All posts by h79snht.top

It’s been a story of hope quickly turning to despair before returning to hope for Arsenal in recent months, and quite frankly this statement could be applied to much of the last few years.

The Gunners have a knack of looking like the real deal before fading badly in February and March, which they invariably follow with a late revival sparking optimism for next season.

Meanwhile, the Emirates Stadium faithful are perhaps more torn than ever over the future of their manager Arsene Wenger and whether he can deliver the Premier League title once again. Some stay stick with him, worried by what a future without the Frenchman could look like after seeing Manchester United’s decline from Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. But, others want to see someone with fresh ideas shake the team up and turn them into league champions.

Whatever happens the club need to sort some issues out and here at FootballFanCast we think these FIVE things need to be addressed to win the league once more…

Sort out the squad’s Mentality

It’s a widely held belief that Arsenal lack winners to get the side out of trouble when the going is getting tough. The classic argument that there are no Patrick Vieiras, Dennis Bergkamps, Thierry Henrys, et als in the side still persists and until the Gunners get a few more with a ‘win at all costs’ attitude, the league title is sure to elude the club for the foreseeable future.

Who’s to blame for this is up for debate and perhaps Granit Xhaka will help in this area. But even so, a few more wouldn’t go amiss.

Get a world class goalscorer

Olivier Giroud looks world class at times and then he’ll go on miserable barren spells. If Arsenal had a striker that was more consistent they’d probably have beaten Leicester to the title. Jamie Vardy is rumoured to be joining and whilst he had a stellar 2015/16, is he world class? The Gunners need a Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema or someone else of that ilk to seal the Premier League crown.

Beating the smaller teams

For so long it was the other way round. Arsenal could batter the smaller clubs in the league, but then they so often fell apart against title rivals. Now it seems to be the other way, as the Gunners can match the big clubs – they were the only side to beat Leicester home and away last season – but they falter against the midtable and below sides. If the team can find a method to do both, they’ll be on to a winner.

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Defensive frailties

Petr Cech has come in an undoubtedly improved the defence, helping them to keep the most clean sheets of any team in 2015/16. Despite this though, the Gunners still look shaky when they face physical centre forwards. Per Mertesacker is huge, but for some reason doesn’t head the ball efficiently and Laurent Koscielny might be good on his day, but he can be bullied, too. Arsenal need a no-nonsense centre half that’s going to leave his foot in occasionally.

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Consistency

Inconsistency runs through the side. When they’re good, they’re very good, cutting sides to ribbons with ease, but then they look like they’ve never met at other times. Too many of their players have off days and this ruins a league season. Mesut Ozil went completely off the boil towards the end of the campaign just gone, Aaron Ramsey seems to lose his way at times and even Alexis Sanchez hasn’t looked right at it at times of late.

If they all clicked for a prolonged amount of time they’d walk the league with the way they play, but, to the frustration of the fans, it just doesn’t happen.

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With Brendan Rodgers starting work at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training facility this week, the new manager and his staff will be looking for solutions to some of the Bhoys’ issues over the last few years.

While domestic league success has been maintained, many fans were left underwhelmed by Ronny Deila’s reign due to faltering in cups and not exactly shining in Europe.

Rodgers doesn’t have long to get things right with Celtic’s most important games of the season coming before most leagues get underway again.

Here are FIVE problems Rodgers must solve in order to meet the expectations of supporters…

A leaky defence…

Celtic may have had the best defensive record in the Scottish league for the last two seasons, but in Europe it’s been a different matter.

Under Ronny Deila the Bhoys conceded 40 goals in 26 European matches. The majority of those came in the group stages of the Europa League when opposition got a little tougher. In the 12 group stage matches under Deila, Celtic only kept one clean sheet and conceded two or more goals in eight matches.

If Celtic want to have any hope of making a mark in Europe in the coming campaign then this is a clear area where improvement must be made.

Win the big games…

Celtic have lost eight semi-finals or finals in the last seven seasons. Hampden has become a place Hoops fans dread going to for fear of slipping up once again. Often with everything to lose and nothing to gain in terms of expectations, the Bhoys simply haven’t turned up on many a big occasion, despite delivering three domestic trophies in the same timeframe.

In Europe, similar can be said. The Bhoys haven’t come through a knock-out stage in the Champions League or Europa League since 2003/04. Granted opposition have been of the highest quality but it’s those nights that supporters dream of.

At the very least fans will be hoping to finally overcome the play-off round of the Champions League once again having missed out to Maribor and Malmo under Ronny Deila.

