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. 






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It's Friday, and that means it is time to look back on five highlights from the week! This week is all about the Champions League, a man who seems to be unable to keep his pants on and a french legend.






Sunday March 7 - Arsenal fan calls for Liverpool's Agger to be banned

Sam Navret, the same Arsenal fan that started the petition for Luis Suarez to be handed over to Arsenal, Sunday launched a new petition to make the FA ban Daniel Agger for his tackling on Jack Wilshere. During England's friendly against, Denmark Agger broke the leg of Wilshere sending him on the sidelined for the title race. According to Sam Navret 'It has been well-known that Liverpool FC have been on a campaign to destroy Arsenal and we, the fans of Arsenal, believe that Daniel Agger was instructed by Liverpool's owner John Henry to target Jack Wilshere during the match.' What's next Sam?

Wednesday March 12 - Tim Sherwood warns Spurs' players

Perform or leave, that seems to the message from Tim Sherwood after the embarrassing loss to Chelsea in the weekend. Wednesday the manager told the press that "It's come to a stage where we have to start looking at pre-season. I'm the one planning it at the moment and looking at different personnel. The boys here have an opportunity to prove that they want to stay. If not, they'll be moved on and we'll look for replacements. I know the DNA of the guys and I know the ones I can trust and those I can't." Yesterday, Tottenham lost 3-1 to Benfica, so maybe a few of the players are already on their way out the door.

Wednesday March 12 - Two out, two to go?

First Arsenal played an entire match in Munich being one step behind Bayern through 90 minutes. Then Manchester City's billionaire boys were learned a lesson by Barcelona... In both matches, the referees were criticised. Fact is that yet another year English football seems to be run over by German and Spanish teams. That said, Manchester United and Chelsea can still bring some pride to England, but with United being behind with two against Olympiacos the faith lies with Chelsea. Next week will show if England has lost their place in European top football.

Thursday March 13 - Oops, I did it again...

Bendtner, Bendtner, Bendtner... just as we thought he was back and had left all the scandals behind him, Bendtner decides to take off his pants and rub his crotch on a taxi. Furthermore, the Danish striker told the taxi driver that he would "Fuck him" as well as kicked the radio in the cab. Wonder if Bendtner wanting to bang a taxi driver is a clear sign to his girlfriend? One thing is for sure: Bendtner's agent will have to do a hard mans work to find the striker a new club this summer.

Thursday March 13 - Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting

Back in the days Eric Cantona kicked Crystal Palace fans 'Karate-style'; now he is also assaulting pub guests. The French Manchester United legend was arrested in Primrose Hill, London, after a burst up with a pub guest - which didn't need medical treatment - and was trying to walk away from the police. However, an officer stopped the French and finally, got him placed in the back of the police car. There is currently no news about what had happened or whether the victim will press charges against Cantona.


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It's time for the North London derby when Tottenham and Arsenal clash on White Hart Lane in the match of the week!


Tottenham Hotspurs v Arsenal

Premier League Round 30
White Hart Lane
16-03-2014 @ 16.00 UK









How are the two teams form?

Spurs are 5th in the table after losing 4-0 against Chelsea on Saturday and are now four points after Manchester City on the 4th. While loosing their last two away matches, Tottenham are unbeaten in three home games.

Arsenal won 4-1 against Everton in the FA Cup this weekend and are third in the Premier League seven points behind Chelsea. The Gunners have not won in three consecutive away matches before heading to White Hart Lane. 

Arsenal have won the last two matches between the two sides, and in total five of the last ten games has ended in the Gunners favour.

What are the probable line-ups?

Etienne Capoue, Vlad Chiriches, Erik Lamela and Danny Rose are all out with injuries while Michael Dawson, Moussa Dembélé and Christian Eriksen are rated doubtful for the match. On top of that, Younes Kaboul is out with a ban after receiving a red card against Chelsea. 

The opponent, Arsenal, are also struggling with injuries as Diaby, Kim Källström, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere are sidelined while Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal are rated doubtful.

