How your club stands at Christmas

With the January transfer window just around the corner and reaching the half way point of the season on boxing day, here are my assessments of the teams in the Premier League so far.

Arsenal

It must be so frustrating for the fans at the Emirates watching their side play so inconsistently. At times you wonder how they aren’t challenging the two Manchester clubs at the top of the table and are playing blistering football; but their problem is they follow it up  with a terrible performance and you can’t see them achieving a top four finish. This has shown in the results, beating Southampton and Tottenham, putting six and five past their respective defences, then failing to to find the net against Swansea and Norwich in defeats. With Theo Walcott’s future still undecided, Arsene Wenger will be in the market for an out and out striker, after the loss of Robin Van Persie in the summer. The real bright spark for the Gunners is their summer purchase, Santi Cazorla and the return of Jack Wilshere;  Wenger will be hoping they can boss games and tear midfields apart in the second half of the season.

Aston Villa

Paul Lambert’s young side struggled at the start of the season, only picking up nine points from the first 10 games, but things have started to look a little brighter as late, apart from the Chelsea game. Its the lack of goals that has really hurt Villa scoring only 15 but Christian Benteke is coming into form going into the busy period over Christmas and New Year, which will be pivotal in their season and chances staying in the league, the 22 year old will only get better over the campaign. My fear for them is the inexperience in the squad, if things go against them and they get dragged into a relegation battle they might not have the nerve and know-how to cope. Even though they’re languishing near the dreaded drop zone, I think they have enough quality in the side to reach safety.

Chelsea

Its been a stressful season for the European champions after a very bright start and becoming some people’s favourites for the title. They gained 22 points out of a possible 24 in the first eight games, but have only picked up one win in their next eight league fixtures, resulting in Roberto Di Matteo losing his job. At the start of the season Juan Mata, Edin Hazard and Oscar were breathtaking, defences couldn’t get near them as they took control of the game.This disappeared for a long period of time but the thrashing they inflicted on Villa will give them all confidence and Chelsea will look to get back to the heights, standards and results they set at the start of the season. Rafa Benitez will have to do business in January and a centre back and striker are a must as cover or replacement for David Luiz and Fernando Torres. If I were Petr Cech, John Terry or Garry Cahill I would have no trust in Luiz as you don’t know what he is going to do next and would want someone else along side me. A third place finish is what they will be looking for now, but if they get back into the amazing form we saw earlier on they may push the Manchester clubs.

Everton

This season has all the signs of a very successful one for David Moyes’ men. Usually slow starters they have got off to a flier sitting in fourth, Marouane Fellaini taking charge of games Goodison Park from the centre of midfield. They also possess one of the best left sides in the league with Leighton Baines and Steven Piennaar, while on the opposite side Leon Osman gets on with his job with little fuss. They will be hoping that Nikica Jelavic will get back to what he does best, especially over the busy festive period. With only two defeats in the league so far and the tradition that Everton always hit top form after Christmas, a top four question is a serious possibility for a solid footballing side.

Fulham

Too many goals will have been conceded for Martin Jol’s liking, having the joint second worst defence in the league conceding 33 goals. It is crucial that Jol gets captain Brede Hangeland to sign a new contract as he is instrumental to the denfence at Craven Cottage; he would be a huge loss if he left in January and would leave Fulham in a mess. Dimitar Berbatov was an important signing in the summer and without the addition of the Bulgarian, Fulham would have been closer to the relegation zone than they are now, which is only five points clear. If they can get Bryan Ruiz fit and and playing to his potential form alongside Berbatov they will start to climb the table and move away from the drop zone.

Liverpool

Its going to be another disappointing season for the Kop with an almost certain finish outside the top four. Luis Suarez has led the way for Liverpool with 11 goals and has the quality that a Liverpool player should have, but there just isn’t enough around him that can receive the same plaudit. Raheem Sterling has been a real revelation and has impressed at Anfield along with Jon Jo Shelvey. The problem at Anfield is the lack of strength in depth, but Brendon Rodgers has already done something about this and will have the services of Daniel Sturridge when the window opens, but more business will have to be done. Unless things improve rapidly Liverpool will be in the Europa League again next season.

Manchester City

The champions are yet to hit the dizzy heights they achieved last year but will be just four points behind Manchester United on Christmas day.  They’ve lost less games than United losing just one which was against their great rivals, but they have lacked that killer instinct this season and have drawn too many. City have the second strongest defence in the league and Matija Nastasic seems to be just the fit alongside captain Vincent Kompany and it is an important partnership in their defence of the title. At the other end of the pitch the top three or four, depending on how many Roberto Mancini plays,  look like they are starting to click in the last couple of matches with the addition of Carlos Tevez to the starting 11, which will scare Sir Alex Ferguson and teams they come up against. Money will more than likely be spent to strengthen the already star studded squad, and we know from last season that four points can be turned around by City.