Re-assert derby dominance…

There’s no denying that the semi-final defeat to Rangers was embarrassing for all Celtic fans. It was a defeat that ultimately led to Deila’s departure – proof that supporters take this game as seriously as they ever did.

All eyes will be on the first derby of the new season. Whether at Ibrox or Celtic Park, it’ll be one of the first big tests for Brendan Rodgers. A big win could provide the energy needed to have a phenomenal season, while a defeat will immediately raise question marks for many Hoops fans.

When Celtic rained in six goals in Martin O’Neill’s first derby game, everyone knew the club were entering a special era.

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Not playing well? Win anyway…

Celtic played out five 0-0 draws last season, only one other season in the last twenty years saw more. On the face of it that might not seem like the end of the world but it was a symptom of Celtic’s inability to grind out results against lesser opposition.

Defences in Scotland learned how to frustrate Ronny Deila’s team – sit in, shut them up. While Leigh Griffiths had an exceptional season, the over reliance on him became a real problem, and it’s an issue Rodgers will have to fix if his side are to capture the imagination of the terraces.

Fans have come to expect that if Celtic are to draw or lose then at the very least the opposition will have had to have a very good day, yet too often over the last 12 months that hasn’t been the case.

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Less is more…

Celtic have 40 players listed as part of the first-team squad, including those out on loan. Some of them are young and have played only a handful of games but there’s no doubting that the Bhoys have one of the biggest squads in Scotland, if not Britain.

Rodgers talked about enjoying working with a core of 22 outfield players in his first press conference as Celtic manager and this would no doubt go a long way to alleviating fans’ concerns of quantity over quality.

Celtic’s playing budget has never had to stretch as far as right now with teams of lesser stature often able to outspend the Bhoys. Reducing the depth could go a long way to improving the standard of the first team.

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A lot was made between the comparison of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil and West Ham’s Dimitri Payet last season, as both players lit up the Premier League in what was a fantastic season for both.

While Ozil helped fire Arsenal into second place – the clubs best League position in a decade – Payet was the talisman in a West Ham side that secured themselves Europa League football and finished a brilliant 7th in the Premier League.

In a strange twist of fate, the two face off in the semi-final of the European Championships when France face Germany on Thursday night in Marseille as the two European giants compete for a place in the final.

But who will come out on top? Ozil or Payet? Germany or France? Arsenal or West Ham?

An infographic produced by ‘OuLaLa’ lays down an interesting comparison between the iconic pair, as it look in depth at their stats so far in Euro 2016.

Both midfielders have 5 appearances under their belts, however the German Ozil has played over 100 minutes more than Payet over the course of Euro 2016 so far.

It then comes as no surprise that the Gunner’s midfielder comes out on top in the number of passes played, but boasts an impressive Xavi-esque 89% pass completion rate as apposed to Payet’s still terrific 82%.

What stands out more than anything however, is the France and West Ham star’s complete domination of Ozil in almost all other fields. Payet was scored 3 goals – including an opening night screamer against Romania – and has 2 assists to his name whilst Ozil can only claim to have 1 of each.

The Hammer’s talisman also has had more shots, taken on and completed by dribbles, as well as created more chances than his German counterpart; all in a full game or more less of football thus far.

Clearly there is more to the Germany – France game than the colliding of these two midfield giants, but if the omens are to be true, it could be France and Payet’s night on Thursday. Either way, we just hope the pair of them turn up and put on a display for the world.

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At last, the beginning of the 16/17 Premier League season is here and time is running out to get your first FanDuel team locked in for the opening weekend.

With £100m budget to spend on ensuring your team is strong enough to win you some cold, hard cash, it’s important to analyse the biggest point scoring players at the best possible price. Fantasy Football games are all about being quite shrewd with your decisions, and FanDuel is no different.

Of course, there are always going to be Premium Players everyone’s going to pick. Player prices change each week, so it’s always worth taking time working out who can get you real value for money – literally.

For the Saturday contests on this opening weekend, Heurelho Gomes is the game’s most expensive goalkeeper at £8.5m. Watford travel to Southampton on Saturday, but his form last season – averaging 3.2 saves per game – makes him a premium selection this season already

The rest of the field is dominated by Manchester City players, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Nicolas Otamendi (£9.7m), Kevin De Bruyne (£14m) and Sergio Aguero (£14m) are the most expensive players in their respective positions.

Pep Guardiola’s men host Sunderland on Saturday and are clearly expected to make easy work of David Moyes’ men.

