Finishing in a top four position at the end of a Premier League season is what most English teams dream of. The competition endured throughout a Premier League season remains to be at a very high level with few teams containing the ability to be able to finish in a top four position. Finishing in the top four gives each of the teams a chance of playing in one of the most prestigious footballing events, the UEFA Champions League. The teams in the running for a top four finish are as follows: Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.
In the running for first and second place has to be City and United. The Manchester sides are a step ahead of the rest of the teams in the Premiership and are sure to finish in first and second. Their final position will be determined by which team is able to keep form, and the daunting factor of injuries, which may be incurred throughout the season. Anyone gambling on football should remember this.
This season third and fourth remains to be a position that is harder to come by, this being due to four teams fighting for two all-important positions. Last season the Premiership was one of the closest battles yet. The teams that finished in first, second, third, and fourth were as follows: Manchester United (1st), Chelsea (2nd), Manchester City (3rd), and Arsenal (4th). The team that has seemed to decline most in form since last season has to be Chelsea. At the weekend they sustained a bore draw against Wigan, which ultimately proved that the London side aren’t cut out for top four football. Anyone looking at the Premier League best odds should bear this in mind.
Andre Villas-Boas – Chelsea’s current manager - will have to claim some important transfers in the January transfer window to ensure that Chelsea remain to be viable contenders in the Premier League. Tottenham and Arsenal look to have adopted a good run of form and are sure to finish in the top four with Arsenal being the more likely candidate for third position.
This season, Liverpool simply doesn’t have a strong enough squad to compete for a top four finish. Kenny Dalglish – The Reds’ current manager – will have to build upon his squad and attempt a top four finish next season.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Soccer Players: Can Ba's form guide Senegal to glory?
Newcastle Untied's Demba Ba looks to be in the form of his life and with the African Cup of Nations looming it seems like his clubs loss could be Senegal's gain.
The 2012 African Cup of Nations is the 28th renewal of the event and it gets underway on January 21st and given it lasts until February 12th a number of Premier League side could be without their star players for some time.
However, Ba's contribution to Newcastle United has been huge this season, bagging as he has 16 goals in 13 appearances and it seems likely they will struggle to cope without him.
But that won't bother Senegal and their fans who will be hoping the striker will be able to take his form into the African Cup of Nations and help them seal a memorable upset. Those looking at the best African cup of nations betting online will be keeping an eye on him.
The nation have been drawn in Group A of the tournament and will play against Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Zambia in the first round and they will be hopeful of progressing in what is one of the easiest groups in the tournament.
However, their price of around 12/1 makes them something of a long shot to go on and win the whole thing and Ba will have to carry a lot of weight on his shoulders if the side are to see of Ivory Coast and Ghana, who are the two favourites in the competition.
But if he can transfer his goal scoring form to the ACON, then it could be that he returns to his club tired but victorious.
Newcastle fans will just be hoping he comes back in one piece.
The 2012 African Cup of Nations is the 28th renewal of the event and it gets underway on January 21st and given it lasts until February 12th a number of Premier League side could be without their star players for some time.
However, Ba's contribution to Newcastle United has been huge this season, bagging as he has 16 goals in 13 appearances and it seems likely they will struggle to cope without him.
But that won't bother Senegal and their fans who will be hoping the striker will be able to take his form into the African Cup of Nations and help them seal a memorable upset. Those looking at the best African cup of nations betting online will be keeping an eye on him.
The nation have been drawn in Group A of the tournament and will play against Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Zambia in the first round and they will be hopeful of progressing in what is one of the easiest groups in the tournament.
However, their price of around 12/1 makes them something of a long shot to go on and win the whole thing and Ba will have to carry a lot of weight on his shoulders if the side are to see of Ivory Coast and Ghana, who are the two favourites in the competition.
But if he can transfer his goal scoring form to the ACON, then it could be that he returns to his club tired but victorious.