Manchester United

Sitting top of the table they will be favourites to lift the title, but they will have to improve at the back if they are to hold off City. They have conceded too many sloppy goals for a team that wants to be champions and Sir Alex will be looking to put this right going into the transfer window. Ferguson still hasn’t found his first choice keeper which won’t be helping matters at the back, but Patrice Evra hasn’t lived up to his usual high standards and Jonny Evans doesn’t strike me as a commanding centre back. The strikers have got the defence out of trouble most of the time, being the deadliest forward line in the league, finding the net 44 times. Robin Van Persie has been inspirational after his move from Arsenal and has become an instant favourite with the fans. If they can sort their difficulties out at the back they will be hard to catch at the top.

Newcastle

It has been a disappointing first half of the season for the Toon after last seasons heroics. Too many players haven’t played to the same level as they did last year, two of them being the very influential Cheik Tiote and Papiss Cisse. The one player that has continued his form from last season is Demba Ba keeping Newcastle going with the 11 league goals he has netted so far and boss Alan Pardew will be desperate to keep hold of the Senegal forward.

Norwich City

After picking up just three points from the first seven games, things have really taken off at Carrow Road. They aren’t huge scorers but are well organised, which a side like Norwich have to be to stay in the Premier league. They will have to be careful not to concede too many goals, having let in four or more goals in four matches so far this season, they need caution not to get into bad habits as confidence will soon disappear.

Queens Park Rangers

With the change of manager things have begun to pick up, but its going to be a real battle to stay in the league. They have the joint worst forward line and the fifth worst defence, which doesn’t add up to a good season. The bright light that will excite Harry Redknapp is Adel Taarabt who tore Fulham apart and they have quality in the side with the likes of Esteban Granero, Djibril Cisse and Stephane Mbia but at present they don’t look like they can put it all together. Money will surely be spent in January and they have the best possible manager to get them out of trouble, but I can’t see it happening.

Reading

Its basically a championship side that are trying to cut it with the big boys and its not going to plan. They have the worst defence in the league conceding 37 goals and it is plain to see why they have let so many in with the defending on show against Arsenal. The team sit bottom with just one win and have been beaten on their travels eight times, picking up just two points on the road, which has to be a real worry. Brian McDermott has got a tough job on his hands and needs money to spend throughout the side to stand a chance of staying up this season.

Southampton

After a poor start they have given themselves a strong chance of survival. With just four points from 10 games they were the people’s favourites to go straight back down, but a recent good run has lifted them out of the bottom three on goal difference. Jose Fonte’s new deal is an excellent move for the club as he plays and important role in the Saints defence, which can be a bit leaky. Southampton fans will be looking to Rickie Lambert, the clubs top goal scorer with six and Adam Lallana for inspiration and both players have the quality to guide the club to safety but it will be a difficult task.

Stoke City

The Potters are having another strong season in the Premier League, and they have to thank to the dedication that goes on behind closed doors with the defensive work they do. Ryan Shrawcross, Robert Huth and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic have been outstanding at the Britannia Stadium, conceding just three goals at home and 13 all together, leading to the Potters having the best defence record in England. The one area that will worry Tony Pulis is the lack of goals that his side are scoring as the number of 0-0 draws mount up to five. With the likes of Steven N’Zonzi, Charlie Adam and Peter Crouch in the Stoke attack you wouldn’t think scoring would be a problem but they are failing to find the back of the net with alarming regularity. Pulis will hopefully welcome back Michael Owen in the festive period after injury and with Marc Wilson out with a broken leg a left back wouldn’t go a miss.

Sunderland

The Black Cats aren’t living up to the quality that they have at their disposal this season, sitting 15th. The problem that they have at the moment is starting games slowly, going behind in seven of the last 12 games and with the lack of goals they have scored, it isn’t a great way of trying to win games of football.You would think with Steven Fletcher, Stephane Sessegnon and Adam Johnson to name a few they would have scored more than 19 goals in 18 games, and O’Neil will have to sort it out if they are to move up the league into a position where the fans believe they should be, if not a relegation battle could be on the cards.

Swansea City

They have a lot to be proud of this season, with the fighting grit of Ashley Williams and Chico, to the goal scoring threat of Michu. They have shown that they have the quality to play football against the so called big boys, and are not afraid of mixing it up against Manchester United. Michu has been one of the buys of the summer with his 12 league goals, and the quality they possess in midfield is astonishing for a team only in their second season in the Premier League, especially considering how little money they have spent. A solid mid table finish is likely at the Liberty Stadium.

