No new buys for Ferguson

Manchester United do not need to make any signings in the January transfer window according to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said they would ‘definitely not’ be making any inclusions during the transfer period and the squad they use to travel to West Brom on New Year’s Day is already strong enough.

There will, however, be movement in the other direction, with 19-year-old Italian forward Federico Macheda heading out on loan to gain experience.

United will again be without midfield ace Paul Scholes for the West Brom match as Ferguson has told the 35-year-old to rest for a few weeks.

The Red Devils could only manage a draw at Birmingham in midweek and could desperately do with his presence to beef up the midfield on Saturday.

Ferguson said: “Paul had a little recurrence of the groin injury. We just told him to have a complete break, which is what he has done.”

“Hopefully that break will get rid of the injury problem through rest and we will have him back training sometime next week.”

United have scored 10 goals in their last three visits to West Brom, but Ferguson said they have been a different prospect altogether since rejoining the Premier League this season.

“We expect a tough game on Saturday. West Brom have been a refreshing team this season – they play the right way and have a good threat,” Ferguson said.

“Their goal tally has been very good this season, particularly away from home. So we know it won’t be easy.”

Ferguson promised to make changes to the side and suggested Portuguese winger Nani (hip) could return to the fold.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Grant: Wolves should be bottom

West Ham Manager Avram Grant says Wolves should be bottom of the Premier League ahead of the pair’s clash at Upton Park on Saturday.

West Ham were denied all three points when the two sides met at Molineux in October after Frederic Piquionne’s late goal was harshly ruled out for hand-ball.

And Grant believes that decision was the only reason West Ham, and not Mick McCarthy’s Wolves, were sitting at the foot of the Premier League table.

“Wolves would now be three points behind us if the referee’s decision had been good,” Grant said. “It was one of our best games in Wolves so we want to win.”

Grant said he has told the players to stop being scared of what happens if they lose, but instead concentrate on what would happen if they were to emerge victorious in front of their home fans.

“I think that when we are at home and we have the momentum, even if we are playing against a good team, our target is to win the game,” Grant said.

“I don’t think like this, I think that all the games are big games. Three months ago people were saying every game would be a big game.”

Grant could choose to recall defenders Danny Gabbidon and Tal Ben Haim after resting both in midweek.

Midfielders Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh), Jack Collison (knee)and Kieron Dyer (thigh) are all unavailable while defenders Manuel da Costa (ankle) and Herita Ilunga (thigh) are also ruled out.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Spurs in five-way race for the title

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp believes the quest to win the Premier League title is now a five-horse race.

The north London club have gone eight league games unbeaten and have enjoyed a memorable festive period having recorded back-to-back wins over Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Spurs are now just five points behind leaders Manchester United and can move back into the top four if they manage to beat Fulham at White Hart Lane on New Year’s Day.

Redknapp has no doubts that his squad have the quality to challenge for the title, but knows they will face stiff competition from United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal if they are to come out on top.

“Liverpool could come with a run but you do see five teams fighting for the top four,” Redknapp said.

“The players have done great and have been fantastic. It has been a good run for us and looks to me like there are five teams pushing for the Champions League places and we are right amongst that. That’s where we want to be and even higher if we can.”

“We’re on a good run. Last year we had the pressure of getting into the Champions League and we coped with that.”

“Winning the title is very difficult but we’re there, it’s open, it’s the most open championship for years. Everyone is finding it hard this year.”

William Gallas will return against Fulham having missed the last three weeks with a hamstring injury, but Younes Kaboul and Jermain Defoe are ruled out through suspension.

And although Redknapp admits he is happy with the squad at his disposal, he revealed he has been told by chairman Daniel Levy he has money to spend in the January transfer window if he wants to bring in some big-name players.

The Tottenham manager has been linked with moves for Scott Parker and David Beckham, but he insists he will only do business in the market if the players are better than the ones he has already got.

“We have good players getting better. Bale and Modric have been incredible and we have got Van der Vaart now,” Redknapp said. “Those players are not for sale. So the club is going forward all the time.”

“If we found the right player the owner would like me to spend his money and buy somebody who could make the difference.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Rooney: I was wrong

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has admitted he was wrong to question the club’s ambitions going forward.

Rooney, 25, stunned the football world when he handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford in October after his contract talks broke down.

The former Everton striker said the club’s failure to sign big-name players and a lack of ambition was reason behind his decision as speculation ran wild as to where Rooney would head.

But just four days later, the issue was smoothed over and Rooney had signed a new five-year deal.

“I went to see the manager and David Gill and asked them for answers,” Rooney told MUTV.

“Now I realise it has nothing to do with me but I wanted to make sure it was the right thing for me to do. I got the answers in the end but looking back it was probably wrong of me to do that.”

Rooney said a visit from 30 fans to his home, although alarming, made him understand the reaction to his comments, but he denied he would have signed for arch-rivals, Manchester City.

“I looked out and saw 30 blokes with their hoods up. I wasn’t going to invite them in for tea,” Rooney said.

“I understood some of the fans were disappointed and felt let down. But it was just one of those things I had to get right. Thankfully I have sorted it out now. I have made the right decision and made myself happy.”

“But I didn’t even think about where I was going to go. There was no way I would have gone to Manchester City and there was more chance of me going to City than Liverpool.”

Rooney also signalled his intent to become a manager once his playing career finishes, but said he was determined to earn his stripes.

“I would like to be a manager. That would be my ambition when I finish playing,” Rooney said.

“You see the players who have played for Sir Alex and gone on to be good managers. I am hoping to do that one day. But I wouldn’t like to follow the manager here, or start at an Everton or Manchester United.”

“I want to learn something about the lower leagues and build a reputation that way rather than just jumping into a big club.”

“It is not right if someone goes in and gets a big job with no experience. There are managers who have worked for years trying to get that.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Houllier unfazed by pressure

Gerard Houllier shook off the pressure mounting on him and insisted Aston Villa would soon be making a move up the table.

Houllier took over at Villa Park after Martin O’Neill’s sudden resignation on the eve of the season, but so far has failed to inspire the team, who lie 15th on the Premier League table.

But the Frenchman said the club would band together during this tough time and were not worried about outside opinions.

“I knew there would be pressure and there is more pressure and the feeling is not the same when you don’t win games,” said Houllier.

“The club is a unit, the chairman, the staff, medical people, everyone seems to get together.”

The return of players from injury and an improvement from the members of the squad dropped for footballing reasons should make a real difference to the team that faces Chelsea on Sunday.

“The positive thing is a lot of players are gradually coming out of injury and starting to play,” Houllier said.

“The good news is that the treatment rooms are nearly empty. Ashley Young, who we missed for the last two games, should be okay for this weekend.”

After a poor game at Liverpool and a reported training ground bust-up, Richard Dunne missed the last three games and was not in the squad for the last two.

He will be back for the Chelsea game, but fellow Irishman Stephen Ireland will have to wait for his opportunity.

Striker John Carew will also be back in a Villa shirt shortly.

“They are out of the team only on footballing reasons,” Houllier said. “They weren’t performing at times.”

“John said he needed more training to come back to his best level – he is fighting hard to come back to that level. The rest is a matter of choice, but Dunne seems better as well.”

Houllier accepts Villa are one of twelve or so teams in a relegation fight.

“It is very funny because you win two games and suddenly you are near Europe again and but you lose two and you are in the battle for relegation,” he said.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Wolves looking up

Confidence is at an all time high at Wolverhampton ahead of their must-win trip to fellow strugglers West Ham on Saturday.

The Midlands side pulled off a shock 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday night and manager Mick McCarthy is looking to use this result to propel his relegation-threatened team up the table.

“It’s been a huge lift for all of us,” McCarthy said.