Newcastle fans will just be hoping he comes back in one piece.
London sides miss out
Tottenham failed to close the gap on the top two after a thrilling 1-1 draw with Chelsea at White Hart Lane.
Both sides were chasing victory to keep pace with the runaway leaders, but cancelled each other out in a free-flowing encounter.
Controversial Chelsea skipper John Terry played 24 hours after discovering he was being charged with racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry vindicated manager Andre Villas-Boas’ decision to select him with a courageous display.
Chelsea needed all of Terry’s experience and courage in the opening exchanges as Spurs threatened to run riot. They were swift and incisive and took a deserved lead when Gareth Bale surged down the left and crossed to find Emmanual Adebayor, who benefited from a hesitant Petr Cech to finish. People following the in-play football betting will have been impressed.
The home side were dominant and left Chelsea chasing shadows at times. They looked set to close the gap on the leaders Manchester City to seven points.
However, Chelsea harbour slight title hopes themselves and hit Spurs on the break. Ashley Cole’s cross found Daniel Sturridge and the Chelsea front man converted past Brad Friedel.
The goal lifted Chelsea and the visitors gained a foothold in the game. Didier Drogba hit the woodwork as Chelsea threatened to take the lead.
Both sides recovered from half-time changes to produce a second half just as exciting as the first. The game ebbed and flowed, but there was no way through for either side. Terry had the final say when he blocked an Adebayor shot on the line in the closing stages.
Neither side lost any ground in the race for the Champions League spots after the 1-1 draw, but the battle for the title looks increasingly like a two-horse race.
Both sides were chasing victory to keep pace with the runaway leaders, but cancelled each other out in a free-flowing encounter.
Controversial Chelsea skipper John Terry played 24 hours after discovering he was being charged with racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry vindicated manager Andre Villas-Boas’ decision to select him with a courageous display.
Chelsea needed all of Terry’s experience and courage in the opening exchanges as Spurs threatened to run riot. They were swift and incisive and took a deserved lead when Gareth Bale surged down the left and crossed to find Emmanual Adebayor, who benefited from a hesitant Petr Cech to finish. People following the in-play football betting will have been impressed.
The home side were dominant and left Chelsea chasing shadows at times. They looked set to close the gap on the leaders Manchester City to seven points.
However, Chelsea harbour slight title hopes themselves and hit Spurs on the break. Ashley Cole’s cross found Daniel Sturridge and the Chelsea front man converted past Brad Friedel.
The goal lifted Chelsea and the visitors gained a foothold in the game. Didier Drogba hit the woodwork as Chelsea threatened to take the lead.
Both sides recovered from half-time changes to produce a second half just as exciting as the first. The game ebbed and flowed, but there was no way through for either side. Terry had the final say when he blocked an Adebayor shot on the line in the closing stages.
Neither side lost any ground in the race for the Champions League spots after the 1-1 draw, but the battle for the title looks increasingly like a two-horse race.
Reds to test Blues depth
The Carling Cup semi-final legs between Liverpool and Manchester City look set to be mouth-watering contests but who will be walking out onto the Wembley turf on February 26?
City have certainly been impressive to watch this season, as they have managed to cut out many of the mistakes against lesser side that made them slip up in the Premier League title race last term.
With a 100% winning record at the Etihad Stadium, the Blues have certainly turned their ground into a fortress and Liverpool will have to make the short trip to Manchester looking to feed off scraps, as City have proved they can keep hold of the ball well in front of their home crowd. People placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.
The first leg on January 11 could see City boss Roberto Mancini field a strong side to try and kill the tie off before the return trip to Anfield, where Liverpool are capable of beating any club in the world on their day. Those looking at the Carling Cup betting should bear this in mind.
Reds manager Kenny Dalglish does have the benefit of a stronger squad this season, having spent big money over the summer and that should hold them in good stead over the two semi-final legs.
These two sides did play out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League back in November thanks to goals from City players Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott who found the back of his own net.
