Manchester United and Chelsea’s hopes of completing a deal for Edinson Cavani have received a blow, as Napoli boss Rafael Benitez declared his intention to keep the striker.
The prolific Uruguayan has been linked with a big money move to one of Europe’s elite clubs this summer, after impressing for a number of years in Serie A.
Both Chelsea and United have been linked with a move for his signature of late, with Jose Mourinho and David Moyes said to rate him highly.
However, Napoli are reportedly unwilling to allow their talisman to leave the San Paolo, and have held firm by declaring that only a release clause-triggering bid of £54million will be enough to force through a deal.
But, the Premier League pair are believed to be far from keen to match such a sum, and were hopeful that the Italians would reduce the quoted figure.
Benitez – who was in charge of Chelsea for much of 2012/13 – says that he wants Cavani to stay, and that Napoli are in no hurry to sell.
“Neither me or the president want Cavani to leave because he’s a really important player for us,” he told Sky Sports.
“Clearly, there is a clause that you can’t control, but we want him to stay to score many goals and to continue growing with Napoli.
“He found success and fame with this team and he can stay for another year with supporters who love him.
“Napoli don’t need the money. Should he leave, it will be for his clause, and it’s a really high sum.
“But our intention is that he will stay. The president’s intention is to strengthen the team and Cavani is our most important player.
“I don’t know if he has had any offers, but I know there is a clause and anyone who wants him will have to pay it.”
Is Edinson Cavani really worth £54m?
Tell us what you think below!
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Manchester United have been here before, a talented youngster on the books who sees his future elsewhere in spite of the persistent overtures from his current club.
Adnan Januzaj’s performance against Sunderland on the weekend will inevitably spark memories of Paul Pogba’s departure from Manchester United last year, but are the club well off the beaten path in terms of handling fresh talents?
Why are United in this situation again? For one, the club has its principles, and shelling out £20,000-£60,000 on an unproven youngster isn’t the way they want to do things. Should that be criticised? Yes and no. There is a balance that needs to be preserved in terms of hierarchy within the squad, and if United wish to stray along the path of reality despite their financial wealth – how many 18-year-olds are worth that sort of money? – then in some way they should be applauded.
But there can be a way of fine tuning the situation and getting the best of both worlds. The current United regime will rightly have many fans worried. The failed efforts to properly strengthen the squad in the summer could dictate the outcome of Janazaj’s contract negotiations. Questions need to be asked as to whether United have people capable of effectively handling contract extensions and transfers.
The thing is, United will do their best to play this one down to the wire, unless of course they land on a financial deal that suites them. While the club have been here before with Paul Pogba, it’s also worth remembering that young stars can fizz out into nothing, such as with Federico Macheda. The large majority of fans and many onlookers will say that Janazaj is a different proposition, a different calibre of talent and one who will justify a large layout in the near future. But we simply don’t know that. As fickle as football fans can be, the game itself has its ways of offering up one thing and then completely shifting course soon after.
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United are right to be cautious with Janazaj’s extension, though David Moyes in particular and the club as a whole should not become slaves to the idea that every young player wants to play for United. That may be the case for British youngsters and it certainly may have been true with Alex Ferguson at the helm, but United isn’t the pinnacle of every football culture, and with Bayern Munich, Juventus and Real Madrid reportedly after Janazaj, there is reason to be concerned that the player may hold greater personal affection for any of those clubs than he does his current.
But away from that, United have a duty to restore some face after the loss of Pogba a little over a year ago. There is every possibility that Janazaj is a one hit wonder who won’t amount to much in his future, but losing another player with his projected potential would become something of an embarrassment for the club.
The finer details of the Janazaj situation behind the scenes aren’t too clear: we don’t know what has been said by Moyes and specifically what his intentions are for the youngster. But it shouldn’t be overlooked that another youngster two years older than Janazaj scored a similar volley in midweek against a Champions League side, not a team propping up their domestic league table. Lewis Holtby is a proven talent and Schalke know exactly what they have with him. He could have jumped ship earlier this year but his club found a way to strike a balance that suited both parties. It’s not impossible for United to do the same, but much better handling than we’ve seen in the past is paramount.
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Liverpool’s name among those in contention for a place in the top four come May has been greatly owed to by the scoring exploits of Daniel Sturridge. We already know what Luis Suarez is capable of – 23 league goals last season. But Sturridge, always in need of a solid run in the first team and prior to his move to Anfield always lacking, has proven himself to be a more than able supplement or substitute for the Uruguayan.
