Thierry Henry is what Barney Stinson from the American tv-series How I Met Your Mother would call legen - wait for it - dary! Now, the French striker has tied the boots for the last time.

The - now - former Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bull striker has decided to end his career after his contact with the Americans ran out earlier in December. 

360 goals in 792 club matches later, and with a World Cup- and EURO-trophy in his bag, Henry is now starting a new career.

Instead, Henry will now start a career as Skysport pundit and spread his wisdom to the British football fans. 

We have seen the Arsenal darling on TV before, and to celebrate the striker's new role, Great Dane Football Blog takes a look on what to expect for the future - and what we will miss from the past.



But as much as we will miss the incredible goals, we can look forward to this:









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The transfer window opens next week and the Premier League clubs are lining up their transfer
targets! Here are the Thursdays Transfer Rumours!

Tottenham is set to rebuild in January with The Saints Schneiderlin and Rodriguez and Napoli's Raul Albiol (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Leicester City have had a £7m bil rejected for Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric, 23 (Daily Express) - Probability: High

Harry Redknapp wants to bring MLS MVP Robbie Keane to struggling QPR on a loan deal (Setanta) - Probability: Low

Benfia wants £4m from Liverpool if the Reds wants Uruguayan right back Maxi Pereira (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Manchester United has been told they must stump up £28.5m for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

Newcastle target highly-rated Anderlecht striker Aleksander Mitrovic (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Southampton are favorites to sign the 'new Zlatan Ibrahimovic" Gianluca Scamacca of Roma (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Sol Campbell is being lined up to start his coaching career with Ajax (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Liverpool are still on the hunt for a Simon Mignolet replacement targeting Chelsea back-up Petr Cech and Stoke's Asmir Begovic (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho could swap Monaco for Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United in a £30m deal (Daily Express) - Probability: High



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These two sides both claim to be 'The Greatest of English Football Club' - The Match of the Week will show which club is the greatest.


Manchester United v Liverpool FC

Premier League Round 16
Old Trafford
14-12-2014 @ 12.30 GMT









How are the two sides form?

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

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

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

What are the probable line-ups?

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

De Gea

Valencia - Smalling - Rojo - Young

Carrick - Fellaini

Herrera - Mata - Januzaj

van Persie
________________________________________

Lallana - Lambert - Sterling

Henderson - Lucas - Allen

Manquillo - Skrtel - Touré - Johnson

Mignolet

Worth keeping an eye on

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



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


 What to expect from this match?

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

What are the odds?

Manchester United: 19/20 (Betfred)

Draw: 45/17 (888sport)

Liverpool: 16/5 (BetVictor)



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Brothers meet in America and Mourinho is ready to sign a new contract - Read all about it here in the Thursday Transfer Rumours!

Frank Lampards future in Manchester City is still uncertain with Manuel Pellegrini yet to decide whether to extend his loan from New York City (Telegraph) - Probability: Medium

Arsenal have been warned by Celtic that they will have to pay out for Virgil van Dijk (talkSPORT) - Probability: Low

Chelsea are ready to hand Jose Mourinho a new contract as Barcelona shows interest (Express) - Probability: High

Tottenham misfit Paulinho is a target for Brazilian clubs Sao Paulo and Corinthians (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Yohan Cabaye is considering a move back to the Premier League - just a year after a £19m move from Newcastle (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Roma is considering a move for Chelsea keeper Petr Cech (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

Sevilla are ready to help Juan Mata escape Manchester United in January (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Tottenham are ready to swap Roberto Soldado for Porto striker Jackson Martinez (Metro) - Probability: Medium

QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips could join his brother Bradley in Major League Soccer this summer (talkSPORT) - Probability: High






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After four-and-a-half year in New York Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry has left Red Bulls - Rumours link him back to London and The Gunners, but is the club even interesting for the striker?