However considering the seemingly limitless international talent at City it's hard to see them slipping up this time and they should reach the final of the Carling Cup early next year.
City have certainly been impressive to watch this season, as they have managed to cut out many of the mistakes against lesser side that made them slip up in the Premier League title race last term.
With a 100% winning record at the Etihad Stadium, the Blues have certainly turned their ground into a fortress and Liverpool will have to make the short trip to Manchester looking to feed off scraps, as City have proved they can keep hold of the ball well in front of their home crowd. People placing a Carling Cup bet should remember this.
The first leg on January 11 could see City boss Roberto Mancini field a strong side to try and kill the tie off before the return trip to Anfield, where Liverpool are capable of beating any club in the world on their day. Those looking at the Carling Cup betting should bear this in mind.
Reds manager Kenny Dalglish does have the benefit of a stronger squad this season, having spent big money over the summer and that should hold them in good stead over the two semi-final legs.
These two sides did play out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League back in November thanks to goals from City players Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott who found the back of his own net.
However considering the seemingly limitless international talent at City it's hard to see them slipping up this time and they should reach the final of the Carling Cup early next year.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Dalglish out to end Reds wait
There is no doubting manager Kenny Dalglish has made a big impact since his return to his beloved Liverpool and the Scotsman would love nothing better than to secure some silverware in his first full season back in charge at Anfield.
The Merseyside outfit have splashed the cash under Dalglish which in turn has created some strength in depth at Anfield; something that was lacking for a number of years previous under the likes of Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson.
For this reason and with the lack of European football in Liverpool this term, the Reds have been able to plough more resources and quality into the domestic cups. People looking at the Carling Cup betting should remember this.
Both skipper Steven Gerrard and veteran defender Jamie Carragher have stated they would love to guide the club to a day out at Wembley but they do have to get past Premier League frontrunners Manchester City before they can think about walking down the tunnel at the national stadium. Those looking at the odds Carling Cup final should bear this in mind.
Liverpool’s first job will be to try and get something from their first leg trip to the Etihad Stadium on January 11, which many teams have found to be no easy feat this season.
City have a 100% winning record at Eastlands in the Premier League this term and it will be up to the likes of Carragher and Gerrard (if he returns from injury) to come to the fore against the Blues.
It will be a tough test for Dalglish and his men but considering Liverpool’s cup history you would not put it past them.
The Merseyside outfit have splashed the cash under Dalglish which in turn has created some strength in depth at Anfield; something that was lacking for a number of years previous under the likes of Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson.
For this reason and with the lack of European football in Liverpool this term, the Reds have been able to plough more resources and quality into the domestic cups. People looking at the Carling Cup betting should remember this.
Both skipper Steven Gerrard and veteran defender Jamie Carragher have stated they would love to guide the club to a day out at Wembley but they do have to get past Premier League frontrunners Manchester City before they can think about walking down the tunnel at the national stadium. Those looking at the odds Carling Cup final should bear this in mind.
Liverpool’s first job will be to try and get something from their first leg trip to the Etihad Stadium on January 11, which many teams have found to be no easy feat this season.
City have a 100% winning record at Eastlands in the Premier League this term and it will be up to the likes of Carragher and Gerrard (if he returns from injury) to come to the fore against the Blues.
It will be a tough test for Dalglish and his men but considering Liverpool’s cup history you would not put it past them.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Can Liverpool finish in the top four?
Until recently, Liverpool were the most successful English team.
Their comprehensive history includes: 18 top tier English football
league titles, 7 FA Cups, 7 League Cups, 5 UEFA Champions League titles,
and 3 UEFA Cups.
The Reds' most successful season was back in the 1983/84 season where they managed to claim a prestigious treble obtaining the top tier league title, the League Cup, and the European Cup. With their current squad it seems unlikely that they will have the quality to enable the Reds to achieve as successfully as they have done in previous seasons.