The Merseyside derby on the weekend was one of the Premier League’s standout matches up until this point of the season. But not only did it highlight the consistency of Liverpool’s attacking duo in front of goal, it also showcased the frailty of the backline when performing in high-profile matches.
There’s nothing wrong with advocating open, free-flowing football. More often than not, though, it’s married with a shaky defence that is prone to leaking goals. Everton may have scored three, but the opportunities presented to Roberto Martinez’s team could have increased their tally had, for example, Gerard Deulofeu taken his chances.
What has been perhaps overlooked from Liverpool’s surprisingly good start is the lack of options to add to the goal scoring contributions of Suarez and Sturridge. Again, there’s nothing wrong with the mentality of scoring more than the opponent over a watertight defence, but more is needed in the way of consistent scoring threats.
Sturridge and Suarez are among the top three leading scorers in the Premier League – Sergio Aguero is currently top – but beyond them, Liverpool’s next top scorer is Steven Gerrard with two in the league. It’s simply not enough to ensure a stay in the top four, especially during a league campaign where even at this stage there is little certainty about who will finish first.
Brendan Rodgers was clearly interested in Henrikh Mkhitaryan during the summer, losing out to Borussia Dortmund for the Armenian’s signature. At Shakhtar, Mkhitaryan proved himself to be a highly reliable source of goals from midfield. Rodgers also reportedly targeted former Shakhtar midfielder Willian, but the Brazilian never carved out a reputation like Mkhitaryan in front of goal.
Despite the additions of Iago Aspas and Victor Moses, it’s a sign that Rodgers is looking ahead to what this team are in obvious need of. Every good side has scoring options throughout the team. Liverpool have been aided by the lack of midweek commitments, but had they been without an entire week’s break between league games, there’s a real possibility that the goals from Sturridge especially would have dried up for a run of games.
What is also key in much of this is that Sturridge, regardless of what he’s doing so far, doesn’t have a reputation as a consistent goal scorer. His record may be impressive since arriving at Anfield in January – 19 league goals – but we have no reference as to whether he’s a striker who is prone to scoring droughts, nor can you ever really prepare for the injury of a key player.
Steven Gerrard isn’t what he was. It would be unrealistic to expect the Liverpool skipper to produce scoring in double figures as he has done in the past. He offers much to this youthful Liverpool side, but goals aren’t one of them.
In January, and with funds likely to be made available if it helps the team prolong their stay in the top four this season, another goal scorer, specifically a midfielder, is needed.
Rodgers has shown his tactical flexibility by switching formation to either include both Sturridge and Suarez in the first XI or just one, as he did against Everton. There is likely to come a point where one isn’t available, and with the deploying of Moses and Coutinho on the wings, there simply isn’t enough to guarantee maximum points each and every game.
Let’s also not look past the fact that there are some very good defenders in the league who are capable of keeping both forwards quiet for the entire ninety.
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Nothing has changed in the fact that this Liverpool team is still a work progress: their current position in the league doesn’t alter the need for further investment and possibly replacements if Suarez eventually leaves. For now, countering an uncertain defence with further options in attack is a priority.
Andros Townsend’s midweek heroics have propelled England to the cusp of World Cup qualification. The Tottenham man put in a stunning display on his full international debut to guide the three lions to a comfortable 4-1 win over Montenegro.
The youngster has been showered with glowing praise from all corners of the footballing world, and many have already tipped him to go on and develop into one of our brightest international assets for many years. Surely if he can continue anything like the form he showed last week he has every chance of matching the lofty targets many have already set for him.
Success in the international game is one thing, but realising his potential at club level may be a totally different prospect. Tottenham are a club deep in transition and who of late have pieced together one of the strongest squads in the whole of the Premier League. Whereas in the national set-up Townsend may only be competing with say Walcott and maybe Milner, at club level he has the likes of Lamela, Lennon, Chadli and Sigurdsson all in his way.
So will Townsend continue to be afforded opportunity at Spurs?
With the return of Lennon and gradual integration of Lamela you may think otherwise.
Personally though I think Townsend will continue to be given ample chances to shine in AVB’s revolutionised side. AVB is a man of principle and keen to instil some sense of meritocracy within the Tottenham set-up. Hence the slow start for Hugo Lloris last year and the current persistence with Gylfi Sigurdsson this term.
