tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19261194673483898782023-11-16T11:41:56.794+00:00Sport For The MinorityYour common ground on all things sport. The context is unparalleled. Everything is reliable and highly informative.Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-70953698179429977922016-08-02T14:15:00.001+01:002016-08-02T14:15:46.539+01:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-88302710273567671382013-09-23T17:51:00.001+01:002013-09-23T17:51:58.424+01:00Sports Journalism - First Day at UniHere's a different flavour purely on the fact that I embarked on my first year of three at Southampton Solent University. Sports Journalism has always been the course I've wanted to do so it only seems fitting that I give a little insight into a day of a student on this one. Anyway here goes.<br />
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- Early mornings are definitely not a personal favourite of mine, Literally went to sleep around 4/5am and woke up a measly two hours later around 7:30. It's up there with lack of food on a list of things that aren't the best parts about uni. Managed to kind of brush my teeth and wash my face should have opened my eyes by this point mind. Luckily I had jeans and a jumper to hand, it was a weird kind of day weather wise due to the fact it started off cold then got really warm literally melting around the afternoon time. Got into the first lecture room and it was pretty packed looking at around 70 people so clearly a popular degree.<br />
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We got introduced to all the lecturers one by one. I have to say I met one of the main ones John May before at an open day and he was just brilliant. He's one of those down to earth people who just enjoys everything he does whether he's taking the mick or he's being serious he's one of those loveable people. The rest all seemed like they had a bit of banter between them most notably Will Cope, Andy Ford and David Reilly. What makes their stuff genius is the fact half of the time it's related to sport which makes it even better. If they weren't taking the provocative out of each other they were doing it to others. This is a reason why Uni and College yield more success and happiness than school. We had an hour just being told about our course and things that we will study etc. Then the best part of the day came, A guy named Jim O Brien who literally looked like a bouncer at an empty night club...useless. Yet as soon as he started talking everyone just started listening.<br />
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I found out we were getting a Spanish football insight from an expert. This was an hour of just sheer immense quality, I found myself hanging onto his every word. From the history of Spanish football to the reason why Barca hate Madrid it was literally the best start to the day. I could listen to stuff like that all day, an hour went by literally so quickly it was time to head upstairs to play lecturer bingo or something like that. The lesson if you can call it that was literally just they told you a fact about a lecturer and you had to guess what it was. There were some pretty hilarious ones there mind ranging from being kicked off a set by Cameron Diaz, on the other side you had someone hit a golfball straight through a Nissan Micra. What a superb morning.<br />
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The afternoon was kind of tedious in fairness. Had to go to a student support meeting and that was not only boring but ill informed like seriously who pays these people to do this. Then I had to wait an hour for the last lesson so spent an hour exploring Southampton then went back and we just essentially assembled a microphone and conducted an interview which I made some cheeky questions which were off the record. All in all a really interesting and exciting day, could do it all day in fairness.<br />
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Thanks for reading<br />
Much Appreciated<br />
D. DaviesDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-68259512686932280292013-09-12T14:05:00.002+01:002013-09-12T14:05:56.323+01:00The Whole Gareth Bale saga is over...First of all let me state that I'm a huge advocate for Gareth Bale not only is he Welsh but he's one of those players that you're so glad plays the game of football. He is definitely the third best player in the world, I know people speak of Neymar and Iniesta but with the latter he plays in a dominant side most often on the front foot. The same will be of Neymar this season. Barcelona always have the majority of the ball so it's easy to do the simple things and create chances. Bale last season ran the show at Spurs on his own some games. Only have to think about the last day of the season against Sunderland and the previous week against Southampton.<br />
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It's crazy to think that now it's all done and dusted that he's going to start in the same side as superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. My favourite footballer may I add. Villareal on the weekend for Madrid and I bet Bale himself is just as excited as me to get started. It was a long old summer for all of us tired of hearing Bale wants to go and Rooney wants to stay and Suarez well does what he usually does, Controversial. I love the transfer window it's exciting to see who your team is in for but then devastating to see who goes out. Spurs did remarkable well they now have a quality squad capable of challenging the top but losing their star player will come at a price in those 0-0s away to Stoke etc.<br />
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I'm just glad and i'm sure everyone else is that the whole situation is resolved and that Bale got his deserved move and Spurs got the money because both will prosper. Gerard Pique said recently that he thinks the first month will be crucial for Bale and I agree if he starts winning the fans over and producing instantly like the likes of Isco have done this season alongside former team-mate Luka Modric then Madrid will yield the results. I have a passion for Madrid, actually Spanish football in general but Madrid the whole history behind them is just unbelievable. Barcelona are something special and the way they play similar to Swansea(my team) is nothing short of mesmeric at times even with the magical Messi.<br />
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Back to my original point I'm just glad the whole thing has been resolved, we all know it was coming yet there was a relief when it was finally done. Maybe Bale can inspire a generation of Welsh talent you just never know. One thing is for sure Welsh football is on the up even the rugby boys will struggle to surpass this.<br />
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- Cheers for reading</div>
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- Much appreciated</div>
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- Dan</div>
<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-7994263657655555822013-06-19T13:34:00.001+01:002013-06-19T13:37:01.660+01:00My Lions Team v Australia(Updated) - Tour ReviewLions tours are all about momentum and in 5 games, The Lions bar injury were starting to build up steam. It was like watching a wrestler execute a move set and the crowd were getting involved as well. So what do we know so far. Well we know that some players are not only big players for their countries but also for the tourists as well. I'm looking at George North, POC, Leigh Halfpenny and Adam Jones. North got injured against the combined country and was struggling for movement in training. Rob Howley said today that he believes North is in the best shape of his career. His influence cannot be understated and against whatever all star backline Australia put out his sheer presence will worry the boys in Melbourne.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North in action against Combined Country</td></tr>
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The ability to break the gain line is vitally important in rugby, the equivalent in football would be retaining the ball stops your opponent from scoring. Staying in rallies in tennis makes your opponent work harder, you get the gist. Roberts, Tuilagi, O Driscoll, North, Cuthbert are all players who can smash through the gain line but only three of these are fit and North marginally. We all know Warren Gatland's plan for Australia to get good ball to smash through and offload etc. We understand that Roberts won't make saturday but will make next week. Tuilagi is in slightly better shape but has he played enough. Gatland's game plan has counted against one of the star performers on the tour Jonathan Davies who would be a certain starter had one of the greatest centres in the game not graced the stage one more time.<br />
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<u>Front 3</u></div>
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Before the tour, I went for a Healy, Hibbard and Jones split. Now when I look at the fact that Healy has gone home injured after the game with Western Force and Hibbard hasn't really lit the tour on fire despite being the front runner. This coming from a huge advocate of Hibbard's. Mako Vunipola has made the number one jersey his own. His destructive running with ball in hand especially considering his age is relentless. Add that to the fact that he gets through plenty of work you've got yourself a future star. His only weakness is his scrummaging but he can only get better with age. </div>
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Like I mentioned Hibbard has been in and out of games this tour. Sky reported on tuesday that the Osprey has fallen down the pecking order due to his influence on games and his work at the lineout. He needed a good 20 minutes against the Waratahs which he didn't really get. Tom Youngs hasn't lit the world on fire on tour but he has been consistent especially his lineout which Gatland knows his crucial the game on the weekend. He can also add out wide and in close contact since he is an ex centre. Adam Jones will always be the front runner he's the best number 3 in the world, despite only playing bit parts you can bet he was saved for the final. Dan Cole impressing but Jones irreplaceable. </div>
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1.Mako Vunipola 2. Tom Youngs 3. Adam Jones</div>
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One again pre-tour I went for the trusted AWJ and POC as locks because of their experience and sheer ability. Early on I felt like questionning myself due to the imperious form of Richie Gray who was pheunomenal early on but that disappeared towards the latter of the warm ups. Geoff Parling another who was impressive but only from the bench and will be a great impact player from the side. O Connell has been his usual self on tour, making carries, hitting rucks and earning the hard yards. In contrast Alun-Wyn Jones has been bringing his athletic side to the party. They both work well in tandem and will definitely have the pairing for the first test. I've been very impressed with AWJ's form since returning in the 6 Nations.</div>
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4)Paul O Connell 5) Alun-Wyn Jones</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam Warburton cementing his place against Reds</td></tr>
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The breakdown will be huge in the three tests. With Michael Hooper planning on hitting every ruck and stealing as much ball as possible, The Lions need someone to combat this and it looks like skipper Warburton is the man. Personally if it weren't for Justin Tipuric's performance against the Tahs on tuesday we would be seeing perhaps him and Warburton starting like they did in that stunning 30-3 win over England. The team were blown away in the breakdown, which essentially wasn't just Tipuric's fault. His fellow forwards let him down but it will still count against him. O Brien, Gray, Best, Grant and co were so far off the pace it was astonishing. </div>
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First half Tipuric made 3 turnovers on his own and in the second half they targeted him so kept him away from the action. Warburton was impressive against high calibre opposite such as the Queensland Reds on saturday and that gives Gatland the confidence to select him. Tipuric's stock has risen but surely the idea of putting them both together won't materialise on saturday. Toby Faletau has propelled himself into starting at 8 on the weekend for his sheer single handedly performance this week. He seemed like the only player giving his side good ball and hitting everything. Add that to the fact Heaslip hasn't really sparked then you can see the team being put together. The only dilemma Gatland will have is at 6 does he go for the athleticism and speed of Tom Croft for the wide exchanged but risk losing the breakdown or go with a genuine 6 like Dan Lydiate/Sean O Brien. The latter two will help win the breakdown but don't have the same attributes like Croft when the game is lose which is why I believe Croft will be on the bench saturday. </div>
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6) Dan Lydiate 7) Sam Warburton 8) Toby Faletau</div>
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This one was sown up before the tour and nothing has changed my mind. Mike Phillips started as the first choice and he's done nothing wrong to alter that. Also Ben Youngs has been inconsistent in his performances and Conor Murray hasn't got anywhere near. Will Genia is the best scrum half in the world and the Lions will need to take him out of the game which is why Phillips's physique and playing style will adhere to this. Youngs has been great sniffing around the rucks and hitting holes but he sometimes misses passes and also disappears when on the backfoot. At least Phillips will take the ball up as an extra forward. </div>
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On the other hand Jonny Sexton has nailed down his place purely for his distribution and the fact he has been composed at 10. Owen Farrell has shown his goal kicking but he won't create much at fly half which is not what you need against AUS. Sexton's partnership with O Driscoll is huge and underrated. He won't need to kick at goal because of Leigh Halfpenny's impeccable accuracy which means he can focus on his running game to attract Aussie runners. Farrell has shown in bits and pieces what he can bring but he's more of a player you want to finish a game not to win it in the first place. Sexton is the best fly half in the northern hemisphere and will start saturday.</div>
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9) Mike Phillips 10) Jonathan Sexton </div>
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If reports are true and Roberts is struggling for saturday and Tuilagi is a 50/50 then you can bet that they will risk Tuilagi purely because it's the game plan Gatland wants to implement. He wants someone to take it up the middle to punch the hole and use the subtlety of his outside centre to distribute wider and finish tries off. Despite the form of Davies who has probably been the best player on the tour unfortunately his position has cost him. This means Tuilagi will start at inside centre with O Driscoll at outside and Davies will make the bench. The only problem is Tuilagi's distribution is laboured and he is primarily used to run into tacklers. It's a shame for Jamie Roberts because his parnership with BOD is world class. Don't rule out even placing George North in the centre especially given his physique and impact. </div>
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12) Manu Tuilagi 13) Brian O Driscoll</div>
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<u>Back Three</u></div>
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Due to Tommy Bowe being ruled out this weekend and North struggling it's going to be touch and go up until the game with this one, If fit North will start on the wing because they need to match Australia out wide. Then it's up to Zebo, Wade and Cuthbert for the other side. Wade was poor when called in so he won't make the squad. Whereas Zebo has been smart in what he's brought to the team. I personally believe Cuthbert will start because Gatland likes big wingers in the form of the two Welsh powerhouses. Purely because they can come in and look for work and cause trouble wherever they go. Then the most nailed on position of the squad. Leigh Halfpenny who has not only shown on this tour his goal kicking is priceless but also his positioning and attacking influx. Stuart Hogg has shown attackingly how strong he is but defensively there are questions and he's still learning the game. Expect Halfpenny to start and to be crucial in winning the series, that's if they do win of course.</div>
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11) George North 15) Leigh Halfpenny 14) Alex Cuthbert</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Man - Halfpenny</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading<br />
Much appreciated<br />
D.John</div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-72234359708812779772013-06-04T19:56:00.000+01:002013-06-04T19:56:19.381+01:00Bundesliga Team of the Season - 2012/13Here's my second Team of the season this time looking at the German division. Bayern Munich won the treble so bare that in mind it influenced my decision on numerous positions. I love the Bundesliga it's probably my join second favourite league with La-Liga so here's my team of the season and comment underneath with your views. It's only my opinion remember. Everyone's views are welcomed.<br />
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GK - Rene Adler</div>
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- It would have been easy to go for Bayern's Manuel Neuer, especially with his eye catching performances in Europe but when basing it on the size of the side and how good he's been in Germany I've gone with Adler. After being rejected by Bayern Leverkusen he really found his feet at Hamburg and not only put together a string of successful performances but also pushed his way back into the German set up. 31 appearances and 7 clean sheets that's essentially 1 in 4 games which in the free scoring Bundesliga is impressive. A summer move is perhaps on the card with Arsenal linked.</div>
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RB - Dani Carvajal</div>
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- I've put Phillip Lahm on the other side of defence to compensate for this unbelievable great season for Dani. Once stuck in Real Madrid's B team and not making the grade there he made a switch to Leverkusen and his performances haven't gone unnoticed most notable by the team that he left from with Real Madrid having a clause in place when he did leave, this week they have announced they will be signing him permanently for £6.5 million pounds which is a bargain especially when you consider he's only 21 years old could be a firm favourite at Madrid for years. Created 9 goals in 31 appearances, it's his solid nature which attracts fans but his ability to cross the ball is similar to Leighton Baines of Everton, he uses a variety of crosses in his arsenal.</div>
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CB - Mats Hummels - Dortmund</div>
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- Borussia Dortmund's rise to prominence has had much to do with attacking philosophy and also ball retention but what people overlook is the defensive stability Hummels and co maintain. With Wiedenfaller in goals it's the perfect base to build a defence upon. Everyone notices Lukasz Piszczek bombing down the right and rightly so but without the defensive muscle of Hummels and Subotic then it wouldn't happen it's as simple as that.Hummels made 37 appearances this season altogether which isn't exactly stalwart material but his importance is understated. He missed 13 games altogether in the league and perhaps that might have something to do with Bayern's dominance in the Bundesliga. Tall, compact but the ultimate ball playing defender. Also only 24</div>
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CB - Dante - Bayern Munich</div>
