Manchester United v Liverpool FC

Premier League Round 16

Old Trafford

14-12-2014 @ 12.30 GMT

Manchester United haven't looked back since they lost the Manchester Derby early in November. The last four matches in the Premier League have added 12 points to the Red Devils account and brought them back in the position for European football next season. The can get into the fun zone with a win against Southampton tonight. 

Liverpool are four points behind United and have the possibility of closing the gap with a win on Saturday. The Reds have five points for their last three matches after they drew against Sunderland last week. 

Manchester United have won five of the last ten matches against Liverpool. 

What are the probable line-ups?

Not less than six Manchester United players are injured or doubtful for the match against Liverpool, including Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw and Angel Di Maria. Daniel Sturridge is back on the training ground after his injury, but is unlikely to play against United why he is sidelined along with Mario Balotelli and five other players.

De Gea

Valencia - Smalling - Rojo - Young

Carrick - Fellaini

Herrera - Mata - Januzaj

van Persie

________________________________________

Lallana - Lambert - Sterling

Henderson - Lucas - Allen

Manquillo - Skrtel - Touré - Johnson

Mignolet

Worth keeping an eye on

Manchester United - Robin van Persie: The Dutch goal getter has had a disappointing start of the season, but now it seems he is back in his best form. If he plays his best, he will be a challenge for  the Liverpool defends.

Liverpool - Adam Lallana: Lallana left his impressing form in Southampton, but the expectations are still high to the England international. Lallana will have to improve and against Manchester United he should be able to challenge the defend.

 What to expect from this match?

Brendan Rodgers is under pressure, and a win against United will give him some time to reestablish his side and bring them back around the top positions. However, van Gaal has got the best out of his injury struck squad and United are beginning to find the level we know they have. United are the favorites against a struggling Liverpool side. 

What are the odds?

Manchester United: 19/20 (Betfred)

Draw: 45/17 (888sport)

Liverpool: 16/5 (BetVictor)

Real Madrid v Liverpool

Champions League Group B

Estadio Santiago Bernabeu

4-11-2014 @ 19.45 GMT

How are the two sides current form?

Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last seven matches in the La Liga, as well as they are unbeaten in the Champions League Group B, so far. Cristiano Ronaldo is here, there and everywhere at the moment scoring 17 goals in ten La Liga matches and will be a mouthful for Liverpool.

Liverpool are struggling in the Premier League this season and seems to be unable to follow up on last seasons impressing play. They are currently third in the Champions League group with three points for three matches.

What are the probable line-ups?

Real Madrid are struggling with injuries as Jesé, Sami Khedira, Illarramendi, and Daniel Carvajal are all out with injuries. Fabio Coentrao is back from injury but is doubtful for the match. Liverpools injury list is long as well with Jose Enrique, Daniel Sturridge, Mamdou Sakho, John Flanagan and Suso sidelined.

Worth keeping an eye on

Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo - Cristiano Ronaldo is here, there and everywhere these days. The Portuguese has played well the last many seasons, but this season he has been incredible. He alone can send Liverpool out in the dark.



Liverpool: Simon Mignolet - The Belgian goalkeeper has to play his best against Real Madrid, if Liverpool is to have any chance. 

What to expect from this match?

Real Madrid seems unstoppable this season and Liverpool is just another bump in the way towards the Champions League title. Liverpool needs a miracle if they are to get points on Santiago Bernabeu. There is no doubt that Real Madrid will play their usual quick attacking play, and the Liverpool defend will have to play a match above the standards shown in the Premier League this season. I have no doubt; Real Madrid will win this match.

What are the odds?

Real Madrid: 1/4 (Coral)

Draw: 33/5 (Matchbook)

Liverpool: 12 (Boylesport)

Six Premier League sides have qualified for the European competitions this season; four in the Champions League and two in the Europa League. But, what are their chances in Europe??

This year's Champions League will have Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City representing England while Everton and Tottenham will play in the Europa League. Great Dane Football Blog takes a look on the teams chances in their respective groups. 