AVB has no reason to drop Townsend because as it stands he is the club’s main source of attacking craft, a commodity of importance for Spurs. I’ll admit though pressure does come when there is a £30m club record-signing sitting on the bench, with the board keen to see the fruits of their summer spending.
This isn’t an issue because I fully expect Lamela to eventually break through at Spurs; it is more a question of when than if. A wide combination of both Lamela and Townsend is for me the most likely long-term scenario. Sigurdsson has been playing incredibly well and I don’t doubt his footballing abilities, but for me he just isn’t the wide man Spurs are looking for and if anything he should be competing with Eriksen for that number 10 role.
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The return of Aaron Lennon though could be a much more interesting proposition. Lennon has been a tremendous servant for the club and has offered Spurs pace and width in abundance. Often criticised for a perceived lack of end product, the Englishman is recognised as a significant menace amongst opposition defences and clearly still a huge asset for AVB this season.
AVB doesn’t pick though on reputation or name, and it is my firm belief that Lennon will have to work like the rest of the squad to prove his worth. That said I think even at such an early stage of his career, Townsend still offers Spurs so much more. Comfortable off both feet and with a much better delivery than Lennon, which doesn’t say much, he is for me the better option.
This wont concern AVB because with the bulk of work ahead for the squad it will be crucial for him to have at least four first team wingers to choose from. Pace down the flanks is something that wins games in the final 20 minutes and if AVB has the option to bring on say a Lennon or Chadli with the clock ticking down then who knows what Spurs could achieve.
The issue may be more as to whether a peripheral role is enough for Lennon at his age. Cup football with a smattering of Premier League action is usually something afforded to younger players, would an internationally capped winger really settle for this?
Personally I think he may. Spurs are on the verge of something big and as a player you want to be involved in these kind of projects as much as possible. I may even be understating the amount of playing time that Lennon would get. Injury and loss of form will likely necessitate AVB shuffling his pack from time to time and someone of Lennon’s experience will be the man to fill the berth.
I amongst many other may be extremely quick to laud the emergence of Andros Townsend, but for those who have watched him mature beyond the last week will be in agreement over this prodigious talent’s enormous potential.
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At Spurs he may be in one of the most competitive sides in the League but for me this will only make him stronger. Battling with a collection of the world’s best for a starting spot can only be a good thing and I expect him to continue featuring for the club in the future.
Tottenham moved up to fifth spot with a home win over Crystal Palace thanks to goals from Christian Eriksen and Jermain Defoe. Meanwhile Jason Puncheon missed an early penalty.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the game…
9 minutes – Penalty to Crystal Palace… but Puncheon blazes the ball high and wide
30 minutes – Palace fans happy with their side
34 minutes – Bentaleb crashes a long distance effort against the post
40 minutes – during a break in play news filters around White Hart Lane that Puncheon’s penalty-kick ball has written off one unfortunate fan’s car!
50 minutes – Christian Eriksen fires Tottenham into the lead after latching onto an Emmanuel Adebayor flick on
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58 minutes – On comes Jermain Defoe fresh from the announcement of his move to Toronto FC
73 minutes – It just had to be. Defoe wriggles in the area before finding the back of the net. He will be missed at White Hart Lane
Full Time – Tottenham secure all three points thanks to goals from Eriksen and Defoe
Louis van Gaal is the last person who needs advice when it comes to managing a major club. The Dutchman has worked with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and the Netherlands national team – he’s well acquainted with big pressures and even bigger expectations.
But Manchester United are a rather unique outfit. As the 62-year-old stated himself in his opening press conference, they are the biggest club in the world.
Thus, to be successful at Old Trafford, there are some key principles Louis van Gaal must stick to. And just in case he happens to be a secret fan of Football FanCast, we’ve decided to list FIVE of them.
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FAITH IN YOUTH
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For a club once immortalised by Alan Hansen’s ill-fated quip ‘you can’t win anything with kids’, Manchester United’s youth policy has lost its way in recent years.
Ryan Giggs sought to readdress that balance during his brief caretaker spell, promoting Tom Lawrence and James Wilson to great effect, with the latter netting twice against Southampton. He also netted this belter in the U21 league back in April:
The duo are by no means the only talented youngsters in the Red Devils squad – they’re joined by Nick Powell, Will Keane, Michael Keane and Wilfried Zaha to name a few, not to mention Belgian whizzkid Adnan Januzaj, the architect of this strike:
Manchester United must rediscover their faith in youth and Louis van Gaal is undoubtedly the right man for the job. His 1995 Champions League-winning Ajax side had an average age of just 23.
