Premier League Preview Magazine Week 24 by Premier League Preview

premier League Preview Magazine

y b r e D y a D

Week Â 24

Contents The Weekly Round Up Headlines

What happed this week? We’ll take a look at the main stories of the week and the latest gossip

Results The weeks results, star men and the current Premier League standings

Fantasy Football How did this weeks performance effect your Fantasy Football Team? Have a look at this weeks Team of the Week and see if you got your managerial selections right

The Week Ahead Match Previews We take an in depth look at this week’s Premier League fixtures

Betting Preview Our recommended bets for this weeks games, along with our weekly big odds goalscorer bets and our PLP acca.

Features Arsenal - One Man Team? Alexis Sanchez has hit the ground running so far in the Premier League, but with him out injured, are the in trouble? He’s won them a lot of points so far...

Done Deals The done deals this January transfer window. Who has your club signed? Who did they miss out on?

Top 5 PL Strikers There is an abundence of young talent leading PL teams’ line ups this season. But who are the best? Does Harry Kane make our top 5? Read on...

2014/15 Season

te a d Up y r u j n I

Sturridge in line for long awaited return? Daniel Sturridge finally returned to action this weekend against West Ham United at Anfield. The striker, who has been missing since the 3rd game of the season with a thigh injury, travelled with the squad to Chelsea on Tuesday night but wasn’t quite fit enough to make the bench. He will passed a late fitness test for this weekend’s visit of West Ham, along with Sakho who has a back complaint following the loss to Chelsea. Liverpool fans will relish the return of their talismanic striker, particularly after the team have managed to find the net just once in their last 3 fixtures from a combined total of 59 attempts. It certainly didn’t take the England man long to show the fans he’s back. Chelsea trio collect knocks in Liverpool win Chelsea have 3 fresh injury concerns for their massive title showdown with Manchester City in the late kick-off on Saturday. The extra time win against Liverpool on Tuesday night seems to have come at a cost as Ivanovic, Filipe Luis and Fabregas have all picked up knocks and face late fitness tests. Jon Obi Mikel and Andre Schürrle will also undergo fitness tests ahead of the game following head and back injuries respectively. Sanchez Doubt Arsenal’s main man this season, Alexis Sanchez, may be forced to sit out of their clash with Aston Villa at the Emirates due to a hamstring complaint. The Chilean adds to a long list of players currently side lined for the Gunners including Oxlade-Chamber- lain, Arteta, Debuchy, Welbeck, Diaby and Wilshere. On a more positive note, Danny Welbeck is very close to recovering from his hamstring injury and will be available for the North London derby on 7th February. Jack Wilshere is also said to be pro- derby on 7th February. Jack Wilshere is also said to be pro gressing well from his long term ankle injury and should return to training soon. Saints and Stoke receive long-term injury blows Southampton and Stoke have both been dealt major blows this week by losing Shane Long and Bojan to long term injuries respectively. Long is estimated to be out for 6 weeks after suffering from fractured ribs.

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He was forced off after just 14 minutes of coming on in Southampton’s 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace. Stoke’s classy striker Bojan will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in their FA Cup tie with Rochdale. The striker has been a revelation since signing in the summer and the news will come as a huge blow to manager Mark Hughes and the Stoke fans alike. Injury Round-up EVERTON look set to receive a timely boost to their current injury situation as Distin, McCarthty and Gibson could all return this weekend for their trip to Selhurst Park. Howard is also due back on the 11th February from his calf injury, while Pienaar and Osman remain long term absentees. HULL CITY HULL CITY will gratefully welcome back strikers Abel Hernan- dez and Nikica Jelavic for their home game against Newcastle after going to West Ham with no recognised strikers last weekend. Left back Andrew Robertson could also make a return while Alex Bruce is recovering well from his thigh injury and should be available next weekend. SOUTHAMPTON has a number of key players unavailable through injury for their Sunday afternoon clash with Swansea. Long, Mayuka and Rodriguez are long term absentees, while Schneiderlin, Wanyama and Alderweireld won’t be available until next weekend. Meanwhile, Williams and Britton face late fitness tests for SWANSEA. WEST HAM WEST HAM will give late tests to Jenkinson, Song and Tomkins ahead of their trip to Anfield after the trio picked up knocks in their hard-thought FA Cup win over Bristol City. O’Brien and Collins will also undergo fitness tests. ASTON VILLA ASTON VILLA will be giving late tests to Delph, Agbonlahor, Cole and Senderos ahead of their trip to the Emirates, while Ron Vlaar and Libor Kozák look set to return near the end of February.

Duncan Almond

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2014/15 Â Season

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2014/15 Season

Tim Krul

Santi Cazorla

The Dutch keeper features in our team of the week after keeping his sixth clean sheet of the season in his side’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Hull City. Now without a goal for six hours of football, it may be little surprise to see the Tigers draw a blank again. The Newcastle stopper was however beaten but Ahmed Elmohamady’s attempt to recreate Diego Maradona’s Hand of God was never going to fool the officials.

Santi Cazorla retains his place in our team of the week for a second consecutive week. The Spaniard was the catalyst in the Gunner’s surprise victory at the Etihad a fortnight ago and it was more of the same against Villa at the Emirates. The influential playmaker capped off another fine performance by firing in a penalty in Arsenal’s 5-0 win. Mesut Ozil

Patrick van Aanholt The Sunderland left-back joins his fellow countryman in our XI this week with an impressive performance in his team’s 2-0 home win over Burnley. As well as a clean sheet to boot, it was the Dutch full-back who delivered the assist to new signing Jermain Defoe, cutting the ball back to provide the Englishman with a simple finish to double the scoring.

Taking his place alongside teammate Cazorla this week is the returning Mesut Ozil. In what was the German’s first league start since October following a knee injury, Arsenal supporters will be pleased to see Ozil returning with an assist and a goal on Sunday. Having been subjected to some criticism following his club record transfer from Real Madrid last season, if Ozil can rekindle his very best form, alongside Cazorla and Sanchez, Arse- nal should be very confident in securing a top four finish again this season.

Hector Bellerin Daley Blind The Spanish defender rounded off Arsenal’s emphatic 5-0 win over Aston Villa on Sunday with his first professional goal. It was arguably the goal of the game with his low driven shot from outside the area beating a helpless Brad Guzan. As well as his late strike, defensively Bellerin is really starting to establish himself in the Arsenal back line. This win over Villa is the Gunners third clean sheet in a row following victories over Stoke and Manchester City in recent weeks. Massadio Haidara Newcastle United’s first clean sheet in 11 games earns the French defender a place in our team of the week. Following Alan Pardew’s departure to Crystal Palace, Haidara has returned to the Newcastle starting 11 under John Carver and repaid his new head coach with an assist in the Magpies 3-0 victory. Anthony Reveillere

Daley Blind has also come in for criticism since his arrival from Ajax in the summer. Gary Neville believes the midfielder needs to take more risks and that the Dutchman does not provide telling passes for the team’s strikers. That is perhaps unfair, after all it was Blind’s pinpoint ball to a flying Robin Van Persie against Spain at the World Cup which was arguably one of the most memorable goals from the summer. It was the Holland pair linking up again on Saturday with Blind providing a cute assist to put United a goal up against Leicester. Another assist was to follow to cap off an improving per- against Leicester. Another assist was to follow to cap off an improving per formance against a disappointing Foxes. Jonjo Shelvey A stunning 25-yard strike earns Jonjo Shelvey a place in our team of the week. In maybe the surprise of the weekend, Shelvey’s strike earned Swan- sea a hard fought 1-0 victory over Southampton. The midfielder had earlier seen a shot cannon back of Fraser Forster’s post but made no mistake when given the opportunity to have another go seven minutes from time.

Sunderland’s French full-back completes our back four in our team of the week. Just like teammate van Aanholt, the defender also provided an assist alongside the clean sheet in the win over Burnley. 20 minutes in Reveillere produced a perfect cross for striker Connor Wickham who headed home past a scrambling Tom Harry Kane Heaton. The 2-0 triumph over the Lancashire outfit was only the second victory of the season for the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light. However these results over There is arguably no one better to lead the line in our XI than Harry Kane. relegation rivals will be the ones that define the season for Gus Poyet’s men. The Spurs star simply cannot stop scoring, bagging another two in Tottenham’s 3-0 win away at West Brom. Kane has now taken his tally for Jon Walters the season to 20 and the striker has vowed to push on and score even more in this remarkable campaign. His first England cap is surely now an in- Jonathon Walters is our star player of the week striking a perfect hat-trick in a evitability. 3-1 win over QPR. In what was his 200th appearance for Stoke City, the striker Matthew Brown condemned the visitors to their 11th successive away defeat with arguably one of his greatest performances in a Potters shirt. Stoke were celebrating the life of club Legend Sir Stanley Matthews, who would have turned 100 on Sunday and the hat-trick would have been one that he would have been proud of.

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2014/15 Season

Done DEALS!

The 2015 January transfer window has delivered as usual with no shortage of events and providing a con- stant subject of debate when all other footballing issues have been tackled. Here we take a look back at every day and of the window and the transfers that were made. Opening on January 3, West Ham wasted little time by signing Canadian International Doneil Henry from Apol- lon Limassol for a fee of £1.5million. At 21-years-old and an academy player through the ranks at Toronto FC with 14 caps for international duty plus his comes recommended by his former [Toronto] manager Ryan Nelsen. Next off the mark, three days later (January 6) was Leicester, who netted themselves a fine goalkeeper by the name of Mark Schwarzer. With over 500 Premier League games under his belt and for a free transfer Leicester should be over the moon. Also, West Ham signed 27-year-old, Argentine striker Mauro Zarate on a three year loan deal. The following two days (January 7-8) saw three players move, Manchester United being a part of two of the deals. It was the former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who Manchester boss [Luis] Van Gaal saw fit to sign on an 18 month contract that raised many eyebrows, since his current goalkeeper is Spain’s David de Gea. Though, we all know that competition for position starvers of complacency within a team. The Manchuri- starvers of complacency within a team. The Manchuri ans also off-loaded Michael Keane to Burnley for an undisclosed fee assumed to be around £2m.

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The january window is now CLOSED.

The Clarets will be happy with the England U21 International, though for Keane it is quite a drop down so the same cannot be said for him. During these days Stoke would make their first signing in the window after confirming a loan deal with a possible permanent view with Philipp Wollscheid from Bayer Leverkusen. According to Stoke boss, Hughes, they have been watching him for some time, but then so were a few other English clubs in the summer. Aston Villa, in a bid to tally up a few more in the goal scoring department signed Carles Gil from Valencia for a fee of £3.2m on January 13. The 22-year-old plays in the attacking midfield role and learnt his trades in the ranks of Valencia. Sticking with the A’s, it was Arsenal next to appear in the transfer though unfortunately to many fans disappointment it was not in the purchasing category but the selling, with a loan deal confirmed with Crystal Palace for Yaya Sanogo. The French youngster has been sent to gain Premier League experience. For [Alan] Pardew’s Palace it could be what they need to get them out of the relegation zone. Just the next day, Wilfried Bony signed for Manchester City for £28m. With the likes of [Sergio] Agüero and [Edin] Džeko in the side it will be exciting to see how [Manuel] Pellegrini will reap the best from his men. From January 16 to the 22nd four players changed clubs, with Andrej Kramaric going from FC Rijeka to Leicester for £9m, Krystian Bielik to Arsenal from Legia Warsaw for a reported £2.4m and Kyle Naughton from Tottenham to Swan- sea City for £5m. However, it would be Jermain Defoe’s move back from state-side that overshadowed the others. Defoe, having only moved to Toronto FC in last year’s window returned this year to Sunderland (just 11 months later).

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As the window drew to a close, the teams and players agent seem to get whipped into frenzy, with all matter of bids and deals coming to light. The Baggies (West Bromwich Albion) remained quiet up until they pulled a plum out of the bag when they signed Callum McManaman for £4.75m. Irishman McMa- naman, maybe the answer on the wing for West Brom as their season continues to be rather topsy-turvy. Arsenal once again busy themselves in the market managed to sign Gabriel Pau- lista from Villarreal for a fee of £11.2m. At just 24, Brazilian Paulista may displayed his abilities for Villareal but can he cut the mustard in the Premier League, Wenger has a way for sure will nurturing young players but some may say that it is not so much youth but experience and maturity that his side lacks. Crystal Palace was particularly busy towards the latter with three more signings. The first Shola Ameobi on a free transfer from Gaziantep, Pardrew worked with Ameobi back in the Newcastle days - he netted only 79 goals in 397 games, never- theless Pardrew believes he has the experience to prevail. Whilst in the market [Crystal] Palace also picked up Jordon Mutch from QPR for £5.75m. Mutch, was released by OPR manager Harry Redknapp despite only joining in the summer, perhaps Pardrew sees more in him than Redknapp did. The last Palace signing, which came on January 30, was Senegal defender Pape Souare from Lille for an undisclosed fee pend- ing a work permit. Other signings included Jack Cork to Swansea for £3m, Sadiq El Fitouri to Manchester United and Scott Sinclair to Aston Villa on an 18 month contract, after seeing his dream £18m move to Manchester City wilted down. There is of course still one more days to go and that really does go down the wire with deals and transfers going through until the last minute which is on Monday, 2 Febru- ary at 23:00 GMT.

David Drake

League Table

Results

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2014/15 Season

Jay Mullen Problems for Hull This game marked Hull City's fourth consecu This game marked Hull City's fourth consecutive loss and now leaves the club firmly in a relegation battle. The tigers currently sit in 18th place in the league after a poor run of form. Hull have also been very unfortunate with injuries this season and although they are starting to get some key players back Steve Bruce may be force to act in the January transfer window and bring in some reinforcements. Hull's next league game is away to current Champions Manchester City and their poor run of form looks set to continue. However the Manchester City game is then followed by two games at home against Aston VIlla and Q.P.R so the next month for Hull will be crucial if they are to retain their Premier League status for another season.

HCFC 0 -‐ 3 NUFC Hull City welcomed Newcastle United to the KC Stadium as the two teams to returned to the scene of the infamous Alan Pardew head- butt incident last season. That fixture seen the magpies run out 4-1 winners and history was set it to repeat itself during the course of this game. Both teams entered the game in a poor run of form with Hull city failing to avoid defeat in their previous three Premier League matches and with Newcastle failing to win since the departure of former boss Alan Pardew. This game also marked John Carver's first game since been named head coach until the end of the season. The first 30 minutes of this match was played out without any real significant incidents until Newcastle United playmaker, Remy Ca- bella, scored with a 20 yard strike on the 40th minute of the match. Five minutes later Ahmed Elmohamady was involved in the last meaningful act of the first half when his goal was correctly disal- lowed by match referee Phil Dowd for deliberate handball. The two teams emerged for the second half and within 5 minutes Sammy Ambeobi had doubled the visitors lead with a long range effort. In an otherwise uneventful game, Newcastle then went even further ahead when a deflected shot from substitute Yoan Gouffran beat Alan McGregor in goal .The match ended 3-0 to Newcastle and has given John Carver a perfect start as head coach. Final Score : Hull City 0-3 Newcastle United Referee : Phil Dowd Attendance : 23,925

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Joy for Newcastle Newcastle's 3-0 away victory marked both John Carver's first victory as head coach and also the clubs first victory since allowing Alan Pardew to move on to become Crystal Palace manager. The result also puts an end to the teams poor recent form in the Premier League and Newcastle United now find themselves in 11th postion in the table. John Carver said ear- 11th postion in the table. John Carver said ear lier this week that the board had set a target of a top half finish while he revealed that the club could finish as high as 7th place. At the moment the team is 2 points behind 10th place stoke and 8 points behind 7th place Liverpool. The magpies next game is actually against Stoke at home so with a victory in that match John Carver could take a huge step to becoming Newcastle United's manager beyond the end of the season. The stoke game is followed by away trips to Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace and to Champions Manchester City with the Magpies wrapping up the month with a home game against Aston Villa.

2014/15 Season

Stoke 3 QPR 1 A Jonathan Walters inspired Stoke City heaped more away day misery on Queens Park Rangers, as the London club became the first Premier League team in history to lose the first 11 of their league games away from home soil in any given season. On a day of landmarks, Irish International Walters scored a hat trick to mark his 200th appearance for Stoke in style. The 3-1 scoreline was also a fitting tribute to club legend Sir Stanley Mat- thews, who would have turned 100 years old this weekend. Matthews himself would have been proud of the goals scored by Walters, who became the first Premier League player to score the ‘perfect’ trio of goals (left foot, right foot, header) since the end of the 2012/13 season. This game mirrored the season thus far for QPR on their travels;; decent possession, missed chances and gifting the opposition soft goals. A worrying trend that will have to stop should they wish to avoid a swift return to the Championship, especially having seemingly committed to ‘Arry Redknapp for the remainder of the season earlier in the week. This defeat would hurt more than most, as the man in the home dugout was Mark Hughes, who was deemed not good enough to continue in the Hoops hot seat prior to the appointment of Red- knapp. The game began at a frantic pace, with weather conditions not suited to a slow passing game. QPR were in the game and producing the better chances before gifting Stoke possession and Walters opened his account with a curled right footed effort into the bottom corner. QPR, fielding a different back four yet again, seemed knocked and soon conceded again. Stephen Ireland, one of the many ex Manchester City players on show, exchanged passes with Walters before the latter finished the move with a crisp finish. The Britannia stadium is a renowned difficult place to visit and with the home team 2-0 to the good, with a hostile atmosphere behind them, most observers would have expected a routine victory. However, to their credit, the team in the relegation zone battled back into the contest. Niko Kranjcar pulling a deserved goal back before half time, slotting in after Charlie Austin’s deflected shot fell into his path.

The goal seemed to put the bit between the visitor’s teeth and the opening exchanges in the second period were all Rangers, with Asmir Begovic by far the busier of the goal keepers. Firstly, saving from Edu- ardo Vargas and also denying Leroy Fer from range. The frame of the goal was also rattled from a Joey Barton free kick as QPR pushed for their first point away from home. Such was the pressure that you sensed if Rangers did find the elusive equaliser then they would be good value to perhaps steal a winner. Typically the goal didn’t come and then predictably Stoke killed the contest in injury time. A lofted free-kick into the box wasn’t sufficiently dealt with and Walters showed more hunger than the defence to duly head his 3rd of the afternoon. Leaving the majority of the 27,512 crowd delirious and contemplating another season of stability in the top division, comfortably in the top ten. Meanwhile the travelling support faced the lengthy journey home for the 11th time this season having endured a defeat. The statistics of the game highlighting the difference between the two sides, as possession was almost 50/50, with both teams sharing an equal 15 shots on goal with Rangers edging the amount of corner kicks. However, the key difference being the efficiency of a Stoke side who converted all three shots on target and made their possession count. Stoke can look forward to the rest of the season and may even fancy a prolonged run in the seemingly wide open FA Cup, with Championship Blackburn Rovers awaiting in the 5th round. The only blot on Saturday’s win was the early substitution of injured Captain, Ryan Shawcross, who Hughes will be hoping makes a swift return as they are already without star man, Bojan Krkic, for the remainder of the season. QPR’s next two away games see them tackle Sunderland and Hull City. Traditional six pointers as the season edges towards the business end. Rangers’ fans will be hoping that Redknapp re-discovers the tactical nous that nearly got him the England job as Rangers will need to become more difficult to beat as home points alone won’t keep them in the Premier League. Rangers’ fans will be anxiously looking at updates of Monday’s transfer deadline, hoping to see Harry Redknapp winding down his car window and informing reporters of a couple strong additions to the Rangers squad. You begin to think that they might need it…..

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2014/15 Season

Lukaku Secures 3 points for everton Pressure was eased on Everton manager Roberto Martinez as Romelu Lukaku’s goal inside the second minute gave the club their first win in nine games as Crystal Palace suffered their first defeat under new manager Alan Pardew. Lukaku powered into the box as Steven Naismith’s shot was deflected by Palace keeper Julian Speroni and reflected off the striker’s torso. The Toffees held onto this slice of luck and defended valiantly against a persistent Palace attack to gain the three points and only their second Premier League clean sheet of the season. Palace enjoyed most of the possession, particularly in the second half, and almost equalised immediately after conceding as Dwight Gayle skipped past Everton keeper Joel Robles and was denied only by a Phil Jagielka goal line clearance. The Everton captain barely kept the ball from fully crossing the line as goal line technology later showed. Despite their attacking intent Alan Pardew’s side were unable to come back from a losing position as they had in three of their last four games and found themselves grinded out by Everton. Chamakh was forced off for Palace after only twenty five minutes following a clash with Sheamus Coleman that left him with a bloodied nose. This led to Jordan Mutch making his debut for the club following his move from fellow London side Queens Park Rangers. Martinez will be glad to see his side scoring so early as well as showing much more of an attacking mind set than in their last Premier League outing where they were held to a goalless draw at home by West Brom. Everton had started well early on in a few games this season, actually having the record for most goals inside five minutes this season with four goals, however they had always leaked goals and lost control of the game. Jagielka commanded his defence in a man of the match performance and Palace were unable to do anything with their possession for long periods later on. Lukaku will be happy to be scoring again following what has been a much more difficult season for him since making his move to Everton permanent. The Belgian striker hit the side netting later on in the game and his strength was crucial in getting the early goal. More satisfying for the Everton boss though will be his side’s ability to win away in crucial games to ensure they do not find themselves in an early relegation situation. Alan Pardew on the other hand has seen his side fall out of form with this game, yet he will see the positives in this Palace performance. Dwight Gayle looked bright and impres- Alan Pardew on the other hand has seen his side fall out of form with this game, yet he will see the positives in this Palace performance. Dwight Gayle looked bright and impres sive again and could very easily have had an early goal himself. They kept possession like a home side should and showed the kind of form that has toppled bigger teams lately. They simply couldn’t recover from going behind so early and so easily. Everton will see this as an important win going forward and to get three points away from home after such a poor run of form is an impressive feat. Roberto Martinez will look to build from this for the two crucial upcoming games of Liverpool at home in the Merseyside derby and away at the league leaders Chelsea, who put six goals past them earlier in the season. Their fixture list will become even more crowded in the near future with the imminent return of the Europa League, so Martinez will hope this can be a launch pad for his club. In terms of who is below them in the table, Everton do not look like relegation candidates. However they are in danger of being lost in the middle of the table as so many teams usual there at this point in the season look to try and reach European qualification spots in the table. Palace have similarly shown since the arrival of Pardew that they are a level above their relegation opponents and will need to bounce back into their form of earlier in the month to begin a quick surge away from the bottom three, which they are currently four points clear of. There will be no better time for Pardew to do this than away at bottom of the table Leicester next week and then at home against his former club Newcastle United.

Jonathan Morris

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2014/15 Season

WBA 1 -‐ 2 Spurs Harry Kane continued his great goal-scoring season to fire Spurs to victory at The Hawthorns and cap off a fine week for the club. After sealing their place in the Capital One Cup final midweek against Sheffield United, Spurs swept West Brom aside with a confident display. Christian Eriksen, who scored both goals against United, opened the scoring with another superb free kick inside six minutes. Harry Kane then doubled the lead inside the opening quarter of an hour with a clinical finish to stun Tony Pulis’ side. West Brom rallied and created chances but were denied by some great saves from Hugo Lloris. Craig Dawson did manage to beat the Frenchman but his bullet header left the crossbar rattling.