But picking the most expensive players isn’t always the most effective strategy, especially when there’s real money at stake. Picking differential players could be the difference between taking home some beer money or going home with your tail between your legs.

So instead of going big too soon, we’ve taken a look at cheaper but equally effective options for you to consider for your FanDuel team this weekend.

In goal, Stoke’s Jack Butland is £0.2m cheaper than Gomes but averaged a better Savers Per Game ratio in 15/16 (3.3). Stoke travel to newly promoted Middlesbrough this weekend and most will be backing Mark Hughes’ men to take all three points.

In defence, Phil Jagielka is a worthy selection to consider instead of Nicolas Otamendi. The Everton centre-half averaged more blocks per game than the City defender last season and he’s very good value for money at just £6.5m.

It’s difficult to justify forking out £14m on a player, even if it is Kevin De Bruyne. So why not opt for Watford’s Etienne Capoue, who comes in at just under half the price of the City star. Watford will be looking to get off to a winning start this season and the Frenchman will be their driving force in midfield against Southampton.

And finally, if you’re struggling to fit a very expensive Sergio Aguero in your team, why not opt for Tottenham new-boy Vincent Janssen. The Netherlands international is available for just £4.6m and provides incredible value for money.

Think you know fantasy football? Prove it! Sign up now: http://po.st/FanDueled

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The Italian took over the reins at Swansea City on the 18th January 2016. He steadied the ship at the Welsh club and guided them to safety in the Premier League following Garry Monk’s departure in the winter.

The 2016-17 season is the Swans 6th straight campaign at the top tier of English football after torrid spells in the lower echelons of the Football League pyramid. In 2002-03, Swansea actually seemed destined for relegation from the Football league altogether.

With the club in turmoil off the field, and results not much better on it, a miraculous escape was achieved on the last day of the season. That seems to have given them the springboard to success and stability that they’re reaping the rewards of today.

However, I don’t know about you, but I still didn’t know enough about the experienced manager who is aiming to improve on last season’s 12th placed finish. So, after some extensive research, here’s some interesting information you may or may not know about the Swansea boss.

A Guide to Guidolin, if you will!

Swansea City is the FOURTEENTH club that the Italian has managed!

That’s right. The Italian has managed 12 Italian clubs, with one brief spell at Monaco in the French league, before joining the Swans last season. He managed relative success in Italy without ever taking charge of one of the more elite clubs.

His biggest success probably came when he took over at Serie B Vicenza, with whom he gained promotion with in 1994-95 before winning the 1997 Coppa Italia, defeating Napoli 3-1 on aggregate over a two-legged final. They also reached the semi-final of the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in 1997-98 before losing to Chelsea.

Guidolin enjoyed success at Palermo, who were also in Serie B when he joined them midway through the 2003-04 season. He led them to the title, meaning they would be playing in Serie A for the first time in 35 years. Impressively, the wily Italian guided The Eagles to a sixth place finish in the top flight, earning their first ever Uefa Cup qualification. However, he opted to leave at the end of the season.

Amongst his repertoire of clubs managed is Udinese Calcio. He has taken charge of the ‘Bianconeri Friuliani’ on two occasions, actually with his second stint his most successful. He led them to their highest points total in history in the 2010-11 season, finishing fourth, earning themselves a spot in the Champions League qualifying stages. After the season, he was awarded the Panchina d’Oro as the best coach of the league.

He followed up that success by leading them to a third place finish during the 2011-12 season, the best result in the club’s history.

In 2014 though, Guidolin decided to step down from coaching and take a role as technical supervisor for Chairman Giampaolo Pozzo who also owns Granada and Watford.

Therefore, his decision to move to the Premier League last season, considering his lack of English football experience and having previously stepped down as a coach altogether, made it a surprise to most.

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins was impressed though with what he saw from the experienced Italian whilst he was in charge of Udinese. The 60-year-old had guided the ‘Zebrette’ to Europe consistently on a relatively small budget. Jenkins clearly acknowledged the similarities between the sizes of Udinese and his beloved Swansea and believed Guidolin could achieve similar results.

Only time will tell if his vision becomes reality.

Bonus Fact – Guidolin was appointed manager by one club on FOUR separate occasions!

Palermo, one of the club’s Guidolin had most success at, actually appointed him on four separate occasions (having sacked him after a couple of them!)

The Italian resigned in 2005 after his first successful stint there but was the surprise re-appointment in May 2006.