He is a true legend and Arsenal fans from all over the world travels to the Emirates Stadium to worship the statue of the French striker. Now, Henry is free of his contract in New York after some impressing years for the Red Bulls. 

Some of the fans will have woken up this morning with a morning glory hoping to see Henry in the red and white Puma shirt, and the oddsmakers are already setting the odds for Henry return to Arsenal.

But, nothing is settled and at this point we don't even know if Henry is ending his career or hoping for a few more years. After all, he is 37-years-old and has played his part in the history of football. 

Wenger today says he is certain Henry will return to Arsenal in some non-playing role at some point, and reading behind the lines this means Arsenal has no interest in signing him as an extra striker. And looking at the squad, Henry is probably not the player Arsenal needs at the moment. 

But Henry could return to Arsenal and play a role in the backroom staff and move on to become an assistant as we have seen with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in Manchester United. Most fans would love to see Henry take over for Wenger at some point, and even though many are losing fate in manager, this might not be the right time. 

Henry is interesting for Arsenal and Arsenal is interesting for Henry, but we might have seen the last of him in the Red and white shirt. The Gunners have to dream about him in the manager's seat for the future. 


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Everton travels to Germany just to face a former Premier League "star" . It's Wolfsburg against Everton, Germany against England and Tim Howard against Nicklas Bendtner!


Wolfsburg v Everton

Europa League
Group H
Match Day 5
Volkswagen Arena
27-11-2014 @ 18.00 GMT







How are the two sides current form?

Wolfburg are second in Europa League Group H only a point after Everton, before the two sides meet at Volkswagen Arena. The last match between the two sides ended with a comfortable 4-1 win to Everton by goals of Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, Kevin Mirallas and an owngoal by Wolfsburg left-back Ricardo Rodriguez.

What are the probable line-ups?

Daniel Caligiuri, Adelino Vieirinha, Felipe Aliste Lopes and Patrick Ochs are all sidelined for Wolfsburg while Everton has to do without nine players including Gareth Barry.

Benaglio

Knoche - Naldo - Trasch - Rodriguez

Guilavogui - De Bruyne - Luiz Gustavo - Perisic

Vierinha - Olic
_____________________________________________

Lukaku

Barkley - Naismith - Mirallas

Osman - McCarthy

Hibbert - Distin - Jagielka - Coleman

Howard

Worth keeping an eye on

Wolfsburg - Kevin de Bruyne: The former Chelsea talent is the creative playmaker on the Wolfsburg side and the star at Volkswagen Arena. If he gets the space needed to perform his best, he will be a problem for Evertons defense and chances in Germany.



Everton - Ross Barkley: Ross Barkley just keeps getting better and better and the talent is one of the primary forces in the Everton attack. He might not score as many goals as hoped for, but he often creates the chances for Romelu Lukaku.



What to expect from this match?

Everton are the favorites at Volkswagen Arena, especially after the match at Goodison Park. The Toffees looks stronger than Wolfsburg at the moment, and I think we will see that in the match on Thursday. However, the Germans are not a side that gives at the door and we can expect them to put up a fight against Everton.

What are the odds?

Wolfsburg: 1 (Coral)

Draw: 11/4 (BetVictor)

Everton: 16/5 (BetVictor)


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  • Name: Marco Larsen
  • Age: 21 (15-05-1993)
  • Position: Attacking midfield/striker
  • Club: FC Midtjylland
  • International Caps:
    • Denmark U21
      • 4 matches
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U19
      • 9 matches
      • 0 goals
    • Denmark U18
      • 4 matches
      • 1 goal
    • Denmark U17
      • 9 matches
      • 2 goals
    • Denmark U16
      • 7 matches
      • 2 goals
  • Value: £440.000
He left family and friends behind and moved across the country to follow his dream of becoming a professional football player. This week we keep an eye on FC Midtjyllands attacking talent Marco Larsen.

"Moving to FC Midtjylland, was a natural next step in my career. It wasn't a hard decision because I knew that it i needed to do it if I wanted to become a professional football player," says Marco Larsen with a strong voice. There are no regrets in his voice.

