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Mark Lawrenson predictions for weekend

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Lawro picks Liverpool to beat United at Old Trafford

BBC Pundit Mark Lawrenson has given his weekly predictions for this weekend’s Premier League games, and here is what he thinks will happen.

Hull City 0-2 Manchester City

“I would expect Manchester City to bounce back after their FA Cup defeat by Wigan and their Champions League exit against Barcelona, but this has become a big period now for them.”

Everton 2-0 Cardiff City
“Everton had a bad defeat in the FA Cup last weekend but they are at home and they should be too strong for Cardiff.”
Fulham 1-1 Newcastle United
“I am not really sure of what to expect from the Cottagers on Saturday but I don’t think Newcastle will just roll over without their manager Alan Pardew, who is serving a stadium ban for his headbutt on Hull’s David Meyler.”
Southampton 2-0 Norwich City
“Southampton have little to play for in terms of league position but the key thing for me is that they have a few players fighting to get in the England squad for the World Cup. That will mean they will be busting a gut to get a win.”
Stoke City 2-1 West Ham United
“I’d back Stoke to get one of those wins here, and edge closer to safety.”
Sunderland 0-1 Crystal Palace
“I can see the Eagles digging in to make it as difficult as possible for Sunderland and I can just see Tony Pulis’s side nicking the win.”
Swansea City 1-1 West Brom
“Swansea are not totally clear of relegation trouble themselves yet, but Michu is on his way back from injury and I do not see them getting dragged into a scrap.”
Aston Villa 1-2 Chelsea
“They will give Chelsea a good game, but Chelsea will win – which is similar to what happened at Stamford Bridge in August.”
Manchester United 1-2 Liverpool
“I very rarely back Liverpool to go to Old Trafford and win, but I feel that they will.”
Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Arsenal 
“The Gunners had a tough game in Germany but Spurs played in the Europa League on Thursday so that should even it out.”
So what are your thoughts on these predictions?
Comment below!
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Manchester United set to offer David de Gea a great deal deter off offers

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Real Madrid and Barcelona are both desperate to take the former Atletico Madrid  shot-stopper

Manchester United will step up their efforts to tie David de Gea down to a new deal – to head off interest from Real Madrid.

De Gea’s current contract expires in two years and, as Mirrorfootball reported last month, United are keen to secure their Spanish goalkeeper on an improved deal worth around £90,000 a week.

Reports from Spain have linked Real Madrid with a summer move for £25million-rated De Gea, while their great rivals Barcelona, who are losing keeper Victor Valdes at the end of this season, are also tracking him.

Madrid’s current keepers, Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez, are both 32 and the current La Liga leaders are looking to bring in a younger talent who can make the role his own – with De Gea, 23, their prime target.

De Gea has emerged as United’s undisputed first-choice, overcoming a shaky start to his Old Trafford career after joining from Atletico Madrid for £17.5m in the summer of 2011, to earn a reputation as one of Europe’s most talented young keepers.

United are aware of interest in De Gea from the player’s homeland and are keen to endorse his enduring value to them with a new deal, as well as ensuring they do not lose such a valuable asset.

Written by Steve Milne

Chelsea have been given a boost in the race to sign Zenit forward de Souza

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Hulk has been a long time target for the Blues, with the club’s last two managers both keen on trying to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

Jose Mourinho is the latest to try, amid talk that the Brazilian has grown frustrated with life in Russia, and an agent linked to the player has given the green light to the move.

Shandor Varga told the Izvestia newspaper that Hulk is ready to push for a transfer away when the window re-opens, with English his most likely destination.

‘Despite the huge transfer fee required to sign Hulk, don’t rule out that he will move to one of the top clubs in Europe this summer,’ Varga said

‘English clubs still have the highest chance of signing him.’

Zenit have reportedly slapped a £40million asking price on Hulk, a huge fee for most interested parties, but Mourinho is known for his love of splashing the cash.

Mourinho is expected to bring two forwards to Chelsea at the end of the season, with Hulk and Brazilian-born Spain striker Diego Costa his favoured targets.

Written by Steve Milne

Mourinho hits back

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Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hit back at Manchester City player Yaya Toure after he was accused of showing no respect for his title rivals. Toure, who has part of of the Manchester City team who lost out to Barcelona on Tuesday in Champions League, was unhappy with Mourinho’s mind games about the City’s chances in the Champions League last week, but ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Aston Villa Mourinho has claimed these words were nothing but support. 