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- Fans may forget that Dante was signed from rival German side Borussia Munchengladbach. Often seen as the weakness in the Bayern defence, has proved many critics wrong this season and has been a star in their rise to the final. most notably his performances in the semi final against Barcelona. We know the Brazilian is cultured as most Brazilians are but it's his composure and his intelligence which partners him up with Hummels. He clears plenty of balls which are put into the box and has the sheer desire to keep on doing it game after game. Missed 10 games of the league season but with Daniel Van Buyten in reserve he has an experienced deputy. </div>
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LB - Phillip Lahm - Bayern Munich</div>
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- As I've mentioned I've put Lahm on this side to compensate for Dani Carvajal. We all know all about Lahm by now, it seems like he's been here for years and yet perhaps his best is still to come. His consistency stands him apart from other defenders particularly in Europe this season. Whether it be bombing down the wing alongside Robben/Ribery and co he offers the defensive structure and rigorous discipline which we associate with the Germans in any facet of life. 10 assists in 28 games also shows that he not only can defend but also attack as well which most wing backs need to do these days. I like to think Lahm does the simple things well, he's not going to catch the eye but if you wanted to bet your money on the most consistent player then here he is.</div>
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RM - Marco Reus - Dortmund</div>
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- Mr Versatile in essence here, can play a variety of positions so I've stuck him on the right here. His speed and technique makes him one of the rising stars of German football and Dortmund will be hoping to hang onto him as much as they can after the departures of Gotze and possibly Lewandowski. What Reus brings to the table is his pure close control and the fact he can do it with both feet. He rose to prominence with Borussia Monchengladbach. In 2012 before joining Dortmund he scored 18 goals and assisted 8 which single handedly drove Monchengladbach to the Champions League before leaving. 47 appearances in all competitions this season yielding 19 goals. Only missed 6 in the league, together with Gotze Marco Reus is unplayable at times. only 24.</div>
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CM - Bastian Schweinsteiger - Bayern Munich</div>
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- Bastian is the epitomy of Germany resilience. He has won so many top honours at individual level but also at club level. 6 Bundesliga titles, A Champions League title and 6 German cups show how great a player he is. It's his ability like his clubmate Lahm to just keep improving and allowing his consistency to shine through. In 44 appearances this year he chipped in with 9 goals and 13 assists. He simply does his job better than everyone else, he retains the ball, makes the tackles and covers plenty of yards as you would expect but it's his ability to succeed at the highest level which makes him a born champion. The treble this year sums up how great a year it's been for him. At 28 there's still plenty more to come from him which is worrying for his opponents.</div>
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CM - Mario Gotze - Dortmund (Joining Bayern Munich before 2013/2014 season)</div>
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- As I mentioned before Gotze is a great double act with Reus for Dortmund this season those two act as a foil for Robert Lewandowski to score the goals. These three going forward are devastating at times, which is essentially why Bayern chose to buy Gotze and possible Lewandowski if reports are true.What people have to remember is Gotze is only 21 which is astounding considering the last few seasons he's had. He was the playmaker for Dortmund, his technical ability was matched with superb speed and control. Bayern triggered his £37 million pound close and will make him the most expensive German player ever and with good reason too. The great Franz Beckenbauer has labeled him and Reus "As a classic duo there is nobody better than the prolific Reus and Gotze".10 goals from midfield last season and 16 in all competitions.</div>
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LM - Frank Ribery - Bayern Munich</div>
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- Ribery has been in superb form this season and it's been his consistency and his ability to stay injury free for once. 8 goals and 12 assists make him the perfect winger for some. His speed and dribbling ability we've known for some time but he's added the ability to find his man on crosses and passing accuracy has improved completely. Remember Zinedine Zidane once labelled Ribery "The jewel of French football". With Ribery on one wing and Robben on the left for Bayern you have two out and out wingers who like to not only beat their man but score goals as well. Was crucial to Bayern's rise to the top this season and expect more to come from the little Frenchman.</div>
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ST - Robert Lewandowski</div>
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- This goes without saying that the prolific Polish marksman walks straight into the side, a successful season despite losing the Champions League final could be finished with a move to rivals Bayern Munich. If that happens then the rest of Europe has a major problem on their hands. 36 goals in 48 appearances this season is sheer confidence, elegance and composure at the right end of the field. 24 goals in 31 league appearances show how much Dortmund rely on this man for his goals. The highlight of his season will without doubt be his 4 goals he put past Real Madrid in the CL semi finals but it's his overall play and dilligence which stand him apart from other top strikers. A classic example of this was in the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu he was given a unpleasurable night should we say by opposition defender Sergio Ramos. How did he respond? With a complete performance and even giving out a few digs along the way. The 6 foot striker at only 24 years of age will surely top the European market for the next few seasons. </div>
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ST - Stefan Kiebling </div>
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- It would have been simple for me to go for Mario Manzukic here but then the team of the season would have been essentially the top two clubs contributing the prolific players. I've gone for a striker despite not playing for a big club he has still got a superb goalscoring ratio this season compounded by the fact that he doesn't have the service of the top club's attacking forces. Kiebling has been at Bayer Leverkusen since 2005/06 and his performances have been slightly inconsistent in certain seasons. For instance in 2009/10 he notched up 21 goals in 35 games, whereas in the following season he scored only 9 in 29 that's a huge gap for a striker. This season however he followed up 17 last season with another 10 more at 27 in 43 which is a decent return for the striker. A tall striker at 6ft 3 but his composure and positioning is outstanding you can tell he's starting to hone his experience especially at the age of 29. It's been a prolific season so expect offers in the summer. </div>
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Thanks for checking out my German team of the season, much appreciated. Only my opinion remember</div>
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Take care and follow me on twitter @Daniel_John08</div>
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-67912120079696123762013-06-03T10:56:00.003+01:002013-06-03T10:56:26.472+01:00Swansea City Abroad - Interview with Jordi GarciaSwansea City are expanding as not only a team but as a business or franchise or however you would like to look at it. I'm looking for fans outside the obvious spectrum. The further away from the Liberty Stadium the better. Here's a short interview with a great friend of mine, it's short but it really shows how Swansea are lighting the world up.<br />
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<u> Hello first of all introduce yourself and where you're from?</u><br />
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My name is Jordi Garcia and i'm from Mollet Del Valles, Barcelona, Catalonia Country<span style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
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<u>When did you first start supporting Swansea City</u><br />
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I follow Swansea 6/7 years ago<br />
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<u>Are Swansea popular in your homeland?</u><br />
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They are popular because of their Spanish players and their brand of football<br />
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<u>What's your best moment as a fan of Swansea City</u><br />
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Promotion to the Premier League with no doubt<br />
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<u>Have you ever traveled from Spain to watch a game?</u><br />
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Yes, Stoke City Season 12/13 , score was 3-1<br />
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<u>Favourite player?</u><br />
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Angel Rangel from Catalonia, it's hard to play for a Premier League team<br />
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<u>Ideal player you want to see at Swansea?</u><br />
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Robert Firmano(Hoffenheim) - Good quality<br />
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<u>Would you encourage other people to support Swansea City?</u><br />
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Yes my friend follows them with me<br />
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<u>Is there a similar team in Spain to Swansea City</u><br />
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Barcelona plays similar, also Girona in the Segunda division<br />
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So there's my interview with a Spanish fan of Swansea City, massive thanks to Jordi because English is not his best language obviously so great effort. Hopefully there will be more to come in future weeks.<br />
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Much appreciated<br />
Daniel John<br />
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-1111135535949685272013-05-30T14:49:00.001+01:002013-05-30T14:49:59.234+01:00My Premiership Team of the Season - 2012/2013I'm going to do a few team of the season's in the next few days just to round the season off, most of the decisions are pretty self explanatory looking at what they have done for their respective sides but still here we go.<br />
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GK - David De Gea<br />
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- There weren't many keepers who essentially were in the running for this, purely because defensively teams have been all over the place this season and keepers have made key errors which has been punished. David De Gea joined United in June 2011. Since then he's had two seasons in the Premier League but it still feels like yesterday that the nimble shot stopper flew north from Spain. His first season was slightly error strewn due to the unaccustomed nature of the Premier League. Whether it be the flight of the ball or the physical aspect of the game, the ex Athletico-Madrid man was struggling. The problem he had was the errors he did make were high profile and in the spotlight.<br />
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This season has been slightly different, Not only has De Gea built himself up physically but he's accumulated plenty of experience which will serve him well in the future. This season on average it has taken opponents 3.55 shots on target per game to beat him, which is a pretty decent record. He played 28 games this season and made 84 saves in the Premier League alone. 11 clean sheets isn't too bad considering the pressure to succeed he's under. Starlet.<br />
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RB - Pablo Zabaleta<br />
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- Another position which doesn't shower itself in glory, consistency is key in this position and many players this season have fallen short here. Rafael and Azpilicueta have had strong displays but not all the way through which is why i've gone with Zabaleta. Same goes for Kyle Walker and Glen Johnson, strong showings but defensive frailties often exposed at key times. All talented players in their own right but consistency was key in this decision and that's why I've gone with reliable Manchester City right back Zabaleta. Played 22 times in an injury hit season but his positioning and consistency combined with his ability to bomb forward is a reason why this man was picked.<br />
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CB - Jan Vertonghen<br />
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- Easy decision for me here, Vertonghen in his first season since signing from Ajax and he has proved a hit since day one. Not only is his versatility across the back vitally important but he is good in the air and with the ball at his feet. What really makes him stand out from other defensive units is the fact he scores a lot of goals from defence. 48 appearances in his debut season across the board and 7 goals which is a great return for a defender. 47 appearances for Belgium and at the age of 26 there are plenty of years to come from Vertonghen. Other players which could have made this position is, Ashley Williams, Phil Jagileka and David Luiz.<br />
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CB - Matija Nastasic<br />
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- A surprise one here considering the form of Rio Ferdinand but we know the quality of the ex England man and he just stepped it up this season but for me it's the rise of the Manchester City Serbian newcomer Nastasic. He was bought initally as a replacement for train wreck defender Stefan Savic in an exchange plus money. 15 euros were parted with to Fiorentina for his services and his performances have been a real strong point in an otherwise disappointing season for Man City. He brings the ball out from defence and is comfortable but his tactical astuteness and positioning for such a young man is commendable. With Vincent Kompany injured for great lengths this season the emergence of the Serb has been justifiable. 25 appearances and holding off the challenge of Lescott and Kolo Toure in addition to this.<br />
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LB - Leighton Baines<br />
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- A pretty straightforward choice here, it could have been a straight shoot out between both England left back's Ashley Cole has been superb defensively for Chelsea but what separates Baines from Cole is the fact he not only bombs forward but his crossing and decision making is excellent. Baines created over 100 chances which is the highest all over Europe and that's from a defender. In a better side he would have been able to win things his performances surely deserved. His relationship with Steven Pieenar has been vital to Everton's success this season. His consistency as well has been vitally important having been involved in every game of the Premier League season. Outstanding.<br />
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LM - Gareth Bale<br />
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- Another position which was pretty much sown up early doors. Gareth Bale has been mesmeric at times this season and unplayable. We all know about his physical fitness and his ability to run up and down the touchline and of course his speed and power to beat a man has been commended in the past. This season he has developed even more characteristics which make him the hottest property in world football. When signed from Southampton we knew about his dead ball ability particularly free kicks but he has developed a technique similar to Cristiano Ronaldo which makes him technically gifted on all fronts. Also this season Bale has played on the right hand side of midfield, since he plays a fleeting drifting midfielder role. This has given him the license to cut in and unleash some absolute world class strikes. Most notably against West Brom, Southampton and West Ham. All of these were winners remember. Bale has played 44 games this season and scored 26 goals in that time. 21 In the league. That's astounding for a winger.<br />
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CM - Santi Cazorla<br />
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- Arsenal's season hasn't exactly been lifting the world alight but the emergence of Santi Cazorla has really given Arsene Wenger optimism for the following season. Santi has the ability to carry the ball, but also to distribute it well. If you add this to his creativity and the fact he chips in with a few goals it's the perfect combination for a centre midfielder. His partnership with Ramsey and Wilshire when put together has offered Arsenal reassuring displays that they can challenge for top honours again. Having played 49 games this season since signing from Malaga and having scored 12 goals and creating 16 goals, you could say it's been a real highlight for Arsenal. 52 caps for Spain show he is a world class talent and at the age of 28 he still has plenty to offer for seasons to come.<br />
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CM - Juan Mata<br />
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- The obvious suprise package this season would have been Miguel Michu for Swansea as an attacking midfielder with 22 goals to his name but i've gone with Spanish ball player Juan Mata purely because of his creativity and the sheer amount of games he gets through. Chelsea paid 23.5 million for Mata from Valencia and he has definitely paid them back through sheer appearances alone let alone assists. He has played 64 games this season due to the demanding Europa League schedule and has created 35 goals this season that's sheer class. Remember that's more than Robin Van Persie has scored all season and he finished top goalscorer. When you add that to the fact he's scored 12 goals in the league and has 17 assists in addition to this. Juan Mata is simply superb. Only played 23 games for his country which just shows the sheer quality of Spain's midfield.<br />
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RM - Eden Hazard<br />
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- "Eden Hazard could be just as good as Messi over the next couple of seasons" - Paul Scholes<br />
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- Eden Hazard shocked the world when he signed for the then European Champions Chelsea for 32 million pounds and it looked like a gamble for both sides. Would Hazard get used to the physicality and have Chelsea overspent. Well the answer is yes and no. What he has over many other players except perhaps Gareth Bale is age. He is only 22 which means he hasn't even hit his peak yet and in his debut season he has been world class. Hazard has played 62 times this season only 4 behind star man Mata and this all in his first season. The EL campaign has forced these players to play through burnout and that has given Chelsea fans numerous chances to see this man mature. Having only missed 4 games in the Premier League, Hazard's importance to the team is overwhelming. 11 assists in the Premier League so only 6 behind Mata in his debut season show how vital he has become.<br />
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LS - Luis Suarez<br />