Champions League

Group B

FC Basel 1893, Liverpool FC, PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, Real Madrid CF

FC Basel was one of the big surprises in European football last season, beating Chelsea twice in the Champions League, and are underdogs in this group. There is no doubt that Liverpool and Real Madrid are favorites as group winners. On paper, Real Madrid is a better side than Liverpool, and they should  win both matches. Ludogorets are, without a doubt, the weakest team in the group, but can cause problems from Liverpool with their typical East European work rage. Liverpool should advance from group B. 

Liverpool fixtures: September 16th - Liverpool v Ludogorets, October 1st - FC Basel v Liverpool, October 22nd - Liverpool v Real Madrid, November 4th - Real Madrid v Liverpool, November 26th - Ludogorets v Liverpool, December 9th - Liverpool v FC Basel.

Group D

Arsenal, Borrussia Dortmund, Galatasaray AS, RSC Anderlecht

Once again Arsenal and Dortmund are facing each other in the Champions League, and they will be the favorites for the win. Galatasaray can come from the back and surprise, especially as Dortmund doesn't look as strong as they have done the last couple of seasons. Furthermore, Arsenal has a history of failing in the Champions League, but the side seems stronger this season. Belgian football is not what is was many years ago, that said, Anderlecht have a lot of European experience, and can cause trouble for all the sides in this group. Arsenal will end as runners up or third in this group.

Arsenal fixtures: September 16th - Dortmund v Arsenal, October 1st - Arsenal v Galatasaray, October 22nd - Anderlecht v Arsenal, November 4th - Arsenal v Anderlecht, November 26th - Arsenal v Dortmund, December 9th - Galatasary v Arsenal.

Group E

AS Roma, FC Bayern München, Manchester City FC, PFC CSKA Moskva

Two giants meet Bayern München and Manchester City clash in Group E, and there is no doubt they will battle for the win in this group. No doubt Roma are a great side, but Italian teams and the Italian Serie A is not what it used to be. CSKA Moskva shouldn't be a hurdle for City at all, but time and time again we see the Russian sides surprise. Manchester City will end as winners of Group E.

Manchester City fixtures: September 17th - Bayern München v Manchester City, September 30th - Manchester City v AS Roma, October 21st - CSKA Moskva v Manchester City, November 5th - Manchester City v CSKA Moskva, November 25th - Manchester City v Bayern München, December 10th - AS Roma v Manchester City.

Group G

Chelsea FC, FC Schalke 04, NK Maribor, Sporting Clube de Portugal

Of all the Premier League sides competing in the Champions League, Chelsea are in the easiest group. No doubt Schalke 04 is a good side, but Chelsea should not fear the Germans nor Maribor and Sporting. Chelsea should win this group without any problems.

Chelsea FC fixtures: September 17th - Chelsea v Schalke 04, September 30th - Sporting v Chelsea, October 21st - Chelsea v Maribor, November 5th - Maribor v Chelsea, November 25th - Schalke 04 v Chelsea, December 10th - Chelsea v Sporting.

Europa League

E

Group C

Asteras Tripolis FC, Besiktas JK, FK Partizan, Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs did well in the Europa League last season, and are one of the favorites this season as well. Asteras Tripolis and Partizan should not be a problem for Tottenham, while Besiktas is the hardest opponent in the group. That said, Tottenham will be the winners of this group.

Tottenham Hotspur fixtures: September 18th - FK Partizan v Tottenham Hotspur, October 2nd - Tottenham Hotspur v Besiktas, October 23rd - Tottenham Hotspur v Asteras, November 6th - Asteras v Tottenham Hotspur, November 27th - Tottenham Hotspur v FK Partizan, December 11th - Besiktas v Tottenham Hotspur.

Group H

Everton, Krasnodar, Lille LOSC, Wolfsburg

Everton are in a much harder group than Tottenham, facing Lille and Wolfsburg. While Krasnodar should be a walkover, Lille and Wolfsburg are both sides able to cause problems for Everton. However, the Toffees have gone through a major development the last couple of seasons, and they can go far in this years Europa League. 

