Monthly Archives: September 2010

Holloway on the attack

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Blackpool manager Ian HollowayIan Holloway says his Blackpool side will not be afraid to attack Chelsea when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Sunday (Blackpool 28/1 to beat Chelsea).

The Blues have looked in awesome form in the early part of the season and are the only top-flight team to have secured maximum points from their opening four matches.

The Stamford Bridge outfit began the defence of their title with back-to-back 6-0 victories over West Brom and Wigan before a 2-0 success over Stoke and a 3-1 win against West Ham United, conceding their first Premiership goal of the season at Upton Park.

They are many pundits’ favourites to win the Premier League again this term while an assault on the Champions League is also high on the agenda for Carlo Ancelotti.

Holloway will take his men to west London after an excellent and somewhat surprising start to their life in the Premiership.

The north west side currently sit in fourth place in the league after beginning the season with an amazing 4-0 victory over Wigan.

Disappointment followed with a 6-0 thumping at Arsenal but they bounced back to draw with Fulham and took all three points from Newcastle last time out.

Holloway is realistic about his side’s chances against Chelsea this weekend but is determined to try and play some attacking football and not just sit back for 90 minutes in an attempt to come away with a point.

“Obviously you have got to show respect and their home record is pretty awesome,” he said. “But if you step into the ring with a champion, which is what we are going to do, somewhere you have to throw a punch. You should never be afraid to attack.

“I watched Glasgow Rangers with great interest against Manchester United and with their 5-4-1 formation, they did really well – defensively, they were fantastic. But I still think you need to throw the odd punch.”

The Seasiders boss knows his main aim this season is to keep Blackpool in the Premiership and he wants to make sure that his players are not too afraid to express themselves when they take on the best that English football has to offer.

“I want them to enjoy the game – away at Chelsea, Stamford Bridge, the champions who are unbeaten for who knows how many matches at home,” he added. “It is a fantastic club we’re taking on. I’m respectful of everyone, but fearful of no-one.”

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Barry backing Silva

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Gareth Barry has blasted criticism of team-mate David Silva, saying that it has been unfair (City face Wigan on Sunday and are 4/5 to grab the win).

The Spanish striker was one of the high-profile big-money moves conducted by Manchester City over the summer but he has failed to set the Premier League alight thus far.

His most impressive City performance came in Thursday evening’s Europa League win against Salzburg in Austria and the club clearly feel that Silva has an influential role to play at Eastlands this season.

Barry agrees with this view and points to mitigating circumstances as to why Silva has not yet found his form.

He said: “Any criticism of David is unfair because we all know the quality he has.

“He was always going to take time to settle because he has come into the Premier League from a completely different type of football.

“Against Salzburg he only showed small glimpses of what he can do. We know he will get better.”

Silva was one of Spain’s star players as they won the World Cup in South Africa over the summer. This meant that his season did not finish until the middle of July and he did not start training with City until the beginning of August.

Added to this was that he was required to go on draining trips to Mexico and Argentina. This means that there are clearly good reasons why Silva has yet to find his feet.

The man himself is confident he will succeed in the Premier League but Barry has been quick to point out that a timescale should not be put on his acclimatisation.

“The more he plays the more he will improve,” he continued.

“We know his qualities from training with him every day.

“But he is still adapting. The more time he spends in England and around our players, the better he will become.

“Sometimes it takes a player a season to settle before you see the best of them, but in the end I am confident his will be obvious to everyone.”

Manchester City have had a poor start to the season when compared to their lofty aspirations. They have only won one game so far in the Premier League and come into Sunday’s clash against Wigan on the back of a defeat to Sunderland and a draw against Blackburn.

Some have cited that the team has failed to gel and Roberto Mancini has pointed to six pivotal games which will influence their season.

The first was against Salzburg – a game which they won – and the second is the clash at the DW Stadium. City’s stars know that they will need to start performing soon if they are to realise their minimum aim of qualifying for the Champions League this season.

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Blues lose McFadden long term

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Birmingham have lost Scotland international James McFadden to injury – but are determined to hang onto two of their star central defenders (Birmingham 16/1 to finish in top six).

McFadden suffered serious cruciate ligament damage during training on Friday, and Blues say he will be out of action “for the foreseeable future” (Birmingham 15/2 to be relegated).

Meanwhile, Scott Dann and Roger Johnson have been praised by Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, who says he is unwilling to part with either of the defenders.

Striker McFadden, who has played in all four of Birmingham’s Premier League games so far this season, will see a specialist on Monday with a view to surgery.

Scotland manager Craig Levein backed the player to bounce back.

He said: “I know more than anyone how devastating a cruciate ligament injury can be and my sympathies go to James.

“Having said that, he’s a strong character and I’m sure he will overcome it.”

