Everton can bolster their Europa League hopes for next season when they meet Champions League-bound Manchester City on Saturday.The Merseysiders, who recorded a 1-1 stalemate with relegation-threatened Wigan Athletic last Sunday, are ruing their typically slow start to the 2010/11 season, especially given they are only seven points from fifth – currently occupied by Liverpool – which carries a Europa League place.
David Moyes’ men – who have racked up 48 points so far – realise usurping Liverpool is unlikely, but have made clear their intentions to hold onto seventh place, and build on it next season.
England international defender Phil Jagielka is determined to make life hard for the Citizens, who are not yet fully guaranteed of Champions League action for next season.
“They’ve got Champions League football on their minds and we want to stay in seventh at the very least,” Jagielka told BBC Radio.
“There are points to play for. We’ve had a decent run against them especially away so it’ll be interesting to see how we get on at home.”
Jermaine Beckford, who has came into the side following Louis Saha’s untimely injury, has netted seven goals this term, and will provide the Toffees their attacking spark up front at Goodison Park.
Influential Australian Tim Cahill and silky Barcelona-trained midfielder Mikel Arteta returned to the starting 11 last week after recovering from respective injuries, and should provide much of the attacking impetus on Sunday.
Manchester City, meanwhile, are relishing the prospect of Champions League football next season, currently occupying fourth place on the table.
Boss Roberto Mancini has overseen a three-match winning streak – including a galvanising 1-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat of arch-rivals Manchester United.
But despite their 2-1 win over basement side West Ham, Mancini warned his troops their ticket to the Champions League was not yet assured.
“I think after what we have done, we deserve to be in the Champions League, but we have another four games – it is not finished,” he said.
City are seven points clear of their nearest rival, Liverpool, and will not want a repeat of the two sides’ clash in December when goals from Cahill and young gun Leighton Baines denied them victory.
And given they still have a potentially taxing FA Cup final encounter against Stoke a week later, they will be eager to consolidate their position with a win over Everton.
The game also represents the first time Joleon Lescott has returned to Goodison Park – and the first time he faces his former side since his big-money transfer to Eastlands in 2009.
The Italian Football FanCast is the podcast for fans of Serie A and Calcio.
The Azzurri were in action against The Faroe Islands in midweek and put in a good performance as they dismantled the minnows 5-0, thanks to a superlative display from Antonio Cassano. The result means a perfect start for Cesare Prandelli’s men in their quest for Euro 2012 qualification.
Elsewhere, AC Milan have moved ahead of rivals Inter in the wage bill stakes but the champions are looking to get one over on them by signing a former Milan idol. AS Roma may also have a new owner soon, plus find out about all the latest transfer news from in and around the peninsula.
As Ever we are joined by Kris Voakes and Dave is back with Legends of Calcio, who this week is the mercurial Michael Laudrup.
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Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of sowing up a dealing to bring Israeli youngster Nir Biton to the Etihad Stadium.
The 20-year-old, who currently plays for FC Ashdod and has made two appearances for the senior Israel team, was on a week trial a fortnight ago and supposedly impressed Roberto Mancini.
The Daily Mail indicate that the current Premier League leaders are close to finalising a loan deal for the midfielder, with a £2million transfer in the pipeline for the summer.
The player’s agent Dudu Dahan has revealed that a deal is close to being completed, and that he is working to secure his client a reprieve from national service to move to England.
“I have spoken to the Army’s top personnel, and that is almost solved. City say they can get a work permit for Nir as well, as there is a special category for outstanding prospects like him. I have been speaking with Mancini every day, since the trial, so how can I not be optimistic the transfer will be completed?” he admitted.
With Yaya Toure on international duty with the Ivory Coast, City could well use an extra player in contention for a midfield berth.
