Yossi Benayoun might return to England, and Chelsea are ready with yet another bid for Wayne Rooney - Here is the Thursdays transfer rumours!

Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha is yet to make his first Premier League appearance and could be set for a loan deal in January (The Mirror) - Probability: High

And Swansea, Newcastle and West Brom are all ready to take the Manchester United winger on loan in January (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Dortmund are ready to sell Robert Lewandowksi to a Premier League club for £7m in January, to avoid Bayern Munich to sign him for free. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all on alert (Daily Star) - Probability: Low

Chelsea are ready with a new £35m bid for Manchester United star Wayne Rooney in January (Daily Express) - Probability: Low

Southampton starlet Luke Shaw will turn down Manchester United in favour of boyhood club Chelsea (Daily Express) - Probability: High

Newcastle and Tottenham are leading the race for FC Basel keeper Yann Sommer (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium

Yossi Benayoun is closing in on a return to England after agreeing a two-year contract with QPR (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Manchester United are lining up a £25m move for Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanc in the January transfer window (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

Daniel Agger will seek a move away from Liverpool if he fails to regain his place on the side (The Sun) - Probability: Low

Monaco are plotting a January move for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

Jose Mourinho is hoping to sign Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonson on a bosman (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Southampton are ready to bring in Victor Wanyama's elder brother McDonald Mariga from Inter Milan (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

FC Basel's Mohamed Salah is a target for Spurs and Liverpool (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Arsenal are considering a bid for West Ham defender Winston Reid in January (Metro) - Probability: Low

Wales boss Chris Coleman wants to take over the vacant managers' job at Crystal Palace (London Evening Standard) - Probability: Medium










0 kommentarer
The South Wales Derby is just one of many interesting matches this week with the 10th round of the Premier League coming up!


Newcastle United  v Chelsea
St James Park
02-11-2013 @ 12.45









Newcastle United (4-3-3): Krul; Debuchy, Coloccini, Williamson, Santon; Tioté, Sissoko, Cabaye; Gouffran, Ben Arfa, Remy.

Injuries: Jonás Gutiérrez (Personal reasons), Ryan Taylor (Knee). Doubts: Fabricio Coloccini (Groin).

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Lampard; Hazard, Oscar, Shürrle; Torres.

Injuries: Thomas Kalas (Leg), Marco van Ginkel (Knee). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Chelsea won against Arsenal yesterday with a reserve packed team, saving some of the profiles for the important match against Newcastle United on Saturday. Meanwhile, Newcastle is playing against Manchester City tonight, why it is hard to predict how the lineup will be for the Toons for the match. NUFC lost against Sunderland in the local Derby last week and could well go into another defeat this weekend against a Chelsea in form. However, it is worth mentioning that the Toons won the last meeting between the two sides on St James Park. Mourinho's men are unbeaten in their last 5 matches and seems unstoppable at the moment why they are the favorites for this match.


West Bromwich v Crystal Palace
The Hawthorns
02-11-13 @ 15.00









West Bromwich Albion (4-4-1-1): Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Amalfitano, Yacob, Mulumbu, Anichebe; Sessegnon, Anelka.

Injuries: Ben Foster (Foot), Scott Sinclair (Hamstring). Doubts: Morgan Amalfitano (Knee), Zoltán Gera (Knock). Bans: None. 

Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Speroni; Ward, Mariappa, Delaney, Moxey; Dikgacoi, Guédioura, Jedinak; Bannan, Chamakh, Thomas.

Injuries: Jack Hunt (Ankle), Glenn Murray (Knee), Jonathan Williams (Ankle). Doubts: Patrick McCarthy (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None. 

The statistic shows that Crystal Palace actually have an overtake against West Bromwich with three wins in ten matches to WBA's two wins. However, two of those matches was played in the Championship, and this is the Premier League. The Hawthorns have Anelka back in front for Saturdays match hoping he can put a couple in the back of the net after last week's 4-1 defeat to Liverpool. The previous meetings between West Bromwich and Crystal Palace have not been goal festivals why we should have to high expectations to this match. Fact is that three of the last four meetings have ended in a 1-1 draw while Crystal Palace won the fourth 1-0.

West Ham v Aston Villa 
Upton Park
02-11-13 @ 15.00 UK









West Ham (4-3-3): Jääskeläinen; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Rat; Morrison, Nolan, Noble; Diamé, Vaz Te, Downing.

Injuries: Andy Carroll (Foot), James Collins (Hamstring), Alou Diarra (Knee). Doubts: Ricardo Vaz Te (Shoulder). Bans: None.

Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Bacuna, Clark, Vlaar, Luna; Westwood, Al Ahmadi, Delph; Weiman, Benteke, Agbonlahor. 

Injuries: Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles), Jores Okore (Knee). Doubts: Gary Gardner (Back), Antonio Luna (Knock). 

Both sides are well positioned in the tight mid table both with the possibility to move up with a win. West Ham is trying to find their form after losing to Manchester City and drawing against Swansea while Aston Villa haven't won in their three last matches. However, Villa won the last meeting between the two sides with a 2-1 win on Villa Park last February, and will hope to copy the same result on Upton park this week. In fact, Aston Villa have won five of the last ten matches against West Ham, but with this being a season of transition for Paul Lamberts young men nothing is taken for granted. West Ham, given their form and routine are favorites against Villa on Saturday.



Stoke v Southampton
Britannia Stadium
02-11-13 @ 15.00 UK









Stoke City (4-4-1-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Palacios, N'Zonzi, Arnautovic; Ireland; Crouch.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Glenn Whelan (Calf injury), Andy Wilkinson (Knee), Wes Brown (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Southampton FC (4-4-1-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Lallana, Schneiderlin, Wanyama, Rodriguez; Lambert; Osvaldo.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Steven Davies (Knock), Pablo Osvaldo (Knock). Bans: None.

Southampton keeps their position as a sub top team in the Premier League after last week's win against Fulham and are now unbeaten in their last five matches. The home side, Stoke City, is in a total other position with their goalscorer as the only lifeline keeping them above the relegation spots. However, the Potters did win against Manchester United last week and might be able to use the result as  momentum before the match against Southampton. That said, the Saints are in a terrific form at the moment and are moving forward as a train without brakes. I would like to see Stoke stop it!



Manchester City v Norwich
City of Manchester Stadium
02-11-13 @ 15.00 UK









Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Nastasic, Javi García, Clichy; Nasri, Touré, Fernandinho, Silva; Aguero, Negredo.

Injuries: Vincent Kompany (Thigh). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Norwich City (4-2-3-1): Ruddy; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Olsson; Tettey, Howson; Snodgrass, Fer, Pilkington; Hooper.

Injuries: Elliott Bennett (Knee). Doubts: Nathan Redmond (Hip), Robert Snodgrass (Head), Alexander Tettey (Ankle). Bans: None.

The last two meetings between the two sides were very tight and quite goal worthy, with Norwich winning the latest match 3-2. However, that was last season when Norwich surprised everyone with their good play, but this season is something complete different. Norwich is currently 18th in the table with eight points while their opponent for Saturday, Manchester City is 7th with double as many points. There is no doubt, when comparing the two sides current form that even though Manchester City have lost some highly surprising matches, they are favourites when they welcome Norwich to City of Manchester Stadium.



Hull v Sunderland
KC Stadium
02-11-2013 @ 15.00 UK








Hull City (4-4-1-1): Harper; Elmohamady, Rosenior, Davies, Figueroa; Koren, Huddlestone, Livermore, Brady; Boyd; Sagbo.

Injuries: Sone Aluko (Calf), James Chester (Hamstring), Danny Graham (Knee), Allan McGregor (Thigh). Doubts: Faye (Calf). Bans: None.

Sunderland AFC (4-4-2): Westwood; Bardsley, O'Shea, Cuéllar, Dossena; Larsson, Cattermole, Colback, Johnson; Altidore, Fletcher.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Wes Brown (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Sunderland took their first three points of the season against the rivals from Newcastle last week, and will be hoping to add three more against Hull on Saturday. However, Hull have taken the Premier League with storm and is currently 10th in the table with 11 points. However, Hull has lost their last two matches and against Tottenham and Everton and might still be morally down. That said, Sunderland migth have won against Newcastle, but the teams still looks awful at this stage of the season. 



Fulham v Manchester United

Craven Cottage
02-11-13 @ 15.00 UK









Fulham FC (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Riether, Senderos, Amorebieta, Richardson; Parker, Sidwell; Ruiz, Berbatov, Kasami; Bent.

Injuries: Matthew Briggs (Hernia). Doubts: Brede Hangeland (Leg), Hugo Rodallega (Groin). Bans: None.

Manchester United (4-3-2-1): De Gea; Rafael, Evans, Jones, Evra; Cleverley, Carrick; Nani, Rooney, Kagawa; van Persie.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Darren Fletcher (Lack of match fitness), Danny Welbeck (Knee). Bans: None.

Fulham haven't won a match against Manchester United since 2009 where they won with five goals over two matches. Since then, Manchester United has more or less cleared the table with seven wins and one draw, before going to Craven Cottage on Saturday. United are back in form and are big favorites against a Fulham team still struggling to find theirs and losing their last two matches. However, Manchester can still be shaken so Fulham will have the possibility of at least a draw.


Arsenal v Liverpool
Emirates Stadium
02-11-2013 @ 17.30 UK









Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Sczzesny; Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Ramsey; Rosicky, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud.

Injuries: Abou Diaby (Knee), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee), Lukas Podolski (Hamstring), Yaya Sanogo (Back), Theo Walcott (Pelvic). Doubts: Mathieu Flamini (Groin), Serge Gnabry (Ankle), Gedion Zelalem (Lack of match fitness).

Liverpool (3-4-1-2): Mignolet; Touré, Skrtel, Sakho; Johnson, Lucas, Gerrard, Cissokho; Coutinho; Suárez, Sturridge.

Injuries: Iago Aspas (Thigh), Sebastián Coates (Knee). Doubts: Phillipe Coutinho (Shoulder), Enrique (Knee). Bans: None. 

Arsenal might have lost their Capital One Cup match last night, but they are still in the lead of the Premier League. However, Liverpool is the first real contender for the title visiting Emirates. Both teams have been in good form the last couple of week's, and there is hope that this match could be a classic. Liverpool has only won one of the last ten meeting between the two sides and that was on Anfield, why Arsenal are favorites for the match. However, this season Liverpool can not be underestimated. This might be one of the best matches this round.



Everton v Tottenham
Goodison Park
03-11-2013 @ 13.30 UK









Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barkley, McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Lukaku, Pienaar.

Injuries: Darron Gibson (Knee). Antolin Alcaraz (Lack of match fitness), Johnny Heitinga (Muscle), Arouna Koné, Apostolos Vellios (Knock)

Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Chiriches, Vertonghen; Sandro, Paulinho; Townsend, Holtby, Lennon; Soldado.

Injuries: Etienne Capoue (Ankle), Danny Rose (Ankle). Doubts: Younes Kaboul (Knock). Bans: None.

Everton can with a win at Goodison Park take over Tottenham Hotspurs in the table in Sundays early match. However, Spurs are in great form winning their last two Premier League matches and a single Europa League match. That said, Everton have shown to be one of the surprises this season and especially Lukaku and Mirallas seems to be working well together. The last ten matches between the two sides have ended in three wins for both sides, and four draws, why it is hard to predict how this match will turn out. That said, my favorite for this match is Tottenham, simply because they look stronger when comparing the players.



Cardiff v Swansea
Millenium Stadium
03-11-2013 @ 16.00 UK








Cardiff (4-3-3): Marshall; Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, Taylor; Kim Bo-Kyung, Medel, Mutch; Odemwingie, Campbell, Whittingham.

Injuries: Andreas Cornelius (Ankle). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Swansea (4-2-3-1): Vorm; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Taylor; De Guzmán, Britton; Dyer, Michu, Routledge; Bony.

Injuries: Ben Davies (Ankle), Alan Tate (Hamstring). Doubts: None. Bans: None.


So far Cardiff haven't been able to copy their biggest rivals first season in the Premier League and are currently a part of the relegation battle being 16th with nine points for nine matches. The Bluebirds have only won one of their last five matches, against Newcastle earlier this month. Their opponents on Sunday, Swansea City, is currently ninth in the Premier League after their draw against West Ham in the weekend. The Swans have only lost one of their last five matches against Southampton on the sixth of Oktober. The last ten matches between the rivals have been in the Championship and the Capital One Cup. Cardiff has won two of the derby's while two have ended in a draw and Swansea have taken 3 victories



0 kommentarer
The once so safe Manchester City and England keeper Joe Hart is only a shadow of his old, and now the British media are wondering if it is time for both his club and his country to replace him.

