The Manchester derby is the pick of what promises to be an action packed weekend of Premier League football at both ends of the table. Victory for Manchester United will undoubtedly knock City out of the title race; however defeat will open up the doors again and make it the most open title pursuit in years.
In the papers this morning there has been a mixed bag of stories that includes Tottenham considering legal action over Olympic snub; FA to ban AWOL players, while Manchester United rubbish sale rumours.
*
Tottenham consider legal action over Olympic Stadium snub – Guardian
Charlton on the Sheikh – Daily Telegraph
We have the technology, we can rebuild him, that’s why Carroll is our… £35m MAN – Daily Mail
Torres failed to show respect, says Agger – Guardian
FA to ban AWOL England players – Sun
Wilshere holds key to Capello’s dream team – Daily Telegraph
Man United rubbish rumours of £1.6bn sale – Mirror
Parker keen to grasp every opportunity – Guardian
Hammers hit by Keane KO blow – Sun
Liverpool ramp up Eriksen pursuit by sending Lee to watch Ajax star – Daily Mail
Young eyes club-and-country partnership with Bent – Mirror
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Team GB captain Ryan Giggs has admitted that he is desperate to win gold at the Olympic Games.
The Manchester United man is eager to lead his side to the final on August 11, and states that the competition will be his last hurrah internationally.
“As a footballer, you don’t start out in your career hoping to win the Olympics. You want to win leagues, FA Cups and European Cups,” he admitted to The Sun.
“I’m still disappointed I never got to a major championship with Wales but we weren’t good enough to get to a European Championships or World Cup.
“But to get the chance to play in a tournament at such a late stage of my career is obviously one I’m excited about and looking forward to.
“Of course, you want to win every game and win the tournament. We know it’s going to be tough — but having seen the quality of our team over the last few weeks, we’re hopeful of going a long way.
“An Olympic gold would be up there with my European medals. I don’t like to prioritise any medal or trophy, because it’s always a good feeling when you win.
“It’s always a challenge — no matter what you win — and this is a big challenge.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“It’s going to be difficult because there’s a lot of quality in the tournament but there’s quality in our dressing room as well,” he concluded.
In light of the launch of the new football gaming phenomenon that is ‘Goaldash’ I decided to look at the six greatest solo goals of all time.
Footballers around the world have graced the game with many fantastic solo goals. Most include mesmeric runs around defenders who just fall at their feet whilst others may include one or two slices of luck. But these are all goals that fans will never forget…
1. Diego Maradona
This stunning effort in the 1986 World Cup is a goal few fans will ever forget, especially the English who were on the receiving end of a goal that often tops the ‘best of’ charts. Whilst the Argentine may also be remembered for another infamous strike, this one is by far the greatest solo goal of all time.
[youtube -rW-lK9F6TU]
2. Ryan Giggs
Giggs’ individual goal in 1999 was definitely a sign of the greatness to come from one of the Premier League’s most talented players ever. Taking on and beating the whole Arsenal defence is not an easy task but Giggs managed it with deadly ease and this goal will be fondly remembered as one of the defining moments in the English game.
[youtube quI_LkMj4HI]
3. Lionel Messi
Any list of the greatest solo goals would not be complete without a strike from the master of turning defences inside out, Lionel Messi. The Argentine is the current king of the spectacular and this goal against Getafe in 2007 sums up why Messi is the world’s greatest footballer.
[youtube 5vmm-xCq4To]
[divider]
Find Out More About GOALDASH by clicking here
[divider]
4. Michael Owen
Whilst this goal may not be as mesmeric or spectacular as others, the way in which a young Michael Owen introduced himself onto the world stage with his amazing goal was worthy of a mention. Owen attacked the Argentine defence all by himself and stunned the 1998 World Cup with a sublime finish.
[youtube fV7XxkqLjDE]
5. George Weah
Again this goal doesn’t include fantastic skill but Weah’s ability to run from his own penalty box, past a handful of defenders and then calmly slot the ball into the corner deserves a place in the best solo goal charts. He did get a couple of slices of luck along the way but it was still a fantastic effort from Weah for AC Milan against Verona in 1996.
[youtube MMnR1QM5Te4]
6. John Barnes
Another fantastic individual goal that was partly one of the greatest solo goals for Barnes fantastic individual effort but also the setting in which he scored it. Barnes took on Brazil and beat them at their own game, dodging past defenders with ease to score this unforgettable goal in 1984.
[youtube 9SCyXGiJ-jc]
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
So how does Goaldash work?
So what is Goaldash all about then?
Bored of playing the Lottery? Failing every week on the Pools? Then why not give ‘Goaldash’ a go – a football gamble with a difference.