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When I decided to choose my own Premiership Team of the Year, I thought it would be a breeze. I’ll be done in 20 minutes. Three days and two migraines later, I realised how difficult it is. I watch a lot of football, too much- but there are still many teams that I haven’t seen quite enough of to give a definitive judgement. But eventually I got there, though if you ask me tomorrow I’ll have changed half the team. I have tried to be totally unbiased, and have also considered all performances for their club team, not just Premier League games. I also was boring and went for a conventional 4-4-2, whilst shoehorning players randomly into midfield, perhaps picking more of a team of the top performers rather than a team that would work the best together. A little artistic licence should always be allowed.
Goalkeeper: Edwin Van Der Sar.
Seems to be having his best season in his final season. Admittedly not the most overworked keeper in the division, but a season of few mistakes and some crucuial saves sees him get the nod. One of a number of big holes that Alex Ferguson will soon have to fill.
Left Back: Leighton Baines.
An underwhelming season for some of the big-name left backs. Ashley Cole and Patrice Evra have hardly set the world alight, also making plenty of headlines off the field for all the wrong reasons. Baines though has been a model of consistency in a team that had a difficult season, and has shown himself to be a great crosser of the ball, and all-round striker of the ball. Inevitably will be linked to other clubs over the summer having notched 11 assists so far this season. Newcastle fans might argue Jose Enrique is even better though.
Central Defence: Vincent Kompany.
Mark Hughes had his uses. Bought from Hamburg for a mere £6m in 2008, he should be on all shortlists for player of the year. Hampered slightly by injury last season, he has come of age this season, and should be an integral part of what could be a very exciting Belgian national team over the next decade or so.A cool, calm, collected and classy defender, surely a future Manchester City captain, and a great ambassador for the club off the pitch too.
Central Defence: Nemanja Vidic.
Once more a rock in the centre of defence for Manchester United, an even more vital cog now that Rio Ferdinand’s back is slowly getting the better of him. Tough and uncomprimising, with the added ability to get away with fouls, a bonus for any manager! You know the rest….
Right Back: Bacary Sagna.
No outstanding candidates that I could think of in this position. Was tempted to plump for a rejuvinated Stephen Carr, but not seen quite enough of him to be sure. Arsenal’s defence is regularly criticised, but the blame surely lies more centrally, and they haven’t conceded quite as many as some might think. Solid season, gets up and down the pitch, compliments the midfield and attack well, athletic, not done much wrong from what I have seen.
Continued on Page TWO
Midfield: Samir Nasri
Great season undoubtedly, having muscled up to cope with the strains of the Premier League. Some great goals, great link up play, a classy player that fits in perfectly with the Arsenal ethos. However I have read a few Arsenal fans question his effectiveness against the top teams, and he has faded a little recently along with the rest of the team. Great goal against Spurs though, and at his age a great career awaits.
Midfielder: Luka Modric
The true star of the Spurs midfield. Forget Bale’s one league assist or Van De Vaart’s explosive three-month spell, the biggest talent in the Spurs midfield is Modric right now. Brilliant control of a football, great passer, the type of footballer like David Silva that you’d pay good money to watch. Van de Vaart and Bale produced a total of 3 goals and 2 assists between them from January until mid-April in 2011, so they miss out.
Midfielder: Scott Parker
Sean Custis at The Sun thinks Parker has stood out this season because of the dross around him. But surely it is harder to perform when surrounded by poorer players? A stand out season, England recognition once more at long last, he has dragged the West Ham team forward through many matches, though it may well be to no avail. The Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
Midfielder: Nani
With a heavy heart I include Nani. Without a trace of bias, everything I hate about modern footballers is encapsulated in this man. Infuriates his own fans much of the time, but has undoubtedly had his best season, bringing a greater influence to proceedings on the pitch, with some great long range strikes, dribbling and ball control, and his 18 assists and 10 league goals cannot be ignored.
Continued on Page THREE
Forward: Carlos Tevez
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One of the easier choices. By his high standards has been off the boil recently before hit by injury, but his influence on the Manchester City team cannot be underestimated, City often over-reliant on him, focusing play around the Argentinian. Second highest Premier League scorer, he is selfish like most top strikers, but obviously knows where the goal is, and is a phenomenal workhorse, always giving his all on the pitch whatever may be happening off it. Will be hard to replace if, as expected, he leaves City in the summer.
