After much deliberation, the weekend’s La Liga fixtures are set to go ahead, with leaders Barcelona facing a tough test away to Villarreal. A majority of Spanish top flight clubs had agreed to boycott the weekend’s fixtures in return for the Spanish government rescinding a rule that ensures at least one game of football is shown on free-to-air TV per match day.
The league were also behind the proposed strike – but six breakaway clubs including Sevilla, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, Real Zaragoza and Espanyol successfully challenged to ensure play would get underway this weekend.
Juan Garrido’s Villarreal would no doubt be keen to tackle Spanish football’s benchmark – Barcelona – in their Camp El Madrigal surrounds, and in winning form which has seen them beat Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen (Europa League) and Athletic Bilbao away in their past two.
Real Madrid are in action earlier on Saturday, when they host 15th placed Sporting Gijon.
Real can cut the gap on Pep Guardiola’s side to two points on the table, prior to the Catalans’ later kick off.
Sporting will be no pushover for Jose Mourinho and his side, as they have gone unbeaten in their past three, including wins over Almeria and Getafe, and an away draw with Villarreal.
Getafe are without a win in seven matches, and host a Valencia side that has lost four of their past five in all competitions, meaning points will be a valued commodity when they clash at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
In action on Sunday, fifth placed Espanyol host 14th side Racing Santander at the Estadi Cornella El Prat, with the home side having played in just one draw all season – and it just happened to be the last time these teams clashed in November.
Real Sociedad are without a win in five, but have the ideal chance to arrest that statistic when they host bottom club Hercules at the Estadio Municipal de Anoeta.
Malaga travel to Levante, Deportivo La Coruna host Mallorca, Sevilla welcome Real Zaragoza and Osasuna take on Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s other clashes.
You know when you meet a girl, and everything about her seems great. She’s your type, your mates seem to like her, she’s hot – because let’s be honest we’re shallow, you have a laugh.
But something doesn’t quite fit. Well Wesley Sneijder isn’t a girl. But I don’t see him quite fitting at United. I’d want it to work. Because of his class, I know that even if it didn’t, we’d still be friends. I’d want him to do well elsewhere. But something about Sneijder and Manchester United doesn’t work for me.
It’s not for lack of ability, experience, temperament or even style. It’s where he plays. You see, I’m kind of old fashioned in a lot of ways, and I don’t think there should ever be more than one person playing in the hole. Once you get two or three in there, things get messy, you’re bound to get in each other’s way and uncomfortable looks are going to be shared when it’s not quite fitting right.
Eventually one of you is going to have to get out of the hole, and that person is going to understandably feel a bit of resentment. I’d imagine that’s what would happen anyway.
The thing with United at the moment is Rooney loves playing in the hole. He’s like a pig in shit when he drops deep. For a lot of people it’s where he was always destined to end up. Growing up in Liverpool he certainly lived in a hole. A lot of people already know how I feel about Rooney, that his behaviour in negotiating a contract was disgusting and disrespectful and I’d be happy to see him gone.
But, that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen any time soon, so in the meantime I’ll settle for him getting back to his absolute best. Now I don’t see Rooney’s best as scoring 30 tap ins a season. I see Rooney’s best as a true 20-20 player. 20 goals, 20 assists, pulling the strings, setting the wingers and Hernandez running behind defenders, helping out the midfield when needed, playing the way we know he can.
Now, if Rooney is playing that role, being the player who likes to operate in the gap between midfield and defence, making himself hard to pick up, threading the passes and linking the play, then that really doesn’t leave a lot of room for Sneijder.
Even if you imagine United selling Rooney, it’s hard to see Sneijder fitting. Not because he wouldn’t get in the team. He’s undoubtedly an incredible player. But Veron was one of the most highly rated players in the World when United stumped up £28m to bring him over from Italy. His signing resulted in a change from a marauding 4-4-2 to a slightly unbalanced 4-4-1-1 with Scholes playing behind the striker. Now I personally don’t hold Veron responsible for that. He was nowhere near as bad as people chose to make out and actually put in some good performances. The problem was it really didn’t suit United, especially not in the Premiership.
United now have a few formations that they employ, although they are mostly variants of 4-3-3 and 4-4-2. Depending on whether Berbatov and Rooney start, as you’d expect in a 4-4-2 away from home where retention is key, or a 4-4-2 with Rooney and Hernandez with Rooney a slightly deeper forward and Hernandez stretching the defence at Old Trafford you’ve got a couple of options for games where you’d expect United to field 2 forwards and try to bully the opposition.
When playing the ‘harder’ teams, especially away from home, or when the clean sheet is considered the most important thing, like a Champions League match, then United will usually field a 4-3-3/4-5-1 with the expectation that fast counter attacks will be the order of the day. Occasionally, but rarely you might expect to see United line up with a 4-2-3-1 with a play maker behind the centre forward.
Again, I think Rooney could quite easily begin to do that job with Hernandez up front stretching the defence, but for the frequency United play a specialist central attacking midfielder, it begs the question why they would really stump up £40m for Wesley Sneijder when there are other options more in keeping with their recent transfer policy.
That policy might not overwhelm the fans sometimes, but personally I’d rather buy a talented young player and make him into a World beater, rather than spend £40m on a player who’s already won a Treble with someone else. If rumours of De Gea are true, then that’s a fantastic example of a player who fits that bill and I genuinely believe could go onto become a legend at the club.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
There is a lot of talk of United needing a box to box midfielder, and in a lot of ways I think that’s true. But only the right one. De Rossi would be a fantastic acquisition for United in my opinion. Scott Parker wouldn’t. The one player I really would love to see at United at the moment is currently playing for Spurs. Oh and he isn’t Welsh. It’s the little magician with a look of Cruyff about him, Luka Modric. When you talk about players who stand a chance of stepping in and replacing Scholes, there are very few who deserve to be even mentioned in the same sentence. Modric though, I think he’d stand half a chance.
Transfers don’t always make sense. But when papers are casually throwing rumour after rumour out there, I always try and analyse the following: Does the player fit in the current system, do they need another player of that type, can they afford the fee and if they can – would they spend that or are there more suitable buys out there. With Sneijder, unfortunately the answer is probably no to all of them. He’s World class, he really is. But United are a team that really don’t suit a 4-4-1-1 and given the fact that Ferguson has Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Macheda and Welbeck wanting to play centre forward I can’t see him switching to a 4-2-3-1 enough to justify the outlay.
I’m sorry Wesley, it’s not you, it’s us. You’d try your hardest, and we’d want to love you, but it just wouldn’t work out.
Article courtesy of the excellent Red Flag Flying High
Arsenal’s English Premier League title dream appears over after a last-gasp penalty from Dirk Kuyt denied them victory against Liverpool.The Dutchman scored from the penalty spot in the 100th minute of play to make the scores 1-1, just seconds after his international team-mate Robin van Persie thought he had won the game for Arsenal and heaped pressure on leaders Manchester United.
Van Persie stroked home his spot-kick, given for a foul by Jay Spearing on Cesc Fabregas in injury time, to seemingly end what had be another frustrating match for Arsene Wenger’s men on Sunday.
But then, with barely 30 seconds left on the clock, Liverpool were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area.
The danger seemed to be over when Luis Suarez’s effort was blocked.
But Emmanuel Eboue inexplicably shoved over Liverpool midfielder Luicas Leiva as he chased the ball away from goal towards the touchline.
Kuty took full advantage to earn Liverpool a point and leave Arsenal six points behind Manchester United, with both teams having six games left to play this season.
It was a dramatic end to a match that had looked to be heading for a goalless draw until the final moments.
Liverpool had Jamie Carragher, Fabio Aurelio and Andy Carroll all taken off injured during the game, but Arsenal still could not find a way through.
And the result was no doubt a massive fillip for Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, who exited the FA Cup to bitter rivals Manchester City on Saturday but now go to Newcastle on Tuesday in pole position in the league.
Arsenal have endured so many similar matches during the course of the season and, despite all the focus on their shaky defence, the problem has often been finding a breakthrough against defensive-minded opponents.
