You never write off United!

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Dec 26, 2013

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool will have ‘no fear’ at the Etihad today even though Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure believes all Europe is scared of Manuel Pellegrini’s free-scoring team.

City take on Barclays Premier League leaders Liverpool in the clash of the Boxing Day programme having already racked up an astonishing 50 goals at home in all competitions this season.

And Rodgers, whose team head the table on Christmas Day for the first time since 2008, knows their title credentials will be given the ultimate test.

City have won every game at home in the league this season but Rodgers watched Bayern Munich beat them 2-0 in the Champions League in September and said: ‘We go there with no fear. We outplayed them last year, home and away.

‘We had two draws and we should have won both games. But we will go there with every respect for them. I believe with the squad they have, it is their title to lose.

‘We will go there and be aggressive. We had 23 shots on goal against Cardiff. They will have seen from the Cardiff and Tottenham games that we can score goals.’

So can City, and their form has even caught the attention of Champions League opponents Barcelona, according to former Nou Camp star Toure.

‘After the draw I had a call from one of my old team-mates from Spain who was quite disappointed. In the past they would be confident they would beat anyone. But they are afraid of us.

‘We score goals and it is total attack. So it’s going to be a tough game for them.’

City’s away form has held them back in the league this season but at home they remain formidable.

The last team to keep a clean sheet against them there in any competition was Liverpool, almost two years ago in the League Cup.

City must find a way to stop 19-goal Luis Suarez but not even that worries Toure.

‘Suarez is one of the best in the world right now,’ he said.

‘But we can beat the best teams in our own stadium by playing great football and scoring goals. We’re not the sort of team that is fearful of opponents.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Liverpool ready to tie Brendan Rodgers down

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Dec 26, 2013

Liverpool are ready to reward Brendan Rodgers for his stunning success this season with a massive new contract.

Fresh from their triumph in securing Luis Suarez’s future with a new four year deal worth a million pounds a month that stunned the football world, the club’s American owners have turned attentions towards their talented young manager.

Rodgers has steered the Reds into top spot in the Premier League despite slashing the wage bill by offloading a host of overpaid, under-performing stars, to emerge as one of the brightest young bosses in the game.

Yet he now has only 18 months to run on the three year agreement he reached when he arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2012.

And inevitably, that has aroused the interest of clubs who recognise the job he has done in turning Liverpool around.

But the Mirror can reveal owners John Henry and Tom Werner will cut off any bid to tempt their boss away from Anfield by extending his deal with the promise of a significant pay rise.

Initial talks are already underway, with Henry making the first informal round of contact, to reassure the manager he is admired and prized at Anfield, and will get a new deal.

We understand Rodgers will be offered a two and a half year extension, and will see his salary rise well above the £2m-a-year mark, to reflect his status as one of the coming managers in the game.

And the former Swansea chief has already made it clear he would like to stay on Merseyside beyond the three years he originally agreed.

The Reds boss praised his owners last week for giving him the platform – and financial support – to make a sustained challenge for the top four place he believes is essential this season.

Speaking last week he admitted he had a “close shave” in turning down the Spurs job 18 months ago, after Andre Villas-Boas was dumped by the London club after only a season and a half in charge.

And he said: “I think the owners here have a strategy. When I look this week at managers and decisions that have been made, it makes me really appreciate the decision I made to come here with the owners,” he said.

“They’ve been so supportive of me in my time here, but ultimately they had a strategy. They had a vision as to how they wanted to work. They brought someone in and trusted them enough to give them the time to implement things.

“We still have a long way to go to be where I would want us to be, but I think it’s clear that we’re making progress. You have to give the owners huge credit for that, because never once have I felt under any pressure.
“I think if they’re putting you under extreme pressure in a short period of time, it may affect decision making. But I’ve never, ever felt that.

“Even in the most difficult moments, during the first five or six months here, when the transition was really taking place in terms of our identity, and we didn’t have a lot of coaching time with the players on the field, they were very strong and committed in terms of the choice they had made.

“And I hope over the longer term, they’ll get the rewards for that, because they’ve shown that strategically, they know where they want the club to go, and they’re prepared to give it that time to evolve.”