“I simply said that these games at Munich and the Camp Nou were not over, and that Arsenal and City were good enough to turn them around, if it is a lack of respect to support the teams in your country then I was disrespectful.”

“I also think that Arsenal and Manchester City showed that I was right, they had the quality to do it and both came close and put in good performances. I would say the same about Manchester United. I think they are a better team than Olympiakos and I think they have the quality to turn it around.”

Victory for Chelsea on Saturday night could potentially put them 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Mourinho again repeated that the table isn’t accurate,

“We could have 30 points more and have played 10 more. It doesn’t matter, it means nothing. When everybody has the same number of matches, I don’t know when that will be, that is when the table is real.”

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

Suarez reveals about an offer to leave Liverpool

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Suarez has revealed he has turned down an offer to sign for a Serie A club to remain at Liverpool – but is refusing to rule out a switch to Italy!

Luis is enjoying a sensational season and his 24 goals has helped Liverpool up to second, putting the Merseysiders in contention to secure their first league title since 1990.

The 27-year-old recently committed his long-term future to the Reds by signing a new deal until 2017 following an unsettled summer at Anfield, where he was subject to interest from Arsenal.

Suarez, who earlier this week refuted suggestions he could leave Liverpool if the Reds fail to secure Champions League qualification, revealed he was offered the chance to join an Italian club in 2012 following a troubled season where he was banned for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

The Reds striker refused to state which club made him the offer, but admitted a move to Italy could be a future option.

“Two years ago I received an important offer from Serie A,” Suarez told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I was in the eye of a storm but I decided to stay at Liverpool. Who was it? I’m not going to say.

“Never say never in the future. My immediate future is at Liverpool, but it would be an honour to join the history of South Americans who have gone to Serie A.”

Written by Steve Milne

Premier league clubs after Mario Mandzukic.

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Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been given a boost in the pursuit of Mario Mandzukic, after Wolsburg dropped out of the race.

Mandzukic has openly stated in the past that he would welcome a move to the Premier League, and that could become more likely after the Wolfsburg chairman stated that his club will not be submitting a bid.

The Croatian striker has impressed for Bayern this season, however, the recent signing of Robert Lewandowski, who will join from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, may put his place in doubt.

Klaus Allof stated “A transfer for Mario Mandzukic is unlikely,” Allofs said.

“We will be able to just do a few things and we won’t be able to pay every transfer fee. Of course, we have a good squad and we want to get better.

“It’s a fact we are trying to find a striker that is able to help us a lot up front, there is no doubt about it.” 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

 

Jose Mourinho hails ‘fantastic’ Manchester United midfielder

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hailed Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj as a ‘fantastic player’, after the teenager made a successful breakthrough into the first-team this year under David Moyes.

The Belgium ace has been one of the few positives for Moyes this season and even rival bosses have admitted how good their 18-year-old really is, and Mourinho believes he has what it takes to become one of the best footballers around.

However, with praise comes doubt and Mourinho doesn’t know whether United will be able to keep their starlet, as he knows how much interest will be in him after this impressive Premier League campaign.

“He is a fantastic player.

“He plays not like a kid of 18 – more like a player aged 26. He is so mature and comfortable. A good and very important player.”

“Can United build a successful team around a player like him? We’ll see. I just think he is a very good player with all the attributes to have a long and successful career.

“I don’t know the boy individually but it looks like he has the lot. Like Ronaldo at that level? That was ten years ago and I can’t remember!”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Arsene Wenger hits out at Nicklas Bendtner

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told the media that he will deal with controversial striker Nicklas Bendtner after he was alleged to have been abusive towards a taxi-driver in Denmark on Tuesday night.

The Danish striker was left out of Wenger’s 18-man squad that flew to Germany to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League, so instead, he chose to fly out to Copenhagen for a drunken night out, which ended in him threatening a taxi-driver and also rubbing his private parts across the man’s vehicle.

Speaking in an interview, when Wenger was asked about the saga, he insisted that he will talk to the striker as soon as possible as he doesn’t understand why he was in Denmark in the first place.

Wenger said: “Honestly I don’t know really what happened because I have not spoken to him.

“The only thing that is for sure [is] he had nothing to do in Copenhagen.

