenham to fourth place on the final day of last season, Arsene Wenger will be wanting his side to press on and battle the likes of Chelsea and the two Manchester clubs for at least a place in the top 3. Although with the funds that they apparently have this summer, they have only been able to sign striker Yaya Sanogo on a free transfer. Linked now with Bayern Munich's Luiz Gustavo in a £17.2 million deal, Wenger will be needing to add more new faces in order to achieve the goal of a top four finish due to their closest rivals strengthening. Frenchman Olivier Giroud's form will be vital to their premier league aspirations if the Gunners fail to bring Liverpool's Luis Suarez to the club. New signing Sanogo will be one to look out for if he can break into the first team.
Mid-Table finish for Villa?
Prediction: 15th
Key Player: Christian Benteke
Player to Watch: Jores Okore
Surviving relegation last season was a huge positive for Paul Lambert's side and this season they will obviously be looking to build on that and try to climb up the league. Belgian striker Christian Benteke was one of the only highlights of last season for them and keeping hold of him and getting him to sign a new contract with the club is a major boost. They will need the Belgian to replicate his form from last season which saw him net 19 goals in order for them to stand any chance of climbing the league table. Lambert has made several new signings over the course of the summer including young defender Jores Okore, the 21 year old signed from Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland will be a big player for them in the coming season as Lambert will be wanting to patch up the Villa defence which sometimes was ripped apart during the course of last season.
New boys Cardiff eye Premier League safety
Prediction: 16th
Key Player: Steven Caulker
Player to Watch: Gary Medel
Last season Cardiff City finished top of the championship and if the stats are anything to go by, then that means that they are one of the favourites to go straight back down. With the likes of Wolves and Reading in previous seasons going straight back down after finishing top. Manager Malky Mackay has broke the clubs transfer record signing three times this summer and these three players will be key to their survival. England U21 international Steven Caulker made a surprise switch to them for £8million and Danish striker Andreas Cornelius was brought in previously for £7.5million, these two players will be crucial in goals scored and the amount of goals conceded. Recently though, Mackay splashed out the cash again to capture Chilean international Gary Medel in a reported £11million deal. The industrious although controversial midfielder will be one to watch this season with not only his on the pitch duties but his off the pitch antics as well.
Mourinho eyes Premier League glory
Prediction: 2nd
Key Player: Eden Hazard
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne
With Jose Mourinho back at the helm, Chelsea are most pundits pick for the league title and that is what the blues will certainly be aiming for. Missing out on Falcao though was a big blow as now they only have Demba Ba and Fernando Torres in the striking department, but what they may lack in strike force, the certainly make up for in midfield with the trio of Oscar, Mata and Hazard proving to be a hit last season, with the latter possibly being their most important asset this coming year. Fellow Belgian Kevin De Bruyne will be hoping to cement his place in the side after spending a successful loan spell last season at German outfit Werder Bremen.
Beating the drop the only goal for Palace
Prediction: 18th
Key Player: Marouane Chamakh
Player to watch: Yannick Bolasie
Ian Holloway's men will be taking every game like its a cup final as the eagles set their sights on premier league survival. Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh will need to find the form he lacked in his spell at the Gunners with Palace hoping he can deliver as they will need all the goals they can this coming year. Hotshot Wilfried Zaha will be a big miss as not only his fabulous technical ability but also the presence he had on the pitch was one of the reasons why the eagles propelled themselves up through the table and into play off glory last season. Fellow winger Yannick Bolasie though will be hoping to thrive off of the England U21 internationals big move to Manchester United as he will want to make a big impression in the top flight.
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Wimbledon: The Contenders
Wimbledon: The Contenders
Novak Djokovic

The Serbian is currently ranked world number one and is in
exceptional form with only losing two matches this year, one to the king of
clay Rafael Nadal and the other to the person that has been dubbed to be the
next Novak in the future, Bulgarian, Grigor Dimitrov. Having won the
championship at SW19 already there is no reason why the Serb can’t repeat his fortunes.
Rafael Nadal

The king of clay is in scintillating form and looks like
cannot be stopped since his return from injury with only one loss and that was
in the final of Monte Carlo and Djokovic, last week he notched up his 12th
Grand Slam title with the win at Roland Garros and against fellow countryman
David Ferrer and will be looking to catch Roger Federer’s unbelievable tally of
17 Grand Slams, Can he go one step closer by claiming the Wimbledon title for a
third time?
Roger Federer

With 7 titles at SW19, the world number three is still one
of the favourites for the championship with his experience of not only Wimbledon
but him being in involved in a grand total of 24 Grand Slam finals, but at the
age of 31, Is the Swiss magician going to work his magic one more time or is it
time for the dominance of grass tennis to take a step in another direction?
Andy Murray

Home favourite Murray reached the final last year and then
went on to claim Olympic gold at London 2012, making an iconic interview that
shook the opinions of his ‘dull’, ‘angry’ personality, but with his injury
problems keeping him out of the French Open, Can the British number go one step
further than last year and claim the championship on home soil?
Fancy an Outsider?
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Tsonga has been labelled the new ‘nearly man’ by many and
again came so close to going all the way in Paris, but the powerful Frenchman has
caused a few shocks in London over the past few years, reaching the semi-finals
last year only to be knocked out by eventual runner up Murray, Does the Frenchman
have what it takes to shake off his new nickname and win his first Grand Slam
title?
Juan Martin Del Potro

The Argentinian has only been back on tour just 2 years
after those several injuries he sustained in 2010, plus him being one of the
only players on tour to win a grand slam other than the ‘big 4’ in recent years,
Could that give the 6’6 Argentine the confidence he made need to win another?
Tomas Berdych

