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Wengers warns European rivals

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Arsenal (12/1 to win the Champions League) boss Arsene Wenger has warned other side’s in the Champions League that his squad are full of confidence as they once again begin their campaign in Europe.

The North London club play Braga in the opening Group H game on Wednesday with the Gunners hoping to get off to a flying start in the competition (Arsenal 1/4, draw 9/2, Braga 11/1).

Arsenal have had a strong start to the Premier League season picking up 10 points from a possible 12. The Gunners scored late on against Liverpool in the opening match of the season to come away from Anfield with a draw but since then the side have won three consecutive matches.

Wenger will be hoping that his squad will take their excellent domestic form into the Champions League and the Frenchman has warned his team?s potential opponents that his team are ready.

He said: “For us the confidence is high enough. We have to show we can focus every three or four days now, keep our flow going.

“To play well, you need to be happy and enthusiastic.”

“Normally if you love football you enjoy to play with a lot of drive going forwards and we always try to cultivate that,” he added.

Arsenal are one of only three teams that have consecutively come through the group stages in the last decade despite spending far less than many big clubs from across Europe.

Wenger knows what has to be done to progress in the Champions League and he will be hoping his side can go at least a step further than the quarter-final stages that they reached last year before being dumped out of the tournament by Barcelona thanks to an outstanding display from Lionel Messi.

He said: “The mental side is the issue of everybody.

“The problem as well is that the level of competition is high and in the second part of the tournament, it becomes a real cup game, when it is knockout it becomes a different competition.”

“You have to have your best players available, the decisions to go for you and all that,” he added.

The Gunners look like favourites to qualify from their group as they face Braga, Shakhtar Donetsk and Partizan Belgrade.

However Wenger will be hoping the long distances his side will have to travel for away fixtures will not affect their main focus which will be the Premier League.

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Pearce rejects England role

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Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce believes he does not have the experience to take over from Fabio Capello as the hunt for next England manager continues (1/7 Euro 2012 – Group G winner).

Despite the Italian still having just less than two years to see out on his current deal the list of potential candidates to replace him has already begun to take shape.

Capello confirmed last week he would walk away from his role after Euro 2012, stating the need to enjoy his retirement as the reason why he would be quitting.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, Pearce and David Beckham have all been mentioned in connection with the post, although it could be some time before any of them are even scheduled for an interview with the FA.

Redknapp has already said it would be a tough job to turn down, with the FA likely to favour the 63-year-old and Hodgson given their recent success with English clubs.

Should Redknapp build on his reputation at Tottenham (10/1 British team to progress furthest in Champions League) as one of the top English managers he would appear to be the ideal choice, given the FA has said it wants an Englishman to takeover.

Pearce’s name had also been thrown into the hat given his time under Capello as his assistant, as well as his work with the Under-21s.

The former defender’s time with the Under-21 set-up has seen them reach the final of the European Championships and help bring through the likes of Joe Hart, James Milner and Adam Johnson.

Despite his time in the England set-up, along with the two years he managed Manchester City, Pearce still believes he doesn’t have enough experience to take over from Capello and has effectively ruled himself out of the running.

“If you ask me the question today, I’ve not got the experience to do that job, but it’s very flattering for people to mention my name,” said Pearce.

“It’s an honour to be mentioned. Whether I’ve supported the nation as a player, Under 21 coach, or coach with the first team, it’s a massive honour.

“It’s like all people that get mentioned, I’ve got a lot of things going in my favour – I’ve captained England, played in tournaments and coached Under 21 tournaments. This summer I’ve been to a major tournament as a coach.

“I tick a few boxes, but I’ve not got a thousand matches behind me like the Harry Redknapps and Roy Hodgsons of this world.”

Director of Football Development Trevor Brooking has backed Pearce’s decision to step back from the role, claiming the former England international needs to go back to club management in order to establish himself as a potential candidate for the role.

Brooking gave no indication as to who would take over from Capello but hinted the FA would lean towards a more experienced manager to take the England (9/1 – Euro 2012 outright) helm, effectively ruling out the likes of Beckham and Alan Shearer.

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Pulis eyes Stoke evolution

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Stoke boss Tony Pulis has told his side to stay “nice and tight” as he looks to add a cutting edge to their strong defensive qualities in the Premier League (Stoke 1/7 – To Stay Up).

The Potters have defied the odds since their promotion from the Championship in 2008 although their robust approach to the game has often drawn criticism while the long throws of Rory Delap have also played their part in claims of a direct approach.

Pulis could not care less, however, although he is looking to take some of the pressure off his defence by adding more goals to the mix following the summer arrivals of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Jermaine Pennant and Kenwyne Jones, among others.

Gudjohnsen and Pennant could be handed Stoke debuts on Monday night when Aston Villa make the trip to the Britannia Stadium, with the Villans still led by caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald given the delay in new manager Gerard Houllier formally taking charge (Stoke 6/4, draw 9/4, Villa 9/5 – 90 minutes).

