soccersweep

International striker will excel at West Ham

soccersweep — Fri, 24 May 2013 06:39:09 +0000

West Ham have agreed a £15m fee with Liverpool for the services of Andy Carroll. After a successful loan spell at the club, it appears he is set to make a permanent move.

Carroll is a player that has received much criticism in the last couple of years. This is largely to do with the massive £35m that Liverpool paid for him in January 2011 though.

With this price tag, the relatively inexperienced Carroll was under pressure to deliver the goods immediately at Anfield. This was a difficult challenge at the best of times, but the attention didn’t help.

The England international has had too many injury problems too, so although the potential has definitely been there, Carroll has flattered to deceive over the last couple of years.

This was until he got himself fully fit and in a West Ham shirt a few weeks ago though. Make no mistake, in the final third of the season – Carroll was superb for the Hammers.

Leading the line with pride, causing opposing defenders no end of problems, he scored some crucial goals too as West Ham managed a top ten finish during their first season back in the Premier League.

So, you can see why Sam Allardyce are willing to splash the cash on him. You can definitely make a case for them building a team around Carroll and excelling as a result.

The player himself is yet to give the go ahead to the move – there are rumours he wants a second chance at Liverpool – but he should waste no time in moving to Upton Park.

Carroll will be first choice for West Ham, get plenty of good service and will be admired by the fans. None of these can be guaranteed at Liverpool.

After all, with the World Cup taking place next summer, Carroll needs to be playing games. He also needs to be enjoying his football and impressing England boss Roy Hodgson.He can do all of this in the Claret and Blue of West Ham.

Written by Thomas Rooney from FootballTips.com. Follow @footballtips for the latest news and views.

Is Fellaini about to join Manchester United?

soccersweep — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:36:27 +0000

In this soccersweep podcast we focus on the dramatic events at Manchester United over the last 7 days. CLICK HERE pod175end

Can Daivd Moyes continue the success at Old Trafford or will his European inexperience be his undoing? Who will Manchester United sign over the summer and how much input will Moyes have in those transfers? Will he bring Baines and Fellaini to Old Trafford or are they both a little unnecessary at this point in time? CLICK HERE pod175end

In what would be massive news in any other football week, we also discuss the retirement of the legendary Paul Scholes and also ask will Wayne Rooney be at Manchester United next season or did the long goodbye start all the way back in 2010? Can the incoming David Moyes save Rooney’s Manchester United career or will the player see this as a step backwards for him after the problems that he had with his previous manager? CLICK HERE pod175end

All this and much more is pondered in your Friday evening delve into all that is happening at Manchester United.

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David Beckham – world class?

soccersweep — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:44:09 +0000

In a month that has seen Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes retire, another player from Manchester United’s golden era takes his bow – and we may never see his like again.

Much will be said about the football side of David Beckham, and rightly so, but I want to concentrate more on the man he was.

Known from England all the way to the shores of America and Asia and everywhere in-between, David Beckham is arguably the most recognisable face and most marketable brand in world football, although he has never let it go to his head.

Beckham’s story becomes even more impressive when you consider how he has conducted himself throughout his career. Despite being such a megastar, there have been no reports of him acting like a diva, sleeping with anyone’s wife and he has never come out in the media and said a bad word about anyone. To say that Beckham was a breath of fresh air in the modern footballing era is an understatement.

Even when his dressing room spat involving a boot being kicked at his head by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson came to light, he never went running to the media, he merely went about his business, a class act.

He never once complained publicly about wrongly being made the scapegoat for England’s World Cup France ’98 exit to Argentina, after he was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. As a young man just beginning his trade, he took a ridiculous amount of abuse that was aimed at himself – and his family – at opposing grounds, and came back stronger. Many would have taken the easy option and skipped the country until it had all died down, not Beckham. He just got his head down and let his football do the talking.

Then there is the footballing side of which Beckham’s CV is second to none.

A talisman and game changer for both club and country, Becks went on to win 115 caps for England – becoming captain in the process – winning multiple Premier League titles, as well as La Liga, the MLS cup and most recently Ligue 1 – that’s the league title in 4 different countries which is unprecedented. Then there is the small matter of winning the Champions League with Manchester United in ’99 and various other domestic accolades. He can also claim to have played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe: Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris St Germain.

As if that wasn’t enough, Beckham also played a big part in getting the 2012 Olympics to London. It’s just a shame Stuart Pearce didn’t reward him by picking him in the Great Britain football team – a decision that baffled and disgusted many.