An uncharacteristic and sluggish start to the match from the home side meant they had to push more players forward in hope of getting back into the contest. And the Baggies were unlucky to not get at least get one goal back before half time, but they found Hugo Lloris in fantastic form. Lloris is without doubt one of the league’s finest goalkeepers and he proved that with a couple of outstanding stops to deny James Morrison and then Claudio Yacob. Craig Dawson came closest to scoring for the home side but his header thundered back off the crossbar. Into the second half and the Baggies continued to push for a goal to get them back in the game. But for all their huffing and puffing, the game was put to bed in the 64th minute when Kevin Friend awarded Spurs a penalty. Kyle Walker’s cut back was stopped by the raised arm of a sliding Joleon Lescott and the spot kick was given. Kane stepped up and cooly stroked in the penalty to secure the points for Spurs and make it 20 goals for him in all competitions this season, more than any other player.

Spurs put the game to bed and sealed the victory mid-way through the second half when they were awarded a penalty for a handball given against Joleon Le- scott. Harry Kane grabbed the ball and confidently sent Foster the wrong way with An impressive victory for Spurs who are now just two points off a place in the a well taken spot kick. top four. Defeat for West Brom leaves them in 15th place, three points above After a tricky start to life at White Hart Lane, Mauricio Pochettino is beginning to put his mark on this Spurs team and they are starting to look like serious contend- the relegation zone. ers for a top four place. Defeat for West Brom brings Tony Pulis’ unbeaten start as manager to a halt in what was a below par performance. January has been a congested month for Spurs, the trip to The Hawthorns was their ninth fixture. Pochettino freshened things up with a few changes from the team that battled their way into the Capital One Cup final against Sheffield United during the week. But tiredness didn’t seem a problem for his players, who started extremely positively and West Brom struggled to contain them.

Man of the Match: Harry Kane

Spurs dominated the opening exchanges, moving the ball with real intent and get Spurs dominated the opening exchanges, moving the ball with real intent and getting into some good areas. They were soon ahead when set-piece specialist Christian Eriksen curled the ball over the wall and into the net from around 20 yards out. Eriksen, who since emerging at Ajax has always been dubbed as a special talent, is now beginning to show real consistency in his performances and is becoming a real talisman for Spurs.

Subs not used: Baird, Pocognoli, Sessegnon, Rose Subs not used:

But it is fair to say that Spurs’ man of the season so far is Harry Kane, who has been an absolute revelation and must now be set for a call from Roy Hodgson for his next England squad. He is a player brimming with confidence and that showed in the 15th minute when he cut inside the penalty area from the left hand side and lashed a shot passed Foster into the back of the net. His 19th goal in all competitions this season.

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West Brom Foster, Wisdom (Gardner - 61' ), McAuley, Dawson, Lescott, McManaman (Ideye - 60' ), Yacob, Morrison (Dorrans - 88' ), Brunt, Anichebe, Berahino

Tottenham Lloris, Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Rose, Paulinho, Mason (Stambouli - 61’), Lamela, Dembele (Chadli – 62’), Eriksen, Kane (Soldado – 88’) Subs not used: Vorm, Dier, Townsend, Davies Referee: Kevin Friend Attendance: 25,079

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2014/15 Season

2-‐0 Philip McClennan Sunderland ended a four-month wait for a home win with a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory against fellow Pre- mier League strugglers Burnley at the Stadium Of Light. After being recently jeered by their own supporters following a string of poor results, manager Gus Poyet spoke of a need for his players to “connect with the fans again.” The Black Cats duly delivered, producing a solid performance in which goals by Connor Wickham, and a first strike for new boy Jer- main Defoe, secured all three points for Gus Poyet’s men to ease the relegation fears on Wearside. Before the start of play, Sunderland boasted the worst home record in the league and had only 1 win in 11 in all competitions, but a Connor Wickham headed goal on the 20 minute mark, following good work from Anthony Reveillere and Se- bastian Larsson, gave the home side a welcome lead. That advantage was doubled 14 minutes later, when Jordi Gomez produced a clever lobbed pass, which put Patrick Van Aanholt through on the left hand side of the penalty area. Aanholt timed his run to perfection, and as the Burnley defenders appealed for an offside flag that never came, the Dutch full-back squared the ball to Man Of The Match Jer- main Defoe, who was left with a simple finish to score his first goal since his arrival from Toronto FC earlier in the month. The strike was Defoe’s 125th in the Premier League, and Black Cat’s manager Gus Poyet was full of praise for his new talisman. “I knew Jermain would score. In this world, when you don’t score, people keep asking ‘when will he score’ and it adds pressure, so now it will be easier.”

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A second home win could not have come at a better time for the Wearside club. The victory pushes Sunderland up to 14th in the league table and, more importantly, 4 points clear of the relegation zone. In contrast, Sean Dyche’s Burnley side now sit 17th in the table and dangerously close to the drop zone following an 11th Premier League defeat of the season, a result that extends their recent worrying run to 1 win in 9 games. The Clarets hadn’t won away at Sun- derland since 1972 and Dyche’s men never looked like ending that streak on a frustrating afternoon. There was much talk before the game linking top scorer Danny Ings with a move to Liverpool, and the speculation may very well have affected the striker, who produced a somewhat ordinary performance which resulted in manager Sean Dyche replacing the striker with half an hour to go. Ings, scorer of seven league goals this season, looked visibly unhappy with his managers decision but Dyche stood by his actions, even suggesting that all the transfer talk had impacted his lead man. Dyche however remains deter- talk had impacted his lead man. Dyche however remains deter mined to hold onto Ings. “It would take an impossible offer for something to happen,” he said. “I took Danny off because I think it affected him. I’d considered not starting him. It’s all been too much, he’s a young man, human, footballer, the good things about his game weren’t there.” Danny Ings has only six-months remaining on his contract and can leave for free at the end of the season, but Burnley will need to hang onto him for the remainder of the season if they are to have any chance of staying in the Premier League. An important home game against West Brom comes up next, and The Clarets could well do with a return to form for their star striker. With a difficult run-in to come, Dyche knows that he dare not let the 22 year old depart before the transfer window closes, even if it means they lose him for nothing in the summer. Sunderland have no such worries however, and with Defoe now firing, and also the return of top scorer Adam Johnson, Gus Poyet will be hoping his team can push on and secure Premier League survival sooner rather than later. Upcoming fixtures against Swan- sea, and then fellow strugglers Q.P.R and West Brom, give The Black Cats the opportunity to do this, and also the chance to turn the recent jeers into cheers at the Stadium Of Light.

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2014/15 Season

Man Utd 3-‐1 Leicester Manchester United moved up to third in the Premier League with an emphatic 3-1 win at Old Trafford.

"I'm very happy because of the positive result. We lost the last home match so we had to show to our fans that we are coming back again,” the Dutchman said.

Goals from Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and an own goal from Leicester captain Wes Morgan saw the hosts take a three-goal advantage by half-time. But van Gaal was somewhat perplexed at the nature of United’s control in the second half – with the Red Devils lacking any real attacking momentum. But Leicester proved a rugged outfit for the remainder of the game, with Marcin Wasilewski netting for the Foxes with the game nearing its’ end. "In [the] second half we played the ball too much backwards, and that I do not like that as you always need to keep your eyes open for the pass forward.” And the score line may have been worse had the Old Trafford side seized upon some sloppy defensive work early on. "But we also have to learn to kill the game, we may have done that more than we wanted, but it is a learning process." It didn’t take the Red Devils long to open the scoring, however, with Daley Blind setting up compatriot van Persie with a wonderful pass which the latter despatched with a Leicester, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat to remain right-foot volley beyond Mark Schwarzer. lodged bottom of the Premier League. Leicester’s stagnant defence were left appealing for offside – but to no avail as the highly contested decision went in favour of United. Schwarzer was making his debut in goal for Leicester and must have endured a feel Schwarzer was making his debut in goal for Leicester and must have endured a feeling of déjà vu when the Dutchman swept home beyond him – his first goal at Old Traf- ford was against the Australian goalkeeper at Fulham.

But there is still hope for the Foxes – with a plethora of teams both in and out of the relegation zone having poor seasons, it would appear that Leicester have six other competitors vying for a relegation spot. Important wins – or crucial decisions – could be the difference as this season’s relegation battle threatens to be one of the closest in recent history.

And the 42 year old veteran keeper was to be beaten just shortly after – when van Persie released record signing Angel di Maria through on goal.

And Leicester boss Nigel Pearson believes his side were on the wrong end of a poor decision for the first goal.

The Argentinian winger slammed an effort which was initially kept out by Schwarzer, before the enigmatic Falcao slid home to double the Reds’ lead.

"The first goal is offside but I can't complain too much as we were beaten by a very, very good side,” he said.

United weren’t in the mood to surrender the lead as they did in Leicester back in Sep- tember, and things went from bad to worse for the Foxes after Daley Blind connected with a Wayne Rooney corner, only for Morgan to divert the shot beyond his own keeper.

"In the second-half we have at least shown a bit more resilience and managed the ball a bit better. I think that was our problem in the first half.”

And the match was wrapped up in essence by half time, with the second half seeing few chances from either side.

“It was a difficult game for our front players today. We didn't give them the service they needed. Our forwards spent more time working defensively."

David Nugent was denied by David de Gea after a poor back pass from Phil Jones, before Marc Albrighton slammed an effort over the bar. There was slight consolation for Leicester, however, when Wasilewski headed home from close range in the 81st minute. But sadly from the neutral’s point of view, there was no threat of any real comeback, as United moved themselves to a position in the league which the fans have grown much more accustomed to. And United’s Louis van Gaal was delighted with the nature of the win – particularly after losing to Southampton in their previous home match.

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Dimitri Kondonis

2014/15 Season

Kris Bramwell

REDS 2-‐0 Hammers Sturridge Bags ar anfield after 5 months on the sidelines Daniel Sturridge scored just 12 minutes into his comeback to help Liv- erpool leap frog visitors West Ham into seventh in the table. After five months out through injury, the England man put a low drive past Adrián in the West Ham goal at the near post after Philippe Coutinho had created the opening. Raheem Sterling also benefitted from Coutinho’s creativity when another clever pass put the winger in for the opener on 51 minutes. The result sealed a fifth league win in six games for the reds and their third in a row. In the first half, Sterling and Coutinho showed themselves to be Liverpool’s main threat While for West Ham, Andy Carroll was a thorn in the side of the Liverpool defence, largely as you would expect from his aerial presence. The homeside had a shout for a penalty before half-time, Raheem Sterling spinning round Joey O’Brien only to then go down under his challenge. In the second half as injuries took their toll on the Hammers, Liverpool comfortably took control of the game. Joey O'Brien did head into the net for the visitors at the death, but Kevin Nolan was clearly fouling goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

With rookie16 year-old Reece Oxford on the bench as defensive cover, the West Ham boss opted to keep James Collins on the pitch for as long as Speaking after the game Daniel Sturridge said: "It's an amazing feeling possible rather than giving a debut to a player who would have become the club’s youngest ever player had he come on. Collins was eventually re- to be back playing and to help the team get three points. In football placed on 74 minutes by Guy Demel. players get injuries sometimes, but that's what the game is about. I'm grateful to God to be able to come back. I'm looking forward to helping Winston Reid also went off with a hamstring injury, while Andy Carroll was the team push on." replaced by Carlton Cole just over an hour into his return to Anfield be- Off the back of 120 minutes of football against Chelsea in the League cause of a knee injury. Cup manager Brendon Rodgers felt there were many candidates for man of the match in what was a potential banana skin for his side in their Big Sam’s attempt to reinforce his squad before the January transfer quest to climb the table. window shuts is not going to plan either, the West Ham boss admitting that a move for Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher had broken down on Sat- urday morning before the game. Louis Van Gaal suggesting the Hammers had suddenly decided they wanted him on loan rather than a permanent transfer.