“I keep saying the players have a good spirit but when you’ve won it’s better. Our spirits are all higher, and not just the players, everybody in Wolverhampton.”

“It gives you confidence and self belief that you can go and win away from home. It was a really good performance. It’s a real boost for everybody.”

The bottom of the table clash is a must win for both sides and McCarthy knows the Hammers, currently bottom of the table, will be stiff opposition.

“West Ham have played well in the last few games. I watched them against Everton and I thought they were excellent against Fulham,” McCarthy said.

“Last season at West Ham was our best away performance and for that reason the West Ham players will be up for it even more.”

“But if we play like we did at Anfield then we’ve got every chance.”

With Wolves 19th on the table, the former Sunderland boss knows his team will have to fight to survive this season.

But McCarthy is confident his players have the quality to avoid relegation to the Championship.

“We’re still in the relegation positions and we’ve got to out of there,” he said. “The team is scrapping for it and no-one is giving up here.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Sunderland to Make £12m to Bring Aston Villa Winger Stewart Downing Back to the North-East

no comments by The Newshound on December 31st, 2010

Stadium of Light side look to snap up in form wide man.

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Classic Football Assaults #7: Team-Mates Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer Decide to Punch Each Other

3 comments by Mad Dog and Glory on December 31st, 2010

No one on Planet Earth likes Lee Bowyer. There are Amazonian tribes who have as yet not been in contact with the modern world, they live in huts and no little of electricity or indeed the magic of a nice sausage sandwich drenched in HP sauce, yet when scientists who discovered them a few months back they showed the natives a picture of Lee Bowyer and the resultant anger meant that the scientists have been turn to paste. This is the type of hatred the former Leeds, West Ham, Charlton midfielder engenders. Therefore it was no surprise when Kieron Dyer, who was surprisingly fit enough to be involved in this scuffle, decided to have a good old fashioned punch-up.

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Hodgson apologises for fan criticism

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has apologised after copping criticism for a perceived dig at the club’s supporters on Wednesday.

The former Fulham boss vented his anger after his side’s shock 1-0 loss to then-bottom Wolves at home, suggesting energy spent by fans criticising him would be better placed supporting the team.

Hodgson went onto say he has not felt that ’special’ Anfield atmosphere since he arrived, but apologised and backed away from his comments on Friday.

“I didn’t set out to attack the fans; I had to answer a question about being the butt of their jeers and of course whilst empathising with them, of course, I also tried to defend my position a bit,” Hodgson said.

“I certainly regret it if I have offended anyone in any way, it was in no way meant to be an offensive comment.”

“The support of the Liverpool fans is the best in the country, but to get that support you have to play well and give them something to really look forward to supporting.”

Hodgson has not spoken to the club’s owners since the Wolves defeat despite speculation he might be relieved of his duties, and he just wants the team to turn a corner against sixth-placed Bolton, who are the visitors to Anfield on New Year’s Day.

“I can only hope that I can help make the team better, help get the results that everybody wants and I know that then they will get behind the team again and get behind me,” Hodgson said.

“When we don’t win I’m afraid I have to accept some of the stick is going to come my way. It’s a great opportunity for players who, like myself, have found themselves in the firing line for criticism, to prove people wrong.”

Joe Cole aggravated an ankle injury in training and is a doubt whilst fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard is also a doubt after being ‘extremely tired’ by his 90 minute comeback game in midweek.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Ivanovic out, Drogba okay for Chelsea

Chelsea will have to face Aston Villa on Sunday without centre-back Branislav Ivanovic because of suspension.

Ivanovic picked up his fifth booking of the season against Bolton and will serve a one-match ban, meaning either youngster Jeffrey Bruma or veteran Paulo Ferreira will receive a call-up for the match at Stamford Bridge.

In better new for manager Carlo Ancelotti, Ivorian striker Didier Drogba is expected to be passed fit despite picking up a back injury during the midweek victory over Bolton.

“Drogba is ok, he had a knock on his back but he will be fine. We will miss Ivanovic but we have to find another solution,” Ancelotti said.

Chelsea, who beat Aston Villa 7-1 in the corresponding fixture last season, are desperate to take three points again to make it back-to-back wins after beating Bolton 1-0 at home on Wednesday.

“That victory was important to change the atmosphere, to change the trend and to come back to winning ways,” Ancelotti said.

“But now we need to follow it up with another win. It was important to end the bad moment but we are not yet at our best, we can still improve and we want to do that.”

“We have to put in another performance against Aston Villa. That’s the next step. We have to maintain the same performance against Villa – it will not easy but that is our aim.”

“The Premier League is open again and we have to stay in focus. The next game is at home and it’s a period when if we do our best we can come back quickly at the top of the table.”

“Villa are in trouble now so we have to pay attention because they will consider this game a good opportunity for them to come back.”

Chelsea captain John Terry is hoping to make 2011 every bit as good for the Blues as 2010.

Last season Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup double and Terry wants more success in the New Year.

“Winning our first double is something that everyone who was involved will always remember,” Terry said.

“But now we want to go on and have many more days like those we spent celebrating in May. We want 2011 to be as good as 2010 and now is a good time to win games.”

“With so many teams close together at the top of the league at the moment this is an important spell in the league season.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Cigarini rules out Sevilla exit

Sevilla midfielder Luca Cigarini has ruled out leaving the Primera Division side in the January transfer window.

Cigarini has been strongly linked with a return to Italy in January.

Udinese forward hints at Premier League move

Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez has revealed that he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old Chile international has been linked with a host of clubs around Europe, including Manchester United.

Sanchez told Goal.com Italy: “I’d like to play for a big club but I still lack a final piece for the big leap. I must still improve as a person and as a player.

“I like the English football best because they go at thousand miles per hour speed and never stop – a little like me.”

Cattermole, Welbeck close to Sunderland return

Sunderland could receive a double boost with Danny Welbeck and Lee Cattermole likely starters against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Both players are expected to be in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon with Cattermole shaking off a back problem and Welbeck a neck strain.

But Sunderland will definitely be without defender Nedum Onuoha, while record signing Asamoah Gyan is also not expected to feature.

Bruce blames the casualties on a punishing round of festive fixtures which he publicly criticised on Boxing Day.

The biggest culprit, says Bruce, has been the scheduling of two games within 48 hours – the away trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day and the game against Blackpool on December 28.

“It’s not something any of us should have to deal with, to be fair,” Bruce said. “It’s a nonsense.”

“Welbeck has got a neck problem but we think he will be fine. Cattermole has suffered the same kind of hamstring and back problem that he had last season.”

“I’m not ruling Catts out at this stage though, because hopefully he will be fit, as will Danny.”

“As for Nedum, he is definitely out, hopefully for not much more than a week.”

“And Asamoah is struggling with a series of knocks at the moment, and the hamstring is just the latest.”

“I think he struggled to play two games in the space of 48 hours, because it’s not something he has ever had to deal with in his career before.”

“You just can’t ask players to play two games in that short a space of time – not at the kind of intensity required in the Premier League, anyway.”

“Players are going to pick up injuries, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

After having 33 attempts on goal against Blackpool in midweek, Bruce is expecting a complete contrast against Blackburn.

Bruce said: “You couldn’t have had a much more open team than Blackpool.”

“They give it a go but they also leave themselves exposed at the back when they do that.”

“We exploited that fact fantastically – we just couldn’t do the final part and put the ball in the back of the net.”

“I don’t expect it to be a particularly exciting and open game. It’s likely to be hard-fought and difficult but we’re determined to finish the year on a high.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Wenger: Title is ours for the taking

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists the title is there for the taking, but warned his side they must be mentally strong in this season’s race.

The Gunners missed the chance to draw level on points with league leaders Manchester United on Wednesday after they conceded a late equaliser against Wigan.

And Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd this week claimed the title is now “Manchester United’s to lose”.

But Wenger remains confident his side can return the title to north London for the first time since 2004.

“Everyone has an opinion on it but I think it’s Arsenal’s title to win,” Wenger said.

“The only thing we have learned from the first six months is that this could be the league of the mentally strong.”

“It’s a league of many ups and downs and the teams who can deal best with that will certainly be the team who wins it.”

“I feel we are on a good track. We are in a strong position but we want to improve our home record. Our away form has been fantastic.”

Arsenal’s trip to Birmingham on Saturday is their penultimate fixture of a frantic festive schedule which has seen them play four games in just 10 days.

Despite starting the spell with a superb 3-1 victory over Chelsea, Arsenal were brought back down to earth by their midweek draw at Wigan.

“I see the Christmas period as a whole. We had a little disadvantage with the way the fixtures were organised compared to some other clubs,” Wenger said.

“At the end of the day we know that Christmas will be very important because we play Chelsea and Manchester City and then have two away games against Wigan and Birmingham.”

“For us it will have a certain impact on the rest of the season so it’s important we have a good game against Birmingham.”

Wenger is set to recall striker Robin van Persie and midfielder Alex Song after they were rested for the trip to Wigan.

Captain Cesc Fabregas is also available again after serving his one-match ban, but fellow midfielder Abou Diaby is unavailable.

“We lose Diaby for a calf strain, (he will miss) three weeks approximately,” Wenger said.

“The squad will be approximately the squad that has gone to Wigan but we get back Song, Fabregas – who was suspended – and Van Persie.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Injuries hit hard at Blackburn

Blackburn have eight senior players unavailable for Saturday’s clash at Sunderland while defender Chris Samba is also in doubt.

But new manager Steve Kean, who enjoyed his first win at West Brom on Tuesday, still believes he can field a team capable of forcing another positive result.

“We are stretched, no doubt about that,” said Kean. “However, the long list of unavailable players means chances elsewhere, especially for the young players.”

“We have a game plan and I think we can give Sunderland a really good game.”

“If we can pick up a point, or maybe even all three, then it would really set things up for the second half of the season.”

Striker Nikola Kalinic and defender Michel Salgado are both suspended while goalkeeper Paul Robinson, striker Jason Roberts and midfielders Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones, Vince Grella and Keith Andrews are all injured.

Kean added: “It is difficult and we are hoping that big Chris (Samba) comes through. He has had a lot of intensive treatment and we are quite optimistic. He will have a late test, as late as possible to give him the best chance of making it.”

“Sunderland are a strong side who like to start with a high tempo and try to force you back as they go for the first goal.”

“We have got to match that and then try to get our game going in their final third as well. We defended well at West Brom, but we also attacked with real purpose.”

Rovers won 3-1 at The Hawthorns on Tuesday – the first time the team has scored three times away from home in a league game since Paul Ince’s first game in charge, a 3-2 win at Everton in August 2008.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Moyes searches for end to goal drought

Everton manager David Moyes refuses to confirm he will make a January signing as he desperately searches for a goal scorer.

Leading scorer Tim Cahill will be missing for a month after Saturday’s trip to Stoke when he flies out to represent Australia in the Asian Cup.

Moyes said the whole team was responsible for filling the void left by Cahill.

“I need somebody to score me goals. If I don’t get the goals then I’m going to have to keep looking to find a solution,” Moyes said.

“I’ve asked ‘Have they been creating enough opportunities? Have they been creating enough chances?’”

“I mean, sometimes centre-forwards say they didn’t get a chance and got bad service and I think that’s been the case in several games.”

“But if you look at the majority of them we have had opportunities to score. I think it’s not always falling to centre forwards – Sylvain Distain had two opportunities in midweek and didn’t score so it’s not always been the centre-forwards.”

Everton sit in mid-table at present, but Moyes knows that things could change very quickly, starting with a win at the Brittania Stadium.

“I don’t know if it’s nervous football but I think because the league is very tight you know that a couple of defeats and a bit of poor form could find you at the wrong end of the table,” Moyes said.

“In the same breath, run into good form and you could find yourself very easily moving away from the pack.”

“In football management you’re always trying to look long-term, but in the main, you’re always looking short-term to try and get a couple of results, then you can start to look a bit further afield.”

“I wouldn’t say we’re looking forward to it but because we know it is going to be tough but we look forward to going there and competing.”

Defenders Phil Jagielka (thigh) and John Heitinga (knee) both have an outside chance of making the game.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Hodgson apologises for fan criticism

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has apologised after copping criticism for a perceived dig at the club’s supporters on Wednesday.

The former Fulham boss vented his anger after his side’s shock 1-0 loss to then-bottom Wolves at home, suggesting energy spent by fans criticising him would be better placed supporting the team.

Hodgson went onto say he has not felt that ’special’ Anfield atmosphere since he arrived, but apologised and backed away from his comments on Friday.

“I didn’t set out to attack the fans; I had to answer a question about being the butt of their jeers and of course whilst empathising with them, of course, I also tried to defend my position a bit,” Hodgson said.

“I certainly regret it if I have offended anyone in any way, it was in no way meant to be an offensive comment.”

“The support of the Liverpool fans is the best in the country, but to get that support you have to play well and give them something to really look forward to supporting.”

Hodgson has not spoken to the club’s owners since the Wolves defeat despite speculation he might be relieved of his duties, and he just wants the team to turn a corner against sixth-placed Bolton, who are the visitors to Anfield on New Year’s Day.

“I can only hope that I can help make the team better, help get the results that everybody wants and I know that then they will get behind the team again and get behind me,” Hodgson said.

“When we don’t win I’m afraid I have to accept some of the stick is going to come my way. It’s a great opportunity for players who, like myself, have found themselves in the firing line for criticism, to prove people wrong.”

Joe Cole aggravated an ankle injury in training and is a doubt whilst fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard is also a doubt after being ‘extremely tired’ by his 90 minute comeback game in midweek.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Ivanovic out, Drogba okay for Chelsea

Chelsea will have to face Aston Villa on Sunday without centre-back Branislav Ivanovic because of suspension.

Ivanovic picked up his fifth booking of the season against Bolton and will serve a one-match ban, meaning either youngster Jeffrey Bruma or veteran Paulo Ferreira will receive a call-up for the match at Stamford Bridge.

In better new for manager Carlo Ancelotti, Ivorian striker Didier Drogba is expected to be passed fit despite picking up a back injury during the midweek victory over Bolton.

“Drogba is ok, he had a knock on his back but he will be fine. We will miss Ivanovic but we have to find another solution,” Ancelotti said.

Chelsea, who beat Aston Villa 7-1 in the corresponding fixture last season, are desperate to take three points again to make it back-to-back wins after beating Bolton 1-0 at home on Wednesday.

“That victory was important to change the atmosphere, to change the trend and to come back to winning ways,” Ancelotti said.

“But now we need to follow it up with another win. It was important to end the bad moment but we are not yet at our best, we can still improve and we want to do that.”

“We have to put in another performance against Aston Villa. That’s the next step. We have to maintain the same performance against Villa – it will not easy but that is our aim.”

“The Premier League is open again and we have to stay in focus. The next game is at home and it’s a period when if we do our best we can come back quickly at the top of the table.”

“Villa are in trouble now so we have to pay attention because they will consider this game a good opportunity for them to come back.”

Chelsea captain John Terry is hoping to make 2011 every bit as good for the Blues as 2010.

Last season Chelsea won the Premier League and FA Cup double and Terry wants more success in the New Year.

“Winning our first double is something that everyone who was involved will always remember,” Terry said.