It’s a sad day to see such a role model hanging up his boots and his humble nature and well documented work ethic on the training ground will be sorely missed. The fact that he donated all of his PSG salary to charity says everything about the nature of the man, and I hope for football’s sake that his future lies somewhere within the great game, we could sure use someone like him for the youngsters of today to look up to.

Written by Mark U.

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Is time up for Wenger?

soccersweep — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:41:52 +0000

With Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United, City’s Roberto Mancini and Chelsea’s Rafa Benitez leaving the 3 most prominent clubs in the country now or at the end of the season, there is a definite changing of the guard in The Premier League.

Harry Redknapp was speaking to Talksport this morning and suggested that there had been a lot of backstage rumours about managers leaving this summer. He may have been alluding simply to those who had already left `Manchester United, City and Chelsea but there was a hint that we can expect another big departure at the end of this season.

Arsene Wenger has been a rock at Arsenal and, after several frustrating years on the pitch, one might imagine that he would be more hungry than ever to take Arsenal back to the top. With transitional periods likely at the aforementioned clubs, he may well see this as the time to get back into pole position.

But, there is a sense that Wenger might just have had enough of Arsenal – that he has taken them as far as he can. Wenger’s stock is still high in Europe and, with the Real Madrid position up for grabs, perhaps he will think that this is his big opportunity for a fresh challenge.

Arsenal have been in stasis for a good few years. This may be due to the financial constraints placed upon the club by the ground move. Arsenal may finally be able to go shopping this summer and spend the sorts of sums required to bring the Premier League back to the club.

But, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if the battle-weary Wenger decides that it’s time for him to move on.

Arsenal fans, what do you think? Has Arsene taken the club as far as he can? Is it time for a managerial change? And if so, who should come in?

Arsenal look to wrap up another signing

soccersweep — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:59:18 +0000

Hot on the heels of news yesterday that Arsenal are looking to sign Gonzalo Higuain of Real Madrid, further news is surfacing this morning about more potential purchases. Get your wonga out Wenger!

That beacon of all that is good and true, AKA the Daily Mail, has suggested the Arsenal have stolen a march on their rivals Manchester City by getting close to sealing a deal for a very talented teenager. Aston Villa 16-year-old midfielder Danny Crowley has reportedly piqued the interest of several of England’s leading clubs but Arsenal are looking to get in early for a player who has been likened to Jack Wilshire.

The Mail says:

Arsenal scouts have kept their eye on the player for a number of months now and it is understood that Arsene Wenger has the go ahead to pursue a deal

Arsenal are of course always looking to invest in their future but one might imagine Arsene Wenger would be prioritising the signings of players that can make a difference to the team here and now. Furthermore, Aston Villa will surely want to hold onto their stellar youth products, especially now they’re staying in The Premier League. But the trend of the cream getting skimmed off the milk by the top clubs in England and Europe sadly shows no sign of abating at this point in time.

Let’s have a look at him shall we? Yes, let’s.

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VIDEO: The perfect Liverpool signing

soccersweep — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:50:39 +0000

Liverpool have, of late, begun to look like a proper football team. With Sturridge maturing by the game and Coutinho looking ever more like the future envy of The Premier League, more and more onlookers are starting to feel that Brendan Rodgers is the man for the job at Liverpool.

After making such good signings so far, Rodgers won’t need any direction in making his summer purchases. But what is evident is that Liverpool need more pace down the wings. Even if they don’t opt for a conventional 4-4-2 they do look a little bit short in the wider areas. Downing has had a renaissance of sorts, while Raheem Sterling has fallen off the pace a little.

But, sooner rather than later, attention surely turn to Wigan hero Callum MacMananam. He was superb against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, a constant thorn in their side and an integral part in their undoing. Gael Clichy has had pants pulled down and his arse spanked red raw by the young Scouse upstart.

He’s only played 26 games for Wigan but, at 22 he’s got the sort of raw talent and potential that always seems to get Rodgers reaching for his wallet. What’s more, Liverpool could currently afford him.

We could easily see the lad in Liverpool red next season and for many years after that. Let’s have a look at his performance agianst City shall we? Yes, let’s.