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- A controversial choice but let's be honest it's a pretty obvious one at that. 44 appearances this season before he controversially bit Branislav Ivanovic. 30 goals and 11 assists were yielded from that figure and for a striker that's pretty much at the top level. Only Van Persie scored more in the league and he was with the league champions not a side that finished 7th. If it weren't for his transgressions then he would be the complete footballer. As it stands he's the complete striker and is courting interest from Real Madrid and Bayern although the other slightly wavering. His ability to dribble the ball and find the net is almost 5 a side - esque. He has scored some wonderful goals this season including that long ball close control finish he showed against Newcastle. Now that Liverpool have given him more support in their side with the signings of Sturridge and Aspas. You can bet he won't be solely relied on anymore.<br />
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RS - Robin Van Persie<br />
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- A pretty nailed on choice, Last season he scored 30 goals for Arsenal as they clinched top 4 but once United came calling and offered the Dutchman the move he took it with both hands. He hasn't scored as much this season but what he has done is create much more as a striker and that's why United fans have taken to him so well. They have reclaimed the title straight back from their neighbours this season and much has gone down to the efforts of this man particularly early season before he suffered a blip. 8 assists isn't monumental for a striker but his general hold up play and finishing which has been his trademark through his career were impecable throughout the season and that's why he's in my team of the season. Crucial goals against Man City and Liverpool also make him fan favourites. A top buy for 24 million and will keep Arsene Wenger up at night after losing him.<br />
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Thanks for taking a read and leave a comment or just tweet me at @Daniel_John08 on what you think, these are just my opinions and everyone's entitled to their own.<br />
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Daniel John<br />
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-29321310699421141702013-05-25T14:27:00.000+01:002013-05-25T14:27:12.829+01:00Swansea City - 10 possible signingsMichael Laudrup has stated to the Welsh media that unless he is promised funds for the summer then he cannot guarantee he will stay. I agree with him in this instance, the club is completely stable and with a profit of 15.9 million last year and that doesn't include some of the players they sold like Joe Allen, Danny Graham etc. The Swans need to spend, their most expensive signings being the joint club record fee they paid for Pablo Hernandez and Ki-Seung Yeung. I can see that being eclipsed this summer.Swansea finished 9th in the Premier League which gives them around 7.2 million add that to the millions they will acquire next term you have to wonder why it's not being ploughed back into the team that's keeping them in the league.<br />
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1 - Iago Aspas - Celta Vigo - La Liga<br />
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Iago Aspas has been the shining light in what has been a poor debut season in La Liga for Celta Vigo. After 36 games Celta currently occupy 20th place in La Liga and even though the gap is only 4 points from Deportivo La Coruna you can not see Celta winning both their games and Deportivo not taking anything, stranger things have happened but it looks like they will drop down to Segunda. This essentially means they will have to offload their strongest asset and for even cheaper than their asking price or his buy-out class for that matter. His clause is 8 million but you can see them losing him for around 6 if the right buyer comes in. He can play as either an out and out striker or a secondary striker in the form of Michu or even a wide player. His versatility could be a huge asset. 11 goals in La Liga for a struggling side is an accomplished sum.</div>
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2 - Jose Canas - Real Betis - La Liga</div>
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Another recruit from La-Liga, report in Spain understand that Canas had already signed a pre-contract agreement in January so that he can sign this summer. He occupies the holding midfielder role and has a bit of height around him which could be valuable in the engine room for Swansea City. His displays in La Liga have given Real Betis a lofty position. What he does well is the fact he reads the game well and does the simple things. He's not going to create numerous chances or score plenty of goals but he will defend well and distribute ball. Similar mould to Swansea's own Leon Britton. Will join on a free transfer if reports are to be confirmed.</div>
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3 - Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea - Premier League</div>
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Romelu Lukaku has been instrumental in the success of West Brom this season of course playing on loan there from Chelsea. You have to wonder how he's not been given a chance at the Blues. He was the 6th top scorer in PL with 17 just behind Swansea's own Michu so the idea of putting them both in contrast of one another could be very appealing. Swansea will search for a season long loan again but that could depend on the future Chelsea manager position and also the needs of the powerhouse striker himself. With rumours of him wanting to go to Dortmund. Would be a crucial asset to Swansea if completed.</div>
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4 - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Saint Etienne - Ligue 1</div>
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We all know Swansea are in the market for a striker and reports in France claim that Swansea, Spurs and other top sides have shows interest in the 19 goals in Ligue 1 Gabonese striker. Speed and strength are this player's main assets and is coming into the latter stages of his contract so could be interested in a move to the Premier League to test himself. Also very young at 23 so can only improve as a footballer and could be sold on in future. Could be an outsider signing for the summer so keep an eye on this one.</div>
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5 - Albert Botia - Sevilla - La Liga</div>
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All these attacking re-inforcements and what we have to remember is that Swansea are short of quality in the heart of their defence. If reports are true that Ashley Williams is close to a switch to Arsenal then Swansea have lost not only their captain/leader but also the rock at the back. Botia could be seen as a replacement and at the age of 24 there are plenty of years in this player. It's nowhere near a replacement for Williams but at least it's a start, just like all Swansea signings he has played at top level which is crucial. Remember Botia came through at Barcelona.<br />
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6 - Andros Towsend/Scott Sinclair - Spurs/Man City - Premier League<br />
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Two players of equal status right now, Townsend who was on loan at QPR this season was a highlight in an anotherwise poor season. Scott Sinclair a familiar figure in Swansea's rise to the Premier League and partially their success in their first season has cut a forlorn figure at Man City. Only 4 starts all season and a blood clot in his shoulder just signify how low a season he's had. He knew once he moved that starts would be limited but sacrificing 40 games a season for 10 at most is a massive change. I believe that a return could have been on the cards had he not been ruled out because of the blood clot damaging his pre-season. Townsend on the other hand has been subject of a betting charge and has pulled out of the under 21s tournament this summer. Both possible signings but recent events could have put a spanner in the works. </div>
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7 - Kenwyn Jones - Stoke - Premier League</div>
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Stories in January were rife with speculation that Jones was signing for Swansea, it came just as Swansea were about to play Stoke as well and surrounded the whole event. Kenwyn is in the same form as Lukaku but is more established but in that respect much older. Whereas Lukaku has more raw talent and younger. What he offers is strength and power and he wins a fair share of headers and can retain the ball. He hardly got a look in towards the latter end of Stoke's season and his work rate and passing ability has been questioned. Could possible relight this transfer in the summer especially with Swansea's need for attackers.<br />
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8 - Bradley Johnson - Norwich City - Premier League<br />
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What Swansea lack in essence is a midfielder who makes a lot of tackles and will get among the midfield and really impose his mark. Bradley Johnson is someone who could offer that and Norwich were quick to deny reports at the end of the season that he was on Swansea's radar. Johnson like Snodgrass for Norwich are two players who really put themselves about and it's something Swansea lack perhaps being too nice at times. Norwich put in some huge performances this season and Johnson was key to this. A grafter in the midfield allows the more creative players a licence to roam. Could be possible subject to other players.<br />
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9 - Marcus Alonso - Bolton Wanderers - Npower Championship<br />
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An old story here which was possible in January but seems faltering now with the emergence of Ben Davies and the form of Dwight Tiendalli could scupper that move but it could still be one to watch. The Ex Real Madrid youngster has been a huge player for Bolton in past seasons including their Championship push. He has experience at the top level but with Swansea having the luxury of having two full backs on both sides it's something they don't have to worry about as opposed to before this season.</div>
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10 - Arouna Kone - Wigan Athletic - Npower Championship</div>
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Arouna Kone has been one of the success stories at Wigan alongside the front three of Shaun Maloney and Callum Mcmanaman. 13 goals this season and his ability to retain ball and run the channels has been vitally important. Wigan won the FA cup but also got relegated in the same season, a stat never achieved before. Kone has that bit of pace, almost an element of Obafemi Martins, interestingly both played for Levante. Swansea have always had pace throughout the side but never a striker and this could be a possible signing especially with Wigan needing to offload players to balance the books. Great season for the Ivorian despite what has happened elsewhere.<br />
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All these possible signings I've acknowledged from newspaper reports and articles in the past year, remember these are just possible signings and just from what I've seen.<br />
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Much appreciated<br />
Daniel JohnDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-14414944847511003392013-05-23T12:02:00.000+01:002013-05-23T12:02:19.413+01:00My Lions Starting 15 For First Test - Australia<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>British and Irish Lions Starting 15</u></div>
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1( Loose Head Prop) - Cian Healy</div>
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- Cian Healy gets the first test birth on a few reasons really, he has tasted success over Australia in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, this alone gives him an edge over rivals. Being destructive in the loose and his scrummaging is constantly improving means he should be sure to get the starting spot. Interesting here to see how the battle for this place gets going. Gethin Jenkins will have the advantage because you can be sure he will start against the Barbarians in Hong Kong so he has an early opportunity to nail down a place. If he can replicate his form in past season it will be a great battle, loads of rugby being played before then.</div>
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2(Hooker) - Richard Hibbard</div>
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- Richard Hibbard is one of those players who sets by example in his play, the no nonscense hooker has arguable had his best season this year although injuries have played a key part he has been destructive. In the Heineken Cup he was monstrous against teams like Toulouse and Leicester. This guy puts in the hard yards, he averages at least 10 carries a game which gives his side a platform. His competition comes in the form of England double act Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs. I'm actually quite suprised that these two players were picked purely because Hartley hasn't been involved with England recently so his form for Northampton has been key here. Also Tom Youngs is quite new at this level, i would have thought perhaps Ross Ford or at least Rory Best who was the huge ommission. </div>
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3(Tight Head Prop - Adam Jones</div>
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- Looking at this position you could say bar injury his place is already secured regardless of performance. Adam Jones in my opinion is the best number 3 in the world, his ability to scrummage is unmatched and he essentially carries the ball well as well. Something which you might not notice is the fact he's a ball player. He will often act as first reciever to lure players in and pass the ball on. It's a great ploy and only works because of the skill set of the dark haired Jones brother.</div>
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4(Lock) - Alyn-Wyn Jones </div>
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- My side might be biased towards the Welsh but when you look at what they have won at International level then you can't disagree with these positions. AWJ for short was mesmeric when he came back from injury in the Six Nations and almost inspired his side through some tough games, away to Italy and France. We all know the engine he has to hit rucks and provide a platform in the scrum. His greatest skill though is similar to Adam Jones. If he's not taking balls in the air he's offloading one handed on the floor. His experience could also be vital.</div>
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5(Lock) - Paul O' Connell</div>
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- This position is highly fought for in fairness, Both Ian Evans, Geoff Parling and Richie Gray have both had sterling seasons. POC didn't play for the majority of the season, but turned up just after the Six Nations and gave a monumental performance in the HC quarter final clash with Harlequins. The game was a close one but Munster just had that class to stay ahead purely down to the inspirational POC who not only galvanised his troops but also carried the ball unbelievably well as well as taking some huge catches from the sky.</div>
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6(Flanker) - Dan Lydiate</div>
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- Another biased call maybe but his work rate is unbelievable. Another player who missed the majority of the season but perhaps this will work in his advantage because he is coming into this tour with a freshness and energy which will be vastly important. The only rival for this position in my opinion would be Sam Warbutton because of that mans success with Justin Tipuric in the Six Nations clash with England. Sean O Brien and Tom Croft can also play this position but it would lose the balance of the back row in essence. Dan Lydiate makes a large amount of tackles, hits many rucks and is a towering figure at lineout time. A great asset to have for Warren Gatland. Player of the Six Nations 2012. </div>
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7(Flanker) - Sam Warbutton</div>
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- First things first, I'm a huge advocate for Justin Tipuric, he really has been the player of the season for the Ospreys and Wales, if it was up to me I would have picked him. Sam Warbutton will start for many reasons, the first being the main, he is the captain of the tour. WG is not going to bench his captain after showing so much faith in him. Also he has a great relationship with Sam and in turn Sam has a great relationship with referee's well excluding Alain Rolland but that's a different story. Sean O Brien again is a contender for this as well as Tipuric but being the captain and his ability at the breakdown will give Sam Warbutton the edge. </div>
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8(Number Eight) - Toby Faletau</div>
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- Here's the dilemma, you could easily pick Jamie Heaslip in this purely on reputation which is why he's on the tour anyway although his form has hardly lit the world on fire. The ever verstaile Sean O Brien will also fit into the equation here because he carries the ball well and has a great amount of pace, as does Tom Croft actually but it's not their natural position and the same idea for their own countries hasn't really paid off. At least with an all Welsh back row it's familar and also effective just look at the Rugby World Cup 2011. It shows how strong the squad is that unbelievable athletes like Tom Croft and SOB missing out. </div>
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9(Scrum Half) - Ben Youngs</div>
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- I'm going for a suprise choice here, Ben Youngs is a flair scrum half and offers that pace from the ruck that's going to be crucial in OZ. Mike Phillips is a strong scrum half yes but even he struggled in the Six Nations. His strength is well his strength which the Aussies will relish. It's going to be a quick game and tempo will be key and that's why i've gone with Youngs. His passing is good but his ability to run from deep and his pace around the breakdown will be huge. Slight problem is his base kicking but i'm sure it will improve with coaching. Conor Murray isn't picked purely because he offers the same characteristics as Phillips.</div>
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10(Fly Half) - Johnathan Sexton</div>
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- Only a choice of two here, Owen Farell is a great fly half albeit a young one first of all. If the Lions were employing a safe kicking game and playing for terratory then Farell would already be donning the shirt. The Aussies will want to play a running game and it's going to need to be matched on the gainline which is why Sexton will start. When on form and injury permitting Sexton brings the best out of all his backline and the set moves that he executes will be key to unlocking the Australian rigid defence. </div>
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11(Winger) - George North</div>
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- George North will definitely be picked purely on reputation and for the fact Gatland has a preference for strong build wingers. North has hardly covered himself in glory this season with him coming into games in bits and parts. His winner against France a glimpse of his ability but not showed throughout the Six Nations but if he can rediscover form then he will be tough to stop in fairness. His welsh compatriot Alex Cuthbert would surely voice for his place as well. In the Six Nations consistency was key in Cuthbert's game with tries in key moments. It's going to be a tough decision here, probably the toughest in the squad. </div>
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12(Inside Centre) - Jamie Roberts</div>
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- The Star player of the 2009 Lions Tour is surely a shoe in to start the test. His direct running and his hard hitting demenour will ensure he's going to be integral to breaking the advantage line. Also Jamie Roberts is a smart man himself which means he will be important in reading the game and being the defensive general that WG will employ to shackle the Aussie backs. A key reason for being picked as well is his partnership with my other choice at outside centre. Manu Tulagi will be disappointed not to start but with experience on Roberts side you can guarantee he will be there bar injury. </div>