Everton fixtures: September 18th - Everton v Wolfsburg, October 2nd - Krasnodar v Everton, October 23nd - Lille v Everton, November 6th - Everton v Lille, November 27th - Wolfsburg v Everton, December 11th - Everton v Krasnodar. 

Southampton fans can look forward to seeing two of the most-vital players from last season; but for the opponent. The Match of the Week is between Liverpool and Southampton. 

Premier League 1. Round

Anfield Road

17-08-2014 @ 13.40 BST

How are the two teams current form?

Thomas Vermaelen is set to leave Arsenal and leave Manchester United hanging.

UK media today reports that Arsene Wenger has accepted a £15m bid for Thomas Vermaelen. An offer the French can't refuse. 

The Belgian defender has only one year left of his contract and with only 14 appearances in the Premier League last season, he doesn't seem to have a future for the Gunners with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny performing solid in the defense. 

Manchester United have been linked with the Belgian for some time, but Vermaelen seems lost for the Red Devils as Barcelona snatch him in front of Vermaelen. 

The Catalonians have been looking to strengthen their central defends this summer, and several players have been trough the transfer rumour mill including Liverpool's Daniel Agger. While Wenger should be happy with the £15m deal, this is bad news for Agger as his exit from Liverpool is on hold; at least for a while.

According to the Mirror, Arsenal are interested in signing the Dane as a back up for Mertesacker and Koscielny, but it is very unlikely Wenger will make an offer for the 29-year-old defender. However, the manager has brought in experienced defenders from rival clubs in the past, and Agger can hope that Arsenal will offer him the exit from Liverpool he so badly wants. 

Other defenders Wenger has brought in from rival clubs:

William Gallas, Sol Campbell, Mikael Silvestre

Crystal Palace v Liverpool

Premier League Round 37

Selhurst Park

05-05-2014 @ 20.00 UK

How are the two teams form?

Crystal Palace saw an end to their five consecutive win streak against Manchester City last week, but their impressing late-season form have already saved them another season in the best English company. 

Liverpool, also saw an end to their winning streak when Chelsea took a win at Anfield Road last week, and lost some vital points in the trophy battle.

Historically, Crystal Palace have an overtake against Liverpool with four victories and one draw in the last ten meetings.

What are the probable line-up?

Crystal Palace currently have an injury free squad while Liverpool are without Sebastian Coates and Enrique due to injuries. At the same time, Daniel Sturridge is rated doubtful and Jordan Henderson is out with a ban.

He is already a Manchester United legend, and on Saturday he added to his history at the club as he was in charge of his first match as a manager. After a miserable season, David Moyes was sacked last week and Ryan Giggs took over as interim manager and started with great success as Norwich was sent home from Old Trafford with a 0-4 loss in the baggage. There was a glimpse of the old Manchester United in Saturdays match, and the fans will certainly hope that this can keep on in the remaining matches of the season.

It was one of the first 'finals' of the season for Liverpool; a win would add distance to Chelsea and Manchester City and almost secure the trophy. However, Mourinho's reserves surprised against Liverpool and grabbed a 2-0 victory at Anfield Road. The first goal came after a mistake from Steven Gerrard, and if that mistake means that Liverpool will not grab the gold this season, it will haunt him the rest of his life. The second goal came after another Liverpool mistake lead to Willian scoring to 2-0.

They might have taken a big step in the Premier League, but on Wednesday the luck was gone for Mourinho. In a match where both teams looked afraid to take the initiative, Fernando Torres punished his former club scoring to 1-0. However, it should be the only goal the Chelsea fans could celebrate during the match. Shortly before the break Adrian Lopez equalised to 1-1 which also was the result after 45 minutes. After an hour, Samuel Eto'o committed a penalty on Diego Costa, who executed to 1-2 to Atletico. 10 minutes later Arda Turan closed the match with his scoring to 1-3. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are now meeting each other in the Champions League final. 