He said: “I thought Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho were all excellent today, and my two central defenders [Skrtel and Sakho] were strong. Overall, it was a wonderful team performance and another clean sheet." That’s three clean sheets in the league on the bounce now for Brendon Looking ahead, with James Tomkins already injured and the treatment Rodger’s men. room set to get busier, Big Sam is clearly worried about his defensive options ahead of the visit of the Red Devils on Sunday. “We’ve got to try and The Hammers meanwhile are in a patchy run of form that could threaten face the crisis as best we can. It will be difficult, but it’s all hands on pumps their push for a European place come May;; Just one win in six now for for the medical staff to get the lads back as quick as we can, particularly the East Londoners. To make matters worse Injuries are stretching Sam with next week just as important for us, and the week after when the FA Allardyce’s squad to the limit. Cup arrives.” Big Sam told the BBC: “We’ve had three players come off injured and After Louis Van Gaal’s men, West Ham go to Southampton and West ended the game with 10 men, that’s one of the biggest reasons why Liv- Brom in the league and cup respectively. erpool won today.” As for Liverpool, they seem to be hitting form at just the right time and are Sam’s assessment was that for the first goal James Collins was backing quietly edging towards the top four. Who is to say Daniel Sturridge’s return off due to a hamstring injury which allowed Sterling to get in behind the cannot now catapult the club back to the Champions League? Only time West Ham defence to score. will tell.

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2014/15 Season

Blues 1 City 1 The eyes of the footballing world were fixed on South-West London as the two top Premier League clubs went head to head. Many considered this to be the most important fixture in the title race and with Chel- sea boasting a five point lead, it was vital to City that this wasn’t stretched to eight. Both clubs were suffering from absent players. After his controversial stamping against Liverpool mid-week, Chelsea’s top goal scorer Diego Costa was suspended. Kurt Zouma’s measured performance in the same match earned him a spot in the starting line-up over Gary Cahill. The African cup of Nations saw Yaya Toure and new signing Wilfred Bony out on international duty. The big talking point was Chelsea legend Frank Lampard returning to Stamford Bridge, a stadium where he spent 13 years of his career. After scoring in the reverse fixture, many waited to see whether he would once again break Chelsea hearts. Manchester City started with intent. Straight from the kick off, City showed their attacking prowess as a powerful run from Jesus Navas allowed him test Courtois within first few seconds. Careless defending from Ivanovic allowed Fernandinho to snatch the ball just outside the box He whipped it in through a dangerous area but, it was Azpilicueta who provided the last touch to prevent a City opener. There was an element of caution as both teams were desperate not to concede the opening goal. Yet a mix up between Zouma and Ivanovic meant Milner was able to pounce on the loose ball and play it in to Aguero. Cour- tois came to the rescue, as he has done so often, and parry the ball out of his box. Five minutes from half time, Chelsea showed danger on the counter-attack. Remy, collecting the ball in his own half, drove at the city defence and started a great team goal. Ivanovic was able to drift the ball into Hazard who knocked the ball into the path of Remy. The Frenchman knocked it in from four yards and broke the deadlock. Just a few minutes later, City scored the equaliser. A ball played down the wing allowed Navas to whip it through the six yard box. Courtois mistimed the punch and the rare mistake caused the ball falling perfectly to Aguero. The Argentine shot past the stumbling goalkeeper for David Silva to divert the ball into the net. City continued to test the Chelsea goal in the second half. It was Navas again who was lofted the ball into the box. Fernandinho managed to get on the end and head into the ground. An awkward bounce forced Courtois to tip it over for a corner. 13 minutes from time, the moment Chelsea fans had dreaded transpired. Frank Lampard took his place on the field against his old team mates. The closing stages of the match saw Chelsea pushed against the ropes as City launched wave after wave of attacks. The defensive substitutions from Mourinho suggested he was content with a point. Manchester City had the chance to steal all three points at the death when Silva weaved in and out and slot the ball into Milner who could only to hit it wide of the post. Finally, the whistle blew and Chelsea’s lead remained at five points. Manchester City fans will feel indignant as, especially in the second half, they dominated the game. They looked strong in attack with notable performances from Jesus Navas and Man of the Match James Milner. Chelsea ended up defending deep and tight by the end making matters difficult for the City. Chelsea struggled to create any chances after their opening goal. Their mid-week extra-time match against Liver- pool looked to have had an effect as fatigue looked present in the closing moments. It was clear they were missing influential players in Costa and especially Fabregas. The Chelsea attack lost a creative edge that the Span- iard usually brings. Ultimately, the point looks to be more valuable to Chelsea as the breathing space is preserved. With City pos- sessing the more challenging fixtures, Chelsea will look to power on in their charge for the title. However, with 45 points still to play for, City’s hopes of retaining the title are still, very much a reality.

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2014/15 Season

Arsenal’s 5 goal rout Sam Taylor Looking at the two teams it could be argued that on form so far this season, the game had already been decided. By the end of the ninety minutes this was certainly the case. Villa were humbled in a game in which they struggled to stamp any sort of authority and Arsenal dominated form the off. However Villa did start relatively positively by pressing high up the field and attempting to put pressure on Arsenal in their defensive areas. However this tactic was scuppered within the first 8 minutes as Giroud broke through the Villa defence, stuttering before providing a classy finish past Brad Guzan. The goal had two great touches, firstly by Ozil to play the ball though and secondly by Giroud whose first touch allowed him to run through the high defensive line set by Clark and Okore. Aston Villa huffed and puffed without success and at times lacked an under Aston Villa huffed and puffed without success and at times lacked an under- standing between defence and midfield. The midfield and attackers continued to press high, leaving gaps between the back four and midfield in which Arse- nal continually exploited through their attacking quartet of Giroud, Cazorla, Walcott and Ozil. Arsenal should have added to the score line before the second half but failed to turn their domination into anything tangible, with Villa not believing their luck as they went into the second half only being one goal down.

The second half continued in the same light as the first and this time it was Giroud who turned provider for Ozil to seal Villa’s fait 11 minutes in with an accurate bottom corner finish after Richard- son miss placed pass. This set the tone for the second half with Arsenal undoubtedly playing well but with Villa creating a lot of their own problems. Cazorla orchestrated all that was good about Arsenal and at times it looked like men against boys. Arsenals quick passing and creativity resulted in Villa being overrun and al- quick passing and creativity resulted in Villa being overrun and al though having a decent defensive record this year, they were unable to control the flood of Arsenals attacks. Shortly after the second came the third with Walcott providing a smart finish as Ar- senal caught Villa on the break. Failing to follow their assigned men, Walcott arrived alone on the edge of the box and finished with an Henry esque strike. Arsenals fourth summed up Villa’s day as substitute Akpom was brought down by Guzan after more midfield frailty and a failure to keep the ball. Cazorla opted to go down the middle with his effort, as Guzan stood and parried the ball home. The final nail in the coffin came in the games last few moments with Bellerin, who is fast becoming an established premier league right back, applying a deft finish past the disgruntled American keeper. The gunners dominated the game and found little resistance from Villa who have struggled more than anyone else this year to score goals on a consistent basis. Villas best chance came when Wei- mann miss timed his header from three yards out. New signing Gil de Pareja Vincent did provide glimpses of inspiration and looks to be a very good bit of business by Paul Lambert who is struggling to kick his side into gear. New loan signing Scott Sinclair made an appearance and fans will be hoping that his form can be reinvigo- appearance and fans will be hoping that his form can be reinvigo rated with a run of games as he searches to be the player that he once was. Wenger on the other hand has a team that on its day can compete with the best and play with a flair and arrogance synonymous with Arsenal teams of old. However they still lack a grit and determination that other teams in the top four have and still go through phases of showing defensive fragilities. Still in the Champion’s league and into the fifth round of the FA cup they do have a chance of having a relatively successful season. To reach the quarter final of the Champions league, secure a top four finish and win the FA Cup would undoubtedly provide the Gunners with this. As for Villa they are still in a state of flux. Chairmen Randy Lerner is still to decide if he really wants to be there which is causing fans to become disillusioned with the regime and with this in the shad- ows it’s difficult to pin point exactly Lambert can do more of to take the pressure off. Today’s performance certainly won’t help and will arguably only add to the very real possibility of finishing in the bottom three and potential relegation.

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2014/15 Season

Shelvey shocks the saints

Southampton: Forster, Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Reed (62’), S. Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Elia (90’), Pellè. Subs: Mané (62’), Seager (90’) Swansea: Fabianski, Naughton (81’), Fernandez, Ashley Williams, Taylor, Fulton, Carroll, Shelvey, Dyer, Emnes (16’), Gomis. Subs: Barrow (16’, 90’), Angél Rangél (81’), Amat (90’) Jonjo Shelvey’s fabulous long-range strike stunned a dominant Southampton at the St. Mary’s, on Sunday afternoon. The Saints were the better team, dominated the match but only have themselves to blame for a loss that meant losing the 3rd place to Man United. Their coach, Ronald Koeman, voiced his team’s frustration after what he considered to be a “lucky win” by the Swans. Gary Monk hailed the “tactical victory” from his players, in what was only Swansea’s third away win this season. The Swans didn’t impress but without Gylfi Sigurdsson, suspended, and Ki Sung Yueng, away on international duty, the midfield isn’t the same and the team can’t maintain possession. Gary Monk would still lose Dutch winger, Martin Emnes, to injury only 16 minutes into the first half and Gomis still can’t fill the void left by Bony. Gary Monk will be ecstatic, considering the circumstances, to be taking all three points back to South Wales. Southampton will have to be frustrated with their own inability to win the match. Ronald Koeman’s men were in complete control but always lacked clairvoyance and class in the final third to convert their possession into goals. Pellè had an off day and Ward-Prowse lacked killer instinct in front of goal. Six minutes into the first half Ward-Prowse connected with Nathaniel Clyne’s cross and was denied by Fabianski. This would be the only serious goal opportunity created by the Saints in the first half with Swansea managing to soak up all the pressure with Ashley Williams and Fernandez impeccable in the air. Swansea didn’t allow space in front of their back four and Southampton had to resort to mostly predictable and ineffective crosses, with Clyne and Bertrand playing almost like wingers. For a 10 minute spell between the 22th and 31st minute, Southampton had 86% possession, finishing the first half with 67%. At half time the St. Mary’s had to be confident that the goal would come in the second half. The dominance was clear and it was only a matter of time. Swansea was harmless, managing only 1 shot during the entire first half, and seemed happy with the point. Ronald Koeman committed men forward looking to suffo- happy with the point. Ronald Koeman committed men forward looking to suffo cate Swansea’s defence and ended up allowing too much space behind his midfield to be explored, on the break, by Barrow, Shelvey and Gomis.

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Twelve minutes into the second half, Jonjo Shelvey left a warning hitting the post from about 30 yards out, with a lot of space and freedom to run past the Swansea midfield and prepare the shot. Ward-Prowse responded with a dangerous header inside the box and a long-range strike, but well denied by Fabi- anski. Ronald Koeman then decided to take Reed out for Mané, inverting the midfield triangle and pairing Ward-Prowse and Mané in front of an unprotected Davis. Barrow would explore that space and win a free-kick, close to the box, wasted by Shelvey. The same pair, eight minutes before the end of the match, would stun and quiet the St. Mary’s, with Shelvey receiving the ball from Barrow with acres of space and time to get it out of the way of the defender and unleash a powerful shot, from 25 yards out that would only stop in the back of the net. An unstoppable strike for Fraser Forster and a great moment for the ex-Liverpool midfielder, scoring only his second goal of season. A goal against the run of play but credit has to be given to Gary Monk’s men for their defensive effort and efficiency in front of goal. On the other side, desperation started to kick in among Southampton’s fans, players and coach when Sadio Mané beat the keeper Fabianski but was twice denied, off the line, by the man of the match Ashley Williams. First heading it away back to Mané, who struck it again but found Williams’ right foot. Two minutes later Bertrand would show his frustration with a harsh foul that would injure Barrow, and earn him an undisputable straight red card from the referee Mi- chael Oliver, leaving Southampton with ten men for the final minutes. Three minutes into extra-time, Graziano Pellè would still have the last opportunity of the match, connecting on a volley, inside the box, that went wild over the bar. It just wasn’t meant to be! The Saints will now travel to London to face QPR on Saturday at 15.00, before hosting West Ham on Wednesday, at the St. Mary’s. Two matches they will have to win if a Top Four finish is still Southampton’s objective for the season. The Saints fell to 4th place, with the same points as Arsenal but a better goal difference, and Swansea, with the unexpected win, climbed up to 9th on the table, hosting Sunderland next, on Saturday, at 15.00.

