Tag Archives: return

CL return whets appetite for more

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The Champions League returned with a bang last week and Arsenal’s victory against Barcelona could be the landmark victory Arsene Wenger has been looking for from his side, who are still chasing silverware on four fronts this year, while the defeat for Barca means their coach, Pep Guardiola, has the unenviable record of having not won an away tie in the knockout rounds of the competition.

Despite the loss, Barca remain favourites to win the Champions League overall (Barcelona 2/1 to win the Champions League outright) and, even though last Wednesday was a rare off day for the Catalans’ star man Lionel Messi, he remains the totesport favourite to be overall top goalscorer in the competition at 21/10. But, if he again fails to fire in the return leg, Barca will hope Wednesday’s goalscorer, David Villa, can inspire them to an overall victory in the tie.

Much praise must go to Arsenal though. In the first half, despite being dominated, they still looked confident and the young triumvirate of Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott shone out and looked more than a match for Catalans, with Wilshere even arguably outplaying the little master Xavi in midfield.

It was also a fabulous week for Arsenal’s great north London rivals, Tottenham, who claimed an outstanding result, beating AC Milan 1-0 in the San Siro (Spurs now 14/1 to win CL Outright).

All the build up before the game was centred around the absence of Spurs’ flying winger Gareth Bale. However, Harry Redknapp’s side approached the Rossoneri with no fear, playing their natural attacking game and ably defending when under the cosh.

Spurs could be the surprise package of this year’s competition and will fear no-one at home after previously beating champions Inter 3-1 at White Hart Lane and they now look a safe bet to win the return leg against Massimilano Allegri’s men (Spurs 1/4 to beat Milan at home).

Looking ahead to this week’s fixtures and it’s hard to look past Chelsea, who face Danish Champions FC Copenhagen. The Blues have struggled in recent times and will be looking to get back on track after a string of disappointing results, including Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at home to Everton.

New signing Fernando Torres will be available for the Blues and it will be interesting to see who coach Carlo Ancelotti decides to leave out if he selects the Spanish striker.

The Danish side have impressed so far in the competition and will be looking to cause an upset as they aim to be the first Danish side to reach the quarter finals of the competition, but a win for Chelsea looks nailed on at 8/15), despite Copenhagen’s odds of claiming a draw (13/5 ) tempting during the Blues’ current malaise.

The other English team in action in the Champions League is, of course, Manchester United, who travel to France’s Mediterranean coast to take on French Champions Marseille on Wednesday (United 1/5 to qualify).

United have not always been at their imperious best this term but have only lost once in the league and have built their season on solid defensive performances rather than their usual attacking flair. The trip to the Stade Velodrome is tough, though, and they will need star defenders Rio Ferdinand (if fit) and Nemanja Vidic on form to see them through the tie safely.

But whatever happens in this week’s fixtures, if they’re anywhere near as entertaining as last week’s, then we’re all certainly in for a treat.

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Houllier makes Anfield return

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Gerard Houllier and Roy Hodgson are two managers that have not found life easy at their new clubs and on Monday Aston Villa travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool as the Frenchman returns to his old stomping ground (Liverpool 3/5, draw 11/4, Villa 5/1).

Villa are really struggling for wins in the Premier League in recent weeks and have only picked up one victory in their last nine games in the top flight.

Houllier’s job has not been made easy by an injury list as long as the former Lyon manager’s arm with nine first-team players all sidelined at one point. At the moment Marc Albrighton, Fabian Delph, Emile Heskey, Stiliyan Petrov and Nigel Reo-Coker are all out of action.

Houllier will not want to be looking at Villa’s stats against Liverpool as they have only managed one win in the last 17 meetings between the two sides but that was a 3-1 win last season. Villa have the worst record in the Premier League this season against sides in the top half of the table as they have only managed to pick up three points from a possible 24.

As for Liverpool they have started to slowly turn their season around after a poor start to the campaign under Hodgson. The Reds have won their last three games at Anfield including an impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea which has started a run of poor form for the Blues.

Pepe Reina made some crucial saves for the Merseyside club in that clash and he will pick up his 100th clean sheet for Liverpool if he can keep a clean sheet on Monday night.

Unfortunately for Liverpool fans they will be without skipper Steven Gerrard who is still out of action with a hamstring injury which he picked up whilst playing for England in a friendly against France.

