Posts Tagged ‘Manchester City’

Dalglish: The Liverpool boss will want a statement of intent at Emirates Stadium

Wenger: Has been criticised by Arsenal fans for his failure to spend money

Form guide (including last season):Arsenal: WLLDDLiverpool: WWLLD

Injuries:Arsenal: Gibbs, Djourou, Wilshere, Diaby, TraoreLiverpool: Gerrard, Johnson.

Sky Bet odds: Arsenal 6/4 Draw 9/4 Liverpool 9/5

Opta stat: Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League home games against Liverpool.

Bet on Saturday’s match

Related links
Teams
Also see

Arsenal begin Premier League life after Cesc Fabregas, and probably Samir Nasri, when they host Liverpool live on Sky Sports HD2/2 on Saturday lunchtime.

Arsene Wenger and his club have been headline fodder for the majority of the summer amid what has undoubtedly been the most difficult period of the Frenchman’s 15 years in England.

The sale of Fabregas to Barcelona was inevitable, but, with Manchester City also closing in on Nasri, Arsenal are being portrayed as a club in crisis.

Some fans have turned on Wenger as a result and chants of to the effect of ‘spend some money’ could be heard during the 0-0 draw at Newcastle on the opening day of the season.

An edgy 1-0 win over Udinese in midweek in the UEFA Champions League play-offs has done little to appease the doubters and a positive performance against Liverpool is essential as a consequence.

Controversial

But Kenny Dalglish’s new-look visitors need to show their own mettle after the less-than-inspiring 1-1 draw with Sunderland at Anfield last Saturday.

Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Jose Enrique all made their Premier League debuts for Liverpool in the draw, but did not have critics raving.

After a controversial, late draw at Emirates Stadium in April, a first three points at Arsenal in the 12th attempt would therefore give a significant indication of the new era under Dalglish.

Jack Wilshere is set to miss the game and is 50-50 for Wednesday night’s Champions League return in Udinese.

Wilshere was on Thursday still undergoing treatment on his troublesome ankle injury, which it was originally hoped would clear up in time for last weekend’s opener at Newcastle.

Doubt

That game cost Wenger two more players, with new striker Gervinho sent off and midfielder Alex Song punished in retrospect with both starting three-match bans on Saturday.

The Udinese game saw Kieran Gibbs and substitute Johan Djourou both limp off with hamstring strains, joining Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Armand Traore on the sidelines.

That could force Wenger to hand summer signing Carl Jenkinson his Premier League debut against Liverpool in the unfamiliar position of left-back.

Defender Glen Johnson is an injury doubt for Liverpool, while captain Steven Gerrard continues his recovery from his groin problem.

England full-back Johnson missed last week’s opening match with a hamstring injury and manager Dalglish rates him as his only doubt for the trip to London.

Dalglish may opt to make changes, with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt pushing for the staring places of John Flanagan and Henderson.

Possible starting XIs:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Walcott, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Chamakh, Van Persie.

Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Agger, Carragher, Enrique, Lucas, Adam, Kuyt, Downing, Suarez, Carroll.

Falcao: One of the deadliest marksmen in European football

Atletico Madrid have announced that they are to sign Colombian striker Falcao for 40million euros (£34.7m) from Porto.

The highly-rated striker is regarded as one of Europe’s deadliest marksmen, with his strike ratio in Portugal close to a goal every game.

In total he netted 73 times in just 88 appearances for Porto.

He was reported to be a target for Chelsea this summer, following the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas at Stamford Bridge.

The former Porto boss was expected to raid his former employers for their top stars, with Falcao believed to be top of his wish list.

Medical

No move materialised, though, and Atletico have pounced.

The deal to take the South American forward to Spain is understood to include an extra seven million euros (£6m) in add-ons.

A move is also subject to Falcao passing a medical and personal terms being agreed.

Atletico have been able to splash the cash after offloading Sergio Aguero to Manchester City.

That transfer brought in some 45million euros (£39.1m) and the Primera Liga giants have wasted little time in reinvesting that cash.

Adebayor: A target for Tottenham as Redknapp looks to bring in a new striker

Harry Redknapp has confirmed Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Manchester City regarding a deal for Emmanuel Adebayor.

