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Cole eyes Liverpool upturn

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Joe Cole is hoping Liverpool put the false start under the control of New England Sports Ventures (NESV) behind them and get on with the business of restoring the club to its former glories (Liverpool 9/1 – Top Four Finish).

Boston Red Sox supremo John W Henry took over at Anfield last week, after a turbulent few days in court, only for the turmoil to continue on the pitch at Everton with a 2-0 defeat in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

But Cole, who joined the club on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer, wants the players to reward the new owners for providing some much needed stability after the reign of George Gillett and Tom Hicks.

The  28-year-old told Liverpool’s website: “We’re happy that it’s all sorted out and the club’s got some direction again. I know the fans are happy.

“They (NESV) seem genuine and they seem like they are doing it through passion. Everything seems great.

“I definitely think they can help us get back up there.”

Liverpool’s first attempt to bounce back comes at Serie A outfit Napoli in the Europa League on Thursday night although they will have to do it without captain Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres (Napoli 10/11, draw 5/2, Liverpool 3/1).

Boss Roy Hodgson has elected to leave his two best players behind as he juggles European commitments with the Premier League.

Liverpool (7/10 to win the game) entertain Blackburn Rovers (4/1) at Anfield on Sunday which is a crucial game given a domestic run of one win in eight league games.

Hodgson has also left out midfielders Lucas and Raul Meireles for the trip to Italy while Glen Johnson and Dirk Kuyt are injured and Daniel Agger is now suffering with illness.

“Some of the more important senior players won’t travel because their participation on Sunday is going to be so important to us,” said Hodgson.

“It’s not just a question of playing three matches in a week it’s also a question of injury.

“I don’t think our squad is so strong that I can afford to risk them.

“But it’ll still be a strong team we put out there and I think it’s a chance for some players who have been on the fringes, like David Ngog and others like Ryan Babel who has had very few chances.

“It’s yet another opportunity for these players to blast their way into the team and force me to look at them in a different light, to make sure they are players that are first on the list and not down the pecking order.”

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Bale eyes England upset

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Wales star Gareth Bale is determined to put a spanner in the works for England when the two sides meet in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign on March 26 (England 1/6 to win Group G).

The Welsh saw any faint hopes of qualifying for the finals in Ukraine and Poland evaporate when they went down 4-1 to Switzerland on Tuesday night – their third consecutive Group G loss following 1-0 reverses against Montenegro and Bulgaria.

The defeat left Wales with no points from three matches and they sit at the bottom of the standings, 10 points behind table-topping Montenegro and seven points behind England in second place.

The Welsh are currently without a permanent manager following the resignation of John Toshack after the Montenegro defeat, with Brian Flynn handling team affairs on a caretaker basis until a permanent replacement is appointed.

There have been a number of high-profile candidates for the job, with Liverpool legend Ian Rush and former Arsenal and Celtic star John Hartson throwing their hats into the ring.

Flynn has also made it clear that he wants the job on a full-time basis but back-to-back defeats under his stewardship will have done his cause no good at all.

England are expected to qualify easily from the group and will fear little from their clash with Wales, but Bale, who admits the banter with his England international Spurs’ team-mates has already been flying about, has made it clear that he and his Welsh colleagues will not just lay down and die against Fabio Capello’s men.

“We’re not going to go out there to concede a loss – we’re going to go out there and give it our all,” he said. “It’s a massive rivalry in country terms and we’ll be giving it 110 per cent. We want to cause a little upset.

“We’ve spoken about it previously, and it’s going to be a big game. They obviously fancy themselves to beat anybody on their day and we’re just going to have to play with no pressure and try to express ourselves.”

Following the England clash, Wales have to wait until September 2 for their next qualifier, with Montenegro set to visit the Millennium Stadium, before the daunting prospect of playing England (8/1 Euro 2012 Outright) at Wembley just four days later.

Matches with Switzerland and Bulgaria follow but, barring a miracle, Wales will be playing for nothing but pride with a new boss in place at the back end of the group stage of the tournament.

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Davies eyes England run

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Bolton captain Kevin Davies is eager to prove he has something to offer on the international stage after making his debut in the goalless draw with Montenegro on Tuesday (England 1/7 to win Euro 2012 Qualifying Group G).

Davies, 33, became England’s oldest debutant since Leslie Compton in 1950 when he made a second-half substitute appearance against the surprise package of Euro 2012 qualification Group G, and the Bolton striker is keen to make more appearances for the Three Lions.

The powerful front man managed to impress in his brief 20 minute cameo appearance after replacing Peter Crouch.  England had struggled to impose themselves on Montenegro and aside from some trickery from Adam Johnson, there was little for the Wembley crowd to cheer about.