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Miguel Vasconcelos

2014/15 Â Season

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2014/15 Season

Are the gunners a one man team?

Times are hard in North London. It has taken Arsenal until the end of January to bolster an unacceptably weak defence. They are still searching for a world class goalkeeper and, while Francis Coquelin proved his credentials against Manchester City, they are still searching for a replacement for Gilberto Silva;; a solid holding midfielder. As Chelsea were busy acquiring Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic in 2014, the Gunners snapped up a player many believed they did not need. His name? Alexis Sanchez. Since arriving at The Emirates in the summer, Sanchez has quickly established himself as one of the league’s best players. A true world class player of the like Arsenal fans have not seen since Thierry Henry. But with the signing of Gabriel Paulista last week and the emergence of Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, Arsenal may well be on the rise again. The dominant 2-0 win at the Etihad proved Arsene Wenger’s men can mix it with the best. But their league position this season has not reflected their class. The arrival of Danny Welbeck and Sanchez means they have options going forward, and signing Paulista means - finally - some cover at the back. But where would they be without their talismanic live wire this term? As with Luis Suarez and Liverpool last year, critics have derided the Gunners as a one-man team. The number-crunchers have churned out hypothetical league tables “without Sanchez” - as if football works like that. Sanchez is a hugely talented individual, but his work rate and commitment to the team makes him of the Premier League’s best. He thrives of his team-mates. Santi Cazorla plays him the killer pass. Welbeck makes a run, peeling off the defenders. Debuchy overlaps, creating space for the Chilean. Sanchez is a perfect fit at Arsenal because he is fast and incisive, but also because his teammates bounce off him. Brendan Rodgers must be cursing his luck, after the Liverpool manager almost secured his signing in the summer. The former-Barcelona man is now as influential to the Gunners as Suarez was for the Reds. last term. Wenger can only hope his £35m purchase can inspire a run of form, akin to the one Liverpool enjoyed in the early part of 2014. The question of a “one-man team” emerges in the Premier League most years. Whether it be Totten The question of a “one-man team” emerges in the Premier League most years. Whether it be Totten- ham with Gareth Bale (and now Christian Eriksen) or City with Sergio Aguero, there will always be in- dividuals who motivate players around them with awe-inspiring performances. Largely, it is a redun- dant question, because great teams always have stand-out players;; rarely is there a “complete team”. Even Pep Guardiola’s selfless tiki-taka Barcelona team of the late 2000s were spearheaded by the ubiquitous Lionel Messi.

It appears the pinnacle of Arsenal’s achievements this season will be to finish in a Champions League place, with perhaps the reten- tion of 2014’s FA Cup triumph, but if they are even to realise these meagre ambitions Sanchez will be crucial. Yet with the return of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott from long term lay-offs they may not be as reliant on “Alexis”, as he is named on his shirt. When Ozil is on-form his passing is as precise and his left foot as glorious as anyone in world football. The German can bedazzle the best of back-fours just as well as Sanchez. Walcott’s pace and the craft of Cazorla will open up wide spaces for the finishers: Welbeck and Olivier Giroud who both have shown an eye for goal this season. Few would question the quality of the Gunners’ frontline. But they have brittle bones, shown in the away defeats at Stoke, Swansea and Southampton and the baffling home defeat to Manchester United. In that opening half hour against United, Wenger’s team put Van Gaal’s side to the sword, yet somehow missed the goal repeatedly, going on to lose limply 2-1, beaten on the break. All too often since the departure of Gilberto and former-captain Patrick Vieira, have Arsenal been exposed in this way. So while Sanchez is a shining light, the onus is on the midfield and defence to prove they have the strength to support the forwards. If they can, the stage is set for Sanchez and co to wreak havoc in opposition back-lines. One man team? No chance.

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2014/15 Season

Have imports ruined english national football? Has the influx of foreigners to the Premier League contributed to the lack of success of our national team?

The future doesn't look bright either as only 4.5% of players who started the opening games of the season were English and under 21...just 10 players! Taking these statistics at face value, it should sup- The nation was left in despair when the underachiev- The nation was left in despair when the underachiev port the argument that the Premier League is causing national team returned home early from a major ing the national team's suffering in major competi- competition once again at last summer's World Cup in tions. Brazil. Since then, the post-mortem of a number of fans has concluded that the Premier League should However, the England team is actually gradually im- be blamed for England's inferior performance. proving! Between that unforgettable year of 1966 and the introduction of the Premier League, Eng- There is no doubt that the number of homegrown land's win rate in qualifiers was 75.6% compared to players in our top division has dwindled since the 77.7% since 1992. It could be argued that this is influx of foreigners have been tempted across to the due to a rise in minnow nations playing in qualifiers, English game since the Premier League was intro- but our number of wins has also improved In major duced in 1992. In the top flight's debut season, 73.1% competitions. Before the Premier League, England (177 players) who started the opening round of fix- won 12 games from 32 and in the same number of tures were English. This figure gradually dropped and games since 1992 we have won 13. The flip side of in 1996, England's last reasonable success at a major the argument is that the growing influx of foreigners tournament, the figure was at 67.7% (149 players). In could be raising the standard of our English players the years that have passed since the day the Ger- by providing increasing competition for their places. man's knocked us out of the semi-finals on penalties, Quality more than quantity is the underlying factor in the number of homegrown players starting the first this argument. game of the season has alarmingly dropped to 34.1%, a figure that represents just 75 players from the 20 top So if we can't specifically point the finger of blame at flight teams. In comparison, the other four 'big the Premier League, where else could we look? The leagues' in Europe have a much larger figure with the national team and professional teams in this country La Liga in Spain comprising of 62.3% (137 players), could find that the problem runs deeper than their France's Ligue 1 55.9% (123), Italy's Serie A 50% matchday squads. (110) and Germany's Bundesliga 43.9% (87). Per- haps just as concerning is the fact that there are very little international level English players playing abroad.

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At the turn of the millennium, the current World Cham- pions were really struggling to find and develop young talent. It was in 2003 that they introduced their DFB development programme that has witnessed the likes of Gotze, Ozil, Kroos, Hummels and many more develop. The aim of the system is to identify talented players and provide them with technical skills and tactical knowledge between the ages of 8 and 14. These ideas are overseen by around 1000 coaches in 366 areas who are also entrusted with scouting for players. In fact, Germany can boast over 35,000 coaches who are qualified at UEFA B and above compared to England's 3,000. In our country, the FA relies on clubs to develop their players rather than having a system in place like the DFB. To conclude, perhaps English football needs to look outside of the box rather than solely blaming the Pre- mier League for the lack of national team success. It seems the perfect time for the FA to introduce a new development system like the DFB did in 2003. We in- vented the game, but have we forgotten how to teach it?

Callum Lincoln

2014/15 Season

The 5 dirtiest ever premier league footballers

Yemi Abiade

Despite being a breath taking and highly entertaining spectacle week in week out, the Premier League hasn’t been without its fair share of foul play. Diego Costa’s recent antics in Chelsea’s League Cup semi-final defeat of Liverpool (including a stamp on Emre Can and squaring up to Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson and Martin Skrtel) have once again shone a negative light on the striker and he has been handed a three-match ban, a sign that he will no longer get away with the many offences he has committed since his move to the West London club. But the Spaniard has a long way to go before dining with the big boys in the dirty department. Whether for rash challenges, an exorbitant number of bookings or generally bad attitudes, the Premier League has bore witness to some of the nastiest footballers to ever play the game. Their crimes range from ending careers, fighting teammates and time in jail. Many could have made this list but here is a selection of some of the worst (or best) in the dark arts:

Roy Keane Arguably the pioneer of foul play in the Premier League era, legendary Man Arguably the pioneer of foul play in the Premier League era, legendary Man- chester United midfielder Roy Keane has seen it all. The Irishman’s no- nonsense approach on the pitch, while generating acclaim from fans and players alike, did expose an angry side to Keane’s game, his persistent rivalry with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira perhaps one of the most iconic rivalries in the history of football. His dirtiness reached unimaginable heights in 2001 when an extremely horrible tackle on Alfe Inge Haaland ended in a career-ending knee injury. Keane admitted last October that he does not regret making the tackle, a testament to his consistently unapologetic nature, something that made him such a tour de force in his playing career.

Roy Keane

Vinnie Jones

He was English football’s modern day hard man, a persona that helped launch a successful Hollywood acting career after he retired from the game. But in his day Vinnie Jones was known for his dirty style of play. Long before the Premier League started Jones was at it, his infamous grabbing of Paul Gascoigne’s nether regions in 1988 the clearest sign of how far he would go. In the Premier League era, the Wim- bledon captain, with tackles as reckless as some of his haircuts, was sent off on six different occasions, receiving 12 red cards throughout his career, and still holds the record for fastest dismissal in English football history, after only three seconds. Add a £20,000 fine and six-month ban for presenting the notorious Soccer’s Hard Men in 1992, and we have an enigma whose toughness has yet to be replicated, and prob- ably never will.

Lee Bowyer Another uniquely dirty player whose dark arts extended far beyond logic. The former Leeds, West Ham and Newcastle midfielder earned his reputation as a physical midfielder during his spell at Leeds with his tough tackles, earning 99 yellow cards throughout his career. But in 2005, Bowyer hit the headlines for a violent brawl with Newcastle teammate Kieron Dyer during the visit of Aston Villa, a unique incident that best highlights the volatile character of the man.

Lee Bowyer

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2014/15 Season

The 5 dirtiest ever premier league footballers

Yemi Abiade

Ben Thatcher It really is a shame when a footballer is known more for a particular nasty inci It really is a shame when a footballer is known more for a particular nasty incident than his ability. But in the case of Ben Thatcher this is fully warranted. Back in 2006, the former Manchester City left-back achieved infamy for a hei- nous elbow to the temple of Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes, rendering him unconscious and sending the Portuguese to the hospital. Thatcher was not sent off during the match but was later investigated by the FA and Greater Manchester Police. The multiple enquiries resulted in an eight match ban and a six week wages fine for the Welshman and this incident alone places Thatcher among the worst disciplined in Premier League history.

Ben Thatcher

Joey Barton One of the most unstable characters to ever play in the Premier League, Joey Barton has a rap sheet longer than Peter Crouch on his tiptoes. In addition to receiving frequent red cards and suspensions throughout his career, the QPR midfielder has also demonstrated his violent side off the pitch. Barton has been arrested on suspicion of assault, criminal damage and in 2004, was substantially fined for stub- bing out a cigarette in youth team player Jamie Tandy’s eye. In 2007 he served a ban for brutally assaulting Manchester City teammate Ousmane Dabo, an offence for which he also spent time in prison. Unpredictable doesn’t begin to describe him.

Joey Barton

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2014/15 Season

Who are the Premier League’s best goalscorers?

Nathan Cornick

Van Persie, Rooney, Falco, Costa and Aguero. The Premier League boasts some of the top strikers in the world. Here is a look at the top five forwards this season. Who has made the cut?

5. Graziano Pelle may not be the household name like other strikers in the league but the 29 year old has become an integral cog in a successful Southampton side. The Ital- ian has netted eight goals in his debut season all of which have come from inside the box resulting in his first call up to the Italian squad. However, it is not just the goals that have caught the eye of his national team manager. A large proportion of Southampton’s attacking play goes through the Italian as he is able to hold the ball up and bring others into the action. Furthermore, he demonstrates good movement to receive the ball short and sound technical ability for a big man as well as playing a pivotal role in the Saint’s pressing game when attempting to regain possession. If Southamp- ton are to qualify for the Champions League the man signed from Feyenoord will be a key component in achieving that goal.