Berdych has seen a dip in form in recent times with him
crahing out of the French Open in the first round to Gael Monfils but with his
track record and grass being his favoured surface, you should never rule out
the Czech Republican from any grass tournament, reaching the final in 2010, the
27 year will be hoping for his form to turn around and hopeful go on to claim
the coveted title.
Thursday, 9 May 2013
Does Luis Suarez deserve to be named as one of the Premier League’s best ever players?
| Suarez takes a bite at Ivanovic |
After another flash of controversy in the 2-2 draw against
Chelsea, does the Uruguayan international deserve a title that has been used
for players such as Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer?
Luis Suarez despite his brilliant performances throughout
the fifteen months he’s been at Liverpool in carrying the side to victories
time and time again always seems to get the attention for different reasons,
whether it was his eight game ban for racially abusing Manchester United
captain Patrice Evra, or his unsportsmanlike handball for Uruguay against Ghana
in the dying moments of extra time in the 2010 World Cup before Kenny Dalglish
even signed him.
This season though, Suarez has shone in nearly every
Liverpool game he’s played in. There’s no doubt he puts in 100% to every game
and this has seen him become the one of the league’s top goal scorers but
Suarez has been somewhat controversial so far this term. His stamp earlier on
in the season in the Merseyside derby on Sylvain Distin overshadowed his
performance of scoring two and having one chalked off for offside.
The most recent chapter in Suarez’s book of cheating has
come at a cost though, he appeared to bite the right arm of Chelsea’s Serbian
defender Branislav Ivanovic out of the blue. Referee Kevin Friend did not seem
to see the incident but spoke to both players after they clashed, with Ivanovic
trying to show the official a mark on his upper arm. Could this incident be Suarez’s
last antic as a Liverpool player as he has been handed a 10 game ban for this
assault? The morning of the game though, Suarez expressed his desire to stay at
Liverpool and see out his contract with the Reds, so why would he go and bite a
player and risk his career with the club he loves, maybe he wasn’t thinking
straight? But then again, if he was all the time then this controversial figure
would not be the man he is and the Premier League would not have major talking
points nearly every match he plays.
Another incident involving the Liverpool striker against Blue
Square Premier minnows Mansfield Town in the third round of the FA Cup in
January just shows how far he will go to cheat himself, his team and the
footballing world in general. Maybe it is his desire, his integrity or maybe it’s
just being a total menace to society.
At the time this caused
major headlines and controversy as he appeared to handle the ball on his way to
scoring what turned out to be the winner against Mansfield Town who are 93
places below Liverpool in the FA cup third round. Mansfield manager Paul Cox though
was one of the first managers who has not criticised Suarez after being on the
receiving end of the incident, had this to say, “What Suarez did was
instinctive and we should embrace him as a football talent rather than have a
go,” Cox said. “He did what any striker would have done. I can’t be two-faced
on that. If Matt Green [Mansfield striker] had done it, I’d have accepted
it" . It's not the first time Suarez has been in a handball incident this
season of course, he appeared to attempt to score with his hand against
Southampton in the Premier League in game week 15, only for the officials in
this match to spot the offence straight away and give him a deserved yellow
card.
Before then he had scored on countless occasions but in the
middle of these outstanding displays Suarez was again been accused on stamping
on Wigan midfielder David Jones in their 3-0 win at Anfield on game week 12, a
game which saw the striker score two again for his club.
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, who would of managed Suarez
if he had taken the Liverpool job in the summer was outraged at the fact the
Uruguayan stayed on the pitch for this cynical challenge said "He was very
fortunate because there was a stamp on David Jones that the referee didn't see,
that wasn't the sign of a top player. He was fortunate today. He was
lucky." Suarez who has also been the victim of a stamp this season in
Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at home to Stoke on Sunday 7th October was swiftly
defended by his manager Brendan Rodgers who said ‘I find it incredible that in
nearly all the coverage about Luis Suarez this weekend, very little focus has
been placed on the fact that he was the victim of a stamping incident within
the first five minutes of the game. There seems to be one set of rules for Luis
and another set for everyone else’.
Although in that same match Suarez became the centre of
attention again after appearing to dive to try and win a penalty. Diving has
been one of the most contested debates in football this season and only
neutrals can reason with both sides of the argument and come to a conclusion
but there is a line and Suarez has crossed that, don’t get me wrong I can see
that he does it for his team but there is no way football can stay free flowing
game if players like Suarez are prepared to cheat to win. Tony Pulis, the stoke
manager reiterated his point he made earlier in this season about diving
saying, "I've been on about and banging the drum about people who fall
over, It's an embarrassment. The FA should be looking at this”.
And look at it they must after players like Gareth Bale,
Suarez and Ashley Young are going down left right and centre to cheat to win
games. Bale for example going down from a 'challenge' from Aston Villa goalkeeper
Brad Guzan on the 7th of October with replays showing that Guzan didn't even
attempt to challenge the Welsh winger. If referee at the match Neill Swarbrick
had believed that Guzan had taken Bale out then he would of had to award
Tottenham a free kick in a very dangerous position and would of had to send the
American off.
Diving has no place in football and if players dive they
should be dealt with, not straight away but the FA should review the incidents
after the game and use replays to decide whether the offender intended to dive
as then a ban can be issued as football stamps out one of its ongoing and major
problems which is diving. if this rule was in place then I feel that Luis
Suarez would have missed most of the games he actually scored in and Liverpool
would not be sitting in an as comfortable position as they are if they didn't
have their Uruguayan talisman.
I feel that Luis Suarez is one of the Premier League’s
hottest properties at this moment in time, but there is no way I would even
think about using his name in the same sentence as other greats like Shearer,
Henry and Bergkamp as them three won games by pure brilliance and skill, not
cheating.
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