At the age of 13, while still playing in the Danish 1. Division club Køge, he was signed by the Superliga club FC Midtjylland. There was only one problem; Midtjylland were not allowed to sign players under the age of 15, and the media were quick to make a story out of the controversial signing. The main man in the whole story hardly remembers what the whole controversy was about.

“I don’t think there was anything in it, then what the media made of it. The papers blew it out of proportion, and all that happened was that I got a new and legal contract," Larsen says.

By the age of 15, Marco moved from Zealand to Jutland and joined the FC Midtjylland Academy, along with other talents from across the country. And the talent didn't take long to prove he was worth his contract. In fact, he did so well that Manchester City started following him, and it resulted in a trial at Carrington Training Ground.

“Of course I hoped to make an impression that would make them want me at the club, but it was also just a great experience for a young player.

“The technical and physical level is much higher in Manchester City, but the players we trained with were also brought in for the occasion. We then had one training session with their team, and it was clear that they had better physics and were faster when it comes to reading the game," he says.

Unfortunately for Larsen it only came to one visit in Manchester City and the career continued in Midtjylland where he kept impressing. At U19-level he was the top scorer and was promoted to the senior squad where he had his debut in the Danish Cup against Jægersborg from the fourth tier. 

“When I heard that I was to play that match I was full of joy. It was another step towards becoming a professional and as I remember I scored, so that just made it even better. Especially because my family was there to witness it. I will always remember that experience."

Since then, Marco Larsen have proved himself to be one of the next great talents of the FC Midtjylland Academy. After making his debut in the Danish Superliga in 2012, he has been a regular part of the senior squad playing 19 matches from start last season. 

However, a thigh injury set him back in the start of the season and with FCM leading the Danish Superliga it has proven hard for the talent to make his way to the starting line-up. There is simply too hard competition for the position as attacking midfielder. 

“It’s obvious that it is harder for me to get in the starting line-up when the team plays as well as it does. I have always said that when a team plays well, it is hard to make any changes, and we have won a lot of matches, so it has been hard to get time on the pitch,” the talent acknowledge.

“The team is the most important and I always congratulate my teammate when he does well, even if it means he will be playing instead of me. Obviously I want to play, but in the end I have to be able to look in the mirror and like what I see. If a player in my position is better than me, then there isn’t much I can do about it, other than just keep on training and wait for my chance,” Larsen says.

The next chance for Marco Larsen might come tomorrow when FC Midtjylland faces the rivals from Aalborg BK at home in Herning. However, should he not get his chance in Midtjylland he has no problem leaving the club.

“All football players needs to play, and if I can’t play in Midtjylland I have to move on, but it is not something I think about at the moment. I’m still young and have the time in front of me," says Larsen before ending the interview telling about his dream club, Liverpool

“Steven Gerrard is an amazing football player, and Liverpool is a great team. My entire family are Liverpool fans, so they are my favorite club.

“I would love to play in Liverpool, but anywhere abroad will do. It is something I hope to achieve someday.”

Who knows? Gerrard is moving towards the end of his career, and Daniel Agger has left the club. Maybe it is time for Liverpool to bring in a new Dane?






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It is well known that Emirates Stadium is one of the most expensive football grounds to visit in England. Last season the prices increased three per cent and now the fans have had it.

It feels like a decade since Arsenal last won the Premier League trophy, but that doesn't stop Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick from increasing the ticket prices. However, in a letter to Sir Keswick, the fans have warned the club not to increase the ticket prices unless Arsene Wenger goes on a shopping spree in January. 

According to The Mirror, Tim Payton of the Arsenal Supporters Trust said: “Fans have had enough of sky high ticket prices while clubs rake in ever growing revenues from TV and sponsorship deals.

“We are calling on Arsenal to recognise the loyalty of their fans who still turn up in great numbers by freezing ticket prices next season.