4. Charlie Austin’s goals are the only reason QPR still have a chance of staying up come May. The 25 year old has been a breath of fresh air this season and having done his time in the lower leagues has taken the Premier League by the scruff of the neck and had a real go. This is backed up by his willingness to roll up his sleeves and put a shift in resulting in thirteen goals making him the highest scoring English player. There is no surprise that bigger clubs are eyeing up the man from the south cost. The former Burnley forward may not be the most fashionable choice but with his pace, power, directness, work rate and determination he has become a handful for any back four and may fire QPR to safety.

3. Wayne Rooney may not be everyone’s cup of tea but with eight goals and four assists he has a major influence on a mediocre Manchester United side. At 29, he may not have become the world class talent we had once hoped for in the same mould as Ronaldo or Messi. However, after being named England’s player of 2014 and closing in on Bobby Charlton’s record of forty nine international goals, maybe it is time to appreciate what he can do. Wazza, as he is known, is technically the greatest the English player of his generation and has become an increasing driving force for Manchester United since being named captain by Louis Van Gaal. He demonstrates a broad range of passing, exceptional vision, clever movement, finishing inside or outside the box and always gives everything for the team even sometimes at the detriment to his own performance. Rooney’s importance has been further highlighted by his ability to play in a variety of positions, including central midfield this season. With his versatility, passion and determination to succeed there is no wonder United were so keen to retain his services.

2. Sergio Aguero’s performances at times this season have been breathtaking as fans watch in awe as he darts skilfully and elegantly past a defender to then caress the ball into the net. He may not be the clinical finisher like Diego Costa or great in the air but he is arguably the most entertaining striker in the premier league or possibly the world. The Argentine has an abundance of pace, skill and an ability to turn on a fifty pence piece to get a shot away. Once away from his marker he is rarely caught. The 26 year is one of the reasons why Man City are still within touching distance of the Chelsea power house with fourteen goals in seventeen appearances.

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2014/15 Season

Who are the Premier League’s best goalscorers?

Nathan Cornick

1. Diego Costa has been a revelation since his thirty two million pound summer move from Atletico Madrid. His seventeen goals in just nineteen appearances have propelled Chelsea to the summit of the English game. Yes, we can all moan about his poor temperament, stamping on other players and the tunnel fall outs but he has an arrogance that only the best strikers have to stay at the top. This is coupled with strength, power, speed and stamina. He can play with his back to goal, he can get behind defences, he can head the ball and the 26 year old is happy to get his hands dirty by doing the ugly parts of the game. Combine all of this with great movement, clinical finishing, excellent technical ability and a good reading of the game, explains why Chelsea are a more complete package compared to last season.

Strikers who just missed out Wilfred Bony (Man City) Harry Kane (Tottenham) Injured players who may have made the list Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) Jay Rodriguez (Southampton)

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Top 5 Young Strikers in the Premier League 2014/15 1. Harry Kane (Tottenham) 2. Sergio Berahino (West Brom) 3. Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 4. Danny Ings (Burnley) 5. Connor Wickham (Sunderland)

2014/15 Season

The Under-Rated Man Alan Pardew departing Newcastle for Crystal Palace raised a few eyebrows to say the least. Numerous stories popped up in the media surrounding the reason why he left Newcastle. Could it have been that he knew something about Mike Ashley selling up to go with Glasgow Rangers? It is more likely he wanted the opportunity to manage the team he was successful with as a player. Pardew has a big task on his hands and that is to keep Palace in the Premiership. Is he up to the task? He has managed to win promotions with Reading and West Ham, he was the Manager of the Year in the 2011/12 season. He has had experience in Europe with Newcastle in a fine season finishing above Liver- pool, Everton and Chelsea. Looking at those facts you would think he has the experience and managerial skills to do a great job at Crystal Palace but, he only has a 37% win record in 232 Premiership matches. The fiery ex-Magpies boss has quickly as- serted his intentions at Palace, saying on arrival that he hoped he could help “create some exciting new history for the club”. His history with the Eagles clearly contributes to the passionate outlook he has about their future, and the desire has so far proved an inspiration to his side as they climb up the league table. At the moment, Crystal Palace are sitting in a now respectable 13th place in the league table. The battle at the bottom half of the table is as tight as ever. Palace are only 4 points clear of the relegation zone. Only narrowly being beaten by Everton is seen as a respectable result for the Eagles. Alan Pardew has never had the fans respect as high as they are right now for him but, he knows that can change in an instant. One big upset and he can lose a lot of support from fans. Palace have a busy month ahead of them in February facing Leicester, Newcastle,

Were the first four games pure luck or is Pardew the perfect manager for the Eagles? Teams such as QPR, Leicester, Aston Villa and Hull going through a bad patch are allowing Crystal Palace to start pulling away from relegation. The young talent that are at this club gives Pardew plenty to build on and improve. Lately, Pardew has been pleased with Zaha. Having a shaky time at Manchester United he is starting to prove himself again at Palace. The arrival of Sanogo on loan is a massive boost to the Eagles for the remainder of the season. After his debut at Burnley he managed to grab a goal in the 3-2 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup. Will Pardew and Palace stay in the Premiership after this season is the main question. As long as the likes of Zaha and Sanogo perform consistently then Crystal Palace will have nothing to worry about at the end of the season. All you need to do is look at Aston Villa, they are having an incredibly difficult time to find the back of the net in their matches. The Eagles managed to capture the signature of Pape Souare from Lille. He has managed to help Lille win the league and cup double so, he knows what it takes to win. He will bring a lot of pace on the left wing once he returns from the Africa Cup of Nations with Sen- egal. My own prediction at the end of the season will be that Alan Pardew and the Eagles will finish above the relegation zone but, will be very tight. Possibly down to the last game of the season.

Scott Mcleod

Liverpool/Bolton in the FA cup, Arsenal and West Ham. Pardew’s first four games ended in victories until the 1-0 defeat to Everton.

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Betting Tips This seasons profit: + £191.60

ou Bournem Chelsea y Man Cit ed Man Unit in All to w 5.87/1 20 00

Derby Liverpoo l Middles borough Norwich All to w in 5.72/1 20 00

Bournemou Derby Chelsea Liverpool Man City Middlesborou gh Man United Norwich

All to win 44.07/1

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Sergio Aguero Raheem Sterling Falcao All to score first 151/1 2 00

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2014/15 Season

Spurs vs Arsenal In one of the most ferocious local derbies the Premier League has to offer, Tottenham v Arsenal is a fixture that is eagerly anticipated by both sets of supporters. The battle to gain the bragging rights of North London takes centre stage at White Hart Lane on Saturday 7th February, with Arsenal sitting one place above Spurs in 5th place, and separated by just two points. Both are applying strong pressure on the teams occupying the Champions League places, and a win could be crucial in the quest of securing European qualification. The first meeting between Tottenham and Arsenal this season took place at the Emir- ates Stadium on September 27th with the teams sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Arse- nal dominated for long periods, but it was Spurs who went in front through Nacer Chadli’s 56th minute strike. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rescued a point for the gunners by converting with 16 minutes remaining, but a resilient Spurs held on, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in fine form for the visitors. Spurs marginally lost both North London derby meetings last season, with both finishing 1-0. The Emirates fixture was decided by a close range finish from French striker Oliver Giroud in the 23rd minute, whilst the encounter at White Hart Lane saw Tomas Rosicky hit a screamer inside the first couple of minutes. Since 2002, the teams have met each other in the Premier League on 25 occasions, Spurs winning just 4, Arsenal winning 12, and 9 draws. Arsenal haven’t failed to score in the league at White Hart Lane since February 2009. Remarkably, in history of all Premier League fixtures, Tot- tenham v Arsenal encounters have produced the most goals, seeing 128 in 45 matches. That’s an average of 2.84 goals per game. Both clubs share an identical record over the course of their last 8 league games, notching up 19 points from a possible 24. That makes them the top 2 sides based on the current form table, and makes any prediction for this mouth-watering encounter a difficult one.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino goes in to the North London derby with a full strength squad to choose from, aided by the timely return of Algerian midfielder Nabil Bentaleb following Algeria’s elimination from the African Nations. Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby, Ma- thieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta will play no part due to injury, however, Arsene Wenger will be hoping Alexis Sanchez has fully recovered from a hamstring problem. It will be touch and go whether or not Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can shake off a groin/pelvis injury, with a fitness test looking the most likely scenario.

In 179 meetings between the pair, Arsenal have won 77 (42%), with Spurs triumphing in 54 (30%) and 48 stalemates (28%). Perhaps the most telling fact is that the gunners have finished above Tottenham in the table 19 times out of 21 in the history of the Pre- mier League. After bitterly disappointing home defeats earlier in the season against the likes of Newcastle, Stoke and West Brom, Spurs have recovered their home record and made White Hart Lane a difficult place to come. The lilywhites go in to the game on a strong run of form, and confidence is sky high after securing a place in the League Cup final against Chelsea on March 1st. Arsenal have score 2 goals per game in 4 of the last Premier League away games, but also conceded in 4 of the last 5. The presence of Francis Coquelin has tightened the Arsenal defence over recent weeks, but they do leak goals. Spurs concede plenty themselves, but they have goal-scorers throughput the team. This is set up to be an enthralling contest, and just as history suggests, you should expect plenty of goals.

Harry Kane has been a revelation for the lilywhites this season, scoring 20 goals over- My prediction: I think both teams will score, but I fancy Tottenham to win here…….just. all, and Spurs will hope his form continues as they seek Champions League football. They love a 2-1, and for that reason I am going to go Tottenham Hotspur 2 Arsenal 1. The 21 year old English striker has become a huge fans favourite at White Hart Lane as he is a local lad, and offers phenomenal work rate. He bagged a brace against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns last weekend, and goes in to the Arsenal fixture full of confidence. Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen is really starting to show his class of late, contributing 9 goals and 2 assists this term. Eriksen has won more points for his team than any other Premier League player. He is becoming a regular nuisance, net- team than any other Premier League player. He is becoming a regular nuisance, net ting winning goals on 3 separate occasions during the last ten minutes of play.

Tom Regan

Alexis Sanchez has been in sparkling form this campaign with 12 goals and 7 assists. The Chilean attacker has been one of the most exciting players to watch due to his sublime skills and a tireless work ethic. Should Sanchez start on Saturday, Spurs will view him as a key danger man, and will look to the likes of Benjamin Stambouli and Ryan Mason to nullify his attacking threat. Spaniard Santi Cazorla has been outstanding of late, popping up with 3 assists and 2 goals in his last 2 league games. His confidence is sky high, and he will be looking to inflict further damage against bitter rivals Tottenham this weekend.

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2014/15 Season

CREDITS Editor Arun Gray

Swansea vs Sunderland Matthew Hartley This weekends clash between Swansea and Sunderland has all the makings of a classic affair as both sides recorded much-needed wins last week. Sun- derland took all three points at home to Burnley as they saw off the Lan- cashire based club 2-0. Meanwhile, Swansea recorded an impressive 1-0 away victory at Southampton as they try to keep continental football at the Liberty Stadium. Sunderland and Swansea fans alike will be hoping for a more entertaining game than they saw earlier in the season from these two sides. A dull 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light back in September was a game to forget with Angel Rangel’s red card late on being the only talking point from that game. Gary Monk has since seen his side settle in mid-table with 33 points to their name whilst Gus Poyet is overseeing Sunderland’s fight against relegation as his side sit just 4 points above the relegation zone with 15 games left of the season. The home side started this season brilliantly winning their first four games of the season. Despite their blistering start to the season the Swans now sit in 9th but are still well in reach of a Europa league spot. Gary Monk certainly has his work cut out in the closing stages of this season as he saw his side lose top scorer Wilfred Bony to champions Manchester City earlier this transfer window. Many will feel that the money made from the transfer should have been spent on a prolific striker but instead the young manager has fo- cused on other areas of his squad. Bafetimbi Gomis could be key to Swansea’s success in the coming months as Gary Monk looks to the striker to fill the void left by Wilfred Bony’s departure to Manchester City. Gomis looked almost certain to leave this January after publically admitting he felt Monk had ‘betrayed promises’ as Bony was often picked ahead of the French forward. With Bony leaving for the champions and a shortage of fit strikers available for Swansea, with Marvin Emnes picking up an injury early in last week’s win over Southampton Gomis has the perfect platform to prove his worth to the Welsh side.