The 62-year-old has already shown a commitment to cause too with the signings of 18 year-old Luke Shaw and 24 year-old Ander Herrera, the latter being in sensational form during United’s 7-0 romping of LA Galaxy during their pre-season tour in the USA. 20 year-old Reece James also netted twice, including this confident finish:
TRANSITIONAL ATTACKING FOOTBALL
David Moyes was lamented for his apparent ‘negative’ tactics last season, but rather than Manchester United setting up too defensively, a more intrinsic flaw was a lack of fluidity between departments.
In sharp contrast, Liverpool and Manchester City both adopted free-flowing philosophies last season, resulting in both clubs finishing the campaign with over 100 league goals each.
Louis van Gaal has already sought to remedy that somewhat, starting with this 3-5-2 formation against LA Galaxy:
…but by no means sticking to it, with Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw the pivots between a back five and a back four. Likewise, Darren Fletcher featured at centre-back in the second half whilst Ashley Young and Nani took on striking roles to great effect. The England international netted twice, including this strike:
This is precisely the level of invention the Red Devils lacked under Moyes. If van Gaal can produce the same level of creativity and tactical nous on a weekly basis, he will be a success at Old Trafford.
FORTRESS OLD TRAFFORD
As viewable below, in comparison to Manchester United’s usual standards, their home form last season was absolutely shocking:
Sir Alex Ferguson built Old Trafford as an uber fortress – a ground even the best teams in Europe fretted coming to, and if Louis van Gaal is to be successful with the Red Devils he has to revive that entrenched fear.
The psychological impact cannot be overstated – how many times have we witnessed United clinch vital points at home in the final minutes of any given match?
That fear factor was lost under Moyes – for the first time in decades, fans were leaving Old Trafford early. LvG must revert back to former times where stoppage-time goals at home were the norm for the Red Devils:
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DISTANCE FROM FERGUSON
David Moyes’ biggest mistake at Old Trafford was failing to distance himself from Sir Alex Ferguson, a man who retired as one of the greatest managers in English football history. Rather, he turned up at Carrington with the mandate of continuing the retired Scot’s policies as closely as possible.
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Of course, there are a number of similarities between Louis van Gaal and Fergie which many people have already picked up on, including Ryan Giggs and the United gaffer himself:
But if van Gaal is to be successful at Old Trafford, he must find a way to differentiate from Manchester United’s past, be it philosophy, playing personnel or leadership style.
Constant comparisons with one of the game’s greats will do him no favours – LVG must make everybody realise that the Red Devils have reached the post-Ferguson era by taking the club in a different direction.
PREVENTING PLAYER POWER
Perhaps this point goes without saying, and if there’s any manager in world football who knows how to curb player power, it’s undoubtedly Louis van Gaal:
But in my opinion at least, Wayne Rooney’s influence is beginning to grow disproportionate at Old Trafford. He’s made two transfer requests in the last four years, soon followed by unprecedented contracts.
No doubt, the 28 year-old has great quality:
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But it’s time Louis van Gaal made it clear that no player is bigger than Manchester United and only he rules the roost – even if that results in selling Wayne Rooney.
We at Football Fancast are understandably all very excited about the 2014/15 Premier League campaign officially kicking off this weekend.And whilst Saturday will host Manchester United’s first game under Louis van Gaal as well as Tottenham’s visit to West Ham (amongst other very enticing fixtures), Sunday sees Newcastle take on reigning champions Manchester City.Thus, as our excitement materialises in the form of writing articles, FFC have conjured up this ‘Dream Xi’ for the Toon taking on the Citizens this weekend, combining new signings, the best performers from last season and potential acquisitions Alan Pardew’s side could make before the weekend.
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GOALKEEPER – TIM KRUL
Despite being linked with a move to AC Milan for much of last season…
… it appears Newcastle will hold onto their No.1 Tim Krul this summer.
And it’s a good job too. Not only did the Netherlands international prove himself to be a proficient penalty taker at the World Cup…
But he also earned Newcastle a multitude of valuable points last season, most notably against Tottenham Hotspur:
RIGHT BACK – DARYL JANMAAT
Another Oranje star that makes a poignant statement of the impressive quality in the Newcastle starting XI.