Lloris

Walker - Vertonghen - Fryers - Naughton

Sandro

Lennon - Paulinho - Bentaleb - Eriksen

Adebayor
___________________________________

Giroud
Cazorla - Ozil - Oxlade-Chamberlain

Arteta - Flamini

Gibbs - Koscielny - Mertesacker - Sagna

Szczesny

What to expect from this match?

The players always gives that little extra and tackles that harder in the North London Derby, and with two crowds battling each other outside the pitch, this match can be a hot affair. The last three matches has been very tight and ended with a one or two goal victory to one of the sides, but back in 2012 Arsenal won two consecutive matches against their rivals 5-2. Sunday's match can also turn out to be a goal show as both sides have the strikers capable of finding the net. The Gunners will go into the match knowing that a victory is crucial in their battle for the trophy, and with their 4-1 win against Everton in their back they will be full of confidence. However, Spurs are in as much need of points as Arsenal are if they want to stay in the top, and are not going to give Arsenal any help on Sunday.

What are the odds?

The odds on the two teams are close, but most bookmakers have Arsenal as favorites for the win. The best odds comes from betway with a 8/5 on Arsenal. However, as Tottenham have not lost at home in three matches they could be worth giving a shot with odds 2 at Betfred.
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Almost half way through the transfer window, a lot of players are rumoured to other clubs. Today, Great Dane Football Blog, takes a look at five players that might leave Tottenham before January ends.








5. Nacer Chadli

The 24-year-old midfielder is reportedly seeking away from Tottenham in order to secure a spot for the Belgian World Cup squad. Chadli joined Tottenham last year, but have so far only played 13 matches for the Spurs, and the future doesn't look too bright under Tim Sherwood. However, the player himself have been out and announced he is ready to fight for his place at Tottenham why a transfer isn't just around the corner.


4. Lewis Holtby

Lewis Holtby joined Tottenham almost a year ago, and was expected to become of the new profiles of the Premier League. However, the German did not get the expected breakthrough, and since Christian Eriksen joined in the summer, Holtby have more or less been left in the shadows. His former club Schalke are eager to get their former star back in the squad, but Daniel Levy is reportedly not willing to let him go to his former club as it will open for Arsenal buying Julian Draxler.


3. Erik Lamela

Like Etienne Capoue and Nacer Chadli, Erik Lamela was one of Andre Villa-Boas summer transfers, and one of the players who could be leaving the club. The Argentinian have not gotten the success he hoped for in the Premier League and have been linked with a move to Roma - his former club. Coco, as he is called, have also been linked with moves to other Italian clubs, but at the moment Tottenham looks to hold on to the winger. However, if he gets too unhappy staying at White Hart Lane, the Spurs can be forced to let him go.


2. Heurelho Gomes

The Brazilian goalkeeper joined Tottenham in 2008 and have a few good years at White Hart Lane. However, after a series of high profiled errors he was replaced in the goal by Brad Friedel. Today, Gomes is third choice and wants to leave Tottenham. The keeper was linked with a move to a Brazilian club before the January window, but was allegedly not allowed to leave Spurs on a free transfer. 


1. Etienne Capoue

As Tim Sherwood is attempting to streamline his squad, Etienne Capoue could be sacrificed. The defensive midfielder joined Spurs last summer but have so far only had 8 matches in the white shirt. According to several media Capoue was close to moving to Napoli, but Tottenham pulled the plug in the last minute. Like Nacer Chadli, the Mali have already said he is ready to stay and fight for his place, but a move away from Tottenham is more likely.



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Tottenham is looking for a new manager after Andre Villas-Boas left the club by mutual consent. The question is now who will take over the seat at White Hart Lane.

According to Oddschecker.com four managers are favorites to take over the job. Great Dane Football Blog is taking a look on the four names.