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13(Outside Centre) - Brian O Driscoll </div>
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- As I mentioned the veteran who is in his last year or two of his rugby career. BOD is an unbelievable centre and his partnership with Roberts in South Africa will have a huge bearing on this tour as well. The chemistry that they had and the fact they complimented each others styles worked a treat. BOD showed in the Six Nations that despite not having the pace he still has an unbelievable skill set whether it be at the breakdown stealing the ball or creating a try out of nothing. His experience and leadership will be key to support Sam Warbutton as captain.</div>
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14(Winger) - Tommy Bowe</div>
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- I've gone with Bowe on this one because of essentially the South Africa tour in 2009. Sean Maitland will provide stiff competition because he's had a superb season and was instrumental alongside Hogg in turning Scotland into an attacking force. Bowe starts on the fact he has experience on the tour and also knows his way to the tryline and cuts the angles that will be key to unlocking the Aussie defence. He's had an injury hit season but just like many players that might work to his advantage as he will be fresh for the run in here. Another key asset for Tommy Bowe is the fact he not only scores tries but also creates them. Gifted skillset is vitally important. </div>
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15(Full Back) - Leigh Halfpenny</div>
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- Here is a player who is assured of his test spot, Numerous reasons for this. First one is his goal kicking if Sexton isn't picked to of course. The man named Mr Reliable never makes any mistakes particularly major ones, for a small player he takes numerous high balls under pressure but also runs/kicks it back with aplomb. He's not a player who comes into the line very often but his consistency and confidence made him the RBS Six Nations 2013 player of the tournament. Although he's not as sharp attackingly as Stuart Hogg or even Rob Kearney. It's the fact his defence and general reliability makes him odds on to start. His kicking out of hand alongside Rob Kearney will be a huge duel in the battle for 15 but my money's on Leigh Halfpenny.</div>
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Players unlucky to miss out:</div>
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-Tom Croft</div>
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-Manu Tulagi</div>
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-Justin Tipuric</div>
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-Stuart Hogg</div>
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-Johnathan Davies</div>
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-Gethin Jenkins</div>
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-Mike Phillips</div>
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The tour will be a superb advocate for the British and Irish Lions and will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some of these players. Here's a video showing the last lions tour to South Africa in 2009 - Enjoy</div>
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Daniel John</div>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-12801031112001051392013-05-09T18:52:00.000+01:002013-05-09T18:52:33.466+01:00SAF Retires - Moyes InIt's with great sadness that Sir Alex Ferguson has retired from football, yes he had the occasional spat with a referee or an opposite manager but he leaves a huge mark in the world of football. It's a shame that he had to bow out because his record will be unmatched. The aura he put over Manchester United will be forever visible. Let's not forget the man has won 49 trophies with United, yes he had a strong side at his disposal but it wasn't the case straight away. Before he came to United he started with East Sterlingshire and then St. Mirren in Scotland. It took him 3 years to win the league but for such a small club in comparison to Rangers/Celtic it was the first historic achievement in a chapter full of them to come.<br />
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The following season St.Mirren finished a lowly 8th, such a huge decline from champions to 8th so he left for Aberdeen. His first season wasn't rewarding but it was a 4th place finish which was huge at the time. Following season rewarded another title for SAF. 2 titles in 6 years isn't a bad start let's be honest. The following three years didn't yield sucess in the league but did in the cup which showed Ferguson had a flavour for the cup as well. He won the Scottish cup three years in a row with the last of those coming in his latest league success in 83-84. The year before he had done a stupendous effort in winning the UEFA cup winners cup for Aberdeen, his stock was rising slowly and people were starting to take notice. 83-84 will go down as his greatest triumph in Scotland by not only taking the league and cup double but also winning the UEFA Super Cup as well by beating sides like Bayern Munich in the quarter final and of course the mighty Real Madrid 2-1 in the final itself. </div>
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Sir Alex Ferguson was to have 3 more seasons with his native club and in that time he won the league once more and a cup double the following season in 1986. He finished that league in 4th which was poor considering what he had already won. He was 5th in the 86-87 season when Manchester United came calling, Spurs also appealed to SAF but he went on to choose United and David Pleat went to White Hart Lane. He steered United to an 11th placed finish which nowadays was unheard of but this was the start of things to come. The following season in 87-88 he brought United to their best finish in a decade when they finished runners in the Premier League, there was no cup success at this time. Ferguson was slowly building a family and a fortress at Old Trafford. It was only until 1989-90 that he took United to his first FA cup final where he won it against Crystal Palace in a Wembley return courtesy of a winner by Lee Martin. </div>
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What happened next was extraordinary it was like De Ja Vu all over again, the following season he won the UEFA Cup Winners cup and the season after done the same thing he did with Aberdeen and won the UEFA Super Cup the year later. SAF was on the world map and in only 15 years. It was league success that United fans wanted at that time and the season after it was duly delivered. In the 9 years to come leading in the turning of the decade in 2000. Sir Alex Ferguson vowed to knock Liverpool off their perch and take over them in terms of league titles. 7 in 9 years and 2 runners up medals is almost unheard of. Success breeds success in football. </div>
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<b><u>The Treble!</u></b></div>
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His biggest success and something he will always be remembered by is the Treble he won in the 98-99 season it was monumental because although the domestic cup was routine and expected it was the triumph in the league and Europe which propelled him into stardom. They were trailing leaders Arsenal all through the season and yet managed to nick it towards the latter end of the season, a classic smash and grab but what endurance to even get that far. It's just the start of things to come, that infamous tie against Bayern Munich in the final where United came back from 1-0 to win 2-1 courtesy of a late winner by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The semi final prior was no walk in the park as United labored to a 1-1 draw at home to Juventus but managed to steal a 3-2 away win in Turin courtesy of an Andy Cole winner. It was to be the start of United's never say die attitude. This in my opinion is his greatest triumph and will never be replicated. </div>
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Manchester United went on to win 13 Premier League's in the SAF era, the FA cup 5 times, Community shield 10 times and the League cup 4 times. That's 32 trophies just domestically in 26 years. More than one every year. In Europe he won the Champions League twice and also won the European Cup Winners cup once and the European Super cup once. Add that to the Intercontinental cup and FIFA Club World Cup and you've got yourself a legend and surely the greatest manager that has ever been in the game. It's been unbelievable watching him not only push himself but his team each and every year. To have motivation and the ability to succeed not only through the good times but also the bad ones. Look no further than last season when Man City claimed their first title in 30 years. Ferguson strengthened and strolled to the league this year with 4 games to spare. Desire and hunger unmatched at any level. </div>
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Sir Alex Ferguson will always be known as a winner but let's not forget he's a nurturer of player and talent here are some players he's brought onto the world stage.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucTRgfVeV7UirjboECnbJJTQtZYw9XCvmFxEDRTRyp8zDLP3LqwB0EfQSQpFOX1HTxJNrENjAtK4aCnXd1El9jhWuKMa3VKPH_cbkf_mg2in4lQ9Yfu3_l2Kxmr5s7dHNFWlduoUR0Z4/s1600/4291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucTRgfVeV7UirjboECnbJJTQtZYw9XCvmFxEDRTRyp8zDLP3LqwB0EfQSQpFOX1HTxJNrENjAtK4aCnXd1El9jhWuKMa3VKPH_cbkf_mg2in4lQ9Yfu3_l2Kxmr5s7dHNFWlduoUR0Z4/s1600/4291.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Beckham</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAS7VQGxj9FyuOuJ4zuGVNJv3cYbpe3-LZsKLMt80pmK1Ow6htT5aZ5e7PKfB2ugk0N19fUbjanCBdBy_tbq8sEqEqY0kXBs5VQYJLldnNb8L5KlW9rg8a8o4nZ8kTHI4AJNDvukQD9o/s1600/Cantona_2387428b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifAS7VQGxj9FyuOuJ4zuGVNJv3cYbpe3-LZsKLMt80pmK1Ow6htT5aZ5e7PKfB2ugk0N19fUbjanCBdBy_tbq8sEqEqY0kXBs5VQYJLldnNb8L5KlW9rg8a8o4nZ8kTHI4AJNDvukQD9o/s320/Cantona_2387428b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Cantona</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iteBJcJrqzufO6so7NZH-KHVunpTHO6_ZkVkM_bP7_7F-oKPUsLl_FQnWvY1t3AKjL6SxHva4r-gRRfVnWc6ADxrMxKyUzJYJgnU3XcXrdKjV_8XJ6bL1c73tY-CMUth2rDgzo3FnC4/s1600/Paul-Scholes-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iteBJcJrqzufO6so7NZH-KHVunpTHO6_ZkVkM_bP7_7F-oKPUsLl_FQnWvY1t3AKjL6SxHva4r-gRRfVnWc6ADxrMxKyUzJYJgnU3XcXrdKjV_8XJ6bL1c73tY-CMUth2rDgzo3FnC4/s320/Paul-Scholes-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Scholes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd4pzG6HxTRDZnBdqFRfq1GqZELo4tRkQYHAw8BFKA3T-QLeSGPsgUY8oS2sLWenC1c1bP31TcM1duCEdYf2aRguWvQmADfvXEKF43YqpEZwyL3Fo3FILRIQKvQjRFxGsFSVY3nlsXBE/s1600/Ryan-Giggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd4pzG6HxTRDZnBdqFRfq1GqZELo4tRkQYHAw8BFKA3T-QLeSGPsgUY8oS2sLWenC1c1bP31TcM1duCEdYf2aRguWvQmADfvXEKF43YqpEZwyL3Fo3FILRIQKvQjRFxGsFSVY3nlsXBE/s1600/Ryan-Giggs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Giggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_mfkcLy9qn3e-JbKdUnNG28BzpCDHVbODzd4ZBz8XXXweA07zfpveOSD2a2LTEoFlJUvNWkrUFRo1zuPhduDt8B1FgYLexu31aq_CpgZz6noapJ5tKBfI68al-idbtFnzRQwrtGppVY/s1600/Ronaldo-Manchester-United.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_mfkcLy9qn3e-JbKdUnNG28BzpCDHVbODzd4ZBz8XXXweA07zfpveOSD2a2LTEoFlJUvNWkrUFRo1zuPhduDt8B1FgYLexu31aq_CpgZz6noapJ5tKBfI68al-idbtFnzRQwrtGppVY/s320/Ronaldo-Manchester-United.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cristiano Ronaldo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvu9pp01SmXXEff2odBP_k2F5iIXkqd5td2z_yO8jL0ldoTx4JNXTvIk2YpJqeVOROs_uYzmDIp_PR0jD0P2hHOAcXAq9XAhet7TlCJNxV8XtcC6LPsf3aPPRZKuBscpz7J1wv4ivWi8/s1600/wayne-rooney_act_2537476b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvu9pp01SmXXEff2odBP_k2F5iIXkqd5td2z_yO8jL0ldoTx4JNXTvIk2YpJqeVOROs_uYzmDIp_PR0jD0P2hHOAcXAq9XAhet7TlCJNxV8XtcC6LPsf3aPPRZKuBscpz7J1wv4ivWi8/s320/wayne-rooney_act_2537476b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne Rooney</td></tr>
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There isn't a manager in the world that can match the amount of talent SAF has brought on which is why he goes down as the best manager the world has seen. I've had the pleasure of watching his progress and it's been momentous to see him not only manage but also retire. I and every football fan around the world wish him all the best in his future endeavors. A legend has walked away from the game but at least on his own terms. </div>
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Also a mention of word to David Moyes who Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign as an assistant manager in 98 from Preston. It could be an astute replacement but only time will tell. One thing is for sure he will never match his predeccesor. They are both tared with the same brush and ilk. Moyes has done wonders with an unbelievably tight budget and squad, now is his time to stand up prove himself at the highest level. Next season will be interesting purely because of one reason and that is that SAF isn't at the dugout anymore. He simply protected his family in Manchester United. Yes he picked up many offences for strong words against referee's and other managers/icons, but what we must remembered he was only defending his family vociferously and wouldn't we do the same?</div>
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Goodnight, Take care</div>
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Best Wishes SAF</div>
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Much Appreciated </div>
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Daniel John</div>
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-75587369490606855972013-05-01T11:34:00.002+01:002013-05-01T11:34:50.106+01:00Are Spain really faltering or are Germany becoming dominant?It was ideal when both Champions League semi finals pitted Spanish clubs up against German counterparts. We could really see how far these clubs have come and where they would go from here. It's hard to say who had the tougher tie because of the fact Bayern and Barca are both giants in the European game and have such a measured foundation to build on. On the other hand there's Dortmund and Madrid, we all know the history hanging over Mourinho's side in contrast to a young side with plenty of ambition.<br />
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Watching Bayern completely dismantle Barcelona in the first tie was horrible to watch because we are so used to seeing the Catalonians pleasuring the crowd with their style. I said to myself watching it that it looked like boys against men because in essence it's true. Look at the physical stature of players like Pedro, Messi, Iniesta in comparison to Muller, Gomez and Robben. Not only are the latter taller players but also stronger on the ball. Is it relevant?, well not usually but when they possess the same talent on the ball as the smaller contingent you think is the game drifting away from smaller players. Set piece is as important as ever. Height and weight seems to be everything in the modern game and it's not just football either, look at rugby, wingers used to be slight and tricky now they are powerful and fast because it's ever changing. Same with tennis, Federer was slight and used his grace to place his shots, nowadays look at Djokovic and Nadal and even Murray it's all about the power in forehand and backhand and just being generally quick around the court.<br />
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Anyway back on hand, Bayern put Barcelona to the sword with goals from Muller, Robben and Gomez, as I mentioned all tall players especially when you look at the goals aside from Robben's invidivual effort, all the rest happened to be physical and based on height. Barcelona there's no hiding are a small side, if you take out Pique, Busquets, Bartra then you take out the tallest players in the side, let's be honest Pedro, Messi, Villa, Xavi, Iniesta and Sanchez as brilliant as they are will not win headers and it's a major part of the game. Barca play the perfect game when the ball is in play although perhaps lacking cutting edge recently but once they win a corner/freekick that can't be shot at goal you just know it's going to result in the same result, Zilch.<br />
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This is not to say Barcelona are done for, by no means, they will come back stronger from this even if they get eliminated tonight. All great teams go through struggle before success. They just need to invest in some height whether it be up front, someone like Llorente would have been ideal. Or someone on the wings or in midfield and push Iniesta forward. Bayern had a few trump cards going into their leg, they had an established side, with momentum, physical attributes and also technical and a superb coach to guide them. Barca simply had no answer.<br />
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On the other hand last night I gazed upon one of the greatest Champions League nights in recent history, Dortmund did to Madrid what Bayern did to Barca, they completely dominated them and took their chances efficiently and closed up shop. Dortmund won 4-1 in Germany and instantly you're thinking Madrid will do well to come back from this but yet it almost happened last night and here's why?<br />
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<u><b>Dortmund 4 Madrid 1 </b></u><br />
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Robert Lewandowski was instrumental in guiding Dortmund to their historic success at home but yet was slightly influential in this tie and not taking the chances that he got presented with. Yes, he rattled the crossbar but with the talent he showed in the first leg you would have expected him to put a vulnerable Madrid to the sword and yet it was tighter than first imagined on the night. <br />
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In the first ten minutes of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu there could have been 3 goals had Higuin, Ozil and most notably Ronaldo found their composure, because of this Dortmund weather the storm with the impressive young partnership of Mats Hummels and Nevan Subotic. Composure and coolness was on the menu at the back after that. Had Lewandowski and Reus found the net on the counter it could have been all but lights out but no. This was all going on despite Bayern bound Mario Gotze leaving the pitch to injury mid-way through the first half.<br />
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It never looked like becoming a struggle for the German champions until first Benzema bundles in after 82 minutes and then Sergio Ramos bundling in a strikers finish from the same man. Ronaldo had an appeal for a penalty following a slightly debatable challenge from substitute Felipe Santana but it was curtain for Mourinho and perhaps his Real career, a success maybe? but still he gave his biggest hint yet that he could be heading to Stamford Bridge, where he is 'loved'. La Liga is losing a huge asset and the Premier League gaining one but noone can doubt the man's ability and passion and also the superb tie that both sides put on last night. Best wishes to Dortmund in the final most likely to come up against their German counterparts, comiserations to Madrid and hope life after Mourinho is bright. The Champions League gives us moments like these which should be treasured and that's why football is truly spectacular.<br />
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Much appreciated<br />
D.John<br />
Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-76756039429117649212013-04-25T14:19:00.000+01:002013-04-25T14:19:04.965+01:00Suarez - One Thing After Another<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZwfluF9-5G_-oul90wk2IrcCRQ1xFJdy7N0zX8bDJ24ecMa3j-03Eyd5qi0oeGjQ6q6bmaUptoVRj4lPW0jR44sLz448d5xzKxYr9eavh5bEEcYHB2KZ5-ROw-IfG5LHCLyDwNtiylA/s1600/Luis-Su-rez-bites-Branisl-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ZwfluF9-5G_-oul90wk2IrcCRQ1xFJdy7N0zX8bDJ24ecMa3j-03Eyd5qi0oeGjQ6q6bmaUptoVRj4lPW0jR44sLz448d5xzKxYr9eavh5bEEcYHB2KZ5-ROw-IfG5LHCLyDwNtiylA/s320/Luis-Su-rez-bites-Branisl-012.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suarez at it again</td></tr>