Henry hopes to tie up his manager on a new deal soon into the New Year, and he will offer Rodgers financial backing in the January transfer window to ensure he can make a sustained assault on a Champions’ League place.

Written by Steve MIlne – Have your say below 🙂

Arsenal told it will cost them £22million to get Cabaye

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Dec 26, 2013

Arsenal have been quoted a staggering £22million by Newcastle as they prepare a stunning move for midfielder Yohan Cabaye in the January transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is after another creative talent in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield and Cabaye can leave if they north London club match Newcastle’s valuation.

They will be rivalled by PSG, which may explain why the price has shot up.

Cabaye has been in impressive form of late and scored his fourth of the season in the Barclays Premier League when Alan Pardew’s side won 3-0 at Crystal Palace last Saturday.

Arsenal moved for Cabaye at the start of the season and he was left out of the matchday squad for Newcastle’s season opener at Manchester City.

Pardew claimed his head had been turned by Wenger’s interest, but Newcastle refused to sell. They rejected a bid of around £10m.

The player has knuckled down since, won over the dissenters in the Toon Army and produced some sparkling displays. He scored the winner at Manchester United as Newcastle won at Old Trafford for the first time since 1972.

Newcastle are currently in sixth place, six points off the top.

Leaders Arsenal are refusing to give up on one of the most creative talents in the Premier League – and a player who will need little adjustment. They want him in place for the second half of the season.

Newcastle are reluctant to sell the player, but they have told Arsenal that it will cost them £22m to sign him. At that price, it will be difficult to resist for a player who cost £4million from Lille in 2011.

Pardew said recently that he thinks he can keep him at the club and prove Newcastle’s ambition. ‘I don’t fear losing Yohan. What I know is that he is a fantastic footballer, and I think he’s improving.

‘He’s in an environment where he has got pole position in my team. That’s nice for a player like him. You don’t always get that. You can get lost at other clubs.’

He was critical of Arsenal’s conduct the last time they came in for Cabaye on the eve of the season.

‘What I can confirm is that, on the eve of a game, we had a bid for a player that we don’t think is acceptable,’ said Pardew before a 4-0 loss to Manchester City.

‘Therefore, I have to pick what I think is a team out here that’s going to get us a result. The rights and wrongs of that bid are for other people to make their own opinion. I know what my opinion of it is.

‘I don’t want to keep going over the same point that is the main focus for the media today, but my main focus is to try and get a result for the fans and players.’
After the loss, Pardew expressed his frustration at the timing of Arsenal’s bid.

‘We’ve prepared with the lad for three days and then for him to have his head turned by this bid from Arsenal on the eve of the game is just disrespectful. Why it couldn’t have waited until tomorrow morning I do not know.’

Cabaye is 27 – and Arsenal may feel that price is too high, although the club are keen to support Wenger and show their ambition as they chase the title.

Wenger is also interested in a striker in Germany as he searches for alternative attacking options.

Olivier Giroud has played the majority of games up front for Arsenal this season, but Wenger is determined to add more firepower to his team.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Manchester United are poised to make a January move for Adam Lallana.

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Dec 26, 2013

The Southampton and England land ace is David Moyes’ top target after a string of fine displays for club and country.

United are now preparing to test the nerve of the south coast side, with Moyes ready to spend big when the window opens.

Lallana is rated at around £15m-plus and his camp have been made aware in recent weeks that United are keen.

Persuading Southampton to sell and attacking midfielder Lallana to leave his boyhood club, though, won’t be easy.

The Saints will battle hard to fend off any bids and believe they no longer need to sell their prized assets to make ends meet.

They have Lallana, 25, tied down until 2018 after he penned a new five-year deal in April.

And Lallana’s leap into the England squad and World Cup contention will have bumped his value up even further.

Lallana has been at Saints since the age of 12 and has been one of the stars of their rapid rise from the bottom of League One to contenders for European football.

When discussing his future earlier this season, he told Starsport: “I feel like I’ve grown with the club from League One days to playing week in week out in the Premier League.