The supporters do not  believe that the club have any basis for a price rise as Wenger did not use up all of the cash at his disposal in the summer. Therefore, they demand Arsenal to spend money on high profile players during the January window. 

Otherwise, we might see an empty Emirates Stadium in the near future.  
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The transfer window is fast approaching and Arsenal is on the hunt for a new striker, while Roberto Mancini is planning a spending spree in the Premier League. Here are the Thursday Transfer Rumours!

Tottenham scouts have been in Argentina to check out Colombia's striker Teo Gutierrez (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Roberto Mancini is planning to bring in Aleksandar Kolarov, Fabio Borini, Joes Campbell and Erik Lamela to his Manchester City squad (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Chelsea led both Liverpool and Arsenal in the race for Marco Reus with Andre Schurrle to move to Dortmund (Express) - Probability: Medium

Roma are ready to sign Liverpool right back Glen Johnson on a free transfer next summer (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Yohan Cabaye will return to the Premier League in January according to ex-Magpie Olivier Bernard (Newcastle Chronicle) - Probability: High

Southampton wants Harry Kane and Andros Townsend in exchange for Jay Rodriguez if Spurs makes a bid for the striker (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Rafa Benitez fuels speculation of a Liverpool return after hinting an Napoli exit (The Mirror) - Probability: Low

Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham har all battling for Bayern Munichs Xherdan Shaqiri in the January window (Daily Star) - Probability: High

Southampton and Queens Park Rangers are keeping an eye on AIK Stockholm striker Kennedy Igboanaike (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Manchester City are eying Swiss defender Stephan Lichsteiner in a move taht could send Matija Nastasic the other way (Manchester Evening News) - Probability: Medium

Anderlecht sensation Dennis Praet is ready for a move and Arsenal is the perfect club according to his agent (The Mirror) - Probability: High



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They surprised everyone last season and have kept going despite losing the successful manager and five key players. Great Dane Football Blog takes a look at the uprising of Southampton FC.

Not many had seen it coming when Southampton mingled with the top clubs of the Premier League last season. Mauricio Pochettino had created the perfect squad, with the right numbers of talents and established Premier League players. The two talents Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw were a joy to see on the backs; Dejan Lovren controlled the central defends and Adam Lallana, and Rickie Lambert was the men behind the attacking play. Today, all of the five profiles has left The Saints; Chambers is in Arsenal, Shaw in Manchester United and Liverpool have bought the rest. On top of that, Pochettino took over in Tottenham Hotspurs.

So, this could be the end of a short era of success for Southampton, but this season they are back in the top of the league. As this post is being written, The Saints are second in the Premier League four points in front of last seasons winners from Manchester City. Looking at their form so far, Southampton is the best home side in the Premier League with five wins and one draw at St. Mary's Stadium, and an impressing goalscorer of 17-1. Lovren, Shaw and Chambers might have left the club, but the back four is still standing strong at St Mary's.

Toby Alderweireld has taken the position next to captain José Fonte in the central defends and Nathaniel Clyne, and Ryan Bertrand are now the main men on the two backs. Despite losing two talents and a strong central defender, Southampton has fully managed to fill the empty places and perhaps make their defend even stronger. 

Pochettino has to be given credit for his managing and ability to bring in players and get the best out fo them. But, Ronald Koeman, the new manager in the hot seat is not a bad name for a Premier League club of Southamptons size. The Dutch has a great network, and he can bring in respectable players as Alderweireld. From the Dutch league, he has brought in Dusan Tadic to replace Lallana, and the Serb has the potential to become a legend in the club. He is not the same type of player as Lallana, but he has what it takes to make it in the Premier League - even in a bigger side than Southampton. 

Graziano Pellé joined the club this summer, and the Italian has become the new goal getter for the club. However, with his 29-years he is not a man for the future. And the future might be a problem for The Saints as Pochettino seems to try and get all the background staff to Tottenham. However, once again Koemans name might help Southampton to keep the development going with some of the great coaches from around the world. Furthermore, a Champions League- or Europe League-spot will not only bring better players, but also better coaches to the club. The sky is the limit for The Saints, they just need their wings to fly. 


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The rivalry has been ongoing since the first match in 1872, and now 142 years later the battle goes on; It's Scotland against England in the Match of the Week.


Scotland v England

International Friendly
Celtic Park
18th November 2014 @ 20.00 GMT









How are the two sides form?

Scotland gave Ireland a lecture in the perfect goal during the weekends EURO 2016 qualification-group matches with a 1-0 victory. The Scotsmen are unbeaten in their last three matches 

England are unbeaten in their group after winning 3-1 against Slovenia during the weekend, and are looking secure their place in the EURO. Therefore, Roy Hodgson probably will try out some of the younger players against Scotland.

England won the last match between the two sides, 3-2.

What are the probable line ups?

Marshall

Whittaker - Martin - Hanley - Robertson

Maloney - Brown - Mulgrew - Anya

Fletcher - Naismith
________________________________________

Sterling - Rooney - Welbeck

Henderson - Wilshere - Lallana

Clyne - Cahill - Jagielka - Gibbs

Hart

Worth keeping an eye on

Scotland - Ikechi Anya: The Watford winger socred a wonder-goal against Germany and the Anya will be a handful for any defender.


England - Danny Welbeck: Hodgson has named Welbeck as his plan A and the manager has strong believes in the Arsenal striker. He scored twice against Slovenia and will be a handful for the Scotland defend.



What to expect from this match?

This match has England written all over it, but Scotland is not a bad side and a win against England will mean the world to the fans. England looks strong at the moment, and they should be clear winners against Scotland, but as we saw against Ireland, the Scots are capable of scoring some wonderful goals and create chances out of nothing. The England defend doesn't seem as strong as it could be, and this might be the Scots chance. 

What are the odds?

Scotland: 11/4 (Betfred)

Draw: 12/5 (Betfair)

England: 6/5 (Paddypower) 


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Manchester United is selling out and Chelsea are on the brink of making an ambitious bid for a Real Madrid star. Here are the Thursday Transfer Rumours!

Liverpool are hoping to land Fulham wonderkid Patrick Roberts (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Chelsea are preparing a £19m bid on Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane (Fichajes.net) - Probability: Low

Celtic midfielder Scott Brown is a target for Crystal Palace (The Scotsman) - Probability: Medium

Inter Milan is preparing a bid for out-of-favor Liverpool forward Fabio Borini (The Sun) - Probability: High

Arsenal are ready with a double raid on Barcelona pair Dani Alves and Pedro (Express) - Probability: Low

Victor Valdes is set to join Manchester United (Express) - Probability: High

Steven Gerrard is to begin contract talks with Liverpool this week (The Guardian) - Probability: High

Newcastle are keen on the transfer of Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Manchester United flop Anderson is set to return to Gremio in Brazil (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Juan Mata is also set to leave United with Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Valencia all keen on signing him (Express) - Probability: High

Liverpool starlet Suso could be on his way to AC Milan next summer (talkSPORT) - Probability: High










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Can England keep their winning streak going or will Slovenia put a spoke in the wheel? The Match of the Week will show when England and Slovenia clash at Wembley.


England v Slovenia

EURO 2016 Qualification
Group E
Wembley Stadium
November 15th 2014 @ 17.00 GMT








How are the two teams current form?

England is top of the group with maximum points after three matches and a goalscorer of +8. Danny Welbeck is the topscorer on the England side with 3 goals so far.

Slovenia is second in the group with six points for three matches after losing to Estonia in the first round. Milivoje Novakovic is second on the topscorer list with equal number of goals as Danny Welbeck.

England has won the last two matches against Slovenia.

What are the probable line-ups?