Forward: Peter Odenwingie
The first thought for the final berth was Javier Hernandez, a scoring machine who has settled instantly in the Manchester sunshine. But is Odemwingie’s achievement not better? Crucial to securing Premiership football for the Baggies next season, 13 league goals in a promoted team is a wonderful achievement. Born in Uzbekistan, but a Nigerian international, a bargain buy for just £1m, he has had a successful debut season, scoring some crucual winners, and his goal against Spurs this week made him West Brom’s top goalscorer in a single Premier League season (the game was still played at an amateur level before 1992).
So there it is. I already doubt three of the choices. No, four. What of those that just missed out? Hernandez and Carr have been mentioned. A full season for Hernandez would undoubtedly have seen him in. No Chelsea players either, possibly a big oversight as much of their defence could have a case for inclusion. Sub keeper would be Wigan’s stopper Ali Al-Habsi, or an ever-improving and maturing Joe Hart. Injury once more hampered Van Persie. Berbatov as top Premier League goalscorer looks like a glaring omission, but he has scored only 4 goals in the league away from Old Trafford, scores in clumps (flat-track bully sometimes?), and even his manager seems to distrust him now. Jack Wilshere has a wonderful career ahead but I think he has been slightly overhyped for now. Ditto for Gareth Bale. He hasn’t performed every week, and is remembered for a couple of world-beating performances rather than overall consistency – the world is his oyster though, and all that. Van De Vaart’s energy fades during matches, and faded this year a bit too. You could still argue for his inclusion though. David Silva could easily replace Modric – I expect even more from him next season, plus a few more goals, once he has adjusted to English weather. I already love him though. De Jong should really be in there, and would have been in a 4-5-1 formation. Forget Kompany, Tevez, or Silva. De Jong is City’s most important player. He makes the team tick, and protects the defence as if his life depends on it. With him on the pitch City have conceded every 117 minutes, With him off it, every 63 minutes.
Kevin Nolan misses out for his chicken celebration, Joey Barton because he is Joey Barton, Andy Carroll wasn’t far off, nor Gary Cahill, Robert Huth (for goalscoring alone!) and maybe Charlie Adam too, though the January transfer window shenanigans seem to have done him no favours.
Either way, it is an impossible team to decide definitively. Football is not that simple, and picking teams certainly isn’t. Still, at least the migraine has gone now.
Fulham have been dealt a massive blow following news that striker Bobby Zamora will be out of action for up to 5 months due to a broken leg suffered in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Wolves. Further tests have revealed that Zamora has sustained ankle ligament damage along with a broken fibula. Doctors have performed surgery on Zamora’s injured leg and he looks set for lengthy spell in the Fulham treatment room.
The news comes as a blow to both player and team. Zamora was a key player for Fulham last season, scoring 19 goals for the Cottagers in all competitions in their run to the Europa League final. He had just won his first England cap only last month in a friendly victory against Hungary and looked a certainty to be called up for Fabio Capello’s next England squad to face Montenegro in October.
Zamora’s absence leaves Fulham boss Mark Hughes will limited options upfront. Andy Johnson has been a long-term absentee for Fulham and is still a few weeks from full fitness and Hughes will not rush the return of Johnson to compensate for Zamora’s loss.
This means Hughes will have to rely on new signing Moussa Dembele to lead Fulham’s line. He has made an impressive start to his first season in the Premier League and Hughes will be calling on the Belgian to continue his good form in the coming weeks.
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Arsene Wenger has revealed that Thierry Henry will join Arsenal on loan, subject to paperwork. The French striker has been training with the North Londoners during the off-season from the MLS and is reportedly keen to don the red and white shirt again in what will be a two month deal.
Elsewhere in the news Kenny is keen for Liverpool not to be reliant on Gerrard; Capello wary of player theft, while Ancelotti in line for the PSG job.
News
United suffer new setback as defender faces prolonged absence
Tottenham receive injury boost
Romeu may return to Barcelona
Dalglish not reliant on Gerrard
Capello wary of ‘player theft’
Blackburn to move fast in window
Ancelotti in line for new job
Arsenal explore the loan option
Modric pledges his immediate future to Tottenham
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Transfer Talk
[divider]
Race for Cisse signature to resume in January as Spurs eye Freiburg striker – Daily Mail
Kean urges owners to land Johnson and Gunter ASAP – Mirror
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Alex: I’d settle for joys from Brazil – Sun
Chelsea agree fee for Bolton’s Cahill – BBC
Man United could miss out to Milan in race for Fiorentina star – TalkSport
Frimpong on McLeish’s radar as Villa boss battles Wolves for Arsenal kid – Daily Mail
His men’s Serie A title rivals Inter Milan may have slipped up, but AC Milan boss Massimiliano continues to preach caution.Allegri watched his side beat Sampdoria 3-0 at the San Siro on Saturday, with Inter slumping to a 2-0 defeat away to Parma.
The results leave Milan eight points clear of third-placed Inter, but with Napoli still within touch distance, Allegri urged his side not to let up.
“We’ve got to keep an eye on Napoli,” Allegri said.
“Admittedly eight points with only 15 available is a very tough ask, but rather than celebrate Inter falling behind, I’d keep an eye out for Napoli.”
“We struggled tonight in the first half. Sampdoria defended well in an orderly fashion and we had problems but in the second-half our pressure told and I think it was a great win.”
“After the break we put more pressure on and it went well for us.”
Clarence Seedorf, Antonio Cassano and Robinho all got on the scoresheet for Milan, but Allegri could be facing a striker shortage in the coming weeks with Alexandre Pato and Christian Abbiati both limping off injured and Zlatan Ibrahimovic serving a three-match suspension.
“We hope to get Pippo Inzaghi back before the end of the season, as he is training well and working really hard,” Allegri said.
“At this point there are no big problems. We are leading and we have to keep going to the end. We still have Robinho and Cassano upfront. We are monitoring Inzaghi week by week and his recovery is going well but he has been out for over four months.”
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti expects Frank Lampard to be fit for their next Premier League game against West Ham United.
The midfielder was forced to miss England's Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Switzerland following hernia surgery.
Lampard was substituted during the 2-0 victory over Stoke City on August 28 after reporting discomfort.
The Chelsea medical staff decided to send the 32-year-old for surgery during the two-week international break and Lampard is now expected to be fit for their next match on September 11.
"For sure, Frank will be fit for the West Ham game," confirmed Ancelotti.
However, the Blues boss has denied suggestions that it was always their plan to send Lampard for surgery during an international break.
The Stamford Bridge club have been accused of undermining England's Euro 2012 qualifying bid.
"No, we didn't decide at the start of the season to do this now," Ancelotti told the Daily Star Sunday.
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Tottenham and Chelsea had to settle for a point after they failed to separate each other in a tightly contested London Derby at White Hart Lane.
With both side harbouring hopes of challenging for the Premier League title the meeting between third and fourth was always going to be an exciting one. Spurs, who have made their second best start to a season since the double winning side of the sixties, were boosted by the return of Gareth Bale from injury and his influence was felt in the early minutes crossing for Emmanuel Adebayor to poke home the opener. However they could only hold their lead for 15 minutes before the impressive Daniel Sturridge tapped home from close range following Ashley Cole’s cross from the left. Both sides had chances to win the game in the second half but failed add to the goals tally with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp the happier of the two managers. His side remain above Chelsea and only seven points behind second place behind Manchetser United with a game in hand. For their London rivals the result will see Andre Villas-Boas’ job come under increasing scrutiny once again with four points dropped in the last two games effectively ruling them out of the title race.