‘Goaldash’ is a fabulous concept which fuses the Lottery format with pre-chosen football fixtures. Whereas you may use birthdays or your own favourite numbers to pick your six numbers, with ‘Goaldash’ you need to use your foresight of the Beautiful Game to select the six teams that are likely to score the quickest in the pre-selected 24 fixtures.
It only costs £1 a pop to enter and you have the chance to win a million pounds, every given week.
All you have to do is scour the 48 teams and pick out the 6 teams that are likely to score the quickest on the Saturday afternoon. The matches are chosen from the Premier League, the Football League, as well as the Scottish divisions therefore you will have plenty to work out and strategise before you make your selections.
Playing the Lottery has just got fun, especially as your odds are a damn sight greater.
Fancy your chances? Fancy winning £1million pounds? Why not give it a go!
It’s been a pretty good week for Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. After a Robin van Persie hat-trick helped to dispose of Wigan at the weekend, leaving the Gunners second in the Premier League table, they defeated Ipswich in the Carling Cup semi-final to keep them battling on four fronts this season. The second leg at The Emirates in midweek wasn’t as straight forward as it might have been and Arsenal had to wait until the second half until they finally broke the deadlock and overpowered the Tractor Boys. One Arsenal player who was forced to leave the field before that, being replaced by Emmanuel Eboue, was Bacary Sagna. The Frenchman suffered concussion after colliding with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and Wenger later revealed his was sick after the match. Here is Sagna looking a little bit out of it, but what are the Arsenal physios saying to him?
Leave your suggestions below…
[divider]
This week you can win a copy of Premiership Psycho!
Kev King has the world at his feet. His is the world of top flight football: where brands are all, lifestyle is god, adoration is obligatory and there is nothing – and no one – that money can’t buy. And up until last season, Kev had the Premier League status to match his premier lifestyle.
Now, relegated to a lowly league, forced to watch injured from the bench, and paranoid about his girlfriend’s rising celebrity profile, he feels less in control of his life. And it’s making him angry. Fighting his way back to the top, he leaves a trail of destruction. But can his millions and his talent keep him at the top of his game – or are his violent secrets about to rob him of everything he has?
C.M. Taylor’s “Premiership Psycho” is a compelling, hilarious and horrible insight into celebrity culture and a brilliant fictional portrayal of contemporary football.
For the FootballFanCast.com Caption Competition Terms and Conditions click here
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Check out our Caption Competition Gallery for some inspiration and to see the winners so far.
Last week’s winner: Kenny – click here to see all entries
Chelsea are readying a £4 million bid for teenage Southampton defender Luke Shaw, and will contact the newly-promoted Premier League side this week according to The Daily Mail.
The west London club are looking to revamp their squad this summer, with a number of the old guard expected to leave and new faces galore expected.
With Roberto Di Matteo brought in on a permanent basis as the club’s manager, the additions of Marko Marin, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard have already been captured.
However, 16-year-old Shaw is next on the Stamford Bridge club’s wishlist, after impressing for England under-17’s.
The young left-back made his first-team debut for the Saints against Millwall in the FA Cup last season, and is highly-rated amongst youth scouts.
However, despite Chelsea’s interest, Southampton are keen to keep hold of their young star and will resist the Blues’ attempts to snatch him away.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Owen Coyle is preparing a bid for Shaun Wright-Phillips to replace injured star Chung-Yong Lee reports the Mirror.
South Korean Lee suffered a double leg fracture against Newport County on Saturday, which will keep him out for 10 months.
Coyle had planned to spend his remaining transfer funds on two attackers to offset the loss of Johan Elmander and Daniel Sturridge but Lee’s horror injury has forced him to do a U-turn.
The Bolton boss has now turned his attentions to Wright-Phillips who would be a like for like replacement.
Talks are set to be opened with a view to bringing the diminutive winger to the Reebok Stadium either on loan or on a permanent deal.
A temporary deal with the option to buy at the end of the season is a more attractive proposition for the Trotters.
One sticking point for Wanderers could be the wages he is on at the Etihad Stadium which may prove to be a problem.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
However with the offer of guaranteed first team football at Bolton it’s thought that Wright-Phillips would be open to taking a wage cut.
The winger is way down the pecking order at City with manager Roberto Mancini unlikely to use him in big games this season.
Blackburn Rovers will not make any big-name signings until the European summer, according to manager Steve Kean.
Kean can now look to the long-term with Blackburn after signing a new two-and-a-half year deal ahead of Sunday’s game with West Brom.
When asked about speculation linking Blackburn with a move for Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, he said: “Riquelme has been on a list with a few others but I don’t think that will happen in this window. When we went in for David Beckham and Ronaldinho it was very real.”
“I was out in India with the owners on Monday and I think if we do bring somebody in, a landmark signing, it will probably be in the summer. We’ve got time to see whether they’re going to fit in.”