Davies came on in difficult circumstances, with the team out of sorts and Montenegro growing in confidence, but the Wanderers captain managed to offer another option for England.  Davies created a great chance for Wayne Rooney, whose shot was well saved, before flicking the ball into the path of Gareth Barry, who also saw his effort denied.

The veteran striker is now hopeful he can continue to impress at club level with Bolton in order to force his way into the England squad again, with the next round of qualifiers now five months away in March.

“I’m disappointed because we didn’t win but to have been given the nod and asked to come and try and win the game, and get my cap, makes me really proud,” said Davies.

“It will be a nice drive home with the family but I don’t want to be one of those players who stick around on one cap.”

He added: “There were a few shouts for me to get on (from the crowd), and I really wanted to come on and win the game for England.

“That didn’t happen, but I’m just glad to have been involved. It’s something I thought might never happen and I’m really proud it has.”

Davies may have to wait until March before he gets the chance to impress in a competitive international fixture, but the striker will be hoping to impress for Bolton in the meantime to keep himself in contention for an England spot (Match Betting – Bolton 11/10, draw 11/5, Stoke 12/5).

Meanwhile, boss Fabio Capello has been heavily criticised following the failure to beat Montenegro and the lacklustre display.

However, the Italian insists he is a “fighter” and has vowed to continue in his role despite being booed by the home crowd at the final whistle (England 8/1 to win Euro 2012).

“I am a fighter. It is one game. We have to fight again. I think we are a good team. The goalkeeper was the best player for Montenegro. This is football,” said Capello.

“You have to respect little countries. They have good players. At this moment they are psychologically at a high moment having won three games.

“They were compact. The quality was good. Against Algeria (0-0 at the World Cup ) we didn’t create a lot of chances. Tonight we did create chances.”

England remain second in Group G with seven points, three points adrift of leaders Montenegro, who have played a game more.

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Toure eyes City silverware

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Kolo Toure says he joined Manchester City (15/2 Premier League Outright) to win silverware and feels they can achieve plenty of success with the squad they have.

The former Arsenal star joined the Eastlands revolution last summer, following an eight-year spell with the Gunners, where he won a Premier League title and two FA Cup winners medals.

Toure believes City (5/2 to win a major trophy in 2010/11) have taken another big step forward this season, including his own form, as they look to break the Premier League dominance of Chelsea and Manchester United.

The 29-year-old told the club’s website: “I came here to win trophies and play Champions League football and that is what we are all working hard to achieve.”

Toure feels he still has “five or six years left” playing at the highest level and wants those years to be packed with success and silverware.

The defender added: “I have played in one great team and I want to be part of another one. People who know me, know that I am as enthusiastic about the game as I have ever been.”

Despite admitting that he is happy with his current form, Toure believes there is still more to come from him and says he feels “much fitter” than he did last season.

He concluded: “Now I am settled in Manchester, I know everyone at the club; I know how it all works and feel very happy and comfortable with the way things are going.”

Roberto Mancini’s men return to Premier League action this weekend, when they travel to Bloomfield Road to face new-boys Blackpool (5/4 to stay up this season).

Ian Holloway will have to prepare his Tangerines side to face City without the benefit of his encouragement from the touchline.

The Blackpool boss has been handed a one-match touchline ban after his outburst at the referee Mike Dean following the home defeat to Blackburn last month.

An FA regulatory commission heard the case in London on Monday and handed him a one-match ban and a fine of £9,500, he will not be allowed any contact with his players during the game this weekend.

After the hearing Holloway apologised for swearing, saying: “You should never swear, I shouldn’t have done it and I apologise.”

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Hughes eyes famous victory

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Fulham’s Aaron Hughes believes Northern Ireland are capable of recording another famous win at Windsor Park when they welcome Italy (8/13 Italy – 90 minutes) in Belfast on Friday.

Nigel Worthington’s side got their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a flying start with a 1-0 victory in Slovenia and will be looking to make it two out of two when they face the Azzurri.

Northern Ireland have been placed in a tough group and will have to get the better of Italy, Serbia, Estonia, Slovenia and the Faroe Islands if they are to reach their first major competition since the 1982 World Cup.

Their last qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup ended in failure as they finished fourth of six, seven points behind eventual group winners Slovakia.

While it is unlikely Northern Ireland (8/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) will do any better in their bid to reach Ukraine and Poland in two years’ time they will hope for some more famous nights at Windsor Park along the way.

In the past Northern Ireland have caused some big upsets at their famous old ground, beating Spain and England recently.

Despite Italy’s recent fall from grace a victory over the four-time world champions would represent a massive achievement for Worthington’s men.

Italy currently top Group C having won their first two matches against Estonia and the Faroe Islands.

However, it will arguably be their biggest test when they face Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Friday night.

Hughes believes he and his compatriots have every chance of causing an upset against Italy, although the Fulham defender says they can’t underestimate the Azzurri despite their recent performances.

“At home over the last few years we’ve had some really good results,” Hughes told Fulham’s official website.