Tottenham

After losing the first game of the season Spurs have put themselves in a strong position to finish in the top four. They have adapted well to life without Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaar with the addition of Mousa Dembele and things will get even better with Scott Parker coming back from injury. Jermaine Defoe has shown why he is a top class striker, after having few opportunities last season he has hit the back of then net nine times in the league in this campaign. They have a quantity of attacking flair at their disposal, including Gareth Bale, but they are also strong at the back with Jan Vertonghen leading the way. Anything other than a top four finish will be disappointing for Spurs’ fans now.

West Brom

The Baggies have a solid mid-table side and I would think they will fall from the seventh place that they currently hold, but there is usually a shock team in and around the Europa League position at the end of the season. They were always expected to be strong in attack; with quality such as Shane Long Romelu Lukaku and Zoltan Gera goals were always going to be scored, but the strength of their defence is what has shocked me, only conceding seven at home. At the moment they are possibly over achieving but there will be a top half finish for the Baggies.

West Ham

The biggest problem at Upton Park is the growing injury list. If Sam Allardyce could field his first 11 he would have a mid table side, but at the moment he will be fearing entering a relegation battle and as a result has banned full contact training. The start of the season was so promising and it could all be ruined by their bad luck.  Mohamed Diamme who has recently been added to the injury list had been in great form for the Hammers, making things happen in the middle of the park. Allardyce will have to spend more money than he really wants to in the new year due to having so many players unavailable.

Wigan

They are used to being in the position they find themselves in and are the masters of the great escape. They have got some talented players in the squad but it seems things are going against them at the moment. James McArthur is a real bright spark for Roberto Martinez and he will be looking towards the 25 year old to dominate the midfield while Ali Al Habsi continues to shine in goal. I feel they have enough to stay up for another term and Al Habsi is one of the strongest keepers in the league, which will give Wigan a lot of confidence.

http://threeandin.com/2012/12/24/how-your-club-stands-at-christmas/

Man Utd Is The Glaringly Obvious Destination For £30M Man

Clubs around Europe were put on high alert, after Borussia Dortmund’s biggest secret was made public.

The Dail Mail reports that Mario Gotze has a £30 million buy out clause in his contract which needs to activated by April next year.

The 20 year old who has shone in the Champions League this season, has a host of big clubs keeping an eye on him, two of them being Arsenal and Manchester United according to the Daily Mail.

Gotze is one of the brightest up and coming stars in the world and has become a household name all over the globe, with his 20 caps for Germany and appearances for Dortmund.

At the age of 20 the German international has a huge pedigree, helping Dortmund win back to back titles and signed a new contract to stay with the Bundesliga champions until 2016.

Arsenal have been tracking the play-maker for some time and its not surprising. He has all the flicks and tricks that a player (and fans) would want but also has an eye for goal, without forgetting his teammates; setting up five goals in 14 starts for Dortmund, while bagging five for himself. He would fit perfectly alongside Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla at the Emirates, but with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid pursuing, do Arsenal still have that attraction?

Sir Alex Ferguson will see Gotze as the closest thing to Cristiano Ronaldo available, with the touch, vision and counter attacking threat he posses and we know United are willing to pay the £30 million that would be needed to gain the German, which in the past years Arsenal have not.

The £30 million price tag on his head sounds a lot for a 20 year old who has never experienced English football but in the current climate it seems feasible, especially with the money that has been bouncing around for young players in the premier league in the last couple of transfer windows.

With the likes of Jordan Henderson £16 million, Stewart Downing £20 million and Andy Carroll £35 million, the hottest prospect on the continent is defiantly worth £30 million.

If he is to come to England the club that his club of choice is surely Manchester United. If he wants to add to his trophy cabinet and develop as a player, Manchester United has to be shining bright in front of Arsenal , as it’s the Old Trafford outfit pushing for titles and silverware.

It’s a sad state of  affairs for English football to have to say it will be a backwards step for the German to move to North London from his present employers. Dortmund are currently third in the league and top of the toughest group in the champions league, consisting of Manchester City, Real Madrid and Ajax, putting in some memorable performances against the elite of world football.

If the choice is England for the young German the destination has to be Old Trafford.

http://threeandin.com/2012/11/30/man-utd-is-the-glaringly-obvious-destination-for-30m-man/

The worst player Arsene could possibly sign in January?

Arsene Wenger must be really feeling the effect of failing to win a trophy in the last seven and a half years.

Arsenal used to dominate the English league, were known as “The Invincibles” in the 03/04 season going the whole campaign unbeaten, attracting players such as Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas. Now they are being linked with a £10 million bid for Liverpool flop Stewart Downing according to the Daily Mail.

Downing has never locked down a regular starting place at Anfield after falling out of favour with Bredon Rogers and has even been shunted to left back in recent weeks, featuring in the Europa League mostly, only making a couple of starts and coming off the bench three times in the premier league.

If Wenger gains the services of the 28 year old he might have to part with Theo Walcott, who would go the other way in a swap deal, the Daily Mail believe.