Remember when Joe Hart was as strong as Captain America and would let nothing pass him in his goal? Whether you're a Manchester City and England fan or not, you had to be impressed by his amazing form. However, since the start of 2013 Hart have been more known for his mistakes than his savings. Let's take a look on a few of them:




News is that Hart will be replaced for the Manchester City Capital One Cup Match against Newcastle United; maybe the future for the goalie? But how will that affect England? Let's face it: at the moment there is no other goalkeeper good enough to guard the goal for England, so should he really be dropped? Most England fans are crossing everything they possibly can hoping for a Hart back in form.




0 kommentarer
It is time for the first South Wales Derby since 2011 when Cardiff welcomes Swansea at Millenium Stadium on Sunday.

Cardiff City v Swansea City 
Millenium Stadium
03-11-2013 @ 16.00 UK








What are the two teams current form?

So far Cardiff haven't been able to copy their biggest rivals first season in the Premier League and are currently a part of the relegation battle being 16th with nine points for nine matches. The Bluebirds have only won one of their last five matches, against Newcastle earlier this month.

Their opponents on Sunday, Swansea City, is currently ninth in the Premier League after their draw against West Ham in the weekend. The Swans have only lost one of their last five matches against Southampton on the sixth of Oktober.

The last ten matches between the rivals have been in the Championship and the Capital One Cup. Cardiff has won two of the derby's while two have ended in a draw and Swansea have taken 3 victories.

What are the probable lineups? 

Cardiff is still without there Danish starlet Andreas Cornelius suffering from an ankle injury. Swansea will be missing Ben Davies and Alan Tate for the match.

Marshall

Théophile-Catherine - Caulker - Turner - Taylor

Kim Bo-Kyung - Medel - Mutch

Odemwingie - Campbell - Whittingham
____________________________________________

Bony

Routledge - Michu - Dyer

Britton - De Guzmán

Taylor - Chico - Willams - Rangel

Vorm

What to expect from this match?

None of the two rivals wants to lose this derby, and there is no doubt that both teams will be in their best formation for this match. Swansea currently the side in the best form and they will be favorites for this match and Millenium Stadium haven't been the fort Cardiff had hoped for prior to the season. However, the Bluebirds fans are demanding a victory at home and the pressure can motivate the players to perform against Swansea.

The South Wale Derby is not known to be a goal massacre, and so far this season Swansea haven't played a draw away. I expect this match to be a close battle between the two rivals in which Cardiff can pull out with a 1-0 win.

What are the odds?

With a 13/10 odds Bet365 holds Swansea as favorites while BetVictor gives 12/5 for a draw or a Cardiff win.


0 kommentarer

  • Name: Jakob Blåbjerg
  • Age: 18 (11.01.95)
  • Position: Centre Back
  • Club: AaB Aalborg BK
  • International caps:
    • Denmark U20
      • 2 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U19
      • 4 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U18
      • 2 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U17
      • 12 matches / 0 goals
    • Denmark U16
      • 7 matches / 1 goal
  • Value: £125.000
He has been called one of the greatest talents of the club by former Aalborg Sports Director, Lynge Jakobsen. So far, he has only made one official appearance in the club dress, but there is firm believes in the defender. This week we keep an eye on Jakob Blåbjerg.

Jakob Blåbjerg is a bit uncertain about when exactly joined Aalborg from the local club Vejgaard Boldklub. When he thinks back, he must have been about 12 or 13-years-old. However, since he joined the club, he has developed into a promising player for the North Jutland flagship. Despite training with the senior squad, Blåbjerg is still a part of the talented U19 squad in Aalborg, but one of the prospects to become a full member of the Superliga team.

“We have always had a tremendous unity on the teams I have played for, and by looking at the senior squad, you can see that they are willing to use many of the young players, which is nice," says Blåbjerg about his youth time in Aalborg.

When Blåbjerg signed his first full time contract with the club in 2012, the current Sports Director Lynge Jakobsen called the defender one of the greatest talents in the AaB. A predicate the talent have learned to live with, but does think about in his everyday  life. Manager in Aalborg, Kent Nielsen says about the player and his talent predicate that:

“Jakob have trough his presentations here in U17 and U19 teams, and through his many youth national matches shown that he is a talented player, but the hardest step is to go from youth to senior football.”