Sunderland sit in 14th place just 4 points above the relegation zone coming into this weekend’s fixture but will be hoping they can put some distance between them and the dreaded trap door with just a third win on the road this season at the Liberty Stadium. Gus Poyet will be relatively disappointed with his side this season as they have once again struggled to find any sort of form this term. A lack of goals being their main problem in the past few seasons with key man Steven Fletcher not reaching the heights he was billed to. Black Cats January signing Jermaine Defoe will be in the spotlight again after scoring his first goal for Sunderland last weekend. Defoe tucked his 125th Premier League goal away in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Burnley. With one of the lowest amount of goals in the league they will be dependent on the former England marksman to grab some vital goals in the run up to the end of the season. Poyet could have a slight headache with team selection for this game as Connor Wickham grabbed his 4th goal of the season last week against Burn- ley which will put him in contention to start ahead of Steven Fletcher alongside key man Jermaine Defoe. Jack Rodwell will be available for the Black Cats as he returns from his one game ban after receiving 5 yellow cards and could be in contention to go straight back into the starting line up for the trip to Swan- sea at the weekend. Prediction - Swansea 2-1 Sunderland There are no clear favourites going into this tie with both sides winning last weekend confidence in both camps should be high. There is a potential for goals in this game with Jermaine Defoe finding his feet in the Premier League once again as he opened his account for Sunderland last weekend. Gomis will also be keen to get on the score sheet as he looks to impress and prove his worth to the home fans this weekend. With Sunderland only winning 2 games on the road all season and the Swans having won 6 at home this season there is a slight edge for the home side in this clash but as fans of the Premier League we all know that this tie could go either way as form goes out of the window in the Premier League.

Swansea will once again be without summer signing Gylfi Sigurdsson as he serves the second game of his three game ban following his dismissal against Blackburn in their the Swans 3-1 FA cup loss at Ewood Park. With 4 goals and 8 assists this campaign, the Icelandic playmaker will definitely be missed in this affair. New signing Jack Cork could make his debut for the club following his move from Southampton earlier this week. Cork had struggled to hold a starting place down at St Mary’s under Ronald Koeman and will be hoping to cement his place in the Swansea team in the coming weeks. Swansea will hope Cork can sure up their midfield and provide some cover for the defence in the coming games as the Welsh side look to bring continental football back to the Liberty next season.

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Contributors Thom Soutter Kris Bramwell Jonthan Morris Rob Howard Chris Lincoln Philip McClennan Dimitri Kondonis Jay Mullen Scott Mcleod Miguel Vasconcelos Sam Taylor Yemi Abiade David Drake Nathan Cornick Duncan Almond Matthew Brown Benjamin Allwright Dominic Booth Iain McCulley Laura Hamill Callum Wiggins Arif Ahmed Danial Kennedy Ben Horlock Tom Regan Matthew Hartley

2014/15 Season

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Ben Horlock Team News Aston Villa have no new injury doubts after their 5-0 mauling at the hands of Arsenal on Sunday. New loan signing Scott Sinclair is expected to make his home debut after a cameo appearance at the Emirates last weekend. Gabriel Agbonlahor – who started on the bench at Arsenal – will be pushing hard for a place in the starting XI. Carles Gil will be jostling with Agbonlahor to play alongside Fabian Delph and Andreas Wei- mann. Lambert will make a decision later in the week whether to opt for the sheer pace of the Englishman to try and unsettle Chelsea’s rock solid defence. The visitors travel north after their 1-1 draw with reigning champions Manchester City on Satur- day evening. They will be without top marksman Diego Costa who misses the second game of his three match ban and Cesc Fabregas remains a major doubt with a hamstring injury.

Chelsea travel to Birmingham off the back of a 1-1 draw against Manchester City – a result which would have thoroughly pleased Jose Mourinho. The Blues have a five point lead at the top of the table and they will look to exercise their right as champions elect.

Mourinho will look to attack their hosts from the off and increase their unbeaten run to nine games. Loic Remy is expected to get the nod ahead of Didier Drogba after he scored the opener in Saturday night’s clash with City. The former QPR striker hasn’t seen much Premier League football in a Chelsea shirt and is expected to fill the void left by Costa. Ramires will have the enviable task of covering for Cesc Fabregas – if the Spain international does not recover in time. Expect Mourinho to attack Villa from the off and look to gain control of the game and stretch their hosts as much as possible. The Portuguese mastermind will be more than aware that Villa are in free fall at present and he will expect his side to pounce upon this. Prediction Aston Villa 1-3 Chelsea

Ramires is expected to start alongside Nemanja Matic if Fabregas doesn’t return in time. Kurt Zouma may get the nod ahead of Gary Cahill after the latter’s poor run of form of late.

Preview Aston Villa go toe-to-toe with Chelsea on Saturday with the Arsenal drubbing still fresh in mind. Six consecutive games without a goal and just three points above the drop zone does not provide pretty reading for the Villa faithful. Paul Lambert will be desperate for some vocal encouragement from the Holte End as Villa look to upset Chelsea for the second consecutive season – Fabian Delph’s late solo strike proving pivotal in the clash last season. The former Norwich gaffer will approach the game with caution, due to the nature of the opponents Villa are facing. In some respects, this can have a negative effect – especially when playing at home – so it would be highly recommended to attack their guests from the off. The misfiring Christian Benteke needs to rediscover his scoring touch if Villa are to have any realistic chance of claiming anything from the game. The Belgian international has been a shadow of his former self but if Lambert does decide to utilise the pace and wizardry of Sinclair and Agbonlahor – Chelsea can expect all sorts of problems from the attacking trio.

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2014/15 Season

qpr vs saints Team News Toby Alderweireld and Maya Yoshida will be assessed before Southampton's return to Barclays Premier League action against QPR on Saturday. The centre-backs have hamstring and ankle complaints, re The centre-backs have hamstring and ankle complaints, respectively, making them a doubt for Ronald Koeman's side this weekend. James Ward-Prowse has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a fractured foot, while Sadio Mané could make his Pre- mier League debut after impressing in Tuesday's Capital One Cup win at Arsenal. Meanwhile, Sandro's knee injury is less serious than first feared but the QPR midfielder is unlikely to return at South- ampton. The Brazilian appeared to injure his knee while celebrating a goal in training and was absent for last weekend's 2-2 draw against Stoke.

Match Notes It is unlikely that Southampton will end Saturday by leap- frogging Chelsea to the summit of the Premier League but, whatever their result here, there can be no denying the impressive start they have made under Ronald Koeman. This fixture will carry added incentive for home fans as two much-maligned former managers, Harry Redknapp and Glenn Hoddle will occupy the opposing dugout. Saints have conceded the fewest goals in the division, three, the same number that Rangers have scored. Stat of the game: QPR have played two away games and lost both without scoring while conceding eight goals. My prediction: QPR 1 - 2 Southampton

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Joey Barton and Jordon Mutch are both out with hamstring injuries while Niko Kranjcar is doubtful after picking up a knock against Stoke. Adel Taarabt has a sore ankle and is also unavailable.

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2014/15 Season

Man City vs hull City The bookies make Man City obvious massive favourites for this key clash at both ends of the Premier League. Taking into account the pedigree of the two sides, it should be relatively one sided. With Aguero back from injury and playing a huge part in the equalizer against Chelsea, will he bag again for the Sky Blues? Or will Steve Bruce’s men force an upset and do the Londoners a huge favour in the title race?

If previous meetings between the two sides are to suggest what is to come in this fixtures the Manchester City again look the strongest with 4 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss in their last 7 matches. With 29 points between them, its hard to disagree with the stats. Surely a banker for any betting slips!

City come into the game with ever increasing form following a “sticky patch” that questioned their title challenge. Hull however, seem to be doing the opposite. Their recent performance have put pressure on the gaffer and momentum at the club has hit a speed bump.

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Arun Gray

2014/15 Season

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Nigel Pearson’s struggling Leicester City will host Crystal Palace on Sat- urday. A mere six points separate the two sides - places 20th and 13th in the league respectively. If Leicester City can secure three points from this clash, they could manage to get out of the dreaded relegation zone. Leicester City were promoted to the Premier League for the 2014/15 season. It is no secret that newly promoted teams struggle with the added pressure of the Premier League, but Leicester did get off to a relatively good start this season. Drawing 2-2 in their opening game at home to Everton, followed by a 2-0 loss to a strong Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge. Leicester City recorded a 1-1 draw against Big Six side Arsenal, and re Leicester City recorded a 1-1 draw against Big Six side Arsenal, and recorded their first away win against Stoke. But their fifth game of the season saw one of the biggest turn arounds, and one of the most exciting games of the season thus far. After falling three goals behind Louis Van Gaal’s Manchester United at the King Power Stadium, Leicester City managed to score an incredible five goals to win the game. But since this emphatic win back in September, Wes Morgan and co. have struggled to find form in their new league. As it stands, Leicester City have recorded just three wins this season, and currently find themselves at the bottom of the table. Following the departure of Tony Pulis just before the start of the season, - the man who was named Premier League manager for the 2013/14 season - Neil Warnock was appointed Crystal Palace manager. This managerial stint was short lived, and Palace now have former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew in place. Palace themselves have not had the most formidable few months in the Premier League. Crystal Palace have recorded just one more win than their opponents, the Foxes. Palace managed one of their wins over Leicester back in September at Selhurst Park. Their 2-0 win was down to Frazier Campbell and one of the Eagles’ top goal scorers, Mile Jedinak. Since the New Year, Palace have drawn at Villa Park, and won their next two games under their new manager, Pardew. They beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at home, and secured a 3-2 away win at Turf Moor. Undoubtedly, Crystal Palace will be looking for a good run of games in order to widen their gap from the relegation zone and move further up the table.

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One player who has shone at Leicester City is their number 23, Leonardo Ulloa. The Argentine signed from Brighton and Hove Albion in July 2014, for £8 million - a club record. He scored on his debut against Everton and contributed to the win over Man- chester United. His last Premier League goal was against Spurs at the end of last year - so he needs to get his name on the scoresheet against Palace. Leicester City have added to their squad in the January transfer window - signing Andrej Kramatic from HNK Rijeka, where he scored 37 goals in 42 league games. The 23 year old striker plays for the Croatian national team, and broke the clubs transfer window with a fee of £9 million. Kramatic started against Manchester United, and will hope- fully start against Palace. Nigel Pearson has admitted it will be difficult to bring more players in due to their position in the Pre mier League table, but are hoping to sign Robert Huth from Stoke. All eyes are on Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, who is on loan from Manchester United. It is being reported that his loan deal will be made permanent before the close of the transfer window for around £6 million - a significant cut from the £15 million paid to bring Zaha to Old Trafford. No doubt he will be looking to get his name on the scoresheet, as he has just one goal to his name for this season. Also in the January transfer window, the Eagles

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2014/15 Season

The Merseyside derby Everton and Liverpool come head to head at Goodison Park on Saturday in the day’s late kick off. Both teams come into the Merseyside derby on the back of good wins. Everton ended a six-game winless run with a vital 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace, while Liverpool earned an impressive 2-0 win against West Ham at Anfield. Everton’s win against Crystal Palace was just their second win in 14 fixtures as the blues have struggled to match their impressive performances of last season. Liverpool on the other hand, seem to have clicked into gear at just the right time in the Premier League and are unbeaten in their last 7 league fixtures, with 5 wins and 2 draws. When these 2 sides met back in September, it was a tale of the 2 captains, with a 91st minute wonder striker from Phil Ja- gielka cancelling out the opener from Steven Gerrard. Many neutrals would be hoping for a repeat of the meeting between these two at Goodison Park last season which resulted in a 3-3 draw. Liverpool also recorded their biggest ever win over Everton last season, beating the Toffees 4-0. Recent results in the Merseyside derby don’t make happy reading for Everton fans and you have to go back to October 2010, for the last time Everton fans had the bragging rights around the city. Brendan Rodgers is still yet to lose a Merseyside Derby since becoming Liverpool manager and the form book would suggest he may extend that record Saturday. Roberto Martinez on the other hand, is yet to taste vic- that record Saturday. Roberto Martinez on the other hand, is yet to taste vic tory in this hotly contested derby. Everton were able to welcome Darron Gibson and Sylvain Distin back to their squad for the trip to Crystal Palace and will be hoping to add James McCarthy to the team sheet against Liverpool. Goalkeeper Tim Howard and midfielders Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar remain on the side-lines. For Liverpool there are no new injury concerns and they were handed a massive boost when Daniel Sturridge came off the bench and made a scoring return from his long spell on the side-lines. The England international forward may be handed a start at Goodison Park. Sturridge has a good goal scoring record against Ever- start at Goodison Park. Sturridge has a good goal scoring record against Ever ton and has scored 3 in his last 3 games against the Toffees. Steven Gerrard has scored in the last two meetings between these teams and you wouldn’t bet against the Liverpool skipper grabbing the headlines in what would appear to be his last ever Merseyside derby. Romelu Lukaku scored twice when Liver- pool travelled to Goodison last season and having scored against Palace at the weekend, you feel the Belgium international would be vital if Everton are to get anything out of this game.