Yesterday it was 20 years since Formula One driver Ayrton Senna died after a chras at Imola. The racing-driver was a fan of Corinthians, his home-town club in São Paulo, and on Wednesday they paid an unusual tribute to the fan. The entire side was wearing replicas of Senna's distinctive yellow and green racing helmet as they lined up before the game against Nacional.

Tuesday 15th April - Swansea in-fight

It emerged, on Tuesday, that Swansea players once again have been in a fight during training. In January it was revealed that Chico Flores had picked up a brick during a row with Monk, back when monk was still active as a player. Just two weeks after Laudrup was sacked. Since then, Monk has taken over as an interim-manager, and now  the dressing room has been ripped apart by in-fighting between the players once again. According to the Daily Mail, Monk had organised a training game trying to get the Hull defeat out of the system. However, the plan was undermined by a training ground fight involving not less than six first-team players. To make the situation even worse for Monk, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins witnessed the clash. 

He had his debut in the Danish 1. Divison when he was only 17, have had a tryout in Liverpool and is now on the look for a new club; this week we keep an eye on Viborgs Kevin Ray Mendoza Hansen.

“It is a special feeling; when you come from U17 and U19 you have the green blood running through your veins, and it is a perfect feeling to be a part of the best team in Viborg," Hansen says about his life in Viborg.

“Obviously, you are disappointed and it feels like a defeat, but I was prepared as I knew they wanted a more experienced goalkeeper, so it wasn’t a big surprise, but obviously I hoped they would give me a chance," Hansen says the arrival of a new goalkeeper. 

“It is probably the biggest experience in my life; the environment was perfect and I got to train with some of the best players, so it was really good," the talent says. 

“I learned that everything is hard work, the training was harder and there was a lot of self training and weightlifting.”

“My aim is to get back in the best league, but I’m still young and has the time on my side," he says and ends the interview with a talk about his dreams in football: 

“I dream of a breakthrough abroad somewhere; England is a dream, but Spain, Germany and maybe Italy would also be great.”

We are ready with the new Friday Five where we take a look back on five things we find worth remembering each week.

Manchester City battled last year's FA Cup final defeat after trailing by one at the break, winning 3-1 in the Capital One Cup. A well organised Sunderland side was brought in front by Fabio Borini, and Manchester City were deservedly trailing behind at the break. However, Pellegrini must have spoken with big words in the break as Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri put City in front with two goals less than a minute apart, before Jesus Navas ended the match with a goal in the 90th minute. Manchester City takes the first trophy of the season still being in play for the Premier League win. It is worth mentioning that none of the 14 Manchester City players in the final were English.

When it emerged Tuesday that Arsenal had, in fact, triggered Luis Suarez release clause with their January bid, an Arsenal fan started an optimistic petition for Liverpool to hand over the Uruguayan. Arsenal made a bid of £40,000,001 in the January window, but the offer was declined as Liverpool owner John W. Henry denied any release clause. However, on Tuesday he told that there, in fact, had been a release clause but that in today's football,  such things never work anyway. This made the optimistic Arsenal fan demand Liverpool hand over Suarez to the club, apologies to Arsenal and pay a £4,5m compensation. Sign up here!

A new Schmeichel entered the scene of international football when Kasper, son of Peter Schmeichel was the best man for Denmark against England on Wednesday. The 27-year old goalkeeper stole the show from the English national team, and kept them away from the goal until the last part of the match where he was without a chance when Sturridge headed the ball in the net. The Leicester-keeper has been praised for his performance in the British papers on Thursday and with his performance on Wednesday he is putting pressure on Stephan Andersen to become the first choice for the Danish national team. A transfer to the Premier League could help him on the way.

Neymar showed that he is more than a well paid footballer when a 7-year old South African boy ran into the pitch during the match between South Africa and Brazil.

