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Nasri back but Gunners depleted

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Arsenal stars Samir Nasri and Theo WalcottArsenal will be able to call upon the fit again Samir Nasri when Bolton arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday but boss Arsene Wenger still has an injury headache to deal with (Arsenal 2/9, draw 9/2, Bolton 11/1).

Nasri has made just one appearance for the Gunners this season, in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool in August. However, he has now recovered from knee surgery and the Frenchman is ready to face Bolton.

Wenger will be without key centre-half Thomas Vermaelen, who has an Achilles problem, meaning summer signing Sebastien Squillaci looks set to deputise in the heart of the Arsenal defence alongside fellow new-boy Laurent Koscielny.

Theo Walcott faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury while on international duty in England’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland in midweek, while Robin van Persie is yet to recover from his own ankle complaint and will play no part.

Long-term absentees Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) are both unavailable, but Jack Wilshere could be in line to face his former club having spent a spell on loan at the Reebok Stadium last season.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle admits he is wary of Wilshere having worked with the midfielder last season (Wilshere 13/2 to score first).

“When he came here, perhaps he was a little bit immature,” Coyle told the Bolton News. “But you had a real man by the end of the season. I think he really blossomed as a player and as a person.

“Because of the way he plays the game, even in training, he took knocks all the time because he brings the ball so close to you, knowing he has the quick feet to get it out again. He probably took more knocks than anybody – and he’s certainly more used now to the rigours and demands of the Premier League.

“Jack can put himself about and take care of himself. It will be good to see him; I just hope he doesn’t play too well.”

Coyle has a virtually fully-fit squad to choose from but the Scottish manager will be without first-choice keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen who is suspended for the next three fixtures, while striker Ivan Klasnic faces a late fitness test as he continues to recover from a thigh problem.

Adam Bogdan, a 22-year-old Hungarian, will deputise in Jaaskelainen’s absence after making his debut following the Finn’s second half sending off in the 2-2 draw against Birmingham (Bolton 10/1 to keep a clean sheet, Arsenal 8/13).

Arsenal (from): Almunia, Clichy, Squillaci, Koscielny, Sagna, Rosicky, Song, Fabregas, Eboue, Arshavin, Chamakh, Fabianski, Wilshere, Gibbs, Diaby, Vela, Denilson, Nasri, Djourou.

Bolton (from): Bogdan, Steinsson, Knight, Cahill, Robinson, Lee, Holden, Muamba, Petrov, Elmander, K Davies, Klasnic, Lainton, M Davies, Blake, Taylor, Ricketts, Alonso, A O’Brien, Moreno.

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Fabregas back with Gunners

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Cesc Fabregas returned to Arsenal for pre-season training on Thursday and the Gunners remain positive that he will still be at the Emirates by the end of the month (4/6 Arsenal – top-4 finish in 2010-11).

The Spain midfielder was given an extended break following his exploits at this summer’s World Cup, amidst more speculation over his club future.

Barcelona made a bid for the Gunners skipper earlier this summer, believed to be in the region of £30million, with the La Liga champions still keen on doing a deal before the window closes at the end of August.

But Arsene Wenger is adamant that he has no intention of selling the midfielder and feels he can play a key role for Arsenal again this season.

The Gunners boss, who has held regular meetings with Fabregas, says the player is not for sale at any price and it looks like arsenal could win the battle.

The 23-year-old (7/1 – Arsenal top goalscorer 2010-11) looked relaxed and comfortable around his team-mates on Thursday and joined the rest of the squad for an open training session in front of thousands of Arsenal fans.

Meanwhile, Gunners winger Theo Walcott says he is confident the Arsenal star will stay in north London despite all the speculation.

The England international admits he has always enjoyed playing in the same team as the World Cup winner and is looking forward to teaming up with Fabregas (9/1 to be 2010-11 PFA Player of the Year) again this term

Walcott said: “I’m looking forward to seeing him back. He’s a fantastic player for us and our captain. After Spain’s victory, it’s a nice bonus to have a World Cup winner by your side.”

He added: “Cesc’s a big player for Arsenal so I’m looking forward to playing with him next season. After that (the World Cup) he just needed a good mental break from it all.”

Another youngster who looks set to play a bigger role for the Gunners this season is Jack Wilshere, following his loan spell at Bolton last season.

Wenger has indicated that the midfielder is unlikely to go out on loan again this term, with Wilshere pushing for a regular first-team berth.

The 18-year-old is believed to be on the verge of a full England call-up for next week’s friendly with Hungary having been omitted from the England Under-21 camp.