However, things turned sour and after defeat to relegation-threatened Parma in April 2007, he was sacked, only for him to be re-signed again two games later because the assistant manager was also unable to stop the rot!

He guided Palermo to a 5th place finish by the end of the season but was sacked once more.

Astonishingly enough, in November 2007, Guidolin was the ‘surprise’ appointment made by ‘Rosanero.’ This for a record fourth time.

However, in March 2008, after a negative string of results, you guessed it – Guidolin was sacked AGAIN. In case you have lost count, this was his third sacking.

He has not returned to the club as manager for a fifth time (yet) but did receive a pleasant welcome when he revisited as manager of Parma.

Don’t rule out another return someday!

Guidolin’s full list of teams managed:

Giorgione Treviso Fano Empoli Ravenna Atalanta Vicenza Udinese Bologna Palermo Genoa Monaco Palermo (again) Parma Udinese Swansea City

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The ever-spinning rumour mill is in full effect despite January being some way off and one of the more intriguing stories to emerge during the past few days is Liverpool’s alleged interest in Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, as reported by Web Calcio.

What’s the story?

We’ll confess from the off, Web Calcio is not an outlet we’re entirely familiar with. But the Italian football website have dropped an interesting update, claiming Liverpool are interested in a January loan move for Kondogbia.

The three-cap France international is a defensive midfielder of some repute and earned rave reviews while at Monaco – he featured heavily as the Ligue 1 outfit knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League in 2014/15.

Essentially, the report centres around Kondogbia’s situation at Inter, with the 6ft 2” enforcer having slipped down the pecking order. Indeed, the 23-year-old has completed just two 90-minute run outs in Serie A so far this term and was hauled off after 28 minutes during a recent game against Bologna – he was then dropped from the XI for the trip to Roma last weekend.

He spoke out on Twitter between these fixtures, sharing a message that said he won’t “give up” and will keep trying after his set-back… although Web Calcio believe his days under Frank de Boer may be numbered.

Where do Liverpool come in?

Well, towards the end of the report, Liverpool are outlined as the main suitors for Kondogbia. It’s alleged that Inter will let him leave on loan for the remainder of 2016/17 when the January transfer window opens and that the Reds are so keen to take him that they’ll pay his entire salary. Hmmmm.

Do Liverpool need Kondogbia?

This is a hard one to call. For many, the Merseysiders have been crying out for an orthodox holding midfielder for almost as long as we can remember, but Jurgen Klopp’s decision to use Jordan Henderson as a No.6 (to great effect, we might add) suggests he does not share this widely voiced view. In fact, with Liverpool’s midfield all about energy and movement, a holder may actually slow things down – which might explain Lucas Leiva’s continued absence.

But, to come around to Web Calcio’s thinking, let’s just hypothesise that Liverpool do need a holding player in the centre of the pitch…

As the numbers (crunched by Squawka) show, Kondogbia falls some way behind Henderson in most of the key returns defensive midfielders are judged upon. His aerial duels won-per-game return is far superior – although still behind Lucas’ score. Not a glowing verdict, it would seem.

Will it happen?

Don’t put your mortgage on it, put it that way…

Liverpool have had a strong start to the season and going into their Monday night showdown with Manchester United, they sit fourth in the table.

But with the game against the Red Devils to come, things could change depending on what happens at Anfield in a couple of days time.

Jurgen Klopp will be hoping his new-look Liverpool side can once again prove they are title contenders whilst Jose Mourinho will be desperate to get his United side back to winning ways.

Whichever way it pans out, it will be a spectacle and no-doubt the entire footballing world will be watching with keen interest.

But we’ve got a feeling that this will be Liverpool’s day – inf ront of their own fans in their upgraded stadium.

So with that in mind, here’s our Liverpool XI that will beat Manchester United at Anfield on Monday evening…

GK: Loris Karius

Loris Karius has finally broken into the first-team following his transfer from the Bundesliga this summer and we’re expecting Jurgen Klopp to give him his first taste of action against Manchester United on Monday.

He looked pretty good in wins over Hull and Swansea but this game is another kettle of fish. A great opportunity for Karius to prove himself.

RB: Nathaniel Clyne

One of the most consistent players in Liverpool’s side, Nathaniel Clyne looks like a sure-fire starter for the entire season, let alone the game against United.

He’ll be looking to get forward at every opportunity to help his team-mates in attack but defensively he’ll have to be switched on too. Lingard or Martial will be on that left-hand side and Clyne will have to be at his best.

CB: Joel Matip

An inspired signing, Matip has adjusted to the Premier League like a duck to water and looks a real promising player going forward.