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In a game that means so much to the fans, both teams will be desperate to secure 3 points and the subsequent bragging rights of Merseyside. Despite an impressive victory for Everton at Crystal Palace last weekend, I think Liverpool have found the energy and performance levels that took them so close to the Premier League title last season and I believe they will be too strong for Everton on Saturday, especially with Daniel Sturridge back in the side. Although Everton were able to keep a clean sheet at Selhurst Park last weekend, I feel they may be more open at home and think Liverpool’s forward line will be too much for the Toffees to handle. I am expecting plenty of goals in this game and I am going for a 3-1 victory to the visitors.

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Iain Mcculley

2014/15 Season

Burnley vs WBA In a match that could prove imperative in the battle against relegation, both Burnley and West Bromich Albion will look to drag themselves away from the scrap with a much- needed victory. Burnley in particular will be desperate to avoid a repeat of the 4-0 defeat that they suffered to the Baggies in September. Goals from Andy Dawson, Saido Berahino (2) and Grahame Dor- rans secured a comfortable victory for West Brom, then managed by Alan Irvine. Burnley manager Sean Dyche rightly considered it a reality check for playing in the top flight, especially against a team they might look to displace to maintain their spot for another year. The Clarets suffered another disappointing result against Sunderland, falling 2-0 despite creating more chances than the hosts. Success in front of goal has actually been a rarity in recent times for the club, their previous blank before this coming against Liverpool on Boxing Day. This proficiency in finding the back of the net against a West Brom side that is strong defensively, which has become even more of a focus with Tony Pulis now in charge. This was their second consecutive defeat after they let a two goal lead slip against Crystal Palace in their last home game, and stretches their poor run to one win in nine matches. This leaves them precari ously outside the relegation zone in seventeenth, with Hull and QPR breathing down their necks. Dyche, as per usual, was blunt in his post-match interview about Sunderland’s superiority in the first half that proved crucial to the result. However, the situation of star striker Danny Ings could have had a definite effect, after Dyche admitted speculation surrounding a potential move away from Turf Moor had affected his performance. Ings is Burnley’s top scorer, the 21 year-old accounting for over a third of their league goals this campaign, which has attracted in- terest from Liverpool and Tottenham. However, chief executive Lee Hoos says a deal cannot possibly happen, with the necessary requirement to loan Ings back for the rest of the season in breach of regulations. Although his contract will expire at the end of the season, that loss in revenue will be more than made up for with the money generated by a second term in the Pre- mier League. As for West Brom, the bubble decisively burst last Saturday for Pulis’ regime at the Hawthorns, as they were thoroughly ripped apart 3-0 by Tottenham, their first loss of 2015. In only the Welshman’s third Premier League defeat by that margin, the Midlands club could not contain the possession football of Tottenham, or the clinical finishing of striker Harry Kane. This marked Pulis’ first loss in charge of his new club, and despite this poor performance, there have been early indications that his philosophy that greatly benefitted both Stoke and Crystal Palace is beginning to take shape. Pulis took some personal blame for the loss against Spurs, claiming that attempting to do last-minute business in the transfer window has taken up too much of his attention. So will there be a change of line-up for West Brom by the time they face Burnley? Well, they have already captured the services of winger Calum McManaman from Wigan for £4.75 million, whilst there are murmurings that Rickie Lambert and Darren Fletcher might make their way to the club before Monday’s deadline. And perhaps even more important than this, top scorer Saido Berahino looks set to remain at West Brom, despite looking like he was set to leave following his subdued attitude in the FA Cup victory over Gateshead. Contract talks have renewed, and fans will be hoping this resolution will allow him to build on his fourteen goals in all competitions this season. The result of this bottom of the table scrap will depend significantly on the form of both clubs’ premier strikers Ings and Berahino, as their goals have literally carried their respective teams to victories in this season. With few other players chipping in, it might simply come down to which of the two is more clinical on the day. Arguably, West Brom’s defensive superiority could shine through in this regard, the performances of Andre Wisdom and Joleon Lescott being crucial in compensating for their lack of consistent lethality in front of goal. As for Burnley, they’ll be looking to the creativity of George Boyd and Scott Arfield to provide Ings the chances he’ll need. In the end, this match likely won’t be one to excite the neutral due to the teams’ goal shyness, and could very likely come down to a single goal.

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Callum Wiggins

2014/15 Season

Newcastle vs Stoke

Arif Ahmed

Stoke City will be the bookmakers favourites going into this game at St.James Park. The Sky Sports TV selection committee would have had no quarrels in choosing this fixture to be shown live after what happen the last time these two met in the North East. It was nothing short of a Christmas cracker on Boxing Day 2013. Stoke took the lead through their loan signing Oussama Assaidi and that was as good as it got for the visitors as they then had Greg Whelan and Marc Wilson sent off. Inevitably they struggled to hold onto their lead and eventually lost the game 5-1. The Potters got their revenge in the reverse fixture last season by beating the Magpies 1-0. That was also the score when these two met at the Britannia in late September which was Newcastle’s seventh straight game without a win. Newcastle United Owner Mike Ashley has given the managerial role to John Carver till the end of the season and he will be looking to make it impossible for Ashley to give the job to someone other than him. Having finally getting his first win, an impressive one at that, against strugglers Hull City at the weekend Carver will be looking to put a positive run of wins together.

The Newcastle defence will need to be weary of striker Julian Wal- ters who scored a perfect hat trick (right foot, left foot, header) against QPR on Saturday which hasn’t been seen in the league since 2013. One player they won’t need to worry about is the Span- ish maestro Bojan who ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in their F.A Cup win against Rochdale and is likely to be out for around eight months. Stephen Ireland filled in for the injured Bojan at the weekend and proved he can replace the former Barcelona midfielder and do a similar job. Hughes’ is most likely not going to have Robert Huth in his squad as he looks set to sign for Leicester City. Newcastle United are buoyed by the return of Papiss Cisse from the African Cup of Nations as Senegal failed to make it out of the group stages. Cisse was rushed back from Africa to play against Hull but his late arrival meant he only play the last eight minutes.

It won’t be an easy game for Carver and his players as they are coming up against a Stoke side that are in form. Since the start of December Mark Hughes’ men have only been beaten by Manchester United, Chelsea and Ar- senal. In the 10 game stretch they have won five, drawn two and lost three. That run has seen them rise to 9th in the Barclay’s Premier League table. In the same period Newcastle have fared much worse than their opponents. In the same period the Geordies have only recorded three wins, the first was of course when they ended Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season, and five defeats, notably the Tynewear derby against Sunderland.

Gabriel Obertan will be hoping he will get some game time as he looks to find the same form he was in before picking up a thigh injury in the win against Liverpool in November. Carver will have to make the decision whether to tinker with the side that brought him his first win to accommodate Obertan and Cisse or if he will continue to show faith in the 11 that won at the KC so convinc- ingly. He may be forced into making a change with speculation over Moussa Sissoko’s future being away from the North East. If he doesn’t get his move Carver will have to decide if he is in the right frame of mind to give his all from the black and white striped shirt. Although Stoke are favourites for this game, history suggests they will struggle to win at the home of Newcastle. You have to go back to Sep- tember 2010 for the last time Stoke left with all three points. Going by the form guide Stoke City’s away record doesn’t look to pretty either with just two wins in their last six games and Newcastle have won half of their last six home games. These two sides have had bad press in the past, Stoke for their style of play and Newcastle on behind the scene issues affecting things on the pitch but both teams are good footballing sides that give their all in every game. It should be a good game for the footballing purists out there.

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2014/15 Season

West Ham vs Man United One of the surprise packages of the 2014/15 season in West These sides have already met this campaign in what was a Ham will be looking to regain their form similar to that earlier tense 2-1 victory in favour of United at the end of September in the campaign when they welcome Louis Van Gaal’s Man- with the goals of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney which cancelled out Diafra Sakho’s strike. Rooney was at the centre of chester United side to Upton Park in the late kick-off on controversy in the game at Old Trafford after he was dismissed Sunday. for kicking out at fellow Englishman Stewart Downing. That was a contrast to this fixture last season when he was the hero back West Ham are having one of their best seasons in the Premier League era amassing an astounding 36 points just four less than in March 2014 with his brace in the 2-0 victory which included a the whole of last season. However there was a slight dip in form spectacular lob from the half-way line. Looking at head-to-head for the hammers during the festive period and going into the new statistics it does seem to be in United’s favour as they haven’t been defeated by West Ham in the league since 2008. year with draws against West Brom, Sunderland and Swansea and defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal throughout December/early January has seen them dropped down to eighth. Form looked to West Ham do have some players that could give Manchester have to picked up with a substantial 3-0 win over struggling Hull United some problems especially up top in the form of Andy City, however they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out. Carroll and Diafra Sakho. Carroll missed the opening 11 matches with injury but despite taking some time to get into the flow It doesn’t look to get any easier for Sam Allardyce’s side in the next few weeks with teams such as;; Southampton, Tottenham, he has begun to show some great form similar to that of his Newcastle goals with five goals in the 13 games and has Chelsea and Arsenal all coming up in the next few weeks. caused problems to many Premier League defences and will be hoping to shake off a knock to play in this clash. Sakho joined Despite some minor blips Manchester United seem to have returned to some of their form similar to that of Sir Alex Ferguson the London side back in the summer and has been on fire with eight goals in 14 games and scoring six in six consecutive era. Louis Van Gaal’s reign didn’t exactly go according to plan games. However it could be unlikely that he will feature this with an opening day defeat to Swansea which was followed by draws to Sunderland and Burnley. The Dutchman’s transfer activi- Sunday as it was advised he shouldn’t be played until a row with ties were well documented in the summer spending in an excess the Senegal national team has been resolved. of £150million but performances still didn’t improve with a 5-3 defeat to newly promoted Leicester City, a defeat in the derby to There is no doubt that Manchester United have the talent in Manchester City aswell as draws with Chelsea and West Brom. their ranks such as David De Gea who despite being linked re- What followed that was an excellent run of form going 10 games cently with a move to Spanish Giants Real Madrid he has argu- unbeaten, form faltered slightly at the beginning of the year not ably been United’s best player this season making some crucial winning until the 17th January but normal service was resumed saves and has rescued an substantial amount of points this with a 3-1 victory over Leicester at the weekend. The fixture list season. Despite speculation around these two strikers leaving looks a lot kinder to United in contrast to West Ham with;; Burnley, Old Trafford and also their lack of form both Robin Van Persie Swansea, Sunderland and Newcastle all coming up in the next and Radamel Falcao seem to have found some sort of form with the Dutchman and the Columbian both getting on the score few weeks. sheet against Leicester and will be hoping that they continue this against West Ham.

Danial Kennedy @prempreviewmag

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2014/15 Season

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