“We are looking forward to the game,” said Pulis. “Bringing the new players in has given the place a lift, it has given it the bubble it needs, and what we need now is a good performance and a good result.

“We have more options up front and to score goals, which has always been a major worry for us, but we have to make sure we stay nice and tight as a group.

“Over the two seasons of the Premier League we have had 26 clean sheets and we have to work hard to make sure we maintain that but we now have more quality and cutting edge up front.”

On his marquee signings, Pulis added: “With Pennant and Gudjohnsen we are hoping they will give us that.

“(Marc) Wilson can also score goals from midfield so we are hoping they will be able to add a bit more to us when we have the ball.

“But we won’t play any differently, we will play to win.

“Sometimes the reputation we have for a certain style is unfair but I’m not bringing the players in to change the style or reputation or curry favour with people outside who say we do this or that.

“I will always do it the way I think is right and how it suits this club.”

Villa also have big ambition for the future when Houllier does finally arrive after freeing himself from his commitments as technical director of the French Football Federation.

The former Liverpool boss wants to win trophies, break into the top four and also help his players improve their game.

The 63-year-old said: “I’m hoping to be here for the Bolton game (on September 18) or right after the Bolton game.

“I’ll attend the Bolton game and maybe we will start from after there.”

Villa can be backed at 9/1 to finish in the top four this season while they are 16/1 shots for FA Cup glory.

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Downing hands Houllier backing

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Aston Villa midfielder Stewart Downing believes new boss Gerard Houllier will do well at the club and says his past record proves he is a top manager (Villa 9/1 – top four finish).

The former Liverpool and Lyon boss is hoping to officially take charge of Villa this week and his first game in charge could be against Bolton at home on Saturday.

Caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald will remain in control for Monday’s Premier League trip to Stoke City (Stoke 6/4, draw 9/4, Villa 9/5 – 90 minutes) as Houllier finalises his departure from his role with the French Football Federation, where he was technical director.

Houllier guided Liverpool to second in the Premiership in 2002 and also famously won the FA Cup, Worthington Cup and Uefa Cup with the Reds in 2001 before then guiding Lyon to the French title in 2006 and 2007.

Some Villa fans have questioned whether the 63-year-old was the right choice to succeed Martin O’Neill but winger Downing has backed him to do well.

“If you look at what he did at Lyon and Liverpool he’s got a good record,” the former Middlesbrough star said.

“It’s a great club, with good players and great facilities, so everything is in place for him to do very well.”

Downing was impressed by Houllier’s press conference last week and believes he can improve Villa’s fortunes.

“I saw his press conference when it got announced that he was the new manager and he came across very well,” he added.

“If you look at his past record as a manager, you don’t get jobs like that if you’re not very good.”

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Reina calls for patience

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Liverpool goalkeeper Jose ReinaJose Reina has asked for patience in Liverpool’s pursuit of a top-four finish this season (13/8 with totesport) following their disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.

The Reds’ goalkeeper was outstanding on Sunday – making two wonderful first-half saves as Roy Hodgson’s side were held to a goalless draw by Birmingham City at St Andrew’s.

That result means the Merseysiders have won one, drawn two and lost one of their first four games and it appears they will face a real battle to finish in the top four once again this season.

However, Reina says the club needs to be “realistic” in their aims and has called for patience as they try and compete at the top of the table.

Reina said: “We have to make sure that people don’t think of winning the league or being in the top four already at this moment.

“It is going to take a while. We have got to get used to the new players and then the system.

“There are many good teams and our target is to be up there but we have to be realistic.”

Next up for Liverpool in the league is a trip to arch rivals Manchester United and a defeat there would leave them seriously trailing other clubs in the race for a top-four place (Liverpool 1/3 to secure a top-six finish).

However, they will welcome back influential attacking midfielder Joe Cole for the game following his three match suspension for being sent off against Arsenal. This will provide a significant boost to the Reds’ aspirations but Reina has urged caution over his side’s chances.

“Is a Champions League spot realistic this season? I don’t know,” Reina added.

“We will find out at the end of the season what we can achieve. No-one has patience nowadays. We are just asking for a little bit.”

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Rio grand for United

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Manchester United mnager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Rio Ferdinand will play his first game of the season on Tuesday night when Rangers make the trip to Old Trafford in the Champions League (United 4/6 – To Win To Nil).

The England defender has been sidelined so far this term by the knee injury he suffered during the Three Lions’ first training session at the World Cup finals in South Africa in the summer.

Ferdinand was fit for the Everton game in the Premier League at the weekend but Ferguson held him back after last week deciding not to make the 31-year-old available for the reserves because he had seen enough in training.