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International striker ticks all the boxes for Chelsea

soccersweep — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:29:38 +0000

Far be it from me to be touting teams’ best players around the league like a mercenary agent. But the Guardian has speculated, by proxy, that one of the success stories of the season, Christian Benteke, could be leaving for Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Most footy speculation of course borders on the absurd, but we find this one particularly hard to swallow. With goal scorers as hard as ever to find, it seems crazy that The Premier League would allow such a tried and tested talent to take off.

Chelsea of course already have Romelu Lukaku to come back from West Brom, but you sense that they want another forward to add to their almost ridiculous array of midfield maestros. The service is there but Chelsea need a finisher.

And who better than Benteke? A no nonsense monster of a player who reminds us so much, in terms of playing style, of the legend that was Didier Drogba. Like the Ivorian there is so much more to Benteke’s game than the obvious and ample power. The Villa striker can of course hold his own against the toughest of opponents but, like Drogba, he also has fantastic feet and superb awareness of the game.

It’s quite early on in his career but, if this season has been anything to go by (19 league goals in 34 games for a struggling Villa) then his future should glitter.

With his club staying up, Paul Lambert will be desperate to keep the striker and we wish him the best of luck. It will be particularly hard to retain the services of such a quality player but, if they do have to part with him, they can look forward to a fat old cheque at the end of it.

Chelsea need a striker moving forward and Benteke seems to tick all the boxes. At 22, and with Premier League experience under his belt, he may well represent a lower risk purchase than some of the other names being touted for Chelsea this summer.

Villa fans, would you be happy to let Benteke go for £30m?

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Arsenal reportedly agree first signing – who’s next?

soccersweep — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:28:14 +0000

While we all know that tabloid reports can be as reliable as a 50p item from a pound shop, there does appear to be a lot of steam and hype surrounding the potential transfer of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain to Arsenal.

Higuain hasn’t had his best season at Real, after fighting it out with Karin Benzema, for the leading role up front. But he has a fantastic record at the Spanish club having scored 104 goals in just 187 appearances at Real Madrid since he joined in 2007. He also has a delicious 19 in 32 for his country.

If Higuain, at only 25, could rediscover his A game, Arsenal would be getting a gem. At best, Higuain is a bull in ballet shoes – despite his great power he’s also an elegant and incisive footballer who can change games in the blink of an eye.

He does seem to have gone off the boil a little but he still has a decent return of 16 goals in 42 games for Real this season. Arsenal definitely need a heavyweight striker and the Argentinian fits the bill.

Pretty much every online outlet is banging on about Higuain today but most seem to have got the story from Sport.es

Let’s assume the article has integrity. What else do Arsenal need this summer? We think that a keeper and an ugly looking midfielder would do the job. What do you Arsenal fans reckon?

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3 signings and 3 departures for Manchester United?

soccersweep — Tue, 14 May 2013 09:22:09 +0000

With the speculation frenzy that is about to engulf our summer many would just like to fast forward straight to next season to avoid the anxiety of it all. Who will your club sign and who will leave? For Manchester United, these questions are particularly far from being answered. New Manchester United boss David Moyes will want to stamp his mark on this team without seeming disrespectful or undoing the great work that Sir Alex did for the club.

What’s more, Moyes doesn’t need to change things that drastically. On the home front Manchester United are champions. In Europe improvement is needed but the margins between success and failure are so fine and luck played it’s part in United’s Champions League downfall this time out. But Moyes is a driven and assured man. He will already know what he wants to add to this squad for next season. Whether he manages to snare his chief targets remains to be seen. The other consideration for the new man is squad numbers.

At Everton he rarely had much more than a first eleven, but the Manchester United squad is as large as it is strong. If Moyes wants to add more than one player he will also have to consider shipping some out. With Wilfried Zaha also signed, the squad may need cuts before the new Manchester United boss can add. Here is what we think he might do.

INS

Leighton Baines

Moyes has a tough choice at left-back. Patrice Evra is 32 but has just enjoyed his best season in years and looks fresh and sharp once more. As the team captain, he has become a true Manchester United titan – an utterly dependable soul. We don’t think that Manchester United necessarily need to change him out just yet but Moyes may see it differently. At 28, it’s certainly now or never for Everton’s Leighton Baines to make a big move. He may not have Evra’s motor but he again showed at the weekend that he has the sweetest of left feet and he certianly offers a better, more consistent delivery than the Frenchman. With only the inexperienced Buttner and Fabio coming through Moyes may move now but we still think that Evra deserves his place.