The once mighty Reds have dipped in form since the 2009/10 season where Liverpool finished in a disappointing 7th place, which effectively led to ex manager Rafael Benitez leaving by mutual consent. Those looking at the football predictions should remember this.
Soon after Benitez's departure, it was former Fulham and current West Brom manager Roy Hodgson that took the managerial reigns. After a mere 6 months in charge Hodgson was sacked with Kenny Dalglish taking his place. Since Dalglish's arrival, things are looking slightly brighter for Liverpool. Probably due to the fact that the current owners allowed free reign to Dalglish in terms of available cash to spend on new acquisitions; something which they didn't entrust with Hodgson.
This season's Liverpool squad does not contain the quality in comparison to the likes of a handful of teams including: Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. The Premier League betting predictions reflect this.
Current manager and Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish will have to claim some important purchases in the January transfer market to compete with the likes of the aforementioned teams; especially so when considering the fact that their star player and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez has been banned for 8 games for being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's French left-back Patrice Evra.
The Reds' most successful season was back in the 1983/84 season where they managed to claim a prestigious treble obtaining the top tier league title, the League Cup, and the European Cup. With their current squad it seems unlikely that they will have the quality to enable the Reds to achieve as successfully as they have done in previous seasons.
The once mighty Reds have dipped in form since the 2009/10 season where Liverpool finished in a disappointing 7th place, which effectively led to ex manager Rafael Benitez leaving by mutual consent. Those looking at the football predictions should remember this.
Soon after Benitez's departure, it was former Fulham and current West Brom manager Roy Hodgson that took the managerial reigns. After a mere 6 months in charge Hodgson was sacked with Kenny Dalglish taking his place. Since Dalglish's arrival, things are looking slightly brighter for Liverpool. Probably due to the fact that the current owners allowed free reign to Dalglish in terms of available cash to spend on new acquisitions; something which they didn't entrust with Hodgson.
This season's Liverpool squad does not contain the quality in comparison to the likes of a handful of teams including: Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. The Premier League betting predictions reflect this.
Current manager and Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish will have to claim some important purchases in the January transfer market to compete with the likes of the aforementioned teams; especially so when considering the fact that their star player and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez has been banned for 8 games for being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's French left-back Patrice Evra.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Dyer in fresh injury heartbreak
Injury-plagued Queens Park Rangers midfielder Kieran Dyer may not feature again this season after breaking down during a reserve team comeback.
The 32-year-old limped off with a recurrence of the foot injury he suffered minutes into his QPR debut against Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the season. The injury will now require surgery and is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season. People who have placed football bets will know how unlucky he has been.
QPR boss Neil Warnock has moved to dismiss fears that this latest setback could spell the end of Dyer’s career. He said: "I have absolutely no doubt that he will recover after the operation."
The former Ipswich Town and Newcastle United man has spent the latter part of his career on the sidelines. He has featured just 41 times for various clubs over the last five seasons and has struggled to string a run of games together. The latest setback will no doubt have him questioning his future in football.
Injuries have blighted Dyer’s career. After a promising start to his career at Ipswich, Dyer seemed destined for the top. He signed for Newcastle in a multi-million pound deal in 1999, but controversy and injuries were never far away.
Dyer spent some time on loan back at Ipswich last season after a failed spell at West Ham United, before making the move to west London in the summer on a one-year deal. It remains to be seen whether he will add to his brief appearance for QPR.
On the flipside, QPR must decide whether to renew his deal next summer. It is another testing period in Dyer’s career.
The 32-year-old limped off with a recurrence of the foot injury he suffered minutes into his QPR debut against Bolton Wanderers on the opening day of the season. The injury will now require surgery and is likely to keep him out for the rest of the season. People who have placed football bets will know how unlucky he has been.
QPR boss Neil Warnock has moved to dismiss fears that this latest setback could spell the end of Dyer’s career. He said: "I have absolutely no doubt that he will recover after the operation."