Nike revealed their new knitted boots ahead of the summers World Cup. The boot is called Magista and will, according to Nike, be a game-changer. The knitted boot will fit around your foot like a glove, and is designed to bring your foot closer to the ball for enhanced control. In fact, Nike claims that "no other boot will get your foot this close to the ball". How many England players will be wearing this boot this summer?

Two Mario's are heading towards the Premier League, and David Beckham is hoping for Cristiano Ronaldo. Here are the Thursday Transfer Rumours.

Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira to Chelsea in the summer (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

David Beckham hopes to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for his new Miami team that will take off in 2017 (Metro) - Probability: Low

Inter Milan are plotting a swoop for Newcastle's Hatem Ben Arfa (Newcastle Chronicle) - Probability: High

Arsenal is hoping to bring in Mario Balotelli from AC Milan after Arsene Wenger held talks with the player's agent (Daily Express) - Low

Arsenal and Liverpool target Mathieu Valbuena of Marseille (Metro) - Probability: Medium

Chelsea could make a move for Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic (Caughtoffside) - Probability: Medium

Wolfsburg forward Ivica Olic is linked with a move to Stoke this summer (The Sun) - Probability: Medium

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham are all following Portugal U-19 winger Carlos Mane (Sky Sports) - Probability: Medium

Tottenham are also watching Argentinos Juniors midfielder Rodrigo Gomez (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Liverpool have submitted an offer to sign Bacary Sagna of Arsenal in the summer (Sky Italia) - Probability: Medium

4. Mandela meeting the South African national team at World Cup 2010. The former President was a great football fan

4. The Danish team FC Midtjylland have a mascot named Lupus the Wolf. Lupus was once feared by the other mascots in the Danish Superliga as he "raped" and beheaded the mascot of Viborg, so the Danish football show Onside decided to send a frog to fight Lupus.

3. Most boys would be thrilled to shake hands with Steven Gerrard.... but not this young man.

2. The same matters for this young man, who takes it a step further

1. End then we have this Newcastle legend... He most be the son of a footballer... or spend too much time playing FIFA.

Jonjo Shelvey became both the hero and the villain in yesterday's match against Liverpool. Has Laudrup ever shown the clip of his former national teammate Jesper Olsen?

Ask a Dane about the World Cup match against Spain in 1986 and most of them will mention Jesper Olsen. The former Manchester United winger helped Spain on their way to a 5-1 victory, serving the ball for the Spanish forward. Take a look 9 seconds into the clip below.

It must have been a deja vu for Laudrup when he saw Jonjo Shelvey serve the ball for two Liverpool goal's yesterday, and perhaps he should show his midfielder the clip from before. Take a look below to see how Shelvey helped his former club to a draw in Wales.

Despite a good career, Jesper Olsen has always been best known for his dreadful pass to a Spanish striker; let's hope that Shelvey will be known for something else than these two passes.

Liverpool has startet their season in great form winning their three first matches of the Premier League. Meanwhile, Swansea won their first match last week against West Bromwich. Tonight, the two sides meet for the first time this season.

 Swansea - Liverpool

Liberty Stadium

Premier League Round 4

16-09-2013 @ 20.00 UK

 

How are the two teams form?

Liverpool is currently on a shared 1st with Arsenal and Tottenham after three matches and three wins. A single point is enough to take the lead in the Premier League until the weekend. The last three matches have been won with a 1-0 victory, and Daniel Sturridge have been the man behind all of the goals.

Meanwhile, Swansea started the season losing 4-1 to Manchester United, followed by a small loss to Tottenham Hotspurs. However, the Swans won their 3 first points last week against West Bromwich Albion and hopes to add another 3 tonight.

The last 5 matches between the two sides have ended with 2 Swansea victories, 2 draws and a single win for Liverpool.

What are the probable line ups?

Alan Tate and Neil Taylor is definately out for Swansea while Nathan Dyer is doubtful due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Liverpool is without Sissoko, Coates and Johnson while Allen, Touré and Sturridge are doubtful. Luis Suarez is still banned.