McFadden only scored 11 goals in more than 100 appearances for Everton, but McLeish paid £5million for him in January 2008.

He was hampered by a serious knee injury in his second season with Blues, and has scored 13 goals in 82 games so far for the club.

McLeish has backed Dann and Johnson to continue their impressive form, and dared other clubs to make an offer for the pair.

“I think it’s great that my players are getting recognition, because that means we’re doing well,” he said.

“So bring it on. I’d be quite happy, but it won’t be easy for any club to buy players from this club.”

McLeish said he did not think the reported interest from Manchester United and Liverpool would make Dann take his eye off the ball.

He said: “”I think he’ll take it in his stride. The speculation should enhance his self esteem.

“He knows how I would feel about him if he all of a sudden became a prima donna.”

Ahead of Birmingham’s derby match at West Brom in the Premier League on Saturday (Birmingham 21/20 – 90 minutes), the Blues manager said both Dann and Johnson have the potential to play for their country.

He said: “Scott is younger and has a great chance of going further in the game.

“Roger wants it badly, he’s got incredible desire. There’s no reason why he can’t be looked upon for honours.”

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Ferdinand eyes Liverpool scalp

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Rio Ferdinand believes it is important Manchester United beat arch-rivals Liverpool (19/5 – 90 minutes) on Sunday as they bid to kick start their Premier League campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have dropped four points in their last two Premier Leagues matches away from Old Trafford, throwing away leads late on.

Fulham scored an injury-time equaliser to take a point at Carven Cottage before the international break, while Everton hit the back of the net twice after the 90 minute mark to secure a 3-3 draw.

United’s patchy domestic form also transferred to the Champions League in midweek when they were unable to break down a resilient Rangers side in Tuesday’s goalless draw.

The Red Devils now face their biggest rivals on Sunday looking for only their second win in five matches.

Despite beating Steaua Bucharest 4-1 on Thursday night in the Europa League Liverpool’s own form heading into the game hasn’t been good.

They have won just one of their first four matches, tasting defeat on their first visit to Manchester when City pummelled them 3-0 in August.

Liverpool’s recent record at Old Trafford isn’t great, winning just one of their last five visits to the Theatre of Dreams.

However, form could well go out the window for this clash and both sides will be hoping they can take the three points which could be the catalyst to a good season.

Ferdinand says its important United (3/1 Premier League outright) are the team that comes out on top as he believes it will be the morale boosting victory Ferguson’s team are looking for.

“This kind of game is always good for galvanising spirit and belief,” said Ferdinand.

“You would be beating one of your closest rivals, so to win this game would be great for team morale.

“Hopefully it will put us on the crest of a wave.”

Ferdinand is likely to be one of a handful of players who keeps his place in the United team from the one that disappointed against Rangers on Tuesday.

Liverpool and United made a boat load of changes for their respective European matches but are likely to bring back the big guns for Sunday.

The Reds left out Steven Gerrard (11/4 to score anytime on Sunday) and Fernando Torres (2/1) on Thursday, while Dimitar Berbatov (11/8) and Paul Scholes (10/3) watched from the stands against Rangers.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has said he believes his decision to rest his star duo will be proven to be the right one, while his counter-part Ferguson is likely to field his strongest possible side after being criticised for making 10 changes on Tuesday.

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Fabregas keeping feet on ground

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Cesc Fabregas has warned the Arsenal fans not to get too carried away by the team’s start to the season and is predicting a tough test at Sunderland (9/2 – 90 minutes) on Saturday.

The north London outfit have made a flying start to their domestic and European campaigns, winning three of their first four matches in the Premier League.

Last Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Bolton took the Gunners’ goal tally to 13 for the season but turned out to be just the appetiser before Tuesday’s goal-fest against Braga.

The Portuguese side headed to the capital with high expectations they would give Arsenal a real test in their first Champions League group match.

However, they proved to be no match for Arsenal, who ran out 6-0 winners as they made it 16 goals scored in their first three home games.

Arsenal (10/1 Champions League outright) now head to Sunderland for Saturday’s tea time kick-off looking to leapfrog Chelsea (9/2) and go to the top of the league for at least 24 hours.

The Gunners don’t have a great recent record at the Stadium of Light having drawn and lost on their last two visits to Wearside.

Despite those results Arsenal will be expected to turn over the Black Cats, although Fabregas says it will require another great display if they are to take all three points off their north-east opponents.

“I am not going to read too much into our beating both Blackburn and Bolton – in previous years we might have done the same thing before collapsing against the big sides, so it’s best that we just keep going, keep improving and keep making things difficult for whoever we face,” the Arsenal captain said.

“On Saturday, that will be Sunderland, which is always a very difficult place to go.

