Does money guarantee trophies? Part 2

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For some time, there has been talks about a salary cap in the English Premier League. Something, most of the clubs are arguing against. For the next couple of weeks,  Great Dane Football Blog will put the focus on the wages in the Premier League and find out if they have any impact on the club's chances of winning trophies.

This week we take a look on the best paid players from each of the 5 richest Premier League clubs; Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The salary data is taken from matchincome.com and when needed from a broad range of media online.

Let's first of all take a look on last week's chart, which has been updated with last season's wage spending among the five clubs.

As the chart shows Arsenal and Manchester City are the only two teams to increase the amount of money spent on wages. Meanwhile, Liverpool has managed to save £64.8m since the 2010/11 season.

The salary data for the next chart is updated for this season, why we can expect an even larger amount of money spent on wages in Arsenal next season. The best paid player in all of the five clubs in England international Jack Wilshere from Arsenal. the midfielder signed a new contract last year which has made him the best paid. Wayne Rooney is the best paid player in Manchester United with an annually income of around 662,000£. In Chelsea and Liverpool it is the veterans Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard that is cashing the big check each year. Meanwhile, in Manchester City, Edin Džeko is the best paid with an annual income of around £550,000.
The surprising with this chart is that most football fans sees Manchester City as one of the clubs spending most money. Despite this, the best paid player is actually the less best paid player comparing with the five other clubs.

What do you think about this? Does it change your view on Manchester City?
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Match of the Week: Chelsea FC - Basel FC

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David Luiz's injury-time free kick goal gave Chelsea a vital win  in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final. However, Basel are not death and buried yet and has shown great form this year. This week's match of the week is between Chelsea and Basel!


Europa League Semi-final 2. leg
Stamford Bridge
02-05-2013 @ 20.05 UK

How are the two teams form?

The home side, Chelsea, are back on track after a period of loses and draws. This weekend they won 2-0 against Swansea and is 3 in the Premier League. Chelsea made their way to the semi-finals after sending Sparta Praha, Steaua and Rubin out in the dark after some tight matches. Their topscorer in Europa League is Fernando Torres with 4 goals.

Basel is currently 1st in the Swiss Super League and is unbeaten in two matches. The Swiss has shown good from in the Europa League this year, finishing second in the Group G after Genk with 9 points. On their way to the semi-finals,  Basel has met Dnipro, Zenit and Tottenham. Their topscorer is veteran Marco Streller with 4 goals.

How are the probable starting XI's?

There are currently no news of injuries since the last meeting, why the probable starting XI's could be as following:

Cech

Cole - Terry - Ivanovic - Azpilicueta

Lampard - Luiz

Moses - Hazard - Ramires

Torres
_________________________________

Streller

Stocker - Die - Elneny - Salah

Frei

Joo-Ho - Dragovic - Schar - Degen

Sommer

What to expect from this match?

The first leg between the tow teams was very tight, and we can expect to see it again. However, Basel has to take control and take some changes if they want anything out of this match. That said, Chelsea can not feel comfortable with just a 2-1 lead from the first match.

The Blues are strong at home, but Basel has a thing for English teams after sending Tottenham out in the cold. Taking a defensive starting point will be good for Chelsea, but they also have to come forward - anything else will be suicide.

I expect to see a very attacking Basel right from the start. An early goal will definitely put Chelsea under pressure and will be good for the match in general. Both teams have something to offer, the question is who has the most?

What are the odds?

Paddy Power and StanJames currently have the highest odds on a Chelsea victory with 1/2 while a draw gives back 18/5 at BETVICTOR. Are you betting on Basel totesport and BETFRED gives back 7.





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Keep an eye on: Rasmus Thelander

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  • Name: Rasmus Thelander
  • Age: 21 (09.07.1991)
  • Position: Central Defender
  • Club: AaB
  • International Caps:
    • Denmark U20
      • 1 match
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U19
      • 1 match
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U18
      • 1 match
      • 0 goals
  • Value: £300.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk)



The short hair and the fit buddy will all the tattoos – not the typical Aalborg BK defender -  made some of Aalborg BK’s senior fans raise an eyebrow when their beloved club signed this talent. This week we keep an eye on Rasmus Thelander.

Despite the tough appearance, Thelander ensures the Aalborg fans that if they got to know him they would understand that he is not a big bully. However, the tough attitude might have played a role when the defender was sent off in his debut for the Danish U18 national team against Ukraine. The Danish team was standing very deep when a cross was sent into the box. As Thelander turned one of the Ukrainian striker was suddenly in front of him, and despite Thelander’s try to stop the striker fell.

“As the referee saw it I tackled the player, and he decided to give them a penalty. My thoughts were, “it’s my debut and I giving them a penalty!”, and I hadn’t seen it coming when the referee presented me with the red card.”

Thelander joined Aalborg on a free transfer in the summer 2012, but before that the defender went through quite a transfer saga. The defender started playing football in Herlev before he joined Akademisk Boldklub in the Danish 1. Division, where he became one of the players that should help the club in a rather difficult time.

“After 2010 where we kind of failed, the club started focusing on young players inclusive me. It was great because we were so many young players, and I had to take more responsibility qua my position in the defend,” the former AB player says.

After playing his way into the AB team, suddenly the Dutch Eredivisie club Roda JC was interested. Thelander was invited on a week’s trial, but already on the second day the Dutch’s decided to keep him for four extra days. The trial went more than well as the club decided to make an offer for Thelander after he scored a goal dribbling from one end to the other.

After a month of negotiating, the only thing missing was the medical check. However, before it would happen Roda had changed their manager and the deal ran out in the sand.

“My gut feeling told me that it was the place for me. I had been down there on a trial, and I was surprised by the quality; without being rude, I thought the players were on a higher level. I was ready to go from the Danish 1. Division to the Eresdivise and skip the Danish Superliga because I believed I could play myself on the team.  So I was disappointed when it didn’t happen,” the talent says.

Instead, it was Aalborg that became Thelander’s new club. According to the defender, AaB’s manager Kent Nielsen had contacted him several times within the last couple of weeks of his contract and expressed that he wanted him to join Aalborg.  Kent Nielsen says about his decision to bring Thelander to Aalborg:

”When we signed Thelander we had Nielsen [Lasse] and Kenneth Emil [Petersen] as our main central defenders, and we needed a talent as a backup. We had just lost Kjetil Wæhler, and of course we had to have more than just two central defenders, and as the economic is in AaB we decided to go for a young and talented player and Thelander goes under that category.”

While Thelander made 43 appearances for AB, he has so far only gotten 9 matches for Aalborg. However, the manager has an explanation for the lack of matches.

“It is very rare that we change in our central defends, so Rasmus Thelander is more of a future prospect on that position. Of course, if he plays better than one of the other he will take over the position, but it takes time,” Nielsen says.

Due to injuries and bans Thelander was set to play in the three first matches of the spring season, but for the first time in his Aalborg career Thelander became injured himself. However, the talented defender is ready to wait for his chance and is hoping that it will one day take him abroad and add some national matches to his c.v.
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The Friday Five: Bite me 5 times

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Luis Suarez tends to have a thing for biting his opponents. However, the striker is not the only player with a lust for human skin; Great Dane Football Blog gives you five bites from Memory Lane.


5. This player likes to bit the sausage...


4. As many know's Suarez has done it before


3. Billy Sharp got hungry during a match... solution: a fans hotdog!


2. While player's eat hotdogs, dogs eat players (Keep an eye on number 9)


1. New footage of Suarez morning rituals










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Thursday's Transfer Rumours

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It seems most Premier League clubs are on the look for new goalkeepers while Chelsea have sealed the deal with Mourinho and Falcao. This is the week's transfer rumuors updates!