“But now we want to go on and have many more days like those we spent celebrating in May. We want 2011 to be as good as 2010 and now is a good time to win games.”

“With so many teams close together at the top of the league at the moment this is an important spell in the league season.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Cigarini rules out Sevilla exit

Sevilla midfielder Luca Cigarini has ruled out leaving the Primera Division side in the January transfer window.

Cigarini has been strongly linked with a return to Italy in January.

Udinese forward hints at Premier League move

Udinese forward Alexis Sanchez has revealed that he would be interested in a move to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old Chile international has been linked with a host of clubs around Europe, including Manchester United.

Sanchez told Goal.com Italy: “I’d like to play for a big club but I still lack a final piece for the big leap. I must still improve as a person and as a player.

“I like the English football best because they go at thousand miles per hour speed and never stop – a little like me.”

Cattermole, Welbeck close to Sunderland return

Sunderland could receive a double boost with Danny Welbeck and Lee Cattermole likely starters against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Both players are expected to be in the starting line-up at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon with Cattermole shaking off a back problem and Welbeck a neck strain.

But Sunderland will definitely be without defender Nedum Onuoha, while record signing Asamoah Gyan is also not expected to feature.

Bruce blames the casualties on a punishing round of festive fixtures which he publicly criticised on Boxing Day.

The biggest culprit, says Bruce, has been the scheduling of two games within 48 hours – the away trip to Manchester United on Boxing Day and the game against Blackpool on December 28.

“It’s not something any of us should have to deal with, to be fair,” Bruce said. “It’s a nonsense.”

“Welbeck has got a neck problem but we think he will be fine. Cattermole has suffered the same kind of hamstring and back problem that he had last season.”

“I’m not ruling Catts out at this stage though, because hopefully he will be fit, as will Danny.”

“As for Nedum, he is definitely out, hopefully for not much more than a week.”

“And Asamoah is struggling with a series of knocks at the moment, and the hamstring is just the latest.”

“I think he struggled to play two games in the space of 48 hours, because it’s not something he has ever had to deal with in his career before.”

“You just can’t ask players to play two games in that short a space of time – not at the kind of intensity required in the Premier League, anyway.”

“Players are going to pick up injuries, and that’s exactly what has happened.”

After having 33 attempts on goal against Blackpool in midweek, Bruce is expecting a complete contrast against Blackburn.

Bruce said: “You couldn’t have had a much more open team than Blackpool.”

“They give it a go but they also leave themselves exposed at the back when they do that.”

“We exploited that fact fantastically – we just couldn’t do the final part and put the ball in the back of the net.”

“I don’t expect it to be a particularly exciting and open game. It’s likely to be hard-fought and difficult but we’re determined to finish the year on a high.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Wenger: Title is ours for the taking

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists the title is there for the taking, but warned his side they must be mentally strong in this season’s race.

The Gunners missed the chance to draw level on points with league leaders Manchester United on Wednesday after they conceded a late equaliser against Wigan.

And Manchester City assistant manager Brian Kidd this week claimed the title is now “Manchester United’s to lose”.

But Wenger remains confident his side can return the title to north London for the first time since 2004.

“Everyone has an opinion on it but I think it’s Arsenal’s title to win,” Wenger said.

“The only thing we have learned from the first six months is that this could be the league of the mentally strong.”

“It’s a league of many ups and downs and the teams who can deal best with that will certainly be the team who wins it.”

“I feel we are on a good track. We are in a strong position but we want to improve our home record. Our away form has been fantastic.”

Arsenal’s trip to Birmingham on Saturday is their penultimate fixture of a frantic festive schedule which has seen them play four games in just 10 days.

Despite starting the spell with a superb 3-1 victory over Chelsea, Arsenal were brought back down to earth by their midweek draw at Wigan.

“I see the Christmas period as a whole. We had a little disadvantage with the way the fixtures were organised compared to some other clubs,” Wenger said.

“At the end of the day we know that Christmas will be very important because we play Chelsea and Manchester City and then have two away games against Wigan and Birmingham.”

“For us it will have a certain impact on the rest of the season so it’s important we have a good game against Birmingham.”

Wenger is set to recall striker Robin van Persie and midfielder Alex Song after they were rested for the trip to Wigan.

Captain Cesc Fabregas is also available again after serving his one-match ban, but fellow midfielder Abou Diaby is unavailable.

“We lose Diaby for a calf strain, (he will miss) three weeks approximately,” Wenger said.

“The squad will be approximately the squad that has gone to Wigan but we get back Song, Fabregas – who was suspended – and Van Persie.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Injuries hit hard at Blackburn

Blackburn have eight senior players unavailable for Saturday’s clash at Sunderland while defender Chris Samba is also in doubt.

But new manager Steve Kean, who enjoyed his first win at West Brom on Tuesday, still believes he can field a team capable of forcing another positive result.

“We are stretched, no doubt about that,” said Kean. “However, the long list of unavailable players means chances elsewhere, especially for the young players.”

“We have a game plan and I think we can give Sunderland a really good game.”

“If we can pick up a point, or maybe even all three, then it would really set things up for the second half of the season.”

Striker Nikola Kalinic and defender Michel Salgado are both suspended while goalkeeper Paul Robinson, striker Jason Roberts and midfielders Steven Nzonzi, Phil Jones, Vince Grella and Keith Andrews are all injured.

Kean added: “It is difficult and we are hoping that big Chris (Samba) comes through. He has had a lot of intensive treatment and we are quite optimistic. He will have a late test, as late as possible to give him the best chance of making it.”

“Sunderland are a strong side who like to start with a high tempo and try to force you back as they go for the first goal.”

“We have got to match that and then try to get our game going in their final third as well. We defended well at West Brom, but we also attacked with real purpose.”

Rovers won 3-1 at The Hawthorns on Tuesday – the first time the team has scored three times away from home in a league game since Paul Ince’s first game in charge, a 3-2 win at Everton in August 2008.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Moyes searches for end to goal drought

Everton manager David Moyes refuses to confirm he will make a January signing as he desperately searches for a goal scorer.

Leading scorer Tim Cahill will be missing for a month after Saturday’s trip to Stoke when he flies out to represent Australia in the Asian Cup.

Moyes said the whole team was responsible for filling the void left by Cahill.

“I need somebody to score me goals. If I don’t get the goals then I’m going to have to keep looking to find a solution,” Moyes said.

“I’ve asked ‘Have they been creating enough opportunities? Have they been creating enough chances?’”

“I mean, sometimes centre-forwards say they didn’t get a chance and got bad service and I think that’s been the case in several games.”

“But if you look at the majority of them we have had opportunities to score. I think it’s not always falling to centre forwards – Sylvain Distain had two opportunities in midweek and didn’t score so it’s not always been the centre-forwards.”

Everton sit in mid-table at present, but Moyes knows that things could change very quickly, starting with a win at the Brittania Stadium.

“I don’t know if it’s nervous football but I think because the league is very tight you know that a couple of defeats and a bit of poor form could find you at the wrong end of the table,” Moyes said.

“In the same breath, run into good form and you could find yourself very easily moving away from the pack.”

“In football management you’re always trying to look long-term, but in the main, you’re always looking short-term to try and get a couple of results, then you can start to look a bit further afield.”

“I wouldn’t say we’re looking forward to it but because we know it is going to be tough but we look forward to going there and competing.”

Defenders Phil Jagielka (thigh) and John Heitinga (knee) both have an outside chance of making the game.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Tottenham Line Up Move for £15m Modric Replacement, Just In Case Luka Leaves

4 comments by Mr Comfort on December 31st, 2010

White Hart Lane boss keen on pint sized Marseille star.