The defensive player took one step towards playing senior football when he was invited on the club's training camp in Portugal last February. Blåbjerg had played a few training matches, but did not expect to be invited to Portugal so when Director of Talent Development Poul Erik Andreasen called it was a great surprise for the defender. According to Blåbjerg, the call made him realise that he could do something with his football career.

As the start of the spring-season approached Aalborg's central defends were hard struck by injuries and bans; Kenneth Emil Petersen was out with a ban while Rasmus Thelander suffered from an injury, and on the day of the first match against Silkeborg the last defender Lasse Nielsen was injured just before kick off. Suddenly, Blåbjerg was facing his debut.

“I did know until 30 minutes before the match started. Mentally I hard warmed up as a substitute, and did expect to play as it is rare you make changes in the back four doing a match.
During the warm up I am playing some small games with the rest of the reserves when I am  that he [Lasse Nielsen] is injured. We are three players beginning to warm up when Kent [Nielsen] approaches me and asks if I am nervous about playing, and I told him that I felt ready. Then you start he said."

Jakob Blåbjerg was not the only debutant that day. His partner in the central defends was the 20-year old Kasper Pedersen, and together with the rest of the team they were a part of the youngest starting lineup in the Danish Superliga ever. Despite ending 2-2, the player sees the match as his greatest experience in his career so far.

The defender has a couple of experiences to chose between with his, so far, 27 international caps divided on five different Danish youth national teams. Most of the matches, Blåbjerg have been in the starting XI and have been a regular for years both for Denmark and his youth teams in Aalborg.

“The primary development happens in your club, so it is something extra to be part of a national team and represent your country. Especially when we play qualification matches and matches where there are points at risk. Furthermore, it gives you some international routine even though it is only on a youth level," he says.

His international experience can turn out to be important for the talent to reach his next goal: to become a part of the AaB's Superliga starting line up. One thing is for sure; the managers and coaches in Aalborg has the belief in him, and so do Blåbjerg. The upcoming star in Denmark.









0 kommentarer
Fernando Llorente might end up in Arsenal after all, and Tony Pulis is in position for a new job! Here is the Thursdays Transfer Rumours!


West Ham are ready with a bid for Icelandic Alfred Finnbogason to solve their forward problems (The MIrror) - Probability: High



Chelsea are looking to spend £50m on Marseille midfielder Giannelli Imbula and Porto defender Eliaquim Mangala (Metro) - Probability: Medium



Manchester United are eyeing a move for Southampton's Luke Shaw (The Times) - Probability: Medium



Barcelona is looking to bring Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in as a replacement for Xavi and Andres Iniesta (Daily Star) - Probability: Low



Barcelona and Manchester City are battling for the signing of 14-year-old Malaga star Brahim (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low


Fernando Llorente is open to an Arsenal move to earn a spot in the Spanish squad for next summer's World Cup (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Tottenham are considering a £22m move for Christian Benteke (Daily Star) - Probability: Low

Crystal Palace want to talk to former Stoke manager Tony Pulis about succeeding Ian Holloway (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Southampton is ready to make a new offer for 10£m-rated Cagliari and Italy defender Davide Astori (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Chelsea are leading the race for the signing of Julan Brandt, 17, of Wolfsburg (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium

Newcastle are considering a move for MK Dons winger Dele Alli (Journal) - Probability: High






0 kommentarer
This week the Premier League features some top matches and the first Tyne-Wear derby in the season! It is time for the Wednesday Predict!

Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Crystal Palace Park
26-10-2013 @ 12.45 UK









Crystal Palace (4-3-3): Speroni; Ward, Mariappa, Delaney, Moxey; O'Keefe, Campaña, Jedinak; Puncheon, Chamakh, Kébé.

Injuries: Jack Hunt (Ankle), Glenn Murray (Knee), Johanthan Williams (Ankle). Doubts: Patcrick McCarthy (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Ramsey, Özil, Cazorla; Giroud.

Injuries: Abou Diaby (Knee), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Knee), Lukas Podolski (Hamstring), Yaya Sanogo (Back), Theo Walcott (Pelvis). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Arsenal is playing their best for years and are in the top of the Premier League with seventeen points. In the other end of the table, Crystal Palace is second to last with only three points for eight matches. Despite losing against Dortmund on Tuesday night, Arsenal will be in top form, and this will not be an easy task for Palace. Furthermore, after losing 1-4 to Fulham on Monday, the Crystal Palace players' morale will be very low. There is no doubt in my mind Arsenal will win comfortably.