The Reds will also be without key defender Jamie Carragher as he is expected to have an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury.

With injuries to key players on both sides this is going to be a close game between two inconsistent sides that have played some good football this season, in spells.

It gets said often but it could be that man Fernando Torres (4/1 to get the first goal of the game) that could be the difference between the two sides as he looks to get back to his best form which he has started to show but again, in spells.

Liverpool should edge this one at home in front of their home fans so it looks unlikely that Houllier will have a happy return to Merseyside.

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Rooney doubtful for derby return

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Wayne Rooney (12/1 in Premiership Top Scorer 2010/2011) could be out of action for more than three weeks, according to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Rooney suffered another ankle injury in training last week in a tackle from Paul Scholes prior to United’s Champions League victory over Bursaspor.

The England striker’s return had been pencilled in, by media and fans at least, for the Manchester derby at Eastlands on November 10, but Ferguson’s comments cast doubt on that now.

When asked if three weeks remained the prognosis, Ferguson, speaking ahead of Saturday’s late Premier League game against Tottenham at Old Trafford, replied: “I think it may be longer. There is no recovery, it is just rest. Before he went away we did his remedial in terms of what we could do at the time. Thereafter, rest – we’re quite happy with that.”

Ferguson’s message to Rooney following his new, record-breaking five-year deal last week, appears to be about him remaining the boss, but his continued praise for the lively Javier Hernandez (25/1) also could be construed as a word of warning to the England striker to pull his socks up.

The United boss said he was happy with the form of ‘Chicharito’ and stated that when Rooney does come back he will have some big decisions to make about team selection.

Hernandez has taken his opportunity well in the last month and banged in four goals in his last three starts, including the winners against Stoke City and Wolverhampton Wanderers (4/7 Man United 11/4 draw 9/2 Tottenham – 90 minutes betting).

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O’Neill targets swift return

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Bet on the SPLFormer Celtic (4/5 to win the SPL outright) boss Martin O’Neill has insisted that he wants to return to management as quickly as possible after he walked out of the Aston Villa job.

The Northern Irish manager left the club just five days before the start of the Premier League season after what was believed to be a disagreement between himself and Villa owner Randy Lerner over the sale of star midfielder James Milner.

O’Neill is now looking to get back into a managerial hot seat and has been linked with a number of clubs including the vacant position at Championship side Middlesbrough as well as the Liverpool job as Roy Hodgson has had a poor start to his reign at Anfield.

Speaking about the future, the former Leicester City manager said: “I’ve been enjoying myself and getting rather lazy these last two months.

“But I obviously miss the game and I’m sure I’ll get back into it at some stage if I can.

“I’d rather that happened sooner rather than later.”

O’Neill could take the job at the Riverside as Middlesbrough look to turn their season around after a poor start to the campaign.

Boro were tipped to win the Championship this term but under the leadership of Gordon Strachan the side failed to live up to expectations and currently sit in 21st place in the league.

O’Neill would be an ideal replacement for Strachan as the club looks to climb up the Championship table.

The 53-year-old has also revealed that he had been interviewed for the England job before Steve McClaren was given the role after Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He said: “Obviously Steve had been there as assistant to Sven at the time, but I’m not sure of the way the voting system went.

“A number of candidates were interviewed – Big Sam Allardyce brought every piece of machinery and all the stats with him, unfortunately I didn’t.

“I just brought myself, and we all know what happened.”

O’Neill could be a candidate for the England (8/1 to win Euro 2012 outright) job in 2012 after the current boss Fabio Capello stated that he would retire from management after the tournament.

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Wenger unsure over Fabregas return

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Arsene Wenger says Cesc Fabregas is now fully fit again but the Gunners boss may not risk the Spanish ace against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday (Arsenal 4/6, Shakhtar 4/1, the draw 14/5).

The Arsenal skipper has not played since he picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland last month but has been making good progress in training and could play if required this week.

However, Wenger is keen to protect Fabregas and has hinted he may decide against playing the midfielder against their opponents from Ukraine, with Sunday’s trip to title rivals Manchester City in mind (Arsenal 15/2, City 11/2 – Premier League Outright).

“Cesc is available. He is good and has prepared well. He had a little setback but got over the hurdle and is ready to play at full fitness,” said Wenger.