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Controversy just seems to follow him around. Ever since signing from Ajax for around 23 million, his indiscretions have overshadowed Liverpool's fall and rise to the top of English football. A gifted player, no doubt yet why would you throw your career away for meaningless idiocrasy. Luis Suarez is now 26 you just can't make excuses for this anymore. He's not a teenager or a child anymore, he should be in control of his own actions and try to change himself instead of hiding under the cloud of Anfield. He was nominated for PFA player of the year by his fellow professionals which means they value his ability as everyone else does but surely someone should not pick up an award when he constantly sets a bad example for younger viewers who aspire to be as good as these players.<br />
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Interesting fact - On his debut for Uruguay in 2006 he was sent off for two yellow cards in the 8th minute surely the start of it all.<br />
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Another one - In 2007 Luis Suarez was fined alongside Albert Luque for an altercation at Ajax in the dressing room, struggling to get on with others.<br />
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<u>Infamous hand of god incident</u><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH5r9IqEWX90V4_mQub6Hi1qvL5gVG3ArpOtqhOPlPfyHU6z4IVo17tvfUG2eqw5gZn0pwFMrLJyry6s05r3YTllZ-BacQ0HgJWJusYYF2_wJbYoagGQoyJ1Mes6NwmEaOYgTErpO4D0/s1600/suarez2_1671849c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPH5r9IqEWX90V4_mQub6Hi1qvL5gVG3ArpOtqhOPlPfyHU6z4IVo17tvfUG2eqw5gZn0pwFMrLJyry6s05r3YTllZ-BacQ0HgJWJusYYF2_wJbYoagGQoyJ1Mes6NwmEaOYgTErpO4D0/s320/suarez2_1671849c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suarez v Ghana - Unbelievable</td></tr>
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The incident which broke hearts all around the world, it was the quarter final of the World Cup in 2010, Luis Suarez took it upon himself to use his hand to prevent the ball going in and being sent off in the process. The penalty was missed by Asamoah Gyan and was the turning point in the game, despite being down to 10 men, Uruguay held out and won in the penalty shootout. It was a heartbreaking moment although the circumstances defended him on this one, it was still despicable. <br />
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<u>Where it all began?</u><br />
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Let's not forget when he was at Ajax it's where the first public incident in his controversial club career occured. On his last ever game for Ajax before he left he bit PSV Eindhoven midfielder Otman Bakkal just near the shoulder and received a 7 match ban, what we must remember is this was only two years ago. It's starting to become a recurring theme. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s0J1CAoLJ9WR308LROr00wK3mvZEpZgIF7hLAZ1ua_lPmI-X6X5fMDLw7XYMRBXrr-BM_REaldFSrDqYxmzThB4K4uBrd2hOz3LJSkNezseu3OYHrV9yRRjD-ulLuSWRGn3Xf2CJ8tg/s1600/Luis-Su-rez-bites-Otman-B-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s0J1CAoLJ9WR308LROr00wK3mvZEpZgIF7hLAZ1ua_lPmI-X6X5fMDLw7XYMRBXrr-BM_REaldFSrDqYxmzThB4K4uBrd2hOz3LJSkNezseu3OYHrV9yRRjD-ulLuSWRGn3Xf2CJ8tg/s320/Luis-Su-rez-bites-Otman-B-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luis Saurez - Otman Bakkal</td></tr>
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<u>Diving and Finger Pointing </u><br />
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What we already know is that although he's a gifted player his ability to cause chaos at the back is unmatched at any level. It's a shame his behaviour dictates how people know him as a player, Infamously when playing against West Brom Suarez went down easily under a tackle from Jerome Thomas where Paul Scharner claimed the striker had tried a 'nice dive' this was the first of many cases. If this wasn't already a problem add that to the fact he made a finger gesture towards home fans at an away game against Fulham and suddenly it's becoming a scourge and a problem not only for the Premier League but Liverpool Football Club.<br />
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<u>Racism Row</u><br />
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Luis Suarez was starting to finally calm down when the incident with United left back Patrice Evra caused him the headlines again. Whether you believe what happened or not the fact that he was involved is not a suprise and it's starting to become more than an inconvenience each time. Suarez was fined and banned for 8 matches. Apparently he used a racist slur ten times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh5g2HhrLzXMz6J8pbN9bVritjCO0fesv9NL2oHwxPHXksb3M-OwEEcR669r2NHvwGDfu4_3UlfVFydtDZUE7P5P-TBw2Kn3mtU65BvA1cVZ5p00rQMvAhpxBCxWdMYxCGMhXRFahq08/s1600/Evra-Suarez_2066906b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh5g2HhrLzXMz6J8pbN9bVritjCO0fesv9NL2oHwxPHXksb3M-OwEEcR669r2NHvwGDfu4_3UlfVFydtDZUE7P5P-TBw2Kn3mtU65BvA1cVZ5p00rQMvAhpxBCxWdMYxCGMhXRFahq08/s320/Evra-Suarez_2066906b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luis Suarez/Patrice Evra Race row</td></tr>
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Let's look more recently...<br />
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<u>FA CUP - Mansfield v Liverpool </u><br />
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This year in the FA cup Liverpool were playing Mansfield away now bearing in mind this side are non league status it's hard to see why Suarez would need to get involved. Well he could have chosen to empty his conscience and leave it up to his team mates to rally round him but he chose the back handed way just like against Ghana. He caressed the ball when it bounced up into him and used it to his advantage to knock it past the keeper and tuck the ball away. It's a clear handball, how it wasn't given is a tragedy and another case of poor officiating this season. Brendan Rodgers claimed it was up to the officials and not Suarez himself to own up but you think with a record as bad as his there would be an element of apology involved but no.You could again make an arguement for the fact any player would do it to get their side through but it's not is it. There's a difference between the World Cup and the last 32 in the FA Cup.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZxRsHtsg4r4mC8FUHs2DN26eLhjNcfWbm4ICuNBVE4PBrHvMW_2ZIs0aH3GCKG2YhO56A21a9Q2QHZHQYSioqug57yk5BK_I8hch79VsYuIf18SxgIAcXGI53vuw70WxJggy01x8Ix4/s1600/Luis-Suarez-Mansfield-Tow-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZxRsHtsg4r4mC8FUHs2DN26eLhjNcfWbm4ICuNBVE4PBrHvMW_2ZIs0aH3GCKG2YhO56A21a9Q2QHZHQYSioqug57yk5BK_I8hch79VsYuIf18SxgIAcXGI53vuw70WxJggy01x8Ix4/s320/Luis-Suarez-Mansfield-Tow-008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luis Suarez v Mansfield</td></tr>
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So what happens next?, Well according to reports Suarez is being heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund as a replacement for Mario Goetze. Luis Suarez feels he is being victimized and so do Liverpool but it's getting to the stage where it's becoming almost okay to cheat and what does that do to youngsters watching the game thinking that. He either needs to clean up his attitude and behaviour or leave the Premier League, either way something needs to happen.<br />
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Also a little mention to both German clubs in the Champions League who outthought and outmuscled their Spanish neighbours. Bayern winning 4-0 at home to a lacklustre Barcelona and Dortmund impressively defeating Real Madrid in Germany, both huge results for clubs on the up but what of the losers on the night....<br />
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Much Appreciated<br />
D.John<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn1MhGOxLK_ezRluexOerfkh0E4U_G313M3HiJ6ZQdOyco190IHcEcg5yKV-rrtO0yqbaqWiRk4-BHI8k8RR4Z_SyVttCk1h9KmaNSVWOZ3nDI4FJCctlqdPd565DFjNqDDvJEwh3Byk/s400/muller_2544461b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas Muller</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzmUJPvT_khnMQC_FJ6wMOYjQuzO6WiBNvAJC1J7oEaRzQg6o_EaThyBTwl9sWW1dWBWgv2sfte0Ce2k6n1_68kADwspTh76wMjAaZLwODstIYa2j7kFyKpDExRrW5O_cFi8_KabMt_E/s1600/Robert+Lewandowski+Real+Madrid+v+Borussia+Ivth2JoaW2Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzmUJPvT_khnMQC_FJ6wMOYjQuzO6WiBNvAJC1J7oEaRzQg6o_EaThyBTwl9sWW1dWBWgv2sfte0Ce2k6n1_68kADwspTh76wMjAaZLwODstIYa2j7kFyKpDExRrW5O_cFi8_KabMt_E/s320/Robert+Lewandowski+Real+Madrid+v+Borussia+Ivth2JoaW2Bl.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Lewandowski</td></tr>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-17409460859208705772013-04-18T13:30:00.000+01:002013-04-18T13:32:35.532+01:00La Liga ReviewLa Liga is the one league I feel like i'm having an affair with right now, The Premier League has always been my first love but I always have to surround myself with Spanish action just purely because it's so damn enjoyable. Everyone always labels the league a two horse race but it's the sub-plots that make it exciting and great on the eye.<br />
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The top four currently stands at:<br />
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Barcelona:81Pts<br />
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Real Madrid:68<br />
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Athletico Madrid:65<br />
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Real Sociedad:54<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0ijzcCyIlE-pRn_pSBoDS7WdP56Qm5lt9ZVSIhXNGMuFdRdKHt8mCZAEP2xDmPN6rWnbBdVawPbZmZa-lQOe5DEWda7wQRHln5b31RD3qtVjmAPs1_5E71rs9a5mvdXxarLfMMoHTfE/s1600/Messi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0ijzcCyIlE-pRn_pSBoDS7WdP56Qm5lt9ZVSIhXNGMuFdRdKHt8mCZAEP2xDmPN6rWnbBdVawPbZmZa-lQOe5DEWda7wQRHln5b31RD3qtVjmAPs1_5E71rs9a5mvdXxarLfMMoHTfE/s320/Messi.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lionel Messi - Another perfect season?</td></tr>
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So the question is, has there been anything out of the ordinary from La Liga this season well yes and no. The prevailing theme really has been Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo playing their classic game of raise the bar. Messi has scored an astronomical 57 goals in 46 games this season that is well over a goal per game, this is why he belongs at the very top of football, when you look at the fact that he has scored 310 goals in 375 games overall you kind of understand the important of the little guy. What Messi offers isn't just sheer skill and technique he has an aura to motivate just by being on the pitch.<br />
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For reference you only have to look at PSG in the quarter final of the Champions League after drawing 2-2 at Parc Des Princes Barca were heading out after Javier Pastore had shocked the Camp Nou but the introduction of a half fit Messi meant he could galvanise the troops and of course have a hand in the goal. Mesmeric and inspirational.<br />
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<b><u>Cristiano Ronaldo</u></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcCfQbMHlFKLpNSZdJSXRHQnKIIR3-VewjvagKPxyQEYucEi0j0D1qSU_NeuyPiGKP5-ZoXSzUMgy56liXU9ahsvf4xX5fRWGNkf_-ytVqV3xUjknbcWsub_zeoIO-0nZ0OJEvSojnu0/s1600/Real-Madrid-v-Manchester--012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcCfQbMHlFKLpNSZdJSXRHQnKIIR3-VewjvagKPxyQEYucEi0j0D1qSU_NeuyPiGKP5-ZoXSzUMgy56liXU9ahsvf4xX5fRWGNkf_-ytVqV3xUjknbcWsub_zeoIO-0nZ0OJEvSojnu0/s320/Real-Madrid-v-Manchester--012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cristiano scoring against old boys United</td></tr>
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Let's be honest in an assessment here, Cristiano hasn't done anything out of the ordinary this season, his goals to game ratio has always been superb which is why he's up there with Messi, he is the biggest player at Real clearly yet what he has done this season is score crucial goals at defining times and that's how great players are decided. Messi achieved the feat to score against every side in La Liga consecutively but his service is unmatched at Barca. Not taking anything away from L.M. Ronaldo hasn't equalled that feat but he still stands out every game for the Galacticos. If you look at both top teams these two have been driving forces but there's nothing new about that in all realism.<br />
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It's no secret that Les Catalans have simply strutted to reclaim their title from rivals Madrid but it's the emergence of other sides and the disappearance of others that really defines the tournament this year. Remember Athletico Bilbao, a side with players like Iker Munian, Fernando Llorente, Susaeta? Well take a look back at last season when this side completely outplayed Manchester United home and away in the Europa League in what looked like a complete change in momentum in the top leagues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6l-jdKKzbi1Z4yqbfYp8LmTfpnVECup5F4hemKp2-YkeJkiv40Skh36Fg7POwRJih9ExNEW0HnVNYNOGSYYRhwQ4LdjdtJS8SC2IVT4sm5fYn1MDk4xAujMfLXA4h4BRCncYXManRdc/s1600/Athletic-Bilbaos-Fernando-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6l-jdKKzbi1Z4yqbfYp8LmTfpnVECup5F4hemKp2-YkeJkiv40Skh36Fg7POwRJih9ExNEW0HnVNYNOGSYYRhwQ4LdjdtJS8SC2IVT4sm5fYn1MDk4xAujMfLXA4h4BRCncYXManRdc/s320/Athletic-Bilbaos-Fernando-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fernando Llorente driving Bilbao to a 3-2 away win at OT</td></tr>
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This was the scene of one of the biggest upsets in general but not among Spain because Bilbao were purely unresistable at that time. They not only did the business at OT but also maintained that momentum and won both legs. Interesting change of events to where we are today? Bilbao currently reside in 14th place and 19 points behind 4th place, this is sheer astounding. Their manager Marcelo Bielsa is under pressure and suddenly it's backs to the wall. It's a strange one this because aside from Javi Martinez to Bayern the same side remains, mystery it is, a worry, it's becoming.<br />
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Another disappointing group of teams in the form of Deportivo, Levante and Osasuna, sides who have enjoyed better times and yet especially Deportivo who currently reside outside relegation would be the most disappointed. It's been a tale of either sides on the up or sides simply on the decline, consistency is key. Solidarity is a powerful component in Spain, also retaining your better players is imperative but just like any other league if the bigger clubs come calling then it's Buenos Dias and thanks for coming.<br />
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Here are three suprise packages who have done themselves if not their teams any favours:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1wD2bYdVvApuzNbhlNLQk1aa9YTRQTWEHp9kujc_1f04zF5sYu1lZtFsrH8b-gJEsKdJ5fqD0UDFxDRVJKvc143HHH2gFLo45i_aSP7yLWfyBKNLrLWE-rrzQFxHvG20ogv_L9PwEcY/s1600/isco_2411659b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH1wD2bYdVvApuzNbhlNLQk1aa9YTRQTWEHp9kujc_1f04zF5sYu1lZtFsrH8b-gJEsKdJ5fqD0UDFxDRVJKvc143HHH2gFLo45i_aSP7yLWfyBKNLrLWE-rrzQFxHvG20ogv_L9PwEcY/s320/isco_2411659b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaga's Isco at the heart of their CL run</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radamel Falcao - 30 goals for Athleti</td></tr>
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> Malaga have continued to amaze fans around the world for their heroics and if it weren't for suprise package Borussia Dortmund coming from behind in injury time to break Spanish hearts it could have been a completely different story. Isco is the kind of player every time should have. Cool, composed and technically gifted in the engine room of midfield. Malaga's side isn't gifted with superb players but he's one of them and will surely attract attention despite the best efforts of Los Boquerones. <br />
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Athletic Madrid have been the closest to closing the gap from the front two and making it more competitive, this is simply down to a great team ethic and the marksmanship of Radamel Falcao. When they brought him in from Porto personally I thought the price tag was overflated at 40 million Euros which made him the most expensive player in Athletico's history.<br />
30 goals return this season enables that some of that fee is being paid back. Interest from United is high, hardly suprising.<br />
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Real Sociedad in my opinion are the suprise package this season. The two indicated above have been unplayable at times this season but looking at the sides Real have emerged out of nowhere. Carlos Vela has chipped in with 13 goals and that's a statement on it's own but it's the form of players like Antoine Griezmann and especially this man Xabi Prieto. Prieto has 7 goals on his own which from his holding midfielder position is astounding when he's the creator. Griezmann has 9 himself it's goals throughout the team which has propelled this side to 4th place and a brilliant season.<br />
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Overall La Liga has been a success this season, they could have two representatives in the final of the Champions League, could have been more had a lack of concentration not robbed Malaga. The top two have raised the bar and keep on improving although Real will be disappointing by their points difference in contract to Athletico who will be very happy with their season and have something to build on. Barcelona can be beaten and outfought as AC Milan proved and few occasions in La Liga this season. Also could I make a small mention to Celta Vigo who in their first season in the league are in 20th place 4 points off safety and it could have been much worse if it weren't for the form of<br />
Iago Aspas. A small side who have done extraordinary well to reach La Liga itself, If they don't beat the drop with 7 games to go, I hope they at least make a speedy recovery back. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iago Aspas - Swansea City Target?</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading, Hope you enjoyed and gained an insight.<br />
Daniel JohnDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-59087630857131484532013-04-17T14:21:00.004+01:002013-04-17T14:21:57.846+01:00Foreign Investment - The End of FootballIt's common knowledge that the Premier League is richly invested and sought after. Big Risk big reward right?...well judging by the new parachute payments being brought in next season then wrong. There is of course the Financial Fair Play ruling which equals teams in terms of spending but this could be a step back. This basically allows sides to spend as much as they can knowing that if the worst happens they will get 60 million in various payments.<br />
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So when you look at the stats, the sides who will really benefit from this is everyone, well it's starting to swerve that way. I understand that when you get relegated from the richest league in the world there are consequences but that's the risk you take when go up in the first place. It's encouraging teams to spend astronomical amounts on wages and transfers in the knowledge that they could sell their assets or recieve extra money to fund these star players.<br />
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QPR brought in players like Loic Remy(Above) and Christopher Samba and even players like Jermaine Jenas and Julio Cesar these are top players but also with huge ego's something's got to give. I remember reading an article by then Barnsley boss Keith Hill after losing 2-1 to Blackburn he felt his side were not on an even playing field. "Clubs that get relegated get rewarded financially, how does that make sense" what the man is trying to vindicate is absolutely spot on. You've got sides who spend within their means in the Championship and get consistently outspent even by the returning relegation fodder each season.<br />