Fulham is ready to bid £4m on Reading keeper Alex McCarthy (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: High

Robert Lewandowski would prefer a move to Manchester United over Bayern Munich (Daily Telegraph) - Probability: High


Michael Laudrup is looking to bring Kasper Schmeichel to Wales, should Michel Worm quit the Swans this summer (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Newly-promoted Cardiff City are preparing for the Premier League and is preparing moves for QPR striker Jamie Mackie and Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Chelsea are ready to offer Thibaut Courtois as part of a deal for Ramadel Falcao (The Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

Tom Huddlestone is ready to leave Spurs this summer in his pursuit for more first team football (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: High

Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham are all in the hunt for Fiorentina midfielder Borja Valero (talkSPORT) - Probability: Medium

Alex Ferguson is hoping to steal Sporting Lisbon teenager Bruma in front of Manchester City and Liverpool (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: High

Manchester United are also preparing for next season and is preparing a £65m bid for Cristiano Ronaldo (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Lyon's Lisandro Lopez could be on his way to Tottenham (Metro) - Probability: Medium

Hamburg keeper Rene Adler has been added to Arsenal's shortlist of new number 1 (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Chelsea has sealed the deal with Jose Mourinho and Radamel Falcao (Bild) - Probability: Medium

Luis Suarez has played his last match for Liverpool, and will force a summer departure (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Fulham will sell keeper David Stockdale to West Ham in order to bring Roma's Maarten Stekelenburg to London (Daily Express) - Probability: Low







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The Wednesday Update 24 April 2013

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While Manchester United has won the Premier League, there is still important matches to be played. Great Dane Football Blog gives you an update on the players unavailable for the next round of the best English league.












ARSENAL

Injuries: 2

Arsenal only have two players on the injury list this week; Diaby is out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury while Lukasz  Fabianski has picked up a rib injury. The Polish goalkeeper is expected to start training again during next week.

Bans: 1

Olivier Giroud received a red card for dangerous foul play against Fulham and will be serving a three-match ban.


ASTON VILLA


Injuries: 5

Both Marc Albrighton and Gary Gardner are still in lack of match fitness, following their time sidelined. Meanwhile, both Chris Herd, Richard Dunne and Stilian Petrov are out for the season.
Doubts: 1

Reports suggest that Gabriel Agbonlahor is still doubtful following his thigh injury.

CHELSEA FC


Injuries: 1

Oriol Romeu is the only player on Chelsea’s injury list at the moment. The midfielder is out for the rest of the season, due to a knee injury.

Doubts: 3

Gary Cahill has returned to training after his knee injury, along with Ashley Cole who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Marko Marin has been struggling with a thigh injury but has returned to training.

EVERTON


Injuries: 1

Tony Hibbert is in lack of match fitness and will need more reserve football before he is ready to return to the Premier League. 

Doubts: 3

Victor Anichebe and Darron Gibson both was forced off with a knock against Sunderland, and there is currently no news about the players. Meanwhile, Phil Jagielka missed the match against Sunderland due to an ankle injury but is in play for the weekend.

FULHAM

Injuries: 4

Fulham's Ashkan Dejagah is out for the season with an ankle injury while Mahamadou Diarra will soon return to training after his knee injury. Meanwhile, as Damien Duff is expected to return to the training ground this week, there is still no news about Neil Etheridge and his leg injury.

 Doubts: 1

Sascha Reither received a knock prior to the Arsenal match last weekend and is still doubtful for this week. 

Bans: 1

Steve Sidwell saw red against Arsenal and will be serving a 4 match ban.

LIVERPOOL 

Injuries: 5

Joe Allen and Fabio Borini are not expected to return this season while both John Flanagan and Martin Kelly keep struggling with their knee injuries. Talent Raheem Sterling is also sidelined with a thigh injury but will soon return.