Aston Villa v Everton

Villa Park
26-10-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Aston Villa (4-3-3): Guzan; Bacuna, Baker, Vlaar, Luna; Westwood, El Ahmadi, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Injuries: Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles), Jores Okore (Knee). Doubts: Ciaran Clark (Illness). Bans: None.

Everton (4-3-3): Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barkley, McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Lukaku, Pienaar.

Injuries: Darron Gibson (Knee). Doubts: Antolin Alcaraz (Lack of match fitness), Apostolos Vellios (Knock). Bans: None.

Villa haven't won against Everton since 2010 when Luke Young scored the single goal in the 1-0 victory at Villa Park. Since then, the two sides have played four draws, and Everton have won a one. With Christian Benteke back for Aston Villa,  this match will be a test between two of the most promising strikers in the Premier League. Romelu Lukaku have been vital for Everton, and it has been clear that Benteke have been missed for Villa the last couple of weeks. I expect goals from both of them, and could see this end in another goal show.


Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion

Anfield Road
26-10-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Liverpool (3-4-1-2): Mignolet; Touré, Skrtel, Sakho; Johnson, Lucas, Gerrard, Cissokho; Moses; Suárez, Sturridge.

Injuries: Iago Aspas (Thigh), Sebastián Coates (Knee), Philippe Coutinho (Shoulder). Doubts: Enrique (Knee). Bans: None.

West Bromwich Albion (4-2-3-1): Myhill; Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell; Yacob, Mulumbu; Amalfitano, Sessegnon, Berahino; Anichebe.

Injuries: Ben Foster (Foot), Zoltán Gera (Hamstring), Scott Sinclair (Hamstring). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

West Bromwich is coming to Anfield Road with two draws in their bag, and is hoping to surprise against yet another top team club in the Premier League. Despite Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Newcastle last week, they are still holding their top position in the table and can with a win take over the first. That if Arsenal lose against Crystal Palace. Last time the two sides met, West Bromwich left Anfield with a 2-0 victory, and this will be in the players head when they enter the pitch. After  goalless matches from Anelka, I believe Anichebe will be given the chance for the Hawthornes.


Manchester United v Stoke City

Old Trafford
26-10-2013 @ 15.00 UK








Manchester United (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Fellaini, Carrick; Nani, Rooney, Januzaj; van Persie-

Injuries: Darren Fletcher (Illness). Doubts: Tom Cleverley (Calf), Rio Ferdinand (Groin), Nemanja Vidic (Knock). Bans: None. 

Stoke City (4-4-1-1): Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Walters, Adam, N'Zonzi, Assaidi; Ireland; Arnautovic.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Geoff Cameron (Calf). Bans: None.

Stoke have not won against Manchester City since the 1984/85 season (They have been playing in the Championship, though) but now might be the chance. Manchester is a long away from their top form, and with a midweek match against Real Sociedad it will be hard to say how the team will look on Saturday. Stoke is struggling to get out of the lower part of the table, and a win might give them the kick they need to get going. That said, Manchester United have a strong team that is finding it hard to play together under Moyes, but they will get a draw against Stoke.



Norwich v Cardiff

Carrow Road
26-10-2013 @ 15.00 UK









Norwich (4-2-3-1): Ruddy; Martin, Bassong, Turner, Olsson; Tettey, Howson; Snodgrass, Fer, Pilkington; Hooper.

Injuries: Elliott Bennett (Knee). Doubts: Johan Elmander (Knock), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Toe). Bans: None.

Cardiff City (4-3-3): Marshall; Théophile-Catherine, Caulker, Turner, Taylor; Gunnarsson, Medel, Mutch; Cowie, Odemwingie, Whittingham.

Injuries: Andreas Cornelius (Ankle). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Both clubs have lost their last two matches with Cardiff placed 17th and Norwich 18th. There is no need to stress how important a win is for both clubs as three points can take them away from the bottom of the table. Cardiff is blessed on the injury front with only Cornelius out while Norwich might be without both Elmander and van Wolfswinkel. However, it will give the chance to Hooper who only has three Norwich matches in the bag and is eager to show the fans that he can keep his level from his time in Celtic. I actually believe that Norwich will take a win against Cardiff.