Hart

Chambers - Cahill - Jagielka - Baines

Henderson - Wilshere - Delph - Lallana

Welbeck - Rooney
____________________________________

Kampl - Novakovic

Pecnic - Kurtic -Kirm

Stevanovic 

Brecko - Ilic - Cesar - A Struna

Handanovic

Keep an eye on

England: Danny Welbeck - The former Manchester United forward have impressed in Arsenal and is the main striker on the England team. The goals are expected to come from his feet in this match.



Slovenia: Jasmin Kurtic - Kurtic is the playmaker on the Slovenia team and the Fiorentina midfielder can cause problems for Jagielka and Cahill.



What to expect from this match?

England have played well so far in the qualification and should win at home against Slovenia. However, the Slovenes are not to be underestimated. Their squad contains players from top leagues in Europe and even though their starting line-up looks less impressive than the English they can cause problems. There is no doubt that this is a battle between the two qualifiers of Group E. The fact that Slovenia is three points behind England just makes the pressure on England even harder. I expect a well played match with great attacking football from both sides. 

What are the odds?

England: 1/3 (StanJames)

Draw: 4 (SkyBet)

Slovenia: 11 (Ladbrokes)
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The weather is getting colder and that means we are heading towards the January transfer window! 

David Moyes is wanted as manager for Real Sociedad (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Steven Gerrard could follow Spain legend Raul to the MLS side New York Cosmos if he fails to sign a new Liverpool deal (Daily Mail) - Probability: Low

Arsenal target Fabian Schar has admittet that he is ready to leave Basel (Daily Express) - Probability: High

Tottenham will try to sign Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri in January (Goal.com) - Probability: Medium

Liverpool misfit Fabio Borini is attracting interest from Inter Milan (The Mirror) - Probability: High

Manchester City and Bayern Munich are battling it out for Marco Reus (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium

Fenerbahce have asked Manchester United whether Robin van Persie is available to sign (Daily Star) - Probability: Low

Frank Lampard will stay on loan at Manchester City for another 6 months (Daily Express) - Probability: High

Manchester United are looking to sign Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar in the January window (Daily Mail) - Probability: High

Liverpool are planning a January swoop for Mexican World Cup hero Guillermo Ochoa (Le10 Sport) - Probability: Low







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Real Madrid only needed 41 minutes to beat Liverpool at Anfield - Can Liverpool bite back at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu?


Real Madrid v Liverpool
Champions League Group B
Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
4-11-2014 @ 19.45 GMT









How are the two sides current form?

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

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

What are the probable line-ups?

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

Casillas

Marcelo - Pepe - Varane - Arbeloa

Modric - Kroos

James

Ronaldo - Benzema - Bale
____________________________________

Balotelli

Coutinho - Sterling

Can - Henderson

Gerrard

Moreno - Lovren - Skrtel - Manquillo

Mignolet

Worth keeping an eye on

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



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


What to expect from this match?

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

What are the odds?

Real Madrid: 1/4 (Coral)

Draw: 33/5 (Matchbook)

Liverpool: 12 (Boylesport)



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We are only two months away from the opening of the transfer window, and the clubs are preparing their bids. Great Dane Football Blog is taking a look on the transfer rumours from the Premier League.
 
Arsenal are in the hunt for West Ham defender Winston Reid who is set to be out of contract in the summer (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium
 
Manchester United want to sign Gareth Bale and include Javier Hernandez in the deal (Caughtoffside) - Probability: Low
 
Arsenal and Newcastle are keeping an eye on Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac after the club admits they may lose star striker (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium
 
Manchester United are eyeing a move for 18-year-old Belgian winger Zakaria Bakkali of PSV (Daily Express) - Probability: High
 
Sami Khedira is on the short list at Manchester City (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium
 
Harry Kane is a target for Southampton (The Sun) - Probability: High
 
Chelsea are preparing a bid for Gerard Pique - who is unwanted in Barcelona (Star) - Probability: Low
 
Mauricio Pochettino is planning a January bid for Southamptons Jay Rodriguez (The Mirror) - Probability: High
 
Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs are all interested in 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen defender Omer Toprak (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium

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Mancini's troops hang on in the top of the league while van Gaal finally have made an impact on United. Sunday, the two managers, meet in the Battle of Manchester!