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Arsenal Striker Carlos Vela Set for Loan Switch as Aaron Ramsey Returns to the Emirates

no comments by Vijay Murali on December 31st, 2010

Arsene Wenger makes plans for his Emirates youngsters.

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Hammer time to give happy new year for Wolves?

By: DJ | December 31st, 2010
    Tweet

Bottom team West Ham meet one from bottom Wolves in a New Years Day show down at Upton Park as the fight to stay in the Premier League enters the second half of the season. If Wolves had lost at Anfield then this game could have been a last chance to stay in touch with the pack but the vital three points gained on Wednesday has taken the desperation out of the game for Wolves and a draw would be a more than helpful result now.

It was starting to look a little desperate for West Ham when they went 8 games without a league win from the beginning of October through to mid November, but things have picked up a little  since then with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats from the last 6 league games. They have been knocking in a few more goals of late but a goalless draw with Blackpool was the only clean sheet they have found in the last 3 months. Seeing Piquionne limp out of Tuesday’s game with Everton won’t have disappointed the watching McCarthy and Connor and the Hammers may have to rely on former Wolves loanee Carlton Cole to pose the main threat.

After the disappointment of losing the Wigan game we can now look at the bigger picture which is that Wolves have won 3 of their last 5 games and sit 6th in the Premier League on the current form tables that cover the last 6 games of each club. They are only one point shy of the point a game minimum target and in the tight league table are only 4 points off 11th. It’s beginning to look like the 4 West Midlands teams could all be in the relegation fight now and Albion, Villa and Birmingham face  top four teams Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal this weekend so they could be dragged even further into the mire.

Barring injuries and any players feeling the effects of a third game in a week, it would be expected that an unchanged team will be sent out by McCarthy. It was a much improved defensive showing at Anfield and Foley is adapting well to the defensive midfield role and captaincy. The work rate up front of Ebanks Blake and Ward is a handful for any defence and Wolves will be happy to go 4-4-2 again against a team that also use that formation.

The trip to the Boleyn Grounds saw Wolves give their best and most crucial performance of the season in 2009/10 and with that and the Liverpool game in mind there will be no lack of belief that they can get a result on Saturday. A draw will be fine for keeping things on track. A win would almost certainly lift them out of the bottom three and that would certainly ensure a happy new year.

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Farewell 2010

By Anish on December 31, 2010 7:40 AM | Comments | TrackBacksShare|

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A-League: Central Coast 1 Melbourne Victory 2

Late goals from Diogo Ferreira and Grant Brebner gave Melbourne Victory a 2-1 win over Central Coast in a New Year’s Eve thriller at Gosford.

The third-placed Mariners went ahead in the 48th minute after an own goal from Melbourne defender Adrian Leijer, before second-half replacement Ferreira equalised with five minutes to play.

A shocking mistake from young Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the 87th minute saw Brebner presented with an easy tap-in to win the match.

Ryan should have easily held Ferreira’s long-range shot but the shot-stopper fumbled the ball and Brebner had the easiest of tasks to score what turned out to be the winner in front of 12,409 fans at Bluetongue Stadium.

It was a heartbreaking end to the match for the Mariners who looked on course for a third win in succession.

”They got two soft goals from fatigue,” Central Coast coach Graham Arnold lamented.

”The game changed completely with the sending off (of in-form Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik). I’m proud of the boys, for me there was only one team on the field in the first half.”

Melbourne remain in fifth place on the A-League table after their fourth straight win.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Anelka upbeat on Chelsea title chances

Nicolas Anelka is backing Chelsea to remain in the English Premier League title race despite their recent form slump.

Chelsea beat Bolton 1-0 on Wednesday to record their first win in seven league matches – the team’s worst run of form since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003.

Despite their poor results, Chelsea remain just four points off league leaders Manchester United, a measure of an unpredictable season that Anelka believes is far from decided.

“It’s not a surprise for me the way this season has gone,” the Frenchman said.

“We did very well at the beginning and we’ve had a little difficulty recently, but there are still a lot of games left and it’s going to be a very tough season.”

“That’s the way the league is now – when you have more big teams, you have more big games, so it’s going to be very tight all the way through.”

“If you drop points one day, it doesn’t mean you will still be behind 15 games later anymore because anything can happen each week.”

“We’ve dropped points, but sometimes it’s like that – football is not always beautiful. You have to be strong in your head to pass these hard times.”

“It’s better when things are easier, of course. But life is not always easy, so we have to stay strong and see what happens. It doesn’t affect the way we approach matches because we always want to win.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

This year’s Premier League season is brilliantly unpredictable

This season has been one of the strangest in Premier League history. The likes of Blackpool and Wolves have both achieved remarkable victories at Liverpool’s Anfield.

Sunderland beat league champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. West Brom blew Arsenal away at the Emirates and hammered Everton at Goodison Park.

Unpredictable

This season has also been the most unpredictable Premier League campaign in recent years.

On Wednesday night I sat down fully expecting to watch Liverpool easily turn over Wolves. The visitors however had other ideas, as they shocked the hosts 1-0. This result was typical of how this season has gone.

It’s these sorts of results that have made the Premier League so interesting to watch this season. The bottom half of the table has some unfamiliar names down there. The likes of Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all in the bottom half of the table.

Underachieving

All three are more used to being in top six of the Premier League than the bottom ten. However this season all three have had a poor first half of the season. I have no doubts that the two Merseyside giants will finish higher up in the table.

Villa could be in trouble though. They are currently depending on youngsters and confidence is very low at the Villans. Villa Manager Gerard Houllier isn’t exactly the most popular guy in the Midlands either unless you ask West Brom or Birmingham City fans!

Villa currently find themselves just one point outside the relegation zone with a trip to champions Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. If I was a Villa fan I would be very nervous right now.

Fantastic

The standout team of the Premier League season at the halfway stage has to be Blackpool. The Seasider’s are in eight place in the Premier League table with up to three games in-hand on the teams around them.

I have never hid my admiration for Ian Holloway’s side and they have been fantastic this season. Their attacking approach to the game has proved a breath of fresh air in the Premier League. I think they are fast becoming everybody’s second team.

I was hoping that the Tangerines would stay up and it’s looking like they could be capable of surviving in the Premier League.

Open

The league is so wide open it’s unbelievable. Everton in 11th are just three points off 18th placed Fulham. One win could take you up five places in the Premier League table and it’s absolutely fascinating.

The relegation battle will probably go right down to the wire. Blackpool, Blackburn and Bolton were three of the favourites to be relegated at the start of the season, yet they are currently midtable looking securely down at the relegation zone.

In fact the three North West clubs are looking at challenging for a European place instead. They are not safe yet with half of the season till left to run and could still be dragged into the dogfight, it looks unlikely though. With those three unlikely to be relegated other clubs will be in trouble.

Strugglers

The bottom of the Premier League table isn’t clear and cut. Nobody has been cut adrift like in normal seasons. Bottom club West Ham are just two points away from 17th place and safety that’s how tight it is.

The bottom teams are all showing enough fight to make the relegation places hard to predict. The likes of Wigan, Wolves and West Ham all achieved vital victories over the festive period. I’m not even going to try to predict who will go down.

Title

The top of the Premier League table is just as competitive as the bottom, which is unusual for England’s top flight. Five teams are realistically challenging for the title.

The usual suspects of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are there with the new challengers of Manchester City and Tottenham also battling away at the top. Again it would take a wiser man than me to predict how that race will finish. With no runaway leaders it’s anybody’s title.

Exciting

Before this season started I believe the Premier League had become slightly boring because it was too predictable. This season has restored my faith in the excitement of the Premier League and I just can’t wait to see what happens next.

Is this the most exciting season in recent Premier League history?

Fri 31 December, 2010

Kaka set for a summer move to Chelsea; Juventus admit interest in Pazzini and Gilardino

Agent: Kaka will join Chelsea in January

Football agent Ernesto Bronzetti believes Real Madrid star Kaka is close to agreeing a summer move to Chelsea.

The Brazilian has been strongly linked to Inter ever since Leonardo replaced Rafa Benitez, but Bronzetti believes Kaka will not be moving clubs in January.

Phillips in line for Blackpool start

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway could throw teenager Matt Phillips into his starting line-up for their New Year’s Day trip to Manchester City.

Midfielder Elliot Grandin has been ruled out of the trip to Eastlands with a hamstring injury – a problem Holloway puts down to the lack of training and match practice due to the big freeze.

And that could open the door for 19-year-old Phillips, who was signed from Wycombe for just 300,000 pounds at the start of the season.

The winger has started just three games this season, but Holloway rates Phillips highly and says he has a bright future.

“The lad is so good it’s scary,” said Holloway. “I am glad I don’t play anymore because I would not like him running at me.”

“There are aspects of his game he needs to improve on but the world is at his feet.”

Holloway now has his sights set on revenge after City won 3-2 at Bloomfield Road in a controversial game in October.

Television replays showed that two of City’s goals should not have stood, and Holloway admits the game still rankles with him two months on.

“I was bitter about and it still gets me peeved,” said Holloway, “But now we have our chance to get our own back.”

Holloway revealed that striker Marlon Harewood is now back in training, but would not comment on reports Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston is now in talks with the club ahead of the January transfer window.

Kingston left Dutch club Vittesse Arnheim earlier this year and his brother is Blackpool goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Bolton running low on numbers

Owen Coyle will travel to Anfield with just 15 fit players in his Bolton side for their New Year’s Day showdown with Liverpool.

The Trotters could only name six fit substitutes for Wednesday’s loss at Chelsea and their fortunes haven’t improved since then.

Full-back Paul Robinson is the latest addition to the absentee list having picked up a fifth booking of the season in the loss at Stamford Bridge, leaving former Real Madrid youngster Marcos Alonso to make his Premier League debut following his two million pound signing over the off-season.

Gretar Steinsson is also set to miss out due to a knee injury and South Korean winger Chung-Yong Lee has departed for the Asian Cup in Qatar, leaving Coyle facing the prospect of naming only five substitutes.

“Unless there are a couple of miraculous recoveries, I expect to only have 15 players available for the match,” Coyle said.

“But we will just get on with it with a smile on our face and look to go and win a very difficult game.”

“I have to make sure my group are fresh and at their best bearing in mind we probably have the smallest squad in the division.”

Coyle’s counterpart Roy Hodgson has been criticised ahead of the game for comments relating to a lack of support from the fans, while a poor run of results has seen the Reds slip to 12th in the league.

But the Wanderers manager insists he has too many problems of his own to worry about under-fire Hodgson.

“I only focus on my team,” said Coyle. “Whatever happens at any other football club is for that club to look after.”

“We’ll be going there looking to be positive and with a game plan.”

Tamir Cohen is one of eight first teamers missing from the Bolton side.The midfielder is back in Israel on compassionate leave following the death of his father, the former Liverpool defender Avi, and Coyle has no plans to rush him back.

“It’s up to Tamir,” Coyle said. “It’s such a difficult time for him and his family. He’ll come back when it’s the right time for Tamir.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Lopez in line for Wigan debut

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez could throw new signing Adrian Lopez in for a dramatic debut against Newcastle.

The 23-year-old Spaniard has finally joined the Latics from Deportivo La Coruna after a protracted saga that required the intervention of FIFA, and looks set to be rushed into an injury-hit Wigan squad.

With James McCarthy, Victor Moses, Emmerson Boyce and Franco di Santo on the sidelines, Wigan could have done without Charles N’Zogbia being sent off against Arsenal in midweek and the three-match ban that goes with it.

But Martinez is delighted at being able to bring a player of Lopez’s undoubted quality into the squad.

“Adrian has been training with us for a while now waiting for the paperwork to clear,” Martinez said.

“He’s an under-21 international with Spain, which has given him a great education in the game and as a defender he’s technically very gifted and desperate to play for Wigan Athletic.”

“It’s great to have him on board and we’ll see how soon he can adapt to the English game.”

“As a defender, getting used to the directness of the English game is the biggest obstacle as well as the physical element of the Premier League.”

“We’ll make sure he’s given the right preparation, the players have welcomed him to the club really well and we’re all excited at the knowledge he can bring to the club.”

Jordi Gomez is standing by to replace N’Zogbia on the right-hand side of the midfield, which should be the only change from the 2-2 draw with the Gunners that extended Wigan’s unbeaten home record to six matches.

“Charles is out for three games now and so we’re going to try and use this time to refresh his body and make he’s ready for the period after,” Martinez added.

“Now is the time to find solutions to that, hand great opportunities to other players and concentrate on the game ahead of us.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

A-League: Central Coast 1 Melbourne Victory 2

Late goals from Diogo Ferreira and Grant Brebner gave Melbourne Victory a 2-1 win over Central Coast in a New Year’s Eve thriller at Gosford.

The third-placed Mariners went ahead in the 48th minute after an own goal from Melbourne defender Adrian Leijer, before second-half replacement Ferreira equalised with five minutes to play.

A shocking mistake from young Mariners goalkeeper Mathew Ryan in the 87th minute saw Brebner presented with an easy tap-in to win the match.

Ryan should have easily held Ferreira’s long-range shot but the shot-stopper fumbled the ball and Brebner had the easiest of tasks to score what turned out to be the winner in front of 12,409 fans at Bluetongue Stadium.

It was a heartbreaking end to the match for the Mariners who looked on course for a third win in succession.

”They got two soft goals from fatigue,” Central Coast coach Graham Arnold lamented.

”The game changed completely with the sending off (of in-form Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik). I’m proud of the boys, for me there was only one team on the field in the first half.”

Melbourne remain in fifth place on the A-League table after their fourth straight win.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Anelka upbeat on Chelsea title chances

Nicolas Anelka is backing Chelsea to remain in the English Premier League title race despite their recent form slump.

Chelsea beat Bolton 1-0 on Wednesday to record their first win in seven league matches – the team’s worst run of form since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003.

Despite their poor results, Chelsea remain just four points off league leaders Manchester United, a measure of an unpredictable season that Anelka believes is far from decided.

“It’s not a surprise for me the way this season has gone,” the Frenchman said.

“We did very well at the beginning and we’ve had a little difficulty recently, but there are still a lot of games left and it’s going to be a very tough season.”

“That’s the way the league is now – when you have more big teams, you have more big games, so it’s going to be very tight all the way through.”

“If you drop points one day, it doesn’t mean you will still be behind 15 games later anymore because anything can happen each week.”

“We’ve dropped points, but sometimes it’s like that – football is not always beautiful. You have to be strong in your head to pass these hard times.”

“It’s better when things are easier, of course. But life is not always easy, so we have to stay strong and see what happens. It doesn’t affect the way we approach matches because we always want to win.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

This year’s Premier League season is brilliantly unpredictable

This season has been one of the strangest in Premier League history. The likes of Blackpool and Wolves have both achieved remarkable victories at Liverpool’s Anfield.

Sunderland beat league champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. West Brom blew Arsenal away at the Emirates and hammered Everton at Goodison Park.

Unpredictable

This season has also been the most unpredictable Premier League campaign in recent years.

On Wednesday night I sat down fully expecting to watch Liverpool easily turn over Wolves. The visitors however had other ideas, as they shocked the hosts 1-0. This result was typical of how this season has gone.

It’s these sorts of results that have made the Premier League so interesting to watch this season. The bottom half of the table has some unfamiliar names down there. The likes of Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa are all in the bottom half of the table.