The former Ipswich Town and Newcastle United man has spent the latter part of his career on the sidelines. He has featured just 41 times for various clubs over the last five seasons and has struggled to string a run of games together. The latest setback will no doubt have him questioning his future in football.
Injuries have blighted Dyer’s career. After a promising start to his career at Ipswich, Dyer seemed destined for the top. He signed for Newcastle in a multi-million pound deal in 1999, but controversy and injuries were never far away.
Dyer spent some time on loan back at Ipswich last season after a failed spell at West Ham United, before making the move to west London in the summer on a one-year deal. It remains to be seen whether he will add to his brief appearance for QPR.
On the flipside, QPR must decide whether to renew his deal next summer. It is another testing period in Dyer’s career.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Soccer World: Big sides gear up for FA Cup action
With the FA Cup third round just around the corner, let’s take a look at how the cup was won last season.
Arsenal and Manchester City were given scares by Championship sides on their way to the fourth round. The Gunners needed a late penalty to earn a replay at Elland Road, while City were taken to a replay by Leicester City. Notts County provided the shock of the round, beating Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester City needed another replay in the fourth round, this time to get past third-round giant-killers Notts County. Chelsea left the FA Cup at the fourth round stage after losing on penalties to Everton. Anyone making an online FA Cup bet would have been shocked.
Manchester United were faring better than the previous season, but made hard work of Crawley Town at Old Trafford in the fifth round. The non-league outfit won all the plaudits, despite losing the tie 1-0. Manchester City, Arsenal and United were the high-profile names in the hat for the quarter-final draw.
Arsenal came unstuck at Old Trafford, while City scraped past Reading at home. Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City also took their places in the semi-final following narrow victories over Birmingham City and West Ham United, respectively.
Any hopes of an all-Manchester final were dashed when the cross-city rivals were drawn together in the semis. Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game as City overcame United at Wembley. The following day, Stoke demolished Bolton 5-0.
Toure was the star of the show again in the final. His goal with 15 minutes remaining was enough to see off Stoke and give City FA Cup success for the first time in 42 years.
City start their defence at home to bitter rivals United in the third round. It promises to be another exciting FA Cup journey.
Arsenal and Manchester City were given scares by Championship sides on their way to the fourth round. The Gunners needed a late penalty to earn a replay at Elland Road, while City were taken to a replay by Leicester City. Notts County provided the shock of the round, beating Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.
Manchester City needed another replay in the fourth round, this time to get past third-round giant-killers Notts County. Chelsea left the FA Cup at the fourth round stage after losing on penalties to Everton. Anyone making an online FA Cup bet would have been shocked.
Manchester United were faring better than the previous season, but made hard work of Crawley Town at Old Trafford in the fifth round. The non-league outfit won all the plaudits, despite losing the tie 1-0. Manchester City, Arsenal and United were the high-profile names in the hat for the quarter-final draw.
Arsenal came unstuck at Old Trafford, while City scraped past Reading at home. Bolton Wanderers and Stoke City also took their places in the semi-final following narrow victories over Birmingham City and West Ham United, respectively.
Any hopes of an all-Manchester final were dashed when the cross-city rivals were drawn together in the semis. Yaya Toure scored the only goal of the game as City overcame United at Wembley. The following day, Stoke demolished Bolton 5-0.
Toure was the star of the show again in the final. His goal with 15 minutes remaining was enough to see off Stoke and give City FA Cup success for the first time in 42 years.
City start their defence at home to bitter rivals United in the third round. It promises to be another exciting FA Cup journey.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Blow for Barca as Villa breaks leg
It is a tournament that receives much criticism given its awkward timing and relative unimportance, but I guess the World Club Championship has lost a whole heap more supporters following Barcelona’s game with Al-Sadd.
Not that is was anything to do with Barca's Qatari opponents, who worked diligently to try and contain the European Champions. The eventual 4-0 score-line was perfectly respectable given the difference in quality between the two sides.