Kean confirmed Pascal Chimbonda’s contract has been terminated to allow him to play first-team football elsewhere, while El-Hadji Diouf has attracted interest from several clubs.
“He (Diouf) has 18 months left on his contract and is happy to get his head down and fight for his place. It’s not the case that we’re trying to force him out but there has been interest. We’d consider any fee but we don’t have to sell.”
West Brom will bring a special brand of passing football to Ewood Park on Sunday according to Kean.
“They are a very good passing team who are open and I don’t think they change from their philosophy that they want to build from the back. They’re a tough team to play against and it’s going to be a really tough game on Sunday.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
New signings Roque Santa Cruz and Jermaine Jones are both in line to make their debuts while Steven N’Zonzi and Vince Grella both came through a midweek practice match.
David Dunn is fit after limping off in the recent defeat to Chelsea but Ryan Nelson will face a late fitness test after taking a knock to the knee.
Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan have started a war of words, with bad links between the clubs after Roberto Martinez decided to stay with the Latics.
The Spanish coach was the frontrunner for the vacant Anfield role, but due to concerns over potentially having to work under a director of football on Merseyside decided to stay at the DW Stadium.
Ayre feels Whelan’s role in this may have played a part, and was not impressed with the Wigan chairman’s constant comment in the media.
“Our aim from the outset was to conduct a proper, thorough, search and do it in the proper manner,” Ayre told the Liverpool Echo.
“From our point of view, we did all the right things. We approached the clubs we needed to approach, and conducted ourselves properly at all times.
“It is disappointing, then, that Dave Whelan felt the need to run the kind of sideshow he conducted via Sky Sports News and various other media outlets.
“To be honest, I always thought John Bishop was the biggest comedian in the north west but Dave Whelan seems to have taken that mantle over the last couple of weeks,” he said.
Whelan has hit back with an attack of his own, leaving a sour taste in the mouth between the sides.
“He’s the fella who said the top-six clubs should share most of the Premier League TV revenue isn’t he? He is obviously very knowledgeable about football,” Whelan commented to The Telegraph.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
“Liverpool have got themselves a very good manager and I wish him good luck. I’m delighted Roberto is staying at Wigan. We’ll leave it at that.”
As the clock counts down on UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations coming into effect, many a club seem to be spending big money like there’s no tomorrow. In England alone this summer, we have already seen massive money being spent on transfer deals, and indications are there’s more to follow. So are clubs seeing this as a final chance to spend big, before they have their unmetered purse-strings cut by the powers that be?
Thus far Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been involved in, or are linked with, massive summer deals. Indeed, Manchester United have already spent close to £60 million and Liverpool, if you count January’s transfer window when Kenny Dalglish took charge, have spend close to over £100 million. On the continent Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma have also been involved in, or linked with making big signings. Until this current transfer window closes, it shows no sign of slowing down.
The financial years ending 2012 and 2013 will be the first financial years to be assessed and come under UEFA’s scrutiny, leaving any club spending this summer, less than a full year to do what they need to do, in order to meet the requirements. Some clubs have already started this process – whilst continuing to spend (or threaten to spend) big. Selling the naming rights of their stadium for a massive fortune, one of the more ‘enterprising’ ways, to circumnavigate the rules thus far.
However, whilst the spending spree continues at its current pace, it is worth noting that for every massive purchase made, there is an equal one being received – thus helping the selling club balance the books. The imposed UEFA situation then, is probably the sole reason for such a busy period; with players who may not normally be available, possibly being considered if it helps the club in meeting UEFA’s stipulations.
UEFA say they aren’t worried by the busy transfer activity that’s happened around the continent during the last two transfer windows. But it led them to curiously publish a statement on their own official website stating as such. So, are they really worried? ‘UEFA is aware of the recent transfer activity across Europe and is confident that clubs are aware of the nature of its financial fair play regulations which require them to balance their books.’ Surely this serves as a, not so subtle reminder, to clubs that they better be prepared when the time comes. UEFA were also keen to point out, again, that they are not stopping clubs from spending money, just require them to balance the books.
So enjoy this summer’s transfer speculation, and massive or ridiculous (or both) transfer deals whilst you can. It may not be seen on this scale again.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
As the year draws to end I would like to reflect on the last 12 months from a fan as well as club point of view.
There have been many highs and lows but that’s all part and parcel of being a football and Manchester United fan but in drafting up the list, it is clear to see this year has been one to test the blood pressure.
Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments.
Click on the Theatre of Dreams below to see its most significant moments of the last 12 months
[divider]
[divider]
Read more Manchester United blogs at ‘The Busby Way’
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
[divider]
Holy Crap – it’s live fantasy football! Become part of Chelsea v Aston Villa and play Picklive for FREE Watch and bet live – spices up any game!