MANCHESTER CITY

Doubts: 2

Manchester City is currently without serious injury problems while Maicon is doubtful due to an illness and David Silva is struggling with a hamstring injury.




MANCHESTER UNITED

Injuries: 3

While United took their 20th Championship, Darren Fletcher saw it from the sideline along with Paul Scholes and Ashley Young. While Fletcher and Young are out for the rest of the season, Scholes will soon return to the training ground.

NEWCASTLE UNITED
Injuries: 6

Just as, Ryan Taylor was close to a comeback, the defender sustained a knee injury in training which will keep him out for the majority of the 2013/14 campaign. Harris Vuckic is also struggling with a knee injury and will not return this season along with Tim Krul and Fabricio Coloccini. Sylvain Marveaux and Davide Santon are both out for a couple of weeks.

Doubts: 1

Tioté is struggling with a hamstring injury, but is set to return for Newcastle this weekend.

NORWICH CITY

Injuries: 1 

The Canaries' Andrew Surman is sidelined with a knee injury for a couple of weeks.

Doubts: 3

John Ruddy is in lack of match fitness, but has returned to training. Meanwhile, both Michael Turner and Steven Whittaker was injured last weekend. 
QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Injuries: 3

DJ Campbell is out with a foot injury while Andy Johnson is sidelined with a knee injury. The last player on the list is Shaun Wright-Phillips who is out with an ankle injury. All three players are out for the rest of the season.

Doubts: 2

Adel Taarabt was subbed off against Stoke with a shoulder injury and is doubtful for the weekend. The same matters for Andros Townsend who was subbed off with a hamstring injury.

Bans: 1

Bobby Zamora will be serving his last match of his three match ban against Reading.

READING FC

Injuries: 4

Hope Akpan and Adam Federici are both sidelined with ankle injuries and will miss the match against QPR. Meanwhile, it is still uncertain when Jason Roberts and Hal Robson-Kanu will return.

Doubts: 1

Jimmy Kébé is recovering from his groin injury but should soon be ready to play.

SOUTHAMPTON  FC

Doubts: 1

Guilherme Do Prado is rated doubtful for Southampton's match against West Bromwich.





STOKE CITY

Doubts: 2

Matthew Etherington is still struggling to comeback after a knock received against Aston Villa on the 6/4. Along with Marc Wilson, he is rated doubtful for the match against Norwich this weekend.




SUNDERLAND AFC

Injuries: 4

Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole are out for the season due to knee injuries, along with Steven Fletcher who is out with an ankle injury. Connor Wickham is the last player on the injury list, as he received a knock during training.

Doubts: 1

Phillip Bardsley was subbed off against Newcastle two weeks ago; there is currently no news about the Sunderland player.

SWANSEA CITY

Injuries: 1

Darnel Situ is ruled out for the rest of the season with an Achilles injury.







TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Injuries: 2

William Gallas has been out with a calf injury, but will return to training this week. Meanwhile, Sandro is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Doubts: 1

Younes Kaboul is rated doubtful with a thigh strain, but might be ready for the Wigan match.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Injuries: 3

George Thorne and Zoltan Gera are sidelined for the rest of the season while Isaiah Brown is out with a groin injury.

Doubts: 1

Peter Odemwingie is rated doubtful due to a knee injury.

Bans: 1

Youssuf Mulumbu is serving a three match ban.

WEST HAM UNITED

Injuries: 2

George McCartney is out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury while Daniel Potts is out for a few weeks more, following his head injury.

Doubts: 1 

James Tomkins is struggling after a knock but will soon be ready for the Hammers.
WIGAN ATHLETIC

Injuries: 5

Albert Crusat and Iván Ramis are sidelined for the rest of the season, due to knee problems. Ryo Miyachi and Michael Pollitt joins them while Roman Golobart is out with an ankle injury for a couple of weeks. 

Doubts: 3

Wigan's Antolin Alcaraz, Fraser Fyvie and Ben Watson are all rated doubtful for the next match.
