But Pep Guardiola’s men paid a heavy price for their win and progression to Sundays final against Santos, with striker David Villa suffering a broken leg.
The 30-year-old Spain international fractured his left tibia when he fell awkwardly just before half-time of the clash in Yokohama, Japan.
"Bad news for David Villa and Barca; the striker's left tibia is fractured," Barcelona said on their Twitter feed.
"The player has been taken to the Yokohama Rosa hospital for further tests."
The injury means he could miss the rest of the season and even his participation with Spain at Euro 2012 is now in doubt, leaving the club to ruw their particpation in a tourament that is more cermonial than anything else.
Barca’s La Liga odds may take a hit after this, with the Catalan outfit facing the prospect of going into the winter break second behind Real, who unlike Barca, will play this weekend.
As Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer with 50 goals in 81 games his absence would also be keenly felt in Poland and the Ukraine next summer, with Villa’s striker partner, Fernando Torres, struggling for form.
Villa was a popular name for those looking to bet on the top scorer at the Championships, given the key role he played in the 2010 World Cup and the 12 goals in 26 games he has hit so far this term.
Barca will be hoping hospital scan prove the break to be not as serious as feared and that the former Valencia man can get back fit and firing before the end of the season.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Soccer Games:Tractor Boys come from behind
Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell must have feared the worse when he walked into the dressing room at half-time during their game against Barnsley at Oakwell last Saturday.
His side was 2-0 down and staring down the barrel of an eight consecutive league defeat. Incredibly, they hit five goals during the second half as they staged the most unlikely of comebacks.
Barnsley went into the game full of confidence having won their previous four games and looked set to make it five wins on the bounce when Craig Davies gave them the lead from the spot. Those who had placed Championship bets on the side will have been confident things were going their way.
When in-form Ricardo Vaz Te headed home to make it 2-0 five minutes before the break, there looked to be no way back for a demoralised Ipswich side. It seemed a case of damage limitation for Jewell and his men.
Crucially, Keith Andrews got one back within 20 seconds of the restart with a brilliant volley. The Ipswich skipper then hauled his side well and truly back in the game just a few minutes later when he headed past Luke Steele to make it 2-2. The Republic of Ireland international had completely changed the complexion of the game and Barnsley were rocking.
Worse was to come for the home side. Danny Collins gave the Tractor Boys the lead with a powerful header, before Michael Chopra doubled that lead within the space of two minutes.
Ipswich weren’t done yet. Jason Scotland finished Cresswell’s cross to make it five and end a goal drought which had spanned eight games. Barnsley did get one back late on through an excellent Davies free-kick, but it was too late for the Tykes.
It was a brilliant second half display which could well have saved Jewell from the sack. The game could prove to be a watershed in Ipswich’s season.
His side was 2-0 down and staring down the barrel of an eight consecutive league defeat. Incredibly, they hit five goals during the second half as they staged the most unlikely of comebacks.
Barnsley went into the game full of confidence having won their previous four games and looked set to make it five wins on the bounce when Craig Davies gave them the lead from the spot. Those who had placed Championship bets on the side will have been confident things were going their way.
When in-form Ricardo Vaz Te headed home to make it 2-0 five minutes before the break, there looked to be no way back for a demoralised Ipswich side. It seemed a case of damage limitation for Jewell and his men.
Crucially, Keith Andrews got one back within 20 seconds of the restart with a brilliant volley. The Ipswich skipper then hauled his side well and truly back in the game just a few minutes later when he headed past Luke Steele to make it 2-2. The Republic of Ireland international had completely changed the complexion of the game and Barnsley were rocking.
Worse was to come for the home side. Danny Collins gave the Tractor Boys the lead with a powerful header, before Michael Chopra doubled that lead within the space of two minutes.