Southampton v Fulham

St Mary's Stadium
26-10-2013 @ 17.30 UK









Southampton (4-4-1-1): Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Wanyama; Lallana, Davis, Rodriguez; Osvaldo.

Injuries: None. Doubt: None. Bans: None.

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Stockdale; Reither, Senderos, Hangeland, Amorebieta; Parker, Sidwell; Kasami, Ruiz, Duff; Berbatov.

Injuries: Matthew Briggs (Hernia). Doubts: Brede Hangeland (Back). Bans: None.

With a 1-1 draw against Manchester United,  last week, Southampton stayed wall positioned in the Premier League on a surprising sixth. Meanwhile, Fulham came back from being behind 0-1 against Crystal Palace and won Martin Jol some time with a comfortable 4-1 win. The manager will be hoping to see the same great play against Southampton, but it will depend on his midfield with Sidwell and Parker, as well as the mood of Dimitar Berbatov. During the first thirty minutes of the match on Monday the midfield was miserable, and Berbatov looked liked a man who had already given up. Southampton is in good form, and that might be enough for the Saints to win against Fulham on Saturday, but the Cottagers is a joker in this match.


Sunderland v Newcastle United

Stadium of Light
27-10-2013 @ 13.30 UK








Sunderland (4-4-1-1): Westwood; Celustka, O'Shea, Roberge, Bardsley; Larsson, Cattermole, Gardner, Johnson; Giaccherini; Fletcher.

Injuries: None. Doubts: Wes Brown (Lack of match fitness). Bans: None.

Newcastle (4-3-3): Krul; Debuchy, Taylor, Williamson, Santon; Tioté, Sissoko, Cabaye; Gouffran, Ben Arfa, Remy.

Injuries: Fabricio Coloccini (Groin), Jonás Gutiérrez (Personal reasons), Ryan Taylor (Knee). Doubts: Stuart Taylor (Hamstring). Bans: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

It is time for the first Tyne-Wear derby in this season when Sunderland and Tottenham clash on Sunday on the Stadium of Light. Sunderland was sent home from Wales with a 4-0 loss to Swansea while Newcastle drew against Liverpool. The Black Cats are still stuck lowest in the table with a single point before the meeting with the tenth in the league. Newcastle is favorites for this match, even though they are without Coloccini and Yanga-Mbiwa. A 2-0 victory to the Toons is very realistic.


Chelsea v Manchester City

Stamford Bridge
27-10-2013 @ 16.00 UK









Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Terry, Luiz, Bertrand; Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Eto'o.

Injuries: Ashley Cole (Rib), Thomas Kalas (Leg). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Manchester City (4-4-2): Hart; Zabaleta, Nastasic, Lescott, Kolarov; Nasri, Touré, Fernandinho, Silva; Aguero, Negredo.

Injuries: Vincent Kompany (Thigh). Doubts: Martín Demichelis (Lack of match fitness). Doubts: None.

The two sides met in two matches during pre-season with a total of fifteen goals. The first meeting was won by City while the other was won by Chelsea, and we can hope that both teams will be in the same mood as they were in May. However, we should probably expect to see tow teams holding back and not taking too many risks during the first 20 minutes. Both teams are in need of three points, but at the same time, none of them can afford to lose as their positions in the table will be overtaken by other clubs. I truly hope and expect we will see a match with two or three goals, and believe that Chelsea will pull out of this with the three points.


Tottenham Hotspur v Hull
White Hart Lane
27-10-2013 @ 16.00









Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Chiriches, Vertonghen; Sandro, Paulinho; Townsend, Eriksen, Sigurdsson; Soldado.

Injuries: Emmanuel Adebayor (Personal Reasons), Etienne Capoue (Ankle), Danny Rose (Ankle). Doubts: Younes Kaboul (Knock). Bans: None.

Hull (4-4-1-1): McGregor; Rosenior, Faye, Davies, Figueroa; Elmohamady, Huddlestone, Quinn, Brady; Aluko; Sagbo.

Injuries: James Chester (Hamstring), Danny Graham (Knee), Robert Koren (Foot). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

Tottenham has so far won two of four home matches this season and are favorites against the guests from Hull City. Hull, on the other hand, have lost three out of their four away matches only winning against Newcastle United. Andros Townsend is on everybody's lips at the moment, and his form will be crucial in the match against Hull. In my mind,  there is no doubt that Tottenham will win this match.