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Does money guarantee trophies? Part 1

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For some time, there has been talks about a salary cap in the English Premier League. Something, most of the clubs are arguing against. For the next couple of weeks,  Great Dane Football Blog will put focus on the wages in the Premier League and find out if they have any impact on the club's chances of winning trophies.

This week we take a look on the top five clubs in the Premier League and how their wages has developed since the 2002/03 season and until the 2010/11 season.


As the chart clearly shows the amount of money spent on wages has gone through a massive development since 2002. The money spent on wages has gone up with £491.4m between 2002 and 2011. It can be argued that Manchester City and Chelsea play the leading roles in this as they are the two clubs with most increase in wages during this time. When Manchester City was promoted   to the Premier League in 2002 they spent £35.3m on wages while, in 2011, the amount had gone up to £174m. Chelsea spent £54.4m in 2002 and just the year after the wages exploded when the Roman Abramovich took over the club. In 2003, Chelsea spent not less than £114.8m in 2003 and has since 2002 till 2011 increased their wages by £138.7m.

Meanwhile, the rest of the clubs have doubled their amount of money spent on wages, but none of them in such a way as Chelsea and Manchester City.

What do you think about the chart? Are Chelsea and Manchester City guilty in the increase in wages in the Premier League? Or does all of the clubs play a role?



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Match of the Week: Bayern Munich v Barcelona

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One of the Champions League semi finals brings up a match between two teams known for their very much alike play style. The match of the week is between Bayern Munich and Barcelona.

Champions League Semi Finals 1st Leg
Allianz Arena
23-04-2013 @ 19.45 UK

How are the two teams form?

The home side, Bayern Munich, won the Deutsche 1. Bundesliga weeks ago and is currently finishing the season in style. Saturday, the German champions, won a convincing victory of 6-1 against Hannover 96 and are currently unbeaten in 21 matches.

The away side, the Spanish giants Barcelona, are currently 1st in the La Liga 13 points ahead of rivals Real Madrid. Barcelona is unbeaten in their last 6 matches, and will soon be able to lift the La Liga trophy once again. 

The last meeting between Bayern Munich and Barcelona was a friendly match in 2011, in which Munich pulled out as winners. The two teams have met before in the Champions League quarterfinal where Barcelona won 5-1 over two matches.

What is the probable starting XI's?

While Barcelona has announced Messi ready for the match, Bayern has ensured that Schweinsteiger is fit enough to play.

Neuer

Lahm - Buyten - Dante - Alaba

Martínez - Schweinsteiger

Robben - Müller - Ribéry

Gómez
--------------------------------------

Pedro - Messi - Sánchez 

Xavi - Busquets - Iniesta

Alves - Piqué - Bartra - Alba

Valdés

What to expect from this match?

Bayern Munich have only lost one home match in this years Champions League; the 0-2 against Arsenal. The statistic speaks for itself - Bayern Munich is favorites at Allianz Arena - also against Barcelona. That said, Barcelona is a brilliant team and comparing the two squads, which both contains super stars the Catalans can cause heavily damage against Munich.

Both are great when it comes to ball possession, and it will be decisive which of the teams that get control of the match from the start. We can probably expect two attacking teams and a lot of chances. However, the real battle will be on the midfield!

What are the odds?

Most of the bookmakers have Bayern Munich as favorites for Tuesday evening. Paddy Power and Ladbrokes presents the best odds on a Munich victory with a 13/10, while Bet365 gives back a 5/2 if Barcelona wins. Youwin gives a 51/20 for a draw.







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Keep an eye on: Anders Thomsen

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  • Name: Anders Thomsen
  • Age: 17 (29-07-1995)
  • Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger
  • Club: Odense BK
  • National caps: 
    • Denmark U18
      • Matches: 2
      • Goals: 0
    • Denmark U17
      • Matches: 9
      • Goals: 3
    • Denmark U16
      • Matches: 5
      • Goals: 1
  • Value: £50.000 (transfermarkt.co.uk)
There has never been any doubt about his talent, and this young player knows what he is capable of and what he wants with his career. This week we keep an eye on Odense BK's Anders Thomsen.