“Last season we didn’t do well at the Stadium of Light, but it was straight after an international break and we were perhaps a bit tired, so we hope for better this time.”

Having failed to collect any silverware in the last five years the Gunners are desperate to get their hands on something this season.

Much like last season Arsenal (4/1 Premier League outright) have made a good start to the campaign and already the Emirates faithful are buzzing over the possibility of a trophy this year.

However, Fabregas is reluctant to look too far ahead and states that while it is great the team have made such a good start they need to be able to maintain their current form for the majority of the season otherwise all their hard work will be wasted.

Fabregas continued: “We are happy with 10 points from four Premier League games.

“We would have preferred 12, but we are up there, we are second, and now we need to guard against losing more points because we will need everything we can get at the end of the season.”

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Casillas issues Mourinho warning

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Spain captain Iker Casillas has told Portugal that his Real Madrid boss, Jose Mourinho, is too busy to resurrect their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign (Real Madrid 11/10 – La Liga Outright).

Reports this week have claimed the Portuguese Football Federation want the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager to take over on a temporary basis after the sacking of Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz was dismissed last week after being handed a six-month suspension for insulting anti-doping officials ahead of the World Cup.

Prior to that, he had presided over a home draw with Cyprus and a defeat in Norway in Group H to dent Portugal’s hopes of making it to Ukraine and Poland.

Portugal face Denmark at home and Iceland away next month and speculation had suggested the FPF would turn to the self-proclaimed ?Special One? on a two-game basis.

However, Casillas, who led all-conquering Spain at the World Cup in the summer, says Mourinho does not have the time to devote to his country?s cause.

He said: “I think it would give him too much. I am sure he would like to coach Portugal but his head only thinks of Madrid.

“I don’t think he will go. I have talked to him and his mind is set on Madrid.”

Mourinho himself admits the idea could be a non-starter although he has not completely ruled the proposition out completely.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Real Sociedad this weekend (Sociedad 6/1, draw  16/5, Madrid 4/11), he told a press conference:  “If it were not for Real Madrid I would do it for free.

“But if you ask me right now if I can go, I think not. I have a contract with Real Madrid. I do not say no, but in the natural way of things, I do not think this is the time.”

Mourinho added: “Real Madrid have every right in the world to put an obstacle in the way.

“And if you put the slightest obstacle there, I can’t go.

“To say no to Portugal is impossible because of my personal pride and my passion for Portugal, but at the moment I cannot say yes.”

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Hughton firm over strike ace

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Newcastle manager Chris Hughton says he wants to keep hold of young striker Andy Carroll who is now a 28/1 shot to win this season’s Premier League Golden Boot.

The Gateshead-born hitman has rifled in four league goals so far this season – including a hat-trick against Aston Villa – to jointly lead the scoring charts alongside Chelsea duo Didier Drogba (2/1f) and Florent Malouda (28/1) plus Arsenal speedster Theo Walcott (40/1).

Carroll’s form is understood to have put Hughton’s former club Tottenham, who the 51-year-old served as a coach and player for over 25 years, on alert as they look to strengthen their forward options in the mid-season transfer window.

But the Magpies’ relative weakness in attacking options means Hughton is determined to hang on to his star man.

“Amused is probably the right word – I thought the window had closed,” Hughton told reporters when quizzed over Spurs’ reported interest in the 21-year-old.

“Of course, I have heard the speculation and it is probably testament to him and the season he has had so far, albeit we are only four games in.

“He has started the season very well and with any player who is doing well, you expect some speculation.

“But from our point of view, there is absolutely nothing in it – and we don’t want there to be either.”

Newcastle’s season continues on Saturday with a trip to slow-starting Everton who will be hoping to build on last weekend’s last-gasp 3-3 draw against Manchester United at Goodison (Everton 4/7, draw 13/5, Newcastle 5/1 – 90 minutes).

Carroll’s build-up to the game has been hampered by an ankle knock but he looks set to take his place in the side while there could be a first start for veteran defender Sol Campbell following three reserve-team appearances.

However, the Magpies are still without summer signings Dan Gosling (knee) and Leon Best (ankle).

Everton captain Phil Neville is available for selection after a foot injury accounted for the former England international during the opening four games of the Premier League season.

Following an appearance for the reserves against West Ham, he told the Blues’ website: “I think it was important that I played.

“I’m glad to get 90 minutes under my belt and I’m ready to play against Newcastle on Saturday.

“It’s so important (to play) as you can train as hard as you want but 90 minutes against West Ham, who played a strong team, is like money in the bank.”

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Anelka ‘key’ for Blues – Carlo

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Carlo Ancelotti singled striker Nicolas Anelka (10/1 Champions League Top Goalscorer) out for special praise after his two goals and overall impressive performance helped Chelsea to a comfortable 4-1 win at MSK Zilina in their opening Champions League clash.