“Nobody gave him any permission to go to Copenhagen he will be fined for that and for the rest, has he created some trouble? I don’t know.

“I will speak to him today.”

It is believed the club will fine Bendtner two-weeks wages for his actions.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Roberto Martinez favourite to replace Arsene Wenger

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According to reports, Everton manager Roberto Martinez is the favourite to replace long-serving Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium once the Frenchman decides to call it a day.

The former-Swansea City and Wigan Athletic man took charge at Goodison Park last Summer after David Moyes switched to Manchester United, and with the end of the season nearing, Martinez’s Everton have impressed many with their campaign, and Arsenal’s hierarchy have been impressed by Martinez’s style.

Not only has The Toffees boss impressed the board at the Emirates, he has also impressed Wenger himself and that could play a huge part in who replaces him once he does decide to call it a day.

It is believed Martinez’s style of play has caught the eye of Arsenal as it is very similar to how they play, and they also like how he handles himself in the media and when the pressure is on.

Despite the North London club expected to announce Wenger’s new contract for another two-years, there are already ongoing talks within the club about a potential replacement, and Martinez is high on their list.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sturridge and Allardyce win monthly awards.

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Daniel Sturridge has won the Barclays Premier League player of the month award for February. 

The Liverpool striker scored five goals, and assisted two, as the Reds marched on into a Champions League position. 

The Birmingham born striker has set up a superb partnership with fellow striker Luis Suarez, with both contributing superbly in Liverpool’s impressive campaign. 

Sturridge’s impact helped the Reds up to second, in a month were Liverpool hammered Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield. 

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has won the manager of the month award for February, after guiding the Hammers up to tenth in the Premier League. 

The East Londoners won four games on the spin, with victories against  Swansea City, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Southampton in the month, as West Ham climbed away from the relegation scrap. 

Allardyce has won the award five times, his last award was in 2006, when managing Bolton Wanderers. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

Lukasz Fabianksi turns down last-ditch Arsenal contract

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Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski will definately be leaving the club this Summer after he turned down a last-ditch contract extension in an attempt to keep the Pole.

The back-up goalkeeper put in a fine display against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night and has also impressed throughout the FA Cup run which has seen Arsenal reach the Semi-Final at Wembley.

However, Fabianski confirmed a few weeks ago that his future lies somewhere else as he wants to play first-team football on a regular basis, rather than just be used as a cup option or when Wojciech Szczesny is unavailable.

The Pole’s contract expires in the Summer and he will be leaving on a free transfer, but that hasn’t stopped Arsene Wenger and the board try to persuade him to stay.

According to reports, the club offered Fabianski a last-ditch deal worth around £50k-a-week for three years, but that offer has once again been turned down.

It’s believed that Premier League trio Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newcastle United are all interested, whilst promotion chasers Derby County and Leicester City are also keen if they secure top-flight football for next year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Sturridge: Arrogance a myth

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Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has spoken about his apparent ‘arrogance’ as Liverpool player, claiming he is just happy to be playing football. He signed for Liverpool in January last year, for £12million, a price that must seem like a bargain to all Liverpool fans. Since then, despite losing a few games to injuries, he has proven he is a top player, and now stands 2nd in this season’s golden boot race, trailing only to team mate Luis Suarez. 

“I love my job,” said Sturridge to the Daily Mail, “but I’ve always known you’ve needed to be dedicated. My dad brought me up dedicated and you need to work hard to get here. I’ve had to make sacrifices, at 15, 16 I didn’t go out. I used to make sure I was at home, watching Spanish league football at weekends and staying up for Match Of The Day. That was my weekend, that was fun for me.”

In the past some have suggested his faliure to settle at clubs he has previously been at. A lack of patience, or maybe a degree of arrogance,

“Am I arrogant? No! I don’t really understand that. People get me so wrong. I don’t know if it’s a myth or what it is. I’m a normal guy, I’d like to say I’m very apporachable. Anyone who knows me, I’ll talk to anyone. I have issues with nobody.”

Sturridge will be hoping to get into Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad for the summer, after a fantastic season for his club. However, Sturridge says that the summer can wait, and that he has to continue to prove to the England boss that he is good enough. 