“The England and Spain games will be talked about for years and we beat a lot of good teams that were ranked higher than us at home.

“Our home form is strong and we should go into the game with plenty of confidence, but it would be extremely dangerous to go into the match thinking Italy aren’t what they used to be because the team is full of quality players.”

Northern Ireland (16/1 Group C outright) follow Friday’s game against Italy (4/9) with a trip to Toftir to face Faroe Islands (5000/1) four days later.

Worthington will have to do with Pat McCourt for both matches as the Celtic winger is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Rangers’ Andrew Little has been called up instead of Adam Barton after he withdrew while Niall McGinn is back after missing the game with Slovenia.

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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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Barcelona’s Villa eyes Gijon goals

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Barcelona (1/7 in Match – 90 Mins betting) striker David Villa says he is not concerned about failing to convert any chances against Atletico Madrid as he prepares to face his old club Sporting Gijon (16/1) at the Nou Camp tonight.

Although the Spanish international striker (7/4 First or Last Goalscorer, 2/5 Anytime) has faced the Rojiblancos before while he was at Valencia, this will be his first match against Sporting in the colours of the Blaugrana.

The World Cup winner spent four years at El Molinon, initially with the ‘B’ team before making the grade, and his career has since taken him through Real Zaragoza and Valencia – who received 40 million euros from Barcelona this summer.

Villa told El Guaje: “Of course it will be a special game. I had to face Sporting with Valencia in the past, and that is great news for me, because that means that Sporting are in the first division.

“I wish them all the best – but after the match against Barcelona!

“People know how I feel about Sporting. I grew up playing there, but it is clear that I will give everything for my current club to help them win the game.”

There are rumours in Spain that Sporting will rest several key players at the Nou Camp and accept their fate against a Barcelona side without Lionel Messi through injury.

The Argentina star hurt ankle ligaments in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Atletico in Madrid, so Villa and the rest of the senior stars will be expected to step up in his absence.

The Barca striker was unable to add to his three goals for the club at the Vicente Calderon when he found Atletico keeper David de Gea in top form.

He said: “What is important is that the team wins, but it is true that I was a bit annoyed at not scoring.

“The coach told me he was happy with me and goals will eventually come, and I think exactly the same way.”

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Mancini eyes Tevez improvement

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he expects captain Carlos Tevez to get better this season after handing the Argentina star the armband in the summer (City 12/1 – Premier League Outright).

Tevez was on target at Wigan on Sunday in a 2-0 win as the Blues surged into the top four of the Premier League which is widely thought to be the minimum requirement for Mancini this season.

City’s ambitious owners – the Abu Dhabi United Group – are desperate to secure Champions League football for next season and, as Mark Hughes discovered, perceived failure is not an option.

Mancini settled on handing Tevez the captaincy after talks with the forward during the summer and he has since weighed in with three league goals for the Eastlands outfit.

However, the Italian does not feel the former Manchester United and West Ham United is anywhere near the peak of his powers yet following his exertions with Argentina at the World Cup finals in South Africa (Tevez – 7/1 Premiership Top Scorer).

On the captaincy, Mancini said: “I thought about it during the summer and I spoke to Carlos about it.

“He is an important player and he can improve as captain and we can have more of him.

“I’m very happy for him because at this moment he probably isn’t at 100% of his form.

“Maybe his goal (at Wigan) can help him and it is fantastic he got it today.”

City’s other goal came from Yaya Toure as the Blues eased past the Latics at the DW Stadium at a canter to leave the home side third from bottom on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Mancini has admitted he will reluctantly allow out-of-favour goalkeeper Shay Given to move on during the forthcoming transfer window.

The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international has fallen behind England number one Joe Hart in the pecking order and appears resigned to the fact his first-team chances at Eastlands have come to an end.

Given will also be aware of the need to stay sharp for his country’s Euro 2012 qualification campaign as the Irish look to make their first major tournament since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

For now the former Newcastle favourite is kicking his heels in the reserves although talk of a return to St James’ Park might surface after Magpies keeper Steve Harper suffered a shoulder problem against Everton.

Mancini said: “I have a lot of respect for Shay and I told him the situation before the finish of the [transfer] market.

“I told him: ‘Shay, you can choose. I hope that you stay here but I respect your decision and if you want to leave you can.’

“He decided to stay here and until January he must stay here.

“I understand his frustration but I need that Shay stays here and puts in 100%. In January if he decides to leave I respect his decision.”

Harper is set to miss weeks if not months with ligament damage which is a cruel blow for a player who has been forced to wait until his 35th year for a crack at the Premier League on a weekly basis.

The Easington-born keeper has made just 138 appearances for Newcastle since 1993 having acted as back-up to Pavel Srnicek, Shaka Hislop and Given over the years (Magpies 11/2 – Relegation).

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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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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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