“I do not know yet whether I start him or not but he is available. It will be (determined by) whether I take a gamble or not, because he has been out for a long time.

“I have to make up my mind but physically he is ready, fit and wanting to play.”

Theo Walcott, meanwhile, picked up a minor knock in training but is expected to be fit to face Shakhtar but Laurent Koscielny, Thomas Vermaelen, Robin van Persie and Manuel Almunia are all definitely ruled out of the game.

Arsenal will be hoping to make it three wins out of three in their Champions League group matches on Tuesday following victories so far over Braga and Partizan (Arsenal 10/1 – Champions League Outright).

Wenger is expected to make at least two changes from the side that beat Birmingham 2-1 on Saturday but youngster Jack Wilshere is tipped to start despite his sending off late on at the weekend.

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Reds optimistic over duo’s return

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Bet on the Merseyside derbyLiverpool (17/10 to win the Merseyside derby) have received a double boost with the news that striker Fernando Torres and left-back Paul Konchesky could be fit for Sunday’s massive clash at Everton (6/4 to win, 11/5 the draw), although Dirk Kuyt could be out of action for some time.

Torres (5/1 to score the first goal at Goodison) suffered a groin strain during the shock defeat to Blackpool at Anfield last month, which ruled him out of Spain’s fixtures over the international break, but has responded well to treatment and could yet make the line-up on Sunday.

Liverpool’s head of sports science and sports medicine Peter Brukner told Liverpoolfc.tv: “Fernando is doing pretty well. He had a slight tear in one of his abductor muscles very early on in the game against Blackpool that prevented him going away with Spain in the internationals.

“He has had intense treatment over the last 10 days and responded very well to that treatment.

“He’s ready to resume training today and if we can build up his training and get through the next few days, then we are optimistic but not certain that he will be able to line up against Everton.

“He’ll join in the full training session on Thursday, then build up Friday and Saturday. If he gets through these sessions and he is able to stretch out fully and has no after effect from the sessions then he will be able to play.”

Defender Konchesky, who has missed the last two games for Liverpool with a hamstring injury suffered in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland at the end of last month, is also making excellent progress and could make his comeback against the Toffees.

“Paul is coming along well and will join in full training on Thursday for the first time,” he added.

“He’s done everything we have asked of him so far and he’s done a lot of running and a lot of strength work on his hamstring.

“Again, it’s a bit similar to Fernando that we are reasonably confident he will be available for Everton, but it just depends on how his body responds to training.”

However, there was some bad news on the fitness front with both Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger picking up injuries while on international duty.

The Liverpool midfielder was forced out of Holland’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Sweden after just 28 minutes and the initial prognosis is not good.

“Dirk wanted to play on but our doctor prevented that and told me to substitute him,” Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk stated.

“He is now in a hospital but following the doctor’s first opinion it could be very serious and keep him sidelined for a long time.”

Defender Agger, who has been hindered by a groin problem of late, lasted only 39 minutes for Denmark on Tuesday night and will be assessed at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground.

It has been a nightmare start to the season for both Merseyside clubs, who have picked up just one win each from their opening seven games, with Liverpool (11/1 to be relegated) in the bottom three due to having an inferior goal difference to city rivals Everton (33/1 to go down).

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Becks targets international return

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hargreaves pushing for return

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Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has missed nearly two years with knee problems but boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he expects the former Bayern Munich man to push for a starting spot soon (Manchester United 5/2 to win the Premier League).

Hargreaves has been suffering with chronic tendinitis in both knees and there were fears he may be forced to hang up his boots.

However, the 29-year-old has now returned to training after seeing renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman and Ferguson has revealed the midfielder could be back in the near future.

“Owen Hargreaves has come back training, he trained with the first team,” Ferguson  told MUTV.

“He looked very good. I was surprised how good he was looking. It’s an extra string to our bow.

“Bringing him in at this time, after being out for so long, obviously we’ll have to monitor him and see how he’s going to progress in the next few weeks.”

Hargreaves made a brief return to action towards the end of last season only for his problem to flare up again and Ferguson admits he is wary of sending him back into competitive football too early.

He added: “He’s been out for so long you have to see whether there’s going to be a relapse.

“That’s the first thing on our mind at the moment but having watched him in training, if he continues that way he’s going to give me another selection problem, no question about that.”