Manchester City v Manchester United
Premier League
Round 10
Etihad Stadium
02-11-2014 @ 13.30 BWT






How are the two sides current form?

West Ham have played better than we have seen in many years, and Saturday Manchester City felt the East Londoners success. At Upton Park the Sky Blues were beaten 2-1 by the Hammers but kept their third in the league table, only one point ahead of West Ham. 

Yesterday, the rivals from Old Trafford were visited by another London side as Chelsea played a draw against United. Chelsea were in front, but Robin van Persie won a point to Manchester with a goal in overtime, meaning United are currently eight in the league. 

What are the probable line-ups?

Samir Nasri are currently the only player on City's injury list while it looks worse with Manchester United. Here, Jonny Evans, Jesse Lingaard, Patrick McNair and Valencia are injured while Wayne Rooney is serving a ban.

Hart

Zabaleta - Mangala - Kompany - Kolarov

Fernando - Touré

Navas - Silva - Milner

Aguero
____________________________________________

van Persie - Falcao

Mata

Herrera - Di María

Blind

Shaw - Rojo - Jones - Rafael

De Gea

Worth keeping an eye on

Yaya Touré - Manchester City: The Ivorian midfielder has not impressed as much as he did last season, but is still key player for Manchester City. If he plays his best, he can be a decisive player for City in this match, but on his worst days you will not even notice him on the pitch. That said, he has the ability of being anonymous in 80 minutes and then suddenly pop up and score the match winning goal.




Daley Blind - Manchester United: Danny Blind will be crucial for the Manchester United defend in this match. The Dutch has to take control of the midfield and play hard against Navas, Milner and Silva and keep them from supplying Aguero the ball.



What to expect from this match?

City have won six of the last ten matches and have the advantage against United. None of the last ten meetings have ended with a draw why we can expect to see a winner by the end of the match, and City are the favorites. However, they displayed their weaknesses against West Ham, and it is up to van Gaal to take advantage of these. Against Chelsea, Manchester United showed that they don't just give up, and their fighter spirit is important against City on Sunday. Comparing the tow sides City looks the strongest, and Aguero will be a mouthful for the United defends. We can expect at close match between the two sides with Manchester City as the late winners.

What are the odds?

Manchester City: 17/20 (Betway)

Draw: 3 (William Hill)

Manchester United: 38/11 (BETBRIGHT)




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The January window is fast approaching and the Premier League clubs are preparing for the transfer
feast!

Dani Alves wants not less than £250,000-per-week to move to either Manchester United or Chelsea next year (Daily Star) - Probability: Medium 

Liverpool are closing in on MK Dons wonderkid Dele Alli in a £9m deal (Express) - Probability: High

West Ham and QPR are set to battle for Lazio defender Abdoulay Konko as he looks for a move in January (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Petr Cech could play a part in Chelseas offer for Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira (Daily Express) - Probability: Low

Napoli are eyeing Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson and Man City midfielder James Milner in January (The Mirror) - Probability: Medium

Juventus are ready to make a move for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez when he returns from loan at Real Madrid (Daily Star) - Probability: Low

Oriol Romeu is ready to make his loan-deal at Stuttgart permanent if Jose Mourinho can't guarantee him football at Stamford Bridge (The Sun) - Probability: High

Arsenal have joined Manchester United in the race for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummel with a £32m bid (Daily Express) - Probability: Medium

Harry Redknapp can be replaced by another former Spurs manager as QPR are considering replacing him with Tim Sherwood (Evening Standard) - Probability: High

Sunderland have made a request to take Barcelona teenager Alen Halilovic on loan (Daily Mail) - Probability: Medium





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Christian Eriksen came under fire after Denmarks late defeat to Portugal. Boss Morten Olsen blames the Spurs star for not doing enough for the Danish side. 