Underachieving

All three are more used to being in top six of the Premier League than the bottom ten. However this season all three have had a poor first half of the season. I have no doubts that the two Merseyside giants will finish higher up in the table.

Villa could be in trouble though. They are currently depending on youngsters and confidence is very low at the Villans. Villa Manager Gerard Houllier isn’t exactly the most popular guy in the Midlands either unless you ask West Brom or Birmingham City fans!

Villa currently find themselves just one point outside the relegation zone with a trip to champions Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. If I was a Villa fan I would be very nervous right now.

Fantastic

The standout team of the Premier League season at the halfway stage has to be Blackpool. The Seasider’s are in eight place in the Premier League table with up to three games in-hand on the teams around them.

I have never hid my admiration for Ian Holloway’s side and they have been fantastic this season. Their attacking approach to the game has proved a breath of fresh air in the Premier League. I think they are fast becoming everybody’s second team.

I was hoping that the Tangerines would stay up and it’s looking like they could be capable of surviving in the Premier League.

Open

The league is so wide open it’s unbelievable. Everton in 11th are just three points off 18th placed Fulham. One win could take you up five places in the Premier League table and it’s absolutely fascinating.

The relegation battle will probably go right down to the wire. Blackpool, Blackburn and Bolton were three of the favourites to be relegated at the start of the season, yet they are currently midtable looking securely down at the relegation zone.

In fact the three North West clubs are looking at challenging for a European place instead. They are not safe yet with half of the season till left to run and could still be dragged into the dogfight, it looks unlikely though. With those three unlikely to be relegated other clubs will be in trouble.

Strugglers

The bottom of the Premier League table isn’t clear and cut. Nobody has been cut adrift like in normal seasons. Bottom club West Ham are just two points away from 17th place and safety that’s how tight it is.

The bottom teams are all showing enough fight to make the relegation places hard to predict. The likes of Wigan, Wolves and West Ham all achieved vital victories over the festive period. I’m not even going to try to predict who will go down.

Title

The top of the Premier League table is just as competitive as the bottom, which is unusual for England’s top flight. Five teams are realistically challenging for the title.

The usual suspects of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are there with the new challengers of Manchester City and Tottenham also battling away at the top. Again it would take a wiser man than me to predict how that race will finish. With no runaway leaders it’s anybody’s title.

Exciting

Before this season started I believe the Premier League had become slightly boring because it was too predictable. This season has restored my faith in the excitement of the Premier League and I just can’t wait to see what happens next.

Is this the most exciting season in recent Premier League history?

Fri 31 December, 2010

Kaka set for a summer move to Chelsea; Juventus admit interest in Pazzini and Gilardino

Agent: Kaka will join Chelsea in January

Football agent Ernesto Bronzetti believes Real Madrid star Kaka is close to agreeing a summer move to Chelsea.

The Brazilian has been strongly linked to Inter ever since Leonardo replaced Rafa Benitez, but Bronzetti believes Kaka will not be moving clubs in January.

Phillips in line for Blackpool start

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway could throw teenager Matt Phillips into his starting line-up for their New Year’s Day trip to Manchester City.

Midfielder Elliot Grandin has been ruled out of the trip to Eastlands with a hamstring injury – a problem Holloway puts down to the lack of training and match practice due to the big freeze.

And that could open the door for 19-year-old Phillips, who was signed from Wycombe for just 300,000 pounds at the start of the season.

The winger has started just three games this season, but Holloway rates Phillips highly and says he has a bright future.

“The lad is so good it’s scary,” said Holloway. “I am glad I don’t play anymore because I would not like him running at me.”

“There are aspects of his game he needs to improve on but the world is at his feet.”

Holloway now has his sights set on revenge after City won 3-2 at Bloomfield Road in a controversial game in October.

Television replays showed that two of City’s goals should not have stood, and Holloway admits the game still rankles with him two months on.

“I was bitter about and it still gets me peeved,” said Holloway, “But now we have our chance to get our own back.”

Holloway revealed that striker Marlon Harewood is now back in training, but would not comment on reports Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston is now in talks with the club ahead of the January transfer window.

Kingston left Dutch club Vittesse Arnheim earlier this year and his brother is Blackpool goalkeeper Richard Kingson.

Fri 31 December, 2010

Bolton running low on numbers

Owen Coyle will travel to Anfield with just 15 fit players in his Bolton side for their New Year’s Day showdown with Liverpool.

The Trotters could only name six fit substitutes for Wednesday’s loss at Chelsea and their fortunes haven’t improved since then.

Full-back Paul Robinson is the latest addition to the absentee list having picked up a fifth booking of the season in the loss at Stamford Bridge, leaving former Real Madrid youngster Marcos Alonso to make his Premier League debut following his two million pound signing over the off-season.

Gretar Steinsson is also set to miss out due to a knee injury and South Korean winger Chung-Yong Lee has departed for the Asian Cup in Qatar, leaving Coyle facing the prospect of naming only five substitutes.

“Unless there are a couple of miraculous recoveries, I expect to only have 15 players available for the match,” Coyle said.

“But we will just get on with it with a smile on our face and look to go and win a very difficult game.”

“I have to make sure my group are fresh and at their best bearing in mind we probably have the smallest squad in the division.”

Coyle’s counterpart Roy Hodgson has been criticised ahead of the game for comments relating to a lack of support from the fans, while a poor run of results has seen the Reds slip to 12th in the league.

But the Wanderers manager insists he has too many problems of his own to worry about under-fire Hodgson.

“I only focus on my team,” said Coyle. “Whatever happens at any other football club is for that club to look after.”

“We’ll be going there looking to be positive and with a game plan.”

Tamir Cohen is one of eight first teamers missing from the Bolton side.The midfielder is back in Israel on compassionate leave following the death of his father, the former Liverpool defender Avi, and Coyle has no plans to rush him back.

“It’s up to Tamir,” Coyle said. “It’s such a difficult time for him and his family. He’ll come back when it’s the right time for Tamir.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

Lopez in line for Wigan debut

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez could throw new signing Adrian Lopez in for a dramatic debut against Newcastle.

The 23-year-old Spaniard has finally joined the Latics from Deportivo La Coruna after a protracted saga that required the intervention of FIFA, and looks set to be rushed into an injury-hit Wigan squad.

With James McCarthy, Victor Moses, Emmerson Boyce and Franco di Santo on the sidelines, Wigan could have done without Charles N’Zogbia being sent off against Arsenal in midweek and the three-match ban that goes with it.

But Martinez is delighted at being able to bring a player of Lopez’s undoubted quality into the squad.

“Adrian has been training with us for a while now waiting for the paperwork to clear,” Martinez said.

“He’s an under-21 international with Spain, which has given him a great education in the game and as a defender he’s technically very gifted and desperate to play for Wigan Athletic.”

“It’s great to have him on board and we’ll see how soon he can adapt to the English game.”

“As a defender, getting used to the directness of the English game is the biggest obstacle as well as the physical element of the Premier League.”

“We’ll make sure he’s given the right preparation, the players have welcomed him to the club really well and we’re all excited at the knowledge he can bring to the club.”

Jordi Gomez is standing by to replace N’Zogbia on the right-hand side of the midfield, which should be the only change from the 2-2 draw with the Gunners that extended Wigan’s unbeaten home record to six matches.

“Charles is out for three games now and so we’re going to try and use this time to refresh his body and make he’s ready for the period after,” Martinez added.

“Now is the time to find solutions to that, hand great opportunities to other players and concentrate on the game ahead of us.”

Fri 31 December, 2010

David Beckham Set for Premier League Return: Newcastle United, Tottenham and West Ham All Interested

5 comments by Mr Neutral on December 31st, 2010

Where will Becks go?