He’s quick, agile and good in the air – he has all the makings of a really good centre-halve. But this weekend will be his toughest test yet and he’ll have to keep the likes of Ibrahimovic and Rashford quiet.

CB: Dejan Lovren

Dejan Lovren should be the most well-rested player in this Liverpool squad having missed his nation’s international games through injury.

However, he’s back in contention for the game against United and he’s been ever-present in the side so far this campaign.

LB: James Milner

James Milner has been in inspired form playing at left-back for the Reds this season and you’ve got to give the England veteran plenty of credit.

He’s really made that left-back position his own and is playing some of the best football we’ve seen in years. Has a tough afternoon waiting for him on Monday but there is little doubt he’ll be raring to go.

CDM: Emre Can

With Georginio Wijnaldum’s injury concerns still ongoing, we’ve elected to go for Emre Can in the middle-of-the-park.

The German has had to play a part-bit role at times this season but if picked, he’ll relish the chance to go straight back into the Liverpool first-team.

CDM: Jordan Henderson

Liverpool’s captain won’t miss this game for anything and we’re tipping Henderson to really shine in the game on Monday evening.

He has been in fantastic form of late, really showing how much he’s improved since his days with Sunderland. His passing has been good and overall, he is becoming more and more of a leader each week.

RM: Sadio Mane

Again, like Henderson, Mane could be the difference between winning and losing this game for Liverpool.

He’s been in inspired form at times this campaign and slightly quieter on other occasions. But on Monday evening, the stage is set for him to really get at Luke Shaw and get the Anfield faithful rocking.

He’s had a great start but now, he could write himself into folklore.

CAM: Roberto Firmino

Drew the foul to earn a penalty for the winner against Swansea and also bagged one himself. He has been one of Liverpool’s biggest attacking threats all season and has already bagged four already this campaign.

He he can sit in behind Sturridge and pull United’s midfield apart, then Liverpool can have great success in this game.

LM: Phillipe Coutinho

Played 83 minutes in a World Cup qualifier for Brazil against Venezuela in the week and Reds fans will hope he can fully recover for the game against United.

We all know how good this man is and the effect he can have on any game he likes. He’s so quick, skilful and reads the game superbly. If he can disrupt United’s shape in midfield then that could be the way through for the Reds.

ST: Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge is yet to have a blistering spell yet this season but you always get the impression he has the ability to really change a game for his side.

His pace, skill and directness leading the line could be huge for the Reds in the game against United but he’ll be facing the likes of Bailly in the United defence, who has been excellent himself.

If Sturridge is ready to go then his performance could decide the game.

Manchester United host Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend with both sides desperate for a win.

United will be hoping to build on their 3-1 away win at Swansea City a fortnight ago and close the gap on the top four, while the Gunners will be keen to put the pressure on leaders Liverpool after a draw in their last game against local rivals Spurs.

The Red Devils got the better of their rivals in this fixture last season, with Marcus Rashford scoring twice on his Premier League debut in a 3-2 win for Louis van Gaal’s side.

They will probably find it more difficult overcoming Arsenal this time around, however, with the Gunners currently enjoying a sixteen-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

There have been some thrilling matches between the two sides in the past and many will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday at lunchtime.

Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture ahead of a potentially huge game, not least including betting odds, injury news, likely starting XIs and words from the managers.

FAVOURITES, FORM AND PRIOR ENCOUNTERS

MANCHESTER UNITED – 8/5, DRAW – 23/10, ARSENAL 19/10

Manchester United will be the more confident when they look at the recent form between the two sides.

Despite Arsenal have more success over the past few years, the Red Devils have won three of the last six league encounters and also earned two draws, with the Gunners managing a solitary win last season.

Arsene Wenger’s side did come out on top when they met in the FA Cup two seasons ago, but it is perhaps surprising to see how well United have fared against them in the post-Fergie era. The bookies are just favouring United to come out on top again, with odds of 8/5 to Arsenal’s 19/10.

INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS

MANCHESTER UNITED

United will have to face Arsenal with a depleted defence after a spate of defensive injuries before the international break.

According to Physioroom, first-choice central pairing Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly will both miss the game, while Antonio Valencia is also definitely out.

Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini are also doubts with a calf and knee injury respectively.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will also miss out as he serves a one-match ban for picking up five bookings.

ARSENAL

Arsenal have their own fair share of injuries, as they prepare to travel to United without a number of first-team players.