Eriksen has impressed everyone since leaving Ajax Amsterdam for Tottenham Hotspur and the English capital. In Holland, he was one of the best players, and he has managed to keep the same standard in England. However, it seems that Eriksen leaves behind the great form in his club when he joins Denmark for international duty. 

Denmark boss Olsen slammed Eriksen for Denmarks late defeat to Portugal by saying:

"After so many matches he could pick up the ball and help to control the game. He has not been able to.
“Therefore, we blame him. He must stand up to the criticism, and he does too.”

And Morten Olsen is right. Christian Eriksen has not impressed for the Denmark team for a long time. The Danish fans have only seen five goals in 48 matches from Eriksen; not impressing for an attack-minded player. However, Olsen has used Eriksen on both wings as well, and when it comes to it, the talent is best as an attacking midfield. 

Furthermore, Eriksen is not allowed the same freedom on the Denmark side as he is in Spurs where he has a more free role. After playing the same 4-2-3-1 formation for a decade, Olsen changed it to a 4-4-2 for the Portugal match. None the less did it help; Eriksen was still locked and not given the freedom he needs to perform as he does for his club in England.  

But is Olsen right to blame Eriksen for his poor display? Partly. As Olsen said on today's press conference: 

“It is quite something when you have to criticize a player like Christian Eriksen. It should not take place.
“If it was a player at a lower level, one could say that he had no class. But with Christian Eriksen do not make the mistake. I must be tough and say to him. And he knows it well.”

But, Olsen needs to realise that Eriksen has to get a more free role if he is to perform at the same level as in Tottenham. Until then, the Danish fans will only see half of what the Spurs star is capable of. 


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Portugal is heading to Copenhagen knowing only a victory is accepted against the group leaders. Match of the Week is between Denmark and Portugal.


Euro 2016 Qualification
Group I Round 3
Telia Parken
14-10-2014 @ 19.45 BST










How are the two sides form?

Denmark are top of the group with four points after two matches, the same amount of points as Albania. The Danes started the campaign with a 2-1 win at home against Armenia by goals from Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Lasse Vibe. The latter was also the man behind the goal in Denmarks 1-1 draw against Albania in the weekend. 

Portugal, surprisingly, lost against Albania in their first match of the EURO qualification and are last in the group. Saturday they played a friendly against France and did not get the result they were hoping for losing 1-2. 

What are the probable line-up?

Schmeichel

Ankersen - Agger - Kjær  - Boilesen

Højbjerg - Kvist

Schöne - Eriksen - Krohn-Dehli

Bendtner
___________________________________

Danny - Vierinha - Nani

Tiago - Moutinho - Mario

Cedric - Pepe- Bruno Alves - Eliseu

Patricio

Worth keeping an eye on

Denmark: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. Bayern Munich midfielder Højbjerg is the new star of Danish football, being compared to the legendary Michael Laudrup. While the 19-year old Højbjerg has a promising future for Denmark, he is looking to leave Bayern Munich and the Portugal match will be a great window for him to show off.



Portugal: Joao Mário. The 21-year old Sporting midfielder is a joker for Portugal in this match. We believe he could be a starter, and he has what it takes to become the next great Portuguese midfielder. 


What to expect from this match?

Denmark and Portugal have a great take on each other. The last seven matches between the two sides have ended in three wins to each country and one draw. On top of that, both sides has scored 14 goals. Despite playing a draw against Albania in the weekend, Denmark looks strongest at the moment, especially as Ronaldo is reported injured for the match. However, Portugal have a more experienced squad than Denmark, and that might come them in handy in this match.

What are the odds?

Denmark: 23/10 (Bet365)

Draw: 12/5 (Skybet)

Portugal: 7/5 (Coral)
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