Marouane Fellaini

Not necessarily the most velvety player you have ever seen. But, wherever he plays, he has been amazingly effective in the last couple of years for Everton. Any decision about signing the Belgian will come down to whether Moyes believes that United require more presence in the midfield, or more artistry. Again, we would plump for the latter and go for a player like Fabregas. But Moyes may decide that the big midfielder will make Manchester United a more dominant side, while adding goals from the midfield.

Gareth Bale

If Cristiano Ronaldo is a little out of budget then Bale might just be gettable if Manchester United really decide to push the boat out. At 23, Bale would certainly be worth the money and could signal a new period of dominance for The Champions. Bale’s playing style also suits Manchester United down to the ground. The problem for United will be counter bids from the oil rich clubs. If PSG and City also want to sign him, United would be outbid. The only hope at that point would be for Bale to express a preference for United. What a dream buy he would be though.

OUTS

Anderson

Such a frustrating player. He again showed flashes of brilliance when he came on at the weekend against Swansea but there is just no consistency to his game. Furthermore one senses that he isn’t always necessarily the most committed player to the cause. The new Manchester United manager may well decide he wants to try to reinvigorate this player but the writing does look as if it may be on the wall for the popular Brazilian.

Nani

If Anderson is annoying then it’s hard to know how to describe Nani. Sensational one minute but sadly lacking for the other 89. He does the hard bits well and the easy bits badly. Nani has been given 6 years to prove himself and, although we would take him over the useless Ashley Young, the latter will probably be given more time at United.

Lindegaard

Started OK at United but showed a worry mental fragility against Reading, where he simply lost the plot. Since then he has hardly had a look in, as David De Gea has grown from bum fluffy boy to bearded man. This area of the team may not be Moyes’ priority but he may well look for a new understudy at some stage.

So United fans, do you think that the Everton boys could improve the team?

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Moyes praises Rooney

soccersweep — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:14:00 +0000

Manchester United fans will be pleased as punch that David Moyes appears to be wasting no time in getting to grips with the job. Although Moyes doesn’t officially start at Manchester United until July 1 he was at Old Trafford yesterday for the victory parade getting involved with the fans and starting to make waves at the club.

He is clearly impatient to get going and, with the Wayne Rooney situation up in the air, he generated some positive sound bytes about the player, which suggests that he is desperate to once again coach his protege.

The Guardian quotes him as saying:

“I don’t watch all Manchester United games,”
“But he is definitely one of the best players in the world.”
“I remember watching him during training and he was amazing,”
“We asked each other: ‘Did he just do that?’ I believe he is the last street footballer, the kind like in Glasgow.”

It’s clear to us that the new Manchester United boss was saying all this for a reason. He wants Wayne Rooney to know that he cares about him and he values him as a player Manchester United. The player himself seems to be indicating that he would be prepared to stay at the club so it’s all about whether the fans are prepared to back him now.
But with Moyes and Rooney at the helm the future for Manchester United seems very assured.

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Watch: Fergie’s Manchester United Parade Speech

soccersweep — Tue, 14 May 2013 07:54:24 +0000

You have to say that, considering the length of his tenure, Sir Alex Ferguson has kept it together pretty well since announcing his departure from Manchester United. Where many to most would be all over the shop, awash with tears, the outgoing Manchester United boss carried himself in typically composed fashion, remaining happy and buoyant throughout last night’s victory parade in Manchetser.

Tens of thousands showed up, including one David Moyes, to pay tribute to a football career which may never be surpassed. It seemed highly symbolic that while Fergie was celebrating his final victory for Manchester United, just down the road Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini was being given his marching orders by the club. After knocking Liverpool off their perch and putting down the rebellions of Blackburn, Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea, Fergie’s final scalp was that of Manchester United’s closest rivals, Manchester City.

He leaves Manchester United in fantastic shape. David Moyes will have the obvious problem of Wayne Rooney to sort out first and foremost but soccersweep thinks that Wazza will stay for the rest of his career and that Moyes is taking charge at the perfect time in this respect.

A truly remarkable man who surely has the respect of every football fan, regardless of their loyalties. Well done Sir Alex and happy retirement. Here is his parade speech.

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6 potential big money summer transfers

soccersweep — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:42:22 +0000

As the Premier League season draws to a close, so the transfer window opens and the usual rumour mill and frenzy that goes with it keeps us going until August. Here are 6 transfers to keep an eye on.