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Let's not paint over the obvious, once you reach the so called Holy Land the financial benefits are unbelievable, almost unprecedented but there needs to be a limit. In the past sides would take the risk because well it's a risk and paid for it, I.e Bradford/Barnsley. So what needs to happen because something has to give, There's two ways they can go from here, one being that they reduce the amount of parachute payments and instead offer support and guidance to those clubs who lose out each season, FA implemented of course. Or simply offer a strict limit of spending on certain clubs who also face inevitable relegation.<br />
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One thing is for sure, Even if you get lucky and get promoted and relegated in the following season you will be financially better off in the long run which will force clubs to make a decision on whether to gamble or stick and that's the real overiding problem.<br />
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Much Appreciated<br />
D.John<br />
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-85851828958981780412013-04-08T14:50:00.000+01:002013-04-08T14:50:17.777+01:00Heineken Cup Quarter Final ReviewThe wind has blown over since the unbelievable tournament that was the RBS Six Nations and it's back into domestic action or should I say European. I'm a firm believer in the fact that this is the one tournament that not only reaches the intensity of International but also matches the southern hemisphere in power and general speed of play. I enjoy the Aviva and Pro12 don't get me wrong but the standard of competition differs on not only the sides but the occasion. Even the French league struggles and it's the strongest league in the northern hemisphere. What I saw on saturday and sunday combined was a complete rugby fest in terms of pure enjoyment and skill. Let's be frank there was no Welsh interest in the draw, that dream ended a while back but yet I still gave all 4 games a shot. Here's a short review of all 4 ties with emphasis on my favoured side Clermont Auvergne. <div>
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<u>Clermont Auvergne 36 Montpellier 14 (15-9 HT)</u></div>
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Clermont for me have been the most impressive all tournament, they do the basics well and once you do that you're well on your way. They have the perfect balance which all coaches strive to pluck, Leinster have had it, Munster of old, Toulouse etc. It all starts up front if you can get your pack going forward you've won half</div>
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the battle. Add that to a solid and experienced second row and an impressive combative back row you got yourself a machine right there. The fireworks are provided behind the pack, this is possible by the fact C.A have key players in key positions which can often decide a game. First you want someone to boss the game in the form of Morgan Parra, then you want someone to throw the ball too when you need a go to ball, In Wesley Fofana they have perhaps the most gifted center in the northern hemisphere who can always spark something out of nothing, going down a colder sack is something the man just doesn't recognise. If he can't work his magic you can bet his partner Aurelien Rougerie will take the easy option into contact, simple things, simple result. The back three is the epitomy of power and pace and with added effect accuracy. </div>
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With an All Black on one side and a Fijian powerhouse on the other, all aided by a fullback exiled by Wales in the form of his life. A recipe for success. Once this machine is oiled and in motion there are hardly any teams in the competition that will hold them down. This game was interesting because Montpellier didn't actually play bad in fact quite the contrary they did everything they could have in this game and still come out with a hammering. They took the lead through a few penalties and it looked like a suprise was on the cards but the home crowd at Parc Des Sports Michelin started whipping up a frenzy and all of a sudden despite being dominated in territory and possession they turned the game on it's head. Doing that so easily is a trait that a team has to build not just develop. It could have perhaps been a closer contest had Francois Trinh-Duc made it through the game but an early injury once 9-3 up seemed to knock the confidence out of a pack which was bullying the home side and then it turned. Easy as that, well actually it was. </div>
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Two quick tries knocked the wind out of Montpellier with Fofana and Rougerie going over but yet still only leading 15-9 at half time, the assault was relentless. Sitiveni Sivivatu ran in a wonderfully creative try on his own something the players inside of him would have been proud of before Lee Byrne also crossed. A late consolation for Montpellier from Timoci Nagusa was just the game's way of saying it's over. Also nothing more than they deserved. Montpellier are a young upcoming side with plenty of potential this result will benefit them in the long term. For Clermont surely this has to be their year?</div>
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Player Watch: Lee Byrne - Solid/Efficient/Simple</div>
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<u>Saracens 27 Ulster 16</u></div>
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Here is a result which well can't say we didn't expect but how comfortable it resulted was the most suprising. Ulster last season were unbelievable home and away just got on with the job. Marshalled by their influential number 9 Ruan Pienaar. This time it was a measured controlled performance by Mr Reliable on the Saracens side, Young Owen Farrell displayed the composure that we associated him with during the internationals. For Ulster it was another haunting memory of the same ground they lost out in the final last season to Irish rivals Leinster. Pienaar had a particularly off-key night especially at goal which is normally his most reliable asset. It began as a kicking duel between the two 10s but the first try of the night went to the classic rolling maul and Will Fraser crossing, a superbly executed move. One for the big boys here. Ulster normally great with ball in hand came up against a side well drilled in defence, not even the impressive dancing Craig Gilroy could breach, being penalised whilst close to the line. </div>
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Then came a moment of brilliance from two players who really struggled to create as of late, Brad Barritt holding the ball well and sliding an inside pass to Chris Ashton and he really was away, this is the trademark from the man we are so used too. Where had it all gone?, A superb individual effort something this weekend has made a theme so far. For Saracens this kind of result shows that they have the capability to compete at the top end of Europe this season but for Ulster a damaging blow to their ambitions. </div>
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Player Watch: Chris Ashton - Found his Form, clinical.</div>
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<u>Harlequins 12 Munster 18</u></div>
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I said to a few of my friends that this one was a banker for Harlequins, purely on the fact I saw Glasgow absolutely pick apart Munster in the PRO12 recently, that was a real reality check by the looks of it because I could never have seen this result coming. Munster are the best at what they do, they grind out games, they always have that little bit of composure which other sides lack at this level. Harlequins had a huge English contingent who should have been riding high after their Six Nations exploits and Munster many of their internationals having troubled times and their captain not having played a great deal of rugby. It had all the ingredient for a home win but the fire still burns within the Irish province. </div>
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This was a classic case of the boot prevailing with all 30 points coming from Nick Evans and Ronan O Gara combined yet the battle for nutrition in this game is what makes it so compelling, the returning Paul O'Connell was inspirational and mesmeric all in one and put his name firmly among the rest for the Lions Tour to Australia in the summer. He really was the stand out leader here, inspired a whole team, check out his post match interview for pure emotion. He was the difference between both sides, the disappearance of Chris Robshaw will worry selectors mind. </div>
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Player Watch: Paul O'Connell - Brave, Fearless, Inspiring, Menace</div>
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<u>Toulon 21 Leicester Tigers 15</u></div>
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For me the tie of the round, pure attrition and intensity was only matched by the sheer atmosphere down in Toulon. Watching through my TV was intimidating I dare to think how it was actually being there in person. The pre-match war cry embodied everything that's so great about rugby. The pre-match anticipation was worth the entrance fee alone surely?, You could hear the big hits and the constant aggression all the way throughout. Leicester started really well as well which was suprising considering Toulon wanted to put down a marker here. Toby Flood was giving his own taste on the master versus the pupil sub plot and kicked them into a 9-0 lead which they were well worth. Then as it has all weekend, momentum played a key part in turning the game, Flood got a yellow for a deliberate knock on and suddenly it was all Toulon for nigh on 20 minutes and the pressure told with Leicester being forced to concede 6 kicks at goal all by penalties.</div>
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Toby Flood's sin binning was a crucial time in the game and allowed the momentum to switch completely after that, he returned to kick his side to within try reaching difference but you always had that feeling that Toulon had enough control and sheer player quality to see it out. Indiscipline was crucial with Flood and later on Dan Cole recieving yellow, it's tough at any level let alone the top. For me the turning point was Tom Croft coming off before half time, it coincided with a Flood missed penalty and you could see the confidence just drain from the Tigers. Some staunch defending made the result look closer than it could have been. Toulon struggled to fizzle in attack but that was also down to great line defence by the English contingent. Leicester are in the same situation as Montpellier in the other tie their side is young and will learn from this experience and will be better from it. In essence both sides played their part in this unbelievable match and will definitely hold their heads up high in this one. Also a great learning point for Toby Flood from someone who has been there and done it all, but also great recognition and deserved success for Jonny Wilkinson who let's not forget wanted to hang his boots up at the end of the season, just rewards for a brilliant player and person.</div>
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Thanks for reading</div>
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Take Care</div>
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D.John</div>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-48218235272652982492013-04-01T15:27:00.003+01:002013-04-01T15:27:59.213+01:00Andy Murray - Turning PointFirst things first, I respect Andy Murray and deserves everything that he achieves in his career. The thing that stops this man from becoming top of his sport is his attitude. So many times we see him lose himself on the court and end up throwing his racquet or cursing. He has all the raw talent to succeed but just like any sport, his mind isn't in it. Always the nearly man we thought the breakthrough would come not only after winning gold at London 2012 but also winning the US open and his first grand slam beating world number 1 Novak Djokovic. Since then Andy Murray has won the Miami Masters although it wasn't a top event by any means with many of the top seeds missing out. This should give him the confidence towards the start of the season.<br />
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Andy was always the nearly man of tennis, happy to reach the finals and beat the seeds behind him but always struggling against the likes of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal etc. So what really has changed since then, well nothing except a few changes of personel behind doors but really it's just a steady improvement by the Scottish ace. It's frustrating being British and supporting Andy because he has the ability to make it to the top and the conditioning to support this but the way he loses his cool on the court is always at the back of the mind. He has already shown he can compete with the best of the best in tennis.<br />
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All the best players have the raw talent from a young age in any sport you look at Messi, Dan Carter, Rory Mcilroy all players that had to develop in their own sports from a young age and improved with experience and age. It's something which Murray will have to adapt himself too, It's a common stat. One thing is for sure his progress is exciting to watch particularly with him having time on his side.<br />
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Much Appreciated.<br />
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-49024000467694453622013-03-31T21:39:00.002+01:002013-03-31T21:40:40.421+01:00Futsal - Developing Technique<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Futsal - Is it really the solution to the problem that not only faces England but also the other home nations. I read an article on BBC Sport earlier which said that this sport could give our players the technique we desperately crave against stronger nations such as Spain/Germany/Holland etc. First things first here's a quick outline on the sport itself.<br />
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Futsal is a different style of football which is used indoors a bit like Masters football but with a smaller ball to coin technique and control. It was developed by the Brazilians and Uruguayans in the 1930s due to the lack of playing football fields. An interesting stat from Brazil is nowadays more players play Futsal over Football but lack spectators/funding so it doesn't attract attention, you can see where the samba flair comes from now?<br />
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<u>The Game Itself...</u><br />
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The match consists of 5 players on each sides one of which is a goalkeeper although it has the advantage of unlimited substitutions, maximum being nine. These can occur at any time even in-game. It's played on a hard court which puts emphasis on keeping the ball on the floor, this is emphasized by the fact the ball is smaller and attracts less bounce. Traits which benefit from this are control, composure, creativity and the ability to curb your technique. The match will last for 40 minutes with 20 each way and the usual 15 in between so it's half the actual game of football and a smaller pitch but with less players and non stop action it's physically demanding as well. Another bonus of this sport is there's no offside so clinical finishers like Javier Hernandez and Robin Van Persie would really get to grips with this easily. The fouls and the cards remain the same.<br />
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<u>Brazil</u><br />
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As you may have guessed since the sport was created by the Brazilians they currently top the rankings in both male and female forms of the game whilst Spain which is hardly suprising looking at their technique in the main game follow behind.<br />
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<u>Where are we going wrong?</u><br />
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When you look at England you look at players like Wayne Rooney, Tom Cleverly, Jack Wilshire and they have excellent technique especially the latter two considering their age. The whole England team as a whole should be doing much better than they actually are. Yes they are 4th in the rankings and have beaten sides like Brazil/Spain recently but not when it really counts and not through sheer technique and skill. There is a different between the top national sides and our home nations overall. From a young age in countries like Spain/Brazil/Germany you are directed into a system and are shown technique even at a young age and put emphasis on control and technique early on because the quicker they develop the technique, the quicker they can improve on it. Here's something from Barcelona...<br />
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This clip embodies everything you see with the current Barcelona side, composure on the ball well above their age, this is something you will not find across Britain even if you scourge YouTube.<br />
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<u>The Bright Side</u><br />
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There is a bright light on the horizon in the form of more funding being put into grassroots football with money comes the backing but without the players and coaches and the motivation to succeed then nothing will grow from this. If the home nations can encourage their players to develop technique from a young age even using Futsal as an example then we can create the superstars and prepare them from a young age. If their old enough they should be good enough simple as that. Age isn't a problem it's a solution look at Leo Messi himself started off at a young age and broke into the Barca team at a young age and now has that experience under his belt and has become the best player in the world, co-incidence definitely not!. There is talent at home with the likes of Gareth Bale, Rooney, and Wilshire etc. The solution needs to be to develop more players like this and make them versatile and creative and let them play with their instincts instead of sticking them in a system. Barcelona is a classic example of this, players are set into the 4-3-3 formation as soon as they join the youth team and have it embedded into them. Look no further than players like Cristian Tello, Isaac Cuenca and Gerard Deulofeu for examples of this.<br />
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<u>Key Points </u><br />
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- Use Futsal as a way to improve players technique particularly from a young age.<br />
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- Players who are scouted into the youth system even under 10s should be focused on core skills like composure, technique and versatility and letting the others follow at a later age.<br />
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- Use the models set by Barcelona, Bayern and Inter Milan as examples<br />
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- Nuture young talents like Zaha, Ince and Chalobah and give them ability to express themselves, pace is a good thing but technique and composure is a bigger asset.<br />
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- Use Coaches from afar and spend money if you have to because home coaches don't have the same knowledge and ingenuity.<br />
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- Use tight passing games and force youngsters to develop quick thinking and composure from a young age or risk losing out.<br />
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Thanks for reading<br />
Much Appreciated<br />
Daniel JohnDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-32355317524853531442013-03-20T14:35:00.000+00:002013-03-31T20:27:43.869+01:00Spurs, Arsenal or even Liverpool...The race for Top 4 is heating up in the Premier League as it usually does this time of year. The odds are pretty varied, it could really go anywhere such is the suprise of the sport. Only have to look at Bradford's run to the Capital One Cup final as evidence of football's conscience. Before the season you would be sure that Spurs would struggle to attack the top 4 this season after losing fine performers such as Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart. What Spurs did well is that they bought two players in the same vein i.e. Dembele and Dempsey. It was essentially replacing established European talents with Premier League starlets which is a risk but a great risk to make in the first place.<br />