Hector Bellerin has been sidelined for four weeks and joins Santi Cazorla, Lucas Perez, Per Mertesacker, Danny Welbeck and Chuba Akpom on the treatment table, as per Physioroom.

LINEUPS

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Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Luke Shaw is fit enough to play against Arsenal after missing the Swansea game and could return to the fold in order to allow Daley Blind to move into central defence.

Mourinho may also look to shore up his midfield by placing Michael Carrick alongside Ander Herrera, with Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Juan Mata in the attacking trident. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic unavailable and Wayne Rooney likely to miss out, Marcus Rashord should be moved from the left-wing to his strongest position – up front.

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With Bellerin out and Wenger unlikely to trust Carl Jenkinson so soon after returning from injury, there is a possibility Gabriel will be used at right-back. Apart from that we’ll likely see the same lineup that faced Spurs a fortnight ago, with Alexis Sanchez expected to be fit enough to start up front after playing 84 minutes for Chile in the week.

THE KEY BATTLE

The final result will likely be decided by how much influence Mesut Ozil has on the game. The German playmaker is the chief creative man for the Gunners and will be looking to provide the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott with chances – or maybe even score himself.

Mourinho is likely to field two defensive-minded midfielders to counter Ozil’s threat, possibly Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick. As the more mobile of the two, Herrera will likely be charged with harassing Arsenal’s number 11 and disrupting the Gunners’ rhythm as much as possible.

WORD FROM THE MANAGERS

JOSE MOURINHO ON ARSENE WENGER

“The only thing that matters is what you get as a team, our team’s results, our CV if you want to go in that direction and in the Premier League tomorrow is a match between the two managers with the best record in the Premier League.

“Sir Alex Ferguson is not here anymore and tomorrow between the two managers we are speaking about I think six or seven Premier League titles, I’m not sure. I have three I think and Mr Wenger has three.

“Does that mean we should be respective even in periods where our results are not the best? I think Mr Wenger has that respect from all of you, I don’t think I have.”

ARSENE WENGER ON JOSE MOURINHO

“I won against every manager in the world during my 20 years here. I do not make these games a competition between two managers, it’s between two clubs.

“It’s not the controversy that makes the audience, it’s the quality of the game.

“It is a top level game and will be watched all over the world.”

Since his move from Fulham in the summer, Celtic’s red hot striker Moussa Dembele has emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young players.He’s just picked up his first trophy in Celtic colours, scoring in the Scottish League Cup Final on Sunday in a 3-0 rout of Aberdeen and has already netted in Champions League action vs. Manchester City .The striker made a once-in-a-generation contribution to Celtic’s League Cup campaign, becoming the first Bhoys player since 1982 to score in every round of the competition. He’s loved by supporters and the feeling is mutual.

Overall, the striker has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances for the Hoops, including three in the Champions League group stage against top opposition.

That kind of form has attracted attention from football fans across the continent and perhaps some clubs, too. As reported by the Daily Record, he’s already been watched by Manchester United scouts this campaign.

However, Dembele is not for moving.

Quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times, Dembele said: “I have a four-year contract at Celtic and I don’t see myself leaving. I won’t be going anywhere in winter.”

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Derby hero

That’s music to the ears of Celtic fans everywhere who have seen big name players like Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama and Fraser Forster move to the Premier League in recent seasons.

Dembele is happy with life at Celtic and spoke about his experience of playing in the recent derby against Rangers at Celtic Park, when he scored a hat-trick.

Again, quoted in the Evening Times, he said: “It will forever be in the history of that derby. There are maybe three clubs in Europe who can produce as much atmosphere.”

It was those goals that made him a hero at Celtic Park with fans creating their own chant for the young Frenchman, as seen here when they kept the residents of Dusseldorf up all night singing his name.

Kyle Walker has excelled in recent seasons for club and country, establishing himself as an important player for both Tottenham Hotspur and England.The right-back has become one of the finest full-backs within the Premier League and Tottenham’s chances of success increase dramatically with him in the starting XI, as he provides a boost both defensively and in attack.[ad_pod id=’now-tv’ align=’centre’]His importance has been displayed by one particular statistic, which shows he’s the leading defender for assists this season.

Securing two assists in his last four Premier League appearances, coming against Burnley and Hull City, Walker has featured in all but one of the Lilywhites’ league fixtures this term and his positive performances have attracted some big hitters in Europe.

With Walker having recently penned a new contract though, prizing him away from White Hart Lane will be difficult and it’s a good time to be a Spurs fan, with their new home due to open in just a few months.

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