Vorm 

Rangel - Williams - Chico - Davies

Routledge - Britton - Shelvey - Hernández

Michu

Bony

_______________________________________

Sturridge

Aspas

Coutinho - Lucas - Gerrard - Henderson

Enrique - Agger - Touré - Wisdom

Mignolet

What to expect from this match?

Swansea have had a good take on Liverpool in the past but have only won two small victories. Liverpool, on the other hand scored not less than 5 goals against the Welsh side last time they met at Anfield.

Given Liverpool's current form they go into this match as favorites for the win. However, Swansea is not an easy team to play against and can cause problems for the Liverpool defends. Especially Michu has done well against the Reds in the past.

What are the odds?

Bet365 is only one of the many bookmakers putting Liverpool up as favorites with a 13/10 bet. Meanwhile, Sportbetting gives a 12/5 on both a draw and a Swansea win.

When Roberto Martínez took over Everton, he brought some of his former players in Wigan with him. The 23-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles is one of them. Robles convinced Martínez in his 8 matches, during his loan spell to Wigan from Atlético Madrid last year. The Spaniard is a product of Gestafe's youth department which he left for Atlético Madrid in 2005. However, the talent never made a first team performance for the Madrid's before joining first Rayo Vallecano and later Wigan. It is very doubtful he will get much first team experience this season as Tim Howard seems to be the first pick in Everton. However, he will be worth watching once he gets his chance.

4. Vito Mannone, 24, Sunderland

Joined from Arsenal

When Simon Mignolet left Sunderland for Liverpool, the Black Cats were quick to bring in the former Italian youth national Vito Mannone. The Italian joined Arsenals youth department from Atalanta in 2005 and was given his debut in the Premier League against Hull in 2009 - 21 years old. Since his debut in 2009, it has only been to 15 matches for the Gunners, and two loan spells at Hull City. However, last season the Italian impressed with some good actions while both Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny were out with injuries. Despite his good performances, Mannone found himself as the third choice in Arsenal why a transfer to Sunderland seemed as the best option. In Sunderland, he will be battling with Kieren Westwood for the hot spot, but the Italian seems to be the first choice for Paolo Di Canio.

3. Adrián, 26, West Ham United

Joined from Real Betis

One season for Real Betis first team was enough for Adrián to impress West Ham. And no wonder - the Spanish goalkeeper was one of the best players for Real Betis last season reaching a 7th in La Liga. With his 11 matches without conceding a goal,  there can be no doubt that the Hammers has found themselves a classy goalkeeper. However, in West Ham Adrián will be battling with Jussi Jääskeläinen and Stephen Henderson, with the first as the hardest contender. That said, Jääskeläinen has reached an age where it is time to let a new player come through. I believe that we will see Adrián in the goal from the first round of the Premier League.

2. Maarten Stekelenburg, 30, Fulham

Joined from AS Roma

For many years,  Mark Schwarzer was for many years the goalkeeper in Fulham. However, the Australian rejected to sign a new contract and left for Chelsea this summer. Instead, Fulham brought in the Dutch international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg from AS Roma. The 30-year-old is a product of Ajax Amsterdams youth system and was the first choice for the Dutch champions until 2011 where he left for Roma. With Stekelenburg, Fulham gets a routined goalkeeper with more than 50 international caps and experience from the Champions League and the Europa League. There is no doubt in my mind that Stekelenburg can be one of the best goalkeepers this season.

1. Simon Mignolet, 25, Liverpool

Joined from Sunderland

Simon Mignolet does not need much presentation; the Belgian goalkeeper was on everybody's lips last year with his outstanding performances for Sunderland. During the summer Mignolet has been reported to both Manchester clubs as well as Arsenal and Chelsea, but it was Liverpool who won the race. Here, the Belgians arrival has sent Pepe Reina to Napoli, leaving Mignolet as the first choice. The big question is if Mignolet can play as good as he did in Sunderland. In Liverpool,  he will be faced with greater expectations and a lot more pressure and this season will show if he is the star goalkeeper he has the potential to be.