The same was true against Liverpool.
The first half at least showed promise but never quite got going, as Arsenal attempted to play at pace but nevertheless created few clear-cut chances.
The first opportunity came after 13 minutes when winger Theo Walcott saw his shot badly fumbled by Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
But Liverpool survived that scare and were fortunate again when Laurent Koscielny’s header from a 17th-minute corner cannoned back off the crossbar.
Kuyt blocked Walcott’s follow-up with his shoulder – not, as Walcott claimed, with his hand.
There was another decent chance for the hosts after 29 minutes when Suarez gave the ball away and Cesc Fagregas combined well with van Persie, only for him to shoot wastefully wide.
Liverpool were so quiet in the opening 45 minutes, with Suarez particularly off colour, that Arsenal really should have taken advantage – especially after defender Fabio Aurelio limped off after only 22 minutes to be replaced by 17-year-old Jake Robinson.
With teenager John Flanagan at right-back and former youth teamer Jay Spearing in midfield, it left Liverpool with a lack of experience in such a big game.
Even so, Suarez had the first real opportunity of the second half, drifting past his marker to send a shot narrowly wide.
But Liverpool’s ambition was quickly halted by a series of further injures, in particular a nasty one for Jamie Carragher, who clashed heads with teammate Flanagan and had to be attended to for some time before being carried off on a stretcher.
Fortunately, the defender was soon reported to be awake and talking to staff in the dressing room. But it left Liverpool thin on the ground.
Striker Carroll soon limped off too with an ankle problem while the arrival of Andriy Arshavin and Nicklas Bendtner gave Arsenal renewed momentum.
They finally forced Reina into a meaningful save in the 85th minute when he stopped well from van Persie, but Liverpool also had an opportunity through Suarez on the break and held out during the first eight minutes of injury time.
It all looked to be heading for a goalless draw, until the dramatic final moments.
Arsenal can move a step closer to wrapping up their spot in next season’s Champions League when they host Aston Villa on Sunday.With the top three sides in the Premier League earning automatic qualification into the group stage of European football’s premier club competition, third-placed Arsenal can move five points ahead of Manchester City – who play on Tuesday due to their participation in the FA Cup final – if they win at the Emirates Stadium.
They have secured their Champions League spot, however – but should Roberto Mancini’s side eclipse them for third place, Arsenal would have to go through the qualifying rounds, meaning an earlier start for the season, and a shorter lay-off for their injury-plagued stars.
But while Arsenal are expected to win against the 14th-placed Villa, their recent run of form has been poor and with just three wins in their last 13 matches in all competitions, it is clear Arsene Wenger’s side have struggled to bounce back from their shattering 2-1 extra-time Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Birmingham City in February.
Remarkably, Aston Villa has also just won three of their last 13 fixtures and from those statistics it is clear that this fixture is a meeting between two very out-of-form sides.
One reason for their respective form slumps is injury, with first-team regulars Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy (hamstring) and Cesc Fabregas (thigh) all on the sidelines for the Gunners but their opponents do not have the same excuses, with only Jean Makoun (calf) sidelined.
Villa have been sucked down into the relegation mire, mainly due to their inability to keep clean sheets, with just one registered since late January.
Both sides failed to win last week, with Arsenal collapsing to a miserable 3-1 defeat at Stoke City that highlighted the side’s defensive problems, while Aston Villa came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at Wigan Athletic.
The previous meeting between these two sides was a 4-2 victory to Arsenal at Villa Park in November and if the reverse fixture is as entertaining, both sets of fans will be treated to an excellent exhibition of football.
Many would expect a routine home victory for Arsenal but with Aston Villa having nothing to play for, and consequently a free licence to attack, they might just surprise the hosts, especially if players like Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor can fire.
Darren Bent scored twice as Aston Villa eased any lingering fears of relegation with a 2-1 win away to Arsenal on Sunday.The Gunners went into the match knowing that two victories in their final two games would secure third position in the Premier League and ensure a route straight into the group stages of the Champions League.
