Monthly Archives: September 2010

Vieira set to battle on

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Patrick Vieira admits that not playing regular first-team football at Manchester City is tough but he is determined to stay and fight for his place (City 7/10 – 90 minutes v Juventus).

The 34-year-old made the switch from Inter Milan to Eastlands during last season’s January transfer window but, with such a talented squad around him, has failed to secure regular first-team football.

The former Arsenal star has made just one appearance so far this term and scored the equaliser as City fought back to earn a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rover on September 11.

Despite a lack of playing time, the former France international is content with the way he is playing and hopes to force his way into the thoughts of City boss Roberto Mancini.

“I have been happy with my form since the start of season,” he said. “It is difficult when you play one game every month. I need to work harder than everyone else to show the manager can count on me.

“I just want to enjoy myself. I am involved in a fantastic challenge with this club and really want to be part of it.”

City welcome Italian giants Juventus to Eastlands on Thursday night in the Europa League, with the Serie A side currently struggling domestically.

The Old Lady have garnered just seven points from their first five games and no longer have the air if invincibility that they had under Marcello Lippi.

The Turin side only managed a draw with Lech Poznan in their opening Europa league match but Vieira believes his old team will join his present employers in the later stages of Europe’s second tier competition (Juve 7/4 to win Group A).

“I think they are going through a difficult period,” he added. “Maybe it is not the best Juventus side in the last few years but they are still a really competitive team.

“It will be difficult for us to find the space to play but we have players who can give them problems as well. Our strength is the squad. We can be competitive in every competition we are involved in.”

Whether Vieira gets the nod on Thursday night is open to question but defender Micah Richards could return to the side after recovering from the hamstring injury that ruled him out of last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Shaun Wright-Phillips is rated as doubtful with a knee problem while left-backs Wayne Bridge and Aleksandar Kolarov are definitely out.

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Scotland turn to Mackie

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QPR striker Jamie Mackie’s impressive early-season form has earned the 25-year-old his first call-up to the Scotland squad ahead of their forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers (Scotland 11/2 – to Qualify).

The former Plymouth hitman, who was born in Dorking, has bagged eight goals in eight games since his summer switch from Home Park to Loftus Road, with the R’s yet to taste defeat in the Championship so far this term.

Mackie’s inclusion means there is no place for 17-cap Kris Boyd whose career has failed to kick on since he left Glasgow Rangers for struggling Middlesbrough during the close season.

Scotland boss Craig Levein insists Boyd will be back once he finds his form while the former Dundee United boss has also revealed Mackie has been on his radar since nailing his colours to Scotland’s mast in August.

Speaking in Motherwell, Levein said: “He has been watched on four separate occasions and each report has been excellent.

“We have been looking high and low to add to the existing pool that we can pick from.

“I believe his grandfather was born in Kilmarnock so he fits the criteria and I’m happy to have him on board.

“If you look at the strikers I have picked, I have picked players on form, that is basically it.

“I have had a chat with Kris and explained that to him.

“He is a top goalscorer and I have no doubt that once he hits a bit of form he will be back involved in the squad.”

There are recalls for keeper Craig Gordon, defender Gary Caldwell and striker Shaun Maloney.

The Scots travel to the Czech Republic for a clash in eight days before entertaining Spain at Hampden Park on October 12.

Scotland (16/1 Group Winners) top Group I on four points after making an unbeaten start to the qualification campaign against Lithuania (0-0) in Kaunas and at home to Liechtenstein (2-1).

Meanwhile, Barcelona ace Xavi, Arsenal midfielder and Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol have been ruled out for Spain who face Lithuania before making the trip to Hampden.

Scotland:
Goalkeepers: McGregor (Rangers), Gilks (Blackpool), Gordon (Sunderland)

Defenders: Hutton (Tottenham), Berra (Wolves), Broadfoot (Rangers), McManus (Middlesbrough), G Caldwell (Wigan), Weir (Rangers), Whittaker (Rangers)

Midfielders: Adam (Blackpool), Brown (Celtic), Dorrans (West Brom), McCulloch (Rangers), Fletcher (Manchester United), Morrison (West Brom), Robson (Middlesbrough), McEveley (Barnsley), Maloney (Celtic)

Forwards: Fletcher (Wolves), Iwelumo (Burnley), Mackie (QPR), Miller (Rangers), Naismith (Rangers).