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Harry Redknapp left in the summer despite acquiring a 4th place finish which even he will felt hard done by. Chelsea won the Champions League and defeated all odds which is why Spurs didn't get their deserved shot at Europe. AVB came in or Andre Villas Boas to be exact, what he's brought to Spurs he didn't have time to at Chelsea. He's given them discipline and attacking verve and with more backing could have made more of this already fruitful season.<br />
Spurs have all the foundations set for an attack on the top four year after year. They have quality players in the form of Bale, Dembele, Defoe, Lloris and Vertonghen and a brilliant support at WHL. The problem they have is the fact that there are 5/6 clubs attacking that fourth place and all within their means to make a sustainable assault. Their rivals from across the way Arsenal despite having another poor season by their standards are close behind with an easier run in. Add that to the likes of Liverpool and West Brom it's that time of year again.<br />
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What we have to remember is this time last year Spurs tailed off and could have stolen 3rd place if their naievity hadn't let them down. AVB will not let them make the same mistake again. <br />
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Spurs need to realise that over reliance on Bale will come back to haunt them, Arsenal are coming into form and their turning point beating Bayern Munich away. Either way the race for 4th could down to the wire. Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-79453061092972611892013-03-18T13:40:00.000+00:002013-03-18T20:18:55.657+00:00Grand Slam... Or Something Much Bigger?Forgive me for forgetting the aftershow that was France v Scotland or the pre-show of Italy V Ireland however exciting those games were. I just like every other rugby orientated fan around the globe was focused on the big one. Wales v England, a local battle with more spice than a Milan derby. The energy was palpable and yet you could still hear your own beating heart with ease. As a Welshman rugby is all we've got, yes we have our football teams but as a country we will never match the success of our beloved rugby team. What the Six Nations does as a tournament it unites the entire country of Wales. Everyone will get behind the team especially when momentum is built but yet disappear when the chips are down, such is the love/hate relationship we have with our sport. What we don't realise is that this tournament only lasts 5 weeks and it's over. 400 minutes of rugby for our country and it's finished. Only once it's gone do we really miss it and go back to our regional roots.<br />
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This young boy of only 10 years of age embodies everything our country stands for, because for 80 minutes everyone in the country forgets what they were doing and becomes the biggest fan in the country. It might be different for other people but when this occasion arrives I begin to shake and nerves set in, the programme hasn't even started and yet I need a cup of tea to settle me down. Welsh rugby is everything our country stands for, being the minority that we are. 3 million people and yet it's 23 of them who dictate how we will feel for the following weeks. Emotion is a powerful weapon and the team knows how to put us through it all, just like a marriage it goes through it's highs then lows then press repeat.<br />
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When it all started on the 2nd February it became the usual match of the day-esque advert for Welsh Rugby 30-3 down to Ireland at home and finishing 22-30 is some highlights package and yet both teams embarked on different paths in the tournament. Ireland got hit by every injury and that bit of luck that appeared in Cardiff disappeared...<br />
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<h2 class="table-header" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.385em; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 7px 16px;">
<span style="background-color: red;">
RBS 6 Nations Championship</span></h2>
<table style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; width: 624px;"><thead>
<tr class="colheading"><th class="c1" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"></th><th class="c2" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">Team</th><th class="c3" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">Played</th><th class="c4" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">Won</th><th class="c5" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">Drawn</th><th class="c6" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">Lost</th><th class="c7" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">For</th><th class="c8" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">Against</th><th class="c9" scope="col" style="background-color: black; border-left-color: rgb(79, 77, 75); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; color: white; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></th></tr>
</thead><tbody>
<tr><td class="rank" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="col_text" style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><span style="color: red;">Wales</span></td><td class="pld" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="w" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">4</td><td class="d" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">0</td><td class="l" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="f" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">122</td><td class="a" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">66</td><td class="pts" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="alternate"><td class="rank" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">2</td><td class="col_text" style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">England</td><td class="pld" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="w" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">4</td><td class="d" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">0</td><td class="l" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="f" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">94</td><td class="a" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">78</td><td class="pts" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="rank" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">3</td><td class="col_text" style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Scotland</span></td><td class="pld" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="w" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">2</td><td class="d" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">0</td><td class="l" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">3</td><td class="f" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">98</td><td class="a" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">107</td><td class="pts" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="alternate"><td class="rank" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">4</td><td class="col_text" style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Italy</span></td><td class="pld" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="w" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">2</td><td class="d" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">0</td><td class="l" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">3</td><td class="f" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">75</td><td class="a" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">111</td><td class="pts" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="rank" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="col_text" style="background-color: gainsboro; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Ireland</span></td><td class="pld" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="w" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="d" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="l" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">3</td><td class="f" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">72</td><td class="a" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">81</td><td class="pts" style="background-color: gainsboro; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="alternate"><td class="rank" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">6</td><td class="col_text" style="background-color: whitesmoke; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><span style="color: #073763;">France</span></td><td class="pld" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">5</td><td class="w" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="d" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">1</td><td class="l" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">3</td><td class="f" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">73</td><td class="a" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;">91</td><td class="pts" style="background-color: whitesmoke; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; padding: 4px 8px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What does this table really say?, well it vindicates that some sides are getting better in the form of Italy and Scotland and of course England but also the decline of France and Ireland goes to some distant of throwing the old form book out the window. This table is a class example of teams who take their chances finish on top and well you know the rest. Wales were ruthless post 40 minutes against Ireland and that confidence flowed all the way through whereas the teams near the bottom drained as the tournament went on.<br />
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Interesting that Wales playing 3 away games in the tournament would have helped not only build confidence and form but also hide away from the critics as opposed to being in front of their own media and under pressure all the time. Then by the time they faced England and put 30 points past them in Cardiff in a ruthless display of passion, pride and power it was already instilled in the minds of the Welsh.<br />
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Things we found out from the RBS Six Nations 2013:<br />
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- Wales will be high on confidence after the end of the tournament and no fear of playing away<br />
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- Ireland without key individuals are not the side we think they are.<br />
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- England are on the rise, and their steady coaches and lack of ego's will benefit long term.<br />
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- Italy's competition in the Pro12 has given them a boost, 2 wins in the tournament both at home.<br />
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- Scotland have great attacking options but not a pack that matches them.<br />
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- France as usual are unpredictable and their coach embodies that.<br />
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Points for Wales to consider:<br />
<br />
- Justin Tipuric is world class already and alongside Warbutton and Faletau proved formidable at times, Where do you fit all those in alongside Dan Lydiate and Ryan Jones is a great issue to have.<br />
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- Dan Biggar established himself as the Wales number 10 with his tactical kicking and game management.<br />
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- The Wales pack was dominant throughout and that with players still out and others gaining fitness.<br />
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- The Backline hasn't fired us a collective unit yet which is worrying for opposition.<br />
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- Competition for places is fierce, remembering players like Lee Byrne, Eli Walker, Dan Lydiate, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris not even getting a touch because of injury and form of others.<br />
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- Make the Millenium Stadium as fierce as it was against the old enemy and suddenly you have a fortress.<br />
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Thanks for taking a look at this and i'll leave you with a superb highlights package courtesy of UKMSports<br />
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Much appreciated<br />
D.John<br />
<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-60127181685031960862013-02-20T22:15:00.001+00:002013-02-20T22:15:20.569+00:00Wembley awaits..This Sunday will be the showcase for both sides to really live the fairytale story. They are currently at both ends of the spectrum yet the romance of the cup has brought them together in the final dubbed as 'The Battle of the Underdog'. Both teams have lived the dream and this Sunday it's the 'People's final' and it's going to be a spectacle regardless of result. Swansea's own Michu has brandished this week that the cups in England are so much different because in Spain you wouldn't get a 4th tier side in the final it's impossible but it's happened over here and that's the difference.<br />
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Bradford have made a remarkable journey considering their current league status, which is currently languishing in 11th place in League two, a complete 8 points behind the play off places and 18 off the top which shows that it's a close league but still remember the journey that the Bantems have came from. They have beaten sides like Arsenal, Wigan and Aston Villa over two legs but what we must remember is they showed grit to even get to this point, They just about scraped into the second round after beating Notts County in extra time via a late winner by James Hanson and the same was required in the next round at Watford who were leading with 5 minutes to go but still managed to steal another victory in extra time. As if these games weren't shocks in their own right you then look at their next round at Wigan Athletic and it went to penalties and Bradford survived again winning 4-2 their ability to win it late similar to the likes of Manchester United.<br />
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Then it really got tricky they survived an Arsenal test at home which they had made a fortress all throughout the tournament and nothing summarized their effort as much as this one they really laid it on the line for one another and looking back at Gervinho's miss being a turning point, take nothing away from Bradford it was another special night which was well deserved. At this stage this had just been a performance worthy of Premier League status and pushed them straight into the semi final against another side in Aston Villa who despite their Premier League status still have plenty of quality in that side and City took it to them at home winning 3-1 which gave them a platform to attack in the second leg and despite going down 2-1 in the return leg at Villa Park it seemed almost meant to be for Bradford in this cup.</div>
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Make no mistake Swansea will not be taking this tie lightly and plenty of players will have heralded that call. Bradford have nothing to lose anymore they are exactly where they want to be. Swansea will need to use the pitch to their advantage and use the wide players to really stretch the game. It's huge for both clubs and Bradford boss Phil Parkinson has already stressed his side need a big performance again and need to hope that the Swans have an off day but an upset could be on the cards you only have to look at the magic of the cup. It's going to be an exciting day for both sets of fans and with a chance at Europe on the cards there will be plenty of desire from both sides as well as a trophy.</div>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-16061599225695109532013-02-20T22:05:00.000+00:002013-02-20T22:05:26.476+00:00Are Wales finding themselves?<br />
So after two weeks of RBS Six Nations Rugby to digest it's not entirely unrealistic that Wales could turn their championship around and make a stern defence of their much coveted title. After the opening weekend when Wales were completely outclassed on their own turf you would be forgiven for thinking that after 8 consecutive defeats and with 5 of them being at home that the players have lulled into a false sense of security. Yes... There was hope at the Millenium stadium but there has been in the past, should have beaten Australia is a call whispered all the time considering the last 4 games have been won by Australia with an average 5 points difference, but right at this moment Wales need to turn hope into glory.<br />
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We know as a country that we just can't beat the Southern Hemisphere supergiants with ease it's not going to happen. There are many issues for this one being all their players are playing in their own league and also the standard of rugby is of a higher level rather than test rugby. Wales get close to bridging the gap but it's always a case of one step forward and two back. The Autumn went from the dissapointment of not winning a test out in Aus to not even registering a win at home in the subsequent fixtures. It's not the fact that Wales lost it's the manner in which they did. Players falling off tackles and just not clicking, This Wales team has been together for years not days something wasn't right.<br />
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It truly was the Autumn of discontent for Wales and it left a sour taste in every proud Welshperson's mouth. Yet we entered the Six Nations full of optimism and endeavour although has it really been justified yet that's the reason for backstory. Wales lost at home again YES and whether it be encouraging to come back the way they did it still doesn't give a cause for optimism because they shouldn't have to be down by 30 points to start playing rugby. You wouldn't expect it in your local league let alone at International standard. The thing for me which is baffling is that this problem we have is very similar to those a few years ago<br />
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We seem to lack a distictive line breaker despite the fact we have all the strength we lack the cutting edge required to break through a line of defence so the players like George North and Alex Cuthbert can revel in because as fast as these guys are they won't run you 80 metres and scythe through a gap at the will of speed like in the past with the likes of Shane Williams and Mark Jones. The game is constantly changing and the emphasis is on muscle and strength rather than speed so the bigger guy so to speak is more ideal in today's sport. Wales as an attacking force seem to lack from open play, they have the lowest line breaks in the Six Nations after 2 games which considering other sides is interesting to say the least. Welsh ideology is to simply run through a player rather than around him or inside him.<br />
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Also another thing to worry about is that so far the scrum has been exposed as a weakness in the Welsh armour which was normally seen as a strength, after struggling against Ireland and France it's safe to say the Lions front 3 isn't the force it used to be and also injuries and players off form are playing a pivotal role in the struggle of this Welsh side. The second row is decimated by injuries with Alyn Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies all out injured all those would be confirmed starters more or less. Ian Evans was forced into action earlier than he might have liked to make up for the in-experience of Andrew Coombs making his first forest into International Rugby, it's safe to say he's starting to look a piece of the furniture rather than a stand in.<br />