He is only 17-years-old, but he has already played in the Danish 2. Division and been tried out in Blackburn Rovers and Norwich. In fact, the young talent was looking to start in Odense when he was 14, but the club's politic was not to sign with players younger than 15 year-old. Instead, Thomsen signed with FC Fyn in the Danish 2. Division.

"It was a great experience to play on a senior level and in the 2. Division, in such a young age. I felt it went well at the time, and it was definitely the right thing for my development,” Thomsen says about his time in FC Fyn.

A year ago, when he was 16-year old, Thomsen played his first senior match against Viby. However, despite the debut FC Fyn was not the right place for the talent.

“I didn’t get much match time in FC Fyn; I was often on the bench and only played a few minutes once and again. When it comes to it, I only trained with FC Fyn and the level wasn’t that high to be honest. I felt that I had to move to a better club, and OB was the obvious choice.”

In OB, Thomsen had to spend some time adjusting to the new settings, but feels that he made the right choice. In no time, the talent became a profile in the U19 squad, as well as getting matches for the reserves. The manager of the U19's in Odense, Jens Madsen is confident in the future for the young player.

"The club sees a great potential in Anders; we have a really good 95 year with three other players around the U18 national team. Players that is great in 1 v 1, decisive for a match and capable of scoring goals are player every club wants to have, but it is hard to say if he makes it. However, he certainly has the potential to become a Superliga player,” Madsen says.

Jens Madsen is not the only one who believes in the talent; Anders Thomsen is confident he will make it at least in the Danish Superliga. The first target is to get a senior contract and then have his breakthrough in the domestic league. Furthermore, Thomsen aims to be a part of the national youth teams all the way to the U21 and then hope to get his chance for the Danish senior national team.

Despite, having been on a trial in both Norwich and Blackburn Rovers English  football is not the first priority when it comes to playing abroad. Instead, Holland or Spain or other strong leagues where technique is important is a dream for Thomsen. The talent seems to have planned his career for the next couple of years, and he is certainly a player worth following!










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The Friday Five: FIFA 14

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EA Sport announced FIFA 14, and Great Dane Football Blog is running around the table in pure happiness! Today, we take a look on five updates I am looking forward to!

5. PURE SHOT

We have all tried it; getting the ball just in front of goal - taking our aim - and sending the ball well wide of the goal. FIFA's shoot technique has left many players in despair the recent years, but now EA games have improved that part of the game. Now, you won't simply score goals; you will score amazing goals. According to EA 'Players now adjust their approach angle when the shot is started looking for a more suitable angle for hitting the ball. They also understand the phases of shooting and will adjust their stride and pace to hit the ball.' I know we are a couple of guys looking forward to this new feature!


4. PROTECT THE BALL

What has left me screaming at the screen during a fine game of FIFA has been my players ability to lose the ball in the softest tackle. Just as you think you dribbled past a defender he sticks his foot out and grabs the ball. Other times you send a pass towards your striker, but even before the ball has left your foot a defender snaps it just in front your striker. However, according to EA Protect The Ball will 'enable players to fend off and block opponents from the ball while running at any speed. Now, when a ball carrier is being pulled while advancing, they will be able to counter this by stepping in front of the defender and using their body to shield the ball.´ Furthermore, 'Protect the Ball also gives players the ability to fight for position prior to receiving the ball'.

3. MORE SKILL GAMES

Once you could score on any set piece in FIFA. Then the creators decided to make it a bit harder; so hard you often hit a guy in the stand rather than the goal. However, in FIFA 13 EA Sports introduced Skill Games; mini challenges helping you to use in-game moves and systems. Suddenly, you would at times hit the goal and rarely scorer a goal. For the new FIFA 14, a set of new mini challenges will be introduced helping you to prove as a true FIFA gamer. Give us more of that EA!