Ferdinand is likely to partner Nemanja Vidic at the back as the Red Devils look to lay down a marker against Ferguson’s former club (United 1/6, draw 11/2, Gers 18/1 – 90 minutes).

“I think Rio will play on Tuesday night,” Ferguson said. “It’s a European tie at home and we’ve got to take advantage of that.”

All eyes will be on Ferguson’s decision over star striker Wayne Rooney who the Scot decided to spare a cauldron of hate at Goodison Park on Saturday following revelations over his private life.

But back on home soil, it seems a no-brainer that the Scouser will come back into the side for the Gers clash.

Rooney trained as normal with United on Monday morning amid tabloid speculation claiming Ferguson had read the riot act to the 24-year-old hitman

The United chief will demand a response from his side after they blew a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 late on at Everton. Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill did the damage with goals in stoppage time to leave Ferguson unhappy.

He said: “You have to have determination in situations like that.

“We were so wasteful with our chances. We could have scored five or six in the second half with great opportunities and that has come to haunt us.

“But saying that, to lose two goals in injury time is unthinkable.

“We had it under control and the game is finished – even when they scored a second. It is a terrible end for us.”

Rangers head south without striker Nikica Jelavic who is ineligible after former club Rapid Vienna made it through to the Europa League.

Scotland ace Kenny Miller admits it will be a tough game for Walter Smith’s men (Miller 16/1 – First Goalscorer).

He told the BBC: “If you ask the manager or any of our coaches, they’ll tell you they’re not happy with our level of performances so far in the first three of four games of the season.

“You have to work your socks off for the 90 or 95 minutes and there’s no doubt you have to carry a bit of luck along the way as well.

“You can defend as good as you want for the majority of the game, but they’re always going to create a chance in the match given the standard of player they have.

“It’s a level that everyone in the dressing room wants to be playing at and it doesn’t come any bigger than playing Man United at Old Trafford.

“There’s no doubt it’ll be a really tough game, but we know that, if we can go out and play our game, we’ll have a chance of getting a result.”

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Redknapp reveres Spanish giants

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Tottenham Hotspur (3/1 to finish in the top four) boss Harry Redknapp believes that Real Madrid and Barcelona will be the sides to beat in this season’s Champions League.

Spurs qualified for the major European  club competition after they beat Manchester City to fourth spot in the Premier League in the last campaign.

After beating Swiss side Young Boys in a qualifying the North London club find themselves amongst the biggest names in club football.

Redknapp has admitted that the Spanish giants Real and Barca will be difficult to beat after making additions to their squads over the summer.

He said: “If an English team won it this year it would be a real feat because the two Spanish teams look fantastic.

“With the strength of them this year, if you asked me who the favourites for the competition were, I’d have to say them.

“An English team doing it would be a real achievement but look who they have brought in, it’s scary,” he added.

There is an extra incentive for English teams to reach the final of this year’s Champions League, with the final of the competition being played at Wembley this season.

Spurs (9/1 to win the FA Cup) will be competing with Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Rangers as the British clubs in the tournament.

Redknapp is hoping his players will learn plenty from playing the best clubs in the world with the likes of Inter Milan in Tottenham’s group.

He said: “For us it’s great experience, something new and different. It’s great for the club and the players.”

“When they play that music it is fantastic. It’s something you always dream of and to be involved in it is brilliant,” he added.

The former West Ham United manager will be hoping that creative midfielder Luka Modric will be available for selection for Tottenham’s away trip to Werder Bremen.

Modric picked up an injury which forced him from the field during his side’s 1-1 draw with West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

The Croatian had to watch the rest of the match on crutches from the sidelines and looks like a doubt to playing in the big midweek match in Germany.

Spurs have had their fair share of injury problems despite it being the early stages of the season with Jermaine Defoe, Michael Dawson, Heurelho Gomes and Jonathan Woodgate all out through injury.

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Lampard impressed by Chelsea

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Frank Lampard has poured cold water on claims that Chelsea are too old to win the Champions League (Chelsea 11/2 outright).

Lampard is confident Chelsea can lift the trophy at Wembley in May, finally securing the honour for the Blues – who won the Premier League and FA Cup double in Carlo Ancelotti’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge last term.

The 32-year-old does not believe that there are any concerns over the age of the squad, though Nicolas Anelka, Yossi Benayoun and Didier Drogba are all over 30 and John Terry and Ashley Cole both 29.

Lampard is relieved to be available again after suffering a hernia injury which ruled him out of England’s opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers, and is loving life with the Blues, who sit top of the Premie League.

He said in the the Daily Star Sunday: “It is a load of rubbish when I hear talk about there only being one or two years left in our spine. This has been going on for a year or so.

“Sometimes that is mind games from other managers, or press talk. But we proved them wrong last year.

“We have got players here who are experienced and you can’t buy experience in football. Look at Didier, he will overpower any player who is 24 or 25.