The Blues boss watched his side stroll to victory in Slovakia on Wednesday as Anelka set up Michael Essien to open the scoring on 13 minutes, before adding two more before the half-hour mark.

Daniel Sturridge made it 4-0 two minutes into the second half, before an error by Petr Cech allowed Tomas Oravec to grab a consolation goal in the 55th minute.

However Ancelotti saw enough evidence from his side, and Anelka in particular, to be heartened that it could be the Londoners’ time to end their long wait to lift the biggest prize in European football (9/2 Chelsea Champions League Outright).

“Every game in the Champions League is hard to play,” said Ancelotti. “We started very well in the first half, we played fantastic football, the second half was different.

“Zilina put more pressure on our defence. The back four did a good match. When you are 3-0 up it’s normal to have more difficulty.

“The key was Anelka, he played a fantastic game. He created space, he had opportunities, he was the key for this game.”

The comprehensive victory, in which Chelsea made it 21 goals already for the season, has placed them firmly at the top of the Group F table (Chelsea 1/6 Group F Winner) on goal difference ahead of Spartak Moscow, who won 1-0 at Marseille.

However, Ancelotti insists they are not trying to break any goal records – they scored 142 last season – as the main aim for the Blues is to simply ‘play good football, to win the game’.

He added. “We are not interested in beating the score from last year because it’s our record, maybe we are not able to improve on our record.”

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Roy defends Reds’ start

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Roy Hodgson has defended Liverpool’s start to the season as he prepares to rotate his squad for the Europa League tie at home to Steaua Bucharest on Thursday (Liverpool – correct score 3-0 – 7/1).

Hodgson has come in for some criticism for the Reds’ slow start to the Premier League season – his side have won just one of their first four games – but the former Fulham chief is satisfied with the way his tenure has begun overall.

Liverpool have successfully negotiated two qualifying rounds of the Europa League to make it into the group stage and a record of five wins from eight competitive games in total means the boss is upbeat ahead of the Anfield clash against the Romanian side.

“We’ve played eight, won five, drawn two and lost one so far in all competitions – I don’t think that’s a bad start to the season by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.

“It’s a new team and a tough start to the season in terms of the programme. Like lots of teams at the moment, we’ve got less points than we would like and we’re firmly stuck in a group of teams between four and six points, which basically takes into account 90 per cent of the league at the moment.”

On this evening’s game, where Hodgson could bring back Joe Cole (9/2 first goalscorer), Ryan Babel, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and hand Raul Merieles his first start, the Liverpool chief admits he will make several changes.

“I shall make changes to the team for the game against Steaua. There’s no question of that – it’s something I’ve planned all along.

“I don’t think there is any point of having a squad of 25 players, many of whom are internationals, and then just trying to play the same 11 every game.

“It’s going to be important to keep everybody on board and it’s also important for me to get to know players better. I learn a lot from games and I learn a lot about the players because I’ve not had an awful lot of time working with some of them who were at the World Cup.”

Next up for Liverpool is one of the games of the season with a Premier League trip to take on bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

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Houllier preparing Owen bid

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New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has paved the way for a January bid for Manchester United striker Michael Owen by admitting he is a big fan of the former England ace (Aston Villa 13/5 – Top 6 finish).

The pair enjoyed a fruitful relationship at Liverpool when Houllier was in charge at Anfield between 1998 and 2004, with the vast majority of Owen’s 118 league goals for the Reds coming between those years.

Houllier, who will officially begin work at Villa Park next week following the home clash with Bolton, appears keen on luring Owen, 31 in December, to the west midlands.

The Frenchman believes he can still do a job in the top flight, despite his well-documented injury problems over the years and his lack of action for United since his shock move there last summer.

“He has always been in my thoughts,” Houllier told reporters in France. “I like him, as a player and a man.”

He added: “I went to Liverpool on September 4 for Jamie Carragher’s testimonial, and I saw Michael play.

“He still has the legs for it.”

Owen’s possible move to Villa comes as the former Real Madrid and Newcastle forward hinted he may have to look at where his future lies if he is not getting enough games for United.

“You can only do your best and prepare and train well, so that you are ready when the manager calls on you,” said Owen.

“After that, it’s up to the manager who he chooses.

“It sounds easy, but probably the most difficult thing is not playing for a couple of weeks and then all of a sudden getting called up and being mentally and physically right to perform well.”

He added: “At the end of the season, I’ll look and think, ‘Was I happy with the amount of games I was available for?’, ‘Did I score enough goals in the games when I played?’ and ‘Did I play well enough in those games?’”

Owen may get the chance to put one over his former side, Liverpool, on Sunday when the Merseysiders make the short journey east to Old Trafford (Liverpool 19/5 – 90 minutes).

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