Swansea v West Ham

Liberty Stadium
27-10-2013 @ 16.00 UK









Swansea (4-2-3-1): Vorm; Rangel, Amat, Chico, Taylor; De Guzmán, Britton; Dyer, Michu, Routledge; Bony.

Injuries: Ben Davies (Ankle), Alan Tate (Hamstring), Ashley Williams (Ankle). Doubts: None. Bans: None.

West Ham (4-3-3): Jääskeläinen; Demel, Tomkins, Reid, Rat; Morrison, Nolan, Noble; Diamé, Vaz Te, Downing.

Injuries: Andy Carroll (Foot), James Collins (Hamstring), Alou Diarra (Knee). Doubt: Guy Demel (Knock). Bans: None.

The last meeting between Swansea and West Ham was won 1-0 by the Londoners by a goal of Andy Carroll. On Sunday, the West Londoners are without Carroll and will put their trust in Vaz Te to score goals. Swansea won 4-0 last week against Sunderland and are hoping to continue their goal streak in the match on Sunday. Both teams have players in great form, and especially Ravel Morrison will be worth following against Swansea. This will be a close match, and I believe it will end in a draw.

0 kommentarer
He is the manager of Chelsea FC and known for his temper; know he is surrounded by yet another controversy. Jose Mourinho is being charged by the FA.

He call himself the Special One, and Jose Mourinho really is one special man. At least when it comes to controversies. In the past,  he has been labeled as "enemy of football" by the UEFA referee's chief, Volker Roth, fined £200.000 by FA for meeting with Ashley Cole and in breach of the Premier League rules. Even worse, when he was in Real Madrid, he was seen gouging the eye of then Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova and then calling him a penis on the following press conference.

This time the offence is lighter than earlier as he was ordered from the technical area by referee Anthony Taylor during Chelsea's match against Cardiff on Saturday. According to the Chelsea manager, Cardiff was time-wasting, and the manager protested several times. Finally, Anthony Taylor had enough and sent him up among the supporters on the stand. Of course, Mourinh0 did not understand the referee's decision:

"I don't know why the referee stopped me doing my work," he said after the match.

However, the FA understands the referees decision and have decided to charge Mourinho with improper conduct. The Portuguese has until 18.00 BST on 24 October to respond to the charge. He probably won't to avoid further penalties, but we all now that it burns inside him to say something. This is without a doubt, not the last controversy we have seen from the "Special One".




0 kommentarer
Two clubs expected to be a part of the trophy battle meet this week in a Barclays Premier League top clash!


Chelsea v Manchester City
Premier League Round 9
Stamford Bridge
27-10-2013 @ 16.00 UK








How are the two teams form?

Chelsea is unbeaten (before this week's meeting with Schalke 04) in their last six matches before welcoming Manchester City to Stamford Bridge, for what can turn out to be a thrilling match. The opponent from Manchester has won their last two played matches (before this week's meeting with CSKA Moscow) and is current fifth in the league, one point after second placed Chelsea.

The last ten meetings between the two sides have ended in seven victories to Manchester City and two for Chelsea.

What are the probable line ups?

Chelsea is without Ashley Cole, Tomas Kalas, Andre Schurrle and Marco van Ginkel due to injuries while Manchester City still is missing Martin Demichelis and Vincent Kompany.

Cech

Ivanovic - Terry - Luiz - Bertrand

Ramires - Lampard

Mata - Oscar - Hazard

Eto'o
___________________________________________

Negredo - Aguero

Silva - Fernandinho - Touré - Nasri

Kolarov - Lescott - Nastasic - Zabaleta

Hart

What to expect from this match?

The two sides met in two matches during pre-season with a total of fifteen goals. The first meeting was won by City while the other was won by Chelsea, and we can hope that both teams will be in the same mood as they were in May. However, we should probably expect to see tow teams holding back and not taking too many risks during the first 20 minutes. Both teams are in need of three points, but at the same time, none of them can afford to lose as their positions in the table will be overtaken by other clubs. I truly hope and expect we will see a match with two or three goals, and believe that Chelsea will pull out of this with the three points.

What are the odds?

Sportingbet holds Chelsea as favorites with a 7/5 (2.4) bet while Manchester City gives back 11/5 (3.2) with Coral. A 2-1 victory to Chelsea will give you your money ten times back with Bet365.
0 kommentarer