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Fulham go back to drawing board

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Martin Jol has turned down the chance to become the new Fulham manager, leaving the Cottagers (15/2 to be relegated in 2010-11 season) turn their attentions elsewhere in the search for a successor to Roy Hodgson.

Former Spurs boss Jol was the strong favourite to fill the Craven Cottage vacancy, having been frustrated by a lack of spending power at current club Ajax.

The Dutch outfit always stated though that they didn?t want to lose their manager, despite holding talks with Fulham over potential compensation.

But after reportedly telling Jol that he will have money to spend this summer, it appears the Dutchman has had a change of heart and has announced his intension to remain in Amsterdam.

Speaking on the Ajax website, Jol revealed: “Ajax let me know they didn’t want me to go, and I don’t think I can bring myself to leave Ajax at this time.

“I came here last summer to be successful, the build a good team and to have fun and those three things are what I am interested in achieving next season.”

His snub means further problems for Fulham, who have now been without a manager since Roy Hodgson joined Liverpool on July 1.

With the new Premier League season just over three weeks away, the Cottagers face a race against time to find a new boss ahead of their opening game with Bolton (Bolton 6/5, Draw 11/5, Fulham 15/8 – Match Betting).

Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is among those now being touted for the post, while USA coach Bob Bradley has also been strongly linked with the vacancy.

Of the managers currently out of work and linked with Fulham, ex-Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson could be keen on a return to the Premier League.

Mark Hughes, Alan Curbishley and Gianfranco Zola are also believed to be on the list of potential candidates for the Fulham board.

The west-London outfit have not yet moved in the transfer market this summer and with the likes of Mark Schwarzer and Simon Davies linked with moves, the new man could have to do some rebuilding.

Goalkeeper Schwarzer is being strongly tipped with a move to Arsenal, while Everton are understood to be chasing Welsh international Davies.

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Rooney tipped to bounce back

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Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that striker Wayne Rooney will not let his disappointing World Cup performance affect the way he plays for Manchester United when the new Premier League season starts next month (Rooney 5/1 – Premiership Top Scorer).

The Red Devils boss has spoken out to back his 24-year-old star player, who was singled out for criticism at the World Cup finals in South Africa as Fabio Capello’s side crashed out in the last 16 following a 4-1 mauling at the hands of Germany.

Rooney has been left out of United’s pre-season trip to the United States, which starts with a game against Celtic on Friday, to rest following the tournament.

But, while Ferguson acknowledges that the player will be disappointed with his own shortcomings, he does not think he will dwell on it in the new season as United aim to take the Premier League title back from Chelsea (United 5/2 Outright).

Ferguson told sportsnet.ca: “I don’t expect a hangover. I think there’ll still be a bit of disappointment in the lad.

“I think all the players coming back from the World Cup who didn’t do well, who didn’t reach their expectations may I say, will feel that they’ve missed something.

“That’s because the World Cup’s only once every four years. That’s the horrible part of that tournament.

“We have several players who have come back very, very disappointed. We’ve Patrice Evra for instance, Wayne Rooney of course, and Nemanja Vidic.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson is hoping that young Mexican striker Javier Hernandez will arrive at Old Trafford full of confidence after he ’surprised a lot of people’ with some of his performances in the tournament.

He added: “So whereas we’ve got some disappointments from players like Wayne, Nemanja and Patrice, I think we’re going to have a positive effect from Javier.”

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Del Bosque welcomes back duo

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Spain have been given a double fitness boost ahead of their semi-final clash with Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners) with the news Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Puyol will be fit to play.

Arsenal skipper Fabregas took a heavy fall on his shoulder during Saturday’s 1-0 quarter-final victory over Paraguay.

However, after undergoing an examination by Spain’s team doctor, the 23-year-old will be fit to take his place in the squad.

Fabregas has yet to start a match at the World Cup so far, despite the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi having not sparkled in South Africa thus far.

However, having come on for Fernando Torres on Saturday and helped changed the game Spain (8/5 to beat Germany) coach Vicente del Bosque is thought to be considering giving him his first start.

Torres has yet to score at the World Cup and has looked along way short of his best as he struggles to overcome the injuries which ruined his domestic season.

Despite the 26-year-old stating he feels he can improve, Del Bosque has admitted he is considering whether to stick with the Liverpool striker.

“He remains a reference for us,” Del Bosque said. “To be on a (scoreless) streak or not, he offers hard work and personality and he’ll be our striker.

“Saying that doesn’t mean he’s an untouchable starter, but we have full confidence in him.”