Gareth Bale

The PFA player and young player of the year winner could be the hottest commodity on the transfer market this off season, should he decide to leave Tottenham in search of trophies and should anyone have the funds to tempt the North London club into selling.

There is no doubting the young Welshman’s talents and he has proven that he is no flash in the pan after his extraordinary Champions League performances for Tottenham last season, so it begs the question, how much is he actually worth?

Given his age and the fact that he has shown he can perform on the highest stage, you have to be looking at around the 50 million plus mark, which straight away rules out pretty much all of the Premier League clubs.

One club however who may be tempted and have shown over the years that money is no object if the player fits the mould, is Real Madrid. They will be smarting after losing La Liga by such a big margin to their rivals Barcelona and going out in the semi finals of the Champions League again will prompt the need for another Galactico to enter the fray and join Ronaldo – should he still be there.

Will Bale’s loyalty see him line up in the white shirt of Tottenham Hotspur or will Bale have his price like so many before him. Watch this space.

Wayne Rooney

So it came out the other day that Wayne Rooney has actually handed in a transfer request at Manchester United and not for the first time. Being left out for Manchester United’s crunch Champions League tie against Real Madrid seems to have bruised the once irreplaceable scouser’s ego and this could be another story that runs and runs over the summer.

As with Bale’s transfer though, the asking price could be the stumbling block. There aren’t too many teams around who would be willing to stump up the £30 million plus it would take to prise him away from Manchester United. It’s a lot of money to pay for someone who seems to score goals in bursts rather than consistently bang them in, although the amount of assists he gets a season does make up for that.

There is also the fact that Manchester United wouldn’t want to sell one of their prize assets to a Premier League rival.

Could this just be Rooney displaying his frustration once more or could he finally be ready to move to pastures new with PSG being rumoured to be interested in re-uniting him with his former teammate David Beckham? One thing is for sure, PSG have the money to make it happen.

Christian Benteke

The one bright spot to come out of Villa’s frustrating season, is the Belgian colossus known as Christian Benteke.

He has terrorised Premier League defences this season with his sheer brute force, his aerial threat and his knack for scoring goals, 19 of them to be precise. If he can manage 19 league goals for Villa, imagine what he can do at a club who will provide him with a better supporting cast.

Villa will no doubt pull all the stops to hold onto him with a view to building the team around him but given his age (22) and the lack of strikers around with his impressive attributes and particular skill set these days, they may be forced to sell him over the summer.

The sweet spot may be around £20 million and at that price, I can see many suitors maybe even in the Premier League, with Spurs in the market for a centre forward and City licking their wounds after a disappointing season.

Marouane Fellaini

Another Belgian who makes the list is Marouane Fellaini. A man with a talent as big as his hair who adds some serious steel to the midfield and a potent goal threat from set pieces.

With David Moyes heading to the Red half of Manchester, I wouldn’t bet against Fellaini following him there, although the price won’t be cheap.

It’s no secret that Manchester United have failed to replace Roy Keane with the sort of dominating midfielder who can change the course of a football match, and Fellaini has shown this season that he can be that man. When he is in the mood, he is unplayable.

Manchester United got to see that first hand when he ran the show in a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park back in August against the eventual champions.

This offseason could be when Fellaini decides he wants to realise his potential with one of the bigger names around and £25-£30 million could see that happen.

Radamel Falcao

The 27 year old Columbian sensation has attracted plenty of interest during the season, with Chelsea rumoured to be willing to match the £50 million release clause it would take to lure him from Atletico Madrid and Mourinho targeting him as a player he would want to have when he inevitably ends up back at Chelsea.

However, according to a recent report by the Daily Mail, the striker is desperate to play for Atletico’s Rivals, Real Madrid. In an attempt to do so, it seems he is planning to sign for freshly minted French side Monaco, who are also willing to match the release clause on his contract, providing they allow him a clause that lets him leave after one year in order to join the Galacticos. I feel that this is not the last we have heard of this saga.

Robert Lewandowski

Lewandowski’s stock has sky rocketed since his 4 goal super-show against Real Madrid in this season’s Champions League competition, so it is no surprise that you will see his name in the coming weeks linked to a host of big name clubs vying for his signature. The fact that his contract is coming to an end, and the reluctance of Lewandowski to sign a new one with his current club, Borussia Dortmund, just makes this story even tastier.

It was rumoured that there was already a deal in place for the Pole to move to fellow Bundesliga juggernaut, Bayern Munich, however reports of this have previously been denied.

