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Preview: Manchester United vs. Bayer Leverkusen

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David Moyes will be hoping to show he can cut it in Europe.

Tonight’s fixture at Old Trafford will be Manchester United’s first Champions League game without Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils faces an in-form Bayer Leverkusen, the German side having won four of their five first games in Bundesliga. Leverkusen manager Sami Hyypia may never have coached in Champions Leauge, but he has won the competition as a player with Liverpool.

Danny Welbeck suffers from a knee injury and is doubtful, while Wayne Rooney wore a headband against Palace to protect the severe gash which had prevented him from playing for England earlier this month.

The rest of Group A is made up of Ukranian champions Shakhtar and Spanish side Real Sociedad. United may be favourites to qualify for the knock-outs, but it is by no way a done deal.

Betting: Bet365 prices the match 1.90 3.60 4.50 (10/11 13/5 7/2). The price for a Manchester win feels competitive, as the German side has failed to win on English soil in all their previous attempts.

To bet at the game click here >> Bet365

El Shaarawy declined big money summer move

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AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani claims that wonderkid winger Stephan El Shaarawy had offers on the table which would have tripled his wages this summer transfer window. 

The Italian international was said to have been a target for numerous Premier League Clubs during the summer including Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football. 

Gallaini however remains confident that the player will stay for the foreseeable future. “He showed how much he cares about the club because over the summer he could have moved to a team prepared to triple his wages.”

“He has a five year contract, and we believe in him.”

Milan fans will be hoping that El Shaarawy can rekindle his form of early last season ahead of their Champions League clash with Celtic on Wednesday.

Written by Cameron Strutt – @Stanchion90

Mentality is why we win away, says Mertesacker

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Arsenal defender has revealed that the reason why they win so many away games is because of their strong mentality.

The Gunners’ away form at the end of last season was one of the reasons they eventually finished above Tottenham and in the top-four once again, and so far it has continued this season, with three wins from three away games in all competitions.

Arsenal have beaten Fenerbache, Fulham and Sunderland on the road so far this campaign and it has taken their winning streak to seven games.

Speaking ahead of the club’s trip to Marseille, Mertesacker believes it is down to their strong mentality as to why they win away from home.

“We have an exceptional team – that’s the main thing,” he said. “We built up confidence from last season, especially the last 10 games when we didn’t lose anything.

“You could feel it from the first day that there is something special in this team, apart from the first game [against Aston Villa], no one dropped and the performance went well after that.

“We have shown so far that we are ready to keep our confidence and keep the run going. The most important thing is to keep that mental level high and to be prepared for tomorrow because it will be hard [against Marseille].

“They will put pressure on us so we need to be aware of that, particularly in the first 15-20 minutes.”

Earlier in the week Jack Wilshere praised Arsenal’s togetherness and it appears Mertesacker agreed with the Englishman saying the players want to find the best out of each other.

“We try to get everything out of one individual but as well as a team, so it is up to us to give ourselves the confidence, to give every player a good feeling and to be part of that special team,” he said.

“We have to compete every three or four days and that is what we want. It was a long [road] for us to compete in the Champions League [this season].”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt

Demba Ba wanted Arsenal loan move!

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Chelsea striker Demba Ba has admitted that he was keen on the potential loan-move to Premier League rivals Arsenal, but since the deal fell through, he has now reassured fans of the club that he is committed and ready to give his best.

The Senegal striker joined The Blues from Newcastle United back in January by Rafael Benitez, but since Jose Mourinho has arrived, he has fallen down the pecking order behind Fernando Torres and new signing Samuel Eto’o.

On transfer deadline day, reports broke out revealing that Arsene Wenger had made an enquiry about Ba and asked Mourinho if he could take the striker on loan.

At the time, Mourinho was willing to let the striker go to the Emirates Stadium, but after they signed Mesut Ozil, the Chelsea boss changed his mind.

In an interview, Ba has admitted that he was ready to join The Gunners.

“I was ready to go and to play there (at Arsenal), but it didn’t happen,” Ba said.

“I think I’m a good professional, and I’ve always worked hard to deserve what I have. Until today I will keep doing the same.

“I told him (Mourinho) if I stay I will keep fighting for the club and for the side. That’s it.

“Now what matters is the next months, the next years with Chelsea and that’s it.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt