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/

The 3 ‘Must Have’ Buys For Swansea City This January Window

tisteSwansea City Chairmen Huw Jenkins has stated that the Welsh side will be looking to add extra depth to the squad come January, according to the South Wales Evening Post.

There has certainly been no second season syndrome at the Liberty Stadium and manager Michael Laudrup isn’t wanting to make wholesale changes to a settled side, just a couple of new signings to freshen the squad and ensure they don’t run out of steam.

Jenkins told the South Wales Evening Post: “Our new manager is only just getting to know most of the players we have got after 15 games, but with games we have got coming up, adding one or two players is something we’ll look  at.

“We need to make sure we have the right depth of squad because there are going to be a lot of competitive games. During that time the players will probably need help because they will need rest, so we have to make sure we have the players to cover that.”

Swansea sit seventh in the premier league, but could have up to 14 games in the next seven weeks, if they progress in both cup competitions and Jenkins is wary of the possibility of the team falling down the league.

Jenkins continued: “We will have funds ready to bring one or two players, but they have got to be the right signings for this club.”

Swansea have been linked with young players such as Ryan Fraser at Aberdeen and 20 year old Yanic Wildschut from VVV Venlo, but Jenkins has said the club will be looking for players who they know are 100% ready  for premier league action.

Three players that could be coming to the Liberty Stadium;

Laudrup has been linked with a couple of defenders coming up to the January window, and the Danish manager showed interest in Blackpool’s Alex Baptiste in the summer, but never captured the 26 year old defender.  Laudrup may see Wolves’ Christophe Berra as a better and cheaper option as the Scottish international is out of contract in the summer. Berra was placed on the transfer list in the summer after asking to leave Molineux and Wolves might look to cash in on the centre back, instead of losing money and the player in the summer.

Swansea say they have no intentions of selling star Spaniard Michu, but if clubs come with the right money they may not be able to say no, meaning a replacement will be needed. Michu has scored 11 goals in all competitions and is the joint leading goal scorer in the league with 10, but he could fall out of form with the heavy demand of premier league football, even if they can keep hold of him. A player that Laudrup may look at is out of favour Jordan Henderson at Anfield. Henderson was told he could leave in the summer and Liverpool tried to use him in a deal with Fulham over Clint Dempsey. Swansea won’t get as many goals out of Henderson, as he’s a different kind of player but he showed at Sunderland he is a good midfielder. The ideal situation for Swansea would be to keep hold of Michu and get Henderson on their books as cover or as a starter.

If Michu did leave or fall out of form, Swansea would lack goals and this has to be a worry for Laudrup. A player who’s situation he might be watching at their current club is Kenwyne Jones. The Trinidadian hasn’t played much for Stoke City this season; Pulis has gone for Peter Crouch up front on his own at the Britannia Stadium and with rumours that clubs are looking at the 28 year old, it could be a move the Swans are interested in. It would give Swansea a different dimension, Jones is a forward that can hold the ball up for other players to run onto if the passing game isn’t working and he also knows how to find the back of the net in his own right.

What we do know is that Laudrup can spot a good buy in the transfer window from the business he did in the summer, and I think we can expect the same again.

http://threeandin.com/2012/12/08/3-must-have-buys-for-swansea-city-this-january-window/

Redknapp determined to shake up QPR

Some managers might have watched the match in the stands at Old Trafford on Sunday and thought of ways to get out of their new job, but Harry Redknapp was planning ways to get his adopted QPR side out of trouble.

Redknapp has taken over at Loftus Road with the side rock bottom, with just four points from 13 games and are currently win less, but the  new gaffer believes can over turn the toughest test of his life.

“We’ve got to do better to give ourselves any chance of getting out of this mess,” he told the Metro.

“I need 11 people with ability to put effort in. If they don’t they’re not going to play and i’ll get 11 people who do. I’ve got no time for people who lose the ball and stand their with the hands in the air,” he continued.

Mark Hughes’ successor is looking to shake things up and with the money he believes is available to from chairmen Tony Fernandez, will be looking to add players to the already expensive squad in January will getting rid of the players not showing the heart to beat the drop.

Five that Redknapp will be looking to join him at Lofus Road are;

David Beckham is one of those players who is on the mind of the new gaffer after he leaves LA Galaxy on 1st December. Beckham has already stated he wants a new challenge and this would certainly be one of those. He has had contact with Redknapp over working together last January and Redknapp confirms they have been in touch this time as well.

“I got a lovely text from David the other night, just wishing me luck here,” he told the Metro. “To have him at any football club would be a great influence on the club, but we’ve not discussed anything.”

Beckham would bring a much needed heart, grit and passion to the club, and Harry would be looking for him to lead from the front with his captain traits and pull them out of the mire. This would only be done on a six month deal, because the former England captain wouldn’t risk being stuck in the Championship next season, if disaster does happen, but there will be a lot offers coming Beckham’s way from England, France, and the rest of the world.

Michael Dawson is a player that Redknapp will be hoping to be runited with at Loftus Park. Dawson has only started one league game at White Hart Lane this season and players like the centre back don’t enjoy sitting on the bench receiving their pay cheque. The England international nearly joined QPR in the summer but turned them down, but with the added attraction of his old manager at the helm, he might be persuaded on a loan deal. It’s a deal that will be a must for QPR if they have a chance of survival, conceding 26 goals so far this season, only Southampton conceding more.

Christophe Berra could also be someone who Redknapp looks to sure up the defence. The Scotsman is out of contract at Molinuex at the end of the season, so who could be lined up for a cheap transfer, but Sky Sports understands that Stoke, Swansea and Wigan are interested in the 27 year old. The only problem with this move is that Berra handed in transfer request to Wolves in the summer and was put on the transfer list, would he be willing to risk dropping back down into the Championship?

With the injures that Redknapp has inherited; Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson both out, the 65 year old will be looking to strengthen his forward line and Darren Bent could be the target. Bent has fallen out of favour at Villa Park after arriving at the club for £24 million, and has hinted he is unhappy at the club. Bent has experience with Redknapp, playing under him at White Hart Lane in Harry’s first season in North London. This would also be on a loan deal if Bent still sees himself as an England player as he would have to stay in the premier league next season to achieve that.

Yoan Gouffran is in a similar position as Berra at his current club Bordeaux, out of contract next summer, and QPR have sent scouts to watch the striker in action. The French club will be looking to sell the player rather than lose him on a free, meaning they might be able to get the 26 year old Frenchman at a discounted rate.

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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