With Wenger coming under increasing pressure to deliver success, this may anger some fans at the Emirates, who want to see more players with the caliber of Santi Cazorla on their side of North London, especially with the club reporting financial profits.

The Arsenal gaffer might see Downing as two players in one as he is able to play all down the left side. With the problems he has at left back; Kieran Gibbs being injury prone and his lack of faith in Andre Santos, that only leaves his centre back captain Thomas Vermaelen to play there, making players like Downing desirable; but is he really the standard of player Arsenal should be linked with?

When Downing is on form he has one of the best left feet in the country, and Wenger will be looking to that to feed Olivier Giroud in and around the box, but can the Englishman really get back to the high standards he set at Middlesborough which got him his first England cap back in 2005.

He would add  much wanted balance to the left hand side if he played in a more attacking role, as there isn’t a natural left winger at the club. Lucas Poldolski applies his trade in that position at the moment and has fitted in quite well, but he can’t deliver a cross like Downing can on his day , and he will stay out wide if needed, unlike the German, who is more of a striker.

We’ve seen what a change of position on the left can do for a player in North London, Gareth Bale transforming himself into one of the best left sided attacking players in the world at White Hart Lane and Arsene will want the same from Downing if he pulls on the Arsenal shirt.

http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2012/11/premiership/the-worst-player-arsene-could-possibly-sign-in-january 

Premier League predictions – weekend 24th November

This week has seen the first sacking of the season with Roman Abramovich parting ways with Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea, just six months after winning the Champions League, keeping up with his tradition while at Stamford Bridge. This week’s stand out fixture involves Chelsea and their knew boss Rafa Benitez as champions Manchester City travel to London.

 

Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal

The two sides are coming off the back of very different form. Aston Villa slipped into the bottom three after they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, while Arsenal will be flying high after beating local rivals Tottenham 5-2 and then qualifying for the last 16 in the Champions League.

 

Everton 2-1 Norwich

Norwich have hit a crucial run of good form, beating Manchester United 1-0 last week, extending their unbeaten run to five league games, winning three, while Everton’s run of form came to a crashing end with a 2-1 defeat against a struggling Reading. David Moyes will want to get back to winning ways and he will see it as a good opportunity if they can convert their chances, against the joint lowest scoring offense in the league.

 

Manchester United 3-0 QPR

This is a game between the best attacking team in the league and the side at the bottom of the table; I think it will show in the performance and the result. United will have a point to prove after the shock defeat against Norwich, losing top spot to rivals Manchester City in the mean time and you know Sir Alex Ferguson will have his players raring to go after resting them in a mid week against Galartasaray. QPR are already looking adrift at the bottom and under fire boss Mark Hughes will be desperate to get a victory against his old manager, but I don’t think it will happen this weekend.

 

Stoke 0-0 Fulham

Tony Pulis’ side is still unbeaten at the Britannia Stadium conceding one goal in the process, while Fulham have no problem scoring away from home, meaning there will be a great battle in front of the City box. Martin Jol will be without captain Brede Hangeland after being sent off in last weeks 3-1 defeat against Sunderland, which could be seen as a weakness with the ball swirling around in the windy conditions at the Britannia.

 

Sunderland 1-1 West Brom

West Brom are this season’s surprise package and I think they will keep their run going, even though they will be without keeper Ben Foster who has had a setback in his recovery after groin surgery. Expect a low scoring game here, with Sunderland being strong at the back but weak up front at the Stadium of light.

 

Wigan 1-0 Reading

Both teams will see this as an opportunity for moving away from the bottom three and Reading will be full of confidence after claiming their first victory of the season, but I still see a home win.

Sunday 25th November

Chelsea 2-2 Manchester City

The game sees the return of Benitez to English football and he will be hoping for a honeymoon period to quieten the doubters. Both sides will be looking forward to getting back to the league schedule after disappointments in midweek. Rafa will be without captain John Terry, which is a huge weakness and I can see them conceding goals, but the champions aren’t as organised at the back as they would like to be, and I expect Edin Hazard and Oscar to exploit this.

 

Southampton 1-3 Newcastle

Southampton will be full of confidence after beating fellow strugglers QPR 3-1, but I think Newcastle will have too much firepower for their leaky defence, and they will be seeing it as a springboard back to the heights they achieved last season.

 

Swansea 1-2 Liverpool

It sees the return of Brendon Rodgers to the Liberty Stadium, with his team on a seven game unbeaten run, and I think it will continue. Luis Suarez will be a real handful as he leads the way as the leagues top scorer with 10.

 

Tottenham 2-0 West Ham

Spurs have lost their last four league games but the tide has got to turn and I think it will be here it happens; but they will have to do it with one up top with Emmanuel Adebayor suspended. West Ham showed against Stoke they lacked real fire power with Andy Carroll struggling to find the back of the net for the Hammers.

 

 

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