“Southampton is a special club for me and I can’t see myself going anywhere else.”

Written by Steve Milne – have your say below 🙂

Borussia Dortmund put £40m price-tag on United target

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Dec 26, 2013

Manchester United have been told to cough up £40million if they want to capture Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus.

The German international is David Moyes’ number-one transfer target for January, but the Bundesliga giants are desperate not to lose yet another star-man after they have already lost Mario Gotze and are preparing for the exit of Robert Lewandowski.

If Moyes is to bid £40million for the 24-year-old, it would break the club’s transfer record which currently stands at £30million.

It is understood that The Red Devils boss has asked his scouts to find world-class player in every department so that he can start building his own United side after taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson back in the Summer.

It’s believed that several players will be leaving Old Trafford in January and also in the Summer, and Moyes is keen to strengthen in both markets, especially after his poor market this season.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Bacary Sagna set for overseas talks!

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Dec 26, 2013

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna is set to stun the club by opening talks with foreign clubs as soon as the New Year hits.

Due to his contract expiring in the Summer, the French right-back can discuss deals with any club who are abroad as soon as January 1st hits, and it is believed that three teams are waiting in the wings to talk to the 30-year-old.

The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has recently admitted that talks are ongoing with the defender and he is confident that the player will sign a two-year extension, but with teams from Turkey, France and the Middle East interested, Sagna may be ready for a move.

It is understood that a club from Turkey are willing to offer Sagna a four-year deal, which is double what Arsenal are currently offering, and they are also prepared to offer him a much more lucrative deal, which will see him earn a lot more than his current pay-packet, which is £70k-a-week.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Jose Mourinho takes swipes at Arsenal AND Liverpool

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Dec 26, 2013

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has launched a scathing attack on Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Blues boss labelled The Gunners ‘boring’ after they played out a dull 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, and he then continued by claiming Liverpool are only top due to them not being in Europe.

Many people had suggested that Mourinho’s Chelsea went to the Emirates hoping for a draw, and that was further visible when the manager decided to take off Fernando Torres for David Luiz with 10-minutes left, but after the game, ‘The Happy One’ said it was their opponents who were the dull side.

Mourinho said: “They called us boring – but I think boring is a team that plays at home and cannot score a goal. That’s boring!

“Because you go to your stadium and you fill your stadium, in weather like we had on Monday, to see victories.

“There is not a home fan in any club in the world who goes to the stadium and expects his team not to score or win. If any team was boring, they were boring because Petr Cech made zero saves.”

He then added a subtle dig at Premier League table-toppers Liverpool: “It is not a coincidence that before the Arsenal game we had time to work, a whole week, which we haven’t had since the summer.

“I had three days to work tactically, on everything I wanted to work on.

“It was a special week for us. It was the kind of week Liverpool has every week. You know what I mean?”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Jose Mourinho wants to sign former-Madrid striker

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Dec 26, 2013

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is keen on bringing former-Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain to Stamford Bridge in the New Year, despite him joining Italian side Napoli just five months ago.

The Argentinian striker was one of the biggest transfers in the Summer with many people believing he was on his way to the Premier League in order to join Arsenal.

However, a deal was never finalised and it was Napoli who finally captured the striker after Rafael Benitez was named as manager.

It cost the Italian side £34.5million to sign the 26-year-old, but it is believed that Mourinho is prepared to offer the Serie A side £48million for the Argentine, which would give Napoli a quick £13.5m profit.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Luis Suarez DOES have a release clause

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Dec 26, 2013

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who recently penned a contract extension at the club, has a staggering two release clauses in his new deal, one for non-Premier League teams, and one for teams who are in the Premier League.

The Uruguayan signed a four-year extension last week, which is worth around £200k-a-week, but it has been revealed that his contract does have a release clause in it, which means if an offer of that price is made, the club must accept it.

For non-Premier League clubs, they must stump up £100million if they want to sign the 26-year-old, whilst Premier League sides will have to fork up £130million.