Should Del Bosque decide to drop Torres it could be Fabregas who comes in to take his place and the Arsenal midfielder admits he is ready should he be called upon.

“It’s painful but when you are up for it it’s fine,” Fabregas told Sport. “I am ready to get an injection in order to play.

“If (coach Vicente) Del Bosque needs me I’ll be there.”

Fabregas could join Puyol in the starting line-up, after the Barcelona defender overcame a problem with his vision.

Centre-back Puyol was hit in the face against Paraguay and suffered blurred vision. However, he has now recovered and should join Gerard Pique at the heart of Spain’s defence for the last-four encounter on Wednesday.

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James hits back at Fab fear claims

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David James has dismissed Fabio Capello’s claim that England played with fear against Algeria and says they will bounce back by beating Slovenia. (England 1/2 to win).

England put in an awful display during the 0-0 draw against Algeria on Friday night to leave many fans wondering what has happened to the team that qualified for the finals with ease.

Hopes and expectations were raised after the Three Lions qualified in style, but they looked a shadow of that side as they struggled to break down a resolute Algerian side.

Once again England’s top players who perform week in week out in the Premier and Champions League against the top players in Europe failed to show up.

They are supposed to be world class but they did not show that last night. It looked like they were playing with fear and with the weight of the nation on their shoulders and that would be a viable explanation.

Capello hinted as much after the game, but goalkeeper James is having none of it and says they just struggled to break down a side that set their stall out for the draw.

Well Lampard, Gerrard and Rooney come up against teams like that every week in the Premier League and do not seem to have a problem then.

“Did he?” retorted James when told Capello said they played with fear. “Arguably it is more frustration than fear. You are usually playing matches when the opposition wants to win. It is very difficult when you are up against a side who seem not to want to lose.

“You are trying to work out the way to unlock a defence. They did what they needed to do. It was very frustrating.”

It was also very frustrating to watch and the England fans who have spent their hard earned cash to travel out to South Africa will demand more against Slovenia or the boos will be ringing out again.

However James is confident there will be no repeat and says a win is on the cards.

“We are tight enough to recover and win this game,” he added. “I don’t have any doubts about that at all. The reality is if we get a good win on Wednesday we finish top of the group.

“Regardless of whether we win one and draw two or win all three, you are top, which is what our aim was. I have the utmost confidence in our squad.”

At this moment in time the fans don’t and it will take a big performance on Wednesday to get them back on side.

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Barry back in England ranks

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Gareth Barry returned to training on Friday and now has just over a week to improve his match fitness before England start their Group C campaign against USA on June 12 (4/9 England 3/1 draw 6/1 USA – match betting).

The Manchester City midfielder was in danger of missing the showpiece tournament in South Africa when he damaged his ankle ligaments in the defeat to Tottenham at Eastlands on May 5.

Fabio Capello had always considered the 29-year-old would be able to resume full training the day after the Rustenburg opener, but the sight of Barry in full flow on Friday has heightened speculation he could make his competitive return against the Americans.

The Italian has bent his own rules to accommodate Barry in his 23-man cut and his inclusion protecting the back four would allow Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard to push further forward.

The former Aston Villa favourite was wrapped in cotton wool in a light work-out with the rest of the first-team squad at the Royal Bafokeng north of Johannesburg but will be given every chance to improve his match sharpness.

Tottenham defender Ledley King, whose fragile knees are well documented, was also included in the training session.

However, veteran goalkeeper David James was not involved in the outdoor session and worked alone in the gym.

Capello is aware England will have to hit their straps if they are to make a statement in South Africa and accepts USA pose an immediate obstacle (1/20 England – To Qualify From Group C).

Bob Bradley’s men caused an international upset last year when they stunned reigning European champions Spain 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup in Bloemfontein, South Africa – a result which brought about Spain’s first defeat since November 2006 and snapped a world-record 15-game winning streak and 35 without loss.

Capello said: “The United States are always strong at the World Cup and the first game is always the tough game for all of the teams.”

The Three Lions will then play Algeria in Cape Town on June 18 and Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on June 23. The World Cup betting suggests England should progress with ease, but the manager is taking nothing for granted.

Capello has argued the two nations are more dangerous because they can enjoy a pressure-off situation and feels all of England’s Group C opponents should be treated with caution.

He added: “Algeria are more dangerous than most people think. I saw the statistics relating to qualifying and they were the fifth highest scorers in qualifying.

“I also remember when we played Slovenia at Wembley that they were very good technically.”