 

By Ben Kelly

Follow me on Twitter for more articles! @benkelly_10 https://twitter.com/benkelly_10

I’m happy at Manchester United, confirms Robin Van Persie

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Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie has confirmed that he is happy at the club and wants to sign a contract extension as soon as possible.

Recent reports have suggested that the Dutchman is unsettled at Old Trafford and isn’t happy with the way David Moyes is running the club, but the 30-year-old has rubbished those reports and has given his full-backing to the former-Everton boss.

Rumours sparked after United’s 2-0 defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League as Van Persie was quoted saying ‘everyone gets in my way here and they just run into my favoured position’.

However, a few days later, the striker apologised for those comments and he has now stated his desire to stay on at the club.

“The truth is I’m very happy here,” he said. “I signed for four years and I’d be delighted to stay longer, beyond the next two years I have on my contract.”

“There is no doubt I’m learning new things and progressing with David Moyes,” he said. “The sessions we have on the training ground are fantastic and I’m learning a lot from them every day.
 
“There is mutual respect between us and the work environment is actually good. He really wants things to work and I want the same.”
 
“You can count my interviews this season on one hand, so maybe when I do speak people want to turn it into something sensational,” the forward added.
 
“I don’t mind if my performances get dissected and people criticise what I’ve done on the pitch. A lot of those opinions and criticisms may actually be right.
 
“What I need to address are the situations when people are taking it upon themselves to think for me, make assumptions, or interpret things as if they are me. Last time I checked my head was still attached to my body. I’m the only one who knows exactly what I’m feeling.
 
“I probably only see about 10 per cent of what’s written about me, but the things I have read recently aren’t based on the truth.
 
“Talk about a tackle that was too late. I don’t mind. But it goes too far when people start suggesting, amongst other things, that I have a bad understanding with the manager. That’s not true at all.”
 
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Ozil states he will bounce back ‘ Stronger than ever’

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Mesut Ozil has stated that he will come back ‘stronger than ever’ after suffering an injury in Tuesday’s Champions League game in Munich. 

Ozil was replaced at half-time, as the Gunners were knocked out against a lacklustre Bayern Munich. 

The German signed from Real Madrid in the Summer for a club record £42 million fee, and lit the Premier League a light. 

However, his performances have dipped in recent weeks and months, with fans and pundits alike doubting the players stature. 

And the player himself confirmed that he has a ‘muscle injury’.

The 25 year old stated on his official Facebook page. 

dear friends,
now it’s clear: during the ‪#‎ucl‬ match against ‪#‎FCBayern‬ I suffered a muscle injury in the second minute. I tried to give my best and played until the end of the first half. rest assured that I’ll be back even stronger!

sevgili arkadaslar,
simdi hersey net: #ucl ‘de #FCBayern macinin 2.dakikasinda kasimda problem oldu. en iyisini yapmaya calistim ve ilk yarinin sonuna kadar oynayabildim. kisa surede iyilesip daha guclu donmek dilegiyle!

liebe freunde,
jetzt ist klar: beim #ucl Spiel gegen den #FCBayern habe ich mir bereits in der 2. minute eine muskelverletzung zugezogen. bis zur halbzeitpause habe ich auf die zä.              By Ben Reardon- @BenReardon1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toure tells Mourinho to ‘shut up’

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Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has sparked another war of words with Jose Mourinho, after asking him to ‘shut up’. 

Mourinho had been sceptical about City’s title chances. 

Chelsea are currently nine points above Toure’s City, however, City have three games in hand. 

And Toure has added more fuel to an ever increasing fire, by stating in an interview following City’s defeat against Barcelona. 

Speaking to MARCA, he said.

‘He is a coach and he must give respect a little bit. He is always talking about everyone and that is not the correct way. That is why Barcelona always beat Madrid when Mourinho was here.’ 

Toure’s comments echo those of Pellegrini after Mourinho accused City of being ‘lucky’ because key refereeing decisions have gone in their favour.


‘I think the best way is to work with your team and leave the referees and the FA to do their work.

‘I suppose the FA acts the way they think is better for all the teams. I trust in the FA and I trust in referees.

‘I don’t respond to things Mourinho says every week because he will continue to try talking about things that are not about football.

‘But I won’t be answering every week because we would just continue to give an answer and get one from the other side. It is not my way to act, so I will not do it.’ 

Both Mourinho and Pellegrini have been involved in heated war of words this season. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1