It was Real Madrid and Arsenal who were interested in the striker, but with these release clauses put into his contract, Liverpool may have done enough to fend off any future interest.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Manchester United set to make £30million bid

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Dec 26, 2013

Manchester United manager David Moyes is expected to make a whopping bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke as soon as the transfer window opens next week.

The Red Devils boss has made contact with the Madrid midfielder on two separate occasions and is ready to spend big in order to sign the 21-year-old.

Moyes, who had gone to watch Koke earlier on in the year, flew out to Spain last week in order to watch him for a second time, and he has been impressed on both occasions by the midfield-man and he is now prepared to make a sensational bid for the Spaniard.

The arrival of Koke could see the departure of the likes of; Anderson, Thomas Cleverley and Ashley Young, who have all been linked with moves away in the New Year.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Before the Match with Steve Milne – Liverpool v Manchester City

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Dec 26, 2013

Liverpool travel to Manchester to face Manchester City Today at the Etihad Stadium, looking to consolidate their position at the top.

The task is easier said than done. Not just because Man City are one of the title contenders. But, their home form this season, should striker fear to any team in the league. Eight matches played, eight victories, 35 goals scored. They humiliated teams like Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal at their own turf and getting a point from the Etihad is a massive task.

The Reds on the other hand have Luis Suarez. And all hopes rest on him. The Uruguayan has been in majestic form, scoring 19 goals in 12 games already and with him, Liverpool fans believe that anything is possible. Further, Brendan Rodgers’ men can take immense confidence from their last away trip, where they earned an emphatic 5-0 win over Spurs.

Liverpool have no new injuries this week, but are still without captain Steven Gerrard, left-back Jose Enrique and their second highest goal-scorer this season, Daniel Sturridge. Liverpool FC have coped excellently in the absence of these three first teamers.

Young Jon Flanagan (who turns 21 on New Years Day next week) has put in some stellar performances at left-back (despite being a right-back by trade). He even managed to get on the score-sheet against Tottenham. Jordan Henderson has been moved to a more central role since Stevie’s injury, while Suarez has been prolific as a lone-striker

Liverpool FC Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3): Mignolet (GK); Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan; Lucas, Allen, Henderson; Sterling, Suarez, Coutinho

Man City have a fairly long injury list that includes forwards Sergio Aguero and Stevan Jovetic, as well as defenders Pablo Zabaleta, Micah Richards and Matija Nastasic. While Aguero is definitely the biggest loss, Pablo Zabaleta is a close second.

The right-back is the leading provider of assists (5) in the Manchester City line-up. The loss is exaggerated by the fact that the other option at right-back, Micah Richards, is also unavailable. That means Pellegrini can either slot in midfielder James Milner (who scored after coming on as a substitute against Fulham) or left-back Gael Clichy.

Against Fulham, Pellegrini took the latter option, with Aleksandar Kolarov getting some much needed game time at left-back. Kolarov has been linked to a move away from the blue half of Manchester, though Pellegrini has been quick to dispel any notion of a January transfer for the Serbian.

Manchester City FC Probable Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1): Hart (GK); Clichy, Demichelis, Kompany, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Navas, Silva, Nasri; Negredo

MATCH FACTS:

*The Premier League’s top 4 goal-scorers all belong to these two teams: Luis Suarez (19), Sergio Aguero (13), Daniel Sturridge (9) and Yaya Toure (9).

*The last top-flight team to score as many goals as Man City (35) in their opening eight home games were Spurs in 1962-63.

*Six of the last nine Premier League matches between Liverpool and Manchester City have been draws (Two City wins, one Liverpool, all 3-0 at home).

STEVE MILNE”S PREDICTION:

Manchester City 1 – 3 Liverpool FC

At full strength, the smart money would be on Manchester City taking the spoils in this home fixture. But for a team that has been winning by outscoring their opposition, losing their star striker Sergio Aguero could prove a devastating blow.

Especially when you consider that the last thing a leaky defence wants to see is Luis Suarez leading the line for the opposition. Liverpool FC should edge what can be expected to be a very open match.

By Steve Milne – What are you predictions- Have your say below

Mark Lawrenson predictions for Boxing Day

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Dec 25, 2013

BBC pundit picks Manchester City to beat Liverpool

With Christmas activities all done with for yet another year, it is time for the Premier League Boxing Day excitement.