The former Arsenal striker is surplus to requirements at City after spending the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old had previously been keen on a return to the Santiago Bernabeu, but could now be offered the chance to join his old club’s arch rivals.

Spurs boss Redknapp revealed last month that he would be interested in signing the Togo forward, but stressed it would only be a loan deal.

Negotiations with City have reportedly been ongoing for some time, with Adebayor’s reported £170,000 a week wage packet proving to be the only real stumbling block.

Redknapp said: “The chairman is talking to Man City about the player but where they (the negotiations) are at, I genuinely don’t know.”

Adebayor scored twice against Tottenham for Real in the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash between the two teams at the Bernabeu last season.

During that match Spurs fans chanted abusive songs at the former Arsenal marksman, but the player himself said this summer the songs would not put him off signing for Redknapp’s team.

Redknapp has room in his squad for another striker after Republic of Ireland international Robbie Keane joined Los Angeles Galaxy earlier this week.

Mancini: Feels Silva and Toure can settle Aguero in

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels that David Silva and Yaya Toure will help new signing Sergio Aguero overcome the language barrier and bring out the best in him.

The £38million Argentine came on to devastating effect for a half hour appearance as he scored two and created one in City’s 4-0 demolition of Swansea.

His cameo saw fans and critics alike lauding the ability of the player, suggesting he could fire his new club to the Premier League title this season.

Language barrier

Aguero has yet to learn English since moving from Atletico Madrid, but Mancini is confident that both Silva and Toure, who arrived from Valencia and Barcelona respectively last year, would all combine to great effect.

Supporters may also be relishing the prospect of seeing wantaway striker Carlos Tevez from a partnership with his South American compatriot, with few clubs willing to take the 27-year-old due to the costs involved.

“I think Sergio needs to play more with his team-mates to get better,” Mancini said.

“We have incredible players like David Silva and Yaya, who speak the same language.

“I think he needs to improve with the team.”

Forlan: Dreams of playing in Milan

Uruguay forward Diego Forlan has admitted it is his ‘dream’ to play in Milan despite reported interest from Turkish sides.

The Atletico Madrid hot-shot has revealed he has received an offer from Italian giants Inter Milan, with their striker Samuel Eto’o expected to join Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

Forlan has also been linked with a move to Turkey but, speaking from his holidays in Miami, he has denied any offers from Turkish sides.

“Yes, it’s true I’ve received an offer from Inter. It’s my dream to play in Milan,” said the 32-year-old, according to Italian media picking up an interview Forlan gave to a Turkish newspaper.

Very hot

“Yes, it’s true I’ve received an offer from Inter. It’s my dream to play in Milan.”Diego Forlan Quotes of the week

“In Turkey my name is very hot. Even so, I haven’t had any contact with either Galatasaray, Besiktas or Fenerbahce.

“Not even an offer, but I don’t deny Galatasaray are a great side.

“Turkey is a beautiful country and it would be great to continue my career there.”

As well as Forlan, Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez has been linked with Inter as a possible replacement for Eto’o.

Fabregas: Returned to Barcelona on Monday but Wenger could have got more money

Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal could have got more money for Cesc Fabregas but decided to grant the midfielder’s wish to return to Barcelona.

The long-running transfer saga finally reached its conclusion on Monday when Fabregas sealed a move back to Camp Nou after eight years with the Gunners.

Wenger had previously resisted Barca’s attempts to sign Fabregas as Arsenal held firm on a £40million valuation.

But it is reported that the final deal was only worth around £35million, with Arsenal believed to be getting paid £25m up front followed by a possible extra £4.3million depending on Barca’s success.

“We sold Cesc for a reduced fee. If Cesc is for sale and you can make an auction between Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, you will certainly get more money, but he just wanted to go to Barcelona. “Arsene Wenger Quotes of the week

Arsenal will then receive almost £1million for each year of Fabregas’ five-year contract, while they have also secured a ‘buy-back’ option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause if Barca ever decide to move him on.

Wenger maintains that it is a good deal for Arsenal but admits they could have generated even more cash by starting a bidding war.