Ipswich weren’t done yet. Jason Scotland finished Cresswell’s cross to make it five and end a goal drought which had spanned eight games. Barnsley did get one back late on through an excellent Davies free-kick, but it was too late for the Tykes.
It was a brilliant second half display which could well have saved Jewell from the sack. The game could prove to be a watershed in Ipswich’s season.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Top sides set for Champions League misery
In recent years, qualifying for the Champions League has become an obsession for the top clubs in England.
Although the title is still the main prize, even fourth spot can offer adequate consolation given the amount of cash on offer in Europe’s top club competition.
However, only four sides are given the opportunity to play in the tournament, meaning at least one fancied side misses out each season.
With so many clubs spending huge amounts of money in the hope of qualifying for the Champions League the stakes are even higher than ever before.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all have serious top four aspirations this season and by and large have spent big to make sure they get there. Those following the latest Champions League odds will know how important the tournament is.
Although City’s owners mean they don’t have to worry too much about missing out on the massive windfall that is the Champions League, the other five clubs can ill afford not to be getting a slice of that lucrative pie.
The plain fact is though, two of the six clubs will miss out and will have to cope with a Champions League sized hole in their accounts the next season.
Worse, the world’s best players now expect Champions League football in order to showcase their skills at the highest level, and if a club can’t offer that they may look to move on.
Spurs look the most vulnerable here, with the likes of Luka Modric clearly unsettled last summer when the side failed to finish in the top four.
Whatever happens, two of the Premier League’s top sides will be in for a tough summer.
Although the title is still the main prize, even fourth spot can offer adequate consolation given the amount of cash on offer in Europe’s top club competition.
However, only four sides are given the opportunity to play in the tournament, meaning at least one fancied side misses out each season.
With so many clubs spending huge amounts of money in the hope of qualifying for the Champions League the stakes are even higher than ever before.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur all have serious top four aspirations this season and by and large have spent big to make sure they get there. Those following the latest Champions League odds will know how important the tournament is.
Although City’s owners mean they don’t have to worry too much about missing out on the massive windfall that is the Champions League, the other five clubs can ill afford not to be getting a slice of that lucrative pie.
The plain fact is though, two of the six clubs will miss out and will have to cope with a Champions League sized hole in their accounts the next season.
Worse, the world’s best players now expect Champions League football in order to showcase their skills at the highest level, and if a club can’t offer that they may look to move on.
Spurs look the most vulnerable here, with the likes of Luka Modric clearly unsettled last summer when the side failed to finish in the top four.
Whatever happens, two of the Premier League’s top sides will be in for a tough summer.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Soccer World: Curbs thinks Parker talented has been wasted by England
Former Charlton and West Ham manager Alan Curbishley believes England have failed to utlise the talents of midfielder Scott Parker during his career.
The 31-year-old has only just begun to play for England regular after winning his first four caps while with four different clubs across eight years.
However, he has finally found a niche in Fabio Capello’s line-up, acting as a holding midfielder in front of the back four.
It is a position that is ‘en vogue’ given the success of Claude Makelele at Chelsea and the adoption of the 4-1-3-2 formation at international level, finally giving Parker the chance to gain a foot hold in the England set-up.
He also seems to have found a new home at Tottenham Hotspur. After battling, unsuccessfully against relegation with West Ham last season it was always clear he would leave. But after failing to truly find his best form in spells at Newcastle and Chelsea Parker knew it was a big move.
Thankfully for him and Spurs it has worked and the club are currently third in the table and well fancied in the champions league betting stakes.
They are even considered dark horses for the title after winning ten games out of 11, though their premier league odds did drift after their controversial 2-1 defeat at Stoke last Sunday.
Switching back to Parker and when asked if he thought England had wasted the midfielder's ability, Curbishley told BBC Radio 5 live: "I think so.
"If you define his role as a holding midfielder, there's nobody better."
"We saw the advent of Makelele as a holding midfield player, [Nigel] De Jong is in there for Manchester City, and Scott Parker is up there with them all because he is so quick over the ground, he makes tackles and wins the ball.