United take on Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday at high noon. Hargreaves will play no part against the Wanderers as he is still lacking match fitness.

However, Rio Ferdinand is expected to be handed his first league start of the season after a lengthy lay-off stretching back to before the World Cup (Bolton 13/2, draw 16/5, United 4/9).

Bolton will be without defender Gary Cahill, who will serve the final match of his suspension following a questionable red card at Arsenal, but goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is available again after serving his own suspension.

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Torres’ Return To Fitness Boosts Spain’s World Cup Chances

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fernando torres spain 199x300 Torres Return To Fitness Boosts Spains World Cup ChancesSpain striker Fernando Torres has revealed he is optimistic of being fit to play in Spain’s opening game of the tournament on June 16 against Switzerland.

“I’m very well, happy with the progress of the injury. Since January I’ve had two operations, and that isn’t easy,” he told Marca.

“Everything went very well with the first and in the second the objective was to be ready between six and seven weeks, and I’m at the start of the sixth.

“I will do a few more days of specific work and, God willing, I’ll be 100 per cent for the first game of the World Cup for sure.”

Torres was asked if he feels any additional pressure to become the tournaments leading goalscorer and claim the golden boot.

“No, but I know that, along with (David) Villa, I’m lucky enough to be one of the strikers in a team that are among the favourites, and that brings certain privileges,” he explained.

“It’s been a very difficult season. When you start a campaign you hope you will be able to fulfil your dreams, winning titles, not having injuries, enjoying yourselves, and it has been just the opposite,” he added.

“But there is always a tomorrow in football and this summer, the World Cup.

“I’ve put aside the club, the bad season, and I want to finish in the best way possible way by making history with my county.

Spain are currently favourites to win the World Cup at 5.25 with Fernando Torres available at 21.00 to win the Golden Ball.  Be sure to catch those odds as Torres is bound to attract a lot of interest in the Golden Ball stakes with the news of his recovery.

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  2. Will Torres feature when Liverpool fixtures start in July?
  3. Four European Places Left at the 2010 World Cup Finals


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Lennon makes timely Spurs return

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Harry Redknapp and Sir Alex FergusonTottenham winger Aaron Lennon is set to hand England coach Fabio Capello a boost ahead of the World Cup after returning to the Spurs squad for the final Premier League games of the season (Three Lions 5/2 Top European Team in South Africa).

Capello has seen his options down the right side of midfield cut by former captain David Beckham’s Achilles injury which has ruled him out of the finals in South Africa in a playing capacity.

Lennon has not featured for his club since December because of a groin injury but he is back in training and White Hart Lane chief Harry Redknapp has confirmed the former Leeds United youngster will make the bench at Manchester United on Saturday (United 4/9, draw 16/5, Spurs 11/2).

He said: “He (Lennon) is a top player. He won’t start but could be available if we need him for 20 minutes.”

Spurs currently occupy the final Champions League place and know a win will pile the pressure on fifth-placed Manchester City who kick off at teatime on Saturday at Arsenal.

But Redknapp will know he is in for a tough game given the fact United (11/8 Outright) need the points to overhaul Chelsea (4/7f) in the title race.

The Blues do not play until Sunday – at home against Stoke – by which time the Red Devils could be two points clear.

Spurs did United a favour last weekend by beating Chelsea 2-1 but a week in football is a long time and that will be forgotten when the two sides clash at Old Trafford.

Famously, Sir Alex Ferguson once referred to this stage of the season as “squeaky bum time” and the Scot concedes it takes a toll on managers at both ends of the table.

He remarked: “I don’t think the next few weeks keeps you healthy.

“It is not good for you but it is there. You have to accept there is pressure in life. I can deal with it.”

Ferguson added: “We just have to concentrate on our own job. If we do that we can let Chelsea deal with their situation.

“After tomorrow there are only two games left so games become paramount in terms of where you are in the league.

“We have to win. The players are aware of that.”

Ferguson has versatile defender Wes Brown back after a broken foot but Owen Hargreaves’ long-awaited comeback from knee surgery has been put on ice because of a calf strain.

Spurs are still without the Croatian duo of Nico Kranjcar and Vedran Corluka because of ankle problems but midfielder Jermaine Jenas has shaken off illness and Ledley King is also in the running as well.

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