In fact they never looked like winning this game and had the task of coming from behind after Adebayor broke the deadlock after only eight minutes. The home side had started with plenty of vim and vigour especially with Bale back in the side and it was the Welshman who was once again the creator picking up the loose ball following Sandro’s tackle on Sturridge before crossing for Adebayor who nipped in front of John Terry to prod the ball home. Question marks will certainly centre around Petr Cech who should have done better to cut out Bales low cross. The goal proved to be the wake up call Chelsea needed and after absorbing a flurry of pressure from the hosts they finally sparked into life and levelled proceedings on 23 minutes. Didier Drogba flicked the ball into the path of the onrushing Cole who appeared to control the ball with his arm before crossing for Sturridge who turned the ball into an empty net with Brad Friedel stranded. Drogba then crashed a thunderous strike off the upright as the Blues threatened to go in front before seeing their momentum sapped by injuries to Branislav Ivanovic and Jon Obi Mikel.
The tempo certainly dropped after the break although the visitors did have two chances to score early on in the second period with Ramires denied by Friedel after he raced clear before the veteran American kept out Terry’s goal bound header. Adebayor then thought he’d scored his second of the game only for it to be ruled out for offside before Sandro glanced a header wide from Luka Modric’s corner as Spurs threatened to retake the lead. Still Chelsea threatened every time they came forward and Friedel needed two bites of the cherry to keep hold of Sturridges low drive before Cech was called into action at the other end clawing away Sandro’s deflected effort and turning Bale’s cross wide of the near post. Ramires then wasted a glorious chance to win the game with four minutes to go but could only head Juan Mata’s free kick wide despite being unmarked in the penalty area. The home side also had one last chance in them but Adebayor couldn’t find a way past Terry who had the last laugh ahead of his forthcoming racism charge.
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Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann made a dramatic return for Arsenal as the Gunners took all three points in a thrilling clash at Blackpool on Sunday.The German veteran was drafted in for his 200th appearance for the club after Manuel Almunia injured a knee in the warm-up at Bloomfield Road.
And the 41-year-old played his part to help his side to a crucial 3-1 victory that cuts Manchester United’s lead at the top of the English Premier League to seven points.
The Gunners scored a quick-fire double midway through the first half through Abou Diaby and Emmanuel Eboue.
But they had to survive a brilliant fightback from Blackpool, with Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s goal early in the second half sparking a revival.
Lehmann was forced to make several crucial saves before striker Robin van Persie killed Blackpool off with Arsenal’s third goal in the 77th minute.
The defeat leaves Blackpool a point above the drop zone and grateful that the teams below them all lost on Saturday.
Ian Holloway’s men had started energetically and pushed for an opener without seriously testing Lehmann, with Arsenal’s defence coping with Charlie Adam’s dangerous set pieces.
And they were stung when the Gunners took the lead against the run of play in the 19th minute, when van Persie broke the offside trap and squared to Diaby for a simple tap-in from six yards.
The second followed three minutes later, when Arsenal’s slick passing cut through the Blackpool defence for Eboue to finish convincingly past Richard Kingson.
Arsenal looked like they might run riot with Samir Nasri missing two golden chances. First, he fired straight at Kingson from 10 yards before moments later hitting the post from van Persie’s clever pass.
But after spurning another hatful of good chances, Arsenal were given a warning before the break when Blackpool striker DJ Campbell just failed to squeeze the ball over the line from two yards.
And the Tangerines did get the breakthrough seven minutes after the restart when Campbell was brought down rounding Lehmann, but referee Lee Mason waved play on and Taylor-Fletcher put the ball in the back of the net.
Mason elected not to sanction Lehmann for the challenge on Campbell, with Arsenal without a goalkeeper among the substitutes should the referee have shown the German a straight red card.
Taylor-Fletcher then had a penalty claim turned away after a scything tackle from Laurent Koscielny before Adam failed to connect with a near-post header.
But Arsenal survived the Blackpool onslaught and finally got a third when substitute Theo Walcott raced onto a long ball out of defence and crossed for van Persie for another simple finish.
Even then, Blackpool refused to give up, and Lehmann was called on to make another fine save from Campbell.