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Grant wants good times back at West Ham

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New West Ham boss Avram GrantNewly appointed West Ham boss Avram Grant is hoping to bring the good times back to Upton Park and is looking forward to the challenge of next season.

The Hammers struggled last season under the leadership of Gianfranco Zola and only managed to secure their place in the Premier League with a couple of games to spare.

Zola was axed by co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan as soon as the season was over and it soon became clear that Grant was the man they wanted.

Slaven Bilic, Sam Allardyce and Ian Holloway had all been linked with the job but Grant was always hot favourite to take the job as soon as his duties with Portsmouth came to an end.

The Israeli worked wonders under very difficult circumstances at Fratton Park and even though they were relegated after being deducted nine points for going into administration, he still managed to guide them to the FA Cup final before losing to Chelsea.

Grant admitted that leaving Pompey was always going to be tough after building up a great relationship with the fans and he will be looking to do that again at Upton Park with the Hammers faithful.

“I’m proud and honoured to be the manager of West Ham. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready to do my best,” Grant told the club’s official website.

“West Ham is a fantastic club with great fans and a history that is respected around the world. I’m already looking forward to getting to work with my players in July and preparing for the new season.”

Grant now has the job of making sure the Hammers are nowhere near the drop zone next season and if he gets the backing of the board, he should be able to get the club moving in the right direction.

The former Chelsea boss inherits a squad of talented players that boasts the likes of Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Scott Parker and he will be hoping to keep hold of his star trio before adding to his ranks.

The board have said everyone apart from Scott Parker is up for grabs but Grant will want to keep his key men if he is to get the Hammers pushing for the top 10.

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Torres back in training

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Torres celebratesFernando Torres delivered a huge boost to Spain’s (4/1 outright winners) hopes of leaving South Africa as World champions as he returned to training with the squad on Friday.

Torres endured a torrid Premier League campaign with Liverpool and suffered from a string of injuries that blighted his season from start to finish. The Spanish superstar has not played since mid-April when he underwent a knee operation which immediately put his participation in South Africa in doubt.

However, the former Atletico Madrid hitman is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from surgery and was able to return to light training on Friday and could now be set to start in the Iberians opener against Switzerland on June 16.

The atmosphere in the camp had been one of concern that two of their star players might have to miss the tournament completely. However, things have improved dramatically in recent days as Cesc Fabregas made it through a friendly match and now Torres’ return to training has given the squad another lift. Defender Gerard Piqué said. “Fernando is an important player for us and hopefully he can be ready for the first World Cup match.”

Vicente Del Bosque had been experimenting with a variety of systems in preparation for life without his star striker, which included using Fabregas as an auxiliary second striker, but will now be able to put those away for a while yet.

Spain are understandably favourites at 1/18 to qualify from Group H and would be expected to do so in some style. The European champions face Switzerland first, before meeting minnows Honduras and finally South American qualifiers Chile.

There has been talk in the Spanish press about a race for the Golden Boot between Torres and Villa. The Liverpool striker is 14/1 to come away from the tournament as top goal scorer, with his Barcelona bound team-mate favourite at 9/1 to top the charts.

Spain are well fancied to lift the Jules Rimet trophy at Soccer City on 11 July and enter the tournament as favourites ahead of world ranked number one Brazil.

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Italy’s Old Men Attempt To Roll Back The World Cup Years

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daniel di rossi 300x194 Italys Old Men Attempt To Roll Back The World Cup YearsThe World Cup is just around the corner now and the anticipation is already building for the greatest show on earth.

The Italian team have been getting rather annoyed however, with suggestions by various punters and commentators alike that collectively the squad is too far over the hill in the age department to be able to win this summer’s show piece in South Africa.

The Azzuri defender Gianluca Zambrotta has attacked the doubters regarding their World Cup chances, he said:

“In 2006 we knew it would be difficult, but we won. We are here to get to the end once again,” he said at a press conference.

“We are old? We have nine winners from the World Cup in Germany, but that’s just a percentage. This is an Azzurri side with a mix of younger and experienced players, they have just as much desire to do well and want to bring home a major trophy like the World Cup.”

“There has always been scepticism surrounding the national team, but we have gotten used to it and all know how to deal with the situation,” he concluded.

The Italians are currently training in Sistriere as Marcello Lippi looks to fine tune his squad before their opening game against Paraguay on June 14th.

If you fancy the Italian granddads to retain their trophy in South Africa, you can back them at a very long 15.00 – this is well worth a punt considering France are also 15.00 to win the World Cup even though they have looked an awful side in recent years.

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