Glenn Hoddle
Odds: 10 

The former Tottenham midfielder with 377 caps for the club is the favorite for the job according to Oddschecker. The 57-year old manager was in charge of Tottenham from 2001-2003, where he brought them to the League Cup final, which the Spurs lost against Blackburn. Beside managing Tottenham, the Englishman have been in charge of Swindon, Chelsea, England, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers but have been without a managing job since 2006. The fact that he has a past in Tottenham speaks for Hoddle as he is a name in the club. However, as he has not been coaching for some time it can be argued that the football world has changed since 2006 and that he might not get the best out of the squad.

Michael Laudrup
Odds: 7

Michael Laudrup has made a name for himself in English football since taking over Swansea, and he has been linked with Tottenham several times the last couple of months. Already in his first season, in Wales, Laudrup managed to bring a trophy to Swansea, and the coach clearly have a talent for finding cheap players to develop with Michu as one example. Given Tottenham have spent a fortune in the summer, they could need a man as Laudrup to find the bargain deals. Furthermore, Laurdrup is still a big name in Spain why he might be able to get some Spanish stars to Tottenham. What speaks against Laudrup is his history of changing between clubs as soon as something goes against him and that he has a couple of years left of his contract with Swansea. That said, Tottenham should have the money to buy him out of that contract.

Fabio Capello
Odds: 6

With clubs as Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus as well as the English national team on his C.V. Fabio Capello would be a scoop for the Spurs. Capello will bring in some international experience and will be able to bring big names to White Hart Lane. On the other hand, the Italian is not known for bringing young talents forward. Furthermore, given Russia will be playing in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil he might not want to leave his job. Despite this, Capello would be a great name for Tottenham, and they might be able to persuade him to come back to England - this time to manage a club.

Tim Sherwood
Odds: 4

According to oddschecker.com, the interim manager at Tottenham Hotspur is also the favorite to take over the job in the long term. The Technical Coordinator knows the club from the inside and has had his daily routines around the players and have been a part of the staff under the last couple of managers. He, therefore, knows the game and the pressure in the club. What speaks against Sherwood is his lack of experience as a manager as well as his name in the football world. He is not a man capable of bringing big names to Spurs as it is right nor. However, if Spurs are ready to let him have a go this season he can turn out to be the future man. For now,  he has the next couple of matches to impress the Tottenham board.









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Two days to the start of the Premier League, and the rumours are going wild! Great Dane Football Blog is given you an update on this week of the Silly Season.

AC Milan is ready to swap Philipp Mexes for Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner, according to Italian press (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Fulham is ready to make a £3m bid for Boltons David Ngog (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Tottenham is chasing Arsenal target Yann M'Vila (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

QPR is reported ready to make a £7.5m bid for French defender Kurt Zouma from St. Etienne (The Sun) - Probability: High

Brendan Rogers is ready to use Charlie Adam as bait in order to bring Clint Dempsey to Liverpool (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Liverpool is also targeting Swansea's Ashley Williams in case Agger should move to Manchester City (The Mirror) Probability: Medium

Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal is keeping an eye on Xabi Alonso as he looks to reject a contract extension with Real Madrid (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Everton is considereing to snap Clint Dempsey on front of Liverpool (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

West Ham is ready to break the budget in a bid for Andy Carroll (Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Unhappy Gael Kahuta might be swapped for Cesar Azpilicueta in a part exchange deal between Chelsea and Marseille (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Blackburn wants Arsenal's Maroune Chamakh on a six month loan (Lancashire Telegraph) - Probability: High

Scott Sinclair, Jack Butland and Nathan Redmond are all targets for Manchester City (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

United's Javier Hernandex could move to Arsenal to replace van Persie (The Mirror) Probability: Low

Luka Modric is expected to complete a £35m move to Real Madrid (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Everton is ready to make a move for Liverpool's midfielder Charlie Adams and Olympiakos striker Kevin Mirallas (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Louis Saha is set to move to Sunderland (The Mirror) - Probability: High

QPR, Aston Villa and Sunderland is battling for Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe (Metro) - Probability: High

Giovanni Dos Santos might leave Tottenham in a swap deal for Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar (Various media) - Probability: High


 





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