"We have been crying out for somebody in the England set-up to do that when you have the likes of [Steven] Gerrard and [Frank] Lampard either side.
"Parker would have been the ideal foil for them and I can't understand that [why he was not used more often in the past].
"He went off with the [extended] England squad to the World Cup in South Africa, before it got whittled down to the squad that went, and he didn't get in.
"That was a massive surprise to everybody because the way he played and trained in that week, everyone thought he was an absolute cert to be going and, if you look at the best countries around the world, especially at that World Cup in South Africa, Spain had two holding players, so did Brazil.
"Everyone had holding midfield players except us.”
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Bruce departure highlights fine lines of success and failure
In the end it was not the Sunderland chairman, Ellis Short, who condemned manager Steve Bruce to the sack, it was the Black Cats supporters.
The sheer level of bile and vitriol aimed in his direction following Wigan’s last minute winner on Saturday rendered his position untenable.
Bruce looked wounded in his post-match press conference, stressing that he “couldn’t help where he was born”. Sadly for him, the north east is more tribal than most, so Bruce’s Newcastle roots were always going to be a stick to beat him with when things went wrong.
And they certainly did that on Saturday – “you fat Geordie b******, get out of our club” was the chant swirling venomously around the Stadium of Light.
Bruce said it bordered on abuse and I can’t say I disagree, but in the eyes of the chairman those singing fans are also paying punters, and when they lose faith in the manager it is very hard for the boss to turn things round. The relegation betting alone will have caused the Sunderland hierarchy to get twitchy.
Ellis Short consulted those around him and after a few days to take stock decided that results were not good enough for Bruce to continue.
Three home wins so far this year certainly points to that, but performances haven’t been that bad. But such are the fine margins in football scores a failure to convert close draws into narrow wins have cost Bruce dear.
His biggest mistake though was probably the failure to adequately replaced Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan – a more ruthless cutting edge may have made the difference in some games this season. Thirty players have come and gone during his tenure, suggesting a lack of an overall plan or formula for success.
Supporters have also criticised him for being too rigid tactically, that a failure to adapt to game situations leaves him open to be out manoeuvred by more astute managers.
There is no doubt that Steve Bruce is a talented manager, but in the cut-throat arena of the Premier League small details make a big difference, and it has cost him dear.
The sheer level of bile and vitriol aimed in his direction following Wigan’s last minute winner on Saturday rendered his position untenable.
Bruce looked wounded in his post-match press conference, stressing that he “couldn’t help where he was born”. Sadly for him, the north east is more tribal than most, so Bruce’s Newcastle roots were always going to be a stick to beat him with when things went wrong.
And they certainly did that on Saturday – “you fat Geordie b******, get out of our club” was the chant swirling venomously around the Stadium of Light.
Bruce said it bordered on abuse and I can’t say I disagree, but in the eyes of the chairman those singing fans are also paying punters, and when they lose faith in the manager it is very hard for the boss to turn things round. The relegation betting alone will have caused the Sunderland hierarchy to get twitchy.
Ellis Short consulted those around him and after a few days to take stock decided that results were not good enough for Bruce to continue.
Three home wins so far this year certainly points to that, but performances haven’t been that bad. But such are the fine margins in football scores a failure to convert close draws into narrow wins have cost Bruce dear.
His biggest mistake though was probably the failure to adequately replaced Darren Bent, Danny Welbeck and Asamoah Gyan – a more ruthless cutting edge may have made the difference in some games this season. Thirty players have come and gone during his tenure, suggesting a lack of an overall plan or formula for success.
Supporters have also criticised him for being too rigid tactically, that a failure to adapt to game situations leaves him open to be out manoeuvred by more astute managers.
There is no doubt that Steve Bruce is a talented manager, but in the cut-throat arena of the Premier League small details make a big difference, and it has cost him dear.
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