2. TEAMMATE INTELLIGENCE

How many times have you - in your mind - seen the perfect pass just to see your striker not making the right run? Way to many times! But now, EA Sports have improved your teammates intelligence so your strikers will create more space for themselves, and find new ways to outsmart the defenders. Furthermore, the defenders will provide more support and win back possession.

1. GLOBAL SCOUTING NETWORK

What I am looking most forward to is the global scouting network for the career mode. The new feature will allow managers to search for talents based on their traits and tendencies ranther than stats. Now you can search for a pacy winger or a targetman for the attack, and then scout for those players. The new scouting will also allow you to find players with a potential rather than buying one of the expensive stars. Really looking forward to this new feature!


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Thursday's Transfer Rumours

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Frank Lampard's wife will have to wait to get married while Rooney is ready for PSG. Here is the latest transfer rumours!

Frank Lampard has postponed his wedding as LA Galaxy fighting to bring him to the MLS (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Jamie Carragher will hold talks with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers about delaying his retirement at the end of the season (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Arsenal target Mario Goetze has revealed he would prefer a move to Barcelona or Manchester United (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

According to a former Paris St-Germain official, Wayne Rooney has signed for PSG (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Manchester City target Edinson Cavani is ready to leave Napoli to play in the Premier League (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Fulham is leading the race, in front of Arsenal and Liverpool, to sign the Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amoerbieta (talkSPORT) - Probability: High

Arsenal is battling with Tottenham and Manchester City over 16-year-old Barcelona defender Julio Pleguezuelo (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Southampton is keen on signing QPR's not wanted midfielder Esteban Granero (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Arsenal is ready with a £10m move for Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet this summer (Independent) - Probability: High

Southampton are plotting on a double swoop on Serie A side Cagliari defender Davide Astori and winger Radja Nainggolan (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Tim Krul is a target for AC Milan this summer lining up a £12m bid (The Daily Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Liverpool  is reported to be close on a deal for Barcelona talent Sergi Canos (Daily Express) - Probability: High

Manchester City is preparing a bid for former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, who is reportedly unhappy at Barcelona (AS) - Probability: Low


















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The Wednesday Update 17 April 2013

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Latest news from the Premier League clubs medical departments. Here is the Wednesday update!


ARSENAL


Injuries: 1

Diaby is ruled out for eight to nine months after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament injury in training.

Doubts: 1

Arsenal's Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski is rated doubtful for matches this week due to a rib injury.


ASTON VILLA


Injuries: 5

Both Marc Albrighton and Gary Gardner are in lack of match fitness, following long term injuries. Meanwhile, both Richard Dunne and Chris Herd are sidelined for the rest of the season, along with Stilian Petrov who is critically ill. 

Doubts: 1

Gabriel Agbonlahor is rated doubtful due to a thigh injury sustained on the 6th April.

CHELSEA FC

Injuries: 3

Gary Cahill sustained a knock while Ashley Cole picked up a hamstring injury earlier in April. Both of them is expected to return to training this week while Oriol Romeu is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Doubts: 1

Marko Marin returned to training this week, and is doubtful for the tonights match against Fulham FC.

EVERTON FC

Doubts: 1

Tony Hibbert has stepped up recovery, but is still rated doubtful for the match against Sunderland.






FULHAM FC

Injuries: 4

Ashkan Dejagah has been ruled out with an ankle injury keeping him out for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Mahamadou Diarra is still struggling with knee injuries while Damien Duff can return for the Everton match in a couple of weeks. The last player on Fulham's injury list is Neil Etheridge who is sidelined with a leg injury.

LIVERPOOL FC

Injuries: 5

Liverpool's Joe Allen and Fabio Borini are both sidelined with shoulder injuries while Raheem Sterling is struggling with a thigh injury. The two defenders, John Flanagan and Martin Kelly are both out with knee injuries and will probably miss the rest of the season.