It is thought that other clubs interested in his services include Manchester United and Chelsea but nothing concrete has come from either of those two clubs at the time of writing.

Written by Mark U.

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Manchester United linked with £20m Barca playmaker

soccersweep — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:53:31 +0000

The dust hasn’t yet settled on one of the most emotional days in Manchester United’s history but the press are already looking forward to the next boss and how he might add to this squad going forward.

In what seems an improbable transfer, former Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas is being linked with a £20m plus move to Manchester United. He hasn’t had the best response from the fans this season, despite scoring an impressive 19 goals in 57 appearances for Barcelona since he joined in 2011.

The Standard says that Manchester United are serious about Fabregas.

Standard Sport understands United are determined to make a huge signal of intent, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s decision to retire, by luring Fabregas to Old Trafford while they are also attempting to buy back Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

It is believed contact has been made with Barcelona over Fabregas, who swapped the Emirates Stadium for the Nou Camp in a £35million deal just two years ago. Barcelona still owe the Gunners £5m of that fee and would be looking to recoup at least £20m for the Spain international.

Fabregas has struggled to make much of an impact at the Catalan giants and has been under heavy criticism from the club’s fans for his performances this season.

soccersweep thinks that Fabregas would be a marvellous addition to the Manchester United midfield. But it’s a deal which is very unlikely to happen. Despite his mixed form for Barca, he is surely still seen as the long term successor to Xavi and Iniesta in the creative midfield slots. If he did leave Barca then surely Arsenal would be his first choice club. Furthermore, Arsenal would almost certainly loosen the purse strings if he did become available once more.

But, as we saw with RvP to Manchester United, stranger things have happened. We shall keep you up to date with any developments.

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Did your team underachieve in 2012-13?

soccersweep — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:14:26 +0000

Every Premier League season we see teams who are expected to do well but end up struggling, and teams who are dead certs for relegation but end up surviving comfortably and even qualify for Europe. This list will focus on the 2012-13 season’s underachievers.

Newcastle United

The Magpies of Newcastle United had somewhat of a return to the glory days last year with a Europa league finish and the addition of some quality players such as Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse and as such, expectations were high and why not?

Unfortunately for the Geordie faithful, the sale of Demba Ba, the constant injuries and too many players not re-producing last year’s form (Chieck Tiote for example) found the once high flying Newcastle United fighting for their Premier League survival and coming back down to earth with a bump.

A successful Europa league campaign may also have proven a distraction, but the fans that thought the recent bad times were finally over, are now just grateful that they have managed to secure Premier League football for next season and will hope for a marked improvement next time around. Alan Pardew’s job could depend on it.

Liverpool

Liverpool will finish 7th this season, and given their start to the campaign, you could be forgiven for thinking that it could have been worse, but any season where Liverpool finish behind their rivals Everton is just not good enough.

New Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has had a tough time of it in his first season in charge of Liverpool, not least in having to deal with multiple misdemeanours featuring star player Luis Suarez, whose genius on the pitch is equalled by his madness.

Inconsistent performances have dogged the Merseyside club and a reliance solely on Suarez for goals has cost them many a point this season, although the signing of Daniel Sturridge means that things look a bit rosier going forward.

They will need to find long term replacements for players like Jamie Carragher who has retired, and Steven Gerrard, who has shown signs that maybe his career could be coming to an end, sooner rather than later if they are to get back to where they feel they belong, fighting for Champions League spots and being the superior team in Merseyside.

QPR

Queens Park Rangers’ fans must have been delighted with the arrival of Tony Fernandes and the influx of well known Premier League names coming to their team; Rob Green, Jose Bosingwa, Fabio, Andy Johnson, Junior Hoilett, Ji-Sung Park and the other players who joined later on in the season such as Chris Samba and Loic Remy. Not to mention the fact that QPR had an established name at the helm in Mark Hughes.

So it is was un-thinkable then that they would find themselves planning for Championship football next season, but even the late introduction of Harry Redknapp couldn’t save them from relegation and a very disappointing campaign, which has seen their wage bill rise and their fortunes tumble.

A key injury to Bobby Zamora early on certainly didn’t help their cause but too many overpaid stars not having the stomach for a relegation fight and the sheer amount of changes unbalancing the team chemistry seemed to have sealed their fate and left ‘Arry with the un-enviable task of slashing the wage bill to a number more befitting of their new league status.