“People have been talking about Paul Scholes and rightly so. If you took him out of the United team now, they’d need to replace him – and probably wouldn’t be able to.”

Meanwhile, Ancelotti has denied coming under pressure to win the Champions League from owner Roman Abramovich.

Reports have claimed that the Russian was insisting on European success, putting pressure on the manager as he takes his team into the Champions League campaign with a match against MSK Zilna on Wednesday night.

But the Italian says most of the pressure he feels comes from within himself.

Ancelotti said: “I speak with Roman a lot, but he is not obsessed with the Champions League He wants to win everything, but he’s not desperate. I don’t have pressure from outside.

“I want to put myself under pressure because I want to win, he wants a team with a clear identity and we have created that.”

In last season’s Champions League they were unbeaten in the group stages and topped their group, but were beaten 3-1 on aggregate by Inter in the first knockout round.

This season’s group stage pits them against Zilna from Slovakia, Russians Spartak Moscow and French side Marseille (Chelsea 2/9 to win the group).

Ancelotti said: “We don’t want to say the Premier League is not very important – we would like to win it again. But the normal step is to do things better than we did last season in the Champions League. We went out too early.”

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Jelavic eyes Rangers shock win

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Nikica Jelavic believes that Rangers can secure a shock win over Manchester United when the two sides meet in the Champions League on Tuesday evening (United 1/6, draw 11/2, Rangers 18/1 ).

Jelavic will not feature in the clash due to being cup-tied but believes that United being favourites for the tie means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Rangers were overwhelming favourites to beat Hamilton in the SPL on Saturday but needed a 90th minute goal from substitute Kenny Miller to secure a 2-1 win. Jelavic believes that Hamilton’s battling qualities can be used as inspiration to Rangers when they become the underdogs at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Speaking about the fixture, Jelavic stated: “I think we have a chance.

“Manchester United is a big team but, in our game [against Hamilton], they were 100% and we were a little down and thought it would be easy. Maybe this could also happen in the Champions League.

“You never know. Maybe if we are 100%, we can take some points there.”

Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that he is still haunted by last season’s defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, which he claimed his side “ballsed up”.

Arjen Robben’s late volley saw the German side progress on away goals but had United got through, Ferguson believes they would have reached the final. He went on to admit that he would have fancied his side’s chances against Inter Milan.

Speaking to the People, he said: “Last year still plays on my mind, that Bayern Munich game. Christ, I’m still not sleeping after that! I keep thinking about that game and keep getting angry about the way we lost it.

“We were in complete control until Rafael was sent off and then they came back into it. That result hurt and still does.”

Ferguson will be hoping to use this hurt to spur his side on this season. However, he is not taking Rangers lightly, accepting that Walter Smith will present a side which will be organised and difficult to beat. The United boss has stressed that he respects the Scottish side and certainly will not be taking them for granted.

Wayne Rooney (2/1 to be first goalscorer) is set to return to the fold after missing the trip to Everton due to the “terrible abuse” he usually gets at his former club. This would have been heightened following revelations about his private life although assistant boss Mike Phelan also suggested the England striker “wasn’t ready to play”.

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Hodgson wants takeover settled

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Roy Hodgson believes Liverpool (22/1 to win Premier League) may need new owners before they can challenge for the Premier League title.

The Anfield boss says his immediate target, after taking over this summer from Rafael Benitez, is to improve on the club’s finish last season (Liverpool 6/4 for top four finish).

But he wants the proposed takeover to be settled as soon as possible as he believes it is unsettling the club.

Hodgson says that to get to the level of the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, Liverpool will have to sort out their off-the-field situation.

Liverpool are up for sale, with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett wanting to push through a sale and fans unhappy that more money has not been spent on improving the team.

Hodgson said: “I think we will have a decent season, but whether we are really able to get our act together and take the next big step forward. That might depend on the ownership issue.”

“What I would like to see is what everyone at Liverpool would like to see – a solution to the ownership problem; that Martin Broughton finds an owner acceptable to the rest of the board, with the right intentions and who will, first and foremost, build a new stadium that increases the capacity.

“One hopes, as everyone at Liverpool hopes, this matter will be resolved sooner rather than later. Of course, the club needs new ownership. We’re not alone in that, but we’re probably the most high-profile club in the world in that situation.

“We want to make this club have a better season. That has to be the first objective, to do a bit better and then build a platform for future greatness.”

Hodgson admits that he was pleased to come through the transfer window unscathed after seeing the likes of Steven Gerrard, Pepe Reina and Fernando Torres stay with the club.

The Reds have made an unspectacular start to the season, coming through qualifying to the Europa League by beating Rabotnicki then winning 3-1 on aggregate in the play-off against Trabzonspor, while in the Premier League drawing at home to Arsenal, losing 3-0 at Manchester City and then beating West Brom at home.

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