MANCHESTER CITY

Doubts: 2

Maicon missed the FA Cup Semi-final due to an illness problem and is doubtful for the Chelsea match. David Silva was subbed off with a hamstring injury against Manchester United and is also doubtful.



MANCHESTER UNITED

Injuries: 3

Darren Fletcher is out for the rest of the season due to an illness while Paul Scholes returns to training this week. Meanwhile, Ashley Young is sidelined with an ankle injury for two weeks.
NEWCASTLE UNITED

Injuries: 5

Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering from a shoulder dislocation. Ryan Taylor and Haris Vuckic are also sidelined for the rest of the season, due to knee problems  while Fabricio Coloccini is suffering from a back injury. Davide Santon is suffering from a hamstring injury and will not be available this week.
NORWICH CITY

Injuries: 2

The Canaries' John Ruddy is in lack of match fitness and has just returned to training last week. Meanwhile, Andrew Surman is out with a knee injury and will probably not come in play for the rest of this season.



QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Injuries: 3

DJ Campbell returned from his loan spell at Blackburn with a foot injury while Andy Johnson is still out with a knee injury. Shaun Wright-Phillips will not be in play for QPR for the rest of this season due to an ankle injury.

Bans: 1

Bobby Zamora is serving his second match of his three match ban.

READING FC

Injuries: 2

Jimmy Kebe is out for the match against Norwich due to a groin injury while Jason Roberts is out with a bad hip.

Doubts: 2

Hope Akhan and Adam Federici are both doubtful due to ankle injuries.
SOUTHAMPTON FC

Doubts: 1

Luke Shaw was rated doubtful for last week's match, and might still be out with an illness.




STOKE CITY

Doubts: 2

Matthew Etherington and Marc Wilson are both doubtful for Stoke's match against Queens Park Rangers.





SUNDERLAND AFC

Injuries: 3

Wes Brown and Lee Cattermole are both out for the rest of the season due to knee injuries, along with Steven Fletcher suffering from an ankle injury. 

Doubts: 2

Phillip Bardsley was subbed off against Newcastle due to a problem, and there is currently no news about him. Connor Wickham sustained a knock a couple of weeks back, and is still doubtful.

Bans: 1

Craig Gardner is serving a 2 match ban and will return on the 29th April to face Aston Villa.

SWANSEA CITY

Injuries: 1 

Situ Darnell is ruled out for the season due to an achilles injury.

Doubts: 1

Michael Laudrup revealed earlier this month that Neil Taylor was close to a return to action.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Injuries: 5

Gareth Bale is expected to return to training this week, along with Jermain Defoe and William Gallas. Meanwhile, Sandro is out for the rest of the season while Aaron Lennon is a week away from a return.

Doubts: 1

Younes Kaboul is in lack of match fitness after returning from a knee injury and can be in play for Tottenham this week. 

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Injuries: 2

Both Zoltán Gera and George Thorne are sidelined for the rest of the season with knee injuries. 

Doubts: 2

Peter Odemwingie is rated doubtful due to a knee injury, along with Liam Ridgewell suffering from a groin injury.

Bans: 1

Youssuf Mulumbu is serving his second match of a three match ban.

WEST HAM UNITED

Injuries: 4

Joe Cole is ruled out for the Manchester United match due to a hamstring injury along with Daniel Potts and Winston Reid. George McCartney is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. 

Doubts: 2

Mark Noble could be ready for the Manchester United match while there is no news about James Tomkins.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Injuries: 4

Albert Crusat and Iván Ramis are both sidelined for the season with knee injuries, along with Ryo Miyachi struggling with an ankle injury and Michael Pollitt with a thigh injury.

Doubts: 2

Fyvie Fraser picked up a knock earlier this month and is still doubtful. The same matters for Ben Watson who is in lack of match fitness.



























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