Sunderland

With Martin O’ Neill in charge and the addition of some big money players such as Stephen Fletcher and Adam Johnson joining an already established squad of players, it seemed the 2012-13 season would be a solid one for Sunderland.

It started off well enough with Fletcher coming in and hitting the ground running, however goals would be hard to come by for Sunderland and it seemed that when Fletcher wasn’t scoring, Sunderland weren’t. With the team headed in the wrong direction, Martin O’ Neill left the club and Paolo Di Canio took over.

Since Di Canio’s arrival at the Stadium of Light things have improved slightly, but Sunderland still find themselves needing points to guarantee survival.

Aston Villa

It seems to be a roller coaster ride for Aston Villa fans these days. It must was only a few seasons ago that Martin O’Neill had them chasing European football and this season they look set to scrape Premiership survival thanks to a late run of good results that have kept them just above the drop zone.

It might seem a bit harsh to have the Midlands club in this list given their lack of star names and their reliance on youth this season, but when you have a history and a fan base the size of Villa’s, then staying in the Premiership by the skin of your teeth is not good enough.

The emergence of Christian Benteke is definitely a positive however if they want to hold on to their talisman, they will need to persuade him that Villa park is a better prospect than the long list of clubs lining up to sign him.

Written by Mark U.

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5 players Arsenal should show the door

soccersweep — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:02:34 +0000

When I hear talk of Arsenal not being able to afford a player’s wages I can’t help but feel frustrated. There are too many mediocre players currently on Arsenal’s books who, I have no doubt, would free up some much needed resources for wages. Here are my top 5:

Andrei Arshavin – It’s not very often a player’s time with a club starts so well, then plummets as much as Arshavin’s stay with Arsenal. When the Arshavin deal finally went through on transfer deadline day in February 2009, there was a buzz amongst the Emirates faithful which was only intensified by his electrifying performances on the pitch. It seemed the Russian could do no wrong and after his 4 goal super show against Liverpool, Arsenal rightly thought they had found their next star.

Nowadays though, he barely gets a sniff of the hallowed Emirates turf, and when he does, he cannot seem to string a pass together never mind score a goal. There have been rumours of homesickness over the last couple of years but one thing is for certain, he will be taking home a pretty penny every week – money that could be much better spent elsewhere.

There have been rumours of his former club Zenit wanting him back for a few million and I for one hope Wenger cashes in while he is still worth something to someone.

Santos – With Ashley Cole and Clichy vacating the left back spot and Keiron Gibbs needing more time to adapt to the role, Arsenal purchased a player called Andre Santos for a reported sum of around £7 million. It seemed like a sound purchase at first, after all, he is a Brazilian international so he can’t be that bad, right?

Wrong.

Santos turned out to be a slow, clumsy, liability who now finds himself 3rd choice left back behind Gibbs and newly acquired Nacho Monreal.

Barring injury he is unlikely to see much playing time and is taking up valuable wages that could be better spent elsewhere.

Bendtner – So we come to Nicklas Bendtner. A man who promised so much but delivered so little. He has shown flashes of what he is capable of, but will be better known as a man who is deluded about just how good he actually is.

For the right club he may be able to weigh in with some useful goals, but as he has shown time and again with his wasteful finishing and constant and needless giving away of the football to the opposing team, that will not be Arsenal.

That being said, Arsenal could still get a few million for him from the right team so cash in now Wenger before it’s too late.

Denilson – Also known as the master of the sideways and backward pass. A former Brazilian under 21 captain and a man Wenger once described as having the potential to be as good as Patrick Vieira.

Sadly that didn’t turn out to be the case and there were times you would wonder why Denilson even was on the pitch wasting space.

If anything he was the anti-Vieira. Where Vieira would dominate games, Denilson would have no influence whatsoever. He has been on loan spells recently but he clearly isn’t in Wenger’s plans and needs to be sold. I’m sure someone would spend a million or so on him and it makes sense to take anything Arsenal can get.

Abou Diaby – There comes a time when you have to weigh up the good and bad with a player and when you do that with Diaby, I’m afraid he has to go.

When fit, Diaby shows flashes of brilliance in midfield. He can be the sort of player that can influence a game and something Arsenal sorely need. However, his injury problems rival that of Michael Owen these days and the poor lad can barely stay fit for 2 or 3 games in a row, never mind a whole season.

The time has come to part with him and use his wages elsewhere and add his name to the growing list of unfortunate players whose full talent and ability we will never really know.

Written by Mark U.

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