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Ancelotti back for Arsenal clash

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Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected back in England for the Premier League home clash with Arsenal on Sunday following the death of his father (Blues 8/11 to win the game).

Ancelotti Snr passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 87 and his funeral will take place on Saturday in Italy which means his son will miss the build up to the weekend.

But the former AC Milan coach is set to be back in London when the Gunners make the short trip to Stamford Bridge.

A Chelsea statement read: “Carlo Ancelotti’s father Giuseppe passed away in Italy last night aged 87 with his son at his side.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Carlo and his family. They are all in our thoughts at this time.

“The funeral will take place in Italy on Saturday. Carlo will return to London for Sunday’s match versus Arsenal.”

Blues striker Didier Drogba has already described Sunday’s game as one the Blues cannot afford to lose following last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City (Drogba 4/1 – Enhanced First Goalscorer).

He told Sky Sports: “When I was playing in France, Arsenal was an example for us because there were all these French players who used to play in the French league and went abroad to play for Arsenal with a French manager.

“So to play against them for me means a lot.”

Drogba added: “I don’t think we can afford to lose a second game, especially against Arsenal

“People have to know, and we know, that we’re going to lose some games this season.

“But again, it’s always good to win, it’s always better to win.”

Arsenal also lost last weekend – 3-2 at home to promoted West Brom – but like the Blues they also bounced back in midweek in the Champions League (Gunners 10/1 – Champions League Outright).

Gunners understudy Lukasz Fabianski looks likely to keep his place in goal with Manuel Almunia struggling with an elbow problem.

The Pole was impressive against Partizan Belgrade during Tuesday night’s 3-1 win but will know he needs to back that display up if called on at the Bridge.

The 25-year-old said: “Overall, I am pleased with my performance.

“I am not talking about just saves, but reading the game, coming for crosses or playing with my feet.

“Every aspect of goalkeeping is important for me, so I am pleased with my performance in general.”

Fabianski added: “I am ready to play against Chelsea. I was always ready, so we will see.

“I was never really bothered by all the things said. I was always trying to focus on my job and my work.

“That is what I was always doing and that why I am grounded.”

With or without Fabianski, Arsenal are 18/5 for the away win.

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Nani eyes Euro run

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Manchester United winger Nani is hoping to continue his rich vein of form into tonight’s Champions League tie with Spanish side Valencia (Match Betting – Valencia 13/8, draw 23/10, United 13/8).

The Portugal international scored a fine individual goal against Bolton on Sunday as United twice battled back to secure a point and Nani believes he is starting to find his best form since his £17million move to Old Trafford in 2007.

“I feel more confident now than at any stage in my career,” said Nani. “I know I am at a very good moment in my career and my performances have been at a high level.

“I am doing well and am playing at an important level for my team.

“That is making me confident in every game and I hope to continue that.”

Misfiring striker Wayne Rooney will play no part at the Mestalla tonight as he has been ruled out for around three weeks with an ankle injury, meaning 23-year-old Nani could again be vital for United’s prospects of taking all three points (United 9/1 to win the Champions League).

Ryan Giggs (hamstring) and Antonio Valencia (ankle) are both ruled out but midfielder Michael Carrick could play some part after recovering from an Achilles problem.

Defender Rio Ferdinand could return to partner Nemanja Vidic in defence after missing out on the trip to Bolton.  Boss Sir Alex Ferguson revealed he decided not to throw Ferdinand into action at the Reebok as he felt that fixture could have been a “physical challenge” but the veteran defender is in line to face Valencia.

Michael Owen grabbed the equaliser for United on Sunday and could be handed a place in the starting line-up in Rooney’s absence and as a reward for his efforts at the Reebok.  The former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker has now scored three goals in his last two appearances and Ferguson hinted Owen could be given the nod to face the La Liga side (Owen 13/2 to score the first goal in tonight’s game).

“Michael’s performances in training have been terrific,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “I have said that since he joined us.

“The goals he has scored don’t go unnoticed either.

“He is an outstanding footballer, who has improved since he came to our club.”

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Wenger lauds ‘faultless’ Fabianksi

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Arsenal (10/1 in the Champions League Outright betting) maintained their 100 per cent start to their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 win against 10-man Partizan Belgrade and Arsene Wenger singled out the often-derided Lukasz Fabianksi for a ‘faultless’ performance.

The Gunners, who made six changes from the side beaten by West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday, took control through goals from Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci, but Fabianski saved a penalty from Cleo, who had earlier equalised from the spot, to prevent a frantic finish.

The Poland international, recalled because of an injury to Manuel Almunia, also made a number of other good saves and earned the accolades from his boss.

“Fabianski had a good game, we have seen the player tonight who we see in training. He had a faultless game,” Wenger said.

“I know it is in him. He got it out in the game tonight and hopefully that will give him the belief and confidence he needs.

“I am confident he will come out as a great ‘keeper, I have always said that.

“We have to keep confidence in him and he needs to gain experience from games like this.”

Arsenal’s win on the back of the 6-0 thrashing of Braga means they now top Group H on goal difference, with Shakhtar Donetsk also making it two wins out of two with a 3-0 win in Portugal.

Attention for the Gunners now turns to a top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, and Wenger believes an immediate recovery from the disappointment of the home defeat to the Baggies has restored confidence to the players as they look to close the gap on the league leaders.

“For us it was important to win straight away after a big disappointment against West Brom,” Wenger added.

“It puts us in a good position confidence-wise, Sunday is a big, big game for us.

“I believe we will go there with a desire to do extremely well.”

Despite Fabianksi’s performance against the Serbians on Tuesday night, Wenger has refused to confirm that the 25-year-old will start against Chelsea (8/11 favourites in the match betting) – who ended their two-match losing streak with a 2-0 win over Marseille.

The French tactician, who did intimate that captain Cesc Fabregas may return, said of the goalkeeping situation: “At the moment Almunia is injured, we will have to see how his injury goes but at the moment it is too early to say.”

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Becks targets international return

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David Beckham has not given up hope of a return to the England set-up despite boss Fabio Capello suggesting the midfielder has played his last competitive game for the Three Lions (England 9/1 to win the European Championships 2012).

Beckham, who is England’s most capped outfield player with 115 appearances, has now recovered from the injury that forced him to miss the World Cup and has returned to action with club side LA Galaxy.

The 35-year-old has spent two separate loan spells with Italian giants AC Milan in the last two seasons but Beckham has distanced himself from a return to European football this season (AC Milan 15/8 to win the Serie A title).

“I don’t think so,” said the former England captain when asked if he had any plans to return to Europe on loan this season.

“I’ll never say never, but after my injury I need to really focus on getting my full fitness back.

“Physically I need to get myself back in order after a very long time out of the game. I can’t say for sure, but I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Capello suggested Beckham’s England career was over earlier this year as the Italian boss intends to bring through a new generation ahead of the 2012 European Championships (England 1/7 to win qualifying Group G).

However, Beckham has not given up hope of pulling on an England shirt again, although he feels the manager is right to offer the younger players the chance to impress on the international stage.

He added: “Ever since I was a little kid all I ever wanted to do was to play for my country. Whether the road is over or not, I don’t really know, but I will continue to work hard to get my fitness right because that’s the important bit at the moment.

“Once I’ve done that, we’ll know more.

“I hope England continue to push on and keep bringing young players through; this is an important thing for the future of English football at international level.”

Capello faced somewhat of a backlash from the English public over the way he handled his announcement regarding Beckham’s future in the wake of the Three Lions’ dismal World Cup campaign.

The former Real Madrid boss told a press conference Beckham was no longer in his plans before he told the former Manchester United and Real midfielder his intentions.

Capello has since backtracked, to a degree, on his comments regarding Beckham and stated that the door is always open if a player impresses, regardless of age.