However, Wenger was prepared to let Fabregas rejoin the club where he started his career as a schoolboy.

“We sold Cesc for a reduced fee,” said the Arsenal manager.

Fight

“If Cesc is for sale and you can make an auction between Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, you will certainly get more money, but he just wanted to go to Barcelona.

“If he was on the market to any club we would have got more money, but we did want to get a decent fee.

“That’s what I’m paid for. You cannot say because you want to get the deal done as quickly as possible: ”Just take him and give us what you want’.

“You have to fight for your rights. What is good is that you call multi-million pound players ‘cheap’.”

Wenger believes there is a possibility that Fabregas will return to the Emirates Stadium at some point in the distant future.

He said: “Cesc went because he was desperate to play for his hometown club, where he was educated.

“Maybe he will come back one day to the club, you never know.”

Hooper: Suffered the injury against Dundee United

Celtic have been dealt a blow ahead of Thursday’s Europa League clash against Sion after Gary Hooper was ruled out for ‘a few weeks’.

The striker suffered a sprained ankle during Saturday’s 5-1 Scottish Premier League win over Dundee United, having earlier found the back of the net for the Hoops.

He now faces a spell on the sidelines following a scan earlier on Monday, meaning he will miss this week’s play-off first leg against the Swiss outfit at Celtic Park.

A statement on the club’s official website confirmed on Monday: “Following a scan today, the club can confirm that Gary Hooper has a sprained ankle and could potentially be out for a few weeks.

“The striker was injured during Saturday’s 5-1 SPL victory over Dundee United at Celtic Park. And he’ll miss the Hoops’ Europa League play-off against FC Sion this Thursday.”

Benefits

Meanwhile, Celtic will be the only Scottish participants in the new NextGen Series, an international football tournament which will showcase the stars of the future across 16 of the world’s top football clubs.

The objective of the NextGen series is to deliver a tournament for the ‘best of the best’ to provide players with vital experience of travelling abroad to play matches and in terms of being challenged by new styles of play.

Celtic have been drawn to play against Barcelona, Manchester City and Marseille in the first group stage.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said: “We’re very pleased to be involved in the NextGen Series. We believe it is a tournament which will give our young players the perfect opportunity to develop.

“Playing in such a competitive environment against players from the best clubs across Europe can only be an excellent experience and I am sure it is something which can only bring real benefits to our players and to the club.”

Barton: The midfielder clashed with Gervinho at St James’ Park

The Football Association has confirmed Newcastle and Arsenal have both been charged with failing to control their players in the wake of Saturday’s ugly scenes at St James’ Park.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has been charged separately with violent conduct following an earlier incident in the same game, when he stamped on Newcastle’s Joey Barton, and he could consequently face disciplinary action.

The club charges come as a result of the mass confrontation between both sets of players in the 0-0 draw on Saturday’s first day of the Premier League.

Members of both teams clashed in a brawl sparked by a scuffle between Barton and Arsenal debutant Gervinho, who was sent off for slapping the Newcastle midfielder and manager Arsene Wenger has appealed that decision.

A statement from the FA read: “Newcastle United and Arsenal have been charged by the FA with failing to control their players following Saturday’s (13 August) fixture at St James’ Park.

“Both clubs have been charged following a mass confrontation of players following an incident in which Arsenal’s Gervinho was also shown a red card in the 75th minute.

Angry

“Following Gervinho’s dismissal Arsenal have today lodged a claim that the standard punishment of a three-match suspension is clearly excessive. A Regulatory Commission will hear the claim on 16 August.

“Meanwhile Arsenal’s Alex Song has been charged separately by the FA with violent conduct following an incident earlier in the same fixture.

“Both clubs have until 4pm on 18 August to respond to the charge, whilst Song must reply by 6pm on 16 August.”

Barton had accused Gervinho of diving in the penalty area and tussled with the forward, but only received a yellow card from referee Peter Walton.

The former Manchester City man had already been angered earlier in the match after Song stood on his leg following a challenge.

Replays showed Song had intentionally put his studs down on the back of Barton’s leg, but he escaped a red card during the game.