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Juventus Plan Shock Bids to Sign £50m Arsenal and Wolfsburg Striker Pair

4 comments by Vijay Murali on December 31st, 2010

Emirates star on Turin club’s wish-list.

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Newcastle United To Secure £5.1m Hatem Ben Arfa Signing Early

1 comment by Steven Constable on December 31st, 2010

French winger has proven his ability at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United tickets available from Tixdaq.com

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Liverpool Boss Roy Hodgson On Verge Of Being Sacked

30 comments by Adam Davies on December 31st, 2010

John W Henry set to wield axe at Anfield.

Liverpool tickets available from Tixdaq.com

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Take That Progress Ruling The UK Chart

Take That’s latest album, Progress, is sett to make it an impressive seven weeks at the top of the UK album chart, after being confirmed as the fastest selling album of the century. Sales continue to soar after the band released their second single from the record, SOS.

It is the second major record that Take That have broken this year, after selling over 1.1 million tickets for their 2011 Progress Tour on the day of their release. Take That tickets are still available online for all 2011 live shows, including residencies at The City Of Manchester Stadium and London’s Wembley Stadium. The band will play a total of 29 UK shows, with Robbie Williams also confirmed to perform solo material throughout the tour.

Take That will perform the following Progress 2011 Live Tour dates:

Sunderland, Stadium Of Light

Tickets For First Ever Justin Bieber UK Arena Tour

Justin Bieber will embark on his first ever UK arena tour in 2011, and tickets are available to buy online. The Canadian pop sensation has risen to world stardom following the success of his debut album, My World, and UK fans have been eagerly anticipating the chance to catch him perform live.

The 2011 Justin Bieber UK tour will include shows at London O2 Arena, Liverpool Echo Arena, Manchester MEN Arena, Birmingham NIA, Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Sheffield Motorpoint Arena and Nottingham Trent FM Arena.

Tickets for a number of shows are still available at face value, with prices starting at

Manchester United Interested In £22m Brazilian Wonderkid

Comments Off by Steven Constable on December 31st, 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson keen on Santos teenager.

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Liverpool Close In On Dutch Bundesliga Forward Transfer (Video)

11 comments by Adam Davies on December 31st, 2010

Ryan Babel replacement on his way to Anfield.

Liverpool tickets available from Tixdaq.com

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Top 10 Football Websites of 2010: The Best of the Best

no comments by CaughtOffside Team on December 30th, 2010

In no particular order and not wishing to upset any who failed to make our list, here are the ten football websites that we feel are unmissable. Worth noting that for the purposes of this list we opted for general football websites as opposed to club specific blogs, which we will cover in another article (if we get around to it)

Tuesdays With Roy

By: Noel | December 30th, 2010
    Tweet

“We came here tonight really hoping that after not playing for a while we would get out and give a great performance,” he says.

“Might be nice if that mastery of the obvious extended to how you set out the side,” I say.

“It was probably as bad a team performance as we’ve given, certainly here at Anfield, and to compound the problems we gave them a goal as well, so we don’t have a disappointing nil-nil, we have an even more disappointing 0-1.”

“I suppose Blackpool and Northampton might have a little something to say about that, but it’s certainly up there as one of your three worst performances. At Anfield. Overall you’re at least looking at doubling that–probably more than doubling, given how much worse your sides tend to look on the road.”

“Credit to Wolves, they did well. Their game plan was good, they stuck at it and they were very physical in a lot of challenges all over the field, and I don’t think we had the tempo or intensity in our game to be able to say we deserved anything more than what we got.”

“You’re right,” I say, “their game plan was good. Relatively. A bunch of Championship scrubs and Mick “One in the Hole” McCarthy ran circles around you. So fair play to them. Is that about it?”

“If I was a supporter I would be extremely disappointed as well with that performance, as are all the players.”

“You know how I know you’re about to set a new record for ‘Dumbest thing Roy Hodgson has ever uttered in public’? You say something half-way sensible. Get people nodding along a little bit, thinking you might not be a senile lunatic who’s set up chicken-wire runs through his house so the neighbourhood raccoons can live in the basement while having a comfortable mode of egress, and then bam! it’s crazypants.”

“I don’t like hearing those things of course because I want to do the best job I can do,” he says. “I’m working as hard as I can, so I can’t say it’s something I really appreciate but at the same time I am not in control of those things and it’s the Kop’s way, the Anfield way, of showing that they are not happy at the moment with what the team is doing.”

“Hmm, not sure that’s your best moment, but I suppose it’s not obviously and completely batshit insane…”

“As the manager, you take responsibility for that, so I have to take that criticism on the chin as well.”

“Right,” I say. “Any second now…”

“Ever since I came here the famous Anfield support hasn’t really been there,” he says.

“And here. We. Go.”

“There was the problem with the former owners–”

“And there was the problem that you came out against the supporters having a problem with the former owners.”

“There was the fact that Kenny was so popular, but the job went to me–”

“Well, Kenny probably wouldn’t have slagged off the fans and shirked responsibility at every turn, so he has that going for him.”

“I have had to live with that,” he says.

“Oh you poor dear! You poor, delicate flower! Accepting a job you still don’t understand and leading Liverpool to their worst first half points total since they got demoted back in the fifties, and doing it all while saying just about the worst possible thing every time you talk to the press. Meanwhile some mean people in the stands aren’t backing you fully and completely. How horrible!”

“I have to hope the fans will become supporters because we need support.”

“Brilliantly said. Because I’m sure the best way to get the Kop backing you fully and completely is to tell them they aren’t supporters. That’s even better than when you told them not to protest the owners. Also, do you have to work to be this ridiculously, bafflingly, idiotically tone deaf? Do you practice in front of a mirror? Or is being this stupid the superpower you were blessed with?”

“We are not deliberately losing games.”

“Well that’s good to hear,” I say. “So the whole breaking up the Lucas-Meireles partnership, the only silver lining in this horrible season, and one that you stumbled on completely by accident after buying Poulsen to replace Lucas and insisting you didn’t know where to play Meireles, was down to contemptible stupidity rather than malice. That’s certainly a weight off my shoulders.”

“I’m just glad I was able to do a bit of good, then. Hold on, son, what are you doing now? We’re two floors up and I’m not sure that’s…”

I scream to drown him out and head towards the window like a spooked animal. I have to get away from him, have to end the suffering, and my only thought is escape at any cost.

“Wise. Oh dear.” He shuffles over to the window and peers down. “Oh, a twitch. He’s still alive, then. Though I’m not sure a leg is supposed to bend like that. Perhaps I should call an ambulance? Yes, that seems a sound course of action. We’ll have to make sure he’s alright to watch the match on Saturday from his hospital room, as I’m sure now he’s shaken the rust off old Steve G will look a dynamo in central midfield and watching that might help with the recovery. Lucas wasn’t as sharp against Wolves, though, but I’m sure that’s just coincidence. Perhaps it’s time to give Poulsen another shot. Not sure quite why I’m talking to myself… Right, about that ambulance…”

Some Related Liverpool Posts:: This Time on a TuesdayTuesdays with Hodgson: Utrecht Draw Satisfactory
Category: Special Features Tags: Causes of Alcoholism, Make The Bad Man Stop, Roy Hodgson, Special Features,
    Tweet « In Six Months, John Henry May Not Own a Premier League Club | Home | Red2deathHodgson would have waited before calling that ambulance.

One broken leg, well ok. Two broken legs, hmm... things are not going well.
Three broken legs, ha, this really isn't good, I should do something about it. Bring on a GP.

Three broken legs?EdNarrative and photoshopping combined, best TWR yet. Magnificent.NoelWell, I did have good material to work with this time out.

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