A full list of fixtures with a massive top-of-the-table clash taking place in Manchester as City take on Liverpool.

Here are Lawro’s predictions for the fixtures.

Hull City 0-2 Manchester United

“I do not see David Moyes’ side winning the Premier League, but I do see them picking up three points on Boxing Day.”

Aston Villa 1-1 Crystal Palace

“But they do operate better when they are on the road and they can play on the break, which is why I have gone for a draw here.”

Cardiff 1-1 Southampton

“I think they might have to settle for another draw here – well, at least if Mackay is still in charge of Cardiff by kick-off anyway!”

Chelsea 2-0 Swansea

“Straightaway I would say I fancy Chelsea at home because they have been so good at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this season – they have only dropped two points in eight matches there.”

Everton 2-0 Sunderland

“Gus Poyet’s side will battle for him and I think they will give the Toffees a good game but I just think Everton will win.”

Newcastle United 2-1 Stoke City

“The Magpies are at home, where they have only lost once in the league this season, and I think they will keep their run going.”

Norwich City 2-1 Fulham

“This will be a close one, but I’d back Norwich to nick it.”

Tottenham 1-2 West Brom

“Appointing Tim Sherwood as manager is a really big call for Tottenham because they are expected to be a top six team in the Premier League and that is what Sherwood will be expected to deliver, with absolutely no managerial experience.”

West Ham 1-2 Arsenal

“If the Hammers are off their game again then Arsenal will take them apart but, even if Allardyce gets a reaction from his team after that defeat, I still think the Gunners will find a way through.”

Manchester City 2-0 Liverpool

“Brendan Rodgers’ side are not going to go away. They might not always beat the absolute top teams but I would back them to beat pretty much everyone else.”

Comment your opinions below!!

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Romelu Lukaku insists he has no problems with Chelsea manager

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Dec 25, 2013

The striker joined Everton on loan at the start of the 2012/13 season, sparking speculation there had been a fall-out between Lukaku his parent club manager.

However, the Belgium international, who has scored eight goals in 13 appearances for Everton, insists he has no problems with Mourinho.

Lukaku explained his desire to play regular first-team football to develop his game was behind his loan move and confirmed he requested the switch after spending last season with West Brom.

“I’d first said I wanted to stay at Chelsea during the summer,” he told Sport Voetbal magazine.

“And then I felt I had to leave to play more. It was my goal to do better than last season.

“I’ve had Jose Mourinho as a coach for two months,” he added. “Something special.

“He’s building the foundations of an unbeatable machine again. We didn’t have problems.”

Lukaku found further respect for the Portuguese tactician after Mourinho received his request for Premier League football with understanding.

He went on to say: “He wanted me to stay and asked me why I wanted to leave.

“In some interviews my words were twisted, but the truth is that he accepted to let me leave.

“He did understand what I wanted. That’s what I really appreciate in him.”

The centre-forward has stolen the headline during his time at Everton and the 20-year-old is focused on returning to Chelsea at the end of the season as one of the best in his trade.

“Am I getting ready for Chelsea next season?,” he asked rhetorically. “Yes, why else would I have signed a contract for five years?

“I will return to Chelsea as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”

Topping the Premier League Golden Boot race would not suffice for Lukaku, however, who wants to join the world’s elite and highlighted Liverpool’s Luis Suarez as one player he aspires to emulate.

“I still want to become one of the best strikers in the world,” he expressed. “I hope that you can put me in line with [Edinson] Cavani, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Robin] Van Persie, [Luis] Suarez and [Robert] Lewandowski in two years’ time.

“I analyse them all. I look at their movements. The presence of Ibrahimovic, the left foot of Van Persie, the right foot of Cavani, the movement of Lewandowski and the dribbles of Suarez.

“He is that unpredictable. In three years of the Premier League I haven’t seen anyone doing what he did.”

Written by Steve Milne – have your say below 🙂

Steven Gerrard says it is essential for Liverpool to finish in the top four this season

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Dec 25, 2013