Following an impressive World Cup campaign, the stats of which are viewable below:
…Newcastle wasted no time this summer in securing the services for former Feyenoord defender Daryl Janmaat in a £5million deal, following Mathieu Debuchy’s exit to Arsenal.
The 25 year-old looks a good find – solid defensively, incredibly physical but capable of also contributing going forward – and is expected to make his full Newcastle debut on Sunday.
Here’s a look at some of Janmaat’s highlights for the Eredivisie side:
CENTRE-BACK – FABRICIO COLOCCINI
Fabricio Coloccini’s homesickness appears to have passed, having officially declared in May that he will remain on Tyneside next season.
The Argentina international’s immense experience and continuity is vital, having amassed 211 appearances for Newcastle since joining them from Deportivo back in 2008.
The Magpies skipper was in good form last season too despite concerns that he could return to Buenos Aires, as viewable below:
Here’s a look at the 32 year-old in action:
CENTRE-BACK – STEFAN RADU
According to the tabloids, one of the many centre-back targets Newcastle have been eying this summer is Lazio defender Stefan Radu:
The Romania international has racked up over 150 Serie A appearances for Aquile, but struggled to make it back into the first team last season after spending two months on the sidelines from September onwards with a knee injury.
No doubt however the 25 year-old is an impressive talent – check out his stats from the campaign previous:
Here’s a short clip of the defender, who can operate at centre-back or left-back, in action:
It’s believed he could be available for around £8million, but admittedly, the Radu trail has gone cold in recent weeks and it would be a shock if he turned up on Tyneside before the weekend.
LEFT BACK – DAVIDE SANTON
Left-back Davide Santon was in customarily consistent form last season, as detailed below:
And despite being linked with a return to his native Italy this summer…
…it appears the Magpies will be holding onto him until at least the January window.
The Italy international has now amassed 82 league appearances for Newcastle and appears to be improving by the game.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – CHEICK TIOTE
There are rumours that Arsenal are planning a move for Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote:
But tied down to a contract until 2017, the Magpies would undoubtedly prefer to hold onto their 119-game servant for at least another season.
The Ivory Coast international has often been a central factor in the Tyneside outfit’s successes, and last season recorded one of the best tackling returns in the Premier League:
The 28 year-old’s infactuation with the referee’s notebook can often be frustrating for the Newcastle faithful, but his quality has never been in doubt.
And of course, he’ll always be remembered at St. James’s Park for this sensational strike against Arsenal back in 2011:
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – MOUSSA SISSOKO
Moussa Sissoko more commonly featured out wide for Newcastle last season, an unusual role that certainly got some decent performances out of him, as detailed below:
But the January 2013 signing was initially purchased from Toulouse as a central midfielder, and Newcastle’s many attacking acquisitions this summer could see him revert back to his more traditional position.
The France international certainly has the talent and physicality to do so, and now privy to the benefits of 18 months settling time on Tyneside, will be expected to start making good on his preceding reputation from Ligue 1 next season.
Sissoko has been in good form during pre-season too, finding the net against Real Sociedad:
RIGHT WING – WILFRIED ZAHA
Football – Inter Milan v Manchester United – Guinness International Champions Cup – Pre Season Friendly Tournament – FedExField, Washington D.C, United States of America – 14/15 , 29/7/14Wilfried Zaha – Manchester United Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Adam HoltEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
According to the tabloids, Newcastle are prepared to save wayward England prodigy Wilfried Zaha from his Manchester United nightmare:
The 21 year-old joined the Red Devils last summer after playing a vital role in Crystal Palace’s promotion-through-the-play-offs campaign, netting a brace against Brighton in the semi-finals:
He also won the deciding penalty in a 1-0 Wembley affair, but since moving to Old Trafford has gone on to make just two substitute appearances for the Carrington club.
David Moyes didn’t warm to him and neither has Louis van Gaal, who is reportedly prepared to sell the winger-forward this summer.
It’s believed he could be available for as little as £7million, but whether Newcastle can wrap up a deal before taking on Manchester City this weekend remains to be seen.
ATTACKING MIDFIELD – SIEM DE JONG
Despite brother Luuk failing to impress during a six-month loan spell on Tyneside last season, Newcastle were quick to secure the services of former Ajax star Siem de Jong this summer.
The Dutch international netted an impressive 57 times in 168 league appearances for the Eredivisie champions, but is better famed for his link-up play, having often been utilised as a ‘false nine’ by Frank de Boer.
Here’s a look at the Dutch international in action:
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De Jong netted an impressive strike during pre-season:
But rumour unfortunately has it that the midfielder-come-striker could miss out on Newcastle’s opener against Manchester City with a calf injury.
LEFT WING – REMY CABELLA
Another summer signing Newcastle fans would love to see make his debut against Manchester City this weekend is France starlet Remy Cabella.
The attacking midfielder was in sensational form to save his side from Ligue 1 relegation doom last season, as detailed below…
And after endless months of playing hardball with Montpellier president Louis Nicollin …
…the Magpies finally got their man in a £10million deal.
STRIKER – LOIC REMY
A few months ago it appeared Newcastle had absolutely no chance of acquirining the services of Loic Remy permanently, as the Magpies loan star eyed Champions League football.
But after surprisingly failing a medical at Liverpool, it’s anyone’s guess where the France international will end up this summer.
The 27 year-old was in sensational form for Newcastle last term to find 14 goals in the Premier League, which are viewable in the below video:
And who can forget this wonder-strike for parent club QPR at the end of the 2012/13 campaign…
Alan Pardew is known to be monitoring Remy’s situation, but he’s also been linked with moves to Tottenham and Chelsea:
Thus, the chances of him returning to Tyneside before the Toon take on Manchester City remain exceptionally slim.
International break is over, let Premier League football resume!
There are some exciting games to watch this weekend including Arsenal vs Manchester City, Chelsea vs Swansea, and Manchester United vs QPR.
But who’s summer business will start showing an immediate impact? Can Falcao get off to a goalscoring start at United, or will Welbeck show Louis Van Gaal what he’s missing with a debut goal for Arsenal against City?
Without further delay, let’s get the predictions underway!
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Arsenal vs Manchester City (12:45pm)
23-year-old Englishman Danny Welbeck is expected to make his Arsenal debut this weekend when his new side plays against his old rival side, Manchester City, at the Emirates. The Gunners may be undefeated so far this season, but they have only won one game and need to start winning more to consider themselves as title contenders. A win against City will be a good start. The Citizens started their title defence well, but they suffered a disappointing loss to Stoke before the international break and will be looking to bounce back. I think Arsenal have enough in the team to win this one despite the possible absence of Aaron Ramsey.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-2 Manchester City
Chelsea vs Swansea
The two remaining 100% winning record teams in the Premier League this season will meet at Stamford Bridge this weekend in a game which I think will be an absolute thriller. Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have revitalised Chelsea this season and have given them an added edge in front of goal. Although the partnership of Ashley Williams and Jordi Amat in defence has been solid so far, I don’t think they will be able to withstand Diego Costa this weekend.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-0 Swansea
Crystal Palace vs Burnley
Crystal Palace earned their first points of the new campaign before the international break thanks to a late equaliser by Wilfred Zaha in a 3-3 draw against Newcastle. New Eagles manager Neil Warnock will be looking to build on that result when they welcome Burnley to Selhurst Park. Burnley achieved a well fought 0-0 draw against Manchester United before the break and this result would have boosted their confidence for this game. Sam Vokes is still sidelined for The Clarets and Sean Dyche may name the same starting XI that played against United, meaning new signings George Boyd, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane could miss out on a starting place. Palace should win, especially if Zaha plays.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Burnley
Southampton vs Newcastle
Southampton’s 3-1 win against West Ham before the international break would have bolstered fan’s hopes that the club was entering disarray after the summer departures. Belgian loanee signing Tony Alderweireld is expected to make his debut for the Saints, but Jay Rodriguez is still absent through injury. Newcastle is still looking for their first win of the season after suffering to a late Zaha goal in a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace. The Magpies haven’t scored in five of their last six Premier League away games and will be without Siem de Jong and Papiss Cisse in this fixture, meaning this bad scoring form away from home is likely to continue.
Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Newcastle
Stoke vs Leicester
Both of these sides will be looking to develop on the impressive results they picked up before the international break. Stoke managed to beat Manchester City whilst Leicester achieved a draw against Arsenal. Little changes are expected in either side after these great results so this should be a close game. However, Stoke’s home field advantage at the Britannia will be enough to provide them with a win.
Prediction: Stoke 2-1 Leicester
Sunderland vs Tottenham
Sunderland are still looking for their first win of the season but an impressive draw against Manchester United in their last home game will give fans confidence in the side that they can pick up a result against Tottenham. Tottenham will be looking to recover after an embarrassing home loss of 3-0 to Liverpool before the international break. New faces at both clubs are expected to make appearances, but Spurs should still win this game.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-2 Tottenham
West Brom vs Everton
West Brom sunk to a 3-0 defeat to Swansea before the international break. Everton were also handed a big defeat by Chelsea and will be looking to rebuild. The Toffees have started the season poorly and will need to start picking up results in games like these if they want to replicate their 5th place finish from last campaign. Christian Atsu will be available for Everton, but both sides are injury stricken with Joleon Lescott, Victor Anichebe and Youssouf Mulumbu doubtful for West Brom, and Arouna Koné, Ross Barkley and Bryan Oviedo definitely out for Everton. Everton will pick up their first win of the season.
Prediction: West Brom 0-2 Everton
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Liverpool vs Aston Villa (5:30pm)
Liverpool manager Brendon Rodgers will be annoyed that Daniel Sturridge picked up a knock whilst on international duty, putting him in doubt to appear in this fixture. Mario Balotelli will be looked upon to step up in this fixture, his home debut in a Liverpool shirt. He has a good record against Aston Villa, having scored four goals in six appearances for Manchester City against The Villa. Villa will be looking to continue their great defensive start to the season, having only conceded one goal so far. They are yet to come up against an attack like what Liverpool can offer so this may be when holes appear in the defence.
Prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
Manchester United vs QPR (4pm)
Radamel Falcao is expected to make his debut for Manchester United against QPR, a team that has failed to win against The Red Devils since 1991. 19-year-old Luke Shaw is also expected to make his United debut alongside the Colombian, as well as Argentine Marcos Rojo and Dutchman Daley Blind. The R’s will be looking to build on their 1-0 win against Sunderland before the international break after losing their first two games this season. United has won five out of the last five games between the two sides, scoring ten goals and only conceding one. Despite their unimpressive start to the season under Louis van Gaal, United should pick up their first win of the season in this match.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 QPR
Hull vs West Ham (8pm)
Both sides will be looking to bounce back after disappointing losses before the international break. Hull lost 2-1 away at Aston Villa whilst West Ham lost at home to Southampton. The Hammers have won four out of the last five fixtures between these two sides. The Tigers will be without Robert Snodgrass and West Ham will have Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll still sidelined. Alex Song and Morgan Amalfitano are expected to debut for The Hammers while Abel Hernandez, Hatem Ben Arfa, Gaston Ramirez and Mohammed Diame are expected to debut for Hull. This is going to be a close game which I think will end in a draw.
Arsenal can go all of the way this season and win the Premier League if Arsene Wenger snaps up Sami Khedira in January, according to Gunners hero Robert Pires.
The north London giants have been heavily linked with the German World Cup winner in recent weeks, with rumours suggesting that they are ready to revive their summer interest in the 27-year-old.
Khedira is set to be available at a knockdown price in January, with Real Madrid ready to sell for around £8m-£10m if they cannot tie him down to a new contract, with his current deal due to end next year.
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And even with the Gunners nine points off of league leaders Chelsea already, Pires – who recently came out of retirement to sign for Indian Super League side Goa FC – believes that his old clib have the potential to win the big trophy with the midfielder on board:
“He [Wenger] needs a big player in the middle, like Viera, strong, tall, because this position is very important for the balance between attack and defence,” he told The Telegraph.
“The quality is there but you need more, maybe [someone] like Yaya Toure in middle. He reminds me of Patrick Vieira, maybe they have an opportunity with Khedira. It is likely in the January window. He played very well with Germany. My advice is if he can buy Khedira he can be the [new] Vieira, more aggression in the middle.
“He has a lot of experience. When you play in the middle you need experience, especially when your midfield is young like Arsenal’s.”
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With Arsene Wenger keen to make ‘at least one signing’ in the January transfer window, it appears the Gunners will be choosing between two German internationals.
It remains to be seen just which department Wenger believes requires strengthening; his opinions often clash with the rest of the footballing world, and in addition to Arsenal’s worrying lack of physicality and defensive awareness in midfield, the Gunners’ defence is in need of bodies too.
But Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny are both set to return from injury in the new year, at which point, we’ll all likely be once again reminded that a returning crocked star is the equivalent of a new signing, and Wenger told French publication beIN sport earlier this season that he desires “a physical presence with prodigious ability like Vieira or Petit”.
So striking an ideal equilibrium between price-tag, availability and Arsenal’s intrinsic needs are German midfield duo Sami Khedira and Christoph Kramer. But who should the Gunners choose?
Kramer is best known for his surprise inclusion in the summer’s World Cup final, only to come off with a head injury after just half an hour. Certainly the 23 year-old’s greatest claim to fame thus far, but that shouldn’t overshadow his brisk development at club level over the last two seasons.
On loan at Borussia Monchengladbach from Bayer Leverkusen, Kramer has established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest prospects in the last 18 months. This season he’s averaged an impressive 2.8 tackles and three interceptions per match – the latter statistic is actually the tenth-best return out of the entirety of the German top flight.
The only Arsenal midfielder to come anywhere close to matching that this season is the much-maligned Mathieu Flamini, with 2.7 tackles and 2.6 interceptions per outing, so there’s no doubt the German international would bring vital variety to the Gunners’ engine room, providing the kind of industrial service Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey cant.
But he’s by no means the finished article – rather miraculously, Kramer netted an own goal from the centre-circle last month, lobbing goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Perhaps unfortunate, perhaps an act of god, yet still a symbolic gesture of his inexperience – especially in terms of decision-making.
Meanwhile, Sami Khedira has belonged to world football’s centre-mid elite for quite some time – essentially since his promising performances at 2010 World Cup, which quickly triggered a move to Real Madrid.
But the German international isn’t the tough-tackling enforcer he’s often made out to be by the English press; Khedira’s influence is better felt in a box-to-box capacity, through his athleticism, strength, aerial ability and elegant footwork. This is something Wenger commented on during the summer and the stats are incredibly telling. In sharp contrast to Kramer, the 28 year-old hasn’t averaged two tackles per match or more or two interceptions per match or more in his last three La Liga campaigns.
Considerably less dynamic than in his younger years however and boasting many natural requisites for that role, there’s no reason Khedira can’t transform himself into a deeper-lying, more disciplined ball-winner. Furthermore, his contract is up at the end of the season and a Bernabeu departure in January now seems inevitable, having seen just 65 minutes of action in the Spanish top flight and Champions League combined under Carlo Ancelotti this season – although Khedira has missed significant chunks of the campaign through injury.
So who should Arsenal choose in this case of Kramer vs Khedira? Well, in my opinion, neither – because they both come with huge flaws.
Kramer, although an enormously talented prospect, is not the proven winner that can transform Arsenal from eternal-fourth-placers to genuine Premier League title contenders. He’s also on loan at Gladbach and although that temporary switch could be conceivably cancelled to accommodate an Emirates move in January, it will likely take some added compensation on Arsenal’s part in addition to his rumoured £12million valuation.
Likewise, Khedira may fall rather firmly into the ‘proven winner’ category, having won both a Champions League title and a World Cup only this summer, but he’s not a natural defensive midfielder and the last thing Arsenal need is yet another one of Wenger’s pet projects in that position, like Mikel Arteta or Abou Diaby. They need the real deal – someone who can hit the ground running.
The German international has also spent the majority of the last two seasons injured – do the Gunners really want another injury-prone high-earner on their books amid a campaign that’s already seen 15 players sidelined for significant periods?
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In my opinion, the answer to Arsenal’s defensive midfield conundrum, albeit a considerably more expensive one, is a lot closer to home – Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin.
The France international is easily the Premier League’s most talented enforcer outside of Chelsea and Manchester City, averaging 2.93 tackles and 2.67 interceptions per match over the last three campaigns.
He sits deep, controls the middle of the park with both mettle and the ball, boasting a pass completion of 90% this term, and simply lets the Saints’ more attacking options get on with it. He’s been a major factor in the St. Mary’s outfit rising to third place in the Premier League this season whilst also commanding the best defensive record in the division.
Southampton were reluctant to sell in the summer it’s believed they value Schneiderlin around the £30million mark. Still just 25 years of age, however, proven in the top flight and representing precisely what Arsenal currently lack in midfield, any alternative to Schneiderlin the Gunners target – including Khedira and Kramer – is an unnecessary, likely fruitless compromise.