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Then there is the backrow Sam Warbutton is a very good player but he seems to be lacking in confidence and form and it's starting put more pressure on him and it's really got to him, which with the emergence of Justin Tipuric has all contributed to a Welsh struggle in a backrow which was much vaunted in the World Cup 2011. Dan Lydiate is a huge miss at no6 his work rate and tackle and carry success is almost ummatched worldwide. Toby Faletau has been impressing in the number 8 role and has carried as well as anyone in the tournament so far his consistency is key.<br />
When Wales lost 30-22 at home to Ireland alarm bells were ringing again it showed the deficency's that came out in the Autumn and exposed by an Irish well oiled machine. It just seemed like Wales were almost scared to make a mistake and didn't put everything into the tackle area and especially at breakdown.<br />
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The call for Howley's head came and what we must remember is that Ireland took their foot off the gas which is not taking it away from Wales but the same intensity wasn't maintained until it was really needed. Then heading to France seemed like two sides looking for a shot at re-deemption after Le Blues losing to Italy. To cut a long story short it was a mild game with both sides struggling for inspiration and not wanting to lose caused France to look within themselves and Dan Biggar's kick to the corner finding George North and (his dad) on the wing such to the Welsh public's suprise a win was gained in the most unlikely of places.What Wales need to do in the next games against Italy, Scotland and England is develop themselves as an attacking force and really put a team under pressure because of their sheer size and strength. Viva Wales...Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-38671664598224762392013-02-19T19:02:00.001+00:002013-04-17T14:23:03.445+01:00Can Arsenal follow UnitedIt's going to be a tough ask for the Gunners tonight, the odds are going to be stacked against them, although previous experience dictates that it's not unbelievable that the odds could be thrown out the window. Look at Barcelona and AC Milan for previous statements. Arsenal going forward are a much better side that going back, Cazorla, Wilshire, Walcott, Podolski and Giroud offer a more sustained force than those in charge of defending the Emirates goal line. There is no shortage of talent but the problem lies their lack of a leader or leaders in plural. There isn't a Viera, Cambell, Henry it's a young squad with potential rather than an established coup of players.<br />
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With a suspected backline of Sagna,Vermaelen,Mertesacker and Gibbs there isn't someone who can really galvanise the troops and grab the game by the scruff of its neck. Tonight is a big game for Vermaelen due to the fact he needs to act like the leader he's destined to be. With the German juggernaut in Buyern bringing a strikeforce including Gomez up too being supported by excelled wingers in Fraink Ribery and Arjen Robben it's going to be a long night if they don't concentrate, that's a given. <br />
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Another thing to worry about is that in Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez defending a back four including Alaba and Van Buyten supported by one of the best keepers in the world Manuel Neuer it's going to take a special night by Arsenal to stay In this tie. The key concept tonight is concentration and leadership which they will need in abundance to marshall the current German league leaders by 16 points and counting. Keep a clean sheet is vital due to the away goals bonus but they have to build a platform for the second leg so it needs to be tight but a goal needed.<br />
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Prediction: 1-1 Vermaelen and Gomez with the goals <br />
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Much appreciated<br />
D.JohnDanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0Mountain Ash Mountain Ash51.677325 -3.374014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-82959115855567250942013-01-06T18:53:00.001+00:002013-01-06T18:53:43.439+00:00Are Swansea going to run out of Steam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Swansea City have played many games up until the so called halfway points but the month of January could actually catch up with them. Already the Swans have played Fulham, Aston Villa and Arsenal and with Chelsea to come in 3 days all in the space of 2 weeks. That's hard work even for the biggest of squads let alone this thread bare one. The problem as well is the exertion that the players are putting in due to the quality of opposition means there is no time to rest. Players like Michu, Routledge, Ben Davies, Ashley Williams, De Guzman and Britton have played a large amount of games and many others and although there may have been the odd rest here and there it's still a suprise the fact they keep on playing the 'Swansea Way'<br />
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January is a testing month with games against Chelsea( League Cup Semi Final at SB), Everton( Away ) then could be the return against Arsenal of today's FA cup draw and then the likes of Stoke and Sunderland in the league as well as the return fixture with Chelsea which adds up to 6 fixtures meaning the Swans would have played 8 games in January which might mean a few more players coming in and hopefully a few results heading their way. Up until now we haven't seen the Swans tire but in their games recently there have been huge gaps towards the latter end of the game which shows they are tiring. Particularly Michu and Dyer and more attacking players. Michael Laudrup promises 1/2 new players in and I think there might be a few more even just temporary to deal with the huge workload. In the middle and at the back are the biggest areas although a hitman up top is also on the horizon despite Danny Graham's best efforts there will be another to compete with him with Michu prefering midfield. </div>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-29723390565053158542012-10-18T10:46:00.004+01:002012-10-18T10:46:50.595+01:00Premier League Predictions - 20/10/12<br />
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<u>Tottenham V Chelsea</u></div>
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The return of the Special one, well part two anyway. AVB who was nicknamed the second coming of the Special One when he arrived at Chelsea before his ill fated spell at the London club and now he takes charge of a club not that far away in the form of Spurs. AVB's men are unbeaten since the loss at Newcastle in the opening game of the season and have beaten Manchester United, Villa and QPR. </div>
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The problem is that they come up against A Chelsea side in the same kind of form who are sitting pretty at the top of the table as well. Chelsea are unbeaten in the league and have notched up wins against Arsenal, Newcastle and Stoke this season so the scene is set. Defoe, Bale, Lennon and Dempsey up against Torres, Hazard, Oscar and Mata. It's the early Kick off so expect fireworks at lunchtime and a cracking game of football. </div>
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Players to Watch - Eden Hazard/Gareth Bale 0 - Players in top form right now</div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 2-2</div>
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<u>Fulham v Aston Villa </u></div>
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In contrast this match looks the most odds on for a draw if you were a betting man. Fulham are a force on their own patch but defensive frailities continues to haunt them, Whilst Paul Lambert's side are showing signs of a mini revival after their early woes. Fulham at 9th are a few places above Villa at 15th, Villa got thumped 4-1 away to Southampton last week so expect a response here. Fulham lost their last game at home to Manchester City which is no disgrace so expect them ready to fire here, with goals expected this could be an exciting game on the eye. </div>
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Players to Watch - Dimitar Berbatov/ Christian Benteke </div>
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Predicted Scoreline 3 - 1</div>
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<u>Liverpool v Reading</u></div>
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With all respect to Reading, I think this will be on the most one sided games of the weekend. Liverpool at home are always a mixed bag with a great performance normally resulting in a disappointing result. They have lost at home to Arsenal and Manchester United which isn't really a bad result but they really are unpredictable this season. Liverpool have one 3 pointer under their belts this season and that was a 5-2 win away to Norwich. Reading on the other hand have not won at all this season and I don't see this changing anytime soon with a draw probably their best option if Liverpool struggle to get over their psychologic problems at Anfield. The Brendan Rodgers era is definitely starting to show promise with Rodgers getting the best out of players like Shelvey, Sterling, Kelly and co. </div>
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Players to Watch - Luis Suarez/ Alex McCarthy </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 2-0</div>
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<u>Manchester United v Stoke City </u></div>
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United could be in for a long afternoon if they don't try to negate Stoke's aerial bombardment, United struggled against Stoke last season home and away and have struggled to hit any kind of form this season amidst defensive frailties. The win at Newcastle last game could be where they kick on from now. After losing to Spurs at home they outclassed Newcastle at the Sports Direct Arena which is no easy fate. Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney are slowly starting to find a partnership which will worry Stoke because whilst they might match United in height and physical stature, movement off the ball and composure is something the Potters severly lack. Creativity also. </div>
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Players to Watch - Wayne Rooney/ Michael Kightly </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 3-1</div>
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<u>Swansea City v Wigan Athletic</u></div>
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Swansea are on a barren run of late, Their opening 3 fixtures yielded 7 points and some classy performances, however their other 4 have yielded 1 point against sides who they should have been taking more against which is worrying considering the big boys are in town next week. The Liberty was a fortress last season where they only got beat 4 times last season and need something along the same lines again this season. </div>
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They got soundly beat at home by Everton recently and just about managed a draw last despite being 2-0 down at home to Reading. Wigan despite lacking quality since the departure of Victor Moses to Chelsea still have some exciting talent in the forms of Shaun Maloney and Franko Di Santo. Last time out they held Everton at home 2-2 which if you consider Leighton Baines nicked a late penalty it could have been a bit better. Swansea need this game more than Wigan and need better protection at the back with the back four constantly changing.</div>
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Players to Watch - Michu/Shaun Maloney </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 2-1</div>
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<u>West Brom v Man City </u></div>
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A potential banana skin here for the reigning champions. West Brom under Steve Clark are a complete package this season and the signing of Lukaku from Chelsea on loan. The home side sit comfortably at 6th in the league and only a point behind their fabled counterparts. West Brom's defeat at home to Liverpool remains their only blemmish in what has been a particularly exciting opening from the Hawthorns outfit. Man City on the other hand have had two wins recently which came after two draws so not all doom and gloom for a side who have been deemed a little underprepared this season. West Brom have promised goals this season and Man City always manage to score goals wherever they go.</div>
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Players to Watch - Romelu Lukaku/ Carlos Tevez</div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 1-3</div>
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<u>West Ham v Southampton</u></div>
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West Ham are a mixed bag this season, they were simply beaten by Arsenal at home last game, Beat QPR and drew to Sunderland so you can't really predict this one in fairness. Southampton are actually in the same boat, early performances yielded attractive games but not attractive points on the board. The boys from St Mary's drew at Fulham recently which is surrounded by a pretty standard defeat to Everton and yet put 4 past Villa so it's hard to guage where they are right now. This result could simply could either with James Collins and Hooiveld on each sides having numerous lapses at the back costing their sides so expect a fair few goals here. </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 2-1</div>
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Players to Watch - Andy Carroll/Adam Lallana </div>
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<u>Norwich City v Arsenal</u></div>
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Last season in this fixture RVP showed his class with a performance of pace and precision. The Gunners came out 2-1 winners here and drew 3-3 at the Emirates so we know goals are a given. Arsenal look steely at the back but have yet to truly continue to click over numerous games. They won away in their last outing against West Ham and lost at home against Chelsea so i think Arsene Wenger will be happy his team are on the travels again this time out. Arsenal are at 7th whilst Norwich are contrasting whilst sitting in 19th place and have struggled to find anything from last season which served them well but it is early days so far. </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 0-2</div>
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Players to Watch - Grant Holt/ Santi Cazorla</div>
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<u>Sunday fixtures - 21/10/12</u></div>
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<u>Sunderland v Newcastle United</u></div>
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The other derby of the weekend tales place in the north with the Tyneside bragging rights up for sale as well as the valuable 3 points. The two clubs are only 2 points at this stage with Newcastle in 10th and Sunderland in 13th which means if Sunderland win this weekend then they will overtake their neighbours which as all rivals will say is a huge psychological boost over the other. Both clubs come into this game on heavy defeats against the Manchester clubs with Newcastle's game more worrying since it was at their own stomping ground. This game is known for bad blood and sendings off. You can bet Lee Cattermole will be somewhere around the action. Having already been sent off 5 times in his Sunderland career. He has built a reputation for an uncompromising player. </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 1-1</div>
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Players to Watch - Stephane Sessegnon/ Demba Ba</div>
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<u>QPR V Everton</u></div>
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The last game of the weekend features two sides essentially on the opposite ends of the form spectrum, QPR sit rock bottom of the Premier League with a solitary 2 points. Whereas Everton on the other hand sit in 4th after some terrific early season promise slowly halted with the draw away to Wigan recently although remember Everton have only lost once this season away to West Brom. QPR always seem to manage goals, the problem is that it's normally against them which is the problem whilst Everton have plenty of attacking options which is worrying for a QPR side whose home form is also questionable. Baines and Piennarr to cause huge problems down the left. </div>
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Predicted Scoreline - 1-2</div>
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Players to Watch - Junior Hoilett, Marouane Fallaini</div>
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Much Appreciated</div>
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D.John</div>
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<br />Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1926119467348389878.post-21840641831162220452012-10-17T09:51:00.003+01:002012-10-17T09:55:18.402+01:00Wales - Up and Running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So after an absolute barren opening few rounds of fixtures for the boys in Red, up next was a classic British derby. Wales V Scotland was on the menu, The return of the Fletchers for Scotland against the one man machine Gareth Bale. Plenty of appetisers for all to enjoy despite the weather prediction for heavy rain. I spoke to a few Scots prior to the game and they were in confident mood despite the fact they drew both of their games essentially against minnows of the group in Luxembourg and Macedonia.<br />
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The problem with the Welsh squad is that it lacks severe quality not only in defensive positions but up front as well, I mean if you take out Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey there seems to be a lack of movement particularly in attacking areas. Let's face the facts as good as they are for their clubs there seems to be a lack of passion and precision when it comes to representing our country. Steve Morrison, Joe Ledley, David Vaughn and Andy King are decent club players but well below international quality.<br />
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So Scottish fans almost outnumbered their Welsh counterparts when they arrived in Cardiff, some even buying tickets in the home section which disgusted the home contingent to say the least. The anthems were bellowed out by both sections of the crowd although it's worth noting that the Scots made their voices well known.<br />
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The game itself was a spectacle for exciting football almost end to end at times. Gareth Bale was having the run at Danny Fox and even Shaun Maloney was having to curb his attacking instincts to stop the relentless Bale on the right hand side who was in the mood tonight, they really should have been 1-0 up after Bale's surging run down the right resulted in Morrison heading acutely wide from a simple angle and as soon as that was missed a long punt up field by Mcgregor was flicked on by Fletcher and simply smashed in my James Morrison, Route one?.<br />
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Scotland had plenty of chances to put their side safe and more importantly their manager none more than when Steven Fletcher headed home from a Maloney cross only for the Referee to claim it had gone out of play, that was incorrect although Maloney in the buildup appeared offside so perhaps luck and fortune on the home side who were about to profit from some more luck. Gareth Bale picked up the ball deep in the midfield and drove hard at the left hand side again of Scotland where the recovering Maloney had clipped his heels.<br />
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An arguable decision to say the least but they do often say what goes around comes around. Bale was simply faultless although Aaron Ramsey got himself a yellow card which meant he missed out in Croatia on Tuesday it seemed he was playing his heart out as well. Bale then went on to score a first winner for his country in a move that once again saw him pick the ball up deep from a freekick drive past Charlie Adam and send a scorcher in the top corner which sent the home crowd into raptures and left manager Chris Coleman finally an elated man.</div>
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Danhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07767893752324071902noreply@blogger.com0