But after a woeful start at the Emirates Stadium, in which they conceded twice within the first 15 minutes, Arsenal never looked likely to get back into the contest.
They left the pitch to a chorus of boos, and with fans also making a very vocal protest at next season’s proposed ticket price rises, there was an atmosphere of clear dissent in north London.
Villa will not care, though, as they were the better team and fully deserved their victory.
They have not always played to their potential this season, but the January signing of Bent for 24 million pounds now appears to have been an inspired decision.
The former Sunderland striker has now scored nine goals from 18 shots on target in the Premier League since his move, and he took both strikes brilliantly here.
The first came from Stiliyan Petrov’s long ball, which Bent took down on his chest before volleying home in one movement.
And he doubled the lead when Ashley Young took advantage of a slip by the returning Thomas Vermaelen to play in Bent, who duly slid the ball under Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The stunned hosts should have had a penalty when Richard Dunne brought down Aaron Ramsey inside the box.
It appeared a certain foul and could have led to a red card, but referee Michael Oliver waved play on.
Robin Van Persie then hit the post, but any lingering hopes Arsenal had of staging a comeback ended when Oliver disallowed Marouane Chamakh’s second-half header for a push on Kyle Walker.
The decision again appeared to be extremely harsh.
Arsenal did pull a goal back in the final minute through Van Persie, who poked home after a loose ball fell to him inside the area, but it was too late for Arsene Wenger’s side to mount a comeback.
Villa were rarely troubled as they claimed a morale-boosting victory, while Arsenal’s campaign, which had promised so much, appears set to end with a whimper.
Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is delighted to have his players fit for the Champions League final after beating Malaga 3-1 in La Liga.An under-strength squad, without the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, was forced to come from behind before recording the win on Saturday with goals from Bojan Krkic, Ibrahim Afellay and Marc Bartra.
The title was already sealed for the Catalan giants, who finished the season with 96 points, four ahead of second-placed rivals Real Madrid.
Guardiola rested much of his squad to ensure they would be fully fit for Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United at Wembley.
“(The win) helps us to prepare the week with good spirits,” Guardiola said.
“(I am happy) to recover all the players for the Wembley final. I feel happy to have them available.”
“Everyone will travel to London knowing we represent a certain way of playing and we will try to do it in the best way possible.”
The Spanish boss said he had turned his attentions to the clash with United and pinpointed the concentration of his players as a vital aspect.
“We have to work during the week for Manchester and we will have to do plenty of mental work,” Guardiola said.
“We will have a good week and then we will start to get in the mood at the right moment, starting from Thursday.”
Guardiola said he wanted his team to symbolise Spanish football, but also warned his players they needed to be at their best.
“(Winning) the final is the objective and you have to be faithful. We are competing against a rival and against ourselves. We have to express ourselves to the maximum,” he said.
“La Liga is the most important competition, but now we have to play in the most attractive, fascinating game. The world will be watching us and we have to represent Spanish football.”
Chelsea have emerged as rivals to Manchester United as potential suitors for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric, claims The Sun.
The 25-year old moved to Spurs for £16.5 million three summers ago and has made 118 appearances for the North London club. Modric made a slow start to his Spurs career but is now viewed as one of the Premier League’s most talented midfielders.
Manchester United have been linked several times with the player as Sir Alex Ferguson looks for a long-term replacement for the retired Paul Scholes. But, United are yet to make a move and now Chelsea appear keen on the Croatian international as they look to improve after a disappointing season without any trophies.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reluctant to sell the player and values the midfielder at upwards of £25 million. Chelsea are rumoured to be willing to offer Modric £130,000 a week as they look to prize him away from White Hart Lane.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Spurs are also in the market for a striker and Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer Didier Drogba as a makeweight in any deal. However, Drogba’s involvement in any deal is likely to hinge on the potential appointment of Guus Hiddink as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.
Joseph Yobo’s future seens no closer to a resolution, but the Everton defender has made one thing clear: He wants to stay at Fenerbache.Nigeria defender Yobo spent the 2010/11 season on-loan at Turkish club Fener, making 33 appearances as the club won the Super Lig title.