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Deschamps on Liverpool snub

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Marseille manager Didier Deschamps has revealed he was interviewed for the-then vacant Liverpool manager’s job this summer but decided to stay in France (Marseille 8/1 – 90 minutes v Chelsea).

The position became vacant after Spanish tactician Rafael Benitez finally ended his six-year reign at Anfield to take over from the departed Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.

Several names were linked with the Liverpool hot-seat and even former Reds great Kenny Dalglish revealed that he was keen to have another crack at the whip, having led the club to glory between 1985 and 1991.

But Anfield officials opted to bring Roy Hodgson from Fulham and the much-travelled manager was charged with the task of trying to get the once-great club back into the upper echelons of English football (Liverpool 80/1 – Premier League outright).

Deschamps enjoyed considerable success as a player with Marseille, Juventus and a one-year spell at Chelsea, and he has slipped seamlessly into management, taking charge of Monaco, Juventus and now Marseille.

But he could have been managing in the Premier League this season after revealing that he held long discussions with the Liverpool board before deciding to show loyalty to his current employers.

“I am very proud that a club of the standing of Liverpool showed interest in me this summer,” he said. “But, to be fair, it wasn’t good timing. I had just started pre-season training with Marseille.

“I don’t think the fans or the club officials would have been very pleased if after two days back I was looking to join another club.”

Deschamps took over at Marseille in 2009 and promptly steered the club to their first title in the French top flight in 18 years.

The Stade Velodrome outfit have enjoyed a steady start to the defence of their title and currently sit in sixth place in Ligue with 11 points from their first seven matches.

They have already conceded nine goals this term and will doubtless come under intense pressure from a Chelsea side full of confidence, despite the weekend blip against Manchester City.

The Blues have become almost unbeatable at home, but will not have inspirational striker Didier Drogba in their ranks, as he sits out the final match of a two-game ban.

Frank Lampard and Yossi Benayoun are still out but Ashley Cole returns after being rested for the 4-1 win over MSK Zilina.

The French outfit have yet to pick up a point in the Champions League this season, with a 1-0 reverse to Spartak Moscow in their opener but, having played at Stamford Bridge during an illustrious career, Deschamps knows his difficult it will be for his side to come away from west London with anything to show for the efforts on Tuesday night.

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Gunners aim to be on Song

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Alex Song believes Arsenal will deliver the perfect response to their embarrassing defeat against West Brom by beating Partizan Belgrade (4/1 – 90 minutes) in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The north London outfit were shocked by the Baggies on Saturday afternoon, losing 3-2 to the newly-promoted outfit at the Emirates Stadium.

After the match manager Arsene Wenger read the riot act to his players and heavily criticised them in the media, calling their all round display ‘poor’ and below par of what he expected.

Defeat meant they failed to close the gap on league leaders Chelsea after their loss at Manchester City in what was a bad weekend for England’s Champions League participants.

Arsenal head to Stamford Bridge next Sunday to take on the reigning champions but before that face a tricky trip to Serbia to face Partizan.

Under current manager Aleksandar Stanojevic, Partizan have been in good form, winning the Serbian title before dumping out Belgian champions Anderlecht on their way to the group stages of the competition.

Despite losing their first group match at Shakhtar Donestk (9/2 – Group H winners) the majority of the players and the manager appear to be in a confident move, happily predicting the downfall of Arsenal (1/5).

However, Arsenal’s players are keen to prove that Saturday’s defeat to West Brom was nothing more than a rare slip-up, with Song issuing the rally cry to his team mates to show what the Gunners are capable of.

“Normally we win most games but we have just come here to do our best because we know in the last few days we have not done very well,” he said.

“We want to show we are ready.”

Arsenal head to the hostile Stadion FK Partizan still without the injured quartet Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie, Cesc Fabergas and Nicklas Bendtner.

Wenger has also ruled out goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, claiming the Spaniard has an elbow injury which has forced him to stay at home.

The French boss has given his backing to Almunia’s stand-in Lukasz Fabianski, who has failed to impress in recent appearances and will no doubt be put under pressure by the less than friendly Partizan supporters.

Gunners fans will have their fingers crossed Thomas Vermaelen will have recovered from an Achilles injury that has kept him out for the last three weeks.

Arsenal (10/1 Champions League outright) won just one of their five European matches on foreign soil last season but will be hoping they can set that record straight in Belgrade on Tuesday night.

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Fletcher ready for tough encounter

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Midfielder Darren Fletcher has revealed that Manchester United are expecting a tough clash with Valencia in Wednesday’s Champions League encounter (Valencia 13/8 – 90 minutes).

The Red Devils have travelled to Spain without the injured Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs, while Paul Scholes has been left at home to rest for United’s next Premier League clash with Sunderland (United 8/13 – 90 minutes).

They Old Trafford outfit have yet to hit top gear this season and could only manage a 0-0 draw with Rangers in their opening match of Europe’s elite club competition.

Domestic form at home has been good with three wins from three matches, but they have yet to win away from Manchester, with three draws on their travels to date.

Contrastingly, Valencia are riding high at the top of La Liga, with 13 points from their first five games, and Fletcher believes that United will have their work cut out to compete with a side who have comfortably dealt with the loss of high-profile players David Villa and David Silva.

“It is going to be a difficult match,” he said. “People might say it is not the same Valencia because they have lost Villa and Silva.

“But as we have seen at Manchester United, when you lose good players others step up to the mark and take on more responsibility. They have had a fantastic start.”

Michael Carrick could well be set for his first start since August’s Community Shield, as he was on the flight to Spain on Tuesday morning.

His passing ability may give the former Tottenham schemer the edge in selection with ball retention, according to Fletcher, key to success against the best in Europe.

“We have picked up experience of playing in Europe and we have confidence,” he added. “We know how to cope with the travel and the different styles of play.

“Against Spanish sides, keeping the ball is key. If you give the ball away cheaply, you might not see it for a few minutes and they will punish you.”

Michael Owen could be set for another run-out, after netting the equaliser that gave United a point against Bolton on Sunday, with in-form Dimitar Berbatov certain to start at the Mestalla Stadium.

Rooney’s ankle problem is not thought to be too serious but another week out of the spotlight could also help him come to terms with the tabloid allegations about his private life which, according to Sir Ales Ferguson, have been affecting the England star’s performances this term.

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Lampard still on the mend

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits Frank Lampard is at least two weeks away from returning to action and will miss some crucial games for both club and country (Chelsea 3/10 to beat Marseille in the Champions League).

The 32-year-old has been out of action for a month and has not played since the Blues beat Stoke 2-0 in their third Premier League match of the season.

In his absence, the Stamford Bridge outfit had maintained a 100 per cent record until Saturday’s 1-0 reverse at Manchester City saw them drop points for the first time this term.

However, with Manchester United failing to secure all three points at Bolton and Arsenal being beaten by West Brom at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea are still top of the league with a three-point lead over the Red Devils.

Lampard has been a vital part of Chelsea’s success over the past few seasons with his ability to score vital goals from midfield and fire accurate passes to create goal-scoring opportunities for the club’s array of attacking men.

But he was forced to go under the surgeon’s knife to correct a hernia problem four weeks ago and will play no part as Chelsea host the French side on Tuesday night, before welcoming the Gunners to west London on Sunday.

The Premier League will then take a short break as international football returns to the calendar, with England facing a crucial Euro 2012 qualifier with Montenegro and Ancelotti does not believe he will be fit enough to play for the national side (England 9/1 to win Euro 2012).

“He can’t play on Tuesday. We need to have more time than we expected for his rest,” he said. “In a few days there will be an international break and he will be ready for the first game after the break.

“He didn’t play with us so I don’t think he is able to play for the national team.”

Lampard’s team-mate John Obi Mikel feels that Chelsea do have enough strength in depth to cover for the loss of the experienced Lampard but he admits they would much rather have him in the side.

“There are other players who can do a similar job to Frank but it is a massive loss to the team,” he said. “I think we are coping well without him, but he is a fantastic player and we can’t wait to have him back.”

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