Fenerbahce appear keen to keep the 30-year-old, but Everton’s valuation of Yobo – agreed as five million pounds at the beginning of his loan deal – is reportedly above what the Istanbul club is willing to offer.
Reports in the player’s homeland claim showdown talks have been scheduled between the two clubs on Tuesday, but the former Marseille centre-back made it clear he sees his future in Turkey and not back in the English Premier League.
“My future is with Fenerbahce,” Yobo .
“I do not want to return to Everton because I have seen the difference in playing in a competitive team on a regular basis and that has helped me to improve.”
“My bosses in Turkey are happy with the way I have played and they want me to remain with them and we are just working on the process that would make Everton to release me permanently to Fenerbahce.”
Chelsea captain John Terry says Luka Modric has been ‘disrespectful’ towards Tottenham during his transfer saga.The 25-year-old told Spurs of his desire to leave the English Premier League club and has handed in a transfer request after a public spat with chairman Daniel Levy.
Chelsea have already seen two bids for the Croatia midfielder turned down and, while England captain Terry is a fan of the player, he has not been impressed with his behaviour since his club’s interest became public knowledge.
“He’s a world-class player who is very difficult to play against,” Terry told Sky Sports News.
“He’s very agile, very quick and a great finisher like we’ve seen over many years.”
“I know there are problems. It’s probably a little bit disrespectful towards Spurs. He has his own problems at the moment.”
“We’ve got a good squad of players. If he comes he could certainly add to that.”
Terry also believes that Fernando Torres will be back to his best in the coming season after enduring a season blighted by injury and poor form.
“He backs himself,” Terry said. “He realises from the World Cup he had a slight injury and carried that towards the end of last season.”
“He feels fresh, he’s happy. He’s fully settled. I’m certainly looking for him to get double figures, goals-wise.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“He was still good at times last year. He’s a world-class player and the price tag is a big weight to carry on your shoulders.”
“He’s got all the ability in the world. He’s very quick and a great finisher.”
“We’re delighted to have him and if he can bring goals along with what we already have then fantastic.”
Manchester United favourite Eric Cantona believes Old Trafford is the perfect stage for his return to the spotlight with New York Cosmos.Frenchman Cantona won four English Premier League titles and two FA Cups with United before hanging up his boots in 1997.
In January he was appointed director of soccer for the revamped Cosmos, a former National American Soccer League team hoping to orchestrate a return to action in Major League Soccer.
A Cosmos team consisting of 12 special guests and eight Under-23 players will tackle Cantona’s old side on Friday, in a testimonial for the retired Paul Scholes.
“Every time I come back to Manchester and go to Old Trafford it’s always special for me and this time it will be even more special,” Cantona said.
“For my comeback in football, the first game I will be involved in is with the Cosmos and at Old Trafford so it’s very special for me.”
Scholes called time on his United career in May after 17 seasons with the club, three of which he spent alongside Cantona, who has found memories of his former team-mate.
“I hope everybody will have a great time and especially Paul Scholes,” Cantona said.
“He has been a great player who can play anywhere in the midfield, upfront … he can score goals, assist, he can defend, he can tackle … so he’s a great player and I’m very proud to be here for him.”
Cantona was asked if he harboured any ambitions to take over from manager Sir Alex Ferguson in the United hot seat, a question the 45-year-old met with humour and diplomacy.
“Maybe I die before Alex Ferguson,” he said, jokingly. “I’m sure he will be on the bench for ever because this is his life.”
“He was a good player, he has been a great manager for decades and that’s his life. And me I’m involved in New York and I don’t want to move.”
Cantona also passed judgement on United’s cross-city rivals Manchester City, questioning the merits and sustainability of their big-spending transfer policy.
“United is the best team,” he said. “I don’t know how they (Manchester City) work now, maybe they work on an academy.”
“But for now they want to be the team spending millions to buy players for the team. And they have been successful because they won the FA Cup.”
“But if they only want to do that they